On 9 January 2018, our community was devastated by the Montecito mudflow. Twenty-three lives were lost and hundreds of homes were destroyed. Already exhausted from weeks of battling the Thomas Fire, our First Responders worked together as never before, rescuing those they could from the sudden destruction.
In the aftermath, we wanted to do more than simply say thank you. We wanted our First Responders to feel the gratitude of the community they had protected. From that desire, One805 was born.
We created the largest non-profit event in Santa Barbara’s history, the Kick Ash Bash, bringing together actors, musicians, performers and, most importantly, our community, in a spirit of healing. First Responders and their families were given a day to step out of crisis mode and feel supported.
Through the generosity of many, more than $2 million was raised to provide vital counselling services for First Responders and to fund essential equipment to support victims of the tragedy. It was the beginning of a long-term commitment to stand beside those who stand for us.
Our Mission
One805 is a Santa Barbara County based nonprofit dedicated to supporting the extraordinary men and women who protect our community every day, our First Responders. These include our local Fire Departments, Sheriff’s Office, Police Departments, and Emergency Medical Services personnel who stand on the front lines of every crisis, from wildfires and floods to medical emergencies, rescues, and daily calls for help. Our mission is to ensure that when they need us, we are there for them, just as they are always there for us.
Founded in deep gratitude and respect for those who serve, One805 exists to strengthen and sustain the readiness, safety, and resilience of our First Responder agencies across Santa Barbara County. We provide critical funding for essential equipment, emergency response tools, training resources, and specialized programs that help departments respond effectively in challenging conditions. When urgent needs arise, One805 can move swiftly to bridge the gap between public funding and real-world requirements, delivering timely support where it is needed most.
At the heart of our work is a firm belief: strong communities are built on the wellbeing of those who protect them. In addition to equipment and operational support, One805 is committed to advancing mental wellness resources for First Responders and their families. The cumulative emotional toll of this work is substantial, often invisible, and too often under-supported. Through dedicated initiatives and long-term funding strategies, we seek to expand access to culturally competent, confidential care, ensuring that those who respond to trauma for a living receive the support they deserve.
One805 is proud to partner directly with First Responder leadership across the county, guided by Chiefs, community advisors, and local experts who understand firsthand what is required to keep teams prepared, protected, and supported. Our organization is driven by collaboration, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that donor contributions make measurable, meaningful impact.
We also believe that service should be celebrated. Through community events, concerts, and gatherings, One805 brings people together to honor the spirit and sacrifice of our First Responders while raising crucial resources for the work ahead. These events are designed not only to fundraise, but to strengthen community connection, to remind every First Responder that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.
Ultimately, One805’s mission is simple and powerful: to stand behind those who stand for us. By supporting our First Responders with vital resources, emergency funding, and mental wellness programs, we help ensure that Santa Barbara County remains safe, strong, and prepared, now and for generations to come.
Today, One805 is a permanent 501(c)(3) corporation, raising funds for all three First Responder groups.Fire, Police, and Sheriff taking care of those who take care of us.
In the aftermath of the fire and mudslides, we wanted to thank First Responders and show them how much their efforts were appreciated. To that end, a new organization, “One805” was created, hosting the largest non-profit event in Santa Barbara History – The Kick Ash Bash! It brought together actors, entertainers, singers, performers, and most of all, our community in a spirit of healing. First Responders and their families were treated to an amazing day where we were able to put the tragedy behind us. Thanks to the efforts of many, over $2 million was raised to provide counseling support to First Responders and purchase equipment to directly support victims of the terrible tragedy.
