on the successful representation of the seller at 13800 Us Highway 101, Sold for $35,000,000.
KERRY MORMANN
805.682.3242
KerryM@CoastalRanch.com www.CoastalRanch.com DRE 00598625
on the successful representation of the buyer at 1327-1331 Jason Way, Sold for $3,100,000.
JOEL BUTERA
805.448.4831
JButera@bhhscal.com DRE 01229404
on the successful representation of the buyer & seller at 5218 Calle Barquero, Sold for $2,200,000.
on the successful representation of the seller at 926 Mission Ridge Road, Sold for $4,400,000.
THE
805.563.4054
Team@BartronGroup.com
www.SantaBarbaraHomes.com DRE 01005021
on the successful representation of the buyer at 1360 Rialto Lane, Sold for $2,400,000.
CHARLIE BOGUE
805.837.4213
charliebogue@bhhscal.com DRE 01803038
PARSONS & YOUNG
805.895.4866 | 805.453.8528
SBRealEstateGuide@gmail.com www.santabarbararealestateguide.com DRE 00629053 | 01712844
on the successful representation of the buyer at 508 Orena Avenue, Sold for $2,100,000.
KEVIN SCHMIDTCHEN
805.689.6877
KevinSchmidtchen@yahoo.com
www.SantaBarbaraRealEstateVoice.com DRE 01316975
KERRY MORMANN
JOEL BUTERA
CHARLIE BOGUE
KEVIN SCHMIDTCHEN
PARSONS AND YOUNG
Fabulous Location & Indoor-Outdoor Living!
Located near the beach, public pickleball & tennis courts, and Montecito’s Coast Village Road, this 1,286sf 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath end unit affords privacy and an amazing location. Tucked away off the street with a lush front lawn and private, full wrap-around patio, there’s plenty of room inside and out. Beachy vinyl plank flooring and a gas fireplace grace the spacious living room, which flows to a dining area and full-sized kitchen.
Light streams in through huge windows and two sets of sliding glass doors. Upstairs are two large bedrooms with high ceilings, view windows and private balconies. This appealing property features a guest bath downstairs, in-unit laundry, finished attic, a shared garage space + assigned uncovered parking, and low HOA fees of $300/month.
The Renovation-Design Process
Full home renovations like what you see on TV are my favorite part of design. If you’ve ever wondered what a magazine-worthy renovation actually looks like from start to finish, let me walk you through the steps to create a dream home that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
Step One: Find and Buy
Every renovation starts with the right property. Many homes have hidden potential, but it takes a trained eye to spot it. My dad was a contractor who taught me how to see the possibilities in any space, no matter how outdated or run-down it might appear. When I walk through a home with a client, I’m not just looking at what’s there; I’m visualizing what could be there. We consider the bones of the house, the layout, and the potential for opening up spaces or adding modern amenities while keeping the charm that made the property appealing in the first place. Walking these homes with you and helping you decide which one will work best for your needs is a crucial part of the process.
When you’re house hunting, take your mental eraser with you to wipe away the cosmetic issues and focus on the structure and potential. It can be overwhelming, but this is where a designer’s input becomes invaluable.
Step Two: Develop the Design Plan
A designer’s job is to take your ideas and inspiration and turn them into a coherent plan that works for your lifestyle. We explore materials, colors, layouts, and styles to find the perfect combination that reflects your vision. With the vision in place, we work with contractors to make sure that the design plan works with the home’s
existing structure or, if necessary, to make modifications. Before starting the work, we agree on a detailed timeline, address potential challenges, and begin the permit process if necessary.
Now, this is where the fun really begins! We discuss materials, such as tile, flooring, cabinetry, and lighting fixtures, to create a cohesive design plan. Then we review a formal design presentation so you can see exactly what your renovated home will look like, bringing all the elements together so that your home feels both fresh and timeless.
Step Three: The Renovation Process
It’s completely normal for homeowners to feel a bit of anxiety during the renovation. We’re demolishing familiar spaces like your kitchen or bathroom which can be unsettling. It’s a messy, noisy phase of the project that requires patience. But even when the walls are stripped down to the studs and your home feels like a construction zone, it’s important to trust the process. This is when the technical work happens plumbing, electrical, and structural changes. As a designer with a construction background, I love working closely with contractors to ensure that the design vision is being faithfully executed.
I walk through the construction site regularly to catch any issues early and ensure that all the little details the perfect placement of
lighting fixtures, the right alignment of tile, the smooth installation of custom cabinetry come together as planned.
Step Four: The Final Reveal
The final stage is where the magic happens. After months of renovation, the house looks like a home again. The finishing touches are applied, and the space finally reflects the vision we’ve been working toward. When my clients step into their newly renovated home for the first time, their reactions are always priceless. Seeing the transformation from a dated property to a functional, beautiful living space is the ultimate reward. It’s that moment of realization that all the dust, delays, and decisions were worth it.
What You Can Expect from Your Own Renovation
Renovating your home is a journey, and it requires a team of dedicated professionals to pull it off smoothly. While it can be stressful at times, having a clear plan, a talented team, and a strong vision helps ease the process. If you’re thinking about renovating, remember that renovations aren’t just about aesthetics they’re about creating a space that works for you and your family. Whether you’re looking to open up a cramped kitchen, modernize your bathroom, or overhaul your entire home, the process is an exciting one that leads to a place you’ll love living in for years to come.
Welcome to “Villa Casa Blanca,” tucked behind a private driveway in the coveted San Roque neighborhood in Santa Barbara. You would be hard pressed to find an untouched surface in this nearly 3,000 square foot home. “Villa Casa Blanca” has been extensively remodeled throughout and raises the bar on many levels.
This five bedroom, four bathroom residence offers the perfect blend of chic style and comfort. The main floor renders four bedrooms, two bathrooms- all adorned with state of the art fixtures, hardware and mirrors; kitchen, living room, and access to posh Santa Barbara outdoor living.
Upstairs offers a cosmopolitan lounge seating area with a 70 inch television and integrated beverage refrigerator surrounded by built-ins and polished countertop. The primary ensuite offers a large professionally designed bathroom with mountain views and spacious walk-in closet. Additionally the second floor is also graced with its own laundry area.
The gourmet kitchen is equipped with state-of-the-art Thermador appliances, Quartz countertops, and a large island with seating and built-in beverage refrigerator. Custom Kemper cabinets throughout the home offer ample storage, while newly designed closets and ceiling fans in each bedroom add a touch of refined practicality.
The property boasts a professionally designed landscape with a new irrigation system, ensuring a lush, low-maintenance environment. The expansive Trex deck and pagoda offer perfect spaces for outdoor entertaining. Additional upgrades include: dual heating and AC, new roof, sealed driveway, and freshened up carport that can be reimagined as an art room or yoga studio. You decide!
From its high-end finishes to its thoughtful, modern updates, “Villa Casa Blanca” is a true masterpiece that embodies luxury living in one of Santa Barbara’s most desirable neighborhoods. This is a rare opportunity to own a meticulously upgraded home that blends comfort, convenience, and timeless elegance.
THE BEATING HEART OF SANTA BARBARA
14 VIOLET LANE
FIRST OPEN HOUSES THIS WEEKEND SAT 12-3PM & SUN 12-4PM
CUSTOM 3 BD / 2.5 BA SINGLE LEVEL
Nestled on an approximately 0.25 -acre lot, this custom 3 -bedroom, 2.5 -bath (+/- 2443 sq.ft.) home greets you with stunning wood floors and soaring vaulted ceilings. The living room features a cozy fireplace and abundant natural light. The expansive great room offers beautiful garden views and includes a dining area along with an open-plan kitchen complete with a breakfast bar. The spacious primary suite boasts sliding doors leading to the backyard and a private bathroom equipped with a shower and jetted soaking tub. The low-maintenance backyard is fully fenced, providing a blank canvas for the new owners to personalize. Conveniently located near all that North Goleta has to offer, this home is move-in ready.
OFFERED AT $1,899,000
Offered at $1,395,000
Your Mesa Realtors
1427 Kenwood Road
2bed/2bath (easy modification to a 3 bedroom) single-level home with mountain and city views. Enjoy the with vaulted ceilings, an updated kitchen, living room fireplace, and dual-pane windows/sliders. The features a stainless steel Viking stove and dishwasher. The second bedroom is over-sized, as it was previously
329 San Ysidro Offered at $3,250,000 1547 Shoreline Drive
Offered
The spacious backyard features a large deck and natural landscaping. This backyard is ready to be transparadise. There is plenty of room for lawn, fruit trees, jungle-gym, trampoline, and more. Towering over a gorgeous oak tree providing wonderful shade over the deck. This home is located on a very quiet, tucked away cul-de-sac at the end of Kenwood Road. Attached 2-car garage with interior access.
privacy on this fabulous Montecito estate. Resting at the property is a charming Craftsman style home circa 1912. Today, it modern amenities, and still charm. Located in MUS.
This single-level, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch-style home spans nearly 1,700 sq. ft. and sits on a generous 8,712 sq. ft. corner lot in the highly desired Foothill Elementary School District. The property is ideally located a block from the school, on a quiet cul-de-sac, with open green space right across the street. The living room and dining areas boast high vaulted ceilings, creating an open and airy atmosphere. While the home has good bones, there is ample opportunity for a Buyer to update, improve, and add their personal touch. Recently, the interior was freshly painted, and the exterior landscaping was refreshed. The 2-car garage provides direct access into the house, with room for 2 more cars on the driveway. Enjoy ample street parking, sidewalks, and underground utilities!
OFFERED AT $998,500
Rare ocean front estate on the Mesa! This spectacular 4bed/4.5bath ultra-luxury property boasts ~5,100+ sq. ft. of living space resting on over 1/2 acre of prime California coastline. Enjoy unparalleled ocean views from every corner of this contemporary home. Must see in person!
1/2 acre ocean front lot! This is a once in a life time opportunity to purchase a vacant piece of ocean front property located in one of Santa Barbara’s most desirable neighborhoods. Build your dream home to the exact specifications that you desire. Panoramic ocean views! The Richardson Team
Mike and Kyle Richardson
Mike and Kyle Richardson Team@mrrealtors.com
www.sbrealtor.com DRE Lic. #00635254 + #01902531
OPEN HOUSES
Goleta
320 N Fairview #5, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 2-4, $695,000, Sun Coast Real Estate, Kathryn Sweeney 805-331-4100, DRE#01045088
69 North San Marcos Road #B, 2BD, 1.5BA, Sat 1-4, $969,000, Village Properties, Brian King 805452-0471, DRE#01868186
5121 Walnut Park Drive, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $1,395,000, Richardson Real Estate Services, Kyle Richardson 805-680-3131, DRE#01902531
963 North San Marcos Road, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 1-4 & Sun 12-3, $1,995,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Daniel Carpenter 805-770-0889, DRE#01787203
San Roque
3722 State Street 310, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $2,100,000, Village Properties, Michael Dickman | Patricia Griffin 805-689-3355 | 805-705-5133, DRE#02093312 / #00837659
21 West Los Olivos Street, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 2-4:30, $3,398,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Scott McCosker 805-687-2436, DRE#01868263
The Mesa
628 Juanita Avenue, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 10-1 & Sun 1-3, $2,095,000, Village Properties, Cimme Eordanidis / Jena Harris / Pat Saraca 805-722-8480 / 805 331-3683 / 805 886-7426, DRE#01745878 / #01930435 / #01080801
1347 Cliff Drive, 3BD, 1.5BA, Sun 1-4, $2,495,000, Richardson Real Estate Services, Mike Richardson 805-451-0599, DRE#00635254 425 Fellowship Road, 3BD, 3BA & 2PBA, Sat 12-2, $2,495,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Debbie Lee 805-637-7588, DRE#01297968
2401 Medcliff Road, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $3,138,000, Village Properties, Nicole Wesley 805-448-6858, DRE#02017169 313 Salida Del Sol, 5BD, 4.5BA, Sat 2-5, $3,599,000, Pacific Crest Realty, Staci Caplan 805-8863970, DRE#01450103
Saturday 9/28 & Sunday 9/29
1413 Shoreline Dr, 2BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 2-4, $3,749,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Dan Crawford 805886-5764, DRE#01923245
The Riviera
171 Alameda Padre Serra, 4BD + Large Den, 3BA, Sat & Sun 12-2, $2,995,000, Compass, Matt Del Campo 805-448-5158, DRE#02077877
1568 Franceschi Road, 4BD, 3BA & 1PBA, Sat 1-4, $5,100,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Alexis Falk 805-895-3439, DRE#02218913
1402 Grand Ave, 4BD, 5BA, Sun 1-4, $5,395,000, Village Properties, Cimme Eordanidis 805-722-8480, DRE#01745878
Santa Barbara
1200 Punta Gorda Spc 3, 2BD, 1BA, Sun 1-4, $299,000, Keller Williams Realty Santa Barbara, Colin Ayers 559-572-7075, DRE#02121521
4025 State Street 50, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $345,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katya Sheets / Sunnie Maxwell 805708-2323 / 805-252-9524, DRE#02061444 / #01436861
4538 Oak Glen Drive Unit E, 2BD, 1BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $639,000, Epstein Partners/Keller Williams, Mark Heitmann 805448-8500, DRE#01007490
1217 Stonecreek Rd Unit A, 2BD, 1.5BA, Sun 12-4, $825,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Stefan Rock Stojanovski 805-570-0640, DRE#02112629
117 Por La Mar Circle, 1BD, 1BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $899,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Lyndsey Jones / Erin Beck 805-680-2856 / 805708-0446, DRE#02125898 / #01488548
25 Ocean View Ave Unit A2, 2BD, 1.5BA, Sat 1-3 & Sun 1-4, $949,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Ty Whelehan / Whitney Armentrout 805571-0993 / 805-705-6741, DRE#01413354 / #01941559
601 E Micheltorena 97, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 12-3, $1,649,000, Pacific Crest Realty, Staci Caplan 805-886-3970, DRE#01450103
1220 Coast Village Rd Unit 211, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 2-4, $1,880,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Marcus Boyle 805452-0440, DRE#02013666
509 Coronel Pl, 2BD, 1BA, Sun 1-4, $1,900,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Anthony Bordin 805-729-0527, DRE#00974047
533 Conejo, 3BD, 3.5BA, Sat 2-4 & Sun 1-3, $1,975,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katya Sheets / Robert Kemp 805708-2323 / 805-259-6318, DRE#02061444 / #01246412
102 Alameda Padre Serra, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $1,995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Theresa McNulty 805886-1403, DRE#02228096
1080 Diamond Crest Court, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-3, $2,350,000, Sun Coast Real Estate, Matt Vaughan 805-689-9351, DRE#00767743
803 Bath Street, 4BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $2,495,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Alex Galop 805-451-1695, DRE#02020303 1227 De La Vina Street Unit C, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $2,500,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Dana Zertuche 805-403-5520, DRE#01465425
539 Periwinkle Ln, 2BD, 1BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $2,895,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Erika Burrows / Shane Smith 805886-1588 / 925-818-9794, DRE#02222512 / #02072272
751 Skyview Drive, 4BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sat 2-4, $3,185,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Nicole Dever 805-570-5226, DRE#02110739
1066 Via Los Padres, 3BD, 3.5BA, Fri 1-4, Sat 10-4 & Sun 1-4, $3,395,000, Village Properties, Carly Gribble / Beth Slifirski 805-951-7255 / 201-230-9428, DRE#02233358 / #02082960
California Properties, Sarita Vasquez 805-729-1115, DRE#02232751
Downtown Luxury Retreat
2 BD | 3 BA | $1,995,000
105WDeLaGuerraStQ.com
This newly renovated luxury condo in the heart of downtown offers modern amenities, spacious living, and unbeatable walkability.
Schedule a private showing.
Funk Zone Luxury Gem
2 BD | 3 BA | $1,795,000
212SantaBarbaraStUnitB.com
This luxury townhome is located steps from the Funk Zone and just two blocks from the beach, featuring modern finishes and stunning mountain views.
Schedule a private showing.
Serene Montecito Oasis 4 BD | 4 BA | $5,250,000
2775EastValleyRoad.com
This stunning Montecito estate offers nearly 3,600 sq ft of elegant living space and lush one-acre grounds with tennis court and development potential.
Open House: Sunday 1-3 pm
Enchanting Montecito Estate 4 BD | 5 BA | $5,795,000
387OrtegaRidgeRoad.com
This French Normandy-style estate offers mountain views, a gourmet kitchen, a sparkling pool, and a private studio, all within a serene, 1-acre property. Also for lease.
Schedule a private showing.
OPEN HOUSES
627 Romero Canyon, 4BD, 5BA, Sat 1-3, $3,995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Annette Vait 805-886-1926, DRE#02044281
1595 Miramar Lane, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $4,850,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Patrice Serrani 805637-5112, DRE#01764713 2775 East Valley Road, 4BD, 4BA, Sun 1-3, $5,250,000, Epstein Partners/Keller Williams, Jedd Hewitt 805-850-9277, DRE#02118814
1369 Danielson, 6BD, 6BA, Sat 1-3, $5,500,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Shane Smith 925-818-9794, DRE#02072272
440 Woodley Road, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $6,195,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katinka Goertz / Andrea Ruhge 805-708-9616 / 805-895-5862, DRE#01871645 / #01965484
Saturday 9/28 & Sunday 9/29
615 Hot Springs Road, 6BD, 6.5BA, Sun 1-4, $11,800,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Andrea Cambern 805722-2352, DRE#02158714
Summerland
2435 Golden Gate Ave, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-3, $2,725,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Erika Burrows 805886-1588, DRE#02222512
2335 Whitney Ave, 3BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $3,350,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Cole Robbins 805403-7735, DRE#01910827
2450 Whitney Ave, 3BD, 3.5BA, Sun 1-3, $3,600,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Cheylin MacKahan 805-212-9344, DRE#02104724
Carpinteria
5750 Via Real Space 249, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 2-4, $499,000, Village Properties, Marcos Lazaro 805637-9121, DRE#01770439
231 Linden Avenue #17, 1BD, 1BA, Sat & Sun 2-4, $795,000, EXP Realty of California Inc., Lynda Elliott / Kimberly Rockwell 949-697-8937 / 805-698-8848, DRE#02088606 / #01482947
4254 Via Marcina, 4BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3, $1,648,000, Santa Barbara Brokers, Troy G Hoidal 805 6896808, DRE#01904812
3211 Beach Club Rd, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat 1-3, $5,500,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, JJ Gobbell 805-4035785, DRE#02063124
Santa Ynez Valley
1875 Ringsted, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $2,125,000, Village Properties, Michelle Glaus 805452-0446, DRE#01921235
Ojai
1273 S Rice Rd Spc #5, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 12-3, $315,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Christa Berban 805207-5352, DRE#02110245
Realtors: submit your open house listings at INDEPENDENT.COM/ OPENHOUSESUBMISSIONS
$25 PER LISTING OR FREE FOR INDEPENDENT ADVERTISERS
Email: openhouses@independent.com with questions
Steve Epstein DRE #994429
Kendrick Guehr DRE #1964065
Krome
Charles Brewer DRE #1477889
Mark Heitmann DRE #1007490 Ajia Orozco Marketing
The Granada Hosts Centennial Legends Gala
On September 14, The Granada Theatre celebrated its 100th anniversary at its annual Legends Gala, a grand, black-tie affair. The evening commenced with a lively reception in the Founders Room and first- and second-floor foyers, followed by an elegant dinner on the theater’s stage. The gala also celebrated Susan Gulbransen and Joan Rutkowski for leading the theater’s $52 million restoration project, which enabled it to reopen in 2008.
In the program, Board Chair Palmer Jackson Jr. succinctly summed up the honorees’ role: “Without those two, we would not be here; there is no way.” Author and actress Fannie Flagg and S.B. Symphony Music & Artistic Director Nir Kabaretti presented the awards to Gulbransen and Rutkowski, respectively. In accepting the award, Gulbransen expressed gratitude both for the honor and to the multitude of other people who made the renovation possible. Rutkowski similarly expressed gratitude for the honor and remarked that “hopes and dreams count, and without charity, there can be nothing good.”
The 245 lucky guests in attendance were a who’s who of Santa Barbara, comprising many past Legends honorees and other supporters of the Granada and its eight resident companies. When I ran into a friend in the ladies’ room, we remarked simultaneously, “Everybody is here!” Indeed, the venue was filled with generous philanthropists without whom the Granada and Santa Barbara’s other cultural institutions could not survive.
Master of Ceremonies Andrew Firestone interjected humor and enthusiasm throughout the evening. UCSB Professor of Film & Media Studies Ross Melnick gave historical highlights of the theater, which opened in 1924 as a silent movie and live performance venue. When the city ground to a halt in the 1925 earthquake, Melnick noted, builder Charles Urton boasted that the Granada survived without a crack.
Under the ownership of Warner Brothers in the 1930s, the Granada became a venue for Hollywood previews for films such as The Wizard of Oz and Guys and Dolls, using Santa Barbara audiences as tests before releasing anywhere else. It went on to host world premieres, including My Dream Is Yours with Doris Day in 1949.
Granada Centennial Producer Scott Seltzer related that in 2000, Rob Rossi purchased the theater with ambitious
plans, but then generously agreed to sell the theater on terms that amounted to donating more than half the market value of the property. The sale was made to the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts so that the theater could be transformed into a venue for the benefit of the entire community.
Throughout the evening, historical accounts and award presentations were interspersed with entertainment. There was a fun sneak peek of State Street Ballet’s Chaplin and a great performance by a band created just for the evening, the One-Night-Stand Band, featuring Morganfield Burnett, Hunter Hawkins, Lois Mahalia, Tariqh Akoni, George Friedenthal, Herman Matthews, and Randy Tico. Euphony, comprising students from Santa Barbara Unified’s three high schools, delighted guests in performing Hairspray’s “The Nicest Kids in Town.”
Gulbransen was board president of the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts for six years, and Rutkowski was a founding board member in 1997. The restoration project (1998-2008) transformed the theater back into a state-of-the-art performance venue and was made possible by many local philanthropists, including Michael Towbes, Sarah and Roger Chrisman, and Sara Miller McCune.
Fundraisers like this are necessary because ticket sales, rental income, and investment income cover only about 60 percent of the Granada’s annual operating costs. The
Granada does not receive any ongoing financial assistance from any government entity.
The Granada hosts events from national production companies in addition to performances by its eight resident companies: American Theatre Guild, CAMA, Santa Barbara Choral Society, Music Academy of the West, Opera Santa Barbara, State Street Ballet, the Santa Barbara Symphony, and UCSB Arts & Lectures.
SOCIETY MATTERS Text and photos by Gail Arnold
Honoree Susan Gulbransen; past honoree, presenter, and author-actress Fannie Flagg; presenter and S.B. Symphony Music & Artistic Director Nir Kabaretti; honoree Joan Rutkowski
Past honorees Dan and Meg Burnham with past honoree Allen Sides and Anne Sides
Past honoree and Event Co-Chair Anne Smith Towbes with Event Co-Chair Merryl Snow Zegar
Past honorees Brooks and Kate Firestone
Past honoree Kenny Loggins and Lisa Hawkins
Open Saturday 9/28 12-4 & Sunday 9/29 1-3
Stunning Riviera retreat offers panoramic ocean & city views that will take your breath away. With multiple viewing decks and a spacious patio ideal for entertaining or relaxing in the sun, this 2B/2BA home sits on a peaceful .21-acre lot surrounded by natural beauty. Each level of the home has its own private entrance, making it perfect for guest accommodations. The living area features a striking wall of windows that showcase the spectacular views. The large private side patio includes a sandstone wall & mature landscaping, providing both charm and seclusion. Abundant parking on the property. Don't miss the chance to experience this breathtaking Riviera retreat with 270 degree ocean, city, & island views.
Keeping Buildings Cool Without Electricity
Global temperatures are rising.
Renewables, especially electricity from wind and solar, are rapidly being developed to replace fossil fuels. With the fast adoption of electric vehicles and heat pumps, electric buses and trucks, and the swift advancement of AI, the growth of electricity is barely keeping up with exploding demand. Expansion of the electric grid is struggling to keep pace. Power outages are becoming more common, particularly
during heat waves, creating disruptions to our increasingly electrified lifestyle.
Our construction patterns of glass facades, sealed windows, and dependency on air-conditioning create discomfort and hardship when the power goes out. We can, however, make our buildings more resilient to heat and outages. Ancient civilizations in some of the world’s hottest places the Middle East, Central Asia, North Africa, Central America, and even in southwestern U.S. all found
inventive techniques to stay cool.
GOING GREEN
Earthen materials were the norm: stones, mud, adobe, and bricks. These highthermal-mass materials slow temperature swings and keep interiors cool by progressively releasing the day’s heat at night. Today, we have these and other high-thermal-mass materials, many embodying some form of concrete. Bunching buildings to minimize surface exposure to the sun’s rays was commonplace. Small courtyards, narrow walkways, and paseos allowed for ventilation and natural light while giving shade all day.
Perhaps the most inventive were their ways of capturing and enhancing breezes and even creating ventilation when there was no air movement. Air was often precooled before it entered a building by passing it under or through trees or letting it gather moisture from a fountain. The cooler the air, the higher its pressure. After entering a structure, it picks up heat from people and structures, causing its pressure to drop and it to rise. This pressure differential causes air movement. Smaller inlets close to floor level combined with larger exit apertures on the opposite side accelerate the air speed. These phenomena work well on
multi-story structures when air from different floors exits into vertical atria or shafts with chimneys or openings at the top to exhaust the hot air.
The velocity of wind increases the higher it is above the ground due to fewer obstacles and trees. Some ancient societies captured this fastmoving air through scoops, devices to channel it down into a building, through rooms on every floor, and back up and out at the back. Towers that scoop fast-moving breezes down into a building or that pull hot, lowpressure air up and out at the top can be designed as attractive architectural features. Dampers can close openings when air is not wanted.
As we add thousands of new housing units in our city, we would be wise to harness these techniques from antiquity to precool and accelerate cooling breezes through these developments. This would minimize our use of air-conditioning, conserve energy, and strengthen community.
Dennis Allen is chair of Allen Construction, an employeeowned company committed to building and operating sustainably. He is also former chair of the Dean’s Council at the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management at UCSB and a former boardmember of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
by Dennis Allen
PROPOSITION 33: RENT CONTROL –THE 3RD TIME ISN’T THE CHARM
Einstein is often credited with saying “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” Proposition 33 meets that definition of insanity. California has a housing crisis. No one can argue that. There is not enough housing and prices continue to rise. There are many solutions to this issue that could be considered but rent control should not be one of them. Proposition 33 has emerged as the latest attempt to expand rent control across the state. The measure says it will help renters, but the reality is that it would only benefit certain people and make matters worse for many more others. It does nothing to lower rents. This isn't the first time that legislation like this has been proposed. Voters previously rejected similar initiatives twice in recent years. It’s time the proponents of rent control acknowledged the will of the voters and focused their efforts on solutions that will truly benefit the public.
FAILED ATTEMPTS TO PUSH RENT CONTROL
The backers of Proposition 33 have a history of trying to impose rent control measures on Californians. In 2018, they pushed Proposition 10, which sought to overturn the CostaHawkins Rental Housing Act and allow cities and counties to impose their own forms of rent control. Voters decisively rejected this measure, with over 59% voting against it. Again, in 2020, the same groups attempted to pass Proposition 21, which similarly aimed to expand rent control. It too was rejected by voters.
The repeated failure of these initiatives sends a clear message. Californians know rent control is not the answer to the housing crisis. However, for some reason, the backers of
Proposition 33 have chosen to disregard the will of the people and are pushing for the same failed policies yet again.
At its core, rent control may seem like a way to help renters by capping prices and protecting them from rent hikes. However, in cities where rent control has been implemented, it often leads to fewer available rental units and deteriorating housing conditions. When property owners are unable to collect enough rent to maintain or improve their properties, the quality of housing inevitably declines. In some cases, landlords sell their properties or convert them to condominiums, further shrinking the rental market.
With less housing available, competition among renters increases, leading to higher rents for units that are not subject to rent control. Proposition 33 would make this situation worse, particularly in markets that are already impacted by a smaller housing stock. Rent control does nothing to address the root issue of the housing crisis: the lack of supply. Instead, it creates an illusion of affordability while making it harder for future renters to find homes.
THE VOTERS HAVE ALREADY SPOKEN
The voters have already spoken, twice, about how they feel about rent control. It’s time for the proponents of Proposition 33 to listen. Instead of continuing to push policies that have already been rejected, they should join with the majority of Californians to focus on solutions that will increase supply and make housing more affordable. Expanding housing supply, reducing barriers to building, and offering incentives for affordable housing construction are all strategies that would
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have a real impact on the housing market. Rent control doesn’t create new housing and does nothing to lower rent. It also does not discern between those who truly need assistance and those who do not. That is how people like Mia Farrow, and other celebrities benefit from rent control. The ones that do not need assistance are the ones who benefit most from it. Voters have repeatedly shown that they understand this. California needs long term solutions that benefit renters and property owners alike, not more political attempts to revive failed policies.
FINDING REAL SOLUTIONS
Proposition 33’s supporters should focus on addressing the root causes of California’s housing crisis, not recycling failed policies. It’s time for a new approach. Instead of rent control measures that will not lower prices, we should focus on increasing housing supply, streamlining zoning regulations, and encouraging development in highdemand areas. This would lead to more affordable housing options for Californians without the failures of rent control. It is the most basic of economic concepts, supply and demand. It is crucial to reject Proposition 33 and the impacts it will have on our communities. The time has come for solutions that will reflect the will of the people and create lasting benefits for renters and property owners across the state.
Michele Allyn is the owner and manager of Allyn & Associates Real Estate and Lending, a real estate brokerage and mortgage company, serving Santa Barbara, California’s Central Coast, Ventura and Greater Los Angeles County. Michele has been a member of the Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS® since 1973, and currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors. Reach Michele at 805-895-5101 or micheleallyn@yahoo.com.
Michele Allyn
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NEW EXHIBIT AND BOOK “SILENTS ON THE ISLANDS”
More t han 250 silent movies were filmed on the Channel Islands circa 1910 to 1930. Famous actors in these movies included Gloria Swanson, Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, Buster Keaton, Oliver Hardy, and Stan Laurel.
The earliest films were only 5 or 10 minutes long, and filmed on a beach.
Island movies later grew into milliondollar features with casts of thousands.
On Saturday, October 5, a new exhibit – Silents on the Islands – will open at the Chrisman Channel Islands Center in Carpinteria.
The exhibit features photos of scenes from silent movies filmed on Santa Catalina Island and Santa Cruz Island, as well as colorful movie posters.
The exhibit is curated by Betsy J. Green, author of the new book Silents on the Islands: Silent movies filmed on California’s Channel Islands. She will be at the museum from 10 AM to 4 PM on October 5, answering questions and playing oldtime movie music. Her book ($25) is available at local bookstores and amazon.com.
Green is happy to present talks/slideshows about her exhibit & book for local clubs and organizations. Reach her at betsyjgreen.com.
The Chrisman Channel Islands Center is located at 4994 Carpinteria Avenue in Carpinteria. Hours are 10 to 4, Tuesday - Saturday. Suggested donation $10. Visit ccislandscenter.org.
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