By Jenifer Sanregret
Contributing Writer
The Santa Ynez Valley has no shortage of scenic beauty throughout the year. I have yet to experience a rain shower without the bright arches of a picturesque rainbow directly after, almost as an apology for the inconvenience the raindrops may have caused us during our daily routine.
Being surrounded by such effortless beauty only adds subliminal happiness to our lives. We all seek happiness, but in this day and age when so much multimedia news seems to be filled with tragedy and despair, it is a real gift to have the natural landscape that encircles us as a reminder of how good things are.
It’s no secret that the small collections of towns in this valley are special — they are often called “Mayberry” by tourists — but what is truly remarkable about this valley is the people in it.
When the Thomas Fire blazed through Santa Barbara County, the community immediately stepped up with several businesses taking donations for food, clothing, medical supplies and cash. Then having the mudslide in Montecito shortly after, the generosity of Santa Ynez Valley locals did not slow down, even when the traffic did.
Today, you can still find multiple fundraisers through online event calendars or community bulletin boards months after the disaster.
In February, Los Olivos Lemons teamed up with Rake Wines and the shop Global Eye Art Collective for a Valentine’s themed fundraiser where guests could use vintage typewriters to write thank you cards to first responders and their rescue dogs. The event was a huge success in that several letters were collected and sent out to the women, men, and pups who tirelessly worked to help residents in Montecito and beyond. This event was an example of the compassion our sweet community has.
By coming together we give support, not only by raising money but also reaching out to show gratitude, appreciation and love to those who risked their lives for others who were in danger.
When you feel the weight of the negative news seeping in, I encourage you to take a look around and recognize the joy just outside your door in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Jenifer Sanregret is “Director of Happiness” at Los Olivos Lemons.
