Raising Our Light 2021

As the Montecito Community approaches the third anniversary of the 1/9 Thomas Debris Flow, we find ourselves in the third consecutive disaster we’ve faced as a community, and this time it’s a global pandemic. In consideration of the present stay-at-home order, a team of community partners will host a commemorative live-stream ceremony to honor and remember the massive event that befell our beloved community on that fateful day. While it altered our geologic landscape permanently, and put us into a long recovery cycle, the Debris Flow also brought us together as a community, where we discovered new strengths within ourselves, and new connections with each other.

Here are the event specifics:

This event will be completely virtual to protect everyone’s health and safety. It’s simple and short this year, but powerful. Chief Taylor will open the event with a short speech from the Fire Station. Firefighters will light 23 candles commemorating the victims of the Debris Flow. There will be a moment of silence. Then, the bells from our schools, churches, and fire station will ring 23 times in unison across our community. Finally, a searchlight will be lit at Montecito Union School in honor of this community’s losses on 1/9/18.

Zoom webinar registration:

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LqkfbBJrTmast2OaO-T9Jg

The live stream will be available on this link:

Livestream Special Coverage