DATE: January 9, 2026

TIME: 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Montecito  Union School - 385 San Ysidro Road

As we approach the eight-year mark of the 1/9 Debris Flow, our community is invited to attend a commemorative event, Raising Our Light, on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 6 p.m. at Montecito Union School, 385 San Ysidro Road.

Community members are welcome to gather in front of the school for a short program of speakers and reading of the names of the 23 people who 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. Afterward, attendees are welcome to gather in the school courtyard for community fellowship and refreshments provided by Rosewood Miramar.

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

For those who cannot attend in person, KEYT NewsChannel will provide a livestream of the event.

Raising Our Light is a collaborative effort by the Montecito Community Partnership Team including: Montecito Association, Montecito Union School District, Cold Spring School District, Montecito Fire Department, Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade, Cottage Health, 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 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 805-699-6001.

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