December 2024

This past month, we gathered to celebrate a monumental milestone: the One-Year Anniversary of the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area. The sold-out event, “A Whale of a Celebration,” was an overwhelming success, and it’s all thanks to you—our passionate supporters: donors, sponsors, in-kind donors, dedicated volunteers, and enthusiastic community members…..Thank You!

The two days were filled with joy, connection, and inspiration as we reflected on the incredible strides we’ve made in the past year. From educational outreach to hosting whale-watching tours, to supporting the research at Cascadia Research Collective and Happywhale, we honored the beauty and importance of the Santa Barbara Channel and its role as an extremely productive body of water for marine wildlife and for those whose livelihoods depend on the abundance and diversity of the ocean.

Highlights from the Celebration:

Whales, Ales and Cocktails at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

• 10 Inspiring Speakers: John Calambokidis, senior biologist at Cascadia Research Collective shared his work on the latest research on blue whales; Sean Hastings shared whale conservation successes with the Protecting Blue Whales Blue Skies Program; and Assemblymember Gregg Hart, Bradly Cance-General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, and Greg Gorga, executive director of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum shared the importance of preserving our oceans for future generations.  Hiroko Benko and Holly Lohuis, Co-Directors, shared the mission and goals of SBCWHA with the promise of using funds generated from this event to support more whale education both in the classroom and out on the water for our local schools. And our evening all started with a beautiful blessing from Julie Tumamait-Stenslie, a Chumash elder. 
• Adam Ernster’s premiered the film, ‘Battle of the Blues’: SBCWHA and CA Marine Sanctuary Foundation’s Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program co-sponsored the production of Adam’s 25-minute film, highlighting the blue whales’ amazing comeback from the brink of extinction and the importance of shedding light on the modern threats that face their full recovery. 
• Rick Rosenthal shared his beautiful, award-winning feature film, ‘Whale Wisdom’, narrated by David Attenborough. 
• The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara provided the lovely venue of the Director’s Lounge and 180-seat theater as well as delicious appetizers and desserts, served by their ladies and gentlemen. Thank You!
• 6 ocean conservation organizations tabled : thank you to our non-profit partners who tabled at our event: Channel Islands Naturalist Corps, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s Sea Center, Channel Islands Cetacean Research Unit, California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, and Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area. We loved sharing the evening with other wonderful ocean conservation organizations also working tirelessly for ocean protection. We are all this together…for the whales, for our oceans and for our future.

(Photos below by Baron Erik Stafford).

Whale Watching Adventure on-board the Condor Express

• On the following day, we enjoyed a 4.5-hour whale watching cruise with 80 guests who braved the liquid sunshine. Thanks to the Condor Express and the generous donation from Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch, we enjoyed fairly calm conditions with sightings of coastal bottlenose dolphins and one very active humpback whale, CRC-12483 while enjoying a delicious catered lunch. Despite the not-so-perfect weather conditions, we still enjoyed our time with friends and whale supporters who braved the elements to learn all about Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area.  Our time together was definitely a powerful reminder of what we’re working hard to protect in the SBCWHA.

This celebration wasn’t just a reflection of what we’ve achieved but also a promise for what’s to come. Together, we’ve built a community committed to honoring and safeguarding the incredible biodiversity of the Santa Barbara Channel.

A Heartfelt Thank You
We couldn’t have done this without you. To our partners, donors, educators, and advocates: your dedication fuels our mission. Every volunteer hour, every shared post, and every dollar donated brings us closer to a world where marine ecosystems thrive.

As we look ahead, we are more motivated than ever to expand our educational programs, strengthen our conservation efforts, and inspire even more people in community engagement opportunities, all with the hope of joining this movement.

Thank you for making this first year unforgettable. This prestigious designation of one of only eleven whale heritage areas in the world, isn’t just a title—it’s a commitment. A commitment to conservation, education, and sustainable tourism that benefits both our marine wildlife and the people who depend on it. 

With your continued support, we’re excited to dive into the next chapter of this incredible journey.

Here’s to the whales, the ocean, and the people who care for them!

With deep gratitude,
The Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area Team

Stay Connected:
Follow us on social media or visit our website to see photos from the event and learn how you can get involved. Together, we’re making waves for a brighter future.