Hospice hosts Light Up a Life tree lighting

MONTECITO, Calif. - Hospice of Santa Barbara held its Light Up A Life tree lighting in Montecito on Wednesday night.

Last year it was postponed due to rain. This year it was a partly cloudy night.

Montecito firefighters used a ladder to help people hang their stars high on the tree.

Fire Chief Kevin Taylor talked about the meaning of the tree lighting ceremony in the wake of the deadly mudslide. He said he realized earlier in the day that it was also the second anniversary of the Thomas Fire that led to the slide.

The Cold Spring School Chorus and John Vale performed between speakers.

Hospice of Santa Barbara CEO David Selberg said all of the services are free.

Donations and money raised by selling stars in memory of loved ones funds those services.

Catherine Remak of K-Lite FM invited people to mingle after the tree lighting.

For more information, visit Hospice of Santa Barbara online.