The Savagery of Natural Disasters
As wildfires obliterate L.A. neighborhoods, Santa Barbara remembers the violence of the deadly Montecito mudslides.
Some of the thousands made homeless by the catastrophic L.A. wildfires sought shelter and safety in Santa Barbara this week, paradoxically on the anniversary of the most deadly natural disaster in local history.
On this week’s episode of Newsmakers TV, Montecito Journal editor Gwyn Lurie speaks about friends and family uprooted by the ongoing fires. The day after the commemoration of the seventh anniversary of the Montecito debris flow, she also reflected on lessons learned about community resilience after a deadline catastrophe.
Joining the conversation, Josh Molina, Noozhawk political writer and host of the “Santa Barbara Talks” podcast**, reprises his reporting from the Board of Supervisors and the Santa Barbara City Council organizational meetings this week, discussing how new members Supervisor Roy Lee and Council member Wendy Santamaria, are likely to change the policy agendas for each body.
Spoiler alert: Cannabis reform and rent control, respectively.
The gang also breaks down:
The ongoing conflict over the efforts by Sable Offshore Corp. to restart transportation of offshore oil through the corroded pipeline that failed in 2015, triggering the disastrous Refugio oil spill, an issue that will come before the supervisors in a few weeks.
The decision by an Eastside business owner to paint over a mural of George Floyd, the Black man who was murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis in 2020, setting off a national political convulsion over racism, after the painting was targeted by vandals and racists.
The true origin of a quotation, sometimes attributed to the late Senator John McCain and sometimes to the Chinese Communist revolutionary leader Mao Zedong, that perfectly and precisely describes our current political moment: “It’s always darkest…before it’s pitch black.”
Check out our All-Star Panel of Top Local Journalists discussing the news of the week via YouTube below, or by clicking through this link. The podcast is available on Soundcast here, and also on Apple, Spotify and other platforms. TVSB, Channel 17, airs the show every weeknight at 8 p.m. and at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. KCSB, 91.9 FM, broadcasts the program at 5:30 p.m. on Monday.
** Josh hosts the genial host on the “Santa Barbara Talks” podcast, in a conversation about why Newsmakers has moved to Substack, and a range of political affairs from Das Williams’s stubbornness to Donald Trump’s ignorance. You can watch via YouTube here:
Image: Gwyn Lurie delivers welcoming address to newly-sworn SB Board of Supervisors Jan. 7, 2025 (Josh Molina photo).
Help for wildfire victims.
Via the City of Santa Barbara, here is a list of resources to provide aid to those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires.
Dear Community Members,
Our hearts are with everyone affected by the catastrophic wildfires devastating Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Many in our Santa Barbara community have family and friends directly impacted by these fires, and we understand the desire to help during this time of immense need. Below, we’ve gathered trusted resources and organizations to guide your efforts to stay informed and support those displaced by this tragedy.
Stay Informed
You can find up-to-date information about the wildfires and response efforts at these official sites:
Additionally, ensure you’re prepared locally by signing up for Santa Barbara County emergency alerts at ReadySBC.org.
How You Can Help
Donating Thoughtfully and Securely
If you wish to provide financial support, look for established organizations actively involved in relief efforts. To ensure your contributions have the greatest impact, follow these "Tips for Donating to Southern California Wildfire Relief Efforts" from the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance:
Make Sure the Charity Is Trustworthy: Before giving, search for the charity’s report on Give.org to find out if the charity meets the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., a BBB Accredited Charity).
Look for Specific Fire Relief Activities in Appeals: Be wary of relief appeals that have vague program descriptions and do not explain what activities your support will assist.
Watch Out for Click-Bait and Phishing Scams: Online giving scams tend to pop up after a disaster to take advantage of public sympathy. Don’t click on email, text, or social media links promising to connect you to a familiar charity. Instead, go directly to the charity’s website on your own.
Review Crowdfunding Requests: Some crowdfunding sites take precautions in carefully screening, vetting, and managing postings after a disaster or tragedy. Others might not. If unsure, review the procedures described on the site and also find out about transaction fees and other specifics.
Verify Charity Registration: Use the California Attorney General’s Registry Search Tool.
Organizations Supporting First Responders
Organizations Supporting Relief Efforts
The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce has compiled a list of relief organizations. For a complete, list please visit: The South Coast Community Stands In Solidarity With Those Affected By The Wildfires
Direct Relief CA Wildfire Response – directrelief.org/emergency/wildfire
American Red Cross LA County – redcross.org/local/california/los-angeles
Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control - animalcare.lacounty.gov
Salvation Army Southern California Division – socal.salvationarmy.org/southern-california/
We hope these resources help you make informed decisions when supporting our neighbors during this challenging time. Your generosity and compassion can make a meaningful difference for those in need. And remember, staying informed is key—be sure to sign up for local emergency alerts at ReadySBC.org to stay prepared here at home.