Leslie Thomas

Anyone who meets Santa Barbara resident Leslie Thomas can tell that she's passionate about learning and teaching. It makes perfect sense that she chose to designate Santa Barbara City College Foundation as one of the beneficiaries in her estate plan.

"SBCC is a great college, as it offers so many learning opportunities for people of all walks of life. I love the Adult Ed program, too," says Leslie.

Having taught herself how to cook gourmet dishes and pair them with wine while working at restaurants and a local winery - she calls herself the "Accidental Chef"- Leslie started offering cooking classes privately and at venues around town, including the SB Public Market and Whole Foods. Her classes have been very popular, as were the numerous winemaker dinners she conducted for restaurants over the years.

Passionate about fresh, organic ingredients, Leslie has an impressive backyard edible garden that serves as a space for ongoing experimentation with herbs, veggies, and fruit (including grapes, from which she makes her own wine). She enjoys hosting gatherings for like-minded friends to enjoy her latest creations, and is always working on something new - it could be a unique chili sauce, wine blend, cocktail, or herbal-infused spirits. Whatever it is, you can count on it being delicious and made with the best ingredients!

After twenty-five years in the software industry, Leslie says it has been a welcome change to dig in the dirt and spend time in the kitchen. She's happy about that, and the fact that her legacy will include providing learning opportunities for students at SBCC for years to come.