Charles Schulz the creator of Peanuts and all the unforgettable characters he created was a regular at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference and was known to everyone by his nickname "Sparky".

He loved writers, writing, and the creative process, and spent the whole week at the conference for many years. Aside from showing support for all the regular talent, a big part of Sparky's attendance was in support of his son Monte.

After a few years of bumpy transition that brought the SBWC close to the edge of extinction Monte stepped up to the plate and bought the conference, keeping the tradition alive and insuring its legacy, which no doubt has Sparky smiling in heaven.