Kara Hornbuckle to Lead Development at Scholarship Foundation
Noozhawk
October 22, 2026
Nice to see a familiar name stepping into a big role at the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara. Kara Hornbuckle isn't just any hire — she's a former Scholarship Foundation recipient herself, which means she knows firsthand what a boost like that can do for a local student. After Cal Poly and a career as a school counselor, she went on to lead philanthropic outreach at Sansum Diabetes Research Institute, so she's bringing both heart and fundraising chops to the table.
For those who don't know, the Scholarship Foundation has been helping Santa Barbara County students afford college for decades, and having someone who's been on the receiving end of that support leading development feels like a full-circle moment. She starts Nov. 4, and we're wishing her well. Read the full announcement over at Noozhawk.
It's always good news when local organizations tap people who genuinely understand the community they serve.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from Noozhawk.
City
Santa BarbaraSource
NoozhawkPublished
October 22, 2026
AI-curated summary from local news sources
Explore Santa BarbaraAll Santa Barbara NewsMore News from Santa Barbara
Santa BarbaraValerie Amparan Is the Right Steward for S.B. Schools
If you've been following the Santa Barbara Unified School District races, you've probably seen Valerie Amparan's name popping up — and for good reason. The Santa Barbara Independent's recent endorsement makes the case that she's exactly the kind of steady hand our schools need right now, and honestly, it's hard to argue with that. School board decisions can feel abstract until they hit your kitchen table — class sizes, budget priorities, how our kids are supported day to day. Having a thoughtful steward in the room matters, especially in a district as diverse as ours, from the Mesa to the Eastside. Amparan's focus on practical leadership and community trust is the kind of thing that doesn't make headlines but makes a real difference. If you're a parent, a teacher, or just someone who cares about the next generation of Santa Barbara, this one's worth a read. Local elections are where your voice counts the most — and the Independent's take is a good place to start.
Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara Foundation Fulfills Charitable Legacy of Masin Couple
Here's a story that reminds us why planned giving matters right here at home. The Santa Barbara Foundation has wrapped up its work administering the Francis and Marianna Masin Human Services Fund, a gift that kept on giving to local organizations helping neighbors through hard times. The Masins had the foresight to set up something lasting, and National Estate Planning Awareness Week (Oct. 20-26) is the perfect nudge to think about your own legacy. As Noozhawk reported, this isn't just about money — it's about a couple who trusted our community foundation to carry out their wishes long after they're gone. That kind of long-term thinking is what keeps Santa Barbara County's safety net strong, especially for folks facing hardship. So whether you're updating your will or just curious about planned giving, take a page from the Masins. A little forethought today can ripple through our community for years. It's a quiet kind of generosity, but it's one that truly lasts.
Santa BarbaraElection Countdown
Hey neighbors — have you marked your calendar yet? The Santa Barbara Independent just posted a reminder that the election countdown is on, and there's a lot at stake for the city we love. Whether you're in Goleta, Carpinteria, or right here in SB, your vote matters as much as ever. This isn't just about national politics; local races and measures shape our streets, schools, and open spaces. The Independent's post is a good nudge to double-check your registration, peek at your sample ballot, and make a plan to vote. Let's show up for the 805 like only we can.