District Attorney’s Ofrenda Honors Memories of Victims, Families for Dia de los Muertos

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - An ornate ofrenda is on display in the lobby of the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office in celebration of Dia de los Muertos.

"It is one of the highlights of the office," said Santa Barbara County District Attorney, John Savrnoch.

Bouquets of marigolds and folk art pieces, like calaveras or painted skulls, adorn framed photos of past loved ones, relatives and, victims of crimes.

The arched display is dotted with pictures of former employees who've passed on including long-tenured District Attorney, Tom Sneddon; Senior District Attorney, Darryl Perlin -- not to be confused for Elvis; and, beloved Santa Barbara City Fire Captain, Tony Pighetti.

Visitors will also see the faces of people who lost their lives to crime: Robert Gutierrez, who died in the cross fire between gangs near Stearns Wharf in 2022; and, 24-year-old Carley Howard, who was killed last year by an impaired driver on Highway 154.

Savrnoch said the tragedy of Carley's case helped strengthen his harsh view of impaired driving.

He called the ofrenda a "meaningful way" to honor them all.

"It gives us a chance to connect. It gives us a chance to keep the spirit alive of the people that were so meaningful in other people's lives. And also, I think it's really important given the history of Santa Barbara, that we begin the holiday season with a uniquely Mexican tradition."

Savrnoch credits the Asociacion San Miguel A.C. for creating the ofrenda each year. 

Dia de los Muertos honors the memories of children on November 1 and then, on November 2, the memories of deceased adults. However, the celebration actually begins in the days before and continues in the days following.