Kind Mind
By Steven Libowitz   |   April 7, 2026

In a day and age where children not only have an exponentially expanded array of electronic methods of distraction compared to less than a generation ago, but are also confronted by a country and world in conflict and torn by divisiveness, the need for mindfulness and meditative practices has never been greater.  That was the […]

WEV Celebrates 35 Years of Impact
By Joanne A Calitri   |   March 31, 2026

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) marked International Women’s Day and its 35th anniversary with a celebratory gathering on March 5 at the Spanish Hills Club in Camarillo, bringing together community leaders, entrepreneurs, and supporters. The event highlighted WEV’s mission to empower women through entrepreneurship, financial education, and access to capital. CEO Nicki Parr emphasized the broader […]

 

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Children’s Creative Project: Student Support Through Chalk & Art
By Steven Libowitz   |   March 31, 2026

The I Madonnari Street Painting Festival, much-beloved mainstay of Memorial Day weekend for many decades, is more than two months away. But for Children’s Creative Project – the longstanding local nonprofit that has produced the festival since its founding – it’s already time to gear up and get ready. I Madonnari, inspired by the romantic […]

Disco Fever with Cause
By Richard Mineards and Friends   |   March 24, 2026

By Gail Kvistad It was hot, hot, hot at the Bella Vista Estate on Sunday night as the Santa Barbara South Coast Firefighter Foundation (SBSCFF) hosted its annual “Disco Inferno” fundraiser. The Summerland estate of Ursula and Patrick Nesbitt was transformed into a scene of social gridlock and high-energy philanthropy, proving once again that the […]

SB Cottage Health’s 23rd Tiara Ball Elegance
By Joanne A Calitri   |   March 24, 2026

The SB Cottage Health’s 23rd Annual Tiara Ball took place at the Ritz-Carlton on Saturday, March 7. This elegant, bejeweled gala is ticketed out a year in advance to over 500 lucky guests. Noted this year was the super high energy and warmth from the attendees who came dressed to impress in gowns from Paris […]

Blood Cancer United: High School Students Raise Funds for Research with a Real Impact
By Zach Rosen   |   March 24, 2026

Every three minutes someone is diagnosed with blood cancer. It is a statistic that delivers a staggering reality and underpins Blood Cancer United’s annual Student Visionaries of the Year campaign, a seven-week fundraising effort that places high school students at the center of both outreach and leadership. Locally, the effort to raise $200K has been […]

SB Museum of Art’s 2nd Annual Gilded Gala
By Joanne A Calitri   |   March 17, 2026

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) held its second annual Gilded Gala on Saturday, February 28, at Rosewood Miramar Beach. Proceeds from the event support the museum’s commitment to art, education, and community. Guests arrived in elegantly fashionable black-tie and formal attire. The reception featured a formal step-and-repeat area with a Getty Images photographer, […]

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  • All Aboard the Love Boat
    By Richard Mineards and Friends   |   March 17, 2026

    By Lisa Marie Duncan Supporters of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum gathered over the weekend for the festive “Love Boat” Gala, an evening devoted to celebrating maritime heritage while raising funds for the museum’s growing education and outreach programs. The ocean-inspired event highlighted the museum’s role as a vibrant hub for maritime history and ocean […]

    Fried Greens & Pink Hearts
    By Richard Mineards   |   March 3, 2026

    Montecito Bank & Trust’s MClub recently spent a delightful morning with Fannie Flagg, beloved Southern storyteller and author of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café, during an intimate Valentine’s-themed Lunch & Learn at the Santa Barbara Club. She shared personal stories of her childhood, her challenges with dyslexia, the inspiration behind each of […]

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    Tuning into FestForums
    By Richard Mineards and Friends   |   March 3, 2026

    Written by Melissa Borders FestForums 2026 – “The Premier Gathering for Festival Leaders” – founded by Laurie Kirby of Montecito, convened over 600 of the most forward-thinking leaders across festivals, live events, arts, and culture. More than a conference, FestForums serves as a dynamic hub where artists, producers, creators, technologists, and community builders come together […]

    Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute
    By Steven Libowitz   |   March 3, 2026

    Plenty of local folks probably aren’t aware of CIMWI, let alone what the acronym stands for – Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute – despite the local 501(c)(3) nonprofit’s primary mission of helping a significant subset of (mostly) cute critters that call our local waters home. It’s partly understandable. It’s not all that likely, after […]

    A Masquerade with Montessori Center School
    By Joanne A Calitri   |   February 24, 2026

    The Montessori Center School held its annual formal gala with a Masquerade Ball theme on Friday evening, February 7, at the Rosewood Miramar Beach. The elegant event offered a champagne and cocktail reception with 80 Silent Auction items focused on experiences of health, travel, wine, and hobbies. There was a sit-down dinner and open bar, […]

    Mazel Tov! Teresa & Rick! 
    By Richard Mineards and Friends   |   February 24, 2026

    Written by David Bolton Montecito was abuzz for the Valentine’s Day wedding of Teresa Kuskey and Rick Oshay at the sprawling Music Academy of the West. The well-manicured gardens and historic setting provided the perfect backdrop for a spectacular and memorable night of dance, celebration, friends, family and love. A throng of 175 community members […]

    Friends of State Street
    By Steven Libowitz   |   February 24, 2026

    Lots of local Santa Barbara residents, long-timers and newbies alike, have strong opinions about whether the nine-block stretch of State Street in the downtown area should reopen to cars.  “It’s a no-brainer,” exclaims many a post on social media, while others just as vociferously scream “No way!”  Friends of State Street (FoSS) takes no position […]

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