The audience filled the Mar Monte Hotel for SBWPC’s signature Cosmopolitics gathering
Cosmopolitics 2026 · Event Recap
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SBWPC Signature Event
Cosmopolitics
Leading California Forward
More than 100 guests gathered for an intimate Cosmopolitics conversation with California State Treasurer Fiona Ma on affordability, housing, economic security, leadership and California’s future
The Room100+ Guests
The ConversationAffordability · Housing · Leadership
The ResponseEngaged · Candid · Energizing
Keynote SpeakerFiona MaCalifornia State Treasurer
A Look Back · September 19, 2026
The community came out for Cosmopolitics
Cosmopolitics drew more than 100 guests to the Mar Monte Hotel for an afternoon that moved beyond a traditional keynote into a candid conversation about the pressures shaping everyday life in California
Fiona Ma spoke about affordability, housing, economic futures and feminist leadership, then took questions on government budgeting, immigration, ballot measures, women’s economic security and what gives her hope
Housing, basic costs, economic stability and the financial pressures facing working families anchored the discussion
Fiona Ma joined moderator Paula Lopez Ochoa for an intimate conversation and audience Q&A
Attendee reactions highlighted fiscal transparency, representation and the impact of seeing women in leadership
Featured Coverage · Santa Barbara News-Press
September 20, 2026
In the News
The conversation continued beyond the room
The Santa Barbara News-Press featured Cosmopolitics in a substantive look at Fiona Ma’s conversation on affordability, leadership and California’s future
State Treasurer Fiona Ma talks affordability, leadership at ‘Cosmopolitics’ event in Santa Barbara
100+Guests reported
100+ GuestsMar Monte Hotel
FeaturedLocal coverage
The coverage followed the substance of the afternoon — affordability, housing, economic futures, budgeting, immigration, women’s economic security and feminist leadership — while also capturing attendee reactions to transparency, representation and women in public leadership
Inside Cosmopolitics
A few moments from a remarkable afternoon
This is only the beginning of the recap — step inside the full Cosmopolitics story for more from the day
A room fully engaged
More than 100 guests filled the room, bringing together longtime supporters, new attendees and local civic leaders
The issues people feel every day
Affordability, housing, government budgeting, economic security, immigration and public leadership moved from the stage into an active audience conversation
A conversation that resonated
News coverage captured attendee reactions emphasizing transparency, representation and the significance of women’s leadership
There is more to seeGo deeper into Cosmopolitics 2026
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With Gratitude · Cosmopolitics 2026
Made possible by our community
A memorable afternoon takes more than a program. It takes people who believe in the work, give generously, welcome guests, solve problems, capture the moments and make the entire experience feel effortless. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped bring Cosmopolitics 2026 to life
Our Sponsors
Thank you for investing in this gathering
Your support helped make Cosmopolitics possible and helped SBWPC bring an important public conversation to our community
Golden Ally
Golden Ally Sponsors
- EJ Borah
- Christina Pizarro
- Democratic Women of Santa Barbara County
- Leslie Brtek
- Gloria Easter
Champion
Champion Sponsors
- Celeste Kafri
- Teri Jory
- Donald De Luccio
- Devon Wardlow
- Mary Beth Carty
- Genevieve Taft Vasquez
- Monte Wilson
- Judith L. Hopkinson
- Kate Silsbury
- Karen Poulter
Supporter
Supporter Sponsors
- Kristen Sneddon
- Claudette Rhoerig
- Lisa Guravitz
- Elizabeth Owen
- Pam Flynt Tambo
- Beth Schneider
- James Kyriaco
Events Committee
The team behind the day
- Mary Beth Carty
- Denise Ellis
- EJ Borah
- Yolanda Perez
- Christina Pizarro
Special Thanks
Paula Lopez Ochoa
Q&A Moderator
Our special thanks to Paula for guiding a thoughtful, substantive conversation with Fiona Ma and helping bring the audience into the discussion
Photography
Thank you for capturing Cosmopolitics
- Marian Shapiro
- Baron Spafford
From the formal moments to the candid energy in the room, their photographs helped preserve the story of the afternoon
Hospitality
Mar Monte Hotel
Our thanks to the Mar Monte Hotel and its team for welcoming Cosmopolitics and supporting the details that made the event feel polished, warm and seamless
Volunteers
Our Membership Committee volunteers
- Jessica Haro
- Pam Flynt Tambo
- Farfalla Borah
- Jackie Spafford
- Yolanda Perez
Thank you for welcoming guests, supporting registration, helping with seating and hospitality, and stepping in wherever needed
Videography
Capturing the event in motion
- Councilmember Oscar Gutierrez
- Teri Jory · The Resource / Poise Productions
Thank you for documenting the conversation, the room and the energy of Cosmopolitics
AV Systems Support
Thank you to our AV systems team
Thank you for helping the program sound polished and run smoothly from beginning to end
Music
Tony Ybarra
Thank you for bringing live guitar to Cosmopolitics and helping set the tone for a warm and memorable afternoon
To everyone who showed up, supported the work and helped fill the room — thank you
Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee · Cosmopolitics 2026
Christina Pizarro
President