Editorial
by Bob Hazard
Mr. Hazard is an Associate Editor of this paper and a former president of Birnam Wood Golf Club
Michael Towbes, A Memorial
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very resident of Montecito needs to click on “Youtube.com” to treat themselves to a replay of the Michal Towbes Memorial Service, held last week at the packed Granada Theatre with an overflow live feed at both the Arlington Theatre and Campbell Hall at UCSB. There have been tributes to Mike posted in every publication since his battle with pancreatic cancer ended on April 13, so why another? Memories remain of M.T. being a successful entrepreneur, a generous humanitarian, and a gentlemen who worked hard to build a better place by giving back to the community where he lived and worked. Forget the buildings – though there were hundreds of them including the Granada Theatre, Lobero Theatre, Cottage Hospital, and community apartments, shopping centers, a bank, affordable homes, commercial offices, and non-profit monuments to public philanthropy. What is more important are the life lessons he left behind.
A Wonderful Life Janet Garufis, president of Montecito Bank and Trust, who has worked with Towbes for the past 13 years, recalled Michael as “Santa Barbara’s own George Bailey,” a reference to the Jimmy Stewart role in Frank Capra’s 1946 award-winning film It’s A Wonderful Life. That’s a perfect tribute to a man of little ego, who quietly and courageously changed not only the landscape of our community, but also the love of place that lies deep within our hearts. Michael Towbes co-founded what is now Montecito Bank & Trust and became its sole shareholder in 1983. It became the largest privately held bank on the Central Coast. When asked why a bank, he answered, “I am not a banker, but I am a very experienced borrower.” His bank became his vehicle for local corporate philanthropy, giving away more than $1.3 million annually to local nonprofits through its Community Dividends program, Anniversary Grants,
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TRUNK SHOW Ali Grace is a jewelry designer from Newport Beach, California, currently residing in New York City. Growing up on the California coast has significantly inspired Ali’s designs, catching the eye of our Allora buyers who were captivated by the California designer’s soulful esthetic. Each piece is handcrafted with sterling silver, gold, diamonds, natural stones and brass. Ali’s recent collaboration with Brandon Boyd, lead singer of Incubus together with her affinity for 1970’s rock photography has inspired her latest collection... a hybrid of urban and organic adornments.. Ali’s collection is found at luxury retailers across the country. Come meet Ali Grace...
FRIDAY JUNE 2ND THIS IS AN ALLORA BY LAURA CULTURE EVENT For more information on our summer of culture events please visit our website!
1269 Coast Village Rd. Montecito 93108 | 805.563.2425 | www.allorabylaura.com
1 – 8 June 2017
June had drawn out every leaf on the trees. – Virginia Woolf
MONTECITO JOURNAL
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