Gwyn Lurie

Santa Barbara

Editor at Montecito Journal

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Articles

A Chat with Retiring Rabbi Steve Cohen

1 month ago | montecitojournal.net | Gwyn Lurie

I’ve had many rabbis in my life – people who have given me spiritual counsel, friends, family members, and yes, clergy, who have been there with me and for me in life’s big and small moments – people whose wisdom I depend on when mine is hard to find. Rabbi Steve Cohen is the senior congregational rabbi at Congregation B’nai B’rith in Santa Barbara. Before that he was the Rabbi and Executive Director at UCSB’s Hillel Foundation. He’s also one of my own most cherished rabbis.
The First Two Months with Roy Lee

Mar 18, 2025 | montecitojournal.net | Gwyn Lurie

In the annals of Cinderella stories, this was a good one. When Roy Lee decided to throw his hat in the ring against (former) First District County Supervisor Das Williams, naysayers abounded. He lacks the experience, the political savvy, and the familiarity with the Montecito community – were just some of the charges leveled his way.Well, just two months into Lee’s first term as 1st District County Supervisor, I’m going out on a limb to say that he’s exceeding the expectations of many.
The Healing Power of Community

Jan 21, 2025 | montecitojournal.net | Gwyn Lurie

Dear L.A. neighbors, friends, and loved ones,If you’re up here during this tragic and traumatic moment for our beloved Los Angeles, welcome. If you’re reading this from afar, I hope you’re somewhere safe with the support of friends and loved ones. If your home has been destroyed, or you’ve suffered any other meaningful loss, I think I speak for this entire community when I say our hearts go out to you. We know all too well your pain.
Disagree Mightily… but Compromise

Jan 14, 2025 | montecitojournal.net | Gwyn Lurie

[Speech Transcript: Board of Supervisors’ Induction Ceremony, January 7, 2024]Good morning. It’s a true honor to be here today. I still believe that public service, when done right, is one of the loftier things a human being can do. And I have the utmost respect for what all of you here have chosen to take on. None of you are getting rich off this. At least that’s the plan. It feels slightly poetic for me to be standing here today.
More Than Just Wishes for 2025

Dec 31, 2024 | montecitojournal.net | Gwyn Lurie

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Walk A Mile In Someone Else’s Phone

Nov 5, 2024 | montecitojournal.net | Gwyn Lurie

It’s hard to break my heart these days. I’ve become so inured to hateful remarks. To bad manners. I know I’m not the only one who feels exhausted by the toxically divisive politics of this moment. The hubris we all bring to every conversation that treads whatsoever into politics. It all feels so depressingly… normal.
Montecito Won’t Be Mira-Muzzled

Sep 27, 2024 | montecitojournal.net | Gwyn Lurie

If you live in or near Montecito or you consider it a part of your life, you likely appreciate what makes it such a special place. And while the credit for much of Montecito’s beauty and otherwise special qualities goes to Mother Nature, some of what we all treasure about this community, what makes it intentionally very different from other coveted communities around the world, is the loving curation and vigilant protection it has received by its residential guardians, for generations.
Lead Or Get Out of The Way

Jul 16, 2024 | montecitojournal.net | Gwyn Lurie

I hope you enjoyed your July 4th holiday, celebrating America’s hard-won freedom from the imperious whims of a despot, as symbolized by the signing of the Declaration of Independence almost 250 years ago, on July 4, 1776. It’s also interesting to note that several distinguished historians have stated that democracies last for only 250 years.
It Starts with the Dishes

Apr 2, 2024 | montecitojournal.net | Gwyn Lurie

Jimmy Stewart played a version of this character in the well-known classic, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. The difference is, our newly elected soon to be 1st District County Supervisor is for real. Or is he? Time will certainly tell.
Hope Dies Last - Montecito

Feb 27, 2024 | montecitojournal.net | Gwyn Lurie

This month a delegation of eight women who survived Hamas’ October 7th massacre, were brought to Santa Barbara as a delegation of “sisters” to share their accounts of what happened, and to feel the love, support and care of this community.