Remembering CEC co-founder Hal Conklin

After five decades spent in service to Santa Barbara, including as City Councilmember and Mayor, former Community Environmental Council Executive Director Hal Conklin died at Serenity House this past Friday, May 21, coming full circle in the beautiful spot at the top of TV Hill that was once the site of CEC’s Mesa Project and Gildea Resource Center.

Hal lived a life full of heart and purpose and adventure, leaving a permanent legacy on the preservation of the waterfront and the shaping of Santa Barbara's downtown arts and cultural district. Hal's life was one of leadership and compassion, and he will be dearly missed. I invite you to read more about him in a special conversation I had with CEC's founding Executive Director, Paul Relis, and founding Board Member, Maryanne Mott.

I thought of Hal the night before he passed as the Loma Fire burned spectacularly along the Mesa near Serenity House, lighting up the night sky during his final hours. For anyone wishing to share a sentiment with his wife Haley and family, you can post directly on his Caring Bridge page, or respond to me and have your comments bundled into CEC's memorial tribute.

Warmly,

Sigrid Wright, CEO/Executive Director
Community Environmental Council

Learn more about Hal Conklin and his impact in Santa Barbara