Casa Dorinda

09/25/2026

Casa Dorinda’s talented Ceramics Studio and Entertainment Committee joined together to host an ice cream social and succulent sale.

Our resident ceramicists generously donated handcrafted bowls and planters to be sold at the event, with proceeds benefiting Casa Employees’ Emergency Fund.

While enjoying delicious ice cream, residents also had the pleasure of listening to music by Tim Buley. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the end of summer, enjoy time together, and support a great cause!

09/11/2026

Casa Dorinda was honored to welcome Montecito Fire Chief Brian Fallon, along with Division Chief of Operations Anthony Hudley and Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal Aaron Briner, for an informative presentation on wildfire preparedness in Montecito.

With wildfire remaining a year-round concern in our community, the presentation provided residents with a greater understanding of fire season and how the Montecito Fire Department prepares well before a fire ever starts. Their proactive efforts focus on identifying and reducing wildfire risks and helping our community be better prepared before an incident occurs.

The information shared was invaluable, and the presentation concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, giving residents the opportunity to learn more and address their specific concerns.

,

09/04/2026

The Casa Dorinda Visual Arts Committee presented an exhibit featuring the original artwork of Pamela Larsson-Toscher, a Santa Barbara–based painter whose work explores dreams and vision journeys through a visual language she describes as “Realism Reimagined.”

Working with classical techniques filtered through her surreal sensibility, Larsson-Toscher creates paintings that inhabit the space between memory and imagination. Her work captures a beauty that feels both familiar and otherworldly—the warm nostalgia of a dream you wish you could return to.

Her artistic foundation was formed in Kingston, Jamaica, where she lived as a child and studied with celebrated Jamaican painter Mr. Barrington Watson, founder of the Jamaica College of Art. By the age of fourteen, her work was already being exhibited in galleries across the island. Larsson-Toscher later continued her studies with Bay Area painter Raymond Saunders, Norwegian artist Jan Valentine Saether, and Santa Barbara sculptor Bela Bacsi.

The evening concluded with a warm and lively gathering among residents, who enjoyed the opportunity to meet the artist and learn more about her inspiring work.

.larssontoscher .2026

08/28/2026

Casa Dorinda held a ceremony to celebrate the milestones, contributions and achievements of our team members.

Casa recognized and honored their years of dedication and experience. There were several team members who were celebrating 10, 15, 30, 35 and 40 years of service. ��

The awards ceremony was followed by a delicious nacho and ceviche buffet for all to enjoy.

If you are interested in learning more about joining our Casa Dorinda team, please check our careers page: https://www.casadorinda.org/careers

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.

.sb

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.