September 14, 2026
Preparing for winter in Montecito is a community effort.
This community meeting brought residents, local agencies and elected representatives together to discuss Montecito’s creeks, flood-control infrastructure, winter storm preparedness and the coordination that takes place before and during severe weather.
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 emergency alerts and stay informed before and during severe weather.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Welcome & Introductions — Montecito Fire
1:43 First District Supervisor Roy Lee
2:23 Winter Storm & Flood Control Presentation
3:21 El Niño Outlook — National Weather Service
7:58 Emergency Alerts & Community Preparedness
9:18 Rainfall, Creek Gauges & Cameras
10:23 How Santa Barbara County Prepares for Storms 11:58 Creek & Flood Control Maintenance
14:48 Annual Maintenance Program
19:47 Emergency Storm Response
21:04 Montecito Creek Capacity & Long-Term Improvements
25:40 Buena Vista Debris Basin Project
28:14 Montecito Fire Storm Preparedness Video
36:05 Community Q&A
1:06:37 Closing & Breakout Sessions
The meeting was held September 14 at Montecito Union School and brought together representatives from the Office of First District Supervisor Roy Lee, Montecito Association, Montecito Fire Protection District, Santa Barbara County Flood Control, County Public Works, County Office of Emergency Management, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, Caltrans, National Weather Service and other community partners.
For Montecito, winter preparedness is more than a seasonal exercise. Our community understands how quickly heavy rainfall, debris and overwhelmed infrastructure can become a serious public-safety concern. The work that happens before a major storm — maintaining waterways, identifying vulnerabilities, coordinating across agencies and making sure residents know where to find reliable information — matters.
The Montecito Association works to connect residents with the agencies responsible for our community, elevate concerns and help keep Montecito informed. This recording is provided by the Montecito Association for residents who were unable to attend and as a resource for the community throughout the winter storm season.
Video coverage sponsored and produced by EventVault.com for the Montecito Association.
Filming, editing and graphics by Ben Hyatt.