Jan 04, 2022 at 11:22 PM

MONTECITO, CA – As we approach the fourth anniversary of the 1/9 Debris Flow, our community will once again come together for a commemorative ceremony, Raising Our Light, on Sunday, January 9 at 6:30 p.m. In consideration of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Raising Our Light ceremony will take place virtually and be available to watch through multiple live-streaming platforms.

Montecito Fire Chief Kevin Taylor will provide an invocation and firefighters will light 23 candles to honor the 23 lives lost in the Debris Flow, followed by a moment of silence. Bells will ring out 23 times from our local churches and schools. A searchlight will be illuminated at Montecito Union School as a beacon of community support and solidarity.

Raising Our Light 2022 can be viewed via livestream on the following websites:

Zoom via Westmont College: https://westmont.zoom.us/j/96145574354 

Westmont College YouTube Channel:  youtube.com/westmonttv 

KEYT NewsChannel: 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, Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness, Cold Spring School District, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and Westmont College.

It is a normal experience for the anniversary of a disaster to bring forward feelings of fear, anxiety and sadness. Be gentle with yourself and seek support from family, friends and the Community Wellness Team which was created following the Thomas Fire and 1/9 Debris Flow. The Community Wellness Team remains active and available to provide emotional and mental wellness support for our community. The team can be reached by calling 805-364-2750.

Thank you to the Raising Our Light 2022 event sponsors: Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade, Westmont College, Montecito Association and Montecito Journal.

For more information, visit https://sbbucketbrigade.org/event/raisingourlight/ or call Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade CEO, Abe Powell at 805-568-9700. Questions may also be directed to Montecito Fire Public Information Officer, Christina Favuzzi, at cfavuzzi@montecitofire.com or 805-680-5526.