I’m not going to lie to you … after visiting Italy last year, I was ready to live out my days in Florence, but the only place for me to shelter in place is S.B., where I’m an 8th-generation Santa Barbaran and my pride runs deep. I have a responsibility to support the varied businesses and organizations that make our area unique.
The Calendar section in print and the online calendar that I edit mean so much to me because they provide a free space for all types of businesses and nonprofit organizations to promote their events and spread their message. Large, small, and in between, the Calendar welcomes them all, and I am constantly delighted at the range of events that this community offers from Ojai to Lompoc. I am so honored to be a part of the annual Wedding, Summer Camp, After-School, Fiesta, and ’Tis the Season Guides that serve the community every year.
I see you, native Santa Barbarans: seniors; kids; families; hipsters; underrepresented, marginalized, and spiritual groups; fitness fiends, hikers, and tourists. I see you, students and school teachers and administrators, the mentally and physically challenged, and those raising money for groups in need. I see you, Fiesta, Summer Solstice, and Earth Day volunteers and all those who work to put on our other festivals and celebrations. I want you to know that I was here to support you before the pandemic and I am still here to highlight your virtual events, and I will continue to be here when we are all able to celebrate together again.