A blue searchlight shines as a beacon of community support and unity outside Montecito Union School. (Courtesy photo)
A blue searchlight shines as a beacon of community support and unity outside Montecito Union School. (Courtesy photo)

As the eight-year anniversary of the 1/9 Debris Flow approaches, the community is invited to attend Raising Our Light, a commemorative event, 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9 at Montecito Union School, 385 San Ysidro Road.

Attendees will gather in front of the school for a short program of speakers and reading of the names of the 23 people who lost their lives 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.

Afterward, attendees are welcome to gather in the school courtyard for community fellowship and refreshments provided by Rosewood Miramar.

A searchlight will be illuminated as a beacon of community support and solidarity from Montecito Union School.

For those who cannot attend in person, KEYT NewsChannel will provide a livestream of the event.

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, Cottage Health, and the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness.

Because is normal to experience feelings of fear, anxiety, and sadness at the anniversary of a disaster, organizers said, the Community Wellness Team (CWT) was created to support residents following the Thomas Fire and 1/9 Debris Flow.

CWT representatives will be on-site for the Raising Our Light ceremony to provide support for anyone in need or looking to connect. Community members can call the CWT any time at 805-699-6001.