Montecito Creek & Winter Storm Preparedness Community Meeting

Preparing for winter in Montecito is a community effort.

On September 14, 2026, residents, local agencies, and elected representatives came together to discuss Montecito’s creeks, flood-control infrastructure, winter storm preparedness, and the coordination that takes place before and during severe weather.

Visit the County of Santa Barbara's El Niño 2026-27 webpage

With concerns about creek conditions and the potential for a strong El Niño season, representatives from Santa Barbara County and partner agencies shared updates on current conditions, ongoing maintenance, long-term flood protection projects, emergency preparedness and resources available to residents. The meeting includes an El Niño outlook from the National Weather Service, an overview of Montecito’s creeks and debris basins from County Flood Control, information about emergency alerts and storm response, and a community Q&A.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for ReadySBC Alerts and stay informed before and during severe weather.

Watch the Montecito Creeks & Flood Control Community Meeting below:

Sandbag Filling Station

Montecito Fire Department supplies a sandbag filling station at Lower Manning Park in advance of rain events. 

449 San Ysidro Rd
Lower Manning Park
Montecito, CA 93108-2133