The First Fiesta

DANIEL

ENCELL

Director, Estates Division (805) 565-4896

DanEncell@aol.com DRE #00976141

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Join us for a valuable Real Estate Question & Answer Forum designed especially for potential Sellers. This is your opportunity to gain insights, expert advice, and answers to your real estate-related questions in a comfortable setting. Whether you’re curious about current market trends, pricing your property, staging tips, or navigating the selling process, Dan Encell is here to provide clarity and guidance.

DAN ENCELL

• Graduate of UCLA School of Law and former attorney (with training in Real Estate law, contracts, estate planning, and tax law)

• Over $2 Billion in local sales.

410 E. Haley St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

805.965.9555 | @ themillsb | www.themillsb.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

5 The Way It Was – After 100 years of celebrations, here is how the very first Old Spanish Days took place

6

Beings & Doings – Studio 44 in the Upper Village is giving master craftspeople their due. In this Age of Smug Machines the timing is impeccable. 8

Montecito Miscellany – Terry Pillow’s Homer launches a new brand, Steven Gilbar has a special fan, Anthony Parnther directs, and more miscellany

10 Letters to the Editor – More input on Miramar, plus a sad message from Stella Mare’s and a poem inspired by the Joshua Tree night sky Tide Guide

11 News Bytes – The 4th of July is here and so are more road closures – here’s the updates on the 101 expansion 12 Our Town – Amy Alzina is awarded Superintendent of the Year, and no AI was harmed at MAT’s End of Year Show

14 Society Invites – It’s dashes of red and a legacy of donations coming to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s upcoming Paul and Leslie Ridley-Tree exhibit

16 Brilliant Thoughts – Of all the things we can collect, the words and thoughts of Ashleigh are worth being kept

18 On Entertainment – Summer is here and so are the movie screenings and a long-anticipated exhibit at SBMA

20 Dear Montecito – Stella is saying her farewell to the column and readers… the MJ wishes her the best on this next leg of the journey

The Optimist Daily – A novel technique stops brain tumor development and exterminates tumor cells with precision

24 Elizabeth’s Appraisals – A doll from the ‘60s tells of the tradition of dolls given to young ladies facing the prospect of marriage

26 Stories Matter – From fictional thrillers to historical ones, these reads will keep the pace going as the summer heats up

27 Travel Buzz – Leslie takes a trip over to the Hawaiian Islands to visit an old friend and have a relaxing stay at the Kahala Hotel and Resort

28 Foraging Thyme – Pickled or raw – cucumbers offer that summery bite and crunch that will draw out the sun

29

The Giving List – The Fund for Santa Barbara’s new ED Eder Gaona-Macedo is on a listening tour and getting ready for the next steps Ten Amazing Flower Walks – Upcoming speaker at Lotusland Dina Saalisi guides the reader through 10 flower-centric walks in California

30 Robert’s Big Questions – What is the issue with inanimate objects? Should we be angry at them?

33

This Week at MAW – Timo Andres talks tides, currents, and Glass with a variety of vocal happenings on the way

40 Calendar of Events – The concerts continue outdoors, a parade of 4th of July events, Rods and Roses return, plus others

42 Classifieds – Our own “Craigslist” of classified ads

The Way It Was Fiesta Celebrates its 100th Birthday

by Hattie Beresford

Old Spanish Days Fiesta is rooted in the dozens of short-lived attempts to establish an annual festival in Santa Barbara, starting, perhaps, with the 1886 Mission Centennial celebration. In 1924, the fiesta that was created to celebrate the opening of the new Lobero Theatre succeeded spectacularly. This year marks its 100th year anniversary.

Months of preparation and the cooperation of scores of local businessmen, merchants, and civic leaders was needed to create the celebration of Santa Barbara’s Spanish origins. The young executive director of the Community Arts Association, Hamilton MacFadden, started the ball rolling and set the stage by organizing the initial meetings and calling on businesses to supply 200 artistic floats. (MacFadden later became a well-

Charles Pressley, owner of a women’s apparel store at 630 State Street, was coordinating director of the Fiesta activities and later served as executive director of Old Spanish Days for many years (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

known actor and director in Hollywood.)

Local merchant Charles Pressley became coordinating director for the Fiesta activities, and Dwight Murphy organized the equestrian elements for the parade to which he personally provided substantial funds. Posters advertising the event were sent to San Diego and San Francisco and all places between. A bevy of girls, attired in striped black pants topped by braided bolero jackets, helped advertise the festivities. Heads covered by fringed Spanish bullfight hats, they met Southern Pacific trains and distributed nosegays to passengers while encouraging them to return for Fiesta.

On August 13, the hotels were packed, and thousands lined the streets to witness the coronation of Madalynne Romero, who had won the contest for Queen of Fiesta. Two groups of pages bearing floral chains led the coronation cortege to the reviewing stand on Cabrillo Boulevard. Crowned by a circlet of fragrant roses, she

Way It Was Page 344

Spanish garbed girls met the trains and passed out floral nosegays to advertise the upcoming Old Spanish Days (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

Copies of the Old Spanish Days poster were sent to cities up and down the coast to advertise the upcoming event (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

Beings & Doings

Studio 44: A Craftsperson’s Louvre in the Upper Village

by Jeff Wing

Stephanie Kaster has been our village’s Empress of Architectural Interiors for quite a little while now. Is Kaster an actual Empress? No. For one thing, that would make our deciduous little whistlestop an Empire, which hardly suits the place. Does Kaster comport herself like an Empress? If bounding across the room with arms outstretched in greeting is Empress-like, then yes. As SLB Designs, Kaster for years operated out of a demure little walkup on Coast Village Rd. More recently, as East Valley Design Strategies (EVDS), she realized a longstanding dream. “I’ve been practicing in these nine square miles of Montecito for 28 years,” Kaster says, beaming. “And I’ve wanted to be in the upper village for about 21 of those.” Even as she has flourished and made a name for herself over time, Kaster has long envisioned a professional working space the visitor and prospective

client may actually enter and roam, since architectural interiority is better experienced than purely imagined. Nestled within Kaster’s welcoming new space is the small, elegant gallery Studio 44 – glowing like the understated heart of a sapphire. The showroom is the sort of calming dark wood grotto that immediately

expunges your (possibly false) memory of having just walked through an office door. Enlisting her frequent collaborator –renowned master wood artisan Ken Frye – Kaster poured all her design instincts into the new showroom, and into the small but potent gallery that is its arguable core, both aesthetically and philosophically. Frye is a trusted colleague and frequent actualizer of Stephanie’s warm and intricately detailed interiors. “He’s a master wood craftsman,” Stephanie says emphatically, “and we’ve been collaborating for about 23 years. The only thing I can say about Ken is that when you meet him, he’s just wonderful!” When it came to Studio 44, Kaster’s initial “ideating out loud” phase may have momentarily paralyzed even the wonderful Ken.

“I told him,” Stephanie says, “‘I’m getting a vision of the Médicis. Like, 16th century Italy.’ And he said, ‘Okay…what are you seeing?’ And I said, ‘I want to do inlay floors in diamond, and I want to do the carved birds in the corners that look almost like a mask that you would wear to carnival…’” That is, to Frye’s question, “What would you like me to do here?” Stephanie invoked the Médicis –the swaggering Florentine super-clan who sponsored da Vinci, Botticelli, Raphael, Michelangelo, and more broadly the Italian Renaissance. No problem. “There’s just nothing that can come out of my

mind that he can’t build,” Kaster says with an electric smile, then adds an asterisk. “My colleague Ken is a patient man.” Kaster is similarly patient. Her determination to realize the vision has made her a presence in Montecito’s architectural interiors space for nearly three decades. Between her architectural credentials, fashion training, an MBA, and six augmenting business certificates from Harvard, Kaster’s approach to design doesn’t skimp on detail. “I’m also very patient,” she says energetically. “And tenacious.”

The Woods are Lovely, Dark and Deep…

East Valley Design Strategies’ truly bespoke architectural interiors are custom-crafted, enfolding works of habitable art. The magic? For all that class and elegance, Kaster’s designs – as realized by Frye – reach out and pull you in. There is a gentility and refinement that does not overwrite the familiarity and sense of arrival. “A completely livable elegance really is our forte,” Stephanie says. “There’s always going to be a room, it doesn’t have to be the whole house, that you just slip into, whether a fine library, a stunning bedroom, an elegant dining

Stephanie Kaster of East Valley Design Strategies

Montecito Miscellany

Caps Off to Montecito

by Richard Mineards

Terry Pillow, former head honcho of Ralph Lauren, Coach and Tommy Bahama, hosted a bijou bash at Homer, his popular leather store on Coast Village Road, to launch Baja Montecito, founded by Blake Siemens, grandson of entrepreneur Wayne Siemens

The first product in the new line is a cap emblazoned with the mountains of our rarefied enclave over the world “Montecito,” with other products to follow in due course.

“My involvement is being an adviser and hosting the launch at the store,” says Terry.

Among those at the fun fête were Wayne and Sharol Siemens, Andreas Schuetz, and Maddie Braniff. Hat’s off to all.....

Steve & Steven

Writer and comedian Steve Martin turned up at Tecolote, the bijou bibliophile bastion in the upper village, when prolific Montecito author Steven Gilbar launched his latest tome Montecito Noir: True Tales

BECOME A LOCAL HERO!

of Murder & Mayhem in Paradise

Gilbar has lived in our rarefied enclave for 40 years and has written myriad works over four decades.

Praise to Parnther

The Music Academy of the West hosted the second of its five-part orchestra series when the Academy Festival Orchestra under conductor Anthony Parnther, the Yale-educated music director of the San Bernardino Symphony since 2019, performed at the Granada Theatre.

Joan Huang’s “Tujia Dance,” and Florence Price’s “Symphony No. 3” kicked off the entertaining concert, wrapping with Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” which the composer described as representing “pagan Russia” and written for the 1913 season of Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes with Vaslav Nijinsky as principal dancer.

An electrifying show...

On the Katy Train

Santa Barbara warbler Katy Perry has teased the lyrics of her new fantasy song “Woman’s World” in a most environmental way, wearing them on the back of her Balenciaga dress during Paris Fashion Week.

While her one-shoulder red velvet look featured a super-short hemline, it also included an extraordinary train that trailed an unbelievable 200 yards behind her and was printed with the lyrics.

While it was difficult to actually read the words listed in block letters as Katy entered the Ritz Hotel on the Place Vendome, fans took their best guesses.

Join us and donate to the Santa Barbara Foresters. Your donation provides needed funds for our baseball programs and for our Hugs for Cubs outreach (Est. 1995) year round.

Contact us at info@sbforesters.org or contact our General Manager at (805) 886-7041 to learn more.

Please consider donating now! Make a lasting impact in our community!

“It’s a woman’s world and you’re lucky to be living it,” it begins. “Feminine divine, she was born to shine,” it ends.

The new song is scheduled for release on Thursday, with a music video to drop the following day.

For avid fashionistas, I note that the late Princess Diana’s train on her bridal gown at St. Paul’s Cathedral was a mere 25 feet long...

For Your Service

Prince Harry is being honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at this year’s ESPYS in Los Angeles being hosted by former tennis ace Serena Williams on Thursday, July 11th.

Miscellany

Baja Montecito launches new brand at Homer (courtesy photo)

Steven Gilbar (right) with some fan (photo by Annamarie Seabright)

Anthony Parnther in his element (photo by Andre Yew)

The Academy Festival Orchestra performing at the Granada (photo by Andre Yew)

Prince Harry receiving Pat Tillman Award for Service (photo by Tyler Main via Wikimedia Commons)

Letters to the Editor

Local Observations

Isupport both Russel Ruiz and Cliff Gherson’s thoughtful and on-point letters to the editor in opposition to the glitz shopping center about to be dropped from the Trojan horse of “affordable housing.” I’ve known both of these good fellows for probably 50 years as a resident and small business owner here in this wonderful community that, sigh, is going the way of the dodo bird. I feel their pain. I’m not anti-progress and change but we’re moving at warp speed towards all that we were not interested in as a rare, beautiful, multi-dimensional community; l’d call it the Rodeo Drive-edification blight. I long for the days of the Coast Village Road that had something for everyone. You know, essential services, good to great but non-Michelin star restaurants, and retail for almost everyone. Back in the day our non-ostentatious “one-percenters” were appreciative of things within reach of a community made up of the very wealthy, the well above average, and even the average; it was kinda, for a while, a marginally economically diverse town. A business owner, a fledgling doctor, a teaching pro, a schoolteacher and even a Vons checker could be here. No more. The Montecito of the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s is now a quaint remembrance. It is still a wonderful place to live but increasingly, I, and I suspect others, find the clubs, the retail, and the services bizarrely expensive even for the very wellto-do. Even if you can afford some luxuries, for me, it just does not feel good. After 50 years here I often feel like a stranger, albeit a lucky one, in a strange place. Sadly, I have no answers, just observations.

Steve Ruggles

Back at the Raft

Return of the Swim Raft! We love it…

The recent Miramar Swim Raft cel-

ebration made me feel like a kid again. With friends, food, sun, and plenty of splashing, it was the perfect way to welcome the summer. Growing up in Montecito the raft was a wonderful part of summer and a perfect place to enjoy friends and the beauty of our town.

The swim raft tradition is over 100 years old in Montecito – it was first anchored into the beach off the Miramar Hotel in 1917. It’s a very joyful symbol of our community, and it says a lot that Mr. Caruso went to the effort (and expense) to work with the County to bring it back, for everyone to enjoy. It speaks volumes about Mr. Caruso, and how much they actually care about the Miramar and doing right by this community. It’s great to have them in our corner. What a pleasure it is to see the Miramar bringing so much joy to so many. Thank you!

David and Pam Peterson, Miramar Neighbors

Joshua Tree

Have you ever seen a star so bright You’d think it might be Venus sparkling and twinkling Like a Diamond in the night?

Sometimes a woman is brighter than a star With a wicked pull of gravity That won’t let you travel far

Andromeda and the Sisters Sirius and the Twins Guide you through the heavens Exalt you from within

It is Venus Aphrodite now Spinning through your head

The clearest voice like wedding bells What she wore and what she said. by Henry J. Ohrtman

From Stella with Love

Dear Friends and Family of Stella Mare’s Bistro, Stella Mare’s update… We are OPEN during road construction!!

The new roundabout on Cabrillo Street and Los Patos Way is open for regular traffic as well as the 101 freeway off ramp exit by the restaurant. Construction is not affecting traffic coming to or leaving the restaurant in any way.

We are OPEN, but sadly, we are forced to close at the end of this year. We were not offered a lease as part of the Los Patos Way new development by the new Los Patos Way landlord, Runyon Real Estate Group (hello@runyongroup.com).

We are OPEN until December 31st, 2024, and we are planning a big New Year’s Eve celebration!!

We have been in business for 29 years and were absolutely NOT planning on closing anytime soon. We are actually busier than ever! This has come as a shock to us and our dedicated staff – some of whom have been with us for over 29 years! To say we are devastated with the outcome does not even begin to describe how we feel. We are losing our wonderful Stella Staff and Family. At this point, we are considering all options including relocating to a new home. We will keep you updated.

Thank you to everyone for being so supportive. We are looking forward to many more dining experiences for lunch, brunch, dinner, and events. We are OPEN and looking forward to seeing you soon.

À bientôt…

The Stella Team

A Neighbor’s Support

As a close neighbor to the Miramar Hotel and a parent at All Saints Parish School, I am writing to express my support for Caruso’s proposed plan for the property.

The Miramar Hotel is a beautiful property that has graciously hosted numerous special events for our community. Caruso has thoughtfully made compro-

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mises to ensure the new additions blend seamlessly into the neighborhood, just as the Miramar does today. Additionally, the idea of a neighborhood café with convenient access for nearby residents would be cool.

Caruso has proven to be a good neighbor and a strong supporter of All Saints, even before the hotel opened. Their door has always been open to dialogue with the community, and I am hopeful an agreement can be reached that benefits both sides.

Despite critics, many of us in the neighborhood welcome this plan. The opponents’ views do not represent all of us.

K. Anderson

Montecito

Executive Editor/CEO | Gwyn Lurie gwyn@montecitojournal.net

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Managing Editor | Zach Rosen zach@montecitojournal.net

MoJo Contributing Editor | Christopher Matteo Connor

Art/Production Director | Trent Watanabe

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Account Managers | Sue Brooks, Tanis Nelson, Elizabeth Scott, Natasha Kucherenko

Contributing Editor | Kelly Mahan Herrick

Copy Editor | Lily Buckley Harbin

Proofreading | Helen Buckley

Arts and Entertainment | Steven Libowitz

Contributors | Scott Craig, Ashleigh Brilliant, Kim Crail, Tom Farr, Chuck Graham, Stella Haffner, Mark Ashton Hunt, Dalina Michaels, Robert Bernstein, Christina Atchison, Leslie Zemeckis, Sigrid Toye, Elizabeth Stewart, Amélie Dieux, Houghton Hyatt, Jeff Wing

Gossip | Richard Mineards

History | Hattie Beresford

Humor | Ernie Witham

Our Town/Society | Joanne A Calitri Travel | Jerry Dunn, Leslie Westbrook

Food & Wine | Melissa Petitto, Gabe Saglie, Jamie Knee

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Montecito Journal Media Group, LLC Montecito Journal is compiled, compounded, calibrated, cogitated over, and coughed up every Wednesday by an exacting agglomeration of excitable (and often exemplary) expert edifiers at 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite G, Montecito, CA 93108.

How to reach us: (805) 565-1860; FAX: (805) 969-6654; Montecito Journal, 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite G, Montecito, CA 93108; EMAIL: tim@montecitojournal.net

News Bytes Montecito 101 Freeway Updates – July 4th

by MJ Staff

The Montecito 101 segment is located between Sheffield Drive and Olive Mill Road.

Plan summary: Highway 101 in Montecito adds a new peak-period carpool lane in each direction from the Romero Creek Bridge north to Olive Mill Road; new on- and off-ramps with northbound and southbound auxiliary lanes (lanes connecting on-ramps and off-ramps to improve merging) between San Ysidro and Olive Mill roads. New bridges will be built over Romero, San Ysidro, and Oak creeks.

Current status: Crews are finishing up the initial work in the median area.

July 1: The southbound ramp at Posilipo Lane will close till spring 2026.

July 2: Crews will begin shifting the 101 southbound lanes and reopen the southbound off-ramp at San Ysidro Road.

July 13: The divided northbound lanes between Hixon Road and Olive Mill Road will start construction. Expect trucks entering and exiting the median at night and day through night noise.

Closures (weather permitting)

Please drive safely through the corridor and remember to Slow for the Cone Zone. The speed limit is reduced to 55 mph for safety throughout the construction areas.

Northbound Highway 101

Sunday nights, 9 pm – 5 am: 1 lane from Carpinteria Ave to Hermosillo Road

Monday – Thursday nights, 8 pm –5 am: 1 lane from Carpinteria Ave to Hermosillo Road

Daytime Closure, 9 am – 3 pm: Offramp at Sheffield Drive

On-ramp at San Ysidro Road, closed until early 2025, use the northbound on-ramp at Sheffield Drive

July 13: San Ysidro Road off-ramp closes

Southbound Highway 101

Sundays, 10 pm – 7 am: 1 lane from Cabrillo Blvd to Carpinteria Ave, on-ramp at Posilipo Lane

Monday – Thursday, 8 pm – 7 am: 1 lane from Cabrillo Blvd to Carpinteria Ave, on-ramp at Posilipo Lane

July 1 to Spring 2026: On-ramp at Posilipo Lane, use the Sheffield Drive southbound on-ramp

July 2: Off-ramp at San Ysidro Road reopens

N. Jameson Lane

Weekdays, 7 am – 4 pm: Flaggers will direct traffic on N. Jameson Lane between San Ysidro Road and Olive Mill Road as needed.

S. Jameson Lane

Daily, 7 am – 4 pm: Flaggers will direct traffic on S. Jameson Lane near the southbound on-ramp at Posilipo Lane.

“Santa Barbara Design and Build was fabulous. Don and his crew were the BEST from day one. He was honest, timely, flexible, artistic, patient and skilled. They understood my vision and built my dream home”.

-Santa Barbara Resident

Our Town Amy Alzina Awarded Superintendent of the Year

by Joanne A Calitri

The energy and face of Amy Alzina EdD, Cold Spring Elementary School District (CSESD) Superintendent/Principal, is well noted in our town. For the past seven years, she has led the school and increased growth levels in education, STEAM, and community interface. She and her team have maintained this through multiple environmental disasters and lockdowns, without pause. Since Alzina’s arrival at CSESD, the students outperform all other school districts in the State of California as measured by the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) summative assessments in both Mathematics and Language Arts. Her enthusiasm for education and exemplary leadership is now awarded and recognized by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) with the Superintendent/Principal of the Year Award, announced this June.

Alzina serves on both the Small School District’s Association (SSDA) and the ASCA. As a liaison between SSDA and ACSA, she served as the Chair of the ACSA Small School District Committee. Her work in education includes Principal of Santa Barbara Community Academy for three years, and Principal of Adams Elementary School for eight years, where she focused on educating the whole child. Prior to those experiences, she was Interim Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education for the Santa

proficiency, as when I arrived we were at 80%. This year we reached state ranking at 99% in ELA [English Language Arts], 98% in math, and 97% in science.

And can you talk about your role as a superintendent?

I view my role as Superintendent as similar to that of a sports coach. I’m a John Wooden fan. He said, “True success is attained only through the satisfaction of knowing you did everything within the limits of your ability to become the very best that you are capable of being.” I focus on that and bring it to CSESD. How can my teachers be the best they can be? By me being there to support them and us working as a team.

What’s next for you in your career and your personal best goals?

media, computer science, engineering, electronic music, architecture and design, and digital art research, practice, production, and theory.

At the exhibit was one of MAT’s founders, Curtis Roads, PhD, who is retiring this year. Roads’ CV is a tome of knowledge itself, chronicling his history in creating music electronically, faculty at MIT, and receiving the lifetime achievement award from the Society for Electro-Acoustic Music in the United States 2010. In 2016, Roads won the Giga-Hertz Prize for lifetime achievement in electronic music, awarded by the Center for Art and Media (ZKM), Karlsruhe, and the Southwest Radio (SWR), Baden-Baden.

Barbara Unified School District, where she developed a comprehensive learning plan for teachers and assisted in writing the District’s LCAP. She received her EdD in education from the University of Concordia, Chicago, her MA from Azusa Pacific University, and her undergrad BA from Westmont College.

Alzina and I sat in her office to talk about her award and where she is heading next!

Q. Tell us about your path as an educator?

A. I believe that all educators get into the field because of their kindergarten teacher! Mine made education come to life, and growing up my parents were big on education.

I attended and finished early from Westmont College. I thought about teaching and was going to get a degree in kinesiology from another school. Westmont Coach Russell Smelley reached out and asked me to come back to Westmont – as I was still eligible to compete in track for Westmont. I did that, became an All American as 4th in the U.S., and graduated with a BA, and kinesiology minor. After graduation, I was a kindergarten aid and worked in the afterschool program at SB Christian School, loved the children, and from there my career took off. I started working at SB Community Academy, next at Adams Elementary. I decided to apply for the position at CSESD to take an already high achieving school and bring it as high as it can go. I firmly believe every student can meet or beat the standards with a great relationship-driven teacher. My goal at CSESD is 100%

I’m excited I was asked to serve on the State Board for ACSA this year. My ultimate goal is I want to make a larger impact as a superintendent of a larger district. I have a high bar, starting with an amazing school board like the one I have here, which I don’t take for granted. They support my work and goals at CSESD. I am making presentations in Sacramento, for example, about how educators can use AI, and will be speaking at the Women in Leadership forums.

Media Arts and Tech 25th Annual Grad Show

UCSB’s Media Arts and Technology Program (MAT) 25th Annual End of Year Show titled soft AI+ M: Realities Altered Realities Emerging , was a dual treat with students showing at UCSB and SBCAST. I attended the SBCAST show on June 6. The poster for the show quipped, “No AI was harmed in the generation of this text.” UCSB’s MAT department is a transdisciplinary graduate program that fuses emergent

We discussed how he arrived at UCSB and his legacy there. He shared, “Before UCSB I studied with polymath composer Iannis Xenakis at Indiana University, [who] led me on my career – editing Computer Music Journal, writing the main textbook in the field published by MIT [1996] and the second edition published 2023, and foundings the organization in the field. I was contacted 28 years ago by JoAnn KucheraMorin – director of the AlloSphere – to come teach at UCSB. I’m most proud of the fact that I co-founded the Media Arts and Technology Program at UCSB and mentored 144 Master and PhD students.”

The exhibit was held inside labs, outdoors, and projected on the SBCAST walls. The six performance exhibits were: Silicone Dream by Jenni Hutson, a soft shape display device that receives arbitrary data values over OSC and translates them into changing shapes using a grid of actuator-controlled shafts underneath a silicone top layer, with LED lights underneath the silicone. The shapes were controlled by generated topographic data and driven by musical data by Marcel Rodriguez-Riccelli

Dr. Amy Alzina with her latest project for Cold Spring School, the new arts and STEAM center of learning, due to open in a month (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

UCSB’s MAT Students and Collaborators (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

Society Invites

Lady Leslie and Lord Paul Ridley-Tree’s Art Collection at the SBMA

by Joanne A Calitri

The artworks from the collection of Paul and Leslie Ridley-Tree will be honorably on view in the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s McCormick Gallery, July 7 through November 3. The exhibition is titled A Legacy of Giving: The Lady Leslie and Lord Paul Ridley-Tree Collection.

During installation week, I interviewed the exhibit’s curator, James Glisson, who is the SBMA Curator of Contemporary Art . Glisson holds a PhD from Northwestern University with a focus in 19th century art. His projects have been covered by The Guardian , Los Angeles Times , El País (Madrid), the Wall Street Journal , and the Los Angeles Review of Books

Also present was the SBMA Eichholz Foundation Director Amada Cruz, who shared, “Over 30 years, Lady and Lord Ridley-Tree gave more than 50 art-

GOING

SOMEWHERE?

Get ahold of our new arrivals!

works to the Museum with the aim of expanding on the already renowned collection of 19th-century French and English works. Lady Ridley-Tree knew the Museum’s collection well, and she acquired works to build on these existing strengths. Thanks to their generosity, we now have a fourth Monet, two works by the famed pre-Raphaelite Dante Gabriel Rossetti, a touching portrait of young girl by the Impressionist Berthe Morisot, and a pastel by Mary Cassatt. The exhibition’s lead image is a painting by the renowned Pointillist Paul Signac. These are outstanding paintings by some of the most famous artists of the 19th century. Since Lady Ridley-Tree often entertained at her home, her art collection was well-known in the community. There has been curiosity about when the Museum would share these treasures, and we did not want to wait to celebrate such an important gift.”

As we walked around the exhibit, Glisson explained the importance of

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the artworks as a whole, “Art is a way to connect people and ideas, to enliven our imaginations. The focus should be how these 19th century paintings tell us about the past, and a view into our own moment, as educational windows. That is most appropriate for how Leslie wanted these artworks to be used, her deep belief in education’s transformative potential. The artists from 150 years ago are talking about problems and life experiences that are similar to what we see today,” Glisson continued. “I selected five themes for the exhibit:

“Brand Management Circa 1870 –Gustave Courbet and Narcisse Díaz de la Pena knew what social media influencers bank on today, negative publicity is still publicity, the inherent quality of a commercial product or an artwork is not necessarily enough to make it successful.

“Factories and Farms – The agrarian paintings are a way of avoiding city life, city growth, pollution, and plagues, so we don’t see any factories in them. Claude Monet’s Afternoon on the Seine (1897), is particularly representative, as the Seine River was very polluted being downstream from Paris.”

“Forging A Career – Thanks to these gifts, we are able to represent two women artists – Mary Cassatt and Berthe Morisot – who were essential to the Impressionist Movement and Revolution, and we are able to tell the story of how both of them managed to have careers despite cultures and societies that did not want to support women artists.

“Barbizon – via Henri-Joseph Harpignies, Theodore Rousseau, Camille Pissarro, and Eugene Boudin’s paintings – is one of the very first documented incidents of people advocating for environmental preservation. The artists were upset the forests they were

painting were being logged. They went to the government and petitioned. Parts of the forests were set aside, and the trees were allowed to age without intervention. The artists were interested in, and painted, the forest’s life cycle after a lot of trees had died, were raw and bald.

“History and Fantasy – Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Henri Fantin-Latour, and Walter John Knewstub artworks are more representative of 19th c. art, that is, mythological and historical subjects, imposed stereotypes of femininity, looking at the past and imaging the future, and fashion, which is presenting the best version of yourself.”

I asked Glisson about the contextual element of the works, utilizing his prior work in 19th century art and his work as a Curator of Contemporary Art. He expressed his belief that, “All curators have a responsibility to be true to the objects and the artists we are engaging with, but we also have to think in creative ways how that might relate to audiences or contemporary issues. When I approached this material, I noticed a lot of landscapes, knew the history of them in the 19th century and how we can relate to it now, and it went from there. Curators create a space where people can identify and find relevance and make some associations – I hope – if I’m successful.”

Indeed, from the red painted walls the art is installed upon (in honor of red being Leslie Ridley-Tree’s favorite color) to the themed curation, the exhibit is worthy of local and national laude. A few visits to view the art, and the planned collaborative events with the community partners, is highly recommended. Check the 411 for details.

www.sbma.net/legacy

SBMA’s Amada Cruz and James Glisson with the prized oil on canvas by Paul Signac, titled Herblay –The Riverbank, 1889 (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

Brilliant Thoughts

Collecting

by Ashleigh Brilliant

What is it about the human psyche that makes so many of us want to collect things? Does it go back to our animal ancestry, in which many creatures’ survival depended on their collecting materials to eat, or from which to construct their homes? Maybe, but I think it also reflects our very human desire to put disparate objects in some sort of order. The attraction of postage stamp collecting – a hobby now nearly 200 years old – must lie at least partly in the wide variety of subjects, nationalities, and designs, all presented on a small flat surface, and capable of being organized in a wide variety of formats.

But collecting has its very unattractive side, which is known as “hoarding.” Only in recent years has this proclivity begun to be seen as a mental illness. The line is drawn, I suppose, at the point at which this malady begins to interfere with the sufferer’s normal daily life, or the lives of others. So long as it can be kept a secret from those outside the immediate household, the situation can remain more or less under control.

I speak from personal experience because in the last years of her life – and of our 51-year marriage – my wife Dorothy became a hoarder. She was also a wide-ranging traveler, and the hoarded objects were mostly “souvenirs” brought back from her trips. One whole room of our house was filled mostly with all kinds of bags and other containers, virtually from floor to ceiling. There were bags within bags, boxes within boxes, and all kinds of unused luggage. That room, of course, became clogged and unusable for any other purpose – then there started to be an overflow into the hallway, and from there into other rooms.

You can tell a hoarder from the fact that they show no interest in all their collected items, and never do anything with them.

Dorothy was very sensitive about this subject, and it was no use trying to reason with her. In any case, it was her own (inherited) money which was being used, and in fact, the

house itself was also inherited, and solely in her name. My only alternative was to move to our other, smaller, house, which was our office and the headquarters of our business. That, at least, was jointly owned, and I could keep it in a comparatively orderly condition. I did try one other recourse. I used to write “Bedtime Stories” for Dorothy, and read them to her after she was in bed (while I was still up). I wrote one about a Lord and Lady Baggs who had a private menagerie, in which they collected animals who were themselves collectors, and would be secretly released at night, then bring back things they had found. One of these creatures was a chimpanzee, who specialized in collecting all kinds of bags. There was a complicated plot, but I hoped that Dorothy would somehow get the point. Of course, she didn’t, and failed to see any reflection of herself. After she died, it became my job (helped by some friends) to clear up and dispose of all her accumulations.

But I did have my own collections. Since settling in Santa Barbara and walking extensively about town, I have picked up any money I saw (mostly pennies). I was surprised how much there was. But I fell into the hoarder’s trap of never wanting to part with any of it. However, I also never counted it. I kept each year’s collection separately, and put it in a jar, labelled with the date. And that is where my executors will probably find them.

But I do have another collection which probably deserves more scrutiny. It consists of other objects, besides money, also found on my walks. I keep them in what I call my “Cabinet of Curiosities.” Here my collecting standards are rather high. In order to get into that glass-fronted cabinet, the object must be fairly small, and not easily identifiable as to its origin or purpose. So, they really are curiosities.

The trouble is that, once put in, nothing gets taken out again, and I myself no longer know what I have in there, except what can be dimly seen through the glass door. I fantasize about taking everything out, photographing each object separately, and sharing them with friends by email. But that would take a lot of time and effort – and, quite honestly, just writing this article has already taken enough.

Ashleigh Brilliant was born in England in 1933, came to California in 1955, to Santa Barbara in 1973, then to the Montecito Journal in 2016. Best-known for his illustrated epigrams, called “Pot-Shots,” now a series of 10,000. email: ashleigh@west. net. web: www.ash leighbrilliant.com.

On Entertainment Sun, Surf, Cinema and… Bruce

by Steven Libowitz

It was almost half a century ago, but I can still remember driving home after seeing Jaws in the movie theater on a rainy night in New Jersey – so much so that when we came to a freeway underpass that had flooded with several feet of water, I was happy that the police were diverting traffic – lest I need to confess, to my similarly quaking date, my fear that a man-eating great white shark was lurking within. I mean, we knew there wasn’t a shark on the road 35 miles from the ocean, but still.

That, of course, was long before Universal Studios created a ride where you could actually see the mechanical shark (whose name, we learned, was Bruce) jump terrifyingly out of the water; long before VCRs, DVDs or streaming let you pause to visually dissect the SFX. But there’s no doubt that Jaws can still jar the senses, and the movie remains one of the ultimate summer films in history, making it the perfect opener to UCSB

“An

A&L’s 2024 free outdoor summer film series, “Sun, Surf and Cinema,” screening on July 5.

The seven cinematic splendors bring the thrills and delights of beach and ocean life, from action-adventure to rom-com and fantasy, every Friday evening through August 23 (save for Fiesta week) under the stars at the County Courthouse Sunken Garden. The events are a party as much as a celebration, with picnics and pop music preceding each projection on the giant inflatable screen set up on one edge of the lawn. Coming attractions include Point Break , 50 First Dates , Blue Crush , The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou , Mamma Mia! , and Crazy Rich Asians . Get all the descriptions and details at www.ArtsAndLectures. UCSB.edu or call (805) 893-3535.

Asian American Films at Alhecama

It’s also time for the 15th Asian American Film Series, whose films speak to the Asian American experience as an exploration of the history and cultures of the Asian communities that once thrived in and around the Santa Barbara Presidio area. Held at 6 pm on Fridays in July at the Alhecama Theatre, the 2024 series opens July 5 with Photographic Justice: The Corky Lee Story , followed by Nurse Unseen , Like

a Rolling Stone: The Life and Times of Ben Fong-Torres and Finding Her Beat

The first screenings feature Q&A sessions with filmmakers, while a taiko drumming performance follows Beat . Suggested donation of $5 at the door. Visit www.sbthp.org/aafs.

A Legacy in Art

Lady Leslie and Lord Paul RidleyTree, considered one of Montecito’s premier philanthropic power couples, generously supported the Santa Barbara Museum of Art for more than a quarter of a century. To help fulfill SBMA’s mission to integrate art into the lives of people, the Ridley-Trees made major gifts to aid in acquiring art to build on the museum’s already strong holdings, adding 58 important artworks along the way.

Among Lady Ridley-Tree’s additional accomplishments for SBMA was undertaking the refurbishment of a building on Arrellaga Street, renamed the RidleyTree Education Center at McCormick House, which now hosts art classes and camp programs.

Now the museum is honoring the late couple – and their belief in the interlocking roles of art and education – with a new exhibition, A Legacy of Giving: The Lady Leslie and Lord Paul Ridley-Tree Collection . On view July 7 to November 3, the show employs 30 of their donated artworks from the 19th century to explore five themes relevant to our times: environmentalism, expanding social roles for women, the need for artists to brand themselves, the role of fantasy in picturing impossible worlds or times long ago, and how women artists managed carve out a career. The exhibition includes pieces by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Mary Cassatt, Berthe Morisot, Paul Signac, Claude Monet, Childe Hassam, Alfred Sisley, Gustave Caillebotte, Camille Pissarro, Henri Fantin-Latour, Eugène Boudin, Gustave Courbet, Charles François Daubigny, Narcisse Diaz de la Peña, Charles Émile Jacque, Francois-Auguste Ortmans, and Théodore Rousseau.

In conjunction with the exhibition, SBMA is also partnering with many other local recipients of the RidleyTrees’ generosity – including Lotusland, Music Academy of the West, SBCC, and the Santa Barbara Symphony, Opera and Zoo – to offer a series of programs. These will include MAW fellows reprising this week’s Fellows Friday performance of Gabriella Smith ’s Carrot Revolution on July 20, and the annual Ted Nash SBCC Summer Jazz Concert on July 25. Visit www.sbma.net for more details, dates and events.

Every Friday in July will focus on a different Asian American cinematic work at Alhecama Theatre

Dear Montecito

Sincerely, Stella

by Stella Haffner

Dear Montecito,

Four years later and here we are.

This column started during the first COVID-19 lockdown, when I found out that half of my exams were being canceled.

“Hey Gwyn… mind if I start a column?”

And, well, you know the rest of the story! One hundred hours of phone calls, emails, and interviews later, we as a town have put together the Dear Montecito anthology. I have spoken to young artists, scientists, and philanthropists, and you have steered me toward town features big and small: “Do you remember a Dylan from Cold Spring? You were at swimming with his sister? You should reach out to ask about his work! His email is –”

Working with the Montecito Journal team, speaking to Santa Barbara alumni, and connecting with readers – the helpful hinters and friendly fans – has been a highlight of the last four years of my life. So it is a classic dark chocolate bittersweet to be saying goodbye.

Like so many of our alumni, I am entering the next season of my life. I have started my first salaried research position in the field of health sciences. I now spend my week working with a driven and thoughtful team, investigating the best ways to improve people’s physical well-being and prevent illness. While I hope to be back on your coffee table in the future, I am working to put together my first few scientific publications and need to give them all my attention this year. As I said, bittersweet. But easier because I know I am leaving you in good hands. In a bit of a full circle moment too, I might add! Beatrice Tolan was one of the first people featured in the Dear Montecito column. After completing her BFA in media arts at Northeastern, Beatrice recently moved back to California. Although she lives in Los Angeles, Beatrice is eager to reconnect with the town she grew up in and find new avenues to pursue her passion for storytelling. When the Dear Montecito column resumes later this summer, she will be our new host!

This last letter is a message from both Beatrice and me. She would like you to know that she is so excited to connect and to continue Dear Montecito. And I would like to say a huge thank you for supporting the column and making it possible. It has been a blast! And I’m so, so excited for the next chapter. There you have it. Goodbye. And thank you.

Sincerely, Stella

Cancer Therapy Breakthrough: X-rays Expose and Exterminate Brain Tumor Cells with Precision

Arevolutionary study from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore (NTU Singapore) developed a novel way to selectively target and destroy brain tumor cells using extremely low-dose X-rays. Radiodynamic therapy, a novel treatment, stopped tumor development and doubled survival time in animal studies without damaging healthy cells.

Traditional radiation and photodynamic treatment both have substantial limitations. Radiotherapy can destroy healthy cells near the tumor, resulting in nausea and hair loss. In contrast, photodynamic treatment struggles to penetrate deep-seated cancers. To address these issues, the new strategy combines the qualities of both medicines.

Radiodynamic therapy employs a unique substance known as a “molecular radio afterglow dynamic probe” (MRAP). Unlike typical heavy metal-containing substances, MRAPs are composed of biochemicals and iodine, reducing the possibility of cell harm. These probes are inserted directly into the tumor and activated by low-dose X-rays, which are substantially less intense than those used in traditional radiotherapy.

The activation mechanism is the key to the effectiveness of MRAPs. They are only activated in the presence of the cathepsin B (CatB) enzyme, which is overexpressed in cancer cells. When activated, MRAPs produce brilliant, near-infrared afterglow and cancer-destroying free radicals, leaving healthy cells unharmed.

“We used very low dosages of X-rays and cancer-killing MRAPs,” said Professor Kanyi Pu of NTU Singapore’s School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Biotechnology. “The anti-cancer compounds were active only in the brain tumor and not in healthy cells. So, we expect our treatment method to be safer and have fewer side effects than existing ones.”

The medication was tried on mice models of glioblastoma, a rapidly developing brain tumor with dismal survival rates in humans. The findings were promising: tumors injected with MRAPs and exposed to low-dose X-rays stopped growing, and treated mice lived twice as long as untreated mice. Importantly, there were no adverse effects or tissue damage, and the MRAPs were naturally eliminated.

The success of MRAPs in preclinical trials sets the door for future study. The team intends to continue testing the safety and efficacy of MRAPs in bigger preclinical models before moving on to human trials. Furthermore, they intend to improve the MRAPs’ targeting capabilities and integrate immune-boosting characteristics to prevent cancer recurrence.

This groundbreaking research represents a huge advancement in cancer treatment, promising more effective and less hazardous medicines.

Source Study: Nature Materials, “Molecular radio afterglow probes for cancer radiodynamic theranostics”

HOME IS OUR FAVORITE DESTINATION

Word of Mouth series

4 events - Save 20%

Salman Khan

Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That’s a Good Thing)

Sat, Oct 5 / 4 PM / Arlington Theatre

Dr. Jennifer Doudna

CRISPR Gene Editing and the Future of Human Health

Tue, Oct 22 / 7:30 PM / Granada Theatre

Anne Lamott Somehow: Thoughts on Love

Wed, Nov 13 / 7:30 PM / Arlington Theatre

Father Gregory Boyle

Cherished Belonging:

The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times

Tue, Dec 3 / 7:30 PM / UCSB Campbell Hall

Salman Khan

“The technology of gene editing will be the most important advance of our era.” – Walter Isaacson

Dr. Jennifer Doudna

Anne Lamott

Father Gregory Boyle

Larkin Poe

Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway

Mavis Staples The War and

Miss Daisy’s

Elizabeth’s Appraisals

Bride Doll

by Elizabeth Stewart

When I opened that antique dresser drawer, a stiff, corpselike doll stared up at 12-yearold me. I reeled back in horror, and I have never liked dolls from that day. So as fate would have it, I have an online reputation as a doll expert. A case in point is a photo sent to me by KM of a bride doll given to her by her dear grandmother in the 1960s. She can’t remember the maker: I can tell you it is the Madame Alexander Doll Company. What fascinated me was the impeccable condition of the doll and wedding gown after 60 years. Girls held bride dolls in high esteem; this article explains WHY.

A wedding is both an anxiety-producing occasion and a pinnacle event around the bride’s appearance. Thus, what is supposed to be a perfect day with its beautiful tableaux of gown, hair, makeup, and jewelry is often stressful. Bride dolls reflect both polarities. An example on the horror side is

Disney’s 2023 creation of The Haunted Mansion Bride Doll, who is a beautiful bride, but wields a bloody ax, even as she is dressed in a mermaid style wedding gown and veil. Shades of Miss Havisham in Great Expectations – weddings can be murder!

Dolls have been associated with weddings for hundreds of years, since the first baker placed two wedding dolls on a cake. The wedding topper reached peak popularity in the 1930s when the Kewpie celluloid doll was the rage. These bride dolls were horrifically cute-ugly, squat, small, and very inexpensive, and came dressed in a white gown and veil. In the National Museum of Australia there’s a 1930s Kewpie doll in the collection that decorated the hood of a honeymoon car, and I learned that in New Zealand and Australia, it was a tradition to stick a bride doll on the hood of the ‘motor,’ carrying through to the late 1970s when an Aussie Barbie was dressed in white and strapped to the hood of the honeymoon car. Russian automotive decoration around nuptials also includes a bride doll! Italy seems to have the only sane car-association around a wedding; someone decorates the grill of the car with flowers to wish the couple a sweet and beautiful ride through life.

For thousands of years, in those cultures where young pre-adolescent girls were promised in marriage, the bride doll was a necessity. She was dressed in a beaded headdress and mask, in flowing ethnic colorful robes, and given to the girl to help qualm oncoming anxiety. The Israel Museum of Jerusalem had a show of these dolls from Yemen and Morocco; “Girl-Bride-Doll.”

Contrast this with the expensive bride dolls made in 1890-1910 for the wealthy young ladies of Germany and America by Simon & Halbig of Thüringen. This bride doll, although given as a gift to a little girl, was modeled after a grown woman’s body and dressed in the latest 1900s wedding styles. These dolls had bisque porcelain heads as opposed to high-fired china porcelain heads, so that the ‘skin’ was not glazed but ‘natural’ looking.

Speaking of natural-looking mature female bride dolls, the doll owned by KM can ‘walk’ and turn her head at the same time, as well as bend her knees, a mid-20th c. engineering feat. She has vinyl face and arms, plastic body and jointed legs, open and shut blue eyes with fringed eyelashes, red lipstick and fingernail polish, short Marilyn-style rooted blonde hair, pearl earrings, and “high heeled” feet, arched so that a spike heel could be worn, affixed with elastic. Once again, what amazes me is the condition of this doll, with the silk floral bouquet still in its hand.

Now to the most married doll in history: Barbie. Mattel through the years has created over 50 celebrity bride dolls based on Barbie’s proportions. You have not lived through the last century without seeing the Princess Diana doll. Other companies jumped on the celebrity bride bandwagon, producing a spectrum of brides from Queen Victoria to Scarlett O’Hara. Queen Victoria dolls were the first brides to be dressed in white, which didn’t shout “virgin” but was a sign of the family of the bride being rich enough that a dress could be worn ONCE. Previously, gowns were color-appropriate based on the age of the bride. After 26 or so she would not have worn a beige or taupe gown but a GREY one!

The use of an object made in the image of a human takes on deep symbolism. KM’s Madame Alexander bride doll circa 1960s is worth $450 in that perfect condition. Strange that a supposedly fully grown female should have the face of a baby, though it makes total sense given the wishful “projections” this doll represented.

Elizabeth Stewart, PhD is a veteran appraiser of fine art, furniture, glass, and other collectibles, and a cert. member of the AAA and an accr. member of the ASA. Please send any objects to be appraised to Elizabethappraisals@ gmail.com

The 1960s bride’s doll from Madame Alexander

‘In Search of the Romanovs’

To know me is to know I love Russian history. In Search of the Romanovs: A Family’s Quest to Solve

One of History’s Most Brutal Crimes by Peter Sarandinaki does an excellent job of reconstructing exactly what happened to the Tsar and his family on that fateful day in 1918, when the ill-fated family was led into a basement and never seen again. Sarandinaki, with ties to the event which he explains, manages to piece together what happened to the bones and burial of the family and their servants, including the Tsar’s brother who was never seen again. A thrilling read.

‘Echo Road’

Echo Road by Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh is a terrific, fastpaced, twisty suspense story. An FBI agent and sheriff team up to find a senator’s missing daughter before she ends up folded into a suitcase and dumped by the side of the road, per the M.O. of a dangerous serial killer on the loose in upstate New York. Bree and Mercy, the agent and the sheriff, are two tough characters (with even more than that in common) who team up to beat a killer who is getting awfully close to one of them.

Stories Matter

Racy July

by Leslie Zemeckis

‘The Lion Women of Tehran’

Marjan Kamali’s The Lion Women of Tehran is a breathtaking, remarkable story. In 1950 Tehran, Ellie’s life is downgraded following the unexpected death of her father. Along with her mother, she moves from a grand apartment into a seedy neighborhood. It would be a more difficult adjustment for Ellie if she did not make friends with Homa, a young girl her age with a loving family – if little else. Ellie’s mother does not approve of the friendship and is grateful when they return to their former life and lifestyle. Cut to the 1963 Iranian revolution where loyalties are tested and Ellie and Homa’s relationship resumes, until Homa is imprisoned. This is a beautiful story of mothers and daughters and the unbreakable ties of friendship.

‘Guilty Creatures’

Mikita Brottman is a wild, tawdry, true-crime account of a young man who goes duck hunting never to return. His beautiful young widow is devastated. Or is she? Suspicion falls on her when she begins dating, then marries, her missing husband’s best friend. In part it is a psychological account of a crime kept secret for years and its effects on the players involved.

‘Jackie’

Though fiction, Jackie by Dawn Tripp is one of the best books about Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis I have ever read. Tripp doesn’t shy from the uncomfortable bits as many biographies do. Tripp cuts to the heart of the woman, imagining the bargain Jackie must have made to stay with a complicated, unfaithful, brilliant man who counted Marilyn Monroe amongst his conquests. Jackie was a mother, a wife, and an intellect. Tripp expertly brings to life Camelot and its queen, and the very real love she felt for her handsome husband.

‘The Paris Widow’

Kimberly Belle has written a taut thriller with The Paris Widow. When a bomb detonates in a café in Paris and Adam goes missing, it’s up to his wife Stella to find out what happened. Is he dead? Was he the target of the attack? What she quickly discovers is Adam was into some seriously sketchy stuff with some bad people and those people just might be on Stella’s heels now. With her own secret past, Stella must remain a step ahead of a killer or killers now in pursuit of her. You can’t go wrong with a page turner set in Paris.

Espionage noir set in pre-WWII Shanghai describes Joseph Kanon ’s newest, entitled Shanghai Hitler is on the rise and European Jews seek refuge in the glamorous and dangerous city of Shanghai if they can just book passage on one of the ocean liners headed that way. Daniel has just escaped the Nazis and now works for his uncle, who owns several nightclubs in the increasingly violent world of Chinese/Japanese politics splitting the divided city. Daniel’s love interest on the ship is now in the arms of the enemy who might just want Daniel dead, but he can’t get the mysterious beauty off his mind. The climax in this one will have you on the edge of your seat.

Leslie Zemeckis is an awardwinning documentarian, best-selling author, and actor. The creator of “Stories Matter,” professional female authors mentoring the next generation of female storytellers, co-sponsored by SBIFF.

‘Shanghai’

Travel Buzz

To Oahu, with Love: Part 1

The Kahala Hotel + Resort

by Leslie A. Westbrook

Itraveled to the Hawaiian Islands for eight nights and visited four hotels this past spring for three reasons:

1. To see my dear friend of half a century – the amazing octogenarian artist, Dr. Masami Teraoka and his family who live on the island of Oahu, while reporting on my tourism stops.

2. To give Maui some love after the devastating Lahaina fire.

3. To give ME some love… on the island of Lanai.

My first two nights were happily spent at the lovely, elegant Kahala Hotel and Resort, highly visited by numerous luminaries over the years. The mid-century building, opened in 1964 in Oahu’s tony Kahala neighborhood (the Montecito of the state’s capital), was photographed at the time by noted architectural photographer Julius Shulman. His black and white photos line a wall of images of guests over the decades ranging from royalty (Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana), politicians (Senator-turnedPresident/Oahu native Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and even Richard “Tricky Dick” Nixon) to actors Adam Sandler, Sammy Davis Jr., George Clooney and our town’s very own Carol Burnett and Kenny Loggins

The hotel’s original sea glass chandeliers and light fixtures in the lobby are stunning. At the open air Veranda restaurant, just off the lobby, singer/guitarist Johnny Valentine (aka “Bruno Mars’ uncle”) crooned standards from “The Girl From Ipanema” (Montecito’s Norman Gimbel, 1927-2018, penned the English lyrics) to “Moon River” while I visited with the resort’s super welcoming sales director Brian Lynx who, over white wine and smoked Kona fish rillette, clearly expressed his love of this

healthy green drink called Ōma’oma’o in anticipation of my 9 am Dolphin Quest adventure – nose-to-nose/cheek-to-jowl encounters in the hotel’s dolphin pond!

Coastline Car Cruise

The next morning, the short drive to Waimānalo was a gorgeous one, and my new friends – art book publishers Susan Chun, head of publishing at LACMA who was my seatmate on the LAX flight, and her congenial husband Johan – offered to drive me to visit my dear friend Masami. They pointed out sites along the way, including former President/Oahu native Barack Obama’s house set on the beach. We toured Masami’s study and enjoyed delicious “to go” plate lunches in the garden. (I had ono, one of my fav Hawaiian fish.) The afternoon drive back to the hotel was equally stunning – and educational – with Oahu native Susan sharing generational family history on the islands.

Kudos to Chef Jonathon Mizukami

Sumptuous Digs

property (rightly so). Lynx has spent many years working in the travel industry in the islands, including a stint at Hawaii’s Tourism Authority, but has found his métier. The congenial native of Yorkshire, England, alerted me to a decline in tourism dollars across the islands, especially from Japanese and Australian tourists, due to foreign currency’s weakness against the U.S. dollar. This makes this a great time to travel to the islands, with flight prices (at least at the time of this writing) across the board being super reasonable.

I was exhausted from my long travel day, but my elegantly decorated oceanfront room provided calm and lovely yellow silk curtains covering the sliding glass doors that opened to a stretch of lawn rolling down to the Pacific Ocean. What writer doesn’t love a room with a mahogany writing desk and hotel stationery? I soaked in the elegant bathroom’s deep tub (there’s also a walk-in shower), unpacked for my too-short two-night stay, and settled in for a comfortable night’s sleep.

I woke up early due to the three-hour time difference, and ordered 6:30 am room service breakfast – papaya (my “go to” when in the islands), fresh muffins, a

Back at the hotel, dinner at the resort’s upscale dining room Hoku exceeded expectations. A double rainbow through the windows in the air-conditioned dining room with Pacific views through swaying palm trees greeted me and my longtime friend/ local artist Lynda Hess. And I was happy to hear jazz piped through the speakers. We ordered the seven-course fixed menu and the four-course (with choices), so we could try –and share – a variety of exquisitely prepared dishes, including a great kick off amusebouche of ahi in crispy seaweed accompanied by vichyssoise. I did not indulge in the wine pairing (which I’m certain was stellar) but enjoyed a lovely Sancerre with mainly seafood choices. We did gobble up fab desserts – a special chocolate molten cake created in honor of the hotel’s 60th anniversary and a reconstructed “banana cream pie.”

Early rain and an early 6:30 am buffet breakfast at the Veranda, I went Japanese style: grilled fish, miso, soba noodles, green salad, my obligatory papaya and some heavenly lilikoi juice. Prime rib, custom omelets, pastries galore, and other temptations are also on display. A massage a bit later at the spa on Sunday morning (my kind of church) from Sean, perhaps the best masseur on Oahu, if not all the islands topped off my stay.

The Kahala manages to be classy, elegant, and traditional, but with a comfortably hip mid-century vibe set in an upscale neighborhood that offers tranquility and some of the best ohana on the island.

I bid a sad farewell to many of the wonderful staff who exude the aloha spirit as it was time to move on to wacky Waikiki – for another two nights of my Oahu explorations.

The Kahala Hotel and Resort: this fivestar resort, celebrating its 60-year anniversary located on the quiet side of Diamond Head, features superb service and a free shuttle to shopping malls, in a lovely setting and with top-notch accommodations and dining experiences. Dolphin Quest and Italian restaurant Arancino are independent businesses within the hotel that also hosts 350 weddings annually. www.thekahala.com

Getting There

United Airlines First Class: I used airmiles on United Airlines on my LAX-Honolulu flight and upgraded to uber comfortable First Class thanks to a $250 airline credit for a flight I never boarded last year from SBA to New York that was cancelled five times over two days! Seats were comfy, the food was actually very good: a cauliflower entrée, tasty salad, and a roll that did NOT resemble a hockey puck and was soft as a pillow. However, my luggage arrived damaged – look for a full luggage report in a future column.

Santa Barbara Airbus: The smart way to travel to LAX ($110 round trip) and we all loved our delightful driver Walter. Phone agents are also extremely helpful. Visit www.sbairbus.com or (805) 964-7759.

Leslie A. Westbrook is a Lowell Thomas Award-winning travel writer and journalist who loves exploring the globe. A 3rd generation Californian., Leslie also assists clients sell fine art, antiques, and collectibles via auction. www.auctionliaison.com

The Veranda at the Kahala Hotel and Resort (photo by Leslie A. Westbrook)

Lay by the pool while staring out at the ocean (photo by Leslie A. Westbrook)

A taste of the sea at Kahala’s restaurant, Hoku (photo by Leslie A. Westbrook)

Great Kitchens Don’t Just Happen . . .

Foraging Thyme Kirby Cucumbers

by Melissa Pettito

The sun has been playing hide and seek with us lately. Even with the little we have had, however, the Farmers’ Market shows all the signs of Summer! Moua Family Farm has one of my daughters and my favorite snacks, the Kirby cucumber. This little crunchy fruit, yep not a vegetable, is full of beneficial nutrients, antioxidants, and soluble fiber. A part of the Cucurbitaceae family, along with pumpkins, squash, and melons, the skin of the cucumber is where most of the vitamins and nutrients are located, so eating the peel is the best way to ensure you ingest those as well as fiber. Containing 96% water, they are also incredible for hydration. Staying hydrated is needed for digestion, joint pain, kidney function, memory function, and regulating body temperature. Cucumbers are also a great source of vitamin K and Calcium. The two combined are excellent for our bone health. One of my favorite ways to eat cucumbers is by pickling them, this adds to the health benefits of this fruit by turning them into a probiotic for our gut health. When fermented, they now contain the good bacteria that aid in feeding our gut microbiome, a necessity for our overall health. Cucumbers are also high in Cucurbitacin B or CuB, a naturally occurring plant compound presently being studied for its effect on cancer cells. This compound is showing signs of stopping cancer growth and possibly destroying cancer cells. Let’s take these delicious cucumbers into the kitchen.

Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad

Yield: 4 Servings

8 each Kirby cucumbers

½ teaspoon kosher salt

4 each garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon Chinkiang vinegar (black rice vinegar) 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

1 tablespoon unprocessed sugar

1 tablespoon crunchy garlic and chili oil

½ cup fried shallots (store bought is great)

Directions:

1. Place the cucumbers onto a cutting board. Slice each cucumber in half lengthwise and then using the side of a cleaver or large knife, smash each half. Continue to smash all the halves, then cut it crosswise into bite sized pieces.

2. Transfer the bite sized pieces of cucumber to a colander and sprinkle with salt. Allow to sit for 10 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl.

3. Add the soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and garlic chili oil. Toss to coat. Allow to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

4. Serve topped with fried shallots.

Melissa Petitto, R.D., is an executive chef and co-founder at Thymeless My Chef SB, was a celebrity personal chef for 16 years, just finished her 10th cookbook, and is an expert on nutrition and wellness.

Yep, that’s right. Cucumbers are a fruit, not a vegetable. (photo by victorgrigas via Wikimedia Commons)

The Giving List

The Fund for Santa Barbara

by Steven Libowitz

The Fund for Santa Barbara was founded way back in 1980 as a means to support local organizations working for progressive social change. Nearly 45 years later, while the issues, its methods and organization might have grown, that purpose has not been altered at all: The Fund remains dedicated to helping to find solutions to both current and emerging social problems from the perspective that change happens most dramatically when those who have been denied power and justice lead on their own behalf.

Unlike some of the major foundations, as a community foundation The Fund puts its dollars into largely grassroots nonprofits, organizations and groups working to not only alleviate injustices in areas of economic, environmental, political and racial inequality, but also confront and alter the underlying conditions and circumstances that cause and sustain them.

The Fund’s unique model calls for the grants to be generated not by the organization’s board or management team, but rather a committee composed of leaders, activists, and other people who represent a diversity of communities, and have their collective finger on the pulse of community need. Often the dollars are relatively small, but the impact can be exponential.

Which is why the organization’s catchphrase, “Change, not charity,” continues to endure.

That was certainly the case for The Fund for Santa Barbara’s new executive director Eder Gaona-Macedo, who first experienced The Fund as a 15-year-old student, raised on Santa Barbara’s west side, who approached the organization for a grant for Future Leaders of America (FLA), which provides leadership and education experiences to Latinx youth in California.

“I was nervous, but it was a life-changing experience, because I got introduced to philanthropy and the impact that storytelling makes,” Gaona-Macedo said.

A decade later, when he returned to FLA as Executive Director of the organization, his grassroots organizing efforts included additional grants from The Fund, which he put to good use. Under his stewardship, FLA increased its budget from $150,000 to more than $2 million per year.

The Fund for Santa Barbara is all about “Change, not charity” (courtesy photo)

Now at the helm of The Fund, Gaona-Macedo has spent the last six months on an extended listening tour, assessing the organization and learning about its constituency.

“I’ve met with our grant-making committee members, our donors, and even our youth Making Change students, which have been great for grounding myself in the work that we do,” he said. “I’ve been really heartened by the ongoing commitment to advance social change in the county. Even with everything that’s been happening at a national level, we’re still very much grounded in community and wanting to have our communities thrive. The Fund is as relevant as it was in 1980.”

Indeed, among its recent grants just in the last 12 months are $2,500 to the Friends of Carpinteria Library Family Arts & Literacy Program to support Summer Mariachi Classes this July and August, covering instructors and instrument rentals so that the classes are free for students who will learn about Hispanic cultural traditions and the folkloric music from Mexico, as well as develop music and performance skills. A $5,000 grant to Pacific Pride Foundation supports 222 risk prevention and awareness training for the staff for assessment and developing a communications and crisis plan to equip the organization to identify, address, and recover from oppositional attacks. Color Bloq received $5,000 toward creating a community-driven safe LGBTQ+ housing list through engaging LGBTQ+ people on peerbased housing solutions amid systemic failure to address a key component of mental health. A total of $7,500 went to the Black Student Union at San Marcos, Dos Pueblos and Santa Barbara High Schools for members to attend a leadership development conference and then share the knowledge and skills to help advocate for social justice locally. And Quail Springs

Ten Amazing Flower Walks

Santa Barbara to San Francisco

by Dina Saalisi

One of the things I love most about living in California is the diversity and abundance of floral life throughout the year. Taking road trips is a hobby of mine, and I especially adore the drive from Santa Barbara to San Francisco Bay. I’ve compiled a list of 10 amazing flower walks that can be enjoyed during any season.

Santa Barbara

1. Lotusland

A private botanical garden set on 37 acres, this eclectic sanctuary of rare flora was designed and developed by Polish opera singer Mme. Ganna Walska from 1941-1984. There are 14 gardens sprawled throughout, including a surreal “Blue Garden” and a towering “Cactus Garden.” Everything – from the iconic pink walls to the newly redesigned Japanese garden – is sheer splendor to experience. Nonmembers can reserve a spot on their guided tour, which offers the rich history of the place and insight into Mme. Walska’s visionary landscape design through a blissful two-hour walk. A must for any flower and plant connoisseur.

2. Alice Keck-Park Memorial Garden

In 1975, Alice Keck-Park – the daughter of a California oil baron – anonymously donated this prime square city block of real estate to the city of Santa Barbara. Her identity wasn’t known until her death in 1977. This public drought-tolerant garden in the middle of town hosts a multitude of old-growth specimens, a large central turtle and koi pond, a sensory garden for the visually impaired, and several gorgeous spaces for picnics and gatherings. I like to stroll the paths regularly to see what’s in bloom or sit and reflect quietly under one of the magnificent trees, or near the lavish hibiscus bushes.

3. Mission Rose Garden

This massive rose garden adjacent to the Santa Barbara Mission fills the surrounding area with a wafting fragrance, and a visual spectacle that sets the soul ablaze. With over 1,500 species of rose and a large grassy meadow with a view to the ocean, this special spot is a favorite with couples, friends, and families. Amid the rows of larger-than-life blooms, one can find liveliness or respite any day of the week.

Monterey

4. Jack’s Peak County Park

Named for Scottish developer David Jack, the amazing views of the bay from this highest point on the Monterey Peninsula, are the focus of the many trails within the 500-acre park. A rare stand of native Monterey Pine, as well as a variety of wildflowers in bloom right up through the fall months, is a draw among local hikers and travelers alike. Sagebrush, ceanothus, sticky monkeyflower, and yarrow are a few of the indigenous blossoms that can be found at this lofty spot.

5. Fort Ord National Monument

Every year in early spring I make a pilgrimage here to witness the unique wildflowers that prosper. A defunct army base, this 14,000-acre reserve, with nearly 100 miles of useable trails, is home to some of the rarest native wildflowers I’ve ever encountered. Shooting star, fairy lantern, mallow, pretty face, rock rose, lupine, centaury, red chestnut, all contribute their essence to the vast energy of this sanctuary. There’s enough space for all who tread the paths – be they hiker, jogger, or nature-lover, the awe-inspiring views offer a sense of the omnipotence of nature.

Robert’s Big Questions

Anger At Inanimate Objects?

by Robert Bernstein

Today was an interesting news day. The Supreme Court just ruled that “bump stocks” cannot be banned. Even though these devices effectively turn legal guns into machine guns. And even though the Firearms Owners’ Protection Act of 1986 banned civilians from owning any machine guns manufactured after that date.

The bump stock ban was a rare case of bipartisan support for gun control after the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting that killed 60 concert attendees. It was the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history. Bump stocks almost uniquely allowed killing on this mass scale.

your thumb by mistake, do you curse the hammer? Do you destroy it? Will a new hammer be less likely to hit your thumb?

We sometimes hear of a golfer bending his clubs or throwing them in the water hazard. Or a tennis star smashing his racket. (It is usually a guy.) These people may be sent to anger management training. Acknowledging the irrationality of anger at an inanimate object.

This all reminds me of research by Carol Nemeroff and Paul Rozin , published in the 1994 paper, “The Contagion Concept in Adult Thinking in the United States; Transmission of Germs and of Interpersonal Influence.”

The CREATE ensemble of Ryan Millett, Yvonne Yuan, violinist Deniz Çağlarcan, Marcel Rodriguez-Riccelli, and Karl Yerkes, who performed an improv music composition. They interpreted the composition of abstract symbols on a computer, similar to a guitar tabs sheet music. The instruments ranged from violin to analog knobs similar to guitar pedals.

Sabina Hyoju Ahn and Ryan Millett produced TouchPulseBitBox – a dual pulsar synthesizer built on the Daisy Seed platform using Gen. It features an interactive design with four knobs and seven light sensors, enabling dynamic parameter modulation through physical interaction. As users adjust the knobs, they simultaneously disrupt the light sensors, integrating tactile feedback directly into sound manipulation. Deniz Çağlarcan’s multi-media work, Shadows, wherein he composed music

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

60+

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and virtual sounds for his interpretive video using selected oil paintings from Güneş Çağlarcan’s Shadow Collection. The video/audio is made for large wall and room projections.

Jazer Giles’ Genuine Horsefeathers is computer video art-using machine learning to analyze incoming microphone signals and play back the closest match from a curated audio corpus. Giles used audio from news broadcasts, talk shows, videos, and other media.

Sabina Hyoju Ahn’s BioModular is an instrument created based on the BCO (Bioelectricity-Controlled Oscillator) circuit that uses bioelectricity from living beings as control voltage. This instrument has two functions: it operates both as a modular synthesizer with an eightstep sequencer, and in a bionoise-controlled mode.

Of keen interest was the collaborative work by Marcos Novak, Chair/ Professor MAT, Director of Media Arts & Design and the transLAB with MAT grad students Nefeli Manoudaki, Iason Paterakis , Diarmid Flatley , Ryan Millett, and Jazer Sibley-Schwartz; the Kosik Neurobiology Lab Director Ken Kosik and his students Tjitse van der Molen and Eve Bodnia; and SBCAST Director Alan Macy. The project is titled, Organoid_Protonoesis_1, with version 2 in process. The team defines it thusly:

“This project introduces a real-time interface between spontaneous brain organoid activity and external stimuli, enabling unique and novel interactions between Our Town Page 364

On this same news day, I watched the start of the demolition of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The site of a horrific mass shooting in 2018 that killed 17 students.

Am I the only one who sees how bizarre this is? Bump stocks almost certainly were responsible for killing human beings. They are now legal. But we demolish a school building that did nothing to harm anyone?

By the way, I looked up Marjory Stoneman Douglas. She was an environmental superhero, working tirelessly as an advocate and journalist to protect the Everglades from being drained and built on. She lived 108 years. Long enough to have fought for women’s voting rights in the early 20th century. Her memory is being demolished.

Another example: The 1984 mass shooting at the San Ysidro McDonald’s. The shooter was aware he was having mental health issues and called a mental health line. They said to wait for a call back. He waited hours by the phone and got no call back. The next day he went to McDonald’s and murdered 21 people. After the massacre, an autopsy indicated high levels of lead and cadmium in his body.

His wife claimed this was likely due to his job as a welder for Babcock and Wilcox, who she claimed did not provide proper respiratory protection for him. Was anyone held accountable? No. But the McDonald’s building was demolished. Even though that building harmed no one.

From the 1200s to the 1700s there were “Animal Trials” where animals were literally put on trial and executed for bad behavior. Is executing a building any more sensible?

If you are hammering a nail and you hit

Their research asked people if they would be willing to wear a sweater once worn by Hitler. Even if it was disinfected. It seems that people have a sense of what they call “magical contagion.”

One theory is that evolution selected for those who avoided microbial contamination, long before we had an actual germ theory of disease.

Evolution favors being overly cautious. Better to think the rustle in the grass might be a dangerous animal than to ignore it. Better to avoid “contamination.” Even if most of the time it is nothing harmful. One study subject even used the word “cooties.” Sweaters and buildings don’t have cooties. This magical contagion fear is also a root cause of discrimination. Think about the “untouchables” in Hinduism. Or about the separation of racial groups in the U.S. even now. Things have improved, but it is still a thing. If we want to reduce harm, shouldn’t we focus our actions and policies on things that really can cause harm? Like bump stocks? And things that can help, such as improved mental health, worker protections and education?

And can we stop destroying inanimate objects that are not the cause of any harm? Can we get over our sense of “magical contagion”?

Robert Bernstein holds degrees from Physics departments of MIT and UCSB. His passion to understand the Big Questions of life, the universe and to be a good citizen of the planet. Visit facebook. com/questionbig

Marcos Novak, Kenneth S Kosik, Tjitse van der Molen and Liv Terrobias with their work, Organoid_ Protonoesis_1, in the background (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

Santa Cruz

6. Arboretum at the University of California, Santa Cruz

This small, beautifully laid out botanical garden is believed to be home to the largest Australian plant collection outside of Australia. Grass and dirt paths lead to year-round blooms, making it easy to find respite within the gardens. There’s an impressive display of South African protea, as well as a noteworthy collection of conifers. The arboretum even boasts an aroma garden where one can experience the luscious fragrances of a selection of drought-tolerant native California blossoms.

7. Quail Hollow Ranch County Park

Driving up into the hills of Felton, once you enter the 300-acre nature

preserve, you’re greeted by a charming antique farmhouse, which holds a small visitor’s center. The bucolic air can be felt throughout the land, as the scenery harkens back to a time of long ago. If you visit in the spring/summer months, you’ll see a magnificent display of bleeding heart at the front entry. Beyond the house, the trails split off into different directions, leading to a placid pond, wildflower meadows or sandy back country. Giant oaks, sprawling lupine, and perhaps a rare monkeyflower will grace your path. Whether you only have time for a short stroll, or decide to make an afternoon of it, your soul will find joy on this historic “farmland.” And if you’re lucky you’ll spot a family of quail waddling by.

San Francisco

8. Golden Gate Park: Japanese Tea Garden; San Francisco Botanical Garden; Conservatory of Flowers

Golden Gate Park is itself a wondrous world of pathways leading to numerous gardens, a few lakes, and many a secret spot. One could spend days exploring this surreal city park of over 1,000 acres. Some of my favorite spots are the Japanese Tea Garden, SF Botanical Garden, and Conservatory of Flowers, and you can conveniently buy a daily Garden Pass for access to all three. The Tea Garden sits on a mere five acres, yet is packed with the voluptuous beauty of Asian specimen plants, beautiful buildings with hand-painted florals, a lovely flowing koi pond, and the giant Buddha statue which graces the

front of the picturesque arched bridge. Plan a visit during cherry blossom season in early spring for a special treat. There’s even a delightful tea house that serves refreshments. When you’re done with your mochi, head across the road to the SF Botanical Garden to stroll the naturalized pathways that span 55 acres, filled with a variety of over 8,000 plants, including unusual specimens such as the turquoise puja flower and Himalayan blue poppy. Then top off the day with the current botanical offering at the Conservatory of Flowers, which boasts an impressive permanent collection of rare orchids, bromeliads and the “Giant Water Lily.” The enormous glass greenhouse is divided into different botanical galleries, which sometimes hold special exhibits.

East Bay

9. University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley

This is one of the best gardens I’ve ever experienced, and as is the case with gardens, each time I go, it’s filled with new surprises. Set on a lavish 34 acres, with over 10,000 native, Australasian, and South African specimens, this botanical haven is home to many rare and endangered plants. I especially love the “Ethnobotanical Collections,” comprised of Chinese and native medicinal herb gardens, unique crops from around the world, and an old growth rose garden. The

Dina Saalisi, author of several books including The Art of Flower Therapy, speaks this Wednesday, July 10, at Lotusland

life force energy is quite potent here, with well-kept trails that lead to spectacular views overlooking the San Francisco Bay.

10. Berkeley Rose Garden

This small sanctuary within the city of Berkeley is easily accessible yet feels worlds away. Growing up in New Jersey and living in California for nearly 30-years, I’m still in awe of flowers blooming throughout the seasons. Experiencing roses in the winter months will never get old. I’ve spent many an afternoon sitting serenely among the over 100 terraced rose bushes, drinking in their delightful scents, and admiring their beauty. A perfect respite for journaling, this lovely spot allows for deep inner-reflection and a profound sense of peace.

Want to learn more about the power of flowers? Join Dina Saalisi at Lotusland on Wednesday, July 10, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm for Strengthen Your Intuition with Flowers and Sound, where the audience will learn how to engage with nature and experience the garden with a fresh perspective.

Dina Saalisi, author of several books including The Art of Flower Therapy, suffered adult depression and left behind a career in entertainment to find healing answers in flower energy. She’s since dedicated herself to helping others use this simple and powerful method and works with clients in private practice in Napa and Los Angeles, as well as teaching at Canyon Ranch and Insight Timer.

WHEREAS, the Montecito Water District (“District”) is a County Water District formed under and pursuant to Section 30000, et seq. of the California Water Code, located in and serving the unincorporated areas of Montecito and Summerland within the County of Santa Barbara; and

WHEREAS the mission of Montecito Water District is to provide an adequate and reliable supply of high-quality water to the residents of Montecito and Summerland, at the most reasonable cost. In carrying out this mission, the District emphasizes providing outstanding customer service, conducting its operations in an environmentally sensitive manner, and working cooperatively with other agencies.

WHEREAS, the District has a diverse water supply portfolio comprised of both rainfall dependent and rainfall independent sources including local and regional surface water, groundwater, and ocean desalination supplies; and

WHEREAS, the District may do any act necessary to furnish sufficient water in the District for any present or future beneficial use [Water Code § 31020]; and

WHEREAS, consistent with its Urban Water Management Plan (“UWMP”), the District has taken extraordinary actions since 2017 to become less reliant on rainfall dependent water sources and improve water supply reliability These actions include: securing a right to store surplus water supplies in the Semitropic Groundwater Banking and Exchange Program for future use; participating in a 50-year water supply agreement with the City of Santa Barbara backed by the City’s desalination facility; electing to manage groundwater supplies in the Montecito Groundwater Basin through the formation of a Groundwater Sustainability Agency in accordance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act; evaluating water reuse; and strongly encouraging voluntary reductions in water use and efficient water use; and

WHEREAS in 2022, the District adopted a 5-year Strategic Plan, building on the UWMP and outlining actions for achieving the goal of water supply reliability which actions include managing customer demands and establishing community partnerships for efficient water use; and

WHEREAS declared State and local drought emergencies over the past decade illustrate the impacts of climate change including increasingly erratic hydrologic conditions which impact the potential availability of the District’s water supplies and foster water supply challenges; and

WHEREAS, the District may establish rules and regulations for the sale, distribution and use of water [Water Code § 31024] and to restrict the use and prohibit the wastage of water [Water Code §§ 31026 – 31029]; and

WHEREAS, over the last decade, the District has adopted various ordinances in response to State and local drought emergencies which include provisions declaring water shortage conditions, implementing mandatory and voluntary water use reduction measures, and recommending water use efficiency measures Ordinance 98 is the District’s latest ordinance addressing water use and was adopted in early 2023 following an above average 2022/23 winter bringing drought reprieve statewide, thereby lessening water use restrictions and resulting in the downgrade of the declared water shortage emergency to a Stage 1 condition, and WHEREAS, the District’s reactive responses to changing hydrologic conditions, coupled with extraordinary proactive measures to shore up water supply reliability since 2017, have fostered community awareness to the ongoing water supply challenges and the importance of using water wisely and efficiently as evidenced by District customers having reduced overall water use over the past decade by over 40% consistently; and

WHEREAS, in 2022 recognizing the importance of efficient water use, the District adopted its first Water Use Efficiency Plan (WUEP) a long-term plan targeting permanent reductions in customer water use achieved through various voluntary customer actions supported by District initiatives; and WHEREAS, supported by the WUEP, the District provides effective customer tools focusing on water use efficiency These tools include: the installation of smart water meters and the implementation of the Watersmart user interface which work in concert to provide real-time water use monitoring and leak detection; data-driven evaluations and determinations of unique and efficient water use needs for every property; Smart Rebates targeting property improvements that result in a reduction in long-term water use; onsite water use audits to identify inefficient uses of water; and extensive public outreach providing real-time water use notices and educational materials; and WHEREAS, despite current conditions and a favorable water supply outlook resulting from recent consecutive winters that have produced above average rainfall statewide filling surface water reservoirs and replenishing the groundwater basin, water use efficiency remains a top District initiative and is mandated by the State through its Urban Water Use Objective regulations. Water use efficiency helps extend the availability of the District’s limited water resources and enhances long-term water reliability and security. NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MONTECITO WATER DISTRICT AS FOLLOWS:

On the basis of the District’s favorable water supply outlook and the importance of ongoing water use efficiency irrespective of hydrologic conditions, the Board of Directors maintains a prohibition on water waste and encourages all customers to adhere to recommended water use best practices as follows:

1. Water Use Efficiencies and Best Practices The following measures are widely publicized, encouraged and/or recommended by the State and/or the District to further enhance water use efficiency and to reduce water waste:

a. Use District-provided smart water meters and the customer interface, WaterSmart to monitor real-time water use and to identify potential leaks.

b. Redesign landscape to replace some or all vegetation with drought-tolerant or native plants.

c. Water lawns and outdoor areas only when needed. Most landscapes do not need to be watered daily and excess watering not only wastes water but can cause harm to the landscape

d. Improve irrigation management with the installation of a soil moisture sensor for measuring soil moisture and determining when irrigation is needed.

e. Replace or upgrade old irrigation systems with state-of-the-art efficient drip or spray systems.

f. Place 3” to 4” of mulch around trees and plants to retain moisture in the soil.

g. Set lawn mower blades at 3" to 4" to keep lawn longer and retain moisture in the soil.

h. Install water harvesting and diversion features, such as rain gutters, rain barrels, in-ground storage, and rain gardens to capture runoff from roofs and pavement for use on the property and/or groundwater recharge

i. Install or replace plumbing fixtures with water-conserving plumbing fixtures such as high-efficiency toilets, showerheads, and faucets.

j. Reduce the length of showers or the amount of water used for baths.

k. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving.

l. Install high efficiency appliances including washing machines and dishwashers.

m. Only wash laundry and dishes with full loads.

n. If on a septic system, install a “laundry-to-landscape” graywater system.

o. For pre-cleaning dishes, use a filled sink instead of running water.

p. Consider installing an instant water heater on sinks that are located far from the main water heater and/or hot water recirculating system.

q. Wash vehicles using a waterless car wash product. A waterless car wash is an eco-friendly and efficient car wash that uses little or no water. Alternatively use a commercial car washing facility.

r. Report broken, poorly timed or misaligned sprinklers around the community.

s. After a power outage, irrigation timers often reset to default. Check irrigation timers often.

t. Replace batteries in irrigation timers annually.

u. Cover swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs to reduce water loss due to evaporation

v. Hotels, motels, etc., offer an option of not laundering towels and linens daily and displaying a notice of this option.

w. Implement additional, available property specific efficiencies as appropriate.

For any measure set forth above that requires compliance with a permit or regulation for implementation, such compliance is the responsibility of the individual(s) and/or owner(s) pursuing implementation, not the District.

2. Prohibition Against Waste of Water. It shall be unlawful for any District customer obtaining any water from the District to waste any of that water. Examples of water waste include:

a. Washing of hard surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, patios and parking lots except where necessary to protect health and safety. Pressure washing for maintenance or repair is not considered water waste

b. Applying water to landscaping during, and within 48 hours after, measurable rainfall of at least one-quarter inch of rain.

c. Applying water to outdoor landscaping in a manner that causes significant runoff such that water flows onto an adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, parking lots or structures

d. Washing a vehicle without the use of a bucket and/or hose equipped with a hand-operated shut off nozzle.

e. Using potable water in ornamental fountains or other decorative water features that do not use a water recirculating system.

f. Irrigating turf on public street medians or publicly owned or maintained landscaped areas between the street and sidewalk where the turf does not serve a community or neighborhood function such as for picnicking, sports, pet walking, etc.

g. Irrigating outdoor landscaping during the warmest part of the day when evaporation is the greatest. Irrigation is most efficient between evening and mid-morning, such as between the hours of 6 p.m. and 10 a.m.

h. Draining and refilling a swimming pool, spa or hot tub more than once every five years

i. Using potable water to fill new ponds and maintaining the water level for unlined ponds

j. Allowing an identified water line break or leak to continue without immediately making the necessary repairs or turning off the water service to the

3. Fines for Water Waste

a. Fines for water waste under this Ordinance are authorized pursuant to Water Code §§ 375- 378 et seq and will fund conservation initiatives and targeted conservation outreach toward those who fail to

practices or conserve water; increased costs required to manage water waste; and the purchase, if necessary, of additional water supplies to offset wasteful consumption and protect the health and safety of all customers. The Board finds that the fines established under this section:

i. Are not expected to exceed the funds required to provide water service.

ii. Will not be used for any purpose other than to provide water service

iii. Will not exceed the proportional cost of water service attributable to any parcel.

iv. Are imposed only where water service is actually used by, or immediately available to, a parcel.

b. A written warning will be issued for the first identified incident of water waste The District will impose a fine in the amount of $250 for the second identified incident of water waste and doubling with each subsequent identified incident, up to a maximum of $1,000 for any single identified incident. Upon a fourth incident, or upon an earlier incident, if the General Manager determines the violations create a significant threat to the goals of this Ordinance, the General Manager may issue a written order for the installation of a flow restrictor on the service line or lines in question The Board will be informed of flow restrictor orders when issued and any appeal shall be heard as quickly as possible to allow a flow restrictor to be removed promptly should the Board grant the appeal.

4. Appeals and Exceptions

a. Any customer may appeal any decision made or fine imposed under this Ordinance to the Board of Directors by filing a written appeal with the District within 30 days of written notice of the decision or fine. A committee of the Board will hear the appellant and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall consider the recommendations of the committee. The District shall give the appellant written notice of the meetings at which the appeal will be considered by the committee and the Board of Directors

b. The Board of Directors may, in its discretion, continue a hearing, affirm, reverse, or modify the committee’s recommendation and make any adjustments and impose any conditions it deems just and proper, if it finds one or more of the following: (1) the restrictions of this Ordinance would cause an undue hardship; (2) the granting of the appeal will not significantly adversely affect the goals of this Ordinance; (3) due to peculiar facts and circumstances, none of the provisions of this Ordinance are applicable to the situation under consideration; or (4) error in the application of this Ordinance or other applicable rules or law.

c. The Board’s decision shall be in writing and provided to the appellant and any other person who requests notice of the decision in writing. Such decisions are final as to the District and not subject to further appeal unless the Board of Directors’ decision expressly provides otherwise. Judicial review of final decisions shall be available pursuant to the California Code of Civil Procedure § 1094.5.

5. Suspension of Conflicting Ordinances and Rules and Regulations To the extent that the terms and provisions of this Ordinance are inconsistent, or in conflict with the terms and provisions of any prior District Ordinances, Resolutions Rules, or Regulations, the terms of this Ordinance shall prevail, and inconsistent and conflicting provisions of prior Ordinances, Resolutions, Rules, or Regulations shall be suspended during the effective period of this Ordinance.

6. Severability If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid, that invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The Board of Directors hereby declares that it would have passed this Ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases may be invalid.

7. Customer Water Use Limitation. Water use within the District’s service area continues to be limited to that allowed under Ordinance 89, or any future amendments, modifications and/or revisions thereto

8. Effective Date This Ordinance shall become effective upon adoption, and hereby rescinds Ordinance 98 in its entirety.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of the Montecito Water District this 25th day of June 2024

AYES: Coates, Goebel, Hayman, Plough, Wicks

NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN:

ATTEST:

Nick Turner, Board

Secretary

APPROVED:

Kenneth Coates, Board President

This Week at MAW

The Tides and Currents of Timo Andres

by Steven Libowitz

Timo Andres’ first visit to the Music Academy will include – for the fellows’ brass concert – the west coast premiere of the rising star pianist-composer’s “Land Lines” for triple brass quintet, as well as his “Tides and Currents” in the faculty concert at the Lobero. Andres once served on the judges panel for the fellows’ solo piano competition, then composed the three-part Moving Études for winner Zhu Wang to debut back at Hahn in February.

Wang continued to perform the pieces several more times, and Andres himself finally learned them well enough to record during the pandemic lockdown.

“It was a great collaboration,” Andres recalled. “He was just 20, so he hadn’t worked with a living composer one-onone like that before. He was a raw talent –a monster pianist and a very sensitive artist, not just another technician. So it was really a great experience for both of us.”

Seven years later, Andres’ profile has risen significantly, both as composer and pianist, as his 2023-24 season boasted his Carnegie Hall solo recital debut and a tour with the Calder Quartet, as well as the world premiere of a piano concerto commissioned for Aaron Diehl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. But he’s thrilled to be immersing once again at MAW’s Miraflores campus for four events over five days. Next Monday, he and longtime pianist-colleague Conor Hanick will discuss Philip Glass’ collection of 20 Piano Études in advance of performing and mostly coaching the fellows for a concert of the complete works at week’s end; reprising (so to speak) Andres’ having joined four other pianists in performance of the Études at Walt Disney Concert Hall last March.

“The Glass Études caught fire immediately when the first edition of the score of all 20 of them came out in 2014,” Andres said. “They’re being played by different pianists all over the world with all sorts of interpretations, adaptations and transcriptions, and in as broad a variety of performing contexts as you can imagine. These pieces that Glass wrote as an exercise in improving his own piano technique are a fantastic example of contemporary piano literature.”

Hearing them in their entirety is paramount to fully appreciate the Études, Andres said, essential to tracking Glass’ evolution over the course of composing them over nearly two decades.

“There are all these technical aspects of piano playing that are very clearly defined

“Even if you’ve never heard a note of his music, you kind of know what it sounds like,” he said. “This is music that has nothing to hide. There’s no subterfuge – everything is spelled right out for you. There’s a kind of trust, an honesty that I think is kind of rare among working contemporary composers. It’s part of the reason that his music has been so wildly popular.”

Andres’ residency also features one of his early compositions, “Some Connecticut Gospel,” kicking off the X2 faculty-fellows concert at Hahn Hall on July 11, an ensemble piece for 12 instrumentalists from another time and place in his life and career.

and Steven Isserlis (cello) with one-time Mosher-turned-faculty violinist Jeremy Denk and violist Richard O’Neill is an MAW must-see. The lads will perform three of Fauré’s exceptional chamber works (“Piano Trio in D Minor, Op. 120”; “Piano Quartet No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 45”; and, joined by violin fellow Anthony Chan, “Piano Quintet No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 115”) in honor of the 100year anniversary of the French composer’s death. (Hahn, 7:30 pm; $65)

in the first 10 etudes – [such as] a study on repeated notes, or on crossing the right hand over the left. But in the second book, the Études become more wide ranging, turning into compositional studies that go on complex structural journeys…

There’s a sense of intentionality in these pieces where they encapsulate the different compositional techniques that he has explored over the years. A performance of the Études as a whole is like Philip Glass in a nutshell, a survey course of his career.”

Andres said the Glass Études are also perfect for the Academy solo pianist fellows as he considers them “about as inescapable as any recent pieces I know.”

Each of the six fellows will tackle three études bookended by the faculty members playing the first and last, a treat for both the performers and the audience.

“It’s a thrilling thing to hear, especially so in splitting them up between a lot of pianists, because you get to hear many different perspectives and ways of approaching this music,” he said. “They’re like Bach in the modesty of the notational specificity in the scores. It’s clear that you need to do more than is on the page, but Glass doesn’t tell you specifically what – it’s up to you as the interpreter. We’ll be talking with the fellows about how to take the composer’s style and his influences and your own knowledge to build your own ideas of what can happen with them.”

One of those latter coaching sessions will happen in public as Andres leads the solo piano masterclass on Friday afternoon, about 28 hours before the performance. The lecture, masterclass and performance in the space of five days is like a mini mirroring of the Études – a journey of discovery for the audience.

For those who may be unfamiliar with Glass’ work, or even contemporary piano composition, Andres notes that Glass has had more of an influence on the sound of music in general than any other living composer.

“It was one of my first commissions, back when I was still in school in 2008,” he said. “I was weaving together a lot of music in polyrhythms, just trying things out. I don’t really write political music. But there was something in the air, a feeling of optimism and hope when we could vote for this inspiring young guy (Barack Obama).”

Andres said he hasn’t even heard a performance of “Connecticut” in years but he’s intrigued to revisit the work with Hanick and the fellows at this particular moment in history.

“I wonder how it will feel in this context where we’re all kind of hiding our heads in our hands and dreading the next few months,” he said. “Maybe it will be good to hear that optimism again.”

Friday, July 5: We wrote a bit about The Fauré Project in last week’s Jeremy Denk interview, and the concert is completely sold out. But this is one of those times to beg, cajole or bribe someone who already possesses tickets into parting with them, as tonight’s concert teaming Mosher guest artists Joshua Bell (violin)

Saturday, July 6: While you’re at it with Fauré, maybe also try to secure ducats to this year’s Academy Chamber Orchestra concert in Hahn Hall, conducted tonight by Xian Zhang, the Music Director of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra in her MAW debut. The orchestral fellows who aren’t playing for Carmen next weekend will perform a vital and variable program of Dorothy Chang’s “Northern Star,” Zoltán Kodály’s “Dances of Galánta” and Dvořák’s still delightful “Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, ‘From the New World.’” (Hahn, 7:30 pm; $18-$60)

Tuesday, July 9: Speaking of Carmen, with the official MAW opera performances slated for Friday & Sunday, it’s time for the annual covers concerts in which the Lehrer Vocal Institute singers who aren’t occupying starring roles get to strut their stuff on stage on campus. For the understudies, it’s a chance to actually perform the bigger roles in their entirety to ensure they are ready to jump in at a moment’s notice should it become necessary. For you, it’s an opportunity to enjoy the opera in the amazing acoustics and intimate environs of Hahn Hall, hearing the other massively talented vocal fellows in a semi-staged production, with the vocal pianists substituting for the orchestra. (Hahn, 1:30 pm; $10)

Wednesday, July 10: If Carmen is not your cup of tea, or you’re simply craving more arias and art songs in concert, today’s Showcase Series concert features Lehrer Vocal Institute Studio Artists, including eight singers and a single vocal pianist, performing in an even more intimate space, with the program still TBA. (Lehmann, 1:30 pm; $40)

Steven Libowitz has covered a plethora of topics for the Journal since 1997, and now leads our extensive arts and entertainment coverage

Timo Andres takes on the complete Philip Glass Études (courtesy photo)

Xian Zhang leads the Academy Chamber Orchestra concert in Hahn Hall this Saturday, July 6

was greeted by Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo, the first gallant courtier to pay homage and kiss the queen’s hand. Fiesta and civic dignitaries followed suit.

Impersonated by Robert J. McCabe, manager of the Arlington Hotel, “Cabrillo” had sailed around Castle Rock on the San Salvadore (aka the Rosamond) and anchored off of West Beach before setting out in a lighter to land at the beach with his shipmates where he was greeted, according to the news reporter, by “primitive redskins in

Musicians serenaded Queen Madalynne’s float which was stationed on West Boulevard (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

war paint and feathers” (aka the Kiwanis Club). The entire scene, of course, was ahistorical. Cabrillo never set foot on terra firma in Santa Barbara, and the native Chumash residents never greeted him enthusiastically while wearing war paint.

El Desfile Historico

After kissing the royal hand, Cabrillo jumped into an automobile to take his spot in the parade that stood waiting at

Sola Street. Once he arrived, the Elks drum corps commenced their rat-a-tat thrum and marched smartly down State Street. The Kiwanis in war paint and feathers followed, and then Cabrillo and his pikers. Then, in mostly chronological order, came the missionary padres played by the Santa Barbara Elks, followed by the Spanish soldiers led by Commandante Lopez of the Santa Barbara Spanish Garrison and his musketeers. Several of them shouldered authentic relics of Presidio days.

Next came the horses; Dwight Murphy on his palomino and Adolfo Camarillo on “Sultan,” his pure white horse and progenitor of the famous Camarillo White Horses. Murphy had taken charge of the equestrian portion of the parade and between the beauty of the horses and the glamour of the tooled leather saddles, it was quite a spectacle.

The steeds came from the most famous ranchers in California. When they reached the reviewing stands the trained horses and riders put on an extensive show of tricks and dances, much to the delight of the audience. Following the equestrians came dozens of carriages with vaquero outriders, followed by early day wooden carretas drawn by oxen. All were carrying members of the early Spanish families in Santa Barbara and Ventura.

Last but not least came a wagon carrying a group of “white haired but gay and vigorous dancers,” who were roundly applauded.

A Plethora of Activities

The organizers of the four-day festival strove to find something to appeal to everyone. There were two rodeos at

Pershing Park (today’s baseball field), and diving and swimming races at the beach. A greased pig contest and a tag balloon race for the kids competed for attention with the aerial acrobatics organized by Earl L. Ovington. (Ovington was the first U.S. airmail pilot, and a lab assistant to Thomas Edison. Earl lived in the Samarkand area and his air strip is today’s Municipal Golf Course. His daughter Audrey later owned and ran Cold Spring Tavern.)

And there was music and dancing everywhere! The last night’s street dance on Carrillo Street was so well attended that the dance floor was inadequate to hold the dancers. Bernhard Hoffmann’s El Paseo complex became a focal point for concerts and dancing as well, and the Maria de Los Angeles Ruiz dancers performed at a dizzying number of venues.

After the fourth day of celebrations, the Morning Press reporter was able to say, “A blaze of entertainment features ushered the fiesta into the past… The riot of life, color and laughter reached its crest on the streets last night. Men, women, and children seemed for the first time really to forget their repressions and mingle in a frolicking democracy of merriment.”

The Modern Parade

On Saturday morning, throngs again lined State Street. This time for a modern parade which was headed by a platoon of local policemen. Following were representative groups from nearly every civic organization and lodge in town. The American Legion marched completely equipped down to tin hats and gas masks. The Scots band, dressed in brilliant

Carmen and Frank Camarillo rode one of the famous Camarillo thoroughbreds in the parade (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

Capitan Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo (in black cape) led his smartly dressed pikers down State Street (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

The program for the first day included the landing of Cabrillo, the historical parade, a community lawn party, folk dancing, street dancing, and a grand fiesta ball at the Arlington hotel (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

Adolf Camarillo’s white horses and Dwight Murphy’s palominos join the throngs at Bernard Hoffmann’s El Paseo (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

lavender-and-white uniforms, provided music. The Rotary Club entered a floral float representing a ship. It was piloted by Elmer Awl of the Yacht Club who used the occasion to express their frustration regarding the lack of progress for yachting enthusiasts with signs that read: “Where’s my harbor?” and “I want a harbor!”

The Humane Society’s entry in the procession was a small animal ambulance, and the Bolton & Jones float carried an entire jazz orchestra. The Eagle’s drill team and groups of children on decorated bicycles mingled with a cavalcade of cowboys and vaqueros. Queen Madalynne and her ladies in waiting joined the parade in their float. The Community Arts Association entered a flower-bedecked touring car carrying members of the cast of Beggar on Horseback, the opening play of the Lobero Theatre whose inauguration had inspired the raison d’être behind the fiesta.

When it was all over, the Fiesta organization found itself solvent and enthusiastically prophesied they had found a solid, long lasting annual event. Hopeful thinking at the time has been proven accurate as Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Day’s Fiesta prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Feliz cumpleanos!

This year’s Old Spanish Days Fiesta begins on July 31st and ends on August 3rd. Many groups in town will be hosting celebrations in connection with Fiesta. Three of these celebrations are offered

Fiesta was created to fête the opening of the Lobero Theatre, and costumed actors from the opening play, Beggar on Horseback, rode in a flower-bedecked touring car in the modern fiesta parade. Their float was a prize winner in the Class A division. (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

Mrs. Louisa Quintera’s float was entitled “Spanish Courtship” and won second prize in the Class B division (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

by the Santa Barbara Historical Museum which has furnished these historic images and has a new Fiesta exhibit for the occasion.

On Friday July 12, the “Fiesta Centennial Celebration” in the galleries and courtyard of the museum offers a taco-and-dance party and cultural performances, with music by Area 51.

On Thursday, July 18, the museum hosts “Tablao del Museo,” an outdoor flamenco performance with artists from Santa Barbara and Spain.

On Friday, July 26, “Una Fiesta de los Adobes” provides an elegant evening of history, dining, and dancing in the courtyard in support of the treasured 200-year-old adobes which have played host to Fiesta celebrations since 1924. Go to www.sbhistorical.org/events/ for details and tickets

Hattie Beresford has been writing a local history column for the Montecito Journal for more than a decade and is the author of several books on Santa Barbara’s historic past

THE BR N E O

IS OU SUE

OW

SUBSCRIBE O D A Y !

by Kim Reierson

Photo

human intellect and emergent and self-organizing neural connectivity and activation. Neuronal firing data, converted to hyperedges within hypergraphs, are transformed into computational architectural morphologies, generative spatialized sound, and AI virtual entities. It shows the potential of integrating real-time generative AI with biological systems, inviting participants to explore and reflect on the evolving boundaries of cognition, signal processing, and contemporary media.”

A full wall(s) live video projection shows the neuron firings of samples of human brain stem cells which are mounted on electronic sensing plates wired to a computer for processing and rendering along with sound. I interviewed van der Molen who explained, “From sampling human skin cells we create stem cells and treat them with signal molecules similar to a developing the embryonic brain. These are the organoids. We slice them and put them on multi-electrodes to record their activity. At this exhibit we have 131 neurons all from the same organoid that is spontaneously active in an orchestrated way. We have not stimulated them to be active in any way or environment, it’s purely intrinsic. Some neurons burst at the same time, called the backbone, here are 27. Others are variably active. This is the same for humans and other animals. Uses are to study malfunctions in neural circuit activity that result in disease and mental illness, in order to develop appropriate treatments.”

Also exhibiting were Lucy Bell and Devon Frost’s 3D computer made clay sculpture, Bad Person; Iason Paterakis and Nefeli Manoudaki demo’ed Mys, Osmosis Episode 04, a wearable sensing system, using advanced audio processing, AI-driven video generation and innovative design in a flexible wearable digital technology system, aka a white lace glove that was made via a 3D printer; Sam Bourgault’s Millipath – an action-oriented programming web application enabling the parametric design of

machine toolpaths for surface texture production on CNC-milling machines; Pratyush ‘Rumi’ Bhattacharyya had AI and The Art Of Failure; Stejara Dinulescu, Nefeli Manoudaki and Iason Paterakis created Mys, a wearable sensing system that captures human kinesthetic movements via three accelerometers and translates these movements into extended reality architectural transformations.

Ryan Millett produced PR1M0RDIUM; Olifa Ching-Ying Hsieh, Timothy Wood, and Weihao Qiu’s TAISAH – A Song of Your Dream, is a participatory immersive audio-visual healing space which combines neural and physical feedback data to generate spatial audio, AI graphics and interactive design in the immersive space; Angelos Floros’s Aquatic well-being; Emma Brown’s Nice Guy is a public experiment attempting to model theory of mind in an agent powered by a large language model. The machine agent identifies as a “nice guy” and attempts to empathize with humans in an unbroken stream of consciousness; and Jazer Sibley-Schwartz, Devon Frost, Marcel Rodriguez-Riccelli, and Sam Bourgault’s Vitrified Sounds Pottery are two augmented 3D-printed clay vessels with electronic components, that receive sounds, which are processed and fed through speakers.

411: www.mat.ucsb.edu

https://show.mat.ucsb.edu

Joanne A Calitri is a professional international photographer and journalist. Contact her at: artraks@ yahoo.com

Curtis Roads and Marcos Novak (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Bids open at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 19, 2024 for:

FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024 PAVEMENT PRESERVATION AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE IN THE 1ST, 2ND, 3RD, AND 4TH SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICTS

COUNTY PROJECT No. 820788

General project work description: Pavement Preventive Maintenance

The Plans, Specifications, and Bid Book are available at https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43874

The Contractor must have either a Class A license or any combination of the following Class C licenses which constitutes a majority of the work: C-12, C-31, C-32

Submit sealed bids to the web address below. Bids will be opened and available at the web address below immediately following the submittal deadline. PlanetBids

https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43874

Complete the project work within 50 Workings Days

The estimated cost of the project is $ 3,650,000

This project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).

A contractor or subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal, subject to the requirements of PCC Section 4104, or engage in the performance of any contract for public work, as defined in this chapter, unless currently registered and qualified to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code (LAB) Section 1725.5. It is not a violation of this section for an unregistered contractor to submit a bid that is authorized by Business and Professions Code (BPC) Section 7029.1 or by PCC Section 10164 or 20103.5 provided the contractor is registered to perform public work pursuant to LAB Section 1725.5 at the time the contract is awarded.

Prevailing wages are required on this Contract. The Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations determines the general prevailing wage rates. Obtain the wage rates at the DIR website https://www.dir.ca.gov/

Inquiries or questions based on alleged patent ambiguity of the plans, specifications, or estimate must be submitted as a bidder inquiry by 2:00 PM on 07/12/2024. Submittals after this date will not be addressed. Questions pertaining to this Project prior to Award of the Contract must be submitted via PlanetBids Q&A tab.

Bidders (Plan Holders of Record) will be notified by electronic mail if addendums are issued. The addendums, if issued, will only be available on the County’s PlanetBids website, https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43874

By order of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Barbara this project was authorized to be advertised on 06/06/2023

Christopher Sneddon Director of Public Works

Published July 3, 2024

Montecito Journal

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: J Reels, 220 Ladera Street Apt. 205, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

Jenny M. Sims, 360 El Sueno Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93110. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on June 17, 2024. 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. 2024-0001447. Published June 12, 19, 26, July 3, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: The Light Zone, 19 E Mission Street, Suite C, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Light Zone LLC, 360 El Sueno Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93110. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa

Barbara County on May 30, 2024. 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. 2024-0001313. Published June 12, 19, 26, July 3, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Safina Design, 1187 Coast Village Rd, STE 1494, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Gwynne M Thomas, 1187 Coast Village Rd, STE 1494, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on June 5, 2024. 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. 2024-0001356. Published June 12, 19, 26, July 3, 2024

received $10,000 to support bilingual education on critical groundwater issues in the Cuyama Valley and a greywater installation workshop.

Despite The Fund’s impact over the years, what stood out the most in his get-acquainted conversations was the need to increase The Fund’s reach and capacity, Gaona-Macedo said.

“Not surprisingly, we need more dollars on the ground to be able to continue the progress we’ve made,” he said. “The focus for our next strategic plan will be finding the capacity to increase grant-making across the county, ways to bring in new donors and increase donations so that we’re able to grant more dollars to the people making change happen.”

Special attention will also go to the organization’s Youth Making Change sector, which Gaona-Macedo said can have exponential impact.

“We’ve been doubling down on the leadership program that teaches young people about philanthropy, but there’s a lot of potential to expand even further down the line.”

The new ED said he’s also looking to expand the donor base with both old friends and those not yet touched by The Fund.

“We need to reconnect with donors who may have lapsed during the pandemic, but we’re also inviting young professionals who haven’t necessarily given philanthropy a chance to get involved,” he said. “Maybe with our messaging we can invite them to give to the Fund for Santa Barbara because of our shared values.”

His own background should help in that effort.

EXHIBIT A

PUBLIC NOTICE

Montecito Fire Protection District in the Matter of the Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 Health and Safety Code Section 13893

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the preliminary budget of the Montecito Fire Protection District for fiscal year 2024-25 was adopted by the Board of Directors of said District on June 24, 2024, and is available for inspection Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the Montecito Fire Protection District, 595 San Ysidro Road, Santa Barbara, California and on the District’s website.

NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that on September 23, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., the Board of Directors will meet at the Montecito Fire Protection District, 595 San Ysidro Road, Santa Barbara, California, for the purpose of adopting the District's final budget at which time and place any person may appear and be heard regarding any item in the budget or regarding the addition of other items.

This Notice shall be published in accordance with California Health & Safety Code Section 13893.

By order of the Board of Directors of the Montecito Fire Protection District, State of California, this 24th day of June, 2024.

Sylvia Easton, Secretary

Published June 26 and July 3, 2024 Montecito Journal

“Being from the west side, I have a very keen understanding of the issues that affect everyday working people and the impact that The Fund has on them through the advocacy and grassroots projects that we support. The Fund convenes people from different backgrounds because of the values that we share. I’m able to understand the landscape of the nonprofit sector, as well as the needs on the street from a human level.”

The Fund’s annual Bread & Roses 30th annual event, which takes place October 6 in a new location of Santa Barbara City College’s Great Meadow, is an opportunity for those sectors to come together to show support. Sponsors and volunteers are still being sought, as are food and drink providers, while tickets will go on sale next month.

Meanwhile, as he moves forward with The Fund, Gaona-Macedo wants to duplicate his own experiences for the next generation of social activists and community leaders.

“We want them to know that not only do we support and invest in their ideas, we’re also investing in the people behind them,” he said. “We believe in the capacity that they bring to our community and the impact that they’ll be making. It’s a joyful struggle to make this community thrive for everybody. But that’s what makes a real difference, and brings real change on the ground.”

The award is given to a person with strong connections to sport who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former football player and U.S. Army Ranger, according to ESPN.

The Riven Rock-based Duke of Sussex is receiving the award “in honor of his tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport.”

Harry served in the British armed forces for a decade before forming the Invictus Games Foundation, which has “created an international platform to support wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women.

Past Reflections

Oprah Winfrey has spoken about her emotional weight loss journey and the one moment that changed her perspective –wiping away a tear as she admitted she used medication to maintain a trimmer figure.

The former TV talk show host, 70, appeared on Jamie Kern Lima’s podcast, where she tearfully detailed the battle she’s been having for most of her life and the moment she realized it was beyond her control.

“I was at my fattest. All these years, all those diets. All the times I tried. I came back and tried again, and I lost it.

“I’m climbing up the mountain. I’m suffering, I’m starving,” she declared. “It’s not my fault. That was the moment and that was 2023.”

Farewell to ‘Yellowstone’

Carpinteria actor Kevin Costner, who has just quit the Paramount hit show Yellowstone, says he only originally wanted to do one season of the Western.

Costner, 69, announced last week he was quitting his role as John Dutton to focus on other projects.

But now, he’s admitted, he never intended to stay with the project for a lengthy period.

“Yellowstone was a great moment in my life,” he told Entertainment Tonight. “I remember reading it and thinking ‘I want to do this.’”

“It was important for me to be able to do other things and, you know, try to make them work. I just wasn’t able to make it work.”

CADA Director Rightmire

Victoria Rightmire is the new executive director of CADA, the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.

Since 2013 Rightmire has served as Program Director of CADA’s SAVE program, which provides free counseling,

assessment, referral, financial consultation, and legal guidance to employees of contracted companies.

Rightmire also provided exemplary leadership, guidance and clinical supervision at CADA during her tenure and as one of CADA’s clinical supervisors from 2012 to 2019, providing clinical oversight to the organization’s therapists and counselors working across a host of CADA’s renowned treatment programs, including Project Recovery, Daniel Bryant Youth and Family Centers, and Teen Court to name a few.

Rightmire also previously worked in private practice as a psychotherapist and as an adjunct Santa Barbara City College faculty member.

She succeeds Dr. Scott Whiteley as executive director after five years.

Top Marks for Martin

Santa Barbara Symphony president Kathryn Martin has been honored with the 2024 Executive Leadership Award by the Association of California Symphony Orchestras.

The prestigious accolade will be presented at the organization’s annual conference in San Francisco at the end of this month.

Kathryn’s dynamic leadership has been

instrumental in bucking national trends through improved community engagement, ticket sales, and donor support.

Music to her ears...

Practice Makes Perfect

Corin Lee is the 2024 Alumni Enterprise Award winner at the Music Academy of the West for his innovative endeavor VR Practice.

Lee attended the Miraflores campus as violin fellow in 2009 and today is a member of the Ethel string quartet and founder of the Liberated Performer, a program that trains and empowers performers to conquer stage fright.

He has appeared from Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium to the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.

Lee also received degrees from New York’s Juilliard School and Yale School of Music, and an honorary doctorate from Dennison University.

His award-winning project VR Practice aims to revolutionize how students learn music by integrating virtual reality and artificial intelligence with practice and rehearsal sessions.

Ethel, in partnership with the School of Music at the University of Oklahoma, are developing the pilot project.

As this year’s AEA winner, Lee receives a $7,000 award to support the continuation and completion of the project.

President Stone at the Rotary

Local realtor, investor, and entrepreneur Kim Stone is the new president of the Montecito Rotary Club.

A longtime Rotarian who has led multiple service projects for the organization, she succeeds Tony Morris, who has just completed a two-year term.

Founded in 1953, club has developed projects and provided service to the community and the wider world for more than 70 years.

Stone joined the club in October 2005, when she was living in Sonora, California, and served as secretary and youth chair for the Interact Cub.

She organized annual service trips to Mexico for dozens of high school students and facilitated youth exchanges with other countries. After relocating to Santa Barbara in 2017 following the birth of her first grandchild, she joined the Montecito branch.

Remembering Lord Charles Hindlip

On a personal note, I remember Lord Charles Hindlip, former head of the international auction house Christie’s until his retirement in 2022, who has died aged 83

Educated at historic Eton College, where princes William and Harry were schooled. I first met him when he was the auctioneer for the sale of Princess Diana’s gowns, which raised more than $4 million for charity, just two months before her tragic death in Paris, an event I covered for ABC Network News and CNN.

A stylish and socially adept individual, he also conducted the auction of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers in 1987 which sold for more than $30 million and at the time was the most expensive painting ever auctioned.

Sightings

Priscilla Presley in a Cadillac limo at Pierre Lafond... Singer Katy Perry at the Vogue fashion bash in Paris... Kevin Costner with children Cayden, Hayes, Grace, Joe and Annie at Horizon: An American Saga premiere in L.A. Pip! Pip!

From musings on the Royals to celebrity real estate deals, Richard Mineards is our man on the society scene and has been for more than 15 years

Victoria Rightmire takes over at CADA (courtesy photo)

Santa Barbara Symphony president Kathryn Martin wins top honor (courtesy photo)

Violinist Corin Lee wins Alumni Enterprise Award (courtesy photo)

Kim Stone – new head of Montecito Rotary Club (courtesy photo)

room or beautiful, beautiful kitchen – or just a space in the home. It elevates you.”

A stunned glance at Frye’s portfolio explains all; 3,200 hours of study with European Master Craftsman James Krenov added filigreed old-world knowledge to Frye’s early dedication to the endlessly pliable medium. Maple, Rosewood, Madrone burl, Frye’s own expertise has been lavished on a continuum of objets d’art – from a jewel box of Swiss Pear to a Macassar Ebony fireplace surround – that demonstrate vividly the scalar nature of his mastery. “We have a good way of communicating,” Frye says of his creative partnership with Stephanie. “We’re like kindred spirits, so if she can envision something and communicate it to me, we’ll make it happen.” Walk into the new EVDS space and you’ll feel you’ve walked into an indescribably cozy parlor you have no intention of leaving.

This seductive home-like setting comes bundled with risk. Kaster had explained to her landlord what she wanted to do with the space and he gave his blessing to the transformation. When he arrived and had a look around, though, his response rattled her. “He walked in and quietly looked around, and I was thinking, oh God, what did I do? Finally he said under his breath, ‘I’m going to have to

think of a way I can move right in!’” There is no mistaking Kaster’s work. “Ken and I are a boutique niche,” Stephanie says. “We do very, very custom woodwork and furniture design.” The effect is Old World with a classily eclectic mien, the overarching theme the artisanship inherent in gorgeous woods. “Go into the residences of Queen Elizabeth, the rooms where she liked to spend her personal time, you’re going to find treasures and coziness. Not the regal formality, but a way to live with very beautiful and eclectic interiors. And I always say, if she can blend woods, you can blend woods.”

Studio 44

EVDS’ in-house gallery is a calming, gently-lit room whose own glowing woods work their organic magic on the visitor. Where’d Kaster come up with the idea of this specialized little master crafts gallery in her office showroom? “I had this beautiful space, and I wanted to think outside the box for the gallery. I want to seek craftspeople from all over the nation, really, that want to show their work here in this little beautiful town.”

The gallery’s inaugural exhibitor is classically trained silversmith Randy Stromsoe, who fell into the craft as a young man, and by 18 was apprenticed with the legendary Porter Blanchard, a storied silversmith to the stars then in his ‘80s. Blanchard was not exactly fading into his autumn years.

“We had people flying in from all over the world to buy work,” Stromsoe still marvels. “I was 18 and he was a robust 84 and he was working six days a week, 10 hours a day. He was excited. He would sing and dance at work.”

Falling in love with the calling was clearly one lesson Blanchard imprinted on the young Stromsoe. The firehose of training the young man absorbed seemed an attempt to compress Blanchard’s encyclopedic life experience into a foreshortened late-life time frame. He threw the kid into the deep end. “We had to make a batch

of 14kt. gold trophy cups for Santa Anita Race Track,” he says of an early summit. The promise shown by the young excited upstart was not misleading.

Stromsoe’s work is in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Museum for American Art’s Renwick Gallery, and the permanent collection of the White House Collection of American Craft, to name a couple of the roadside attractions showcasing his acknowledged mastery. His work has been presented as presidential gifts to King Hussein of Jordan and Pope John Paul II. “I’ve made presidential gifts for the Reagan administration, for the Bush administration…”

In this aptly-named Age of Blandly Ceding Human Art and Industry to AI® it is almost tear-inducing to be reminded there are yet masters of craft who do with their hands what the humming, handless machines will never be able to do. I’m staring in slackjawed wonder at a dazzling silver bowl in Studio 44, and Stromsoe explains the work it took him to create the thing.

“The White House bowl here, I counted the hammer blows. One hundred thousand blows to make the bowl,” he says matter-of-factly. And then there were the chalices. “We’d been making chalices, but then the Pope was coming to America and was interested in knowing if we could make a chalice for the papal visit.”

Stromsoe begins ardently explaining the stich. “And so we’re really excited and we worked on designs for a long time. We came up with this big, beautiful chalice. It was for the Pope’s service at Dodger Stadium. And then they asked us to make 640 pieces for the communion wafers.”

What on Earth did Stromsoe think during the Dodger Stadium ceremony itself?

Like many a master artisan whose most deeply felt impulses go into the work itself, Randy Stromsoe is a soft-spoken guy, and speaks softly now of this pivotal event, just one of many that have forged the man, at 72 years old still an ever-deepening work in artistic progress.

“There we were at Dodger Stadium,” he says with quiet awe. “And the place is filling up with 50,000 people. And we’re in the middle of it. We’re in the front row, we’re in our 20’s. And we’re just young people sitting there going, whoa…”

Bombs Bursting in Air

AJeff Wing is a journalist, raconteur, autodidact, and polysyllable enthusiast. He has been writing about Montecito and environs since before some people were born. He can be reached at jeff@ montecitojournal.net

n American lawyer, blueblood and amateur poet named Frank rises with the dawn aboard the British flagship HMS Tonnant , dresses and heads topside. The frustrated British had a couple years before come roaring back across the pond to holler some more in a long nagging engagement later known as The War of 1812. The previous evening Frank had dined shipboard with the gracious British captain and crew and then watched helplessly from the deck as, through the long night, the British lobbed wave after wave of cannonade and corkscrewing rockets onto the beleaguered Ft. McHenry, the outpost a would-be guardian of the strategically important Baltimore Harbor. Frank had been trapped on the Tonnant during a friendly and pre-arranged prisoner exchange at whose conclusion the British declined to return him to shore. He would have to wait until the conclusion of the battle. Now after a night of deafening bombardment, morning on the water is utterly silent. The British have run out of ammo. The lawyer leans over the deck amidships and stares. He can just make out the enormous American flag flapping serenely over the smoldering fort – a stubborn, striped, burned rag on a stick, waving like a sonofabitch; two fingers and the back of a hand raised to the British Empire, the victorious archer’s salute. Not as exclamatory a gesture as its colonial counterpart, the singular raised finger. But still. “The flag is still there!” he says aloud, pissing off the British sailor who has arrived to summon him for breakfast. Francis Scott Key heads belowdecks to join his weary hosts. On the way he stops in at his cabin and grabs his pencil.

The interior life is all..

Studio 44 celebrates master crafts, and not a minute too soon

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Calendar of Events

by Steven Libowitz

ONGOING

El Capitan Canyon’s long-running Saturday (July 6) night shows feature select local artists performing as the sun starts to set. The Canyon Market Garden venue, which also offers an optional BBQ dinner, is just a 20-minute oceanside drive from town. This week: Live Wire, a hard-rockin’ band from Santa Ynez. WHEN: 4-7 pm

WHERE: El Capitan Canyon Campground, 11560 Calle Real

COST: $20

INFO: (805) 685-3887 or https://elcapitancanyon.com/activities/#summer-concert-series

The 2024 Downtown Santa Barbara Live Music Series, which takes place every Wednesday on the 700 Block of State Street (between Ortega and De La Guerra), brings local bands to the heart of town in the heart of summer. Grab dinner or a treat from a neighboring restaurant or bring your own food and set up your chair near 718 State Street to soak up the sounds and the summer vibes. This week (July 3): ABBA Dabba Doo. The SoCal tribute to the Swedish disco-pop group features Croatia-raised lead singers Julija Zonic and Sanya Mateyas, who have also performed and directed productions of Mamma Mia at the Ojai Arts Center Theater.

WHEN: 5:30-7:30 pm

WHERE: 700 block of State Street

COST: free

INFO: www.downtownsb.org/events/summer-music-series

THURSDAY, JULY 4

Beachside Pyrotechnics and Pop – Santa Barbara’s annual Fourth of July celebration is an 11-hour waterfront bash featuring a full slate of festive, fun and family-friendly activities throughout the day and into the night. Live entertainment on the sand adjacent to the pier (Stearns Wharf) begins at noon with Rockshop Academy, and features a bunch of popular local acts, including False Puppet, Evan Blix, Petty Set Go, plus dance performances from La Boheme. Once darkness falls, the festivities are, ahem, capped off with a bang with one of the more spectacular fireworks displays around, a 20-minute extravaganza of sight and sound presented by Garden State Fireworks and choreographed to patriotic music simulcast on local

Music in the Great Outdoors – Concerts in the Park, the much beloved summertime frolic featuring free live music on the Great Meadow in Chase Palm Park, is dark this week due to the July 4 holiday. But the audience is invited to once again perch on chairs or sprawl on blankets adorning the gently-sloping hill facing the permanent concrete stage amid palm trees and ocean views for three more July shows before the series takes another break for Fiesta. Next week (July 11): Brittney and the BSides, the only non-Santa Barbara act on the schedule. The three-year-old cover band from Ventura specializes in Top 40 songs spanning the last seven decades, from early rock and roll to Motown, country-rock, ‘80s pop and more.

WHEN: 5 pm opening act, headliner 6-7:30 pm

WHERE: 300 W. Cabrillo Blvd.

COST: free

INFO: (805) 564-5418 or www.santabarbaraca.gov/gov/depts/parksrec/recreation/events/parkrec/ concerts.asp

THURSDAY, JULY 4

Concert at the Courthouse – Santa Barbara’s Prime Time Band do the patriotic thing at this year’s Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation free outdoor Independence Day concert in the Sunken Gardens at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Guests can bring blankets, chairs and picnics to enjoy an afternoon of all-American patriotic music on the charming expanse of lawn just a block from downtown. This year’s program features selections from several John Williams’ movie scores, including Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Superman, and Empire of the Sun and his Olympic Fanfare; musical tributes to the 100th anniversaries of two Santa Barbara icons in the Granada Theatre and Old Spanish Days; patriotic favorites including a moving salute to our veterans; and renditions of hits by Coldplay, Whitney Houston and others. Anikka Abbott, the singer-actress who is also KEYT-TV’s Chief Weather Forecaster, will add vocals to several songs performed by the Prime Time Band, the community ensemble composed of more than 75 amateur musicians aged 40 to 90.

WHEN: 5 pm

WHERE: 1100 Anacapa St.

COST: free

INFO: www.pcvf.org/4t-of-july-concert

radio station KjEE (92.9 FM). Just off the beach, the Cabrillo Boulevard sidewalk features festive food and vendor booths including tasty treats from Timbers Roadhouse, Tinkers Hot Dogs, Elubia’s Kitchen and others, plus lots of toys, electronic sparklers and much more. To view the fireworks away from the sand – and harmlessly above the post-show traffic situation, try Santa Barbara City College’s Great Meadow on its West Campus, or the Maxwell Overlook at East Campus, both of which boast truly lovely views of the Santa Barbara waterfront. The family-friendly option also features live entertainment starting at 6 pm.

WHEN: 11 am-9:30 pm

WHERE: Santa Barbara Harbor

COST: free

INFO: https://santabarbaraca.gov/things-do/city-events/fourth-july-celebration

Independence Day at the Ranch – Celebrate America’s birthday by looking back in time at the Goleta Valley Historical Society 50th Annual Old-Fashioned 4th of July extravaganza. Enjoy fun family-friendly activities including tractor rides, face painting, and visits with the goats. Listen to live music by Americana specialists The Cliffhangers and The Down Yonder Collective, check out exhibits from the Central Coast Vintage Machinery Association, the Model A Club of Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society; and do stop by Rancho La Patera’s Granny’s Attic to peruse vintage items and antiques. Local vendors will also be on hand, as well as available food and drinks from Mony’s Santa Barbara, AR Catering, and Considered/Curbside Coffee. You’ll be out in plenty of time to rest up before heading to the beach for the fireworks display.

WHEN: 11 am-4 pm

WHERE: Rancho La Patera & Stow House, 304 North Los Carneros Rd. COST: $10 adults, $5 children

INFO: (805) 681-7216 or www.goletahistory.org

FRIDAY, JULY 5

Simultaneously, SOhO says “sure” to the Stevie Nicks Illusion, who have been called the most authentic sounding tribute to Stevie Nicks and her former band Fleetwood Mac in the land. Diana Grace takes on the haunting vocals and riveting aura of Nicks from the early years of the 1970s through her solo hits, backed by a band that combines musicianship and chemistry. Plus, the club lets you dance, too.

WHEN: 8:30 pm

WHERE: SOhO Restaurant & Music Club, 1221 State Street COST: $18

INFO: (805) 962-7776 or www.sohosb.com

FRIDAY, JULY 5

Trials and Tribute-lations – Santa Barbara isn’t that big a town, but sometimes we still have to choose between two completely different tribute band shows on the same night. The Lobero hosts Journey USA, the cover band whose members include a singer who was hired to do vocal work for original Journey lead singer Steve Perry during his solo career, and a guitarist who played and penned multiple hits for Grammy nominee Great White. Journey USA does its best to capture the signature sound of its namesake, delivering “Don’t Stop Believing,” “Open Arms,” “Separate Ways,” and “Any Way You Want It,” with an emphasis on crowd participation and high energy performances. The band has played casinos, cruises, fairs, festivals, private functions and corporate events as well as clubs and theaters. WHEN: 8 pm

WHERE: Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.

COST: $36-$69

INFO: (805) 963-0761 or www.lobero.com

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10

‘Our House’ at Our Opera House – There are tribute act and cover bands who make a living playing the music made famous by others. What sets “Our House: The Music of CSNY” apart is that the group has been created to perform the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young repertoire by an extraordinary ensemble of family members, longtime musical associates, and friends of the members of the iconic folk-band. The stellar lineup was put together by Steve Postell – the guitarist, Immediate Family member, and musical director. Postell was helping David Crosby prep for a tour when the legendary Santa Ynez Valley resident passed away last year, at which point Postell turned that project into last summer’s stunning tribute concert. Joining Postell in the Our House project is Crosby’s singer-songwriter-guitarist son James Raymond; his former keyboardist Michelle Williams and drummer Steve DiStanislao; lead guitarist Jeff Pevar, who played with CSN as well as Crosby and Nash separately; singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist Chris Pierce, who was handpicked by Neil Young to support his 2023 tour; Young’s singer-songwriter sister Astrid Young; and Father John Misty bassist Elijah Thomson, who also played with Crosby. The concert is both a tribute and a testament to the enduring impact of the CSNY catalog and genre-defining sound, an immersive journey through classic hits such as “Déjà Vu,” “Wooden Ships,” “Helpless,” and “Carry On,” plus deeper cuts from the super-group and its members; songs that still resonate more than half a century later. The evening also features footage from legendary CSNY photographer Henry Diltz, with CSNY recording engineer Stephen Barncard regaling us with his own “Tall Tales.” So no need to teach your children – you can just bring ‘em along.

WHEN: 7:30 pm

WHERE: Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. COST: $65 & $75 ($121 VIP tickets includes premier seating and a pre-show reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres)

INFO: (805) 963-0761 or www.lobero.com

SATURDAY, JULY 6

Rods and Roses Roars Back – Santa Barbara’s car show season gets going with the 27th annual Rods and Roses Festival, a classic car show that draws vehicle enthusiasts from the community and beyond to take a gander at impeccably restored historic American vehicles and muscle cars. Thousands turn out to the festival that not only showcases the spectacular cars lining the streets of downtown Carpinteria, but also raises money to support local nonprofit groups such as Future Farmers of America, Carpinteria Cares for Youth, Hope Net, Carpinteria Education Foundation, The Food Pantry, and Hospice Santa Barbara; just to name a few. Even more exciting, the car show is followed just 90 minutes later by the annual Carpinteria Independence Parade, featuring local organizations, businesses, bands and more in the ultra-local procession.

WHEN: Rods and Roses 10 am-2 pm, parade 3:30 pm

WHERE: Linden Ave. and off-shoots from Carpinteria Ave. to 6th St. COST: free

INFO: www.rodsnroses.com

“Through the St. Francis Foundation’s granting program, thousands of lives continue to be made better, and I’m deeply honored to be supporting the mission of improving humankind”

- Heidi Holly, Board Member and Grant Making Committee Member

St. Francis Foundation of Santa Barbara

The St. Francis Foundation of Santa Barbara is a steward of financial resources bestowed by donors, in support of local community organizations focused on health, palliative and geriatric care.

Read our history at www.stfrancisfoundationsb.org

Board Members:

Salvatore “Tory” Milazzo - Board President

Syd Walker - Vice President

Sam Capra - Treasurer

Mary Solis - Secretary

Debbie Cloud

Mike Eliason

Father Larry Gosselin, OFM.

Whitt Hollis

Heidi Holly

Jan Ingram

The Rev. Mary Moreno-Richardson

Jeanne West

OF SANTA BARBARA ~ founded in 1956 ~

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