REMBERING REBECCA
Five years ago, the 1/9 Debris Flow took 23 people from our community, including our founding partner, and Robert’s mother, Rebecca Riskin.
Today is the anniversary of our community’s heart breaking in a way that can never be truly mended. And yet it’s also the anniversary in which Montecito’s true strength and beauty were revealed.
We miss and mourn Rebecca every day, yet we take comfort in knowing that she would revel in Montecito’s recent renaissance. At welcoming our new neighbors. At supporting our new shops. At marveling in Montecito’s enduring magic. Seeds must be sown so that saplings can soar.
On this day we remember and celebrate Rebecca. Rebecca led a life of grace, wisdom, tenacity, elegance, kindness, and generosity. Her influence took many forms - mother, wife, friend, entrepreneur, mentor. Our team works tirelessly to carry on this legacy through Rebecca’s namesake firm, Riskin Partners. Rebecca and all she embodied will always be at the heart of everything we do.
We are beyond grateful to our first responders, the Bucket Brigade, One805, The Montecito Trails Foundation, and countless other organizations who have come together in honor of this pivotal event and who helped us to believe in silver linings after a rain. Please learn more about and consider donating to the organizations below.
THE SANTA BARBARA BUCKET BRIGADE (“SB3”) was formed to organize a community volunteer response to the tragic debris flow of January 9, 2018. The disaster caused 23 fatalities and over 150 injuries. More than 100 homes were destroyed and an additional 300 homes were damaged. Since the disaster, SB3 has led over 3,000 volunteers into the community to help those directly affected by the debris flow – digging mud and debris out of homes, helping families find lost belongings, cleaning up public open spaces, helping to restore local trails and rescuing endangered oak trees.
ONE805 was created in direct response to the Thomas Fire and subsequent Montecito Debris Flow. Today, One805 is a permanent corporation, raising funds for all three First Responder groups - Fire, Police, and Sheriff - purchasing equipment. With so many things that cannot be provided by their budgets, community support has been an impactful way to prepare for future natural disasters that are inevitable in California.
THE MONTECITO TRAILS FOUNDATION is dedicated to the preservation and maintenance of public trails in Montecito, Summerland, and Carpinteria. In the wake of the Thomas Fire and 1/9 Debris Flow parts of the community, trails were faced with significant rebuilding needs. The dedicated members and patrons of the MTF have already made incredible strides and thanks to their hard work, made possible by membership, donations, and grants, nearly all of the trails are open for visitors.
