Dec 16, 2022 at 04:30 PM

MONTECITO, CA – As we approach the five-year mark of the 1/9 Debris Flow, our community is invited to attend a commemorative ceremony, Raising Our Light, on Monday, January 9 at 6 p.m. at Montecito Union School. 

Community members are welcome to gather in the school courtyard for a short program of speakers and reading of the names of the 23 people we lost on January 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 we will pause for a moment of silence together.

The Rosewood Miramar Montecito will graciously provide soup, coffee and hot chocolate for attendees to enjoy as we gather in fellowship with one another. 

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

Thanks to KEYT NewsChannel for providing a livestream of Raising Our Light on their website, www.keyt.com 

Raising Our Light is a collaborative effort by the Montecito Community Partnership Team including: Montecito Fire Protection District, Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade, Montecito Association, Montecito Journal, Montecito Union School District, Cold Spring School District, and the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness.

It is normal to experience feelings of fear, anxiety and sadness at the anniversary of a disaster. The Community Wellness Team (CWT) was created to support local residents following the Thomas Fire and 1/9 Debris Flow. Representatives of the CWT will be on-site for the Raising Our Light ceremony to provide support for anyone in need or looking to connect. Community members are welcome to contact the CWT at any time by calling 805-364-2750.

For media questions and requests, please contact Montecito Fire Public Information Officer, Christina Favuzzi, at 805-680-5526 or info@montecitofire.com.