Montecito Family YMCA — Hotel in Montecito

The YMCA operates as a nonprofit, leveraging corporate partnerships to support its charitable endeavors. Rooted in its mission to embody Christian principles and guided by values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, the organization aims to foster holistic well-being for all members of the community. However, a closer examination reveals discrepancies that challenge these ideals. Despite its commitment to equity and community benefits, entry-level positions at the Montecito YMCA offer wages below the state minimum, suggesting a possible oversight. Even if adjusted to meet the minimum requirement, the wage gap between foundational workers and top executives raises concerns, especially considering the organization's receipt of tax breaks. Furthermore, the cost of scholarships provided by the YMCA often exceeds that of many for-profit gyms, while simultaneously paying its dedicated staff wages that fall below industry standards. These disparities highlight the need for a leadership overhaul within the YMCA to realign its practices with its professed values and ensure equitable treatment for all...

I love the Montecito Y outdoor pool and have been a member for six years. However, I'd like to point out that the Aqua Fit classes since the exit of instructors Kristy and Debbie have been a huge disappointment. The daily classes have been slashed to just three morning classes per week (hope you don't want to exercise in the afternoon). Also, these one hour classes have been reduced to just 45 minutes and members must arrive 45 minutes early just to get a spot, plus stand around in two confusing lines (am I in the deep water line? the shallow water line? did anyone explain this upon check-in? Answer, no!) before the pool gates are opened just seconds before classes begin. Once class is over, the rude lifeguard snarls at people to get out of the pool because he has to get ready for the lap swimmers. Now, I understand the world has changed since Covid, but there is no need for rudeness. How about implementing a system where you reserve the class online the night before, so people don't waste time standing in lines or driving to Montecito, only to discover that the...

The staff, as noted by many, and the programs are excellent. However, as also noted by others it is concerning that a review of their current job openings are extremely low paying. In fact, several are below California's new minimum wage. I am sure this is just an administrative oversight, but still, paying the minimum and getting such excellent performance from your staff is a questionable management practice. In terms of Executive leadership, I hear they just hired or are hiring a new executive director - I hope this new hire reviews their mission statement and values and applies them equally to their staff as they do to the community at large, especially in such a...