Board of Directors 2026

Alan Acosta joined Old Spanish Days in 2024 and is currently serving as a director. He has helped in many committees such as Primavera, Recepcion del Presidente, and Mercado de la Guerra. He has attended fiestas since he was a little boy with his parents and has enjoyed every fiesta with his family and friends. His daughter has been dancing Flamenco for 8 years and his love for Fiesta has grown as he supports his favorite dancer. Alan has been working for a local community bank, Montecito Bank & Trust, as a Vice President Commercial Banking Officer, providing loans in our communities to support our local businesses and their growth. He has 2 daughters, Sophia and Ruby and is married to his lovely wife, Rosa. They have one dog named Luna, and they love to travel, watch sports, go to the beach and spend time with family and friends.

Boris Alves joined the Old Spanish Days Board as an Associate Director in 2024. Boris is of Brazilian descent and a Santa Barbara local since 1996, and joined Old Spanish Days because it connects him to the Latino culture and celebrates our local community values. He has been engaged in many volunteering activities in prior Fiesta years, from decorating floats to assembling the stage for La Fiesta Pequeña. When he is not enjoying Fiesta, he is enjoying the Santa Barbara backcountry and Channel Islands with his wife and chocolate Labrador. 

Jana Atherton joined the Board of Old Spanish Days in 2014. Her current and past positions as a Director of the Board include committee support for Spirit of Fiesta and Celebrations. For the past 10 plus years, she has chaired Parade Reserved Seating. As a native born and raised in Santa Barbara her family has enjoyed Fiesta for many years. She joined the Board of Old Spanish Days for the love of being a part of the Fiesta Community and history that has enriched the Santa Barbara culture for 100 plus years. Outside of Old Spanish Days Jana works for two family owned and ran businesses. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, exercising and long walks with her husband.

Bio Coming Soon

Bio Coming Soon

Stephanie Gorsuch Coghlan was elected to the board in 2021 and has been a Director since 2023. Stephanie is an 8th generation descendant of the Dominguez and Arata founding families of Santa Barbara. She is a 40-year member of the Native Daughter’s of the Golden West, Reina del Mar Parlor #126. She had the great honor of portraying Saint Barbara at Fiesta 1993. She is a UCSB retiree of 20 years and is currently working as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman for Santa Barbara County with the Family Service Agency. She was Chair of the Volunteer Committee and has been involved in Noches de Ronda, Arts & Crafts Show, Mercados, VIP/Reserved Seating El Desfile Historico, and the Bienvenidos.

Chris Cyr has been a parade marshal for 12 years. He became an Associate of Old Spanish Days in 2023. He has the honor of leading the Marshals for Viva El Centenio in 2024. He looks forward to assisting all of the parade guests and entries for the 100th Fiesta Parade. 

Angelique Springer Davis was elected to the board in 2014. She has served three terms as Division Chief of External Relations and Education and has served on or chaired all external relations committees, including Public Relations, Social Media, Brochure, Invitations, History, Website and others. She also led the Merchandise Committee for many years and established the organization’s online store. She has served on the Fiesta Pequeña and Spirit of Fiesta committees and previously chaired La Recepción del Presidente and has also worked on the Parade, Mercado del Norte, and Human Resources committees. In 2020, she served as Fiesta’s Primera Dama. In addition to chairing the Spirit of Fiesta Committee in 2026, she currently chairs Fiesta de los Perros, one of Fiesta’s newest traditions. In addition to Fiesta, Angelique volunteers with the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise and will serve as its president for the 2026–2027 term. She is also a docent at the historic Santa Barbara County Courthouse, where she leads tours. Angelique and her husband, Past Presidente 2020 Erik Davis, enjoy celebrating the wonderful traditions of Fiesta together, traveling and spending time with their adorable maltipoo, Joy.

Lucy (Placencia) Diaz joined Old Spanish Days Board as an Associate Director in 2024 and became a director in 2026. Lucy was born and raised in Santa Barbara and now resides in Lompoc. Lucy joined OSD to be more connected with her roots and to give back to an organization that has been a big part of her memories of the place she calls home (Santa Barbara). Lucy is also a member of the Native Daughters, Reina Del Mar Parlor 126. In Lucy's spare time she loves to garden, host parties for friends and family and travel.

Michael Easbey joined the Old Spanish Days Board in 2024 and is honored to support an organization that celebrates and preserves Santa Barbara’s rich cultural heritage. A third-generation Santa Barbaran, Michael has attended Fiesta celebrations since childhood and has long appreciated the traditions, community spirit, and volunteerism that define Old Spanish Days. Michael joined the board as a way to give back to the community that shaped him and to help ensure that Fiesta continues to thrive for future generations. He brings a collaborative, service-oriented mindset to his work with the organization. Professionally, Michael is a senior living administrator who leads large teams and focuses on hospitality, operations, and community engagement. He is married and the proud father of four children. In his free time, he enjoys playing music, local history, community events, and spending time with his family.

Bio coming soon.

Bio Coming Soon

Tere Jurado has been part of Old Spanish Days since 2023. Tere joined the organization because she fell in love with FIESTA since she arrived to Santa Barbara from Los Angeles in 1989.

She is proudly part of the Mercado De La Guerra committee. There she helps with the booking of bands and entertainment as well as collaborating on whatever is necessary to make Mercado de La Guerra a great success for the enjoyment of those attending this FIESTA staple.

Judith McCaffrey has served on the Old Spanish Days Board since 2020. Judith’s responsibilities include chairing Fiesta Pequeña and Friends of Fiesta. She is also actively involved in other OSD committees including La Primavera, El Presidente Party, Fiesta Ranchera, Finance Committee, and the holiday party.

Alejandro Navarro was the official photographer for Old Spanish Days 2024 Fiesta celebration "El Centenario" as a bronze sponsor. Alejandro is the official photographer of Old Spanish Days Fiesta 2025. 

Thea Palencia is a third-generation Fiesta board member, having served on the board since January 2015 as an Associate and 2017 as a Director. Thea is Chair of Las Noches de Ronda, Tarde de Ronda, and Flor y Canto (a performance under the direction of James Garcia and founded by Erin Graffy de Garcia). She also currently serves on the Strategic Planning Committee. Thea has had the honor of being Co-Chair of Las Noches de Ronda and Tardes de Ronda since 2015, in addition to being the Director of the OSD Californio Canto~Baile History and Arts Education Outreach Program. The pilot program was extremely successful in 2011 and 2012 and is currently on hiatus.

Thea has served as Chair of Primavera, Performer Coordinator for various venues, and on the Parade (Awards), Fiesta Pequeña, Fiesta Ranchera, Spirit Audition,  Recruitment, Governance, Grants, and the Fiesta Fridays Concert Series Committees.

Marge Romero has served on the board since 1991. Romero's contributions have included chairing Mercado Arts and Crafts, Spirit Luncheon and Los Artistas. Ms. Romero has also served on the following committees: Fiesta Pequeña, Fiesta Ranchera, El Recepción del Presidente, Spirit Auditions, and several administrative committees.

Nataly was elected as a board member in 2025 after being a mother to two niñas who have been involved with Los Niños de las Flores since 2019. Through their involvement, she began forming friendships with other board members and volunteering during Fiesta Week. During that time, she was approached by a fellow board member and asked if she would be interested in becoming more involved with Old Spanish Days. She was so excited to be part of such a wonderful organization that celebrates and shares our culture through food, music, and tradition. She was born and raised in Santa Barbara, and growing upshe would dress up during Fiesta Week and sell cascarones during the Historical Parade. Watching the parade and seeing the community come together was always so much fun and remains one of her favorite memories. She is thrilled for her first year as Chair of Los Niños de las Flores, and she is especially excited to see Los Niños de Las Flores spread Fiesta cheer as our Fiesta ambassadors.

John Stephens joined Old Spanish Days in 2021 and proudly serves as Director. Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Fiesta was an important part of his childhood, making his return as an adult especially meaningful. He works as the Mausoleum and Office Manager at Old Mission Santa Barbara and shares his life with his husband, Christopher, who also serves on the Old Spanish Days board. Together, they have a daughter who also loves to participate in Fiesta every year. Outside of Fiesta, John enjoys traveling, art, gaming, and attending festivals and concerts.

Brandon Vallin was elected to the board as an Associate in 2023. He assisted with the 2023 Spirit and Jr Spirit Auditions, La Primavera, La Recepcion del Presidente, DIGS!, and The Historical Parade. Specifically, setting up and taking down the announcer booths along Cabrillo Blvd. In 2024, Brandon will be back to assist with the Spirit and Jr Spirit Auditions, the Spirit Luncheon, La Primavera, La Recepcion del Presidente, DIGS!, The Historical Parade, and El Mercado De La Guerra! Brandon, an SB local, states that his love for Fiesta was realized at a young age as he recalls watching his father set up Casa De La Guerra in preparation for Fiesta for many years.

Jenna has lived in Santa Barbara since 2015 and joined Old Spanish Days in 2021 to be more involved in her community and meet new people. Another reason for joining was her uncle, past Presidente Scott Burns, whom she grew up watching participate in the organization. Jenna is the Committee Chair for the Horseman’s Rendezvous. She has also served on the La Pequeña and Los Niños Committees. Outside of her work as a graphic designer, Jenna enjoys spending time with her dog Lily, being outdoors, dancing, exploring, listening to audiobooks, and supporting live music with friends and family.

Donna Weidl joined the Old Spanish Days Board in 2021 and currently serves as a Director. A lifelong Santa Barbara local, Donna has cherished Fiesta since childhood and is deeply committed to preserving this beloved community tradition for future generations. She is passionate about the role Old Spanish Days plays in uniting the community, honoring local history and culture, and creating meaningful experiences for both residents and visitors. Donna currently chairs the Restricted Fund Committee and co‑chairs the Spirit Committee. She has contributed across the organization in many capacities, including working on and emceeing La Primavera, and serving on the La Fiesta Pequeña, El Presidente, and Parade committees. Her broad involvement has given her a deep appreciation for the volunteers, partnerships, and traditions that make Old Spanish Days such a treasured part of Santa Barbara. Outside of Old Spanish Days, Donna is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Larry, and their dog, Addie, as well as traveling, boating, and taking advantage of Santa Barbara’s beautiful beaches and vibrant community life.

Bio Coming Soon