On January 20th we'll meet
at Mission Santa Barbara
There is parking onsite at
2201 Laguna Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Celebrate Service
January 19, 2026
Message from Our District Governor
We kicked off 2026 by participating in the Tournament of Roses Parade. Despite the rain, the beauty, energy, and enthusiasm of the parade truly shone through. Several of our clubs and Interact members made the trip to assist with float decoration, and I encourage everyone to take part in this unforgettable Rotary experience in the years ahead.
January is Vocational Service Month, a time to highlight how our professional skills can be used for community betterment, promote high ethical standards in all careers, recognize the value of all useful work, and mentor youth as they prepare for future workplaces. It is also an opportunity to reflect on ways we can host workplace visits, offer career guidance, apply our expertise to service projects, and embody the principle of “Service Above Self” in our daily lives and volunteer efforts.
Over the next six months, District leadership will continue working closely with clubs to finish the year strong while preparing and training our 2026–2027 leaders. As we Unite for Good, we do so together, building stronger clubs, stronger communities, and a more peaceful and understanding world.
In a world increasingly shaped by technology and AI, the power of a handwritten note stands out more than ever. It is personal, intentional, and deeply meaningful.
This month, I invite each of you to take on a simple yet impactful challenge: write a gratitude card to someone you haven’t connected with in a while, or someone who has been on your heart.
This small act reflects two core Rotary values—friendship and fellowship. A few handwritten words can uplift, reconnect, and remind someone that they truly matter.
You never know how much light your note may bring into someone’s day.
District 5240, Group 8 encompasses the eight Rotary clubs from Carpinteria to Goleta. Stacey Lydon, Assistant Governor for Group 8, visited our Club on January 6th and provided an update on Group 8 plans for the remainder of the year. The focus will be on additional interclub activities including social events and service projects.
As an aside, Stacey noted that her personal initiation into the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara was sponsored by our own Peter Buehler!
Jill Rode, Director of Philanthropy, Music Academy of the West
Our January 6th meeting with District Governor Mike Dutra had to be rescheduled due to illness. Luckily, President Sese was able to secure an excellent last-minute substitute. Jill Rode, the Music Academy's Director of Philanthropy, stepped up with an interesting and informative overview of the institute's Compeer Program.
People who volunteer as Compeers serve as hosts to visiting musicians during the six-week summer session. Volunteers are not asked to provide housing or financial support; instead, they act as welcoming faces and local support for the musicians, many of who are visiting from distant locations.
