Tag: Santa Barbara

Bilingual contribution— Post-Action Momentum Continues: April 19 Community Gatherings in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Isla Vista

by Community Contributor • April 18, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Following the powerful momentum of the recent Hands Off! action, local organizers are calling on residents to come together again—this time to deepen connections and organize at the community level.

On Saturday, April 19 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, simultaneous Community Gatherings will be held in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Isla Vista. These events are designed to create space for real conversations, grassroots strategy, and mutual support as we build a stronger, people-powered movement.

RSVP today at https://t.ly/apr19 to join one of the gatherings.

Santa Barbara Pickleball presents Kenny Loggins’ ‘Pickleball in the Danger Zone’ Tournament – A Star-Studded Benefit for The Unity Shoppe

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Pickleball is thrilled to announce the return of its signature annual event—now rebranded as Kenny Loggins’ “Pickleball in the Danger Zone” Tournament. Celebrating its eighth year, this highly anticipated tournament was formerly known as the American Riviera Classic Pickleball Tournament and has grown into what may be the largest amateur athletic event in the city.

Set to draw over 400 registered players, the tournament will feature men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles divisions, showcasing top-tier amateur competition in a vibrant community atmosphere.

805UndocuFund receives $32,000 in total grant support from the Fund for Santa Barbara to strengthen immigrant rights advocacy and Emergency Response

by Community Contributor • April 11, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — 805UndocuFund is proud to announce it has received a total of $32,000 in grant funding from The Fund for Santa Barbara to expand its immigrant rights advocacy and strengthen rapid response and disaster relief efforts across the Central Coast.

The first award—a $10,000 Emergent Needs Grant from The Fund for Santa Barbara—will provide general operating support for the 805 Immigrant Rapid Response Network, which monitors and responds to immigration enforcement actions across Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo Counties.

The second award—a $12,000 Donor Advised Grant, also from The Fund for Santa Barbara—provides additional general support for the Rapid Response Network, further sustaining the network’s capacity to verify ICE activity, deploy trained legal observers and community responders, and provide emergency assistance to impacted families.

Santa Barbara joins national “Hands Off!” Day of Action on April 5 to push back against rising authoritarianism and corporate greed

by Community Contributor • April 4, 2025 • Comments Off

The event, part of a nationwide protest movement, will take place at De La Guerra Plaza from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with pre-rally sign-making starting at 12:00 PM. It is co-sponsored by Indivisible Santa Barbara and Women’s March Santa Barbara, and is part of a coordinated response to what organizers call an “ongoing crisis of power and greed” from Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and other billionaire elites.

Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation in Santa Barbara selects 14 finalists for annual music competition

by Community Contributor • April 3, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Fourteen talented instrumentalists and vocalists will vie for thousands of dollars in scholarships at the Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation’s (PASF) annual competition on April 27. The finalists were selected through auditions held March 28 and 29 at the Music Academy of the West’s Weinmann Hall in Montecito.

The PASF Audition Committee, comprised of Board President Deborah Bertling, Board Secretary Erin Bonski-Evans, and Directors Jill Felber, Dr. David McKee, and Kristine Pacheco-Bernt, carefully chose the finalists from a competitive field of adult and youth musicians. This year’s auditions featured several contenders for the newly introduced Junior Vocal Division, which is dedicated to vocalists under the age of 17.

REACH in Santa Barbara welcomes largest cohort to date

by Community Contributor • March 25, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — REACH, a leading organization dedicated to empowering first-generation, low- to mid-income students in Santa Barbara County, proudly announces its largest cohort to date. With 60 Fellows, their Cohort 2025 (Class of 2026) reflects REACH’s commitment to transforming lives through academic preparation, outdoor experiences, and personal development.

Three Local Leaders Honored at the 6th Annual LEAP Awards in Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2025 • Comments Off

“We’re incredibly honored to celebrate these community champions today,” said Lori Goodman, Executive Director of LEAP. “Dr. Lynn Fitzgibbons has been instrumental in advancing healthcare and medical education in our community. Ernesto Paredes has devoted his career to advocating for families and improving accessibility. Amir Abo-Shaeer, our first Distinguished Alumnus, continues to transform education through innovation. Each of these remarkable individuals embodies LEAP’s mission of supporting families and children across Santa Barbara County.”

International Women’s Day March, Dance Party to be held in Santa Barbara on March 8

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The International Women’s Day March, Dance Party will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at De La Guerra Plaza, Santa Barbara.

Celebrate your Power!
Protest for your Rights!
Dance up State Street!
Presented by World Dance for Humanity, Santa Barbara Women’s March, Indivisible Santa Barbara, UCSB Women’s Center and the SB Women’s Political Committee.

Santa Barbara Quakers join interfaith challenge to Department of Homeland Security’s rescission of sensitive locations policy

by Community Contributor • February 21, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Friends General Conference (FGC), a national Quaker organization, joined multiple religious organizations in challenging the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) reversal of the sensitive locations policy, which previously limited immigration enforcement actions at places of worship. The Santa Barbara Friends Meeting (SBFM) as an affiliate of FGC, joined this legal challenge.

We are an unprogrammed meeting of Quakers and we reaffirm that our house of worship serves as a sanctuary for all. The belief that God is within every person has powerful ramifications.

Transgender Unity March to be held March 1 in Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • February 21, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — On Saturday, March 1st, 2025, the Santa Barbara community will stand in solidarity with a nationwide movement advocating for the rights and dignity of transgender people. The Transgender Unity March will take place at De La Guerra Plaza at noon, 20 East De la Guerra inviting transgender individuals, allies, and community members to join in support of equality and justice.

Across the country, transgender people are facing increasing threats, including policies that restrict access to healthcare, limit mobility, and endanger lives. The Transgender Unity March is a direct response to this growing discrimination, offering a platform for voices to rise against these injustices and for the community to demand action.

Former Santa Barbara PASF winner Alexander Lipay takes home two Grammy Awards

by Community Contributor • February 19, 2025 • Comments Off

Lipay won the awards for Best Classical Compendium 2024 and Best Orchestral Performance 2024 at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles earlier this month alongside the Los Angeles Philharmonic and conductor Gustavo Dudamel. The awards recognized the orchestra’s recording of Revolución Diamantina, a ballet score by renowned Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz. Lipay engineered the recording alongside his father, Dmitriy Lipay.

Santa Barbara’s Music Academy of the West announces 2025 board officers, directors and honors retiring members

by Community Contributor • January 24, 2025 • Comments Off

This remarkable group will help grow the Academy’s mission to provide musicians and audiences alike with transformative music experiences through public performances and community programs. Newly elected Board officers and members began their terms on January 1, 2025.

Register now for Community Environmental Council’s Winter Climate Stewards Cohort starting Jan. 28 in Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • January 17, 2025 • Comments Off

When climate disasters strike, knowing how to help impacted communities and habitats can be daunting. CEC’s Climate Stewards certification program equips you with the knowledge to take climate action and connects you with a network of local activists working to promote community recovery and resilience.

Free, online “Fearless Femme Summit” from Feb 3 to 6 offers career-boosting advice for women in STEM

by Community Contributor • January 13, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — More women than ever are working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, but they’re still vastly outnumbered by men. For many women professionals that can lead to a feeling of isolation, as well as problems with discrimination, unconscious bias and a lack of role models and support.

Leadership coach Mary Jean Vignone, Ph.D., aims to change that. From Feb. 3 to 6 she will be hosting the second annual “Fearless Femme Summit: Propel Your Career in STEM” The free event, which will be held entirely online from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, is designed to help women in STEM reach new heights in their careers and become authentic leaders.

Registration is open to STEM professionals, students and the public at no cost by signing up at www.fearlessfemmesummit.com. Participants can also sign up for a paid group coaching program and individualized emotional intelligence assessments that include free access to Fearless Femme Summit speaker videos.

Community Environmental Council — 2025 is the year for climate leadership!

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2025 • Comments Off

CEC’s Climate Stewards certification program is designed to foster connection, confidence, and inspiration for grassroots climate action. Gain the tools and support to tackle climate impacts in your life, work, and community. Let’s work together for a sustainable future — the climate movement needs YOU!

Our Climate Stewards program empowers participants to play an active role in their community to advance rapid and equitable solutions to the climate crisis. Together, our community of 200-strong Climate Steward alumni are leading climate justice initiatives and pushing forward thousands of local solutions.

The next cohort starts January 28, 2025. Now is the perfect time to invest in your future, and the future of our planet!

Jan. 8 — District 216 announces upcoming events

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2025 • Comments Off

Description: Bob & Kevin will present overviewing psychedelics as a promising treatment for chronic pain conditions, including cluster headache and migraine. They will cover the history of research in this area dating back to a study of mescal/peyote in 1896. Bob & Kevin will explain the Mechanisms of Action that are believed to be involved in pain relief and will detail the substances, doses, schedules and adjunctive therapies that are most commonly used when using psychedelics for chronic pain.

When: Wednesday, January 8th, 2025 from 5pm to 9pm (Speaker at 6:30pm)

Jan. 25 — Trae Crowder – Just Announced! Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2025 • Comments Off

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Through Jan. 25 — Lit Moon Theatre in Santa Barbara presents William Shakespeare’s King Lear as part of its Current World Theatre Festival

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2025 • Comments Off

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Through March 10 — Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara announces 2024-25 Mariposa Concert Series

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2025 • Comments Off

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

March 16 — Arts Mentorship program’s 2025 Showcase, ‘Amplify Unity’ to be held in downtown Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2025 • Comments Off

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

April 16 — Community Environmental Council (CEC) in Santa Barbara to hold next Climates Stewards course

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2025 • Comments Off

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

April 26 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents the Santa Barbara debut of jazz visionary Hiromi at UCSB Campbell Hall

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2025 • Comments Off

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council announces get up to $2,000 for an E-Bike

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2024 • Comments Off

The California E-Bike Incentive Project is a statewide program making eco-friendly transportation more affordable and accessible. Eligible applicants can receive up to $2,000 toward the purchase of an e-bike. Applications open December 18, 2024 at 6 p.m.

Santa Barbara’s Community Environmental Council update — How We’re Building Resilience to Wildfires

by Community Contributor • November 20, 2024 • Comments Off

Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events are driving the severity and frequency of wildfires. So far this year, California has had more than 7,000 wildfires — including our region’s recent Lake and Mountain Fire — that have ravaged a million acres, destroying homes and communities, impacting air quality, and releasing massive amounts of pollution into the atmosphere. Every one of these fires represents a setback to carbon reduction efforts.

But we have the collective power to stop this climate chaos.

The Community Environmental Council recognized early on that the California Central Coast provides the perfect climate lab to test solutions that can protect our and other regions from future fires. The good news is our solutions are working.

Santa Barbara, Goleta and Lompoc communities raises 11,331 Diapers for Local Diaper Bank

by Community Contributor • October 1, 2024 • Comments Off

GOLETA — Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Lompoc communities raised 11,331 diapers for LEAP’s Diaper Bank during National Diaper Need Awareness Week (NDNAW) from September 23-29, 2024.

LEAP in Santa Barbara Receives National Diaper Need Awareness Week Proclamation

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2024 • Comments Off

The proclamation, introduced by 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann and co-sponsored by 2nd District Supervisor Laura Capps, acknowledges the critical issue of diaper need – the inability to afford enough clean diapers. It highlights the adverse impact this has on the health and well-being of children and families. National surveys conducted by the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) indicate that nearly one in two families struggle with diaper need, with many parents being forced to skip meals or delay changing diapers to extend their supply.

Arlington Financial Advisors Names Financial Professional to Guide Strategic Business Development

by Community Contributor • September 5, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Arlington Financial Advisors has named an trust professional, Frank Tabar, to guide Strategic Business Development for the Santa Barbara-based firm.

Before joining Arlington in May, Tabar spent 12 years as a Senior vice president technology officer with the Farmers & Merchants Trust Company of Long Beach; the last seven of those years he was also a senior vice president trust manager with the Farmers and Merchants Trust Company, Santa Barbara Branch. He spent two years with Bank of the West as vice president and strategic project and trust operations manager, and 15 years at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust in a variety of roles including trust client management, trust operations and compliance.

Teacher’s Fund in Santa Barbara Launches 2024 Back to School Supplies Drive to Support Local Educators and Students

by Community Contributor • August 14, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The non-profit Teacher’s Fund has launched its annual Back to School Supplies Drive with the goal of raising $75,000 to purchase educational supplies for Santa Barbara-area teachers and students.

This year’s fundraising drive launches August 20 and runs through September 20. Anyone interested in donating to the drive can do so here http://www.tfsuppliesdrive.com/. Donors can contribute to specific items requested by teachers or submit a general donation. Common teacher wish list items include STEM supplies, learning toys, art supplies, electronics, and classroom furniture.

Alternatively, individuals and organizations can sponsor the supplies drive. Sponsorship levels start at $250 and include social media mentions and entries for the chance to win one of numerous prizes and other recognitions.

Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara announces 2024 Marilyn Horne Song Competition Winners Mariam Mouawad mezzo-soprano & Eric Head piano

by Community Contributor • August 5, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West, 2024 Summer Music Festival, which kicked off June 12 and runs through August 3 at the Music Academy’s idyllic campus — and throughout the stunning setting of the American Riviera in Santa Barbara, California — has featured nearly 130 live events including the Academy Festival Orchestra, Bizet’s opera Carmen, public masterclasses, and world-renowned competitions in solo piano, duo, and song.

805 CoWorking Collective Announces New Member and International Coworking Day Celebration

by Community Contributor • August 1, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The 805 CoWorking Collective welcomes Flow Community Workspace in Santa Maria as its newest member, further expanding the network of coworking spaces available to professionals on the Central Coast. “By joining the 805 CoWorking Collective, Flow is…

Bilingual report — REACH Fellowship in Santa Barbara Announces Summer Trips for REACH Fellows

by Community Contributor • June 14, 2024 • Comments Off

Fellows during their Backpacking Trip, Photo Credit Rob Balloch *** Becarios durante su viaje de mochilero, Crédito de Foto Rob Balloch.

SANTA BARBARA — REACH Fellowship, a leading organization dedicated to empowering students through educational and experiential learning opportunities, is thrilled to announce their summer trips designed to inspire and educate the participants in the program, referred to as Fellows. This year, REACH Fellows will attend a variety of enriching trips, including college tours, backpacking adventures, and culminating experiential trips, both international and domestic. REACH staff carefully select these Fellows during the fall of their junior year of high school through a rigorous selection process, and each cohort is supported through the summer of their first year of college. The primary goal of the program is to support first-generation, low- to moderate-income students in Santa Barbara County. REACH is able to fund the program, these trips, and other workshops through the support of the Audacious Foundation and other generous donors. This support enables us to offer the program to students at no cost to them or their families.

Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara — Step Inside the 2024 Gala: Exclusive Photos & Highlights

by Community Contributor • June 4, 2024 • Comments Off

The Gala raised $325,000 which supports the Music Academy’s full-scholarship program that brings 137 fellows from across the country and around the world to study and perform with world-class teaching artists in Santa Barbara during the annual eight week Summer Festival, benefits the Academy’s Sing! Children’s Chorus of Santa Barbara County youth, and subsidizes 3,000 Community Access Tickets for the Santa Barbara community to attend live performances.

Village Properties in Santa Barbara launches commercial real estate division

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara area’s largest independent real estate company, Village Properties, has established a new division to provide dedicated advice and representation to clients with commercial properties.

The new Village Properties Commercial Group will work closely with clients seeking to purchase or sell multi-family dwellings, boutique commercial and retail properties, mixed-use buildings, and agricultural or buildable land.

Village Properties in Santa Barbara welcomes five experienced realtors

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Village Properties, the Santa Barbara area’s largest independent real estate company, recently attracted five seasoned agents to its growing team of Realtors.

Jen Plana, David Marchetti, Deja Rabb, Nicole Wesley and Nicole Powers join the more than 180 accomplished Village Properties’ Realtors serving clients across the Santa Barbara region including Montecito, Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez. Agents are hired based on their expertise, credentials, local knowledge and commitment to superior customer service, as well as their desire to support Village Properties’ mission of giving back to the community.

Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation announces 2024 music contest winners

by Community Contributor • April 30, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Six young musicians took home thousands of dollars in scholarships Sunday, April 28, after competing in the annual music contest organized by the Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation.

A professional panel of judges selected first and second place winners in the adult instrumentalist, junior instrumentalist and vocalist categories. Eleven finalists performed at the event. Awards ranged from $500 to $6,000 and totaled $26,000 overall. The contest took place at Music Academy of the West in Montecito.

This year’s vocal division winner is Ava Kimmel, 22, a soprano and junior at Westmont College. Second prize goes to Xeni Tziouvaras, 29, a mezzo-soprano and freelance vocalist embarking on an international opera career following graduation from the Manhattan School of Music.

Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation in Santa Barbara welcomes board member Jil Felber

by Community Contributor • April 25, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Jill Felber, an internationally acclaimed recording artist and a music professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has joined The Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation board.

Felber is a dynamic flute recitalist, chamber musician, legendary contemporary music specialist, and distinguished flute professor for the UC Santa Barbara’s Woodwind, Brass and Percussion Program in the Department of Music. Her performances have received media acclaim worldwide and are known to dazzle and excite audiences. She’s been described as an “outstanding American flutist” and praised for her “consummate musicianship.”

Michael Yang at Arlington Financial Advisors obtains CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation

by Community Contributor • April 17, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Michael Yang, formerly a paraplanner with Registered Investment Advisory firm Arlington Financial Advisors, has stepped into a new role as financial planner for the company after completing the rigorous requirements to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™.

Yang, who joined Arlington Financial Advisors in February 2021, completed the demanding CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) Certification Professional Education Program after more than a year of study and passed the exam needed to earn the nationally recognized CFP® designation.

LA Posada Grand Opening Attracts Hundreds from Our Community

by Community Contributor • April 16, 2024 • Comments Off

La Posada is an 80-unit temporary supportive housing community serving people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in South Santa Barbara County. Permanent housing is the longer-term goal, and La Posada closes the gap between living outdoors and housing stability, where residents can be safe and receive the critical supportive services needed. La Posada is a public-private collaboration between DignityMoves, the County of Santa Barbara, and Good Samaritan Shelter, the service provider and operator.

Eleven finalists to compete at 2024 Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation contest

by Community Contributor • April 10, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Eleven instrumentalists and vocalists will compete for thousands of dollars in scholarships on April 28 after being selected as finalists for the annual Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation’s Competition Concert.

The foundation’s Audition Committee selected the finalists during auditions held April 5 and 6 at Music Academy of the West’s Weinmann Hall in Montecito. A total of 24 adults and youth competed to earn a place in the final competition.

Bilingual report — Our Collective Impact: 2024 Community Report Presented by CenCal Health

by Community Contributor • April 4, 2024 • Comments Off

“Together with our partners, CenCal Health is now one year into carrying out the transformative priorities of our Strategic Plan,” said Marina Owen, CenCal Health CEO. “As a tribute to the efforts of so many, we have dedicated this Community Report to highlighting the collaborative accomplishments essential to improving the well-being of our members. I am confident we will reach new heights through local innovation and build healthier communities.”

Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara Launches Alumni Performance Award

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2024 • Comments Off

Open to all alumni, the annual award will support an emerging Music Academy alum in their professional pursuits as a performing artist.

The inaugural recipient of the award is solo piano alum Evan Shinners (‘09), who is slated to perform in the galleries on Feb 24 at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

The Friendship Center — Ticket Sales Closing Jan. 26 for ‘Festival of Hearts’

by Community Contributor • January 25, 2024 • Comments Off

-PURCHASE TICKETS- THANK YOU to our Nautically Noble Sponsors! Thomas & Nancy Crawford Sintija Kemezys Felder CenCal Health William & Jocelyne Meeker Katina Zaninovich Castle Wealth Planning Dr. David & Patty Medina Montecito Village Travel NS CERAMIC, Inc. Mark and…

Mitchell Thomas named new audit partner at accounting firm Nasif, Hicks, Harris & Co

by Community Contributor • January 16, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara and Ventura-based accounting firm Nasif, Hicks, Harris & Co. LLP has named Certified Public Accountant Mitchell “Mitch” Thomas as a new audit partner effective Jan. 1, 2024.

A practicing public accountant since 2012, Thomas joined Nasif, Hicks, Harris & Co. in June 2017. His practice focuses on audit and assurance services. Thomas has experience providing compilation, review, and audit engagements to a diverse range of clients including start-ups, construction, manufacturing, and non-profit entities.

Music Academy in Santa Barbara welcoming incoming board members, Honors Retiring Members in 2024

by Community Contributor • January 9, 2024 • Comments Off

At the Music Academy of the West’s Annual Board Meeting in December 2023, three exceptional community leaders were elected to its Board of Directors: Montecito residents Susan Lichtenstein(retired, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Hill-Rom Holdings), Kelly Teich (President, The Warner Group Architects), and Santa Barbara resident Tom Orlando(industrial property manager, former manufacturing executive). It also honored the achievements of two retiring board members, Margaret Cafarelli and Tim Taylor.