Jim, you captured the wonderful multi-dimensions and graciousness of Erin, aka Ms. Santa Barbara, beloved community leader. Erin was observant, forward thinking and made good things happen! I originally met her around 1983 via her stellar mother our city councilwoman, later BOS Supervisor; then got to know her in the SB Junior League and other volunteer work.
One of many memories is from when Erin made Dingle, Ireland a Santa Barbara Sister City, and was preparing the City’s official welcoming gifts. Erin asked musical jazz talent Peter Clark to make a CD and in turn asked my 12 year old violin playing, ranked Irish dancer to join them. It was her first recording experience. When the CD came out, to my amazement, Erin had my daughter’s name boldly on the front cover and had her backup by the philharmonic orchestra in pieces composed by Erin and Peter. Next it was the 2015-16 or thereabouts, Oscar nominated movie Brooklyn being honored by the SB Film Festival. What a fabulous party organized for the Dingle movie delegation, its star actress who received the Gregory Peck award, and many talented locals of Irish lineage. Despite the many events and details Erin was juggling, she again reached out to my daughter. Erin defined thoughtful, welcoming, exemplary and remarkable. Another treasured asset who left her mark on many.
Most people probably don't know that Erin was a political campaign manager. She ran my campaigns for Sheriff. She was so creative and energetic and just fun to be with. I will miss her but more importantly, Santa Barbara will miss her. RIP Erin.
Erin was delightful as was her mother with whom I had the pleasure of being a constituent. Jeanne Graffy was helpful to normal middle class people trying to weave through the regulatory process of both the City of Santa Barbara (where she served as Council person) and the County of Santa Barbara (where she served the Second District on the Board of Supervisors) Way back then Santa Barbara politics was not run by political party that had a far reaching agenda that now seems to be centralized somewhere other than here, where we live. IMHO
A number of years ago I saw Jim and Erin at their famous booth at the Crocodile. I remember going over there to say hello to them. I think I also saw Lois Capps at the same booth at other times. :)
I should have been clearer. Those other times when Capps was seated there, it wasn't with Jim or Erin. By the way, the outdoor patio at Crocodile during the summer is a great place to have dinner.
Lou, already one of my favorite go-to places and we arrange for visiting family to stay there too. A gem in this part of town. Shhhhhhhhh.......... let's keep it successful, but god forbid, not trendy.
A community tragedy. You captured her so well. She loved life, had fun and contributed greatly to the fabric of this town. Even those like myself with only a passing acquaintance with Erin, knew she would always have a welcoming smile when crossing paths again later. What a loss, what a wonderful local institution. What a magically lived life she created for herself and shared with others. In fact the entire group of Graffey siblings are community treasures. With deepest condolences to them all.
Acting as a house host once for a Pearl Chase Society Historic Home tour that was located in Erin's childhood Upper East neighborhood, I remember her delight getting the chance to again view this splendid home that had been part of her own childhood memories when it was owned by a former opera star.
Each room carried a special memory, but the most ironic was Erin exclaiming "how small" everything looked today. Since had last times she had visited the house was when she was a little girl. The sweeping front entry staircase and rooms filled with operatic costumes must have been a gigantic fairyland to her at that time. But in fact they were more adult human-sized after all. A very human moment to share. We can go home again, but we do see it with new eyes.
God bless you Erin, for the gifts you bestowed on us all.
Thank you for this lovely remembrance. I grew up playing with Erin, and her sister, running back and forth between their yard and the neighbors' yard, for hours and yours and remember her fondly. Indeed, she was unique and wonderful and all will miss her.
Jim, you captured the wonderful multi-dimensions and graciousness of Erin, aka Ms. Santa Barbara, beloved community leader. Erin was observant, forward thinking and made good things happen! I originally met her around 1983 via her stellar mother our city councilwoman, later BOS Supervisor; then got to know her in the SB Junior League and other volunteer work.
One of many memories is from when Erin made Dingle, Ireland a Santa Barbara Sister City, and was preparing the City’s official welcoming gifts. Erin asked musical jazz talent Peter Clark to make a CD and in turn asked my 12 year old violin playing, ranked Irish dancer to join them. It was her first recording experience. When the CD came out, to my amazement, Erin had my daughter’s name boldly on the front cover and had her backup by the philharmonic orchestra in pieces composed by Erin and Peter. Next it was the 2015-16 or thereabouts, Oscar nominated movie Brooklyn being honored by the SB Film Festival. What a fabulous party organized for the Dingle movie delegation, its star actress who received the Gregory Peck award, and many talented locals of Irish lineage. Despite the many events and details Erin was juggling, she again reached out to my daughter. Erin defined thoughtful, welcoming, exemplary and remarkable. Another treasured asset who left her mark on many.
Most people probably don't know that Erin was a political campaign manager. She ran my campaigns for Sheriff. She was so creative and energetic and just fun to be with. I will miss her but more importantly, Santa Barbara will miss her. RIP Erin.
Erin was delightful as was her mother with whom I had the pleasure of being a constituent. Jeanne Graffy was helpful to normal middle class people trying to weave through the regulatory process of both the City of Santa Barbara (where she served as Council person) and the County of Santa Barbara (where she served the Second District on the Board of Supervisors) Way back then Santa Barbara politics was not run by political party that had a far reaching agenda that now seems to be centralized somewhere other than here, where we live. IMHO
Fascinating article about Erin (and Jim, her husband)! Thank you for telling us about the memorial, too!
Thank you for sharing this tribute. Truly unique people are rare and wonderful.
Thank you, Jim, for sharing your deeply personal memories, and grief, of this extraordinary woman. Beautiful tribute to Erin.
RIP
She was a delight, she lit up any room, was gracious and such fun. Such a profound loss for Santa Barbara.
Beautiful tribute. I never met Erin but have always heard how wonderful she was.
A number of years ago I saw Jim and Erin at their famous booth at the Crocodile. I remember going over there to say hello to them. I think I also saw Lois Capps at the same booth at other times. :)
Back when this town was still capable of non-partisan cooperation? The love for Santa Barbara was genuine for them all.
I should have been clearer. Those other times when Capps was seated there, it wasn't with Jim or Erin. By the way, the outdoor patio at Crocodile during the summer is a great place to have dinner.
Lou, already one of my favorite go-to places and we arrange for visiting family to stay there too. A gem in this part of town. Shhhhhhhhh.......... let's keep it successful, but god forbid, not trendy.
A community tragedy. You captured her so well. She loved life, had fun and contributed greatly to the fabric of this town. Even those like myself with only a passing acquaintance with Erin, knew she would always have a welcoming smile when crossing paths again later. What a loss, what a wonderful local institution. What a magically lived life she created for herself and shared with others. In fact the entire group of Graffey siblings are community treasures. With deepest condolences to them all.
Acting as a house host once for a Pearl Chase Society Historic Home tour that was located in Erin's childhood Upper East neighborhood, I remember her delight getting the chance to again view this splendid home that had been part of her own childhood memories when it was owned by a former opera star.
Each room carried a special memory, but the most ironic was Erin exclaiming "how small" everything looked today. Since had last times she had visited the house was when she was a little girl. The sweeping front entry staircase and rooms filled with operatic costumes must have been a gigantic fairyland to her at that time. But in fact they were more adult human-sized after all. A very human moment to share. We can go home again, but we do see it with new eyes.
God bless you Erin, for the gifts you bestowed on us all.
I didn't know Erin but your wonderful tribute shows what a beautiful person she must have been.
She was a wonderful lady and sure knew her city. And it's a great thing you did to let others know about her if they hadn't already.
Thank you for this lovely remembrance. I grew up playing with Erin, and her sister, running back and forth between their yard and the neighbors' yard, for hours and yours and remember her fondly. Indeed, she was unique and wonderful and all will miss her.