Vivian ‘Vie’ Marie Hapeman Obern: 1921 - 2015
Restored Hope House, Championed Trails, a Dedicated Volunteer
Children, bicycles, horses, history, and trails — all became the focus of Vie Obern's forward-looking civic efforts. Read story.
Debby Davison: 1950-2015
Longtime News Anchor, Exceptional Friend
Debby Davison anchored newscasts for KEYT for almost two decades and was a frequent host for charitable events after arriving in Santa Barbara in 1990. Read story.
George (Jürgen) Wittenstein: 1919-2015
A Member of WWII's White Rose
Dr. George Wittenstein was one of the only survivors of Nazi Germany's White Rose resistance group. Read story.
Antonio Martinez Guevara
1924-2015
The patriarch to a large family of children, friends, and customers, Tony Guevara also turned his hand often to repairs. Read story.
Audie Love: 1941-2015
A Teacher in a Million
Audie Love was a noted art teacher nationally, and his encouragement of many students led to professional art careers. Read story.
Cliff Sponsel: 1910 - 2014
Engineer, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
Cliff Sponsel's life spanned from a one-room schoolhouse to an engineering career to a love of cars to some major philanthropy. Read story.
Clare Conk: 1922-2015
Self-Taught Attorney, Social Justice Advocate
At Community Housing, California Rural Legal Assistance, and S.B.'s Legal Defense Center, Clare Conk worked and volunteered her time for social justice. Read story.
Dr. John D. Ehrenborg: 1927 - 2015
Innovative Educator
A student at Hope School and a longtime principal at Monte Vista, John Ehrenborg encouraged teachers' talents and innovations. Read story.
John Steven Harris: 1942-2015
Bodyworker Extraordinaire
An innovative teacher, John Harris had an uncanny knack with trigger points and big, soft, warm, intelligent, responsive hands and feet. Read story.
Alberto Paul Pizano: 1931-2015
A Modern-Day Renaissance Man
Alberto Pizano was a multitalented man who founded nonprofits and had a passion for history. He truly excelled in his ability to communicate through the written word. Read story.
Ronald J. Faoro, DVM: 1954-2015
The Saint of St. Francis Pet Clinic
As a veterinarian, Ron had an intelligence, charisma, and passion that were unparalleled. Many of his first clients remain to this day. Read story.
Tony Johansen: 1937 - 2015
Creator of the Glendessary Jam
Tony Johansen was a mentor to dozens, if not hundreds, of musicians in the Santa Barbara area. Read story.
Jeremy Dennis Hass: 1936-2014
Attorney, Social Engineer, Historian
Pearl Chase encouraged Jeremy Hass to become a social engineer on behalf of historic preservation, and he helped restore the Presidio neighborhood as we know it today. Read story.
Sandra K. Smith: 1946-2014
Loving Kindness Her Religion
Loving kindness was Sandy Smith's religion, and she put her philosophy into practice every day. Read story.
Louise Boucher: 1930 – 2013
Dedicated Preservationist, Community Crusader
Few people knew Louise was looking over the shoulder of everything that is "Santa Barbara," right up to the end. Read story.
