Thomas Blatt: 1927-2015
A Witness to the Horrors of Sobibór
Thomas Blatt survived the Sobibór death camp and went on to tell the story the Nazis tried to erase. Read story.
George Gaynes: 1917-2016
Gifted Actor of Many Genres
The gifted actor’s career spanned multiple decades and genres. Read story.
Weidong 'Henry' Han, Huijie 'Jennie' Yu, and Emily Han
Irreplaceable Loss to the Community
The grief and disbelief over the horrifying murders of herbalist Henry Han, Jennie Yu, and Emily Han are powerful testimony to the place they held in Santa Barbara. Read story.
Hilda Wenner: 1935-2016
Folk Musician and Teacher
Many remember the Adult Ed classes taught by Hilda Wenner, with a roomful of guitars propelling the music forward. Read story.
Jean Louise Thomson: 1958-2016
Cyclist, Swimmer, Gardener, Friend
A big, happy kid who loved to play outside, Jean Thomson had a cheerful enthusiasm that won her friends everywhere she went. Read story.
John Joseph Alvarado: 1933-2016
A Very Good Life
Relatives, friends, and customers alike remember John Alvarado's integrity and kindness; he leaves behind a proud heritage. Read story.
George Solinas: 1926-2015
A Builder of Community
George Solinas worked with the United Farm Workers, La Casa de la Raza, and many others who needed his artistry and building skills. Read story.
William Matthew Connell: 1954-2016
Hot Dog Man, Legislative Crusader
Bill Connell nourished customers with hot dogs and wise-cracking asides at his Carpinteria Bluffs stand — with which he won for all veteran vendors tax-free status. Read story.
Dr. Marianna Masin: 1918-2015
Distinguished Cancer Researcher
A survivor of Majdanek prison camp, Dr. Marianna Masin pioneered early cancer detection with her husband at Sansum Medical Research Foundation. Read story.
James Louis Pattillo: 1920-2015
One of the Greatest Generation
From humble beginnings, Jim Pattillo became a decorated WWII pilot and judge of the Santa Barbara courts. Read story.
Kenji Ota: 1923 - 2015
Martial Arts and Ballroom Dance Sensei
Gruff, warm, commanding, and relentlessly generous, Ken Ota combined the teaching of martial arts and ballroom dance. Read story.
Ed Mannon: 1953 - 2016
Homeless Rights Advocate, Street Person
Ed Mannon occupied the epicenter of homeless activism in the 1980s, challenging the "no camping" ordinance and getting voting rights for people with no "fixed domicile." Read story.
J.J. Hollister III: 1932-2016
Gaviota Rancher, Raconteur
An attorney, rancher, and grand storyteller, J.J. Hollister left a legacy of civic and family pride. Read story.
Haskell Wexler: 1922-2015
The People’s Cinematographer
Haskell Wexler earned Oscars for producing a short film and two for cinematography, and recognition at Cannes along the way. Read story.
Helen Stathis: 1930-2015
Inspired the Greek Festival
Bringing the warm hospitality of her Greek heritage to her adopted city, Helen Stathis sparked the first of Santa Barbara's decades of Greek Festivals in 1973. Read story.
