Eight years after losing his partner in the Montecito debris flows, Lalo Barajas spoke to a crowd of local residents and first responders about the aftermath of the natural disaster and his path to healing.

“I looked at the wreckage of my life, the grief, the shock, the emptiness, and I felt like I was standing in a whole lot of nothing,” Barajas said. “I am standing here today as a survivor.”

Barajas was one of more than 100 people who gathered Friday at Montecito Union School to mark the anniversary of the Montecito debris flows and to honor the 23 people who died in the Jan. 9, 2018, disaster.  

The hills above Montecito, Summerland and Carpinteria had burned in the Thomas Fire, and heavy winter rains caused the deadly debris flows that devastated the community.

During his speech, Barajas talked about the grief and hollowness he felt after the death of his partner, Peter Fleurat. Yet, Barajas said, he realized it was not just enough to survive; he needed to live life to the fullest.

Barajas said he learned to appreciate the little moments life has to offer, such as a sunset, a quiet hike, or time with friends. He also spoke about how the natural disaster united the community and helped residents learn to support one another.

“I used to think the debris flows took everything,” Barajas said, “but now I know it couldn’t take the love I had for Peter or my capacity to hope for a better future.”

David Neels, chief of the Montecito Fire Protection District, read the names of each victim and led the crowd in a moment of silence. During the reading of the names, Montecito firefighters presented a candle for each victim as bells rang out from churches and schools.

Neels said the event was not only to honor the fallen but also the resiliency shown by neighbors helping neighbors, and first responders who worked tirelessly in the aftermath.

“The debris flow will always be a part of our story, but it does not define us,” Neels said. “What defines Montecito is heart.”

A searchlight was pointed into the sky as a sign of community support and solidarity.

For some people, each year since the debris flows makes it easier to remember.

Houghton Hyatt said the last time she lived in Montecito was at 7 the morning of the event. She originally moved there in 2014.

Hyatt said it seems like more people come to the memorial every year, adding that she appreciates that the community still remembers the event and thinks people find it easier to attend as the years pass.

“I think the first couple years, this day was a hard thing to remember, especially depending on how affected you were by it,” Hyatt said, “but maybe it gets easier for people to come and have the support of the community. I think it’s a great thing that they do (come) to show their support.”