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Rooted in Service, Grounded in Gratitude
I’m writing this on a flight back from Charlie Kirk’s memorial service in Phoenix, Arizona. For most of the day I’ve been reflecting on the theme of this issue— thankfulness. It feels fitting that as we enter a season centered on gratitude, I found myself remembering a man whose life was dedicated to service.
What struck me most wasn’t simply the scale of Charlie’s accomplishments, but the countless lives touched by his quiet generosity. His legacy reminds us that the most meaningful impact doesn’t always come from the spotlight, but from the steady commitment to show up for people and for causes greater than ourselves. Sitting among his family and friends, I was reminded how gratitude often flows out of service—that in giving, we not only strengthen others, but we ourselves are changed.
That same thread of gratitude through service brings us to this month’s cover feature on Leanne Schlinger McIntyre. Leanne has long been a leader in Santa Barbara, serving on boards from MOXI to the Granada Theatre, the Environmental Defense Center, and the CEC President’s Council. She was recognized as one of the Pacific Coast Business Times’ “40 under 40” and as a Spirit of Entrepreneurship finalist. But it is her work through her family’s foundation that truly stands out. By supporting organizations like Angel’s Foster Care and TPUSA, she has made “family first” not just a guiding phrase but a tangible gift to our community.
We also share the story of Kyle’s Kitchen, a family mission that grew into a movement. More than a restaurant, Kyle’s Kitchen has become a place where people with special needs are celebrated and compassion is served alongside every meal.
Our issue highlights Storyteller, which for nearly four decades has broken cycles of poverty by offering safe spaces and nurturing care for Santa Barbara’s most vulnerable children. Their work is a testament to hope, resilience, and the power of investing in the next generation.
Writer Anna Maria Stump reflects on Mount Figueroa and the Channel Islands, a reminder that appreciation is found not only in grand legacies and acts of service, but also in the quiet stillness of our surroundings. Sometimes it’s the fog horn in the morning, the curve of the mountains at dusk, or the scent of sage on the breeze that calls us back to thankfulness.
This month, I carry with me the reminder that gratitude is both an attitude and an action.
Meaghan Clark Tiernan, Samantha Durbin, Collin Harmon, Mia Pasqualucci, Anna Maria Stump
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Emmy Pickett
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Schlinger McIntyre with her
Moon Farms. Captured by Emmy Pickett.
Philantropist Leanne Schlinger McIntyre operates her
mother’s Santa Ynez property, Full Moon Farms
Pickett
1: Brandon Ristaino and Misty Orman of Good Lion Hospitality 2 – 4: Zoofari guests 5: Santa Barbara Zoo CEO Charles Hopper and his wife Aisha
More and more Zoofari fun
Photography by Nik Blaskovovich
CUSTOM FURNITURE KEEFRIDER
SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA
ARTICLE BY COLLIN HARMON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
KYLE’S KITCHEN Turns 10
It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since Kyle’s Kitchen first opened its doors in Santa Barbara. From day one, this spot has been about so much more than burgers and fries. It’s about community, inclusion, and celebrating the idea that everyone has something meaningful to bring to the table.
“What began as a family mission has grown into a movement fueled by connection, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves a place at the table,” said Jay Ferro, founder of Kyle’s Kitchen.
Kyle’s story has been one of joy, resilience, and showing the world the power of seeing people for who they truly are. His family wanted to build a restaurant that served great food, but also provided a space where people with special needs could feel supported and celebrated. That vision has grown stronger with each passing year.
“What began as a family mission has grown into a movement fueled by connection, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves a place at the table.”
I’ve been going to Kyle’s Kitchen since the beginning, and it’s become one of those reliable, delicious places I look forward to.
It’s hard to pick a favorite, but if I had to choose, the Klassic Kyle Burger is at the top of my list. A juicy, chargrilled beef patty layered with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, red onions, and that irresistible Kyle’s sauce, all tucked into a brioche bun, it’s everything a burger should be. Pair it with fries and a drink, and you’ve got the perfect meal.
Another go-to for me is the Spicy Krispy Chicken Sandwich. The buttermilk-fried chicken is crispy on the outside and tender inside, the spicy sauce gives it just the right amount of kick, and the dill pickles tie it all together on a soft brioche bun. Like the Klassic Kyle, it comes with fries and a drink. It’s one of those sandwiches you’ll crave again.
But here’s the thing: Kyle’s Kitchen is special beyond the menu. Today, Kyle is 21 and still a big part of the restaurant. He’s there with his signature smile, welcoming guests and reminding everyone what this place is really about. His presence makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger.
Over the years, Kyle’s Kitchen has expanded its mission in ways that go beyond the walls of the restaurant. Through partnerships and community support, they’ve helped raise awareness and provide resources for the special needs community here and beyond.
Reaching the ten-year mark is no small feat, but for Kyle’s Kitchen, it still feels like the beginning. They’ve built something unique: a place that manages to serve up food that hits the spot while also serving a mission that hits the heart.
Here’s to Kyle, his family, and everyone who has made this restaurant such an important part of our community. Thank you for ten incredible years of great food, wonderful people, and meaningful purpose. And here’s to many more years ahead. I know I’ll keep coming back.
kyleskitchen.com
FULL HEARTS, BUSY FARM
ARTICLE BY MEAGHAN CLARK TIERNAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMY PICKETT
“[My mother] would be over the moon if she knew where things landed after her passing,” says Leanne Schlinger McIntyre.
McIntyre owns and operates Full Moon Farms, a 20-acre property in the Santa Ynez Valley. It was her mother’s dying wish to keep the farm in the family—and McIntyre wouldn’t have it any other way.
McIntyre’s mother, Angela Slater, purchased the historic property in 1999. An avid equestrian, Slater founded Grand Meadows professional quality equine supplements in 1989. She was often thanked by riders for her tireless enthusiasm and dedication to the equestrian community.
“I have to thank Angela Slater, Grand Meadows co-founder and Valley resident, for her advice and support throughout Remy’s outstanding career,” rider Peter Claydon of Buellton said to the Santa Maria Times in 2013.
When her mother passed from brain cancer in 2019, McIntyre had already embraced a simpler life. To care for her mother, she sold her thriving company of 17 years, Santa Ynez Vacation Rentals, which, at its peak, had 42 properties and seven employees. “At the time, all
I could think about was my mom,” says the president of the Schlinger Family Foundation. So she swapped computers for cattle and couldn’t be happier.
Now, she’s enjoying ranch life with her family, which includes husband Dakota, who grew up on Hollister Ranch where his father was the foreman, Dallas (4), and West (2). The tribe hosts friends and family in their restored 1880s historic homestead, which is kept upright by a large wisteria tree, and cozying up in their 800-square-foot historic cottage. “I’m not as glamorous as I used to be,” says McIntyre, who was a Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award recipient in 2019 and named a “40 under 40” by Pacific Coast Business Times.
McIntyre has been living on and off the property since the 1990s; while earning her degree in law and society at UCSB, she lived with her mother and commuted to Isla Vista. No stranger to ranch life, she also spent summers in Montana with her father.
Still, ranch life isn’t for the faint of heart. There are fences to be mended, crops to be tilled, and animals
“[My mother] would be over the moon if she knew where things landed after her passing”
to feed. Full Moon Farms currently has pigs, horses, donkeys, chickens, tortoises, dogs, cows, llamas, alpaca, goats, and sheep. Everything grown on the farm–from the squash to the watermelon–goes back into it, either to feed the animals or fuel the family.
This slower-paced life suits everyone. Her two boys can rope a cow, shut a fence, and feed the farm animals. The family regularly eats the chicken eggs, forages for snacks in the organic garden, and generally lives off the land. Everyone cherishes time spent living simply, often longing for the open spaces of the farm when they’re in Santa Barbara. Everyone is dirty, exhausted, and has an endless to-do list, but happy. “I can’t believe I get to raise my kids this way,” says McIntyre.
To learn more about the property or be the first to hear about Full Moon Farms’s sausage, bacon, and vegetable sales, visit fullmoonfarms.com or follow the family on Instagram @fullmoonfarms.
HAPPY
Beginnings
Early childhood education programming and support with local nonprofit Storyteller
ARTICLE BY MEAGHAN CLARK TIERNAN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
“We are helping families rewrite their story,” says Gabriella Garcia, Executive Director of Storyteller.
The Santa Barbara nonprofit has been supporting families in need for 37 years. What started as a small, roped-off section of the Transition House parking lot is now a local institution with three campuses dedicated to providing a safe play space for children between six weeks and five years.
“We are an organization that offers a lot of hope,” says Tess Ortega, who joined in May 2025 as Development Director. “We change and break cycles of poverty. We’re offering long-term social and community change.”
Every dollar invested in the organization helps the families served and the entire community for years to come. Parents and children are nurtured through a trauma-informed program where every detail is strategic and intentional. Staff aren’t just providing childcare throughout the day, but a lifeline for families.
This one-stop shop, as Garcia calls it, can sometimes be the only place a child feels safe and a family feels valued and supported. “We aren’t just providers, we are partners,” says Garcia. “We become [parent] partners in giving them the tools and encouraging them to grow alongside their child.”
Childcare is provided from 7:30 AM to 5 PM year-round, 230 days a year. With childcare costing on average around $2,000 a month in Santa Barbara, the programs offered at Storyteller couldn’t function without donor support.
The center’s eight classrooms across three campuses create spaces for joy and creativity, and provide the tools for each family to rewrite their story. Classroom sponsors can provide a colorful backdrop for the 150 families served each year, from funding supplies that support early childhood education, such as books, healthy snacks, educational and mental health screenings, and sensory materials, to additional certifications and training for staff.
Storyteller is long beloved here. The nonprofit was honored as Nonprofit of the Year by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, and in February 2026, it will host their annual Color the World Gala.
The annual event introduced new branding last year, dropping “center” from its name and revealing a vibrant color palette. “We felt our new identity must be technicolor, as we embrace the idea that a healthy, vibrant community is represented by a spectrum of colors symbolizing the diversity, vitality, and unity that define us,” reads the website.
Color the World: Hues of Love will take place on February 21, 2026, at the Rosewood Miramar.
Donate and learn more at: wearestoryteller.org/donate
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Sometimes keeping Thanksgiving casual is the way to go. Skip the laborious turkey. Choose an alternative grain. Honor seasonal produce, and be generous with the goat cheese.
ARTICLE BY MIA PASQUALUCCI, HEALTHY WARRIOR SB PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH GRUETZMACHER
INGREDIENTS
• Chicken breast: 1 per person, look for an organic freerange option
• Farro: 1/2 cup dry per person (it will double in size once cooked). Your ratio is 2-1 liquid to grain. 1 cup liquid for every 1/2 cup of farro.
• Butternut squash: 1 cup roasted per person is plenty
• Brussels sprouts: Roughly 6-8 sprouts per person depending on size. The larger ones are easier to shave.
• Yellow onion: 1/4 cup small dice per person
• Chicken stock: 1 qt organic chicken stock or bone broth
• Feta cheese: 1/4 cup per person
• Pomegranate seeds: 1/4 cup per person
• Fresh sage: 1 bunch
• Herbs De Provence
• Garlic powder
• Olive oil
• Butter
Mandolin, cookie tray, parchment
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 375°F and line your cookie tray with parchment and set aside.
2. Choose a small-medium sauce pot with a lid depending on how much farro you are making. Keep in mind it’s going to double in size so it needs room to grow. Dice or slice the onion. Heat your pan to medium high heat and add a couple tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté onions for a few minutes. Add your farro to the onions and mix to coat. Add salt and garlic powder. Cook for a few more minutes. Add chicken stock. Bring to a simmer, switch to low, cover with a lid. Cook until all liquid is absorbed.
3. Peel your butternut squash whole. Be careful—it can become slippery. Cut off a bit of each end to remove the stem and bottom. Cut your squash in half and use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds. Split the squash in half short ways to make it easier to handle. Cut it into strips and make roughly 1-inch chunks. Layer the squash onto your cookie tray and season with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and Herbs de Provence. Roast for 30-40 minutes until golden and soft all the way through.
4. Rinse brussels sprouts in cold water with a little vinegar. Adjust your mandolin to a thin setting (like you would use for a slaw). Shave your brussels carefully. Take your sage and remove the leaves from the stem. Stack them on each other and roll them up. Cut them into thin strips and put some aside for your chicken later. Heat a medium sauté pan on the stove. Add a few tablespoons of olive oil and add the cut sage. After a
couple minutes add your shaved brussels. Season with salt and add more oil if needed. The brussels sprouts will soak it up. After the brussels have started to cook down, you can add a splash of stock to steam them up. Remove once they are tender. Let rest in a bowl. Note: if you don’t have a mandolin you can use a food processor, or just cut them thinly.
5. Wipe down and reheat your medium sauté pan on the stove. Add a couple tablespoons of olive oil. Pat your chicken breast dry with a paper towel then season with salt and Herbs de Provence. Put your chicken in your hot oil seasoning side down. This can be skin on or off. Let the chicken cook— resist flipping it too early. When you see the edges get brown then you can flip it. Let cook for several more minutes, then put the whole pan in the oven. Time will vary based on the thickness of the chicken but check it after about 15 minutes. When you take it out, finish with a little butter and a sprinkle of sage. Let it rest in all of that good flavor.
6. This dish can be individually plated or it makes a beautiful platter. In a bowl, add your brussels, farro, and butternut squash. Mix together gently. Plate this as your base. Then slice your chicken breast and lay over the top. We used a bias or angle cut which makes for a great presentation. Make sure to cut across the shorter length of the breast and put your beautiful seared side up. Drizzle the butter/sage combo you made before over the chicken. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and the feta cheese.
Enjoy and share with the ones you love!
Ciao, Mia
Pie Season
ARTICLE BY COLLIN MCSHIRLEY | PHOTOGRAPHY
PROVIDED
The holidays in Santa Barbara have a way of wrapping itself around you like a favorite blanket. The air turns crisp, kitchens come alive, and gatherings seem to slow down long enough for everyone to savor the flavors of the season. For me, pies have always been at the heart of that feeling. They are more than desserts. They are touchstones of tradition, both personal and shared, and they embody the warmth that makes this season so special.
I grew up surrounded by homemade pies, thanks to my mom, Marjorie, and her dear friend Donovan. They both still bake pies, and whenever I spend the holidays with them, I’m reminded of how wonderful it is.
Their kitchens fill with the familiar aromas of butter, cinnamon, and roasted fruit. Watching them pull a finished pie from the oven, each with a unique touch, reminds me why this time of year is my favorite.
Santa Barbara has its own way of celebrating this tradition, and local bakers have elevated holiday pies. From catering companies that blend tradition with innovation to small-batch bakers who spotlight seasonal ingredients, the city offers endless ways to experience pie.
When I asked Poe & Co. , a local catering company, what pies mean to them during the holidays, their response resonated: “For me, pies are all about comfort and connection. They carry the tradition of the season, bringing people together in a way that feels both familiar and special.”
Their words remind me of my own gatherings, where a pie can bring generations together around one table.
Of course, no pie is complete without a flaky crust. Amanda Wade of Santa Barbara Hives offered some wisdom for home bakers: “Keep your butter cold, work quick, and touch the dough as little as possible. Having a food processor or pastry cutter is important.” Simple, practical advice that makes all the difference. Amanda’s pies reflect that attention to detail .
For bakers who experiment with flavors while honoring tradition, Mesalina Cañas , better known as Messy the Baker, stands out. Her approach centers on fresh seasonal ingredients, with unexpected touches. “My secret ingredient in pumpkin pie is a dash of freshly cracked black pepper,” she revealed with a smile.
Her creativity shines in pies like her Cranberry Pear Crumble, which balanced tartness and sweetness, capturing the season perfectly. She also uses spice blends and sugars from Solvang Spice Merchant , adding her signature depth.
Beyond these newer names, Santa Barbara has established favorites that locals return to year after year. Renaud’s Patisserie is beloved for its silky pumpkin pie, while Lilac Patisserie has built a loyal following for its gluten-free pies that don’t sacrifice taste or texture. These bakeries prove that pie is both timeless and endlessly adaptable.
When I take a step back and think about all of these pies— whether from professional kitchens or from my mother’s and Donovan’s home ovens—I realize they’re all tied together by the same feeling. Pies are about more than flour, butter, and fruit. They are about tradition, memory, and comfort. They remind us to slow down, gather with the people we love, and savor the sweetness of the season.
This year, I’ll choose some different pies for my celebrations: a pumpkin pie from Renaud’s and a cranberry pear creation from Messy the Baker. But nothing will compare to the times I sit down with a slice of my mother’s pie baked with care. Moments filled with warmth and joy. The memories stay with me long after the last slice.
ingredients (serves 6)
For the crust:
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3-4 tbsp ice water
For the filling:
• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 1/2 cups diced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tsp fresh sage, finely chopped (plus a few whole leaves for garnish)
• Pinch of nutmeg
directions
1. Make the tart crust
In a bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, until dough just comes together. Form into a disc, wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
2. Roast the squash
Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
3. Sauté the shallots
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add shallots and cook 5-7 minutes until softened and golden.
4. Prepare the tart shell
Roll out chilled dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press into the pan, trim edges, and prick the base with a fork. Blind bake: Line with parchment, fill with pie weights, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove weights and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden.
5. Make the filling
In a bowl, whisk together cream, eggs, Parmesan, sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in roasted squash and sautéed shallots.
6. Assemble and bake
Pour filling into pre-baked tart shell. Garnish with extra Parmesan and whole sage leaves. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, until set and golden on top. Cool slightly before slicing.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH, SAGE, AND PARMESAN SAVORY TART
Enjoy the flavors of Ospi’s Italian catering at your Thanksgiving table.
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THIS IS WHERE GRATITUDE BEGINS
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA MARIA STUMP
When the entire city of Santa Barbara is encased in fog, a gentle mist carries the sound of the fog horn from the end of the breakwater right into my living room. As I soak in the repeating hum, there are two grounding elements around this city that are always visible: The Channel Islands, our captivating front yard, and Mt. Figueroa, our majestic backyard.
In the golden light of a Santa Barbara morning, you can feel a kind of quiet thanks. The soft marine layer rolling in over the city,
the stillness of the mountains, the scent of sage in the chaparral, this place reminds you to pause. To notice. To breathe. And in that pause, gratitude finds a foothold.
When the sky opens wide over the Santa Ynez Valley and you’re standing atop Mt. Figueroa with nothing but wind and silence, you remember. You remember that this land holds stories older than any of us. That its stillness has power. That there’s something sacred in simply being present.
Before I was a mother of four daughters, and ever since, there is a knowing that these two vistas, from the channel to the mountain range, are landscapes not to be overlooked. Some of our treasured family traditions have been born from these two very different anchors to our beloved home, Santa Barbara.
From the ridgelines of Los Padres to the sea that carries your gaze toward the horizon, Santa Barbara gives freely, if you’re willing to notice. On clear days, the Channel Islands float in the distance like quiet sentinels. Remote, rugged, and often overlooked, they remind us that some of the most profound beauty lies just beyond reach. Gratitude can be like that, too. Subtle, waiting, just offshore of our busy minds.
The Channel Islands, home to 150 species found nowhere else in the world, are also surrounded by marine sanctuaries; coral spires and vaulted halls of liquid glass that make way for you to marvel at all the beauty that exists beneath this sacred space.
Each spring, Mt. Figueroa is crowned with wildflowers as far as the eye can see. Poppies, lupine, goldfields, Indian paintbrush, baby blue eyes, and silver-blue grasses hush you into awe. The pine and oak trees work together, sending their soul-strengthening breeze in your direction.
In a world that urges us to chase more success, more information, more distraction, our front and backyards say something different: slow down. Look up. Be still. Let the ocean speak. Let the hills hold you. Let yourself breathe in a moment.
We are not owners of this land, but stewards. To live here with gratitude is to live with humility. To protect, preserve, and give back.
Gratitude, after all, isn’t loud. It doesn’t demand attention. It grows, like lupin and poppies on Mt. Figueroa after rain, or like kelp forests swaying unseen beneath the Channel’s surface—quietly, patiently, and resilient. So today, before you move on, take a moment. For the mountains. For the islands. For the land that connects us. For the extraordinary gift of being here.
Anna Maria Stump
Anna Maria Stump is a writer whose work reflects a deep commitment to storytelling, reflection, and creative expression. Through her blog, CatchlightSB , she explores the intersections of observation and insight, capturing the extraordinary within the ordinary. Complementing her written work, Anna Maria is also an avid photographer.
H O P E
with YOU
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
NOVEMBER 1ST
Family Holiday Fun @rosewoodmiramarbeach
1759 South Jameson Lane, Montecito 9:00 AM
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with enchanting experiences at Rosewood Miramar Beach that capture the joy and togetherness of this special time of year. Family holiday photo sessions | November 1 - December 23, Gingerbread house-making kits | November 21 - December 2, Letters to Santa | November 21 - December 24
NOVEMBER 9TH
Santa Barbara Half Marathon @santabarbarahalf
Cabrillo Blvd | 7:00 AM
Lace up your running shoes and get ready for the third annual Santa Barbara Half Marathon. Enjoy picturesque views while you run with course options of a 13.1-mile distance, a 5K (3.1 miles), as well as a kids’ fun run set along Cabrillo Blvd and State Street. Presented by HOKA.
NOVEMBER 12TH
Zoolights @santabarbarazoo
Santa Barbara Zoo | 4:30 PM
See the Zoo in a whole new light! Walk through the Zoo and enjoy the illuminated lanterns showcasing animal and nature scenes that represent wild places from around the world. Discover ocean animals, beautiful birds, and cool interactive areas, all on the Zoo’s beautiful grounds. Prices vary depending on peak and non-peak dates. Children under 2 are free.
CONTINUED
NOVEMBER 14TH
2025 ACS Riviera Gala: A Journey of Hope @americancancersociety
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara | 6:00 PM
The American Cancer Society 2025 Riviera Gala supports efforts to expand cancer prevention and early detection by fueling local programs, strategic partnerships, and innovative solutions that reduce cancer disparities and bring life-saving resources to our Central Coast communities. https://riviera.acsgala.org/
NOVEMBER 14TH
Family Nature Night @sbbotanicgarden
SB Botanic Garden | 5:00 PM
Step into the Garden after hours and see nature in a new light—moonlight. Watch nocturnal insects at the glowing blacklight station, join nighttime activities and games, and take a guided walk under the stars. Almost the entire experience happens in the dark, so bring a flashlight for this unforgettable night of exploration and wonder.
Experience Disney’s Moana like never before in this thrilling live-to-film concert event. The full-length film will be screened with its unforgettable score performed live on stage by top Hollywood studio musicians, Polynesian percussionists, and vocalists. This one-of-a-kind North American tour brings the beloved characters and songs to life in a vibrant celebration of Disney magic and cultural rhythm — perfect for audiences of all ages.
CHANNEL ISLANDS YMCA
2026 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
Anchored In Purpose
Each year, our YMCA family comes together with donors, volunteers, and partners to tackle the Central Coast’s greatest challenges. We call this effort our Annual Campaign. More than a fundraiser, it’s a community-driven movement to ensure everyone, regardless of age, income, or background has the opportunity to thrive. From summer camp scholarships to shelters for homeless youth, we address real needs with real impact. This year, we’ve already made a difference...
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Summer Camp
3,149 kids enriched their summer at the YMCA
Scholarships
Over 6,207 individuals received scholarships through our Open Doors program
LIVESTRONG®
Over 210 cancer survivors found community and healing at the YMCA
At-risk Youth
446 youth supported through Youth & Family Services
