Tag: Santa Barbara

Feb. 2 — Those with a Family Member Living with a Mental Health Disorder Encouraged to Take NAMI Family-to-Family Course

Family-to-Family course is a free, 8-session education program designed to help family members understand and support their loved one living with a mental health disorder, to understand and access local resources, all while taking care of themselves. 

The course will begin on Wednesday, February 2nd and will cover information on illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression and other mental health conditions. The class is taught by trained teachers who are also family members that know what it is like to have a loved one struggling with a mental health disorder and is offered through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for those affected by mental health disorders.

July 16 — Mental Wellness Center to Host the 26th Annual Mental Health Arts Festival Saturday in De La Guerra Plaza

After a two-year hiatus of holding in-person festivities, the Mental Wellness Center (MWC) is bringing its Mental Health Arts Festival back to De La Guerra Plaza. As in the past, the festival will showcase the artwork of local artists in mediums including painting, drawing, jewelry, poetry, sculpture and arts and crafts. But what’s really special about the festival doesn’t end with the artwork.

“It’s an opportunity for artists to display their work and showcase their talent the community in a way that is positive, productive and meaningful for them,” explained Darcy Keep, MWC Board Members and Administrative Director of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine at Cottage Health. 

Dec. 20 — 31st Annual Living Nativity to be held at First United Methodist Church, Santa Barbara

For 31 years the congregation of the First United Methodist Church has offered a beautiful seasonal gift to the community by staging a re-creation of the Holy Night for three nights just before Christmas. Under a redwood tree and adjacent to the church, a grassy area is transformed into a humble wooden stable, complete with a serene Mary, Joseph and tiny baby Jesus asleep in the manger. Three majestic kings stand by with their gifts to the Holy Child, attentive angels appear nearby, and lowly shepherds tend to their flocks. Live camels, sheep, donkeys and goats surround the manger taking in the wonder of it all. It is a silent and beautiful scene to behold.

3C-REN Launches Multifamily Home Energy Savings Program

3C-REN (The Tri-County Regional Energy Network), a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura that delivers energy-saving programs and industry trainings, is launching the Multifamily Home Energy Savings program, which works with property owners and managers to identify and provide rebates for optimum energy improvements for tri-county multifamily properties.

“We are all feeling the effects of climate change with summers getting hotter,” said Marisa Hanson-Lopez, 3C-REN Multifamily Program Manager. “This new program provides significant incentives to lower the costs of property upgrades, like updating HVAC systems and replacing water heaters, that create more comfortable and affordable homes.”

City National Bank in Partnership with United Way of Santa Barbara County Provides 100 Free Backpacks to Franklin Elementary School

100 students at Franklin Elementary School received backpacks filled with school supplies compliments of City National Bank in partnership with United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC). These back-to-school backpacks were loaded with tools like markers, pencils, paper, and scissors to help ensure youth have the supplies necessary for a successful school year. City National Bank also provided Franklin Elementary School with a $1,000 Barnes & Noble gift card to fill their library with new books. 

City National Bank has partnered with United Way of Santa Barbara County since 2014 to bring their Back to School Drive program to local students. 

Free Family-to-Family Education Program for Family Members of Adults Living with a Mental Health Disorder

Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session education program for family members of adults living with a mental health disorder that will be held from Wednesday, September 22 – Wednesday, November 10th. This course is designed to help family members understand and support their loved one while maintaining their own well-being.

The class will cover information on illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression and other mental health conditions and is taught by trained teachers who are also family members that know what it is like to have a loved one struggling with a mental health disorder. 

Village Properties real estate agents team up to form Sener Jones Associates

When it comes to providing high-quality real estate services in today’s fast-moving industry, Village Properties real estate agents John A. Sener and Alyssa Ann Jones understand that there is power in numbers.

That’s why, starting this month, the pair will be teaming up to create a high-powered real estate partnership, Sener Jones Associates. Sener is a top performing Village Properties agent with a decades-long career, while Jones is highly regarded for her business and marketing savvy. As true locals, they each bring intrinsic insights about the unique market within Santa Barbara, which is the foundation for their value-based partnership. Communication, collaboration, and care are at the core of everything they touch. By merging their real estate skills and extensive market knowledge, the agents hope to exceed expectations as they assist clients in achieving their goals.

R.W. ‘Hap’ Ziegler Jr. appointed commissioner of Santa Barbara county’s Civil Service Commission

Local business consultant and attorney R.W. “Hap” Ziegler has been named chair of the County of Santa Barbara’s Civil Service Commission.

Established by voter referendum in 1971, the commission oversees the county’s relationship with its employees and ensures that hiring occurs through a merit-based and competitive process. The commission is charged with making sure the county handles employee matters according to established civil service rules about recruitment, appointment, compensation, probationary periods, layoffs, disciplinary actions and complaint procedures.

As one of five board members, Ziegler chairs the monthly meetings to discuss employee relations, conduct investigations concerning personnel or conditions of employment, assist with hearings on appeals of disciplinary actions, and serve as an advisor to the Board of Supervisors.

Cody Makela named Partner at Santa Barbara Advisory Firm Arlington Financial Advisors

Arlington Financial Advisors, an independent financial advisory firm located in the heart of Santa Barbara, has named standout financial planner Cody Makela as partner.

Makela joined Arlington Financial Advisors in February, 2015, and has excelled at helping clients plan, analyze and implement solutions that improve their financial lives. As partner, Makela will continue to work directly with new and current clients to address their financial planning needs and goals, including long-term investment strategies, responding to major life transitions, estate planning, and business analysis.

Four decades after founding top law firm, veteran family law attorney Rick Montgomery strikes out on his own

For more than 40 years, attorney Frederick “Rick” Montgomery has been a fixture in Santa Barbara legal circles. As co-founder in January of 1977 of one of the city’s most esteemed law firms, Fell, Marking, Abkin, Montgomery, Granet & Raney, LLP, he has helped generations of Santa Barbara families and businesses work through their legal challenges.

This month, the preeminent local attorney launched a new chapter in his career. On March 1, he opened a new practice in downtown Santa Barbara across the street from his old firm.

Sept. 10 — Friendship Center to present 11th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

We invite you and your
golf enthusiasts
to join in this popular, fun event!

Friendship Center is this year’s charity recipient for the ever-popular SBAOR (Santa Barbara Association of Realtors) Golf Tournament! This event takes place on Friday, September 10. Spots are filling fast, so please sign up now!

Please See the registration form below for details.

SPONSORSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE: FRIDAY, JULY 16TH

Oct. 23, 24 — Revival of KISMET Musical Includes Diverse and Culturally Authentic Cast from Both Coasts

 Kismet musical is quickly approaching and will have a “three performances” run at the Granada Theatre on Saturday, October 23, at 2:30 and 7:30 pm and on Sunday, October 24, at 2:30 pm.  Casting Director Peter Van Dam and associate Afsheen Misaghi assembled a diverse cast from both coasts. Having a talented and culturally appropriate cast was a top priority and selected with purpose. Director Lonny Price says, “This production provides the perfect opportunity to contemporize and authentically represent KISMET. I am so happy to say, I think this may be the most authentic cast to play this show, ever!” Cultural consultant Naila Al-Atrash (Professor of Arabic Theater and Film, NYU) helped ensure accurate representation of the Middle Eastern inspired world.

Nov. 4 — La LoCA Milonga, featuring El Cachivache Venturino, Achi Deuz, Adriano DeVita, Pacha Mendes in Santa Barbara

El Cachivache defines itself as Tango Punk playing at the fringe of traditional tango and yet, in their new voice and sound one can hear the unmistakable sound of true tango, Buenos Aires Tango. Made up of four musicians, they encourage everybody, tangueros or not, to get on the dance floor and feel what it is like to move “al compas de un tango” (to the tango beat). Alejandra Folguera added with a smile, “ These guys are The Real Thing. Come to the milonga, it’s a lot cheaper and easier than going to Buenos Aires.” Watch them on YouTube with young tango dancers in sneakers. Guaranteed grins galore. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG-yPVwjCwM. Delicious. 

Bilingual report — Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Ventura counties request removal from Southern California Region Stay Home Order

The Board of Supervisors from San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties on Dec. 8 issued a letter to state health officials and California Governor Gavin Newsom to request a separate Central Coast Region composed of the three counties. The letter requests that the Central Coast Region be allowed to exit the regional stay home order as a region after three weeks if the ICU capacity in the three counties exceeds 15 percent.

“The letter being sent to state officials is an accurate measure of our regional distinction through both geography and demographics,” stated Gregg Hart, Chair of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. “We are best positioned to understand the critical needs within our region and have existing partnerships to promote the health and economic well-being of our communities.”

Close to $4 million Raised for Santa Barbara County through COVID-19 Joint Response Effort Led by United Way of Santa Barbara County, Santa Barbara Foundation and Hutton Parker Foundation

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, monies raised for the COVID-19 Joint Response Effort to support Santa Barbara County are still available to help individuals and families, as well as the nonprofits serving them, during this time of crisis. Those still in need of financial assistance are encouraged to apply for funding as soon as possible.

“United Way and its lead partners deeply appreciate our community’s trust in this collaborative effort as we get these funds into the hands of individuals and organizations that desperately need financial support,” said Steve Ortiz, CEO and President of the United Way of Santa Barbara County.

Friendship Center of Santa Barbara update for April 1 — Celebrating National Volunteer Month

Click here for the entire e-newsletter     We Love Volunteers!   Celebrating National Volunteer Month Today’s blog post, celebrating National Volunteer Month, comes from Montecito Program Manager, Kathryn Cherkas, MIPH. People often ask me about volunteer opportunities at Friendship…

Santa Barbara HS Has Musical Subscription Deal

First time Subscription Deal. Offered for the Season of Musicals ALL MUSICALS, ALL THE TIME – That’s how they do it at Santa Barbara High School since 2012. This season’s fancy footwork and vocally challenging productions include two Tony-winning musicals among…

Nov. 18 — Bilingual report: Health Fair in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — A Health Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 227 N. Nopal St.,  Santa Barbara. Free health screenings, resource tables, entertainment, activities for the entire family. Click on…

Nov. 20 — Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service to be held in Santa Barbara

A community celebration of our common bonds of caring SANTA BARBARA — All are invited to gather together in gratitude for the resilience and compassion expressed throughout our larger community this past year. Our annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will…

San Marcos High School Students Ignite Passion for Foster Youth Through Student-Organized Foster Program

SANTA BARBARA — Students at San Marcos High School are creating excitement and bringing awareness to the ongoing needs of foster youth and it’s causing a ripple effect throughout the community. Not only that, but it’s having a huge impact…

May 8 — Father Greg Boyle to Speak at Garvin Theatre

SANTA BARBARA — Reverend Gregory J. Boyle, the founder and executive director of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, the world’s largest and most successful gang intervention, rehabilitation and re-entry program, will speak at SBCC’s Garvin Theatre on Tuesday, May 8…

10th annual Día de los Muertos Celebration returns to Conejo Mountain Memorial Park on Nov. 4

CAMARILLO — 10th annual Día de los Muertos Celebration returns to Conejo Mountain Funeral Home, Memorial Park & Crematory from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4 at 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo. “Hasta La Muerte — Comida, Altars, Prayers, Laughter…

Dec. 7 — An Irish Christmas

SANTA BARBARA — Kerry Irish Productions Inc Presents an “An Irish Christmas,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7 at the Granada Theatre, 1214 State St., downtown Santa Barbara. As seen on PBS! Take a journey through Ireland at Christmastime with superb…

Women’s Economic Ventures Honors Trailblazer and Business of the Year Award Winners at “Empowerment is Priceless” Fundraiser

Annual event raises more than $400,000 to support local entrepreneurs SANTA BARBARA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) welcomed close to 400 guests and raised more than $400,000 at their Empowerment is Priceless event held on October 10th at the Fess Parker…

Through Nov. 7 — Award-Winning Local Historian and Author Erin Graffy at SBCC School of Extended Learning: ‘After the Fall: A Cultural History of Postwar Vietnam’

SANTA BARBARA — It’s a period that’s been explored in many ways and mediums, most recently in Ken Burns’ documentary series “The Vietnam War.” However, the country’s postwar history is rarely explored. Now Santa Barbara will have a chance to…

Through Nov. 10 — Tuition Assistance Application Period Opens for SBCC School of Extended Learning Spring Semester

SANTA BARBARA — To help as many people as possible take fee-based classes, SBCC’s School of Extended Learning is opening its Tuition Assistance Awards application period through Nov.10 for the Spring Semester. Students with limited resources can apply for $125 tuition…

Antioch University Announces New Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement

SANTA BARBARA — Antioch University named Norbert Tan as its new associate vice chancellor for institutional advancement. Tan will be based on Antioch University’s Santa Barbara campus and will provide both campus and university-wide fundraising support focusing on initiatives with…

Through Oct. 10 — ‘Santa Barbara History You Don’t Know – but Would Love to Ask!’ at SBCC School of Extended Learning

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara’s past is filled with quirky characters, great inventions and forgotten stories that would even surprise a local. Whether you were born on the South Coast or made it a permanent home after falling for the…

Oct. 21 — Fired Up for Special Olympics Fundraiser

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara City and County Firefighters will come together on Saturday, October 21st to host the 3rd Annual Fired Up for Special Olympics Fundraiser. Located at the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum for the first time ever,…

EDC-VC Expands Small Business Development Center’s Roster

VENTURA COUNTY – The Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County has added four new consultants to their team of 30-plus advisors providing free one-on-one consulting to local businesses to help area companies strengthen and grow their bottom line. The new advisors include…

April 16 — Easter Services First United Methodist Church, Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — First United Methodist Church, Santa Barbara will celebrate the glory of our Risen Lord with worship services on Easter Sunday at 9:00am and 10:45am.  The identical services will feature anthems by the Chancel Choir including Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus”,…

April 19 — ‘An Evening with Isabel Allende’

SANTA BARBARA — “An Evening with Isabel Allende” will be presented from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 19 at The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. “Allende’s books feel like ornate fairy tales, velvety and otherworldly and sly,…

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Names New Board Members

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is proud to welcome Kevin Baird and Jaqueline Pawela-Crew to its board of directors. Kevin Baird CFP®, AIF®, AACEP brings more than 27 years of experience in the financial services industry to Girls Inc.’s…

Family-to-Family Program Offers ‘Life-Changing’ Support for Family Members Affected by Mental Illness

SANTA BARBARA — The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southern Santa Barbara County, which is hosted by and receives support from the Mental Wellness Center, has announced that pre-registration is now open for its Family-to-Family education program for family…

Hearts Therapeutic Celebrates Inspiring Stories at Annual Pegasus Luncheon

SANTA BARBARA — Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center hosted its 8th Annual Pegasus Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 13, attracting more than 300 people to the Coral Casino’s La Pacifica Ballroom at the Four Seasons Biltmore Resort in Santa Barbara. The invitation-only…

Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center Hosts Halloween Spooktacular and Open House

SANTA BARBARA — Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center invites the community to its second annual Halloween Spooktacular and Open House on Wednesday, October 26 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Hearts’ riding facilities, located at 4420 Calle Real in Santa…

One Love Experience on Oct. 8-9

OJAI — One Love Experience has been created to bring like-hearted people together to celebrate our rising human consciousness, get the transformational experiences we need, and provide a space of love to spread these positive vibrations around the world! All…