The Montecito Association Board of Directors convened Feb. 10 for its monthly meeting, following its annual board retreat in January, with discussions focusing on public safety and strengthening community engagement.
During public comment, there was a presentation from two high school students, Sebastian Fabio and Jack Hyatt, who are leading a seven-week fundraising campaign for Blood Cancer United, formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
The longtime friends, who met as kindergartners at Montecito Union School, shared their ambitious goal of raising $200,000 to support blood cancer research.
They told attendees that someone in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer every three minutes and spoke about their mentor’s personal battle with the disease.
The pair invited community members to support their campaign through donations, sponsorships and outreach. Click here for more information.
Montecito Association board president Bill Macfadyen reported that the association is strengthening accountability by requiring committees to meet monthly and submit written reports, while continuing to rely on the Montecito Community Plan to guide priorities.
He also noted the association’s intent to participate in local celebrations connected to the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary.
Executive director Houghton Hyatt reported strong membership engagement, with 125 renewals in January, including two new members, and highlighted continued coordination with Hands Across Montecito, the association’s outreach initiative assisting individuals experiencing homelessness.
Committee leadership for the year was finalized, with Chris Albertson and Cliff Ghersen serving as co-chairmen of the Land Use Committee, which is preparing a community survey.
Other committee chairs include Mindy Denson (Events), Leslie Lundgren (History), Laura Bode (Outreach), Jacqueline Duran (Safety Response) and Dorene White (Hands Across Montecito).
Initiatives underway include membership outreach, wildfire preparedness efforts, pedestrian safety improvements and community programming.
Updates from local agencies underscored both safety priorities and community investment.
Fire Chief David Neels of the Montecito Fire Protection District announced his retirement at the end of March after 33 years of service.
He reported that vegetation management efforts, including the district’s chipping program, are expected to remove more than 300 tons of fire-prone material this season.
Santa Barbara County sheriff’s Lt. Rich Brittingham reported recent incidents that included vehicle thefts, trespassing and vandalism, and encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
Montecito Sanitary District general manager John Weigold shared that the district recently acquired a new vacuum truck and is reviewing sewer rates for the first time since 2016, while also implementing a program to address fats, oils and grease in commercial systems.
Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Roy Lee’s office, represented by Aida Thau, provided updates on a proposed gas-powered leaf blower ban, beach camping regulations, and a planned March 3 resolution recognizing Chief Neels for his service.
Amy Alzina, superintendent and principal of Cold Spring Schol, reported strong participation in school programs, with summer session classes filling within minutes of registration opening.
She also announced an upcoming Artificial Intelligence Summit on July 7-9 that will bring together educators and community partners.
Alzina, who chairs California’s AI task force for TK-12 education, also noted recent safety upgrades at the school, including improvements to its communications systems.
The meeting reflected the Montecito Association’s ongoing role in addressing community priorities, fostering civic engagement, and supporting the safety and character of Montecito.
Want to take a more active role in shaping our community? Joining a committee is one of the best ways to make an impact.
The MA welcomes members who are interested in contributing their time, ideas and expertise to the issues that matter most — from public safety and wildfire preparedness to land use, trails, beautification and neighborhood events.
Our committees are where the real work happens — and where neighbors connect, collaborate, and help protect the character and quality of life we all value in Montecito.
Whether you have an hour a month or want to dive deeper, there’s a place for you!
Interested? Email us at info@montecitoassociation.org to learn more, click here for more information, or attend an upcoming meeting. Together, we keep Montecito strong.