Casa Dorinda

08/21/2026

Casa Dorinda’s Entertainment Committee hosted an unforgettable overnight excursion to Mount Wilson Observatory, along with a tour of The Huntington Botanical Gardens and accommodations at the Caltech Athenaeum.

Casa Dorinda resident Sam Hale, Chief Executive Officer of Mount Wilson Observatory, helped organize this extraordinary trip. He is the grandson of George Ellery Hale, who conceived of and founded the observatory in 1904. Located on a 5,710-foot peak in the San Gabriel Mountains near Pasadena, Mount Wilson is home to some of the most important telescopes in the development of modern astronomy.

The trip also included a tour of the beautiful Huntington Botanical Gardens, where 16 themed gardens span roughly 130 acres. The gardens feature collections of roses, succulents, orchids, tropical plants, cycads, camellias, and more, including rare species and unusual specimens.

It was an amazing and memorable experience for all who attended!

08/14/2026

Casa Dorinda was proud to partner with The Music Academy of the West to bring an exclusive musical event to our residents.

The Music Academy’s Lehrer Vocal Institute featured the 2026 music fellows’ song recital under the direction of Lehrer Vocal Institute Co-Directors Sasha Cooke and John Churchwell.

The song selections and composers evoked the spirit of Romantic poetry, creating an artistic and captivating experience. The repertoire included Tchaikovsky’s “None but the Lonely Heart” from 6 Romances, Op. 6; “Ah, Love, but a Day!” from Three Browning Songs by composer and pianist Amy Beach; and Duparc’s “Le manoir de Rosemonde,” to name a few.

The concert was followed by a festive reception where residents had the opportunity to mingle with the musicians.

08/12/2026

Casa Dorinda is honored to be recognized as the ACP Champion of the Month! Thank you so much for bringing this successful and important workshop to our community.

Casa Dorinda hosted a lively and successful workshop for their residents with over 18 documents completed free of charge and submitted to Cottage Hospital. Casa Dorinda, thank you for all the work you have done to give your community the gift of Advance Care Planning! Special thanks to Kay Egan and Lil Nelson for help planning our workshop and making everything run smoothly!

Are you a community-based organization, healthcare provider, or senior living facility?

We partner with South Santa Barbara-based organizations to bring Advance Care Planning to the community through free workshops and educational presentations. Become an ACP Champion today by contacting us at https://www.getitdonesb.org/contact or email [email protected].

To learn more about our free Advance Care Planning services, you can visit the links below:

Get It Done SB! (English) - https://www.getitdonesb.org/

Mi Regalo (Spanish) - https://www.miregalo.org/

08/07/2026

Casa Dorinda was honored to welcome the talented Fiesta dancers to our campus for a vibrant and uplifting performance.

The event featured Ballet Folklorico Alma De Mexico, led by longtime community contributor Georgina Rodriguez, who has enriched the Santa Barbara area through dance since 1989. The group’s mission is to inspire and support local youth by fostering cultural pride and self-expression through traditional Mexican dance.

Dressed in stunning, colorful costumes, the dancers performed a variety of lively and authentic routines that captivated the audience.

Our residents were delighted by the energy, artistry, and cultural richness brought to the stage.

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07/31/2026

Last month, Casa Dorinda celebrated National Strawberry Parfait Day with a delightful picnic at Elings Park.

Residents enjoyed a delicious catered lunch prepared by Casa Dorinda's exceptional Dining team, complete with homemade strawberry parfait for dessert. The afternoon featured live acoustic guitar music by Chris Fossek, captivating Flamenco dancers, and a visit from a hang glider soaring overhead.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean, the picnic was a wonderful afternoon of great food, lively entertainment, and time spent together in the beauty of the outdoors.

07/24/2026

The Music Academy of the West presented a Clarinet Masterclass at Casa Dorinda featuring renowned teaching artist Richie Hawley and the four members of the 2026 Clarinet Studio.

Casa Dorinda resident Pat Yzurdiaga proudly sponsors the Clarinet Studio, Mr. Hawley’s teaching artist position, and a full scholarship for one student each summer. This year’s scholarship recipient is clarinetist Eliza Reimold.

Each summer, the Music Academy of the West welcomes 140 exceptionally talented young musicians from around the world to Santa Barbara for an intensive season of musical training, mentorship, and performance. Every fellow who participates in the Summer Festival receives a full scholarship covering tuition, housing, meals, local transportation, wellness initiatives, and performance opportunities, ensuring that financial circumstances are never a barrier to a world-class musical education.

07/10/2026

Casa Dorinda proudly honored this year’s Scholarship Award recipients at our Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony. In partnership with The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, nearly 880 scholarships totaling more than $2.3 million have been awarded since 1997.

This year, 43 recipients received scholarships totaling $217,500 to support their educational and vocational goals.

The generosity of our residents and the Casa Dorinda Scholarship Committee was commended for its leadership and commitment to making this life-changing program possible.

07/04/2026

From all of us at Casa Dorinda, wishing you a very Happy 4th of July!

06/26/2026

Casa Dorinda welcomed Dana Newquist, President of the Santa Barbara Antique Automobile Club of America Region to help us celebrate Father's Day on June 21st. We had over 26 vintage cars on display and residents were able to vote for their favorite automobile in various categories. Prizes for the 4 winning cars were awarded to the club members and best-dressed female and male, by popular vote.

Our residents enjoyed a decadent brunch with friends and family. This entertaining event made for a very special Father's Day.