editors

‘A permanent founding member’

By RICHARD YATES

Although we were neighbors for many years, it took Covid to bring Leslie Lopez and me together as partners and friends in a common purpose. First we united to seek out strategies for survival in those difficult days, then later to question what happened to the vibrancy we had once known in our part of downtown — and what we could do to bring it back. 

It was just two or three of us at first, with Caren Rager from the Granada Theater joining in. With helpful input and direction from publicist Jennifer Zacharias, and then from other friends and neighbors, we all came together to create Santa Barbara’s ARTS District. 

Through many challenges and changes, with great ideas and help from so many, this organization evolved into being. While there is still much to be done, it has become a wonderful and ever-more impactful force for good in our community in the blocks along State Street from Figueroa to Sola, bringing attention to art of all kinds — art that spans both the realms of commerce and culture.

None of this would have been possible without the always bubbly, good-hearted and persistent encouragement that seemed to flow so naturally from Leslie — plus the occasional push and reminder it was time to get going already when the momentum sometimes slowed. Though sometimes differing on the details, we all shared a common vision of what that vibrancy would look like when restored. But there is one person who truly united us by always bringing the heart to all of our doings, and that was Leslie. 

Sometimes pragmatic, sometimes canny, always warm and with kind intent, Leslie brought a caring emotional intelligence to whatever we were working on. Frequently she also generously provided the happy meeting place where many of those great ideas arose and took shape. 

Her spirit continues to inspire us to carry on and further this work. To honor her contributions, and as a lasting legacy, we have made her and Carlitos a permanent founding member of the ARTS District and a permanent part of our story. 

May her kind spirit and wise example live on.

Richard Yates is the owner, with Tina Takaya, of Opal restaurant, located just across State Street from Carlitos. He is also president of the ARTS District board of directors.

OBITUARY: Leslie Hollis Lopez (1944-2025)