VOICE Magazine: February 21, 2025

LOVE IN THE SPEAKEASY

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Coleman Domingo and the Power of Love in Art

By Jesse Caverly / VOICE

LOVE WAS UNMISTAKABLY IN THE AIR ON FRIDAY NIGHT, Valentine’s Day, as Coleman Domingo was celebrated for his body of work with the Montecito Award at the Arlington. A fitting way to wind down 12 days of SBIFF, so much of Domingo’s message was centered around love: for the craft of acting, for artistic expression, for soul music, for being raised with love, and for loving

oneself, and just as importantly, one’s freedom to love who they wish.

Roger Durling, SBIFF’s longtime director, who hosted the ceremony and interview, revealed a personal investment in Domingo’s story. Durling has been following Domingo’s career since he was performing his one man show, A Boy and His Soul, off-Broadway. Calling Domingo the “performer we desperately needed in our lives,” Durling revealed how a deep attachment to an artist can impact one’s life, and at one point even broke into tears.

Indeed, it felt like there wasn’t a dry eye in the house, at this point. Domingo’s career arc, full of the highs and lows that mark any artist’s trajectory, carried tremendous emotional weight, as he wasn’t afraid to address the challenges of being Black and gay in America. His vulnerability in his roles is also very much who he is, and as such he bonded with the Arlington audience in a meaningful way.

Despite the odds stacked up against him, Domingo was raised in a household full of love, and taught he could achieve whatever he wanted. A testament to what being loved can produce, he spoke at length of his desire to give that back to the world.

“I was born to just believe that the Universe was meant to do me more good than harm,” said Domingo, early in the interview. “I know I wake up with joy and hope and possibility, I wake up believing that there’s a place for me

that never ends.”

As if to support this claim, Durling pointed out the synchronicities in Domingo’s career that signaled a universe that opened up for him. He has shared moments with actors on screen that repeat in odd ways, years later, with a revolving cast of familiar directors, and the same actors, that are drawn into his orbit, as if these artists are not done complimenting each other’s work.

Domingo is a multi-hyphenate talent. Besides acting, he writes and produces. “I wish I had the liberty to just be an actor, but I’m glad I didn’t,” he said. “If I wanted to create, to be a part of roles that were complex and interesting, and lean into all the things that I can do, I had to write the material…and then I had to direct some of the work, and because I wanted it to exist, I had to find how to produce the work, so I naturally became all of these things out of necessity.”

With a resume that spans Broadway (Chicago and The Scottsboro Boys), small independent movies and bigger smash hits like The Color Purple and Candyman, to the recent success of Euphoria (winning Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series) and The Madness, Domingo has enjoyed both commercial and critical success. The Montecito Award, which seeks to honor actors who have had a significant impact with their work, is deservedly his.

After a rousing speech from Oprah Winfrey, Domingo accepted the award, and offered some wisdom around what it means to make art. “There’s a gospel song that says, ‘Your steps are ordered,’” he said. “When I was a kid, my mother always said, make sure you just have a little bit of the Word with you. You can find that Word out in nature…you can find that word sometimes on the dance floor, you can find that Word anywhere, it’s spirit. But if you follow those steps and your steps are ordered, you’ll make a difference. You’ll be in service, you will be cared for, you will be loved.”

The message served as a reminder to the audience, that art made out of love and service can indeed impact the world at large, and change things for the better.

Baratunde Thurston:

By Kerry Methner / VOICE

ELICITING STORIES OF CONNECTION BETWEEN PEOPLE AND NATURE while asking big questions, Emmynominated PBS Host, comedian, and bestselling author Baratunde Thurston travels the world. He’s a multi-dimentional activist, intellectual, and entertainer and he’ll make his way to Campbell Hall on February 27th at 7:30pm when UCSB Arts & Lectures presents: Baratunde Thurston, Climate Justice and Environmental Stewardship.

“There’s an obviousness for me that none of us can achieve our highest selves alone. I can’t be my healthiest alone. I can’t survive a pandemic alone. I can’t build a home alone. I can’t be in a relationship alone. That is not a full relationship,” Thurston shared on KCRW’s Life Examined program on Sunday, February 16th. He continued, wondering, “how do we find a balance where we respect that sovereignty, that independence, and also celebrate and acknowledge the interdependence, and don’t see that mutual need as a weakness, but acknowledge it as a premise for what it means to be alive?”

“As we share our natural world with other animals and humans, Baratunde helps us see ourselves as part of something bigger, that we are beings who thrive on relationships, community, and participation with the world.”

– Dr. Vivek Murthy, Former U.S. Surgeon General

Unique in his ability to integrate and synthesize different and difficult topics, Thurston is the New York Times bestselling author of the comedic memoir How to Be Black, creator of the How to Citizen and Life with Machines podcasts, former director of digital for The Onion, and former supervising producer for The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. His talk is part of the UCSB Arts & Lectures Justice For All initiative.

Flipping through Thurston’s vast catalogue of content ranging from TED talks to PBS interviews, to independently produced podcasts such as his How to Citizen and Life with Machines, his compassion and intelligent analysis becomes the through-line – as well as his offer of the lubricant of humor.

Thurston shares stories to help audiences see underlying connections, the subtext that cultural bias often renders invisible.

“As we share our natural world with other animals and humans, Baratunde helps us see ourselves as part of something bigger, that we are beings who thrive on relationships, community, and participation with the world” noted Dr. Vivek Murthy, Former U.S. Surgeon General.

Thurston serves on the boards of Civics Unplugged and the Brooklyn Public Library and lives in Southern California.

Thurston advised the Obama White House and cleaned bathrooms to pay for his Harvard education. He’s the host of the iHeartMedia podcast Spit and the Color of Change podcast

#TellBlackStories. He is a director’s fellow at the MIT Media Lab and a board member for BUILD.

His newest creation is Life With Machines, a YouTube podcast focusing on the human side of the AI revolution. He is also the host and executive producer of the PBS TV series America Outdoors, and a founding partner and writer at Puck. He delivered what MSNBC’s Brian Williams called “one of the greatest TED talks of all time.”

The audience for Thurston’s talk at UCSB can expect to laugh and be entertained while considering the outdoors and its role in black history in a whole new light.

The Event Sponsor is the Patricia Bragg Foundation. Justice for All Series Lead Sponsors: Marcy Carsey, Connie Frank & Evan Thompson, Eva & Yoel Haller, Dick Wolf and Zegar Family Foundation

Baratunde Thurston is presented by UCSB Arts & Lectures in association with the following UCSB partners: Bren School of Environmental Science and Management; Environmental Studies Program; Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Season support: Sara Miller McCune is 2024-2025 Season Sponsor. Natalie Orfalea Foundation & Lou Buglioli are Community Partners of the 2024-2025 season.

For tickets ($20 General / free for all students (with current student ID) visit artsandlectures.ucsb.edu or call 805-893-3535.

Kristine McDivitt

Reduced-Cost Lifeguard Certification Courses to be Offered This Spring

Santa Barbara residents can earn American Red Cross certifications in lifeguarding, CPR, AED, and first aid and qualify for open positions with the City.

THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT will offer two reduced-cost lifeguard certification courses this spring in an ongoing effort to improve the community’s water safety. While typical lifeguard training courses cost around $200, the multi-day course is available to city residents for $50. The Department aims to increase the number of community members with this lifesaving training by providing a reduced-cost option.

The training will mix traditional learning with hands-on lessons to teach the public how to respond in a lifeguarding emergency. Participants who successfully complete the course will leave with American Red Cross certifications in lifeguarding, CPR, AED, and first aid and be qualified for open positions with the City of Santa Barbara.

Lifeguard certification courses will take place March 24-27 and May 24-26 at Los Baños del Mar. The dates have been coordinated during spring break and Memorial Day weekend to allow high school students ages 15 and older to attend.

Cursos

de certificación para salvavidas a bajo costo disponibles esta primavera

Residentes de Santa Bárbara pueden obtener certificaciones de la Cruz Roja en salvamento acuático, RCP, DEA y primeros auxilios, y calificar para puestos con la Ciudad.

EL DEPARTAMENTO DE PARQUES Y RECREACIÓN DE LA CIUDAD DE SANTA BÁRBARA ofrecerá esta primavera dos cursos de certificación para salvavidas a bajo costo como parte de su esfuerzo continuo por mejorar la seguridad acuática en la comunidad. Mientras que los cursos de capacitación para salvavidas suelen costar alrededor de $200, esta formación de varios días estará disponible para los residentes de la ciudad por solo $50. Con esta iniciativa, el Departamento busca aumentar el número de personas capacitadas en técnicas de rescate al ofrecer una opción más accesible. El curso combinará aprendizaje teórico con lecciones prácticas para enseñar a los participantes cómo responder ante una emergencia de salvamento acuático. Quienes completen el curso con éxito recibirán certificaciones de la Cruz Roja Americana en salvamento acuático, RCP, DEA y primeros auxilios, además de calificar para puestos vacantes con la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara.

Residents interested in participating in the reduced-cost training must join the waitlist and submit an online application describing any previous training experience and reasons for taking the course. Applicants can expect to hear whether their application was accepted within five business days. The March course waitlist will close on March 10th, and the May course waitlist will close on May 12th.

Those who receive their certifications after successfully completing the course are eligible to apply for hourly positions with the City of Santa Barbara, including pool and beach lifeguards, Junior Lifeguard camp counselors, and swim instructors. Hourly rates range from $23.53 to $26.97.

Teens age 15 through 17 looking to receive community service hours and work experience can apply to be a Junior Lifeguard Aide. .

Residents can join the waitlist for a lifeguard certification course at SBParksAndRec.org and apply for open lifeguard and swim instructor positions at https://tinyurl.com/mwh2d7fz

Band Applications Open for 2025 Concerts in the Park Series

THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA PARKS AND RECREATION

DEPARTMENT is seeking musical acts for the annual summer concert series, Concerts in the Park.

The concert series will include four Thursday night concerts scheduled for July 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th.

Musical acts that would like to be considered must submit an online application by Wednesday, March 12th. Bands must be able to demonstrate their experience playing for large crowds, provide a 90-minute sample setlist, and links to past performances. The selected bands will be notified in April, and the official line-up will be released in June.

To apply, visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Concerts

Las certificaciones se ofrecerán en dos sesiones: del 24 al 27 de marzo y del 24 al 26 de mayo en Los Baños del Mar. Estas fechas fueron seleccionadas para coincidir con las vacaciones de primavera y el fin de semana del Día de los Caídos, permitiendo la participación de estudiantes de preparatoria de 15 años en adelante.

Los residentes interesados en participar en la capacitación a bajo costo deben unirse a la lista de espera y enviar una solicitud en línea, en la que describan cualquier experiencia previa en entrenamiento y sus razones para tomar el curso. Los solicitantes recibirán una respuesta en un plazo de cinco días hábiles. La lista de espera para el curso de marzo cerrará el 10 de marzo, y la del curso de mayo cerrará el 12 de mayo.

Quienes obtengan su certificación tras completar el curso podrán postularse para puestos por hora con la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara, incluyendo salvavidas de piscina y playa, consejeros del campamento Junior Lifeguard e instructores de natación. Las tarifas por hora oscilan entre $23.53 y $26.97.

Los jóvenes de 15 a 17 años que deseen acumular horas de servicio comunitario y obtener experiencia laboral pueden postularse como asistentes de Junior Lifeguard, apoyando en la supervisión del programa de verano.

Los residentes pueden unirse a la lista de espera para un curso de certificación en SBParksAndRec.org y postularse para puestos vacantes de salvavidas e instructores de natación en https://tinyurl.com/mwh2d7fz

Inscripciones abiertas para bandas en conciertos del parque 2025

EL DEPARTAMENTO DE PARQUES Y RECREACIÓN DE LA CIUDAD DE SANTA BÁRBARA está buscando bandas y artistas musicales para la serie anual de conciertos de verano, Concerts in the Park.

La serie de conciertos incluirá cuatro presentaciones los jueves por la noche, programadas para el 3, 10, 17 y 24 de julio.

Las bandas interesadas en participar deben enviar una solicitud en línea antes del miércoles 12 de marzo. Se requiere que cuenten con experiencia tocando frente a grandes audiencias, envíen un repertorio de 90 minutos como muestra y proporcionen enlaces a presentaciones anteriores. Las bandas seleccionadas serán notificadas en abril y la programación oficial se anunciará en junio.

Para postularse, visite SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Concerts

Community News

Solvang Library Welcomes New Branch Supervisor

ERIN HERZOG will be the new Branch Supervisor at Solvang Library. Bringing 18 years of library experience to the role, Herzog has served most recently as Senior Librarian for the Oxnard Public Library, where she supervised the circulation, volunteer, and marketing teams for the City of Oxnard Public Library System. She also served as Librarian Specialist for Glendale Library Arts & CultureBrand Library & Art Center, where she provided reference, programming, and circulation services in addition to social media and marketing promotions. In her new role, Erin will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations, programs, collections, staff, and volunteers at Solvang Library, as well as the Los Olivos and Santa Ynez Libraries. goletavalleylibrary.org

To have your news included in VOICE Magazine, please email information to News@VoiceSB.com

SB Youth Council to host 2025 Youth Speak Out!

Sharon Lutz Joins CALM Board of Directors

A COMMUNITY-BASED MENTAL HEALTH AGENCY with a mission to prevent childhood trauma and heal children and families, CALM has welcomed Sharon K.L. Lutz, Ph.D., as its newest member of the Board of Directors. She brings a wealth of experience in healthcare quality improvement, and a deep commitment to the well-being of children and families in our community,

SHARON K.L. LUTZ holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Statistics from Iowa State University and a B.A. in Mathematics from St. Olaf College in Minnesota. She has previously served on the Board of CommUnify and recently retired from Cottage Health, where she served as Vice President of Quality Support Services for 20 years. In her role, she oversaw key areas including Quality Improvement, Risk Management, Infection Control, Spiritual Care, Interpreter Services, Case Management, and Social Services. Lutz is eager to contribute her data-driven leadership and her expertise to CALM’s ongoing efforts to support children and families across Santa Barbara County. calm4kids.org

THE SANTA BARBARA YOUTH COUNCIL has been named one of seven organizations to receive the Fund for Santa Barbara’s South County Youth Making Change Grant. This grant is awarded annually to support youth-led projects that impact young people in Santa Barbara County. The Youth Council, a City advisory committee created to give teens a voice in local government, will use the funding to host the 2025 Youth Speak Out, a workshop that encourages teens to advocate for positive changes in the community.

“This is my first year on the Youth Council, and hearing about everyone’s past positive experience has been so inspiring,” said junior high member Amelia Leonardi “Being involved in planning this year’s event has only made me more excited to see how something like this can bring so many people together and spark so many meaningful conversations.”

The Youth Council intends to focus on topics such as participating in environmentally conscious practices, creating safe public spaces for teens, mental health resources for teens, and inclusiveness. The event is open to students in grades 7 through 12 and will include a workshop and catered lunch followed by a Q&A session with a panel of local leaders.

Vice President of Amgen Joins Dreams for Veterans Advisory Council

DREAM FOUNDATION, THE ONLY NATIONAL DREAM-GRANTING ORGANIZATION FOR TERMINALLY-ILL ADULTS, has added a new member to it’s Dreams for Veterans Advisory Council, to help “magnify and enhance the impact of the work.”

MIKE EDMONDSON is a United States Naval Academy graduate who served in the United States Marine Corps for six years. He has since worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 25 years, including 17 years at Amgen. At Amgen, Edmondson has an outstanding record in leading sales teams to excellence. He previously led Amgen’s Black Employee Network and has been instrumental in helping to further Amgen’s efforts toward inclusion and belonging among all of its workforce. He was recognized in 2024 by SAVOY and BlackDoctor.org for his influence and tireless efforts. dreamfoundation.org

El Consejo Juvenil de Santa Bárbara organizará el evento YouthSpeakOut2025

EL CONSEJO JUVENIL DE SANTA BÁRBARA (CONSEJO JUVENIL) ha sido seleccionado como una de las siete organizaciones beneficiarias de la subvención South County Youth Making Change del Fondo para Santa Bárbara. Esta subvención se otorga anualmente para apoyar proyectos liderados por jóvenes que impactan a la juventud del condado de Santa Bárbara. Como comité asesor de la ciudad creado para dar voz a los adolescentes en el gobierno local, el Consejo Juvenil utilizará estos fondos para organizar el evento Youth Speak Out 2025, un taller diseñado para motivar a los jóvenes a impulsar cambios positivos en la comunidad.

El Consejo Juvenil abordará temas como la participación en prácticas ambientalmente responsables, la creación de espacios públicos seguros para adolescentes, el acceso a recursos de salud mental y la promoción de la inclusión. El evento está dirigido a estudiantes de séptimo a duodécimo grado e incluirá un taller con almuerzo, seguido de una sesión de preguntas y respuestas con un panel de líderes locales.

“Youth Speak Out 2025 proporcionará un espacio seguro para que los adolescentes compartan sus perspectivas e inquietudes con la esperanza de generar cambios positivos en la comunidad”, dijo Gwen Chenoweth, miembro del Consejo Juvenil.

Youth Speak Out 2025, Sábado 1 de marzo de 2025, De 11am a 1pm Centro Louise Lowry Davis, 111 W. Victoria Street.

“The 2025 Youth Speak Out will provide a safe space for local teens to share their perspectives and concerns in hopes of creating positive change in the community,” said Youth Councilmember Gwen Chenoweth.

2025 Youth Speak Out workshop will take place on Saturday, March 1st, from 11am to 1pm at the Louise Lowry Davis Center, 111 W. Victoria Street. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/4dh6fjdj

En 2023 y 2024, el Consejo Juvenil también recibió financiamiento a través de la subvención Youth Making Change, que se utilizó para organizar Youth Speak Out y reunir a adolescentes con líderes locales.

“Este es mi primer año en el Consejo Juvenil y escuchar sobre las experiencias positivas de años anteriores ha sido realmente inspirador”, comentó Amelia Leonardi, estudiante de secundaria y miembro del Consejo. “Ser parte de la planificación del evento de este año solo ha aumentado mi entusiasmo por ver cómo algo así puede unir a tantas personas y generar conversaciones significativas”. Para registrarse, visite https://tinyurl.com/4dh6fjdj

Mike Edmondson

Sharon K.L. Lutz

Erin Herzog

Community News

Kaufman to Consult for SDRI

WORLD RENOWNED PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGIST DR. FRANCINE

KAUFMAN will be joining Sansum Diabetes Research Institute in a newly created part-time consultancy role as Principal-Scientific and Medical Affairs. The part-time consultancy role will enable Kaufman to guide SDRI in enhancing its research operational efficiencies, strengthening its regulatory operations, and expanding its research portfolio.

“It is indeed a special time to be joining SDRI as a part-time consultant,” Dr. Kaufman shared. “My dear friend and longtime colleague, Dr. Lois Jovanovic the former CEO and Chief Scientific Officer at SDRI, was devoted to SDRI. Through our friendship and joint collaborations over the years, I came to understand the expertise and effectiveness of the research enterprise at SDRI. In this newly created role, I will honor Lois’s legacy, while at the same, I will hope to strengthen SDRI for a very bright future. I look forward to working with the leadership at SDRI and with SDRI’s many partners and supporters.”

A Distinguished Professor Emerita of Pediatrics and Communications, Keck School of Medicine, Dr. Kaufman is vice president of Global Medical Affairs for the Diabetes business of Medtronic Inc. and past director of the Comprehensive Childhood Diabetes Center. She is the head of the Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. She was elected as a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies in 2005. www.sansum.org

Cottage Ob/Gyn Expands Team

TWO OBSTETRICIAN-GYNECOLOGISTS AND A CERTIFIED NURSE MIDWIFE have joined the care team at Cottage Obstetrics & Gynecology, to further the clinic’s mission to enhance access to comprehensive Ob/Gyn services for women. Led by women specialists, Cottage Ob/Gyn offers comprehensive medical services in diagnosis and treatment of gynecological conditions, and complete obstetric care from pre-conception to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum visits.

MARIBETH CLAASSEN, CNM, WHNP, Nurse Midwife, holds a Master of Science in Nursing degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and is a certified Midwife with over a decade of experience. Her training includes a fellowship in midwifery and training as a breastfeeding resource nurse. She is fluent in English and French and has proficiency in medical Spanish.

BRITTA GRAY, DO, MPH, is board certified through The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and most recently practiced at the Ravenswood Family Health Center in East Palo Alto, CA. Gray earned a BA in Medical Anthropology from the University of California–Berkeley and a Master of Public Health and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL, where she was honored with “highest scholastic achievement.” Dr. Gray completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL, where she was named chief resident.

To have your news included in VOICE Magazine, please email information to News@VoiceSB.com

City Seeks Input for 30-Year Waterfront Adaptation Plan

THE SUSTAINABILITY & RESILIENCE DEPARTMENT for the City of Santa Barbara has begun developing a 30-Year Waterfront Adaptation Plan and is inviting community members to participate in the process.

The multi-year effort will create a practical plan in preparation prepare for increased storm surges, erosion, and flooding by providing solutions that preserve and enhance recreation, commerce, beach access, habitat, and critical infrastructure for the near term and future generations.

“The Waterfront is already at risk of flooding, storm surge, and erosion during coastal storms, and these impacts will get worse with even small amounts of sea-level rise,” said Timmy Bolton, Climate Adaptation Analyst. “The 30-Year Waterfront Adaptation Plan will move the needle from planning to on-theground projects that will create a more resilient future for our community.”

HELEN MATTHEWS, MD, FACOG, is board certified through The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has more than 20 years of experience, including routine and high-risk obstetric cases. She previously served in the Women’s Group for Health of UCSF Benioff Children’s Physicians. She graduated Magda Cum Laude from Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania and earned her MD from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, in The Bronx, NY. She completed her internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Maryland in Baltimore, MD. Dr. Matthews also practices robotic surgery and is proficient in Acessa laparoscopic ablation of uterine fibroids, diagnostic hysteroscopy, hysteroscopic retrieval of IUDs, IUD placement, Nexplanon placement and removal, colposcopy, vulvar, and endometrial biopsies.

La Ciudad de Santa Barbara lanza el Plan de Adaptación Costera de 30 Años

EL DEPARTAMENTO DE SOSTENIBILIDAD Y RESILIENCIA de la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara ha comenzado a desarrollar el Plan de Adaptación Costera de 30 Años y se complace en invitar a los miembros de la comunidad a participar en el proceso.

Este esfuerzo multianual creará un plan práctico que preparará la zona costera de Santa Bárbara para el aumento de las mareas de tormenta, la erosión y las inundaciones, proporcionando soluciones que preserven y mejoren la recreación, el comercio, el acceso a la playa, los hábitats naturales y la infraestructura crítica, tanto a corto plazo como para las generaciones futuras.

Community members are invited to help guide the planning and outreach process by completing a brief survey at surveymonkey.com/r/6LCKV9F by 5pm on Friday, February 28th.

To learn more and to sign up for news, visit https://tinyurl.com/bdb7x2tc or contact Timmy Bolton, Climate Adaptation Analyst, at (805) 730-0836 or TBolton@SantaBarbaraCA.gov. Grant funding for this project is provided by the California Coastal Commission and the California State Coastal Conservancy.

“La zona costera ya corre el riesgo de sufrir inundaciones, mareas de tempestad y erosión durante las tormentas costeras, y estos efectos empeorarán incluso con pequeños aumentos en el nivel del mar,” declaró Timmy Bolton, Analista de Adaptación Climática. “El Plan de Adaptación Costera de 30 Años moverá la aguja desde la planificación a los proyectos sobre el terreno que crea rán un futuro más resistente para nuestra comunidad.”

Los miembros de la comunidad están invitados a contribuir al proceso de planificación y divulgación completando una breve https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KQSJFXZ antes de las 5pm del viernes 28 de febrero.

Para obtener más información y suscribirse a las noticias, visite SantaBarbaraCA.gov/ WaterfrontAdaptation o póngase en contacto con Timmy Bolton, analista de adaptación climática, en el (805) 730-0836 o TBolton@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.

Las subvenciones para este proyecto proceden de la Comisión Costera de California y de la Agencia de Conservación Costera del Estado de California.

Maribeth Claassen

Britta Gray

Helen Matthews

Dr. Francine Kaufman

SBIFF Pete Hammond Cinema Vanguard Award

The careers of actors Guy Pearce and Adrien Brody were honored and received with awe and laughter in an informal evening at the Arlington Theatre.

By Isaac Hernández de Lipa / VOICE

IN FRONT OF 2000 PEOPLE, Best Supporting Actor Oscar nominee Guy Pearce and Best Actor Oscar nominee Adrien Brody, nominated for their roles in The Brutalist, received the SBIFF Pete Hammond Cinema Vanguard Award, after a career retrospective conversation with the Deadline film critic for whom the award will be named from now on.

“I love that this artistic work can evoke an understanding of hardships that others face,” said Brody of The Brutalist. “The world feels very complex right now, and to do work that speaks to that — it’s a beautiful thing.” Brody also acknowledged the young student

journalists in the press line as “the most thoughtful, connected, and professional,” adding that in 2002, when he did The Pianist (Roman Polanski), “they weren’t even born yet.”

Hammond reminded the audience about Brody’s Oscar for that role, being the youngest ever to win Best Actor, and against heavyweights like Jack Nicholson, Nicholas Cage, Michael Caine, and Daniel Day-Lewis.

The evening at the Arlington had a humorous tone as Hammond introduced the actors as “The Amazing Adrien” and “Junior Mr. Victoria,” in reference to their early stints as a professional magician and an amateur bodybuilder champion at the age of 15, respectively. “For 50 dollars, I’ll do your birthday party,” added Brody. “I was a cheap professional magician.”

As is customary, clips of some of their films were shown, beginning with German Holocaust drama The Pianist, paired with Wes Anderson’s comedy The Grand Budapest Hotel. “I’m so confused,” said Brody, half-jokingly. “You can’t play those back to back.”

For The Pianist, Brody  went down to 129 lbs. and learned to play Chopin, “practicing four hours a day,” for a “profound experience” where he “learned to understand hunger.” His role as Polish musician Wladyslaw Szpilman prepared him for his role as Hungarian

Coastal Well Woman Celebrates Grand Opening

A SPECIALIZED HEALTHCARE CENTER dedicated to menopause management and women’s health has opened, offering a holistic approach to hormonal changes both in the short-term and the long-term, with expert guidance, evidence-based treatments, and personalized care plans.

“Despite the significant impact menopause has on women’s health, many navigate this crucial stage of life without adequate support or guidance,” said Laura Abrignani, R.N., N.P., M.S.N., Founder and Owner of Coastal Well Woman. “This gap in care can lead to diminished quality of life and long-term health consequences. We’re here to change that.”

Among the services available will be menopause navigation, nutrition and exercise management, hormone therapy and testing, and sexual health.

Local Hope Guatemala Welcomes Lisa Wysel to Board of Directors

LISA WYSEL, co-founder of the Open Wide Foundation, oversaw the development of community dental clinics in and around Guatemala City has joined the board of Local Hope Guatemala. Alongside the OWF leadership team and volunteer dentists from the US, she collaborated with local government leaders and dental universities to bring long-term, sustainable care to communities in great need. An educator and activist, Wysel has a background in many sectors of education, with an emphasis on language and literacy. She taught parenting education, served four years on the Montecito Union school board and on the Santa Barbara Central Coast School Foundation board, and taught English language literacy to recent immigrant children in the Santa Barbara elementary school district. Wysel continues to support public education and literacy programs through the work of the Santa Barbara Education Foundation, the Santa Barbara Women’s Fund, and Local Hope Guatemala. xelaaid.org

architect László Tóth. “It helped me understand the hardships The Brutalist character was leaving behind.”

For Pearce, LA Confidential (Curtis Hanson, 1997) is the film that marked a before and after in his career. “It was like film school for me.” Other films were highlighted, like Memento (Christopher Nolan), but the biggest news of the night were that there might be a sequel to The Adventures of Priscilla Queen Of The Desert (Stephan Elliott, 1994) with Elliott already working on a script in conversation with the three stars, Pearce, Hugo Weaving, and Terence Stamp, “as long as we do something that’s valid, valuable, and worthwhile.”

Abrignani earned her Nurse Practitioner degree from the Harbor-UCLA Women’s Healthcare Nurse Practitioner program, and her Master of Science in Nursing from California State University, Long Beach. Her training as a Registered Nurse at Los Angeles County - USC College of Nursing provided her with extensive knowledge and experience. She is also nationally certified as a Menopause Society Certified Practitioners (MSCPs), a Santa Barbara local for over 30 years, and serves on the board of directors for the Granada Theater and Old Spanish Days Fiesta. coastalwellwoman.com Dr. Abrignani

Jim Owens Joins Cottage Health Board

JIM OWENS has joined the Cottage Health Board of Directors. A healthcare attorney with over 35 years of experience, Owens is a partner with the global law firm of McDermott, Will & Emery LLP and a member of the firm’s management committee. He has served as counsel to a variety of healthcare clients with a primary focus representing nonprofit hospitals and health systems in mergers and acquisitions. Owens serves on the National Leadership Council for Lambda Legal and was a longstanding Board Member of the NALP Foundation, for Law Career Research and Education, which focuses on improving the quality and delivery of legal services by advancing legal education and diversity. He earned his J.D. from Stetson University College of Law, where he served as Notes Editor of the Stetson Law Review, and his B.A. in Political Science from Emory University. He has been part of the Santa Barbara community since 2016. cottagehealth.org

Lisa Wysel

Jim Owens

Courtesy of SBIFF

Photo by Isaac Hernández de Lipa

Candlebar 111 Delivers Fragrances & Custom Candles

By Destin Cavazos / VOICE

THE SWEET SMELL OF CANDLES HAS FILLED THE FUNK ZONE, now that Candlebar 111 is open and ready to light up local living rooms.

Located at 111 Santa Barbara St, Suite D, the newest venture from Golden Arrow Goods offers handcrafted candles, soaps, and more, as well as daily candle pourings and workshops to help you create your own.

“My goal is for Candle Bar 111 to be a go-to spot in the Funk Zone where people can relax, get creative, and take home something they love,” shared Lindsay Gould, owner of Golden Arrow Goods, on her excitement for the new space. “There’s already so much junk in the world—from the food we eat to the clothes we wear— so why not have something clean and beautiful that also smells amazing?”

Gould readily admits that she’s had a lifelong love of crafts and creative pursuits, explaining that she launched the Golden Arrow brand back in 2020 as a way to sell her handmade goods to others. After leaving her corporate career behind, Gould began building her local fanbase, eventually establishing a regular makers market, the Curated Collective, to connect with other artists. Since then, she’s sold her soaps and such at local art markets and pop-ups, as well as hosted candle making workshops for private parties and corporate events. Candlebar marks the first brick and mortar location for Golden Arrow Goods, with Gould crediting the local love of artistry for the brand’s success so far.

“Being a creator in Santa Barbara has been such a rewarding experience,” Gould shared. “This community really appreciates handmade goods and loves supporting small businesses. I’m excited to take things to the next level. It’s not just about selling candles anymore: it’s about giving people the chance to create something themselves in a fun and welcoming space.”

For Gould, taking the leap from side hustle to storefront seemed like the best way to share her love of candlemaking with a larger audience. As business continues to grow, Gould says she’s excited to be able to make that kind of custom crafting more accessible, allowing guests to create their own unique scents.

“It’s all about the quality and the care that goes into it,” shared Gould, who first picked up the craft to make gifts for friends and family during the pandemic. “I spent months researching, testing, and creating, and honestly, I got hooked. I love being able to curate the ingredients and make sure it’s a clean-burning candle that’s safe to have in your home. A great candle isn’t just a product; it creates a vibe and makes your space feel special.”

The key to a great candle, according to Gould, is what it brings to the space. Whether warm and bright or crisp and cool, the scents and style should reflect the desired atmosphere, creating a cohesive sensory experience.

“When it comes to creating the perfect vibe, it’s all about matching the scent to the mood. If you’re winding down, go for calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus,” explained Gould. “For something cozy, warm notes like vanilla, cinnamon, or amber are perfect.”

“And always invest in high-quality candles,” she added. “You’ll notice the difference in how they fill the room without being overpowering.”

Ocean and Mountain Views

3506 Campanil Drive | Listed for $7,500,000 Open House Saturday 1pm-4pm

First time on the market and perfectly situated in the prestigious Campanil Hills development, sits this fabulous 5,420+ sq ft home on one acre, with spectacular ocean and mountain views, just waiting for its new owner's special touch. The huge great room with beamed 12ft ceilings, opens through a triple set of French doors to a gorgeous, covered patio and very private spacious lawn surrounded by lush landscaping. This fabulous indoor/outdoor space, along with an oversized wet bar and super spacious kitchen make this the ultimate entertainer's home, perfect for large parties, events and gatherings. For more intimate gatherings, the owners can relax in the living room with vaulted ceilings, large ocean-view windows and fireplace. The den, also with a cozy fireplace, is the perfect place to curl up with a book and enjoy the peace of living in this very private and safe lotion on a cool winter's evening. This home offers a lot of living options and flexibility.

All information provided is deemed reliable, but has not been verified and we do not guarantee it. We recommend that buyers make their own inquiries.

Owner Lindsay Gould

PATRICIA

On the Street with John Palminteri

True Love for the Land

QUITE POSSIBLY THE GREATEST VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT a city could get was presented to Carpinteria. Executive

Director Meredith Hendricks addressed a large group of residents Friday morning, saying, “I’m so pleased to announce that the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County has purchased and permanently protected the Rincon Gateway property.” The property will be transferred to the city for future upkeep and preservation.

First Responders

A DISTURBED PERSON WHO WOULD NOT SURRENDER a knife to officers led to a shutdown of the 700 block of State St. in downtown Santa Barbara. A mental crisis team wasn’t called in to join a Santa Barbara police negotiator. A patient approach was the plan.

A VEHICLE CRASHED DOWN INTO A DITCH on Thursday — Northbound Highway 101 past Castillo St. No major injuries. Traffic was flowing without delays. CHP, Caltrans, Santa Barbara Towing were on it.

John Palminteri is a veteran news reporter and anchor for Newschannel 3-12 TV and both KJEE and KCLU radio in Santa Barbara/Santa Maria/Ventura. Off the air, he’s often bringing his smile and positive energy to the microphone at fundraisers and civic events. John’s social media presence has one of the largest followings in Santa Barbara, and this page has the weekly highlights.

Twitter: @JohnPalminteri • Instagram: @JohnPalminteriNews • www.facebook.com/john.palminteri.5

Celebrating Valentine’s Day

First Come, First Love

THE ROSE CAFE IN SANTA BARBARA had a special surprise for the first 50 couples to come in on Valentine’s Day. The restaurant is locally owned on the Santa Barbara Mesa.

A Close Call!

THE VALENTINE’S WEEKEND HAS BEEN A COLORFUL ONE for flower growers including Myriad out of Carpinteria at the Santa Barbara Farmers Market. There were many extra buckets of fresh cut tall tulips, roses, and lilies. All were very popular with the shoppers and kept Erik Van Wingerden busy. But he always has time to talk about the flowers and how they will last at least a week in their beautiful condition and sometimes longer.

Seeing Red

THERE WAS A BEAUTIFUL RED HUE for the Traveling Hurtados show at the Carpinteria Alcazar Theatre Friday night for Valentine’s Day. It was full of classic rock love songs and favorites. They recalled starting out in Carpinteria 14 years ago as they went into their first song.

A SANTA BARBARA COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS CREW came in quickly to remove a tree blocking Mission Canyon Road about 8:30 on Thursday. Santa Barbara Co. Fire and CHP were also on the scene in rainy conditions.

THE SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL presented grants through a filmmaker fund for projects, including one on the Santa Barbara-based Conception Dive boat and the deadly fire in 2019 that took the lives of 34 on board. Nicole Noren is the Director. Winner!

Photos and Stories by John Palminteri Special to VOICE

with Viking, Sub-Zero & Miele appliances, a sunlit primary suite with a private terrace and separate office, and a lush backyard oasis with a sparkling pool, spa, and (3rd) alfresco fireplace, the spaces create the perfect environment for enjoying our temperate climate. Just moments from downtown, beaches, and the Mission, this home offers an effortless Santa Barbara lifestyle where elegance, comfort, and coastal beauty come together in perfect harmony. www.ElegantSBHome.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Yuja Wang & Víkingur Ólafsson

With Wang’s captivating artistry, emotional honesty, and Ólafsson’s visionary interpretations, the pair form an explosive duo, presenting a program of Berio, John Cage, Rachmaninoff, and more in a UCSB Arts & Lectures presentation at Granada Theatre on Friday, February 28th.

For tickets ($20-$134), visit granadasb.org

Friday

2/21

LECTURES/WORKSHOPS

An Evening With Rick Steves

• Speaking on the joy of travel; Catered VIP reception in the Arlington Courtyard (5:30-6:30pm)

• Arlington Theatre • $30-$175 • arlingtontheatresb.com • 7pm Fri, 2/21.

Conversing with the Afrofuture

• Nalo Hopkinson, Professor at The University of British Columbia & 2021 Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master • Mosher Alumni Hall, UCSB • free • ihc.ucsb.edu • 6pm Fri, 2/21.

MUSIC

Opera Santa Barbara's The Marriage of Figaro • Mozart’s masterpiece of seduction, mistaken identities, & rivalries set on a luxury ocean liner in the 1920’s • Lobero Theatre • $99-$199 • lobero.org • 7:30pm Fri, 2/21, & 2:30pm Sun, 2/23.

Jason Campbell & The Drive

• live music, empanadas, and $10 glasses of wine • Carr Winery • free • carrwinery.com • 7pm Fri, 2/21.

Jason Libs & the Liberation • Celebrate Gail Hansen's Birthday, with a special guest • SOhO • $12 • sohosb.com • 8pm Fri, 2/21.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Hollywood Fight Nights • Premier boxing series with rising stars & established fighters • Chumash Casino • $60-$110 • chumashcasino.com • 6pm Fri, 2/21.

Lotte Lehmann Concert Hall • free • music.ucsb.edu • 4:30pm Sat, 2/22.

Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series: Trio Céleste • Iryna Krechkovsky, violin, Ross Gasworth, cello, & Kevin Kwan Loucks, piano • St. Mark’s-inthe-Valley Episcopal Church • $25-$45 • smitv.org • 7pm Sat, 2/22.

Me Sabor Presents: Salsa Night • SOhO • $18 • sohosb.com • 8:30pm Sat, 2/22.

OUTDOORS

Seasonal Native Plant

Maintenance • Seasonality of native plant maintenance • Santa Barbara Botanic Garden • $25-$40 • sbbotanicgarden.org/calendar • 9am, Sat, 2/22.

SPECIAL EVENTS

2025 Regional Business Awards Gala • The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce celebrates local businesses • Hilton Santa Barbara • $175/person • sbscchamber.com • 6pm Fri, 2/21.

Saturday 2/22

CHILDREN

Storytime at the Sea Center • 15-minute storytime w/ tales from the sea; all ages are welcome • SBMNH

Sea Center • free with admission/ members free • sbnature.org • 10:30am, Sat, 2/22, and Sun, 2/23.

LECTURES/WORKSHOPS

Dario Robleto: The Signal • A Lecture by the artist on his exploration of the Golden Record and his film

Ancient Beacons Long for Notice • Mary Craig Auditorium, SBMA • free for students/teachers, $10/members, $15/ non-members • sbma.net/events • 3:30pm Sat, 2/22.

Writer’s Rume • Poetry & prose workshop for writers & creatives of all levels & disciplines • Free • Mosaic Locale on State • 3-5pm Sat 2/22.

Crafternoon: Hearts & Crafts

• Hands-on workshops w/ upcycled materials • EE Makerspace • $8 • exploreecology.org • 11:30am, Sat.

MUSIC

Layers: The Odyssey of Donavan Walker • Story-driven concert with live music & acting •

LECTURES/WORKSHOPS

Darrell M. McNeill • Reading & Signing with the author of The Isley Brothers: 3+3 • Chaucer's Books • free • chaucersbooks.com • 3pm Sun, 2/23.

Richard Powers • Author of The Echo Maker, Bewilderment, and The Overstory in conversation with Pico Iyer • UCSB Arts & Lectures • Campbell Hall • $10-$48 • artsandlectures.ucsb.edu • 7:30pm Sun, 2/23.

Kintsugi Workshop • The Art of Japanese Mending, w/ Kat McDowell • The Crafter's Library • $219 • thecrafterslibrary.com • 1-4pm Sun, 2/23.

MUSIC

SBCAA’s Chinese New Year Festival • Celebrate the Year of the Snake with traditional dance and folk music ensembles • Marjorie Luke Theatre • $35 • luketheatre.org • 5:30pm Sat, 2/22.

Cate School Winter Performing Artist Showcase • The Cate Rock Band, the Jazz Combo, and the Chamber Ensemble, plus dance and one-act plays • The Alcazar • $30 • thealcazar.org • 7pm Sat, 2/22.

Try Hockey Free • kids ages 4 to 9 can try hockey in a safe environment with trained coaching staff • Ice in Paradise • free • iceinparadise.org • 12:30pm Sat, 2/22.

Girls Inc of Carpinteria Gala • Enjoy fine dining, a special auction, and the dessert dash for a good cause • 5315 Foothill Rd • $200 • girlsinccarp.org • 5pm Sat, 2/22.

Casa Toscana • Fundraiser benefitting CASA of SB County • Santa Ynez Valley Marriot • $175$275 • sbcasa.org • 5pm Sat, 2/22.

Black Culture House • Live Music: BFunkn • Soul Bites • free • soulbitesrestaurants.com • 1pm Sat, 2/22.

Sunday 2/23

DANCE

Company Show 2025 • CSD School of Performing Arts presents choreography by Aika Doone, Jermaine Turnbow, Pablo Gatica, Nicole Powell, Lauren Serrano, and Juliette Martinez • Center Stage Theater • $25-$50 • centerstagetheater. org • 2pm Sun, 2/23.

inclusivity • Little Acorn Park • free • mcc.sa.ucsb.edu • 5pm Sun, 2/23.

Santa Barbara Wedding Expo • Inspiration, expertise, and the latest trends • Rockwood SB Woman's Club • $10-$50 • centralcoastbride. com • 12-4pm Sun, 2/23.

Monday 2/24

LECTURES/WORKSHOPS

Parliamo • Italian conversation, all levels • Natural Cafe, 361 Hitchcock Way • parliamo.yolasite.com • Free • 5-6:30pm Mon.

MUSIC

SBCC Big Band Jazz • Celebrating jazz • SOhO • $15 • sohosb.com • 7pm Mon, 2/24.

Sandy Cummings & Jazz Du Jour • Woody DeMarco, keys, Hank Allen, bass, Craig Thatcher, drums, Sandy Cummings, vocals • SOhO • $10 • sohosb.com • 3pm Sun, 2/23.

Benefit Concert for the Santa Barbara Chamber Players • Featuring Gene Pokorny, principal tuba, and Mi-Young Kim, pianist • Trinity Lutheran Church • $25 • sbchamberplayers.org • 3pm Sun, 2/23.

A Winter Showcase Recital

• A repertoire of Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, and more • First Congregational Church • $5-$10 • sbmtac.org • 4pm Sun, 2/23.

Arikal Sound System with Sitting on Saturn • Numbskull Presents at Soho • $20 • sohosb.com • 8pm Sun, 2/23.

OUTDOORS

Sea Center’s Beach Cleanup

• Be part of the solution to marine pollution • East Beach, near Skater’s Point • free • sbnature.org • 10am12pm Sun, 2/23.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Sunday Dinner w/ Food Not Bombs IV • Free vegan dinners to connect with community, care, and

Tuesday 2/25

COMEDY

Carpinteria Improv Drop-In Class • Learn improv with friends • Alcazar Theater • $10 at door • thealcazar.org • 7-9pm Tue.

DANCE

Batsheva Dance Company • Showcasing MOMO, w/ music by Laurie Anderson, Kronos Quartet, and Philip Glass • Granada Theatre • $49-$109, $20 UCSB students • artsandlectures.ucsb.edu • 7:30pm Tue, 2/25.

MUSIC

Detar Studios Band Showcase • SOhO • Free • sohosb.com • 5pm Tue, 2/25.

SPECIAL EVENTS

The New Negro Now • The Black Renaissance of 2024, w/ Jeffrey Stewart, Clifford Johnson, Hui-Ling Malone, Matthew Richardson, France Winddance Twine • Chaucer’s • free • chaucersbooks.com • 5:30pm Tue, 2/25.

Gabriela Radu, CMT

Therapeutic Massage

Specializing in injuries, Sports massage, Swedish, Lymphatic, Somatic massage & Life Coaching v.gabriela@yahoo.com

805-453-1139

www.comefromyourheart.com

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The New Negro Now: New Perspectives on the Black Renaissance

The New Negro Now • New Perspectives on the Black Renaissance of 2024 • Chaucer’s Books • free • chaucersbooks.com • 5:30pm, Tue, 2/25.

Conversing with the Afrofuture • An Evening with Nalo Hopkinson, Professor of Creative Writing at The Univ of British Columbia, and 2021 Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master • Mosher Alumni Hall, UCSB • free •

Don’t Enable Sable! • Join EDC, Get Oil Out!, SBCAN, & more to urge Board of Supervisors to prevent Sable from endangering SB • County Ad Blg, Bd Hearing Rm, 4th Flr 105 E Anapamu St. • environmentaldefensecenter.org • 8am Tue, 2/25.

PULITZER PRIZE AND NATIONAL BOOK AWARD winning author and UCSB professor emeritus Dr. Jeffrey Stewart headlines a panel of Black authors and UCSB educators to explore history and our current era.

Featuring: Jeffrey Stewart, Clifford Johnson, Hui-Ling Malone, Matthew Richardson, & France Winddance Twine chaucersbooks.com

ihc.ucsb.edu • 6pm, Fri, 2/21. Black Culture House • Live Music: BFunkn—the return of LA funk band w/ the crowd favorites • Soul Bites • free • soulbitesrestaurants.com • 1pm, Sat, 2/22.

Darrell M. McNeill • Reading & Signing with the author of The Isley Brothers: 3+3 • Chaucer's Books • free • chaucersbooks.com • 3pm, Sun, 2/23.

Wednesday 2/26

LECTURES/WORKSHOPS

Crafternoon: Hearts & Crafts • Hands-on workshops using upcycled materials • EE Makerspace • $8 • exploreecology.org • 2:30pm Wed.

Paper Beads Workshop • Transform colorful paper into unique beads, materials provided • EE Makerspace • $15 • exploreecology.org • 6pm Wed, 2/26.

English Madrigals on the Jesuit Stage • Musical Theatre of Martyrdom at the Venerable English College, Rome, presented by Alana Mailes • Building 387, 1015, UCSB • free • music.ucsb.edu • 3:30pm Wed, 2/26.

Sal Castro Memorial Lecture 2025 • With Prof. Oliver Rosales, author of Civil Rights in Bakersfield: Segregation and Multiracial Activism in the Central Valley • McCune Conference Room • free • ihc.ucsb.edu • 4pm Wed, 2/26.

Le Cercle Français • French conversation, all levels • The Natural Cafe, 361 Hitchcock Way • https://tinyurl.com/5ejbd9ye • Free • 5-6:30pm Wed.

MUSIC

Country Line Dancing • Bootscootin’ good time • Soul Bites • $10 • soulbitesrestaurants.com • 6pm Wed. David Wilcox • Folk singersongwriter touring My Good Friends • Maverick Saloon • $36 • davidwilcox.com • 7pm Wed, 2/26.

OUTDOORS

Well Being Wednesdays • Forest bathing with Elena Rios • Lotusland • $50/members, $85/nonmembers • lotusland.org • 11:30am, Wed, 2/26.

Thursday 2/27

COMEDY

Backstage Comedy Club • Hilarious stand-up comedy • The Red Piano • $20-$25 • theredpiano.com • 7:30pm Thu.

LECTURES/WORKSHOPS

Cocktails with a Curator: The Life and Legacy of Tom Dibblee • Presented by Jonathan Hoffman, Ph.D. • Fleischmann Auditorium, SBMNH • $25 • sbnature.org • 7pm Thu, 2/27.

Humanities Decanted: Lisa Jacobson • Erika Rappaport interviews Lisa Jacobson about her book, Intoxicating Pleasures: The Reinvention of Wine, Beer, and Whiskey after Prohibition • McCune Conf Rm • free • ihc.ucsb.edu • 4pm Thu, 2/27.

MUSIC

Battle of the Bands! • Five standout bands, from Santa Barbara, LA and San Luis Obispo will compete for $1,000 and a slot at Shabang 2025 • Soho • $12 • sohosb. com • 7pm Thu, 2/27.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Author Russ Tamblyn • Book talk hosted by Sarah Tomlinson & signing of Dancing on the Edge • Chaucer’s Books • free • chaucersbooks.com • 6pm Thu, 2/27.

Sip & Dip: Chocolate, Churros and Chess • Hot Chocolate with games • Menchaca Chocolates • free • menchacachocolates.com • 5-8pm Thu.

Protecting Our Immigrant Community • How can Santa Barbara County help? With speakers Julissa Peña, Primitiva Hernandez, Craig Bonner, & Onyx Starrett • Faulkner Gallery, SBPL • free • lwvsantabarbara. org • 12-1:30pm Thu, 2/27. Resilient Power for Healthcare • Panel discussion w/ Direct Relief, Doctors Without Walls, Planned Parenthood California Central Coast, & Unite to Light • Direct Relief • free • 5pm Thu, 2/27.

THEATRE

Strange Birds

Award-winning playwright E. M. Lewis weaves a taught psychological thriller about five women confronting dark forces in a remote mountain cabin as a storm approaches. An exploration of sisterhood, secrets, and survival, Strange Birds plays at UCSB Performing Arts Theater from February 20th through March 1st

For tickets ($14-$18), visit theaterdance.ucsb.edu

Hamlet • The Shakespeare classic with all the power, betrayal, family dysfunction, cutting wit, and existential angst • ETC at The New Vic • $25-$94 • www.etcsb. org • Wed, 2/12 to Sun, 2/23.

Much Ado About Nothing

• Relive the classic comedy full of love, wit, and mischief • Marian Theatre • $25-$50 • www.pcpa.org • Fri, 2/13 to Sun, 3/2.

Constellations • An enchanting journey through the stars, where every choice sparks a new constellation of possibilities • Rubicon Theatre Company • $20$70 • rubicontheatre.org • Wed, 2/19 to Sun, 3/9.

Strange Birds • In a remote mountain cabin, five women reckon with dark forces in this fierce and funny feminist thriller • UCSB Performing Arts Theater • $14-$18 • theaterdance.ucsb.edu • Thu, 2/20 - Sat, 3/1.

The Wind in the Willows

• Revisit Kenneth Grahame’s celebration of nature, friendship, and loyalty, in a new adaptation created especially for the Westmont Festival Theatre •

Friday 2/28

COMEDY

Friday Night Laughs • Comedians from LA • Java Station • $20 • santabarbaracomedyclub.com • 7pm Fri.

Porter Theatre, Westmont College • $12-$29 • www.westmont.edu/ boxoffice • 8pm, Fri, 2/21 to Sun, 3/2.

Sanctuary City • Two teenagers navigate the harsh realities of immigration and being DREAMers, lovers, and lifelong friends • Severson Theatre • $50 • www.pcpa.org • 2/27 - 3/16.

Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood • Thrills, romance, laughter, w/ Robin Hood, Little John, Friar Tuck, Maid Marian, and more • Garvin Theatre • $19-$29 • theatregroupsbcc.com • 2/26 - 3/15.

Lordy Mercy • An irreverent, laugh-out-loud comedy about being dealt the bottom card from the deck • Ojai Art Center • $40$175 • ojaitheater.org • 7:30pm, Fri, 2/21 & Sat, 2/22, and 2pm, Sun, 2/23.

The Spongebob Musical • Presented by Youthclusive, SpongeBob and friends must save Bikini Bottom from a dangerous volcano • Center Stage Theater • $16-$26 • centerstagetheater.org • 7pm Fri, 2/28, & 5pm Sat, 3/1.

LECTURES/WORKSHOPS

An Educating Conversation: Franciscans from Outside • With Mario Garcia, Ph.D. & Ellen McCracken, Ph.D. • Santa Bárbara Mission Archive Library • $55 • sbmal.org/events • 6pm Fri, 2/28.

Santa Barbara Ghost Tours

Walk with Professor Julie as she shares tales of mystery and history... & meet friendly spirits

Courtesy Jeff Liang

Jasmine Salata with Director Risa Brainin

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

The Little Mermaid

The timeless Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale is given new life in this world premiere, with an original score composed by Charles Fernandez, performed live by the Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra, and conducted by Brian Asher Alhadeff, on Saturday, March 1st, at 2pm and 7:30pm and Sunday, March 2nd, at 2pm, at the Lobero. For tickets ($24-$65), visit lobero.org

MUSIC

Yuja Wang & Víkingur Ólafsson • Two masters join forces in four-handed keyboard wizardry • Granada • $49-$134, $20 UCSB students • artsandlectures.ucsb.edu • 7pm Fri, 2/28.

Friday Night Fever – Dance Through the Decades • Presented by What The Dance • Soho • $25 • sohosb.com • 9pm Fri, 2/28.

COMEDY

South Coast Standup Comedy • Jen Murphy, Feraz Ozel, Dan Gabriel, and improv troupe An Embarrassment of Pandas • The Alcazar • $15 • thealcazar.org • 7pm Sat, 3/1.

Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias • Chumash Casino • $99-$139 • chumashcasino.com • 8pm Sat, 3/1.

DANCE

The Little Mermaid • State Street Ballet's world-premiere w/ new score from Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra • Lobero Theatre • $24-$65 • statestreetballet.com • 7:30pm Sat, 3/1; 2pm Sun, 3/2.

LECTURES/WORKSHOPS

Andrew Ross Sorkin: Inside the Minds of Today's Changemakers • Too Big to Fail author and Billions co-creator speaks about influential figures shaping the world today • Campbell Hall • $22.50-$37.50, free for UCSB students • artsandlectures.ucsb.edu • 7:30pm Sat, 3/1.

MUSIC

Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Festival Concert • with Steve Moretti and the Lunch Break Big Band • Elings Performing Arts Center, Dos Pueblos High School • $20-$25 • dphsmusic.org • 7:30pm Sat, 3/1.

Mason Jennings w/ Alexandra Riorden & Jacob Cole • American folk and indie rock • Soho • $23 • sohosb.com • 7pm Sat, 3/1.

SPECIAL EVENTS

March Open House • Santa Bárbara Mission Archive w/ director Jack Clark Robinson, OFM • Santa Bárbara Mission Archive Library • free •  sbmal.org/events • 9:30am, Sat, 3/1.

Sharehouse Community Day • Food trucks, activities, booths, & giveaways • Foodbank Sharehouse, 82 Coromar Drive, Goleta • free • foodbanksbc.org • 11am-3pm Sat, 3/1.

Sunday 3/2

STAY & PLAY • Share stories with kids • Montecito Library ~ 9-10:30am Tu.

MUSIC & MOVEMENT • Ages 2-5 • Central Library ~ 10:15-10:45am We.

READ TO A DOG • Eastside Library, 1102 E Montecito St ~ 3-4pm Wed

BABY AND ME • For babies 0-14 months • Courthouse Sunken Garden ~ 11-11:30am & 5-5:30pm We.

LIBRARY ON THE GO • Oak Park ~ 10am12pm, Fri, 2/21 • Mission Park Healthcare Center ~ 10:30am - 11:30am, Tue, 2/25 • Villa Santa Fe II ~ 12:15pm - 1:15pm, Tue, 2/25 • State St. near the Farmers Market ~ 4pm - 6:30pm, Tue, 2/25 • Harding School ~ 12:30pm - 2pm, Wed, 2/26 • Bohnett Park ~ 3:30pm - 5pm, Wed, 2/26 • Shoreline Park ~ 10am - 12pm, Thu, 2/27 • Oak Park ~ 10am12pm, Fri, 2/28 It’s Your Library

Strawberry Fields: Camerata Pacifica • Cutting edge baroque, featuring RUCKUS, “the world’s only period-instrument rock band” • Hahn Hall, Music Academy • $35-$75 • cameratapacifica.org • 7pm Fri, 2/28.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Westmont President’s Breakfast • With Condoleezza Rice, the 66th U.S. secretary of state • Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort • $175 • westmont.edu • 7-9am, Fri, 2/28.

Saturday 3/1

CHILDREN

Storytime at the Sea Center • 15-minute storytime. Tales from the sea; all ages welcome • SBMNH Sea Ctr • free with admission $12$15, chn under 2 free • sbnature.org/calendar • 10:30am, Sat, 3/1, & Sun, 3/2.

Fairytale Weekend • Whether pirate or princess, meet your favorite characters, take pics, enjoy story time, bounce houses, and more • Santa Barbara Zoo • free with admission/membership, $25-$35 • sbzoo.org • 10am-3pm Sat-Sun, 3/1-3/2.

LECTURES/WORKSHOPS

Author Barbara Boyle • Book talk and signing of Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300-YearOld Italian Farmhouse • Chaucer's Books • free • chaucersbooks.com • 3pm Sun, 3/2.

MUSIC

DMA Lecture Recital: Besnik Yzeiri, viola • Two new pieces by Albanian composer Pjeter Gaci • Music Room 1145, UCSB • free • music.ucsb.edu • 5pm Sun, 3/2.

Kliphuis and Grant Perform Grappelli and Reinhardt Duets • Presented by SB Acoustic • Soho • $25 • sohosb.com • 7pm Sun, 3/2.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Oscars Watch Party • Come early and watch the red carpet arrivals beginning at 1pm in the Arlington Courtyard • Arlington Theatre • free • arlingtontheatresb.com • 3:30pm Sun, 3/2.

Compline with Story and Sound • With DJ Andrew Elia and storyteller Laura Turner • Trinity Episcopal Church • free • trinitysb.org/compline • 7pm Sun, 3/2.

We Were Here

The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe

Free showing of a documentary with a reexamination of European art history and its cultural legacy, featuring insights from scholars in Art History, Black Studies, and History, at the MCC Theater and Lounge on Thursday, February 27th, at 5pm. Followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Fred Kudjo Kuwornu. wewereherethefilm.com

Cinema Events:

CWC Docs: American Homeboy

• Explore the history of Chicana and Chicano culture in the United States • Pollock Theater, UCSB • free • www. carseywolf.ucsb.edu • 2pm, Sat, 3/1.

We Were Here - The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe • MCC Theater • free • mcc.sa.ucsb.edu • 5pm, Thu, 2/27.

SBTHP Asian American Film Series • Presents A NIGHT OF SHORTS, followed by a reception with refreshments & snacks • Alhecama Theatre • suggested donation $5 • sbthp.org • 8pm, Fri, 2/28.

Do I Need This? • Documentary about consumerism, excess, and true happiness • followed by a discussion with UC Santa Barbara Bren School of Environmental Management professor Roland Geyer • CEC Environmental Hub • $5 • envirohubsb.org • 6:30pm, Thu, 2/27.

Courtesy photo

By David Gress / Special to VOICE

HE JAPANESE

YEW PINE is a tidy and sustainable small- to medium-sized evergreen conifer that does quite well in Santa Barbara.

This low-maintenance, droughttolerant tree naturally grows in shrub form and is frequently used for screening and hedging. When trained into a tree, it typically reaches 20- to 40feet in height with a spread of 15- to 30-feet, although it can grow larger in ideal conditions.

Japanese Yew Pine should not be confused with its near relative, the Fern Pine (Afrocarpus gracilior), which is planted here in much greater numbers, as both a tree and a hedge, and is quite similar in appearance - but which has smaller and more delicate leaves, and can grow relatively larger in size.

Japanese Yew Pine Podocarpus macrophyllus

baking. All the cones tend to blend into the foliage, so it requires close observation to see them.

Japanese Yew Pine has several other common names, including “Japanese Fern Pine,” “Buddhist Pine,” and “Southern Yew.” It should be noted that the tree is, in fact, neither a yew, nor a pine, nor a fern –common names so often are misleading.

The branches of Japanese Yew Pine grow upright and are covered with leathery, linear-lanceolate-shaped, long (up to 4-inches in length and ½-inch in width), yew-like, needles (leaves) that are arranged in dense spirals around the branches. The dark green leaves are glossy on top and paler underneath.

The fibrous bark is quite notable on mature trees, as it peels off in light brownish-gray strips.

The Japanese Yew Pine is “dioecious,” meaning it has two genders – appearing as either a male tree or a female tree. Male trees have small pollen-producing cones that appear in clusters of catkin-like spikes (1½-inch long) that form at the ends of branches. Female trees have seed cones that appear as scales (3/8-inch long) that also form at the end of branches.

Distinctively and unlike most other conifers, its fertilized seed cone develops into a small (½-inch long) oval-shaped “drupe” (a seed lightly covered with flesh) that sits right on top of a fleshy, berry-like “aril” (a base - ¾ inch in diameter), which turns reddish-purple when mature. The seeds are eagerly eaten by birds, which will subsequently disperse them - along with a dollop of their “fertilizer.” The seeds are not edible by humans, but the ripe aril berries are; they can be enjoyed raw or used in

This attractive and versatile tree is well suited to our climate, and makes a lovely addition to any garden or landscape.

Japanese Yew Pine is in the plant family Podocarpaceae. Its botanical name is Podocarpus macrophyllus. The genus name, Podocarpus, is a combination of the Greek words, “podos,” meaning “foot,” and “karpos,” meaning “seed,” and refers to the aril that forms a base on which the seed stands. The specific epithet, macrophyllus, is from Latin and means “large-leaved.”

It is the northern-most growing species in its genus, being endemic to the forests of southern Japan and eastern China. In its native range, it has been planted extensively as an ornamental plant or tree. Its hard and termiteresistant wood makes it valuable for lumber used in high quality construction and carpentry. In Hong Kong, it is considered an auspicious “feng shui” tree with a resulting high monetary value.

The Japanese Yew Pine is easy to grow in our area. It can be planted in full sun or shade. It does best in slightly acidic loam soil - but will tolerate heavier soils, if they are well-drained. In alkaline soils, it can become chlorotic (showing yellowing leaves), which can be treated with an acidifying fertilizer.

Once established, it is drought-tolerant - but will appreciate additional irrigation during the dry season. It is completely cold-tolerant in our Mediterranean climate. It can be propagated by seed and through soft-wood cuttings.

It does not appear to have significant problems with plant diseases or insects. That being said, sometimes sap-sucking aphids will infest new foliage – the droppings of these pesky bugs will develop an unsightly sooty mold on the leaves. An application of hungry aphid-eating lady bugs – or a good washing of the leaves with soapy water, as well as control of ant infestations (ants herd and protect aphids for their honeydew)should solve this problem.

Mature Japanese Yew Pines can be seen as street trees on San Julian Avenue in the Mesa neighborhood. Not surprisingly, there are several beautifully pruned specimens in the “Japanese Garden” (standing in and adjacent to the “karesansui” dry landscape) section of Ganna Walska Lotusland.

Tree-of-the-Month articles are sponsored by Santa Barbara Beautiful, whose many missions include the increase of public awareness and appreciation of Santa Barbara’s many outstanding trees and, in a long-time partnership with the City Parks &

Eagles Nest Ocean Views

Santa Barbara’s Premiere Ocean View Apartments

• Every apartment has outstanding ocean views with the very best island and sunset views in town.

• 32 one bedroom apartments, each with granite counter tops and a magnificent view.

• Recently updated on a dead end street with a reserved carport

parking spot for each unit.

• Only six blocks to the ocean and on a bluff top with mild ocean breezes year round. All the top floor units have high beamed ceilings and no steps, so easy access for all ages.

• See the best of Santa Barbara from this park-like setting.

For more information or to schedule an appointment call John at 805-451-4551.

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805-451-4551 • www.SBOceanViewRentals.com Home Realty & Investment DRE#01050144

Japanese Yew Pine

Photos by David Gress

Japanese Yew Pine bark

Japanese Yew Pine seed

INVITATION TO BID

Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County (FSA) is soliciting sealed bids to provide labor and materials to remodel the interior of our building- this includes converting one large private counseling office into two counseling offices and converting an open office space into an additional private office space located at 123 West Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County (FSA) will receive sealed bids until 3/17/25 by 1pm for the proposed work at 123 West Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 at which time and place all bids will be opened. For bids to be considered responsible contractors must attend a mandatory job walk at 8:30am on 3/03/25 at the job site of 123 West Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

Contract documents, including specifications, may be obtained by visiting 123 West Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 or requesting an electronic copy to evelasco@fsacares.org.

The successful bidder will be required to comply with all nondiscrimination laws and regulations pursuant to the provisions of these contract documents.

Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County (FSA) reserves the right to postpone, accept or reject any all bids as Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County (FSA) deems in its own best interest, subject to the terms and provisions of the contract documents.

For any additional information or request for electronic copy please contact Edsel Velasco, 805-965-1001 x1264 and/or evelasco@fsacares.org.

Publish date 2/21/25

¡Caliente!

Art that turns you on, heats you up, and lights your eye

Coming March 2nd to 28th, 2025

1st Thursday Reception: March 6th • 5-8pm 3rd Friday Gallery Row Artwalk

American Kestrel

By Rebecca

Oformerly known as the Sparrow Hawk. But it’s not a hawk at all: it’s the smallest falcon in North America. Insects and small rodents are its favored prey, making it the farmer’s friend, and it will readily use nest boxes. Like most raptors, females are larger than males, but males are more colorful, with blue-gray wings and a bright rufous tail with a black band. Look for this

Five Peaks Challenge

LOCAL ADVENTURERS CAN HEED THE CALL OF RUGGED PEAKS AND OCEAN VISTAS when they test their limits with the 2025 Five Peaks Challenge. Sponsored by the SB County Trails Council, the Five Peaks Challenge invites hikers to explore the region’s diverse beauty and conquer five summits.

“The Five Peaks Challenge is an invitation to experience the raw beauty of Santa Barbara County,” shared Otis Calef, President of the Trails Council. “It’s a chance to push your boundaries, connect with fellow adventurers, and witness the world from a truly inspiring perspective.”

Participants can choose five peaks from a list of ten, each offering a glimpse into SB County’s varied ecosystems. The featured peaks, each accessible day trips from anywhere in the County, include: Arlington Peak, Cachuma Mountain, Cathedral Peak, Flores Peak, Gaviota Peak, La Cumbre Peak, Little Pine Mountain, Montecito Peak, White Mountain, and Ranger Peak.

Participants can verify their climbs by submitting a photo of themselves at the summit. Either: Post summit photos on Instagram with peak names and hashtags #SB5Peaks and #SantaBarbaraTrails • Join the Strava club at strava.com/clubs/5-Peaks-Challenge to log hikes • Submit photos directly via Google Form: bit.ly/5PeaksPhotos

Every summiteer will be recognized on the Trails Council’s social media. Participants who verify five climbs will receive a frameable certificate and a sticker and be entered into a drawing for gift certificates ($100, $75, and $50) which will be awarded at a Trails & Ales on Thursday, May 8th. For more info or to register, visit sbtrails.org/peak-bagging or bit.ly/5peakschallenge

Coulter, Santa Barbara Audubon Society | Special to VOICE

SLIGHTLY LARGER THAN MOST SPARROWS,

Kestrel

Hot by Jerry Martin

YoYo Meets Cobain by Rod Lathim

Zoe Saldaña, of EmiliaPerez,Receives The Riviera Award

By Robert F. Adams / VOICE

ASENSATIONALLY

DRAMATIC

ACTRESS

OF

OUR TIMES, Zoe Saldaña was welcomed by Scott Feinberg of the Hollywood Reporter and a full house at The Arlington Theatre on February 12th. Per Time Magazine, Saldaña, who is now a local and lives in Santa Barbara, was one of the most influential 100 people in 2023. As of this writing she has just won a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress for her consequential role as an attorney turned family confidante in the Spanish language musical French Film Emilia Pérez. She plays an everywoman, the solid centerpiece of a film that has upends genres. Emilia Pérez is part thriller, a dark study of cartel violence, and a film that explodes with musical numbers that comment on the characters’ surprising journeys within the drug worlds of Mexico hatched by writer-director Jacques Audiard, renowned for directing The Beat That My Heart Skipped in 2005 and for A Prophet, made in 2010.

An intelligent and thoughtful mid-career actress, she literally was glittering in a full-length gown for the evening. She has surprised critics in her latest film outing, a departure from her big budget work in the Avatar film series, the recent Star Trek movies, and the Guardians of the Galaxy multiuniverse roles. In these projects she often has had many colors of skin or computerized presences and her appearances have been otherworldly. For Emilia Pérez, a Cannes Film Festival award-winning dramatic musical, the opportunity gives her a down-to-earth role where she keeps the other characters in the film grounded. Saldaña has surpassed expectations and is leading the charge to win an Oscar in early March.

Onstage she recounted losing her father at an early age

from a car accident, and mentioned the trauma for her and her sisters as a result. She was raised in New York City and studied ballet. Through a series of circumstances she veered into a New York musical theatre company and was signed by a talent agent. Her first breakthrough was in a film about ballet dancers, Center Stage, in 2000. Her commercial emergence as a star began with her casting as Neytiri in James Cameron’s blockbuster Avatar. Other big budget movies and multi-verse sequels followed, but she did appear in a small but dramatic role in Scott Cooper’s Out of the Furnace, in 2013, in which she excelled in a mere two emotional scenes. In between her big commercial successes, she took risks with smaller dramatic roles in Nina and Amsterdam and the streaming series Lioness, paving the way for her efforts in more dramatic projects.

The interview took place with a lightning fast montage featuring a smattering of scenes from her mostly commercial movies. She looked back at her early career, revealing, “I don’t think I would have been able to book Avatar without my dance and ballet training. It gave me such a deep connection to my body. And as I was learning the craft of acting, I knew that I needed to bring my body into every character I have played.”

She recounted being mentored by director Steven Spielberg in The Terminal who suggested she watch and immerse herself in classic movies of the past. Saldaña said about her role in Emilia Pérez, “Everything about it was so different. Deep down, it is about four very diverse women trying to break their own mold, and find their most authentic self, and to find love.” Saldaña added, “The film challenges audiences to find a deeper meaning about what redemption means to you. When these people have a past that they cannot escape, are they worthy of redemption? Are they worthy of freedom, of finding their voice?”

Best Directors Offer Inspiration

By Robert F. Adams / VOICE

ALL THE DIRECTORS

NOMINATED FOR BEST DIRECTOR OSCARS showed up for onstage discussions for the Directors Of The Year Awards. A remarkable session on modern-day filmmaking, the Arlington evening was a special tribute to the remarkable filmmakers that have sparked cinematic excitement. Of special note, the filmmakers welcomed this year had double duty – they all wrote (or cowrote) and directed their own material. The honorees across the board were risk-takers, and included Jacques Audiard, the brash mastermind behind the genre twisting Emilia Pérez; Sean Baker, the independent visionary who brings unusual stories to life, for his latest Anora; the upstart and Orson-Welleslike Brady Corbet who worked ten years on The Brutalist; Coralie Fargeat, the French auteur who brought The Substance to the screen, starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley; and the veteran biopic storyteller James Mangold, behind the Bob Dylan movie A Complete Unknown. The evening was moderated by The Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg.

After Roger Durling introduced host Feinberg, the writer-directors were beckoned individually to sit in the corner interview set. The outspoken and exuberant Jacques Audiard

bounded onstage first. According to Audiard, who spoke French with a translator, “I’ve made a film in Spanish, I don’t even speak Spanish, but even so, it’s the musicality of that language that really speaks to me. Emilia Pérez had a lot less means than the big American musicals. I absolutely loved doing it because working in the studio allowed me to attain a level of stylization that I never could have had in real locations.”

Sean Baker, of Anora, was next, an eager and spirited maverick who tackles stories of characters drawn from the streets of LA or NYC. His movies often show his characters going on journeys together, looking for someone, and encountering comical situations along the way, kind of an adult-themed Wizard of Oz. Anora is no exception, as his latest movie has been received with multiple accolades, the Hollywood industry is starting to appreciate independent directors like Sean Baker. Speaking about his lead actress Mikey Madison, who just won the BAFTA award for Best Actress, Baker revealed, “I cast the films along with my wife and producer. When it came to Mikey, no audition, it was the easiest casting process ever. I saw Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood..., noticed her, and just knew. I said, ‘She’s our Annie, I’m calling her agent!’”

Next up was the formidable young

The award presenter was the devilishly handsome actor (and her Montecito neighbor) Rob Lowe, who complimented the actress on her talent, her devotion to her family, and her sense of purpose. Saldaña was exuberantly touched by the award and thanked the film festival for the honors and was rewarded by a standing ovation.

director Brady Corbet, who, with his partner Mona Fastvold, created the screenplay for award-winning The Brutalist. The movie is an ambitious tale of post-WWII immigrants coming to terms with the trauma experienced in Europe, only to encounter tough situations in the USA. The main character, played by Adrien Brody, is an obsessed architect. The film was remarkably made with only 9.6 million in the till. Corbet revealed that making the film was a team effort, stating, “Making a film is an enormous managerial job. You’re curating, and you have to rely on the support of others, and it requires financing and personnel. It’s huge, it’s not something you can do in your bedroom alone.” Corbet used real celluloid for the film with a camera process known as Vista Vision, which he borrowed from the past and has a keen eye for careful and unusual composition in his nearly monochromatic saga.

Coralie Fargeat from The Substance was next up. She mentioned, “I had all the critics calling the movie feminist, and my film was about how I’ve been feeling my whole life about the world. Then, I started finding so

many more depressing things about how the world is still shaped in an unequal way, what with toxic behavior and show business and the way it has been shaped and ruled by so much problematic behavior.”

James Mangold, who directed A Complete Unknown was next, a pensive and experienced filmmaker, who delivered one of the most entertaining movies of the year. He often brings the past to life, in such films as Walk the Line, about Johnny Cash’s early career, and Ford vs Ferrari. His latest story about Bob Dylan’s remarkable rise to fame was an example of his exceptional period storytelling. Mangold mentioned, “I loved all these worlds and especially New York in the early 1960s. I wanted to revisit that….I wanted to be there. ”

At the end of this intriguing evening, with trophies and rapt applause for the honorees, Brady Corbet summed it up succinctly, “This group of directors this year are notably very radical, daring, with original movies. I think it’s impossible not to acknowledge this is one of the more interesting selections of contenders in a long time.”

Courtesy of SBIFF

Zoe Saldaña, arriving at the Arlington for the Riviera Award

Santa Barbara International Film Festival:

Courtesy of SBIFF

Award Winners & Highlights

By Robert F. Adams / VOICE

FOR THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF SBIFF, remarkable films were scattered between venues. Many of these movies started right on time and the SBIFF Film Center at State Street near Canon Perdido became the central location to test drive a Lexus, to see friends in line, and to seek out the intriguing content offered by the programming staff, including Roger Durling, Claudia Puig, and their small army of programmers. The experience could be daunting, as the day started at 8am with screenings, and played well into the evenings for fest-goers, braving rain and schedule updates.

The worthy award winners, announced on the last morning of the festival at the Belmond El Encanto, included some noteworthy film projects of the short, the fictional narrative, and the documentary variety. 2025 winners included Out of Plain Sight, with journalist Rosanna Xia present for The Audience Award. The Social Justice Award from the Fund for Santa Barbara went to Errol Morris’ Separated. The Barbakow Award for Best International Feature Film went to Yen and Ai-Lee, directed by Tom Shu-yu Lin. Color Book, from newcomer director David Fortune won the ASC Award for Cinematography. Other award winners included O Horizon, directed by Madeleine Rotzler; Roads Of Fire for best doc directed by Nathaniel Lezra; Glimmers directed by Pilar Palomero for the Nueva Vision Award. Award winning shorts included The Three Sisters, from animator Timur Kognov; The Green Buffalo from documentarian Joel Calfwell; and for the Best Live Action Short, Bitter Chocolate from Sahar Sotoodeh waltzed off with the honors.

For a new program, the festival announced $10,000 grants from the Vergison Filmmaker fund handed out to four local filmmakers who included Julia Kupiec, Santiago Bailey-Musacchio, Joy Bronson, and Nicole Noren, who now have new funding resources to film their own screenplays.

So many films were offered with so little time, but one of the standouts was At the Door of the House Who Will Come Knocking, a contemplation on isolation and the cycles of aging and life, set in a snowbound dwelling and forest in the winter season of Serbia and Bosnia. The filmmaker is Maja Novaković and the camera work was beyond impressive, one of the visual and thematic gems of the festival.

The aforementioned Color Book was a simple and poignant essay of a father confronting solo parenting for his only son with down syndrome due to a family tragedy. The tapestry woven by David Fortune

and his team was subtly emotional and credible via the black and white cinematography of suburban Atlanta.

Magic Hour from filmmaker Jacqueline Christy and starring an energetic Miriam Shor was often zany and hilarious, an enjoyable look at a woman who loses almost everything and who opts to go to film school for new beginnings. Beguiling and clever, the broad comedy appealed to fest audiences.

Almost a documentary, The Wolves Come Out at Night, filmed in the Gobi Desert in Mongolia by Gabrielle Brady, made a remarkable dramatic statement about the effects of climate change in rural parts of the planet. The scenes of subsistence ranching were memorable. The retreat to urban centers and the degradations illustrated was not only sad to see, as the nomadic uprooting has devastating consequences for the bonds of extended families.

Viva Verdi was a humorous and special look at retired opera singers and opera musicians who spend the last chapter of their lives in the Milan-based Casa Verdi. We get to move through the narrow hallways with portraits of several aging professionals. We see former glories when these musical professionals were young and vital, and the droplets of hope from these classical music-world survivors. The film’s director is the astute Maxim Derevianko and the producer is Christine La Monte, and both are to be congratulated for their delightful documentary that shines a light upon the bright side of aging.

The film Summer Book, directed by Charlie McDowell, offers strong performances from the cast including Glenn Close and Norway’s Anders Danielsen Lie. The story, based on a popular book, erupts into a gentle portrait of a close-knit family spending the summer on an isolated island. The distant seaside archipelago in Finland is a memorable setting in which the three family members of multiple generations confront loss. But within the gorgeously photographed natural environment this family, we get to know find a way to rediscover hope and personal resiliency.

Movie stills courtesy of SBIFF

At the Door of the House Who Will Come Knocking, Maja Novaković

Color Book, David Fortune

Photo courtesy of SBIFF

Magic Hour, Jacqueline Christy

The Summer Book, Charlie McDowell

The Filmaker Fund winners

Are Consumers In Danger?

By Harlan Green / Special to VOICE

Total consumer credit rose $40.8 billion in December, after a $5.4 billion decline in the prior month, the Federal Reserve said last Friday. In percentage terms, it is the biggest gain since June 2022.

WILL CONSUMERS

LOSE THEIR MOJO? They shopped until they dropped during the holidays, which is why retail sales were up 3.9 percent in December as well. To do this, consumers were spending more than they were earning. The question now is when will consumers run out of savings, and stop shopping? That will in fact determine economic growth in the New Year.

Revolving credit, typically credit-card debt, made up most of the increase, rising at a 20.2 percent annual rate. That follows a 12.1 percent drop in the prior month. Nonrevolving credit, mainly auto and student loans, rose at a 5.8 percent rate after a 2.7 percent rise in the prior month.

"We are in a pretty good place," Powell told the Senate committee - citing tariffs, immigration, fiscal, and regulatory policy as the key variables the Fed will "try to make sense of."

We won’t actually know the future until we see that happens when the new tariffs on imports kick in and those countries retaliate with their own tariffs on U.S. exports.

So January will be another story as consumers must begin to spend less to replenish their savings. A sign of their hurt is that the delinquency rate has risen, with some 3.5 percent of card balances past due by 30 or more days and 1.8 percent of accounts delinquent. Both figures are more than double the post-pandemic lows recorded in 2021, said Bloomberg.

That’s the fine line the Fed’s Chair Powell is attempting to walk at their semi-annual congressional update this week. He didn’t say outright that the tariffs that President Trump has announced will cause inflation to spike so they can’t drop interest rates any lower, in answering questions.

By Harlan Green

Another hint on future consumer behavior is how small businesses are feeling. The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell by 2.3 points in January to 102.8. This is the third consecutive month above the 51-year average of 98. The Uncertainty Index rose 14 points to 100 – the third highest recorded reading – after two months of decline.

“Overall, small business owners remain optimistic regarding future business conditions, but uncertainty is on

the rise,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “Hiring challenges continue to frustrate Main Street owners as they struggle to find qualified workers to fill their many open positions. Meanwhile, fewer plan capital investments as they prepare for the months ahead.”

Speaking of hiring challenges, Goldman Sachs put out a graph that shows just how important ‘unauthorized’ workers are to the U.S. economy. They make up approximately half of the jobs native-born Americans won’t take.

Harlan Green © 2025 Follow Harlan Green on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HarlanGreen Harlan Green has been the 18-year Editor-Publisher of PopularEconomics.com, a weekly syndicated financial wire service. He writes a Popular Economics Weekly Blog. He is an economic forecaster and teacher of real estate finance with 30-years experience as a banker and mortgage broker. To reach Harlan call (805)452-7696 or email editor@populareconomics.com.

Santa Barbara Mortgage Interest Rates

Contact your local loan agent or mortgage broker for current rates:

DRAPER & KRAMER MORTGAGE CORP.

Please call for current rates: Russell Story, 805-895-8831

PARAGON MORTGAGE GROUP

Please call for current rates: 805-899-1390

HOMEBRIDGE FINANCIAL SERVICES

Please call for current rates: Erik Taiji, 805-895-8233, NMLS #322481

MONTECITO BANK & TRUST

Please call for current rates: 805-963-7511

Simar Gulati, 805-403-9679

U.S. BANK

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NOTICE OF PUBLICATIONS ON APPLICATIONS

REGARDING PROVISIONS OF TITLE 28 AND/OR 30 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA (SBMC)

The Secretary of the Planning Commission has set a public hearing for Thursday, March 6, 2025 beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street.

On Thursday, February 27, 2025, an Agenda with all items to be heard on Thursday, March 6, 2025 will be posted on the outdoor bulletin board at City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street, and online at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PC. Agendas, Minutes, and Staff Reports are also accessible online at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PC.

TELEVISION COVERAGE: This meeting will be broadcast live on City TV-Channel 18 and online at SantaBarbaraCA. gov/CityTV. See SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CityTVProgramGuide for a rebroadcast schedule. An archived video of this meeting will be available at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PCVideos.

WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT: Public comments may be submitted via email to PCSecretary@SantaBarbaraCA.gov before the beginning of the Meeting. All public comments submitted via email will be provided to the Commission and will become part of the public record. You may also submit written correspondence via US Postal Service (USPS) addressed to PC Secretary, PO Box 1990, Santa Barbara, CA 93102-1990. However, please be advised, correspondence sent via USPS may not be received in time to process prior to the meeting and email submissions are highly encouraged. Please note that the Commission may not have time to review written comments received after 4:30 p.m. the Tuesday before the meeting.

All public comment that is received before 4:30 p.m. the Tuesday before the meeting will be published on the City’s website at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PC. Comments provided via USPS or e-mail will be converted to a PDF before being posted on the City’s website. Note: comments will be published online the way they are received and without redaction of personal identifying information; including but not limited to phone number, home address, and email address. Only submit information that you wish to make available publicly.

APPEALS: Decisions of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council. For further information and guidelines on how to appeal a decision to City Council, please contact the City Clerk’s office at Clerk@ SantaBarbaraCA.gov as soon as possible. Appeals may be filed in person at the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or in writing via email to Clerk@SantaBarbaraCA.gov and by first class mail postage prepaid within 10 calendar days of the meeting at which the Commission took action or rendered its decision.  Appeals and associated fee postmarked after the 10th calendar day will not be accepted.

NOTE TO INTERESTED PARTIES: Only those persons who participate through public comment either orally or in writing on an item on this Agenda have standing to appeal the decision. Grounds for appeal are limited to those issues raised either orally or in written correspondence delivered to the review body at, or prior to, the public hearing.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: If you need services or staff assistance to attend or participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator’s Office at (805) 5645305. If possible, notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will usually enable the City to make reasonable arrangements. Specialized services, such as sign language interpretation or documents in Braille, may require additional lead time to arrange.

• 518-524 N Milpas St

Assessor’s Parcel Number: 031-241-040 & 031-241-041

Zoning Designation: C-R (Commercial Restricted) & C-G (Commercial General)

Application Number: PRE2023-00121

Applicant / Owner: Ed deVicente, DMHA / A J Vido Incorporated

Project Description: AUD Concept Review of 3-story residential apartment complex.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT: The following Limited Liability Company is doing business as ROOT KITCHEN CATERING LLC; ROOT KITCHEN CATERING; ASPYNS TABLE; SHOWGROUNDS DELI at 3400 Calle Real, Main Kitchen, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. PRRE HOLDINGS, INC. at ROOT KITCHEN CATERING LLC at 3400 Calle Real, Main Kitchen, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on January 29, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2025-0000259. Published February 7, 14, 21, 28, 2025.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT: The following Individual is no longer doing business/abandoning the name ROOT KITCHEN CATERING (County of Current Filing: SANTA BARBARA on 01/03/2024 FBN2024-00000011) at 595 Avenue of the Flags, 207, Buellton, CA 93427. MUHSIN H SUGICH at 595 Avenue of the Flags, 207, Buellton, CA 93427. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on January 28, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2025-0000244. Published February 7, 14, 21, 28, 2025.

STATEMENT: The following Individual is no longer doing business/abandoning the name ASPYNS TABLE (County of Current Filing: SANTA BARBARA on 03/11/2020 FBN2020-0000777) at 617 W. Mission #B, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. ASPYN JONES at 617 W. Mission #B, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on January 29, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2025-0000258. Published February 7, 14, 21, 28, 2025.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT: The following Corporation is doing business as COAST PROPERTY ADVISORS at 2461 Calle Almonte, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. PRRE HOLDINGS, INC. at 2461 Calle Almonte, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on January 28, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2025-0000249. Published February 7, 14, 21, 28, 2025.

BillJDalziel@gmail.com WilliamDalziel.work

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT: The following Individual is doing business as LEFT COAST AQUACULTURE & REEFING at 134 Oakmont Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436. MARK H SMITH at 134 Oakmont Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on January 21, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 20250000179. Published February 14, 21, 28, March 7, 2025.

Community News

RESEARCHER, WRITER,

AND CURATOR Ana

Briz has been hired as Assistant Director and Curator of Exhibitions at The Art, Design & Architecture Museum at UC Santa Barbara. Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, she currently calls Southern California home.

at UCSB AD&A Museum

With her curatorial practice and research interests informed by the abolitionist imaginary, her research is situated in the field of performance, art, and visual culture in the United States, and focuses on queer, feminist, and anti-racist work by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in California. She is broadly interested in issues related to social justice, displacement, and resistance in contemporary art and culture.

“I am thrilled to join the AD&A Museum and serve the UC Santa Barbara student body,” Briz says. “As a regional historian of California art and performance, I am looking forward to supporting emerging or underrepresented artists that call this place home. I am especially excited to champion radical practices such as performance or social practice that intersect California history and its diverse cultural backgrounds.”

“Given the AD&A Museum’s increased focus on the regional identity and aesthetics of the Central Coast and Southern California, the expertise that Ana brings will be an invaluable

addition to the Museum,” said AD&A Museum Director, Gabriel Ritter. “Her curatorial commitment to championing work that embraces themes of social justice and resistance will very much be at home with our UCSB campus community.”

Her most recent projects and exhibitions include: Beatriz da Costa: (un)disciplinary tactics (September 7, 2024–January 5, 2025), as curatorial assistant to curator Daniela Lieja Quintanar at Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (LACE), and presented at Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery; Gilded Dreams (February 28–March 31, 2024), cocurated with artist noé olivas, and presented at Crenshaw Dairy Mart Gallery; and artist Star Montana’s mural East LA Landscape (2022) for the LAC+USC Restorative Care Village, and presented by the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture. Her writing has appeared in Flash Art Magazine, AWARE (Archives of Women Artists, Research and Exhibitions), and in exhibition catalogs published by the Hammer Museum, Intellect Press, and MIT Press.

Briz is a Ph.D. candidate in American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California (USC) and holds an M.A. in Curatorial Practices and the Public Sphere from USC and a B.A. in Art History from Florida International University. museum.ucsb.edu

Choral Society to Host Saint Patrick’s Pub with Shamrock Gala

A NIGHT OF CELTIC CHARM WILL ARRIVE JUST IN TIME FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY when the Choral Society hosts the Shamrock Gala at Santa Barbara Women’s Club’s Rockwood. The annual fundraiser will be held at the Saturday, March 15th at 5:30 pm.

Authentic Irish pub fare and craft beer will be served while guests enjoy traditional Irish tunes played by the Decent Folk band. Additional entertainment will include a pub sing-along with the Kule Klub ukulele players; a demonstration of Irish dance led by World Champion Irish dancer Alanna Callaghan and her FireDance performance team; and the music of local favorite, Will Breman and band.

A live auction, which includes the chance to bid on conducting the Choral Society and Orchestra during its 2025 Holiday Concert, will be held, as well as Pot o’Gold raffles and a paddle raise in support the Choral Society’s educational and community outreach programs. For tickets ($160), visit sbchoral.org/shamrockwood. Deadline for reservations March 10th.

Firefighter Foundation’s Inaugural Disco Inferno to Deliver Far Out Fundraiser

GET DOWN WITH DISCO FEVER when the Santa Barbara South Coast Firefighter Foundation hosts their inaugural Disco Inferno fundraiser Saturday, February 22nd at 7pm. The evening will transform The Hangar at Bella Vista Ranch into a swinging seventies studio where guests can enjoy music, drinks, and more while meeting the firefighters that dedicate their lives to keeping the community safe.

The event will feature cocktails and food from local restaurants, as well as auction items from San Ysidro Ranch, Canary Hotel, Brophy’s, Bettina, Summerland Winery, Zookers, La’Unica Esau, Honor Bar, Clark’s, Padaro Grill, and more. Guests can also enjoy performances from professional glowing exotic fan dancers and a special Dancing with the Stars Disco dance style exhibition.

The evening marks the first event specifically for the Santa Barbara South Coast Firefighter Foundation. Funds raised will support local programs and expanded training facilities that benefit and strengthen the entire Santa Barbara County, protecting our community and neighboring communities. For tickets ($250, $1000 VIP ticket) visit SBsouthcoastFF.com

EDC Issues Call To Action About Sable

THE BATTLE FOR A CLEAN AND ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND Santa Barbara continues, as the EDC and a coalition of partners oppose Sable, an oil company attempting to restart the Santa Ynez pipeline. Most notorious for the 2015 Refugio oil spill, the Santa Ynez Unit requires the kind of repair and oversight Sable seems unwilling to do, as they have been non-compliant in their quest to resume operations after almost ten years of the pipeline being non-operational.

Most recently, the California Coast Commission has issued a second ceaseand-desist order against Sable, for conducting construction work that falls outside of what Sable can do without the proper permits.

There are two events the EDC has issued a call to action around. On Tuesday, February 25th, the City Board of Supervisors will hold a hearing about the transfer of permits from ExxonMobil to Sable that are needed to proceed. Get Oil Out!, SBCAN, Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, and the Sierra Club, as well as a broad coalition of partners, will hold a rally at 8am in front of the County building, before the hearing begins at 9am.

Then, on March 13th, there will be a public forum, time and place to be determined, held by The California Natural Resources Agency. The public will get to hear from the eight state agencies who have regulatory oversight over the pipeline, and who, at this point, have allowed Sable to move forward without any oversight or public input.

EDC has prepared a fact sheet PDF for attendees that will inform them of what they need to know and the questions at ask at these events. It is available at https://tinyurl.com/yet2c7nk

For more information, visit environmentaldefensecenter.org

Courtesy of EDC

Ana Briz is new Assistant Director & Curator of Exhibitions

Ana Briz, Assistant Director and Curator of Exhibitions Courtesy of UCSB

The Choral Society’s Shamrock Gala will include a performance from Alana Callahan’s Fire Academy dancers

Community News

Art Scholarships Awarded to 20 Young Artists

CELEBRATING STUDENT ARTISTS

ACROSS SOUTH

COUNTY, the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara honored the 20 winners of the 2025 Art Scholarship Competition during a reception at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art on Thursday, February 6th.

“Our art scholarship program continues to attract exceptionally talented student artists from South County high schools,” said Melinda Cabrera, president and CEO of the Scholarship Foundation. “We are very pleased to recognize this year’s winning artists and provide them with opportunities to continue their studies.”

Each year the Scholarship Foundation invites high school seniors in Southern Santa Barbara County to submit a portfolio of original work for its art scholarship competition, with submissions judged by a panel of prominent local artists. This year’s judges were Scott Anderson, Isaac Hernandez, and Sara Hetyonk Duron.

SBCA to Celebrate Women in Construction

IT WILL BE AN INSPIRING EVENING highlighting the strength and creativity of women in the field of construction and design on Thursday, March 6th, at the Alhecama Theatre. This year’s theme, “Trailblazers & Changemakers,” will celebrate the remarkable achievements of Santa Barbara’s leading women in the field.

The event will begin with a networking reception, with wine and hors d’oeuvres, and live music from the all-female band Riviera Revival. Laura Capps, from the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, and Tina Dye, the Chief Building Official for the City of Santa Barbara, will hold keynote presentations.

A panel discussion will follow, featuring top women leaders in construction and design in Santa Barbara. The panel will include Sherry Villanueva, Founder and Managing Partner at Acme Hospitality, as moderator, and Jennifer Lewis, AIA, Harrison Design, Dawna Davis, Senior Building Inspector, Shannon Scott, Interior Designer, and Ashley Farrell, of Ashley Farrell Landscape Design. For registration & tickets ($50-$60), visit https://tinyurl.com/455scf3u

NAACP Releases Consumer Advisory to Promote and Protect DEI Initiatives

IN ORDER TO DRIVE SUPPORT TOWARD BUSINESSES WHO STAND BY DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION, the NAACP has published a spending guide that highlights these organizations amid the ongoing rollback of nationwide DEI programs. The recently released Black Consumer Advisory is intended to defend DEI initiatives which promote the social and economic advancement of Black Americans.

“Diversity is better for the bottom line,” shared NAACP President Derrick Johnson in an exclusive announcement to The Associated Press. “In a global economy, those who reject the multicultural nature of consumerism and business will be left in the past they are living in.”

Shortly after taking office, President Trump signed an executive order that terminated illegal preferences and discrimination based on DEI in federal agencies and federal contracting, and has since encouraged private sector organizations to do the same.

The Consumer Advisory directs Americans to spend intentionally by backing organizations that reflect their values and demand accountability from corporations who have abandoned their diversity programs.

Among the organizations that have stood by their DEI policies are Delta Airlines, Apple, Ben & Jerry’s, and e.l.f Cosmetics. Companies who have reversed their policies include McDonald’s, Meta, Target, Walmart, and Lowe’s.

To review the Consumer Advisory, or to sign the Consumer Pledge, visit https://naacp.org/campaigns/black-consumer-advisory

20

Each winner will receive a scholarship in the amount of $3,000 or $3,500; the best of show winner will receive an additional $1,000 scholarship. Carolina Rodriguez, who attends SBHS, was awarded the Schall Family Best of Show Prize. The other 2025 Art Scholarship winners include Eva Amendolagine (DPHS), Stephanie Barraza (Bishop Garcia Diego High School), Sam Blakely (DPHS), Caitlyn Buist (SBHS), Noah Burgess (DPHS), Otis Carter (SMHS), Pilar Duran (SBHS), Olivia Farley (DPHS), Julieta GarciaGonzalez (SBHS), Keeley Harper (DPHS), Finley Helzer-Koch (DPHS), Tove Ibsen (SBHS), Kate Mebane (DPHS), Gianna Mills (SMHS), Danielle Ramirez (SMHS), Sophia Senn (SBHS), Amelia Vander May (DPHS), Noah Zakrzewski (DPHS), and Alondra Zarate (DPHS). www.sbscholarship.org

Community to Wash Down the Westside with Neighborhood Cleanup

HELP BRING BEAUTY BACK TO THE STREETS and join the City’s Clean Community Division for a neighborhood cleanup on Saturday, February 22nd from 9am to 12pm. Participants will meet at the corner of San Andres and Micheltorena St, where they can grab a cleanup kit or graffiti removal supplies and help clean up the area, or take supplies to tidy up their favorite neighborhood, beach, or park. Clean Community staff will be on hand to provide information and answer questions about keeping local neighborhoods clean. santabarbaraca.gov

CADA Honors Mentors with 14th Annual Gratitude Luncheon

TO SHARE THEIR APPRECIATION FOR LOCAL LEADERS and dedicated mentors, the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse will hold the 14th Annual Gratitude Luncheon on Thursday, March 6th from 11:30am to 1:30pm at the El Encanto. Hosted by event founder and chair Anne Smith Towbes, the luncheon is a benefit for CADA’s Mentor Program.

“Of the many wonderful community efforts I’m involved with, CADA’s Mentor Program is one of the most dear to me,” shared Towbes.

The event will feature keynote speaker Bill Pintard, Executive Director and Field Manager of the Santa Barbara Foresters. A longtime Carpinteria resident, Pintard directs the work of the Foresters on and off the field, having led the team and its cancersupport charity, Hugs for Cubs, since 1995. Additionally, local teacher and CADA mentor Nan Verkaik will receive the Penny Jenkins Mentor Champion Award, and mentor Wim Verkaik will receive the first Anne Towbes Gratitude Founder Award.

Now in its 29th year, the Mentor Program matches Santa Barbara County youth enrolled in 3rd through 8th grades with adult mentors who encourage personal growth, self-esteem, academic performance, and healthy family dynamics. Mentees are referred to CADA by school counselors, psychologists, and other school administrators who have identified at-risk behaviors that can result in poor academic studies, social difficulties, and association with negative influences.

To purchase a ticket ($175), visit cadagratitude.org

Photos by Jay Farbman

students were selected as winners of the 2025 Art Scholarship Competition

Carolina Rodriguez received the Schall Family Best of Show Prize

Waterhouse

ART VENUES

La Arcada at State & Figueroa

10 West Gallery • Sweet Imagination ~ Mar 30• 10 W Anapamu • 11-5 WeMo • 805-770-7711 • 10westgallery.com

Architectural Fdn Gallery • Slingshot / Alpha Art Studio Artists ~ Mar 8 • 229 E Victoria • 805-965-6307

• 1–4 some Sa & By Appt • afsb.org

Art & Soul Gallery • Medicine

Woman ~ Mar 2 • 1323 State St • artandsoulsb.com

Art & Soul Funk Zone • Hearts

For Arts ~ Fri-Sun prior to location closing Feb 23 • 116 Santa Barbara St • artandsoulsb.com

ART EVENTS

Sally A. Foxen-McNeill • Photo exhibit about Black Music Masters • Chaucer’s Books, 3321 State St. • 9am - 8pm, Sun-Sat, 2/1 - 2/28.

Artist Talk with Erin Smith • Makerhouse studio director on product design, interior design, and the art of ceramics • free • 1351 Holiday Hill Rd. • 4pm, Fri, 2/21.

Artist Talk with Joe Castle • Figuratively Speaking with sculptor Neil Goodman • Elverhøj Museum • 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang • 4pm, Sat, 3/1.

SB Arts & Crafts Show • Local artists & artisans • Free • 236 E Cabrillo Blvd • 10-5 Sun.

Carpinteria Creative Arts Market • Local pottery, beach art, cards, jewelry, and sewn articles • 8th St & Linden Av • Free • 2:30-6 Th. Classes:

Introduction to Japanese Woodcut Printing or Mokuhanga • Complete a handmade print • CAW • $80-$100 • sbcaw.org • 10am-4pm, Sat, 2/22.

Artist Opportunities:

Spring 2025 Teen Arts Mentorships • Arts Fund tuitionfree mentorship open now • all students 13-18 invited to apply • Apply at artsfundsb.org/programs/tam • Questions: email info@artsfundsb.org• Deadline: 3/1.

Call for Artists • Carpinteria Arts Center open call to submit for The Art of Everyday, March 6th through April 27th • InPerson Drop-Off For Jurying: 10am -2pm, Mon, 3/3 • Virtual Submission:11:59pm Thu, 2/27, visit carpinteriaartscenter.org • 865 Linden Ave, Carpinteria

Call for Artists • Gallery Los Olivos is open to new members in sculpture, pedestal art, and jewelry • Appl. deadline is March 14th; apply online at gallerylosolivos.com, Artist Submissions tab • Jurying on 3/22.

Art, Design & Architecture Museum, UCSB • Public Texts: A Californian Visual Language ~Apr 27; Tomiyama Taeko: A Tale of Sea Wanderers ~ Apr 27 • 12-5 We-Sun • museum.ucsb.edu

Art From Scrap Gallery • Environmental Educ. & Artistic Expression • exploreecology.org

The Arts Fund • La Cumbre Plaza, 120 S Hope Ave #F119 • 11-5 We-Su • 805-233-3395 • artsfundsb.org

Atkinson Gallery, SBCC • gallery.sbcc.edu

Bella Rosa Galleries • 1103-A State St • 11-5 daily • 805-966-1707

The Carriage and Western Art Museum • SB History Makers Exhibit featuring Silsby Spalding, WW Hollister, Dixie; Saddle & Carriage Collections • Free • 129 Castillo St • 805-962-2353 • 9-3 MoFr • carriagemuseum.org

California Nature Art Museum

• A Deeper Love: New Paintings Inspired by Coral Reefs ~ Feb 24 • 1511 B Mission Dr, Solvang • 11-4 Mo, Th, Fr; 11-5 Sa & Su • calnatureartmuseum.org

Casa de La Guerra • Haas Adobe Watercolors • $5/Free • 15 East De la Guerra St • 12-4 Th-Su • sbthp.org/casadelaguerra

Casa del Herrero • Gardens & House • by reservation • 1387 East Valley Rd • tours 10 & 2 We & Sa • 805565-5653 • casadelherrero.com

Casa Dolores • Bandera Ware / traditional outfits ~ ongoing • 1023 Bath St • 12-4 Tu-Sa • 805-963-1032 • casadolores.org

Channing Peake Gallery • 105 East Anapamu St, 1st fl • 805-568-3994

Colette Cosentino Atelier + Gallery • 11 W Anapamu St • By Appt • colettecosentino.com

Community Arts Workshop • 631 Garden St • 10-6pm Fri & By Appt. • sbcaw.org

Corridan Gallery • California

Sojourns by Karen Fedderson • 125 N Milpas • 11-5 We-Sa • 805-966-7939 • corridan-gallery.com

CPC Gallery • By appt • 36 E Victoria St • cpcgallery.com

Cypress Gallery • Red Zone: Lompoc Valley Art Assn ~ Feb 23 • 119 E Cypress Av, Lompoc • 1-4 Sa & Su • 805-737-1129 • lompocart.org

Elevate Gallery@ La Cumbre Center For Creative Arts •

Gallery Artists • La Cumbre Plaza • 12-5 Tu-Su • lcccasb.com

RUTH ELLEN HOAG www.ruthellenhoag.com @ruthellenhoag 805-689-0858 ~inquire for studio classes~

Elizabeth Gordon Gallery • Contemporary Artists • 15 W Gutierrez • 805-963-1157 • 11–5 TuSa • elizabethgordongallery.com

El Presidio De Santa Bárbara • Nihonmachi Revisited; Memorias y Facturas • 123 E Canon Perdido St • 10:30-4:30 Daily • sbthp.org

Elverhøj Museum • 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang • 805-686-1211 • 11-5 Th-Mo • elverhoj.org

Faulkner Gallery • 40 E Anapamu St • 10-7 Mo-Th; 10-5 Fri, Sa; 12-5 Sun • 805-962-7653.

Fazzino 3-D Studio Gallery • 3-D original fine art • 529 State St • 805-730-9109 • Fazzino.com

Fine Line Gallery @ La Cumbre Center For Creative Arts • Multi-Artist Space • La Cumbre Plaza• 12-5 Tu-Su • lcccasb.com

Gallery 113 • SB Art Assn • 1114 State St, #8, La Arcada Ct • 805-9656611 • 11-5 Mo-Sa; 1-4 Su • gallery113sb.com

Gallery Los Olivos • New Perspectives Group Exhibition ~ Feb 28 • Daily 10-4 pm • 2920 Grand Av • 805-688-7517 • gallerylosolivos.com

Ganna Walska Lotusland • Gardens • by reservation • 695 Ashley Rd • 805-969-9990 • lotusland.org

Goleta Valley Library • GVAA

Artists Exhibit • 500 N Fairview Av • 10-7 Tu-Th; 10-5:30 Fr & Sa; 1-5 Su • TheGoletaValleyArtAssociation.org

Grace Fisher Fdn Inclusive Arts Clubhouse • Paintings by Grace Fisher • 121 S Hope, La Cumbre Plaza • We-Su 11-5pm • gracefisherfoundation.org

Illuminations Gallery @ La Cumbre Center For Creative Arts • Multi-Artist Space • La Cumbre Plaza • noon-5 Tu-Su • lcccasb.com

James Main Fine Art • 19th & 20th Fine art & antiques • 27 E De La Guerra St • 12-5 Tu-Sa • Appt Suggested • 805-962-8347

Jewish Federation of Greater SB • Portraits of Survival interactive - Ongoing • 9-4pm Mo-Fr • 524 Chapala St • 805-957-1115 ext. 114

Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum • Man’s Inhumanity Towards Man ~ Apr 14 • 21-23 W Anapamu • 10-4 Tu-Su • 805-9625322 • karpeles.com

Kathryne Designs • Local Artists • 1225 Coast Village Rd, A • 10-5 Mo-Sa; 11-5 Su • 805-565-4700 • kathrynedesigns.com

Kelly Clause Art • Watercolors of Sea & Land • 28 Anacapa St, #B • Most weekdays 12-5 • kellyclause.com

Lompoc Library Grossman Gallery • 501 E North Av, Lompoc • 805-588-3459

Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center • Rincon- Queen of the Coast~ Mar 2 • 12-4 Th-Su • 865 Linden Av • 805-684-7789 • carpinteriaartscenter.org

Maker House • 1351 Holiday Hill Rd • 805-565-CLAY • 10-4 Daily • claystudiosb.org

Marcia Burtt Gallery • Contemporary landscape paintings, prints & books • 517 Laguna St • 1-5 Th-Su • 805-962-5588 • artlacuna.com

Evening Light, Santa Barbara Courthouse - featuring in

Peter Brunjes LCCCA Elevate Gallery La Cumbre Plaza pbrunjes@vcbo.com

Patrick McGinnis Portal

at 10 West Gallery patprime@earthlink.net

MOXI, The Wolf Museum • Exploration + Innovation • 10-5 Daily • 125 State St • 805-770-5000 • moxi.org

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara • 653 Paseo Nuevo • mcasantabarbara.org

Museum of Sensory & Movement Experiences • La Cumbre Plaza, 120 S. Hope Av #F119 • seehearmove.com

Palm Loft Gallery • Beauty of the Wild ~ Mar 2 • 410 Palm Av, Loft A1, Carpinteria • 1-6 Fri-Sun & By Appt • 805-684-9700 • palmloft.com

Patricia Clarke Studio • 410 Palm Av, Carpinteria • By Appt • 805-4527739 • patriciaclarkestudio.com

Peregrine Galleries • Early California and American paintings; fine vintage jewelry • 1133 Coast Village Rd • 805-252-9659 • peregrine.shop

Peter Horjus Design • Studio • 11 W Figueroa St • peterhorjus.com

Portico Gallery • Jordan Pope & Gallery Artists • Open Daily • 1235 Coast Village Rd • 805-729-8454 • porticofinearts.com

Santa Barbara Art Works • Artists with disabilities programs, virtual exhibits • 805-260-6705 • sbartworks.org

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

• Seed: A Living Dream ~ Apr 6 •1212 Mission Canyon Rd • 10-5 daily • 805-682-4726 • sbbg.org

Santa Barbara Fine Art • SB landscapes & sculptor Bud Bottoms • 1321 State St • 12-6 Tu-Sa & By Appt • 805-845-4270 • santabarbarafineart.com

Santa Barbara Historical Museum • The Chair: Storied Seats From Our Collection ~ Apr 20; J. Walter Collinge: Pictorial SB and the Beyond ~ May 11; Edward Borein Gallery and The Story of Santa Barbara ~ ongoing • 136 E De la Guerra • 12-5 We, Fri-Su; 12-7 Th • 805-966-1601 • sbhistorical.org

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

• Kevin A. Short: Above Your Dreams ~ May 11 ; The Chumash, Whaling, Commercial Diving, Surfing, Shipwrecks, First Order Fresnel Lens, and SB Lighthouse Women Keepers ~ Ongoing

• 113 Harbor Wy, Ste 190 • 10-5 Daily • 805-962-8404 • SBMM.org

Santa Barbara Museum Of Art

• In the Making ~ Mar 9; Friends and Lovers ~ Mar 2; Accretion ~ Apr 13 • 1130 State St • 11-5 Tu-Su; 5-8 1st Th free; 2nd Sun free Tri-Co residents • 805-963-4364 • sbma.net

Santa Barbara Museum Of Natural History • Big Cats & Wild Dogs ~ Mar 9 • 2559 Puesta del Sol • 10-5 We-Mo • sbnature.org

Santa Barbara Sea Center • Dive In: Our Changing Channel ~ Ongoing

• 211 Stearns Wharf • 10-5 Daily (Fr & Sat 10-7 until 7/27). • 805-6824711 • sbnature.org

Santa Barbara Tennis Club2nd Fridays Art • Abstract Nine ~ Mar 5 • 2375 Foothill Rd • 10-6 Daily • 805-682-4722 • 2ndfridaysart.com

Slice of Light Gallery • Passage - Photography by JK Lovelace • 9 W Figueroa St • Mo-Fr 10-5 • 805-3545552 • sliceoflight.com

Stewart Fine Art • Early California Plein Air Paintings + European Fine Art + Antiques • 539 San Ysidro Rd • 11-5:30 Mo-Sa • 805-845-0255

Imaginations Set Sail at SBMM’s New Children’s Gallery

LITTLE EXPLORERS CAN DIVE IN to the newly expanded Children’s Gallery at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. The interactive area invites children to engage with activities like dress-up, coloring, and more.

“The Children’s Gallery is a gateway for young visitors to connect with the museum’s mission in a playful, memorable way,” said SBMM’s Curator Emily Falke. “By engaging with maritime history through hands-on activities, children can develop a deeper appreciation for our coastal heritage.”

The area will feature rotating art exhibits and nautical-themed activities to introduce children to the wonders of the ocean and maritime history. Visitors of all ages can also enjoy an interactive fishing game, designed to educate guests about local fish species and sustainable fishing practices. sbmm.org

Perdido • 11-4 Fr-Sa; Su-Th by appt • quinlanmuseum.com • 805-687-4623

SYV Historical Museum & Carriage House • Art of The Western Saddle • 3596 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez • 12-4 Sa, Su • 805-6887889 • santaynezmuseum.org

Tamsen Gallery • Work by Robert W. Firestone • 1309 State St • 12-5 We-Su • 805-705-2208 • tamsengallery.com

UCSB Library • Readymade Emanations: Trianon Press and the Art of Tearing Apart ~ Jun 25 • library.ucsb.edu

Voice Gallery • Santa Barbara Visual Artists ~ Feb 28 • La Cumbre Plaza H-124 • 10-5:30 M-F; 1-5 Sa-Su • 805-965-6448 •voicesb.art

Waterhouse Gallery Montecito

• Notable CA & National Artists • 1187 Coast Village Rd • 11-5 Mo-Su • 805-962-8885 • waterhousegallery.com

Waterhouse Gallery SB •

OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEENAGE ARTISTS IN SANTA

BARBARA have opened up at The Arts Fund, for serious applicants in search of mentorship in a professional studio environment. Students accepted will get over 30 hours working on a portfolio of work, for exhibit at The Arts Fund Community Gallery, or to be performed publicly.

Founded in 1993 with a grant from the James Irvine Foundation, The Teen Arts Mentorship program offers programs in assemblage, collage, creative writing, dance, drawing, film making, painting, photography, print making, sculpture, and more.

Artists: See your work here!

Join Voice Magazine’s Print & Virtual Gallery!

To find out more, email Publisher@VoiceSB.com

Sullivan Goss • Winter Salon ~ Feb 24; The Storytellers ~ Mar 24; Angela Perko Imagined Landscapes & Other Stories ~ Mar 24 • 11 E Anapamu St • 10-5:30 daily • 805-730-1460 • sullivangoss.com

Susan Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Museum • 122 W Canon

Notable CA & National Artists • La Arcada Ct, 1114 State St, #9 • 11-5 Mo-Sa • 805-962-8885 • waterhousegallery.com

Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum

Of Art • Wildland: Ethan Turpin’s Collaborations on Fire & Water ~ Mar 22 • westmont.edu/museum

Last year, the Arts Fund hosted two mentorships, covering twelve participating students from four Santa Barbara County High Schools. Open now is a mentorship in RISOGRAPH printing, with mentorships in Poetry & Creative Self-Expression and Multimedia Typewriter Poetry to be offered this summer. The deadline is March 1st.

To apply, visit artsfundsb.org/programs/tam

Photo courtesy of SBMM

The newly expanded Children’s Gallery at SBMM features hands-on activities, dress up, and more.

Trump attacks Zelenskyy as a ‘dictator without elections’ who duped US

The president’s remarkable attack on the Ukrainian president is sure to deeply worry international allies and domestic supporters of an American-led global order

By Eli Stokols, Eric Bazail-Eimil, and Paul Mcleary / Politico

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP CONTINUED to attack Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday, asserting in a social media post that the U.S. was duped into spending billions to help Ukraine defend itself following Russia’s 2022 invasion — and himself seemingly threatening the country’s existence.

“Think of it, a modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, talked the United States of America into spending $350 Billion Dollars, to go into a War that couldn’t be won, that never had to start, but a War that he, without the U.S. and ‘TRUMP,’ will never be able to settle,” the president wrote in a post on Truth Social. “A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left.”

Trump’s remarkable attack on the wartime president — which inflates the amount of money the U.S. provided in aid and asserts without evidence that half of it was “MISSING” — came after Zelenskyy said earlier on Wednesday that Trump was “surrounded by misinformation” in response to the president’s comments on Tuesday in which he blamed Ukraine for starting the war.

It comes on the heels of Trump administration negotiators meeting with Russian officials earlier this week — without Ukraine at the table — to start negotiations to potentially end the war Russia started.

In the week since Trump’s first phone call of this term with Russian President Vladimir Putin, it has become increasingly clear that the president’s pressure campaign in support of a diplomatic resolution to the nearly three-year war is aimed not at Moscow but, primarily, at Kyiv. While getting Russia to the negotiating table in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday was no small feat, Trump’s eagerness to normalize relations with Moscow, his rat-a-tat of Kremlin talking points and increasingly caustic comments toward Zelenskyy have left long-time international allies rattled that these machinations are something more sinister than the usual “art of the deal.”

“What Trump is doing is preemptive surrender,” said Ivo Daalder, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO under former President Barack Obama. “These talks are nonconditional. They’re designed to hit the reset button and with an eagerness to lift sanctions. They want to get back to business as normal as if this is [Mikhail] Gorbachev 1987, not Putin 2025. It’s a complete misreading of what Putin is all about.”

The Trump administration’s public comments about the situation are increasingly mirroring the Kremlin’s own goals: flatly ruling out Ukraine’s accession to NATO, citing Russia’s opposition; floating easing U.S. sanctions on Russia; calling for new elections in Ukraine (long pushed by Moscow in an effort to question Zelenskyy’s legitimacy) as part of any peace deal; and blaming NATO and Ukraine for a war that Russia launched unilaterally by invading its neighbor in February 2022.

It also reveals a more visible contempt for Kyiv from top administration officials. Vice President JD Vance sharply criticized Zelenskyy for saying Trump was surrounded by “disinformation,” chiding the Ukrainian leader in an interview with the Daily Mail for “badmouthing” Trump and warning it’s an “atrocious way” to work with the United States.

Former Trump administration officials and Democrats on Capitol Hill roundly condemned Trump’s post. John Bolton, who served as one of Trump’s national security advisers and has become a persona non grata in Trump’s orbit, wrote that “Trump’s characterization of Zelenskyy and Ukraine are some of the most shameful remarks ever made by a US president.” And several Republican lawmakers, including some close to Trump, clarified their belief that only Putin is to blame for launching the war.

In openly discussing future economic cooperation between the U.S. and Russia before making any progress toward a peace deal, the administration is clarifying its priorities, said Jana Puglierin, who heads the European Council on Foreign Relations’ office in Berlin. “This is not primarily about Ukraine. Sure, he wants to end the war — with no interest in details — but what he really wants is a relationship with Russia,” she said.

But the tonal shift comes as tech mogul Elon Musk and more populist Republicans, including on Capitol Hill, have stepped up their criticisms of Ukraine in recent days. Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.) posted on X shortly after the Trump post that “Letting @DOGE loose on all of the ‘aid’ that has gone to Ukraine would open a lot of eyes,” referring to Musk’s controversial team that is reviewing government agencies’ activities in the name of promoting efficiency.

Trump’s comments come as European leaders are struggling to come up with their own Ukraine policy that operates independently from the United States, something leaders publicly wrestled with at the Munich Security Conference last week, and in an

emergency meeting in Paris on Monday that yielded no way forward. Another meeting was taking place in Paris on Wednesday.

European leaders, even those on the right, quickly rejected Trump’s comments about Zelenskyy, though some acknowledged Europe “needs to pull its weight.” British Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party, wrote on X that “President Zelenskyy is not a dictator” and added “we need to get serious. The PM will have my support to increase defense spending.”

“Everything is on the table” in any peace talks to end the fighting in Ukraine, NATO leader Mark Rutte told POLITICO at Munich. “We have to end this in a way ... that Putin will not capture one square mile or one square kilometer of Ukraine, “ Rutte said, adding: “I don’t think it will be a bad deal.”

Trump’s Wednesday post about U.S. aid to Ukraine also vastly overstated the degree to which the U.S. has propped up Ukraine’s military. By even the most expansive and inclusive accounting of U.S. spending, it would not remotely reach the $350 billion Trump alleged. Europe’s spending levels are also significantly closer to the United States’ than what Trump alleged in his Truth Social post.

As of Sept. 30 2024, total U.S. spending hovered around $183 billion, with most of the money obligated but not yet disbursed by the federal government, according to figures published by the U.S. government’s office of the Special Inspector General for Operation Atlantic Resolve, which monitors spending on the Ukraine war. Even factoring in additional U.S. aid packages to Kyiv in the final days of the Biden administration, total U.S. support would be far less than what Trump stated.

Multiple U.S. inspector general reports since the start of the American aid flows to Kyiv have also found little to no evidence of missing weapons or aid.

Trump’s statements about Zelenskyy’s approval numbers were also false. Fifty-seven percent of Ukrainians voiced support for their country’s leader in a recent poll. While that figure is lower than it was at the outset of the war, that number still exceeds what Trump alleged — and even Trump’s current approval ratings domestically.

In addition, the proposal for continued economic cooperation that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent presented in Kyiv last week was deeply disconcerting to Zelenskyy, who’d expressed a willingness to give the U.S. a share of its critical minerals in exchange for future defense guarantees.

The terms Trump laid out, however, aimed to give the U.S. control of half the country’s mineral deposits and the infrastructure required to export it — while providing no security guarantees. As Trump has made clear in comments since the proposal was offered to Ukraine, he views the rare earth deposits as something the country owes the U.S. as payment for the aid that it has already received.

Bill Browder, the U.S. investor and Kremlin foe, likened the proposal to “war reparations from Ukraine, who’s the victim” during an appearance on Fox News Channel Wednesday morning. “Russia should be handing over their natural resources for all the money that we’ve spent, not Ukraine.”

Amanda Friedman contributed to this report.

Printed with permission: Politico article, February 19, 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (left) meets with President Donald Trump at Trump Tower on Sept. 27, 2024, in New York

Photo by Julia Demaree Nikhinson/ AP

THE INTERDISCIPLINARY HUMANITIES CENTER SERIES:

PRESENTING NEW FACULTY PUBLICATIONS AND CREATIVE PROJECTS

LISA JACOBSON

Thursday, February 27 | 4:00 pm McCune Conference Room, 6020 HSSB (University of California Press: 2024)

Join us for a dialogue between Lisa Jacobson (History) and Erika Rappaport (History) about Jacobson’s new book, Intoxicating Pleasures: The Reinvention of Wine, Beer, and Whiskey after Prohibition. In Intoxicating Pleasures, Jacobson shows how the alcoholic beverage industry, ordinary consumers, and military personnel shaped alcohol’s cultural reinvention and put intoxicating pleasures at the center of broader debates about the rights and obligations of citizens. Refreshments will be served.

Lisa Jacobson is Associate Professor of History at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and author of Raising Consumers: Children and the American Mass Market in the Early Twentieth Century.

Cosponsored by the IHC’s Harry Girvetz Memorial Endowment

Is AI already shaking up labor market?

4 trends point to major change, say researchers who studied century of tech disruptions

By Christy DeSmith / Harvard Staff Writer

ANEW PAPER BY HARVARD ECONOMISTS

David Deming and Lawrence H. Summers offers early evidence of artificial intelligence shaking up the workforce.

The study measures more than 100 years of “occupational churn” — or each profession’s share in the U.S. labor market — for a historical look at technological disruption. It revealed a stretch of stability between 1990 and 2017 that runs counter to popular narratives about robots stealing American jobs. But the research also uncovered a recent shift, with the authors identifying several trends driven, at least partly, by AI.

“We really thought the paper would say something like, ‘See, I told you so. Things aren’t changing all that much,’” said Deming, the Isabelle and Scott Black Professor of Political Economy at Harvard Kennedy School and Faculty Dean of Kirkland House. “But when we got into the data, we found the story was a bit more subtle — and more interesting in some ways — than anything we expected.”

For years, Deming and Summers had talked about gauging occupational churn in the U.S. labor market over time. “It would be a systematic way to measure how much all these different types of technology have affected work,” explained Deming, the paper’s lead author.

Last year the economists applied the metric with help from Kennedy School predoctoral fellow Christopher Ong ’23, the paper’s third author. Their findings, drawn from 124 years of U.S. Census data, originally appeared in a volume published last fall by the Aspen Economic Strategy Group. Summers, a member of the OpenAI board of directors, shared further predictions in a live interview at the Aspen Ideas Festival.

Summers was initially surprised by the level of volatility uncovered in the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s due to the rise of what are called “breakthrough general-purpose technologies.” “But when I thought about it, it wasn’t surprising,” said the Charles W. Eliot University Professor and Frank and Denie Weil Director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government at Harvard Kennedy School. “It used to be that only a very limited number of people used keyboards. Now everybody uses keyboards and there are fewer people whose whole job is to use keyboards. That turned out to be a very big structural change that the economy managed.”

The 2000s and 2010s were characterized by what Deming called “automation anxiety.” As evidence, he pointed to an influential study from 2013 asserting that 47 percent of U.S. occupations were at imminent risk of displacement by computers. But the occupational churn metric showed the pace of disruption slowing by 1990 as the labor market entered a stretch of low churn.

Then another surprise appeared in the data. “From 2019 onward,” Deming said, “it looks like things were changing quite a lot.”

Is AI a breakthrough technology along the lines of keyboards, electricity, and computerbased manufacturing? The co-authors’ findings led them to believe so. As evidence, they outline four emerging trends in the U.S. job market.

The first concerns the end of what economists have termed job polarization — a barbell-shaped pattern, with the labor market growing at the top and bottom of the wage distribution.

What appeared more recently, the researchers found, is a one-sided pattern favoring well-compensated employees with high levels of training and skill. “The trend people were worried about in the 2000s was the downward ramp,” Deming said. “That meant low-paid jobs were growing but middle- and high-paid jobs were not. It’s only in the late 2010s that we see an upward ramp, with mostly high-paid jobs that are growing.”

Another trend, related to the first, finds a recent skyrocketing of science, technology, engineering, and math jobs following a surprising dip in the 2010s. The share of jobs in STEM — including software developers and data analysts — grew from 6.5

Labor market volatility over last century

Employment share by industry, 1880-2024

percent in 2010 to nearly 10 percent in 2024. “That doesn’t sound like a lot,” Deming said. “But it’s an almost 50 percent increase.”

Analyzing data sourced from the Census as well as the Federal Reserve Bank showed firms are not only hiring more technical talent, they’ve started to make record-breaking investments in frontier technologies such as AI. “You really don’t need to speculate about AI’s impact on the labor market,” Deming noted of these findings. “Investment in AI is already changing the distribution of jobs in the economy.”

The research also uncovered flat or declining employment specifically in low-paid service work. Charting the occupational churn in this sector, which saw enormous growth from 1980 to the early 2000s, revealed a cliff as of 2019. AI is just one possible explanation, Deming emphasized. Other contenders include higher wages, a tighter job market, and temporary disruptions related to COVID-19.

“But it doesn’t look like many of these jobs are coming back,” Deming added. “The ones that have returned are in food service, personal services like manicurists and hairdressers, medical assistants, and some cleaning jobs.”

The paper’s fourth trend suggests an especially deep plummet, driven by technology, in retail sales jobs. Between 2013 and 2023, the share of retail sales jobs dropped from 7.5 to 5.7 percent of the job market, a reduction of 25 percent.

The co-authors note that the e-commerce sector was an early adopter of predictive AI, and has more than doubled its share of all retail sales since 2015.

“Everybody should be thinking about AI, no matter what they do for a living.”

—Lawrence H. Summers, study co-author

“I see the pandemic as an accelerant, as something that was going to happen anyway,” Deming said. “When people were told it’s dangerous, possibly even deadly, to go shopping — now they had to shop online — they discovered it actually wasn’t so bad and formed new habits.”

“Everybody should be thinking about AI, no matter what they do for a living,” Summers added. “Because AI can be highly empowering. But it also means certain types of activities won’t be done by people anymore.”

The paper contains a nugget of insight for knowledge workers in sectors like finance, management, and journalism. Automation has indeed claimed American jobs over the last century. In a Substack post, Deming cited the early 20th-century example of telephone operators. But AI’s impact is more likely to enable short-term boosts to productivity with longer-term threats of displacement by workers more adept with the technology.

“When companies start to get squeezed — when we hit the next recession or something — they’re going to start expecting more out of knowledge workers,” Deming said. “They won’t want that memo in two days, because they know this technology is available. They’ll want it in two hours.”

Printed with permission: Harvard Gazzette online article, February 14, 2025

A study co-authored by economist David Deming examines how technology has changed the U.S. labor market over 100 years.

Photo by Stephanie Mitchell /Harvard Staff Photographer

An intense thriller with feminist overtones

By Tom Jacobs / The UC Santa Barbara Current

THE SETTING IS THE WALLOWA MOUNTAINS OF REMOTE EASTERN OREGON. It is winter.

A female forest ranger on patrol comes upon what appears to be a deserted house.

The door is open. The lights are on. And the snow outside is spattered with blood.

It sounds like the opening of a dark HBO miniseries. But it’s actually the first scene of E.M. Lewis’s Strange Birds, a new play being staged Feb. 20 through March 1 at UC Santa Barbara.

“It’s an intense little story,” Lewis said in a telephone interview from the family farm in Oregon where she makes her home. “The characters are five women and a wolf. It’s kind of a feminist thriller.”’

“It’s unlike anything we’ve done before,” added director Risa Brainin, a professor in UCSB’s Department of Theater and Dance and artistic director of LAUNCH PAD, the department’s new play development series. Strange Birds is the latest play in that 20-year-old endeavor, which Brainin inaugurated in the spring of 2005.

Like all plays in the unique LAUNCH PAD series, Strange Birds is a workin-progress that has been given a full production. Lewis will be on hand for the run and will have the chance to make changes from one performance to the next. The hope is, by the end of the run, the play will be in its final form and ready

for a fully professional premiere.

“A playwright doesn’t understand what a play really is until it’s on its feet,” Lewis said. “It has to have its design elements in place, and the actors in it. It also has to include the audience — to see how they are receiving the story. It’s so rare to be able to tweak the play under those circumstances!”

Lewis, 53, met Brainin about a decade ago, when two of her works were included in the annual PlayFest Santa Barbara. Brainin saw them, was impressed, and kept Lewis in mind as a potential collaborator.

“About a year and a half ago, Risa reached out and said she was looking for pieces for Summer LAUNCH PAD, which allows three playwrights to develop new work,” Lewis said. “Her timing was wonderful: I happened to have the beginning of a new play — a fragment — really I wrote a good portion of the play that week.”

“What I was most excited about was the students’ reaction,” Brainin recalled. “They loved this piece! In fact, a couple of the actors who took part in the workshop are also in this production.”

What touched the young actors so deeply? “It’s a play about women,” Brainin said. “It deals with domestic violence, and also sisterhood — what it means to support each other in a moment of crisis. The material requires the actors to go to some dark places.”

And to ask some fraught questions.

“I have long wanted to write a play with all women. There are so many stories that are made up entirely of men, or where men are the only characters with agency. I wanted to balance that scale a bit.”

“I think the stage is a really good place to grapple with ethics,” said Lewis. “The characters have to figure out what’s right, who is important to them and what they are willing to do for the people who matter to them.”

Lewis often addresses sociopolitical issues in her writing. Her most-produced play is The Gun Show, which she describes as “a one-person show about guns and gun violence in America.” It has had more than 50 productions across the country, and also had a full run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

But she isn’t at all interested in preaching to her audience.

“I write about things that upset me, make me angry and sometimes that delight me,” she said. “The big questions I have as a human being ultimately become the core of many of my plays. These are questions I don’t have an answer to. If I go in knowing the answer, I can write an essay. But if there’s a deep question I can’t answer, I resort to my characters to help me figure it out.

“I want my characters to be as complex and messy as any human being I know and love. If I’m truly allowing them to voice their concerns, rather than using them as puppets (for my own viewpoint), that will keep it real. They say what they want to say. I follow where they take me.”

Lewis’s journey from farm kid to playwright began, in a sense, at the library.

“I have always loved stories,” she said. “I’m the daughter of two elementaryschool teachers. They valued books, and made sure I had a library card in my hand when I was a very little girl. I was one of those kids who would check out the maximum number of books every week, which was 14. Very early I was also writing stories and poems.”

It wasn’t until graduate school at the

University of Southern California that she settled on playwriting. Specifically, when she took a dramatic writing class taught by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Zindel.

“It was eye-opening,” she said. “I realized that’s what I wanted to do with my life. I’ve been doing it ever since. I’m very lucky to have been able to build a life as a playwright, opera librettist and occasional teacher.”

That last vocation indirectly led to the creation of “Strange Birds.”

“It was inspired when I did a fiveweek writing and teaching residency with a group called Fishtrap in the Wallowa Mountains,” she said. “It’s beautiful, rough country. Deer would look in the window of my little cottage, watching me. It felt like an amazing place to set a story.”

The play also allowed Lewis to fulfill a long-sought goal. “I have long wanted to write a play with all women,” she said. “There are so many stories that are made up entirely of men, or where men are the only characters with agency. I wanted to balance that scale a bit.”

Printed with permission of UCSB Office of Public Affairs and Communications.

Photos by Jeff Liang

Risa Brainin, right, on stage with a student actor during rehearsals for LAUNCH PAD’s production of Strange Birds

During rehearsal on the set of Strange Birds

Photo by Kitta Bodmer Playwright E.M. Lewis

will feature in-depth discussions regarding the social and human service issues most critical in our community in an open forum of questions and answers. Hosted at eateries and social clubs in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara.

6 seats to each luncheon

2 seats to the annual benefit event and dinner/reception

Recognition as Visionary Sponsor at each luncheon

Recognition and logo or name printed in promotional materials, on agency website, and social media channels, and in an article in our newsletter

May offer promotional item to luncheon attendees

4 seats to each luncheon

Recognition as sponsor at each luncheon

Recognition and logo or name printed in promotional materials, on agency website, and social media channels, and in an article in our newsletter

4 seats to each luncheon

2 seats to the annual benefit event and dinner/reception

Recognition as sponsor at each luncheon

Recognition and logo or name printed in promotional materials, on agency website, and social media channels, and in an article in our newsletter

2

to each luncheon

Recognition as sponsor at each luncheon

Recognition and logo or name printed in promotional materials, on agency website, and social media channels, and in an article in our newsletter

California’s marine protected areas boost fish populations across the state

By Harrison Tasoff / The UC Santa Barbara Current

IT’S 1999, THE 21ST CENTURY IS ON THE HORIZON, and California has big plans for marine conservation. New legislation has presented a mandate to establish an ambitious network of marine protected areas (MPAs) unlike anywhere else in the world. The goal is to craft strategic protections to safeguard the state’s marine life for preservation and economic benefits alike.

Now 25 years later, an international team of researchers, led by scientists at UC Santa Barbara, have evaluated the network’s effects across different species and habitats.

“What everyone wants to know is do MPAs work?” said Joshua Smith, lead author of a new study on the matter published in Conservation Biology.

The study confirmed many benefits an MPA can confer to sea life, especially those targeted by fisheries. The authors found that older MPAs, and those with a greater diversity of habitats, showed the highest amount of fish biomass, especially in targeted species, like rockfishes. Stronger protections also correlated with more pronounced results. With international targets aiming to protect more of the world’s oceans, the findings can inform approaches to MPA design and networks that span multiple ecosystems.

AN AMBITIOUS PROPOSAL Marine protected areas have emerged as a leading tool for protecting ocean ecosystems. But there’s a lot of diversity in the character, size and regulations of MPAs around the world, from a total ban on all extractive or destructive activities to various regulations on infrastructure, water quality, shipping, recreation and so forth.

In 1999, the California Legislature passed the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA), which required the state to overhaul its marine reserves. The legislation prompted the creation of the first statewide MPA network in the United States, and perhaps the most extensive in the world. “This huge, state-wide network, and its comprehensive design process, was sort of revolutionary at the time,” said co-author Cori Lopazanski, a doctoral student at UCSB’s Bren School of Environmental Science & Management.

“The state invested a ton of time and energy into designing this network of 124 marine protected areas [using the best science of the time],” said Smith, a former postdoc at UCSB and now an ocean conservation research scientist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Rather than close a giant area of the ocean, the state decided to set aside a constellation of smaller protected areas distributed across the coast. They specifically engineered the network to enable the interchange of animals, plankton and nutrients between different reserves.

“And now, only years later, are we finally able to evaluate the network in its totality,” said senior author Jennifer Caselle, a research biologist at UCSB.

SYNTHESIZING DISPARATE DATA

In 2021, scientists converged in Santa Barbara for a working group to inform management recommendations and decisions. The effort was hosted by the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS), a National Science Foundation research center at UC Santa Barbara.

Twenty-four scientists collaborated on the resulting paper, which sought to determine the conservation performance of 59 MPAs in California’s MPA network. To this end, the authors considered the number of species present in an area, the relative abundance of different species and the overall biomass. Biomass is simply a scientific way to say “pounds of living stuff.” In this case, the researchers looked at pounds of fish.

came from species targeted by fisheries, which suggests that the protection from fishing really does help boost their population health. Biomass can change in two ways: more fish and larger fish. Although their analysis didn’t distinguish between the two, the authors suspect the gains were a combination of both.

The researchers compiled long-term data on 170 taxa from the MPA monitoring efforts of four groups, each focused on a different habitat: the surf zone, kelp forest, shallow reef and deep reef. The four monitoring groups had

Depending on the ecosystem, researchers had used nets, scuba, hook-and-line or remotely operated vehicles for monitoring surveys

very similar data, but they collected and notated in different ways. So authors had to clean and synthesize the disparate data sources.

Fortunately, the team found a workaround. “For each sampling method, we compared what’s inside the MPA to what’s outside,” Lopazanski said. “Once you have that difference, then you’re just dealing with ratios.”

Jenn Caselle

Research Biologist, Marine Science Institute

“Now we could take all of that information and put it in a single analysis that tells us something about how the MPA is performing across all of those ecosystems,” Smith added.

Jenn Caselle’s research is broadly focused on Marine Conservation and reef ecology. She currently works in both coral reef and kelp forest ecosystems studying community dynamics, recruitment and larval dispersal and movement patterns of fishes. She also manages a largescale field-based monitoring program of kelp forests in the California current ecosystem with goals of assessing longterm changes due to climate and anthropogenic impacts.

GAINS MADE ACROSS THE BOARD

Overall, the authors found that MPAs increased fish biomass across the whole network. This primarily

A few characteristics seemed to correlate strongly with conservation benefits. MPAs with more stringent protections saw greater gains, as did areas that had previously experienced heavy fishing. Older MPAs also produced more significant results. “Many fish in California are slow growing and take a long time to mature,” Smith said. “So it makes sense that the benefits of MPAs are going to take time to actually manifest.”

Habitat diversity emerged as a major predictor of success, as well. Although scientists and fishermen often classify species by their preferred habitat, a single fish may move between habitats from day to day. “If you have different habitats in proximity to each other, then there’s more variability in the types of resources, foods, shelters — the types of things fish need to survive — in the space where they’re living” Lopazanski said. Including diverse habitats within an MPA ensures that fish don’t have to leave an MPA to seek these things out.

Interestingly, none of these features appeared to influence the number or relative abundance of different species present. Smith suspects the former may stem from California’s past stewardship. The state has boasted strong fishery management for decades, so few species were completely gone from any area, he explained. As for the other marker of diversity, protection can increase the number and size of fishes without necessarily changing the relative abundance of different species.

NEW ANALYSIS VALIDATES PAST

DECISIONS

The authors are encouraged by their findings. “It was exciting to see that all of the planning and design that went into putting this huge network into place was producing many of its intended benefits,” Lopazanski remarked.

One of the strengths of a marine reserve is that it can protect large areas with many species. “MPAs are always designed to protect multiple habitats, but they are rarely evaluated with all of the different habitats in a single study,” Caselle said. And that’s in part because scientists specialize. But California supports broad monitoring efforts across its marine reserves, and this paper analyzes all these habitats at once.

Printed with permission of UCSB Office of Public Affairs and Communications.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Caselle

California’s network of marine reserves enables conservation and management without closing large areas of the ocean

Image Credit: Smith et al

‘Brave and bold’ new strategies for cancer immunotherapy

By Harrison Tasoff / The UC Santa Barbara Current

THE ADVENT OF IMMUNOTHERAPY HAS CHANGED the way we treat cancer. But current techniques can only benefit some patients, and fare poorly against solid tumors. Cellular biologist Meghan Morrissey at UC Santa Barbara is working to change that by focusing on macrophages, a type of innate immune cell.

Her research has attracted the attention of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, which selected Morrissey for the Damon Runyon-Rachleff Innovation Award. This recognition provides funding to creative thinkers with a revolutionary idea who don’t yet have the preliminary data needed to obtain traditional funding. The foundation selects only the most novel and creative projects with a strong potential for high impact in the cancer field.

Meghan Morrissey

“I really admire the Runyon Foundation’s strategy of funding brave and bold projects,” said Morrissey, an assistant professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. “They have an amazing track record of funding visionary scientists.” Indeed, 13 Nobel laureates are former Damon Runyon scientists.

Only five scientists receive the Runyon-Rachleff Innovator Award each year. “I feel incredibly lucky to be included in this elite group,” said Morrissey, who received the accolade on the heels of the American Cancer Society’s Trailblazer Award, presented to Morrissey at the society’s 2024 gala.

Morrissey’s lab is working on ways to reprogram the immune system, which has shown promise for treating a variety of diseases, including cancer. Her work focuses on macrophages, immune cells that kill pathogens, infected cells or damaged cells by eating them.

Assistant Professor, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

Meghan Morrissey wants to understand how macrophages measure, add and subtract all the signals they receive to calculate their response to a target. We use high resolution live imaging, synthetic biology and biochemistry to figure out when and where signaling molecules are activated to make these essential decisions. We are motivated by re-wiring macrophage signaling pathways to generate new cancer immunotherapies.

As a postdoctoral scholar, Morrissey designed synthetic Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) to instruct macrophages to attack cancer cells. Her initial design targeted blood cancers, but she plans to apply her technique to solid tumors. “Macrophages are very common in solid tumors, which have been the hardest to treat with current immunotherapy options,” she explained.

This exciting strategy is currently in clinical trials; however, Morrissey hopes to improve on the technique. Her lab has found that most macrophages nibble at the cancer cells in solid tumors instead of eating them outright, like clinicians had hoped. Unfortunately, this doesn’t usually kill the cancer cell, at least not right away. And what’s worse, this nibbling removes the markers that allow macrophages to recognize cancer cells, making them invisible to the immune system.

The Innovation Award provides Morrissey’s lab with $400,000 over two years to investigate why some cancer cells die after being nibbled while others survive. The aim is to promote factors that kill the cancer cells and prevent those that enable the cancer to survive. If the team makes progress, they could receive an additional $400,000 to continue the pursuit.

“Funding from the Runyon Foundation will allow us to start this exciting new project, which is currently much too risky for most funding agencies,” Morrissey said. After four years, she expects to have a more mature line of research that other groups will be eager to explore.

Printed with permission of UCSB Office of Public Affairs and Communications.

Photo Credit: Matt Perko Meghan Morrissey in the lab

Celebrating 33 Years in Santa Barbara Two Nights! Two Programs!

Wed, Mar 5 & Thu, Mar 6

7 PM (note earlier start time) / Arlington Theatre

Curated and hosted by Roman Baratiak, A&L Associate Director Emeritus

Experience the world’s best mountain films at larger-than-life scale as the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns for two nights of thrilling outdoor adventures.

Major Local Sponsor: Justin Brooks Fisher Foundation

The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is presented by Banff & Lake Louise Tourism and Rab and is sponsored by BUFF, Oboz, YETI, Kicking Horse Coffee, World Expeditions, and The Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola