Around Town Once again the SBAOR steps up in the wake of disaster

purchased the historic 37-acre “Cuesta Linda” estate in Montecito near Santa Barbara, California, intending to use it as a retreat for Tibetan monks. Due to restrictions during the war, the monks were not allowed to travel there. So she renamed her estate Lotusland, after the sacred flower in Tibetan religions. Lotusland garden is a masterpiece of horticulture and design featuring exotic plants and sculptures from around the world. Walska’s legacy lives on in the thousands of visitors who come to Lotusland every year to experience its beauty and tranquility.

Diana Bull is an excellent example of women in real estate. She began her real estate career in 1971 at 22 and became a broker two years later. She owned and managed her own real estate and mortgage companies for over 40 years. She served as President of the Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS® in 1982 and has been involved at the local, state, and national levels ever since. I have had the privilege to attend both the California Association of REALTORS® and National Association of REALTORS® conferences with her. She is so well respected, and it’s an honor to watch her in action representing Santa Barbara.

Of course, I couldn’t write an article on amazing women without including my mom Jane, wife Melissa, and daughter Caitlin. These three women continue to motivate and inspire me through their successes, strength, and love. Thank you all for what you have done for me and the others around you. I am so blessed to have my daughter Caitlin continue my legacy and impact the world in her unique way.

Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. Santa Barbara is home to many exceptional women who have impacted their community and beyond. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, remember and honor the many women in and outside of Santa Barbara who has worked to make the world a better place.

Anyone in Santa Barbara County whose housing was impacted by the January 2023 storms may be eligible for financial assistance up to $3,000.

Specifically, Santa Barbara County residents who faced displacement or whose homes were damaged or destroyed may qualify for relief provided by the Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS®, in partnership with the REALTORS® Relief Foundation.

Assistance is available for qualified applicants to assist with the following:

• Monthly mortgage expense for the primary residence that was damaged by the Flooding Disaster, or;

• Rental cost due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the Flooding disaster, or;

• Hotel reimbursement due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the Flooding Disaster.

Residents who qualify may apply for reimbursement of one month’s mortgage, rent payment, or hotel reimbursement, or $3,000 — whichever is less.

This is not the first time that the Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS® has given back to the community following disaster. In the wake of the Thomas Fire and Montecito Debris Flow, the Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS® joined the Ojai Board of REALTORS® and the Ventura County Coastal Association of REALTORS® to provide their communities with financial assistance, enough to help over 200 families.

The REALTORS® Relief Foundation (RRF) was originally created by the National Association of REALTORS® in response to the 9/11 attacks, and has gone on to help several communities rebuild after disasters ranging from wildfires to hurricanes. Through its efforts, the RRF has helped more than 19,000 families stay in their homes.

To apply for disaster relief assistance, please visit https://www.sbaor.org/forms/adra/

About the Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS®: The Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS® represents approximately 1,300 members from all real estate specialties including residential sales, commercial sales, development, property management and appraisals within the South Coast of Santa Barbara. The Mission of the Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS® and MLS is to be the trusted voice for real estate, are source for our community and an advocate for our members’ succes sand the public we serve.