Welcome to Santa, California – a delightful blend of vibrant community spirit and stunning natural beauty. From the moment you set foot in this coastal gem, you're embraced by its welcoming atmosphere and the allure of sun-kissed
beaches. Santa's abundant sunshine invites you to explore its pristine coastline, perfect for surfers and sun-seekers alike. The refreshing ocean breezes provide the ideal backdrop for a leisurely stroll along the scenic boardwalk or a playful day at one of the charming seaside parks.
Beyond its picturesque beaches, Santa boasts a lively downtown that brims with eclectic shops, delightful cafes, and a dynamic arts scene. Street
Discover the Charms of Santa,
Hello Santa Barbara, California • Winter Issue |5
festivals and farmers' markets serve up a delightful array of local flavors and handcrafted goods, reflecting the town's unique blend of tradition and creativity. With a calendar full of colorful community events celebrating everything from art to music, Santa ensures there's always something to experience and enjoy.
For the nature enthusiasts, Santa is a gateway to unparalleled outdoor adventures. Explore scenic hiking
trails that wind through lush landscapes, offering breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, Santa radiates a joyous energy that promises memorable experiences and a vibrant community to call home. Come make lasting memories in Santa, where every day feels like a vacation!
Discover the Charms of Santa,
Discover the Charms of Santa, California!
Welcome to Santa, California – a delightful blend of vibrant community spirit and stunning natural beauty. From the moment you set foot in this coastal gem, you're embraced by its welcoming atmosphere and the allure of sun-kissed beaches. Santa's abundant sunshine invites you to explore its pristine coastline, perfect for surfers and sun-seekers alike. The refreshing ocean breezes provide the ideal backdrop for a leisurely stroll along the scenic boardwalk or a playful day at one of the charming seaside parks.
Beyond its picturesque beaches, Santa boasts a lively downtown that brims with eclectic shops, delightful cafes, and a dynamic arts scene. Street festivals and farmers' markets serve up a delightful array of local flavors and handcrafted goods, reflecting the town's unique blend of tradition and creativity. With a calendar full of colorful community events celebrating everything from art to music, Santa ensures there's always something to experience and enjoy.
For the nature enthusiasts, Santa is a gateway to unparalleled outdoor adventures. Explore scenic hiking trails that wind through lush landscapes, offering breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, Santa radiates a joyous energy that promises memorable experiences and a vibrant community to call home. Come make lasting memories in Santa, where every day feels like a vacation!
FEATURED STORY
BBB Tri-Counties CEO Rick Copelan, Lessons from the Front Line
by HelloNation Staff
Rick Copelan has spent more than 30 years in the Better Business Bureau system, and that experience shows in how he explains risk. As president and CEO of the BBB of the Tri-Counties, he speaks in practical steps that work whether you are hiring a contractor, donating to wildfire relief, or vetting a pop-up online seller. The advice sounds simple because it is designed for busy lives. Slow down, verify, put it in writing, and keep a record.In recent interviews, he has focused on the rise in scams aimed at businesses. Fraudsters have shifted from
6 | HelloSanta Barbara, California • Winter Issue
HelloNation Staff
ABOUT THE AUTHOR HelloNation is a national magazine dedicated to practical consumer education. We translate real marketplace issues into plain steps that help people set fair expectations, compare options, and resolve problems. Our editorial mission closely aligns with the Better Business Bureau’s emphasis on public education and transparent practices, while remaining independent and not affiliated.
one-off consumer pitches to invoices, order confirmations, and vendor messages that look routine. The goal is to push a hurried employee into paying a fake bill, wiring funds, or sharing credentials that unlock internal systems. The defense is not complicated. Confirm vendor changes through a known phone number, not an email link. Require a second set of eyes before payments leave the building. Keep a paper or digital trail that connects each approval to a known person and date. These habits add minutes, but they save weeks of cleanup.Disaster giving brings another familiar
Hello Santa Barbara, California • Winter Issue |7
BBB Tri-Counties CEO Rick Copelan, Lessons from the Front Line
Rick Copelan has spent more than 30 years in the Better Business Bureau system, and that experience shows in how he explains risk. As president and CEO of the BBB of the Tri-Counties, he speaks in practical steps that work whether you are hiring a contractor, donating to wildfire relief, or vetting a pop-up online seller. The advice sounds simple because it is designed for busy lives. Slow down, verify, put it in writing, and keep a record. In recent interviews, he has focused on the rise in scams aimed at businesses. Fraudsters have shifted from one-off consumer pitches to invoices, order confirmations, and vendor messages that look routine. The goal is to push a hurried employee into paying a fake bill, wiring funds, or sharing credentials that unlock internal systems. The defense is not complicated. Confirm vendor changes through a known phone number, not an email link. Require a second set of eyes before payments leave the building. Keep a paper or digital trail that connects each approval to a known person and date. These habits add minutes, but they save weeks of cleanup. Disaster giving brings another familiar pattern. After major California wildfires, donation requests flood inboxes and social feeds. People want to help, and bad actors count on that. Copelan’s message is to choose the charity before the charity chooses you. Search a known site to find established organizations doing specific work, and look for details about how the money will be used. Crowdfunding can be effective, but only when you can verify the organizer and the beneficiary through independent sources. If a post leans on vague language, uses high-pressure appeals, or asks you to pay by gift card or wire, treat it as a red flag and stop. The same logic applies to day-to-day consumer choices. Business Profiles let you see complaint patterns and how a company responds when something goes wrong. A single story does not define a firm, and a strong pattern should not be hidden by anecdotes. Reading the public record before you hire is a basic step that lowers risk. When a deal does go sideways, the BBB’s complaint process sets timelines and asks both sides for documents. That structure rewards clarity and good faith rather than speed or volume. Education is the second pillar of Copelan’s approach. He translates policy into steps that anyone can use. Type in official web addresses instead of clicking links in messages. Turn on multifactor authentication where available. Stage payments to completed work, and insist on written change orders when scope shifts. These habits do not require special tools. They require attention and repetition until they become routine. When consumers and businesses share the same routines, disagreements cool down and solutions come into view. Local context shapes how this lands. The Tri-Counties region sees seasonal hazards, from storm damage to wildfire smoke and evacuations. After a crisis, itinerant contractors and fake charities often appear at the same time. In conversations with local media, Copelan has urged residents to check license status and insurance, to avoid large deposits, and to pay with methods that provide protection. He also reminds donors to seek out organizations with a track record in relief and recovery, not just rescue, and to use recognized watchdog resources before giving. Business owners hear a version of the same message tuned to operations. Post refund and cancellation policies where customers can read them. Train frontline staff to respond with dates, names, and next steps. Confirm every verbal promise with a short follow-up email. These small steps are not window dressing, they are the paper trail that prevents confusion and helps resolve disputes quickly if they arise. Clear policies, documented promises, and calm follow through build more trust than any slogan. In interviews about scams hitting companies, Copelan also points to the way criminals recycle old tactics with new wrappers. Directory scams become “compliance services.” Fake loan offers become “pre-approved working capital.” The solution is to verify independently and treat urgency as a signal to pause. A call placed to a verified number will not offend a legitimate partner or lender. It will, however, stop most impostors in their tracks. Reporting closes the loop. When residents and owners share what they see, patterns emerge faster. The bureau’s tools make that easy. Scam reporting turns a private near-miss into a public warning for neighbors. Business Profiles record both complaints and resolutions so future buyers can judge responses in context. Over time, these records become a living map of how the region’s marketplace actually works when things do not go perfectly. The through line in Copelan’s work is steady and practical. He does not ask people to memorize every new scheme. He asks them to use the same simple checks every time. Choose known channels, verify identities, keep proofs, and write down the terms. In a market where scams are constant and emergencies bring pressure, those habits travel well from one situation to the next. They also make it easier for honest businesses to show their standards in public. Trust grows when information is visible and process is fair. That is the space the BBB tries to hold in the Tri-Counties. Shoppers can see how companies behave under stress. Companies can demonstrate how they fix mistakes. Donors can confirm where their money goes. With routines that anyone can follow, the region can make better decisions, faster, and recover more easily when something goes wrong.
Clear policies, documentedpromises, andcalm follow throughbuild moretrust than anyslogan.
pattern. After major California wildfires, donation requests flood inboxes and social feeds. People want to help, and bad actors count on that. Copelan’s message is to choose the charity before the charity chooses you. Search a known site to find established organizations doing specific work, and look for details about how the money will be used. Crowdfunding can be effective, but only when you can verify the organizer and the beneficiary through independent sources. If a post leans...
Santa Barbara County Healthcare in Santa, Cal...
Santa, California, shines as a beacon of health and wellness through the dynamic and compassionate services provided by Santa Barbara County Healthcare. At the heart of this vibrant community, the county’s healthcare system stands out for its commitment to providing accessible and high-quality care to every resident. With its innovative programs and a dedicated team of professionals, it’s easy to see why the community thrives.
Embracing a forward-thinking approach to healthcare, Santa Barbara County focuses on preventive care and community well-being. Their initiatives
cover everything from fitness and nutrition programs to mental health services, ensuring a holistic approach to healthy living. With state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology, the county remains at the forefront of medical advancements, offering residents peace of mind through top-tier medical services.
Collaboration is key, and the healthcare system partners with local organizations
Strengthening Community Wellness
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Hello Santa Barbara, California • Winter Issue |9
Strengthening Community Wellness
to create a robust network of support, enhancing accessibility for all. Their commitment to education and outreach empowers individuals to take charge of their health, fostering a healthier, more informed community. Santa’s healthcare landscape not
only cherishes the well-being of its residents but also enriches the entire region with a spirit of care and community strength.
Strengthening Community Wellness: Santa Barbara County Healthcare in Santa, California
Santa, California, shines as a beacon of health and wellness through the dynamic and compassionate services provided by Santa Barbara County Healthcare. At the heart of this vibrant community, the county’s healthcare system stands out for its commitment to providing accessible and high-quality care to every resident. With its innovative programs and a dedicated team of professionals, it’s easy to see why the community thrives.
Embracing a forward-thinking approach to healthcare, Santa Barbara County focuses on preventive care and community well-being. Their initiatives cover everything from fitness and nutrition programs to mental health services, ensuring a holistic approach to healthy living. With state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology, the county remains at the forefront of medical advancements, offering residents peace of mind through top-tier medical services.
Collaboration is key, and the healthcare system partners with local organizations to create a robust network of support, enhancing accessibility for all. Their commitment to education and outreach empowers individuals to take charge of their health, fostering a healthier, more informed community. Santa’s healthcare landscape not only cherishes the well-being of its residents but also enriches the entire region with a spirit of care and community strength.
