To pay proper tribute to Pedro Rivera, who at age 67 unexpectedly passed away on August 2, the Montecito Journal is starting a two-part tribute to him this week. Rivera was a beloved and well-known family man, friend, and co-worker. Sentiments expressed about Pedro on social media portray a man who built and presented a […]
“The Music Note Gala was a stunning success.” So said honoree Cheryl Goldberg – and “stunning” suited an evening of Broadway royalty, golden-hour cocktails and philanthropy at the spectacular Bella Vista Estate in Summerland, raising a record-breaking $1.2 million dollars for their music education and community outreach programs. The sold-out Music Academy of the West […]
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“Who let the dogs out?” joked Jane Lynch, as the classic tune played out over the crowd. At the Rosewood Miramar Beach, the answer was more than 40 contenders, taking over the Great Lawn for the fifth annual “Best in Show,” benefiting Santa Barbara Humane. Celebrity hosts Jane – star of Christopher Guest’s cult classic […]
By Lisa Duncan Sunday brought championship silverware to the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, where Delta Defence captured the Whittier Trust Silver Cup following the three-week tournament, which ran from July 19 through August 9. The winning foursome of Jared Zenni, Segundo Bocchino, Costi Caset, and Ivan Weiss stepped forward to collect the trophy, […]
Hello Loves! On Wednesday, August 5, the Santa Barbara Women’s Club (SBWC) held its 98th Annual La Merienda Fiesta celebration, on the opening day of Fiesta in Santa Barbara. This longstanding tradition resides deep in the club’s history and is truly a part of SB history, as well. Back in the daze, think 1927, a […]
Grace Fisher’s story has been shared frequently in Santa Barbara and beyond, but it bears repeating as it relates to her remarkable accomplishments and perseverance. The locally-raised Fisher was just about to graduate from high school and very active in a number of areas, including as a classically-trained multi-instrumentalist and dancer. But her goal of […]
Hellooooo My Loves! This week brings much fab philanthropy news from Montecito! Our town’s gorgeously talented high school teens, Lila and Georgia MacPhail, announced their donation of a fully equipped Music Room to the lucky girls who are members at Girls Inc. Carpinteria! Giving back and paying it forward, they jumped at the chance to […]
This is a second installment of my retail and hospitality offerings in Montecito and our constantly upscaling neighbor, Carpinteria. Just in from Friday, July 31, I have an official statement from James Rosenfield, owner of the Montecito Country Mart on the car crash into Toy Crazy that happened on July 28. Rosenfield, “We’re so glad […]
Wilford Lloyd “Bud” Baumes passed away peacefully on the morning of June 28, 2026, at the age of 86. A lifelong creative spirit, Bud lived an extraordinary life defined by imagination, generosity, elegance, and an enduring appreciation for beauty in all its forms. Born and raised in Amberley Village, Ohio, Bud was the son of […]
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Hello Loves! How is your summer going? I have news of new retail shops for you coming to Montecito. First up is a “soft opening” for the designer clothing brand, La Ligne NYC, scheduled for July 27 at their Montecito location in the Montecito Country Mart, located on the same side as Alma Fonda Fina. […]
By Lisa Duncan “For me, it inspires kids to want to play. So it’s very important for me. That’s what this is all about tonight,” said Mindy Denson, whose passion for the Santa Barbara Polo Club’s Polo Training Center set the tone for a glamorous evening under the stars, devoted to the next generation of […]
By Lisa Duncan “Fiesta showcases our creativity, celebrates our culture, and encourages young people to learn about our traditions through dance,” said Renee Cooper, marketing manager for the Santa Barbara Symphony. That spirit of culture, creativity, and community filled the air at La Boheme’s sixth annual Pre-Fiesta Celebration, where supporters gathered for a lively summer […]
By Lisa Duncan “They were hoping for years to compete with Mardi Gras and the Rose Parade… and you know what? We got it!” historian Hattie Beresford told members of Montecito Bank & Trust’s MClub, launching a fascinating journey through the colorful origins of Old Spanish Days Fiesta. From its earliest celebrations to the traditions […]
By Keith Moore Supporters of the Society of California Pioneers as well as Bohemian Grove members gathered last week at the Santa Barbara Club to tour the clubhouse and view the impressive California art collection. Regional Director Keith Moore and Pioneers board member Vicki Englert welcomed guests to the Santa Barbara Club which was founded […]






