To commemorate the seven-year mark of the 1/9 Debris Flow, the community is invited to attend Raising Our Light, 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, at Montecito Union School, 385 San Ysidro Road.

Attendees will gather in the school courtyard for a short program of speakers and reading of the names of the 23 people who we lost on Jan. 9, 2018.

Bells will ring out 23 times from local churches and schools; Montecito firefighters will light 23 candles in honor of the lives lost; and participants will pause for a moment of silence.
 
A searchlight will be illuminated as a beacon of community support and solidarity from Montecito Union School.

Raising Our Light is a collaborative effort by the Montecito Community Partnership Team including: Montecito Association, Montecito Union School District, Cold Spring School District, Montecito Fire Department, Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade, and the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness.

Because it is normal to experience feelings of fear, anxiety, and sadness at the anniversary of a disaster, representatives of the Community Wellness Team (CWT) will be on-site for the ceremony to provide support for anyone in need or looking to connect.

CWT was created to support residents following the Thomas Fire and 1/9 Debris Flow. Community members are welcome to contact the CWT at any time by calling 805-364-2750.