Get Soup-er excited! After 32 years at its Montecito location, the beloved Little Alex’s has reopened at the Five Points Shopping Center (Story on page 5)
Sky and Sea
From Shakespeare to skaters, the mysterious Mar y Cel has been a host to myriad Montecito microcultures, page 18
Fairies in Godric Grove
An enchanted Puck against a backdrop of mountain views… Fairies under the oaks… The Bard comes to Elings Park, page 28
412 E. Haley St. #3, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805.965.9555 | frontdesk@beckercon.com| www.beckerstudiosinc.com @beckerstudios
5 Little Alex’s – The beloved Montecito restaurant that closed in 2021 has reopened in a new location, but with the same fan favorites
6 Beings & Doings – The Supersymmetric Standard Model postulates that the cosmos is comprised of 11 distinct dimensions. I’m balding in all of them.
8 Montecito Miscellany – Legends of Broadway at the New Vic, a fresh three-course menu at Bacara, new fragrance from an old smell, and more miscellany
10 Hot Topics – Montecito Fire has a revamped website with new online resources to help instruct the community on wildfire preparedness and response
Community Voices – After a horrid experience with a street podcaster, Delaney Smith articulates exactly what she is fighting for Tide Guide
12 Our Town – James Glisson discusses the SBMA’s upcoming exhibit under his new role as Chief Curator, and Ryan Power is the new ED at Montecito’s Y 14 Society Invites – A schedule of the Ojai and Santa Barbara studio art tours and participating artists
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
16 Your Westmont – Summer star party at the observatory, former basketball standout returns to lead student diversity education, and the college swings a new golf coach
18 Mar y Cel Magic – From tea parties to skateboard seshes, philanthropist Henry Bothin created his own personal playground above Montecito over 100 years ago
20 News Bytes – The LCO gets a grant, Los Padres ForestWatch happenings, and The Lion Has to Be Happy in Solvang
22
Petite Wine Traveler – Take a tour through Montecito’s watering holes (spoiler: these spots are known more for their drinks than their water)
24 Brilliant Thoughts – Here is the story behind Ashleigh’s very first epigram – but which one was second?
26
The Optimist Daily – The mental health lessons that can be learned from Simone Biles’ recent wins at the Olympics
28 On Entertainment – Elings Park’s Godric Grove welcomes fairies, magic, and the Bard, Tom Cridland emulates Elton, and cabaret around town
29 Elizabeth’s Appraisals – A lavish, Egyptianesque throne sofa on a farm in South Africa tells of revival works and Napoleonic conquests
31
MA Meeting – The monthly meeting gives updates on the schools, Miramar Beach erosion, the MA’s 75th Anniversary, and others
32
Robert’s Big Questions – What is the Powell Memo? And how is it related to Project 2025 and to other mandates in America’s past?
33
Foraging Thyme – Time to spice up the kitchen (and bar) with some jalapeños and this refreshing mint julep
35
Dear Montecito – Filmmaker/producer Kiara Lin discusses her short animated film following a devious little girl’s desire to control the weather at whatever supernatural cost
40
Calendar of Events – Outdoor entertainment wraps up, for the love of sharks at the Maritime Museum, Colors of Love on stage, and more
42
Classifieds – Our own “Craigslist” of classified ads
43 Mini Meta Crossword Puzzles Local
Little Alex’s
Eatery from Montecito’s Past Is Back
by Ella Catalfimo
Known for its warm hospitality, delicious food, and famous chicken soup, Little Alex’s is back!
As a child, whenever I found myself plagued by the common cold, I begged my mother for the one remedy I knew worked: a warm bowl of Little Alex’s chicken soup (mild, please). The cure that heals even the worst of colds; there’s no wonder why it is so famous.
Once in the Montecito Mart, Little Alex’s closed its doors in November 2021 after 32 years of business at its Montecito location. More than two years later, the family business reopened at the Five Points Shopping Center in May of this year.
In 1989, the Briner family partnered with the co-owners of Alex’s Cantina to open Little Alex’s in Montecito. Brothers Aaron and Josh Briner have helped run the Mexican eatery ever since they were teenagers and are now opening Little Alex’s new location with some exciting changes. “[Montecito] has a wonderful community…we spent almost 33 years there,” Aaron shares. “We closed our doors and contemplated what was next. I’d say after about a year, we decided that we would look for a [new] place.” Aaron explains that “it was very hard to leave. It was hard to imagine being somewhere else, but we hope that it’s a place to continue our community. Even though we moved
across town we still feel a strong tie to [the Montecito] community.”
The location at Five Points was the perfect fit for the family business, and the extra space has allowed them to experiment with new menu items and events. Aaron explains that they “made very little changes to the menu overall,” but decided to add another soup, the Rajas Veggie Soup, and add chilaquiles to their breakfast menu. The new location also has a large variety of draft beer on tap as well as wine. The restaurant has also started serving its own homemade horchata. The Chicken Soup, New Mexico Enchilada, and Fish Tacos have all been very popular at the new location as well as the California Burrito, which has French fries inside. The family says their favorite dishes are the Taco Salad, Chicken Rajas, and “anything with chile verde in it.”
Little Alex’s has started hosting a happy hour from 3 pm to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday. They also expect to start Taco Tuesday every week where they serve street-style tacos. While Little Alex’s serves its homemade churro bites and flan, Aaron shares that Haas’s Fine Ice Cream is moving into the space next door in August and will be serving McConnell’s Ice Cream. Little Alex’s also hopes to start delivery in the future.
Little Alex’s is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7 am to 8 pm at the Five Points Shopping Center in Santa Barbara.
from 10am - 2pm
Little Alex’s has reopened in the Five Points Shopping Center in Santa Barbara (courtesy photo)
Along with its popular chicken soup, Little Alex’s is serving up its classic Mexican fare (courtesy photo)
Beings & Doings
Supersymmetry
in the Realm of Tonsorial Disruption
By Jeff Wing
In its attempt to reconcile General Relativity with the quantum mechanical environment, supergravity places an upper limit on the number of dimensions at 11. Crazy sounding? You betcha. What we really want to avoid, though, is that not-uncommon confusion that believes Supergravity has some meaningful intersection with the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model. Yeah, as IF. Bottom line – my hair has stopped falling out. It is now jumping out. Let’s talk.
A Thinning Head of Hair
Famously Speaks
To Virility
I have thinning curly hair, and now it is graying, or “gray” to put it more succinctly. They say thinning hair is
often the result of too much testosterone, which would indeed explain my abundant musculature and tendency to bully people I feel confident I can outrun. Virility aside, my curly, vanishing hair is – in appearance – that of a clown who has been hurled with great force out of a gusty chemical explosion.
Imagine, if you will, a circus tent detonating (for reasons unknown) in roaring bales of fire. A lone figure in enormous rubber shoes is flung outward and up from the chaos, arms and legs frantically waving, blousy diamond-motif costume trailing smoke. That’s the cataclysm summoned by the most cursory glance at my thinning, curly hair.
I’m not balding like Jack Nicholson in Five Easy Pieces, but like Clarabelle the Clown once the fire extinguishers have done their work. Yeah, the world may be teeming with “balding” men (we do prefer the term “virility-cursed”), but few of us are “balding” in a way that makes children cry.
“Mama (the child sniffles)… What happen to dat clown…?”
“Don’t cry, sweetheart, that’s not a clown. That’s a nice man with hair like a clown.”
“A ‘sploded clown, mama?”
“Yes, sweetie.” (the young mother smiles and touches the child’s cheek, her voice nearly breaking with love) “A nice man who looks like a ghastly, exploded clown.”
Like Most Young Men, I Once Had a Young Man’s Head of Hair
Like most young men, I once had a young man’s head of hair; though it must be said that even at its best, my disaster puff appeared to be a cruel and capricious accident of nature. This was partly to do with the habitual, ill-advised relief I sought in my mom’s curling iron. I was determined to have the fashionably straight hair with which all my classmates had been blessed – that middle school curtain-hair that any curly-headed wallflower in his right mind coveted above all else. O’ the sheer bang-tossing coolness of these fortunate straight-haired titans. Why had I been stuck with this loathsome verticalized frizz? Out of sheer psychopathic envy I would unconsciously mimic the same hip-
ster head-toss of my imaginary bangs, but to lesser effect; my skinny frame and burst of rice noodle hair giving me the aspect of a broccoli stalk with a tic.
The teen coolness standards of that time were no help. Such estimable publications as Tiger Beat and Totally Rad Straight-Haired Power Teen mocked me with their garish, oversaturated covers of helmet-haired pop stars. David Cassidy, Shaun Cassidy… I was haunted by the combed and famous Cassidys! What exactly did my “hair” look like in those days? If you have seen the movie
Jeff pre-Clarabelle
�SILVERHORN
SALE
Montecito Miscellany Broadway Legends at the New Vic
by Richard Mineards
Social gridlock reigned at the Ensemble Theatre Company’s New Vic when it staged a sold-out Play It Forward: Legends of Broadway which raised more than $50,000 for the theater’s education and outreach programs.
The celebratory concert, featuring the music of the greatest musical theater composers of our time, and veterans of the Great White Way including David Burnham, Andrew Samonsky, Teri Bibb, Anthony Fedorov, Jennifer Paz, and Kate Reinders, was directed by Brian McDonald with musical direction by Thomas Craig Buckley
Other special appearances included Santa Barbara Gay Men’s Chorus, State Street Ballet’s Aimee Le and Noam Tsivkin in a pas de deux from George Gershwin’s An American in Paris, Dragon Aditya, Mary Bailey, Cassidy Broderick,
Chance Challen, Julian Paz Fedorov, Scarlett Johnson, Axela Ritchie, Soleila Shea, and Sloan Stoddard. Featured composers included Andrew Lloyd Webber with works from Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Aspects of Love, Cole Porter with “Anything Goes” and “Begin the Beguine,” Lin-Manuel Miranda from Hamilton, Rodgers and Hammerstein with works from The Sound of Music, The King and I, South Pacific and Cinderella, Stephen Schwartz’s “Popular” from Wicked, Stephen Sondheim’s “Agony” from Into the Woods, Claude-Michel Schönberg’s works from Les Misérables and Miss Saigon, and wrapping with Leonard Bernstein’s “Somewhere” from West Side Story It was certainly an evening to remember. Afterwards guests attended a boffo bash at the Scarlett Begonia, just a tiara’s toss from the theater.
Miscellany Page 304
ETC Staff & Crew:
Thomas Craig Buckley, Andrew Samonsky, Brian McDonald, and Scott DeVine (photo by Priscilla)
Children on stage singing from the King and I (photo by Priscilla)
The show wrapped with Leonard Bernstein’s “Somewhere” from West Side Story (photo by Priscilla)
Hot Topics
Montecito Fire Department launches new Website
by Christina Atchison
Montecito Fire Department is pleased to present our new website, montecitofire.com. We have revamped our website to better serve our community. This includes a new Wildfire Preparedness StoryMap, a dynamic webpage with informational videos, interactive maps and helpful resources.
We developed this StoryMap as an alternative to our Wildfire Preparedness Community meetings. We heard your feedback and recognized that many of our residents are juggling busy schedules that may not allow for attending an in-person meeting on a weeknight. Our intent with this new online resource is to provide community members with critical information, presented in a digital-first format, that they can access at their convenience.
The Wildfire Preparedness StoryMap is a one-stop-shop to prepare for wildfire and learn what actions to take if a wildfire occurs. Our personnel and public safety partners discuss the following topics:
- Fire Danger Outlook: What we are experiencing this fire season, plus an explanation of our unique fire environment and weather patterns on the Santa Barbara County South Coast.
- Home Hardening & Defensible Space: How to prepare your home & property to survive wildfire.
- Evacuation Readiness: Understanding the phases of “Ready, Set, Go!” We also explain recent changes to the Montecito Evacuation Map. We underscore the importance of knowing your evacuation zone and the benefits of leaving early.
Montecito Fire’s new website is a one-stop-shop to prepare for wildfire and learn what actions to take if a wildfire occurs
- Emergency Protective Actions: Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office explains the differences between Shelter in Place, Evacuation Warning, Evacuation Order and what to do when an emergency protective action is issued for your neighborhood.
- Emergency Alerts & Notifications: Sign up for ReadySBC Alerts at www. ReadySBC.org and learn about Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management’s additional emergency notification methods.
We hope the community finds this resource helpful, and as always we welcome your feedback. Comments may be sent to info@montecitofire.com.
Community Voices Reclaiming Our Power: A Feminist Manifesto for the 2024 Election
by Delaney Smith
It was a sunny Saturday afternoon in Santa Barbara. My fiancée and I were strolling down the street, hand in hand, on our way to pick up Mexican food. We were in high spirits, enjoying our day off, when two UCSB students approached us with an unusual request. They were hosting a podcast on modern dating and asked if we’d like to be guests. Eager to embrace new experiences, we agreed, unaware of the firestorm we were walking into.
As the cameras started rolling, it became painfully clear that this was no casual chat about dating. We had unwittingly stepped into a right-wing extremist podcast. The hosts, along with their substantial online following, harbored archaic views that women are too emotional to vote or hold positions of power. One host, a father of five daughters, openly expressed that his own children were not “logical-minded” enough to participate in democracy.
Sitting there, listening to these men pontificate about repealing the 19th Amendment, something in me snapped. When I attempted to discuss Kamala Harris’s policies, I was cut off with a crude remark about her alleged sexual history. It was in that moment that the fighter within me, dormant for years, reignited. This op-ed is my declaration: I refuse to be silenced any longer.
Kamala Harris represents the kind of leadership we need – a leader who understands that true feminism is about dismantling all forms of oppression. As Harris herself said, “Our unity is our strength, and our diversity is our power. We reject the myth of ‘us’ vs. ‘them.’ We are in this together.” This
MONTECITO TIDE GUIDE
quote encapsulates the inclusive, powerful future we must strive for.
In Santa Barbara, where I’ve lived for a decade, I’ve faced innumerable challenges as a woman. I’ve had to pretend to be straight to protect my job and hide my fiancée’s identity, referring to her as my “roommate.” The constant need to cater to men for professional advancement is exhausting.
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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.
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Harris’s advocacy for LGBTQ+
exemplified by her support for the Equality Act, gives me hope that one day we won’t have to hide who we are to succeed.
During the podcast, the hosts bombarded me with questions about my “hotness scale” and “body count” instead of my views on feminist policies. It was clear they were more interested in demeaning me than engaging in meaningful discourse. This is a microcosm of a larger issue: women are often reduced to their appearances or personal histories rather than being valued for their contributions and intellect.
Harris’s policies on economic equity are vital in addressing these systemic issues. By advocating for closing the gender pay gap and supporting women-owned businesses, she is actively working to create a level playing field. Her commitment to reproductive rights ensures that women have control over their bodies, which is fundamental to achieving true equality.
Harris’s leadership is not just groundbreaking; it’s a beacon of hope, especially as a biracial woman. Her presence underscores the vital truth that feminism and anti-racism are inseparable – misogyny and racism are deeply intertwined. We can’t dismantle the entrenched sexism in our country without also addressing the pervasive racism that goes hand-in-hand with it. We saw this in Trump’s recent
remarks attacking Harris’s racial identity as a Black woman.
I am committed to fighting for my Black and Brown sisters. In spaces where they are disrespected and ignored, I will use my privilege to stand by them and amplify their voices. This movement must be inclusive, addressing the complex layers of oppression that many women face.
As a sexual abuse survivor, I’ve endured profound trauma and struggled to rebuild my life. Harris’s focus on combating sexual violence and supporting survivors resonates deeply with me. Her efforts to implement comprehensive policies that address the root causes of gender-based violence are essential steps towards creating a safer society for all women.
One of the most jarring moments on that podcast was when I mentioned my support for Harris and was immediately interrupted with the accusation that she “slept her way to the top.” This baseless, misogynistic rhetoric is designed to undermine and discredit powerful women. It’s a tactic used to perpetuate the status quo and keep women out of positions of power. But Harris’s resilience in the face of such attacks is inspiring. She stands tall, unyielding in her pursuit of justice and equality.
By Heidi Schreck | Directed by Matt Hawkins
“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 In Conversation with James Glisson, Newly Appointed SBMA Chief Curator
by Joanne A Calitri
On the wings of his curated Santa Barbara Museum of Art exhibition of the RidleyTree Collection, Contemporary Art Curator James Glisson , PhD, has moved into a new role as the museum’s Chief Curator. He was appointed to the position by Eichholz Foundation Executive Director Amada Cruz , who said in her press release, “I am delighted that James has agreed to lead the curatorial programs at the Museum. His commitment to scholarly rigor and community outreach sets us on a strong course for the future.” Glisson will remain the Contemporary Art Curator, as well.
The appointment coincided with his new Contemporary Art exhibition titled, In the Making: Contemporary Art at SBMA, with all the works except one from the museum’s permanent collection. During his time at the SBMA, he has acquired over 100 art works for the museum. In light of these announcements, Glisson and I met for a conversation.
Q. How do you view your role as Chief Curator?
A. I really do see my role as creating platforms and structures so that the other curators – Charlie Wylie , Curator of Photography and New Media, and Susan Tai, the Elizabeth Atkins Curator of Asian Art – can do the shows and projects they want to do. That’s the most important part of my role, to make the space and foundations so they can do what they need to do. What’s nice is I get to build connections and relations for the museum and for others. The museum can give living artists a boost through exhibition and acquisitions. We have an active local community of artists and collectors, and we are part of the greater Los Angeles community which is an important international art center we are in dialog with.
What is your main focus?
What I’m focused on is what the other two curators are focused on, what Amada is focused on, what the board is focused on and what the staff is focused on. We all have an incredible amount of alignment around three areas, one: more community collaboration and partnerships; two, we are embarking on reinstalling the permanent collection and breaking barriers of having it displayed in separate galleries as American, Latin or European art, and mixing it up and having a display that reflects the global conversations that are and have been happening in the art world for a very long time. To have exhibitions that reflect the networks and conversations the artists themselves were having. Many of these national boundaries aren’t that meaningful within the art world in terms of the dialog artists have. The last area is to continue to support significant exhibitions and ones that have a focus of local, California and national art – to have a balanced program of that, which provides a rich and productive dialog.
What acquisitions are you most happy to have made thus far for the SBMA?
Sincerely, I’m proud of all of it. One of the pieces I’ve gotten the most feedback on is, Narsiso Martinez ’s Self-Portrait En La Cherry (with Strawberry Fields
Exhibit sponsored in part by LLWW Foundation and the Walter J. and Holly O. Thomson Foundation
James Glisson with tearing flesh from the bone by Elliott Hundley (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
Society Invites
Art Happenings: Two Studio Artist Tours to
Support Local Art
by Joanne A Calitri
It’s that time of year for the Santa Barbara area and our neighbors in Ojai to host their annual Studio Artist Tours. Both tours’ ticket proceeds are to benefit a charity they are supporting this year. The artist tours and their respective reception kickoff parties are an all-ages event. The tours are self-guided with maps and briefs on each artist so you can select the ones you wish to visit. It is an opportunity to go to the artists in their studios, watch them do their art, ask questions, and purchase works directly from them.
August 16 at the Ojai Valley Museum from 5 - 7 pm is the official launch party for the Ojai Studio Artists (OSA) Tour. One work from each artist member of the OSA will be on view, along with a meet ‘n’ greet the artists, refreshments, and more. The opening launch exhibition is titled Inside Outside Flipside. Event is free.
August 25 at the Ojai Valley Museum from 4 - 6 pm, is a panel discussion with the Ojai Studio Artists exhibition, Inside Outside Flipside. OSA President and artist Linda Taylor with OSA Founder and Artist Gayel Childress and OSA artist Bernadette DiPietro will discuss the origins of the OSA, Christopher Noxon will moderate the panel. Donation: $5.
August 30 at the Community Arts Workshop, Santa Barbara, from 5 - 8 pm, is the kickoff reception and art preview for the Santa Barbara Studio Artists 23rd Annual Tour. This year the SBSA Tour will benefit the Grace Fisher Foundation. One of Fisher’s oil paintings will be on view at the reception. The foundation is dedicated to increasing educational accessibility and promoting inclusive arts. In her press release Fisher said, “We are thrilled and honored to be the beneficiary of this year’s Open Studio Tour. This event not only celebrates the incredible talent within our community but also helps to further our mission of bringing the arts to everyone, regardless of ability.”
August 31 - September 2, from 11 am – 5 pm, is the 23rd Annual SB Studio Artist Tour dates. Artists on the tour are Anne Anderson , Misa
Art , Sophia Beccue , Ann Shelton
Beth, Sophie Cooper, Kathy Leader, Cynthia Martin, Laurie MacMillian, Joan Rosenburg-Dent , Francis Sorzelli , Susan Tibbles , Dorene
White, Pamea Benham, Stan Evenson, Tricia Evenson , Kevin Gleason , Marilyn McRae, Cathy Quiel, Eric
Saint Georges, Ann Sanders, Veronica Walmsley, and Gerry Winant.
Tickets: http://www.santabarbarastudioartists.com/ sbsa-studios-tour-2024 and see the QR code
October 12 – 14, Ojai Studio Artists Tour, has over 70 OSA artists in their studios located throughout Ojai open for all ages. Art includes paintings, sculptures, fiber arts, collage, jewelry, glass, prints, mixed media, and all manner of artworks. Traditionally, the proceeds from OSA Studio Artist Tickets go towards the OSA’s scholarship awards for art programs for Nordhoff High School art students. Artists are Wyatt Amend, Richard Amend, Joce Aucoin, Jannene Behl, Christine Beirne, Brian Berman, Dorte Bistrup, Emily Brown, Cindy Pitou Burton, Eilam Byle, Gayel Childress,
“It’s
Leslie Clark, Kristen Clawson, Bert Collins, Duane Dammeyer, Bernadette DiPietro, Stephen Edwards, Sharia Fell, Richard Flores, Richard Franklin, Valerie Freeman, Ted Gall, Wrona Gall, Sooz Glazebrook, Bruce Grabin, Donna Granata, Carlos Grasso, Pamela Grau, Julie Grist, Susan Guy, Andrea Haffner, Hallie Katz, Rex Kochel, Tanya Kovaleski, Patrish Kuebler, Karen K Lewis, Douglas Lochner, Sherry Loehr, Vera Long, Greta Lovina, Jeff Mann, Lisa Skyheart Marshall, Patty McFall, Marie McKenzie, Martha Moran, Mary Neville, Christopher Noxon, Mariana Peirano, James Petrucci, Leslie Plimpton, Sylvia Raz, James Robie, Carol Shaw-Sutton, Virginie Snyder, Joseph Sohm, AmyLynn Stevenson, Susan Stinsmuehlen-Amend, Linda Taylor, Spark Taylor, Emily Thomas, Mark Thompson, Lindsay Thomson, Sandra Torres, Myra Toth, Sandy Treadwell, Elaine Unzicker, Katie Van Horne, Elizabeth White, Marc Whitman, Nancy Whitman, Fred Whitman, Soni Wright, and Lucinda Yates
• Graduate of UCLA School of Law and former attorney (with training in Real Estate law, contracts, estate planning, and tax law)
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Your Westmont Stargazers to Enjoy Summer Viewing
by Scott Craig, photos by Brad Elliott
Westmont’s monthly stargazing event features a triangle asterism, a globular cluster and a waxing moon on Friday, August 16, beginning about 8 pm and lasting several hours at the Westmont Observatory. Along with the college’s powerful Keck Telescope, members of the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit bring their telescopes to share with the public.
The 12-day old moon, which moves through its waxing gibbous phase into a full
Students learned how to use the computers that operate the Keck Telescope
Viewers will also get a glimpse of Messier 13, the Hercules Globular Cluster, which was discovered in 1714 by Edmond Halley of Halley’s comet fame. “It’s a cluster with about half a million stars that are on average 25,000 light-years away from us,” says Ito, who helped launch Westmont’s new astrophysics minor and taught the first observational astronomy course last spring where students got to learn to work with the Keck telescope.
Ito says she is also grateful for the college’s partnership with Las Cumbres Observatory, whose technicians cleaned the Keck Telescope mirrors this summer.
Westmont’s campus, please use the Main Entrance off of La Paz Road. The lower entrance off Cold Spring Road is closed to visitors after 7 pm.
In case of overcast weather, please call the Telescope Viewing Hotline at (805) 565-6272 and check the observatory website to see if the viewing has been canceled.
Jarrett to Lead ICP
moon, will be an easy target for stargazers.
“Being able to see the boundary between light and shadow on the moon is one of my favorite things because you can see so much detail of the moon’s surface. It’s not just blinding you with its light,” says Jennifer Ito, assistant professor of physics.
The summer triangle asterism, Vega, Altair and Deneb, will also be on the celestial menu at the viewing. “Vega, the brightest, and part of the constellation Lyra, is about 25 light-years away, which means the light coming to us is from around the turn of the century,” Ito says.
Free parking is available near the Westmont Observatory, which is between the baseball field and the track and field/soccer complex. To enter
Students enjoyed the college’s first observational astronomy
Iyree Jarrett (‘22) is the only student to have appeared on the cover of the Westmont magazine twice. She was featured as a student-athlete who best exemplified leadership, and as the star guard for the National Championship winning women’s basketball team.
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Mar y Cel Magic Shakespeare and Skateboarders Between the Sky and Sea
by Ella Catalfimo
Synchronized swimmers, Shakespearean actors, and trespassing skateboarders have all felt the magic of Mar y Cel, although many of those who live below the singular arched wall that still stands today have yet to hear the stories of the land between the sky and the sea.
Henry Bothin, the original owner of Mar y Cel, was born in Ohio in 1853. After moving to San Francisco as a teenager, Bothin opened a spice and coffee factory. He then moved his pursuits over to the steel industry, becoming the president of the Judson Manufacturing Company and investing his fortune in large commercial real estate. By the turn of the century, Bothin was the largest individual commercial landowner in San Francisco. With his success, Bothin created the Bothin Helping Fund in 1917, which was the second oldest private foundation in the West and was initially aimed at eliminating tuberculosis. More than a century later, Bothin’s descendants have continued his fund under the name the Bothin Foundation, which focuses on “making capital grants to social service, education, art, and environmental nonprofit organizations that provide direct services to: disadvantaged children and youth (ages 0 to 24), low-income families, and people with disabilities,” according to the Pacific Foundation Services. The Bothin Foundation says that Bothin’s “fierce business demeanor was balanced by his warm generosity towards underprivileged children and his commitment to initiatives aimed at eliminating tuberculosis.”
In 1916, Bothin and his wife, Ellen “Nellie” Chabot Bothin, moved to Santa Barbara and bought an estate in the Santa Ynez foothills. Situated on Cold Spring Road, their home “Piranhurst,” named after the Irish Saint Piran, was “exceedingly picturesque” and known by Montecito
residents for its flower garden and openair theatre. Early 20th century America saw a revival for open-air theatres “due to the interest in experimenting with different modes of theatre as well as due to the belief in the healthfulness of human activities out-of-doors,” according to the “Private Outdoor Theatres in Montecito” article by Patricia Gardner Cleek (Noticias, Vol. 29 No. 4 Winter 1983). Inspired by Italian architecture and landscaping, Bothin’s theatre was “one of the earliest and finest garden theatres in Montecito” with its trimmed Cypress trees and adjoining rose garden, Cleek states. Harry Pollard of the American Feature Company used Bothin’s estate, as well as his open-air theatre, as a backdrop for a variety of his productions starring actress Margarita Fischer. Along with their purchase of Piranhurst, the Bothins bought an extra 350 acres of land called “Mar y Cel,” meaning Sea and Sky. On this property, Bothin built an irrigation system in order to bring water to the estate. The system consisted of stone aqueducts, waterfalls, reservoirs, and even a swimming pool where synchronized swimmers showcased their routines. Bothin also built a 200-seat amphitheater where the couple reportedly hosted performances of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as a tea house and gardens where the Bothins hosted elaborate tea parties for their guests. Bothin’s father-in-law, Anthony Chabot, was known for bringing water to Oakland, California and owned the water company East Bay System. Chabot’s business may have inspired Bothin to create his irrigation system at Mar y Cel. While there is no record of the number of individuals who helped build the structures on Mar y Cel, it is known that 35 gardeners maintain the property.
In 1925, three of the arched walls of the tea house were damaged by the 6.3
The work of Shakespeare and others was hosted on the elaborate grounds of Mar y Cel (photo courtesy of Gledhill Library, Santa Barbara Historical Museum)
News Bytes
Heising-Simons Foundation Awards Grant to LCO
by MJ Staff
The grant funds open access to the Las Cumbres Observatory telescope network for the entire astronomical community over the next four years, covering eight six-month observing semesters. This significantly supports all current and future astronomy discovery surveys.
LCO is accessible to all institutions that host astronomers, regardless of size or resource level. LCO will be accepting Open Access proposals and will evaluate those proposals with the assistance of a committee of external scientists. Observing time on the telescope network will be awarded based on scientific merit and technical feasibility.
The LCO telescope network consists of 25 telescopes strategically placed in both hemispheres around the globe at seven professional observatory sites. The network is operating 24/7 as a single, integrated observatory, robotically controlled to optimize research in time domain astronomy. As the Earth rotates, LCO scheduling software activates different telescopes. Observations are always in progress and data are always being collected. No other observatory provides LCO’s full set of capabilities.
411: https://lco.global/
Los Padres ForestWatch Events
Family Fall Festival and Fundraiser: The Los Padres ForestWatch is celebrating two decades of conservation success this year and is inviting the public to a family-centric Fall Festival Fundraiser event on September 15, from 11am - 2pm at the Stow House, Goleta.
The event features culinary delights, engaging in fun games, an educational, immersive experience, a cake auction, a live auction, and raffle prizes.
Call for Volunteers: Los Padres ForestWatch is calling for volunteers to help with keeping our forest pristine and safe for all wildlife and human visitors. Projects range from biological surveys, invasive plant removal, ille -
gal marijuana grow site cleanups, and general trash removal, including spent lead from hunters and recreational gun shooting.
411: https://lpfw.org/get-involved/volunteer
‘The Lion Has to Be Happy’ Art Exhibition
A new art exhibition by contemporary Danish ceramist Marianne Steenholdt Bork is making its North American debut at Solvang’s Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, on view now through October 14. The exhibit, titled The Lion Has to Be Happy , is a traveling exhibit sponsored by the National Foundation of Danish America and The Scan Design Foundation. Bork’s work has been widely exhibited both nationally and internationally.
On her Instagram, Bork announced: “The National Foundation for Danish America has asked me to make a tour that will last two-to-three years. My 25 works of art will be exhibited in eight different places around the U.S. starting in the Danish colony Solvang, California, and ending in Chicago, Illinois. I exhibit exclusively narrative and fabulous ceramics, where animals are a common subject. I work on these motifs a lot in advance, for example lions, owls and foxes. I also intend to create some completely new motifs that tell about the notion of emigration to America. For that, I’ve found some typical American icons, which I incorporate into the characters – for example Rosie the Riveter, the strong female icon from World War II. And then, of course, the Indians and cowboys.”
She will give an artist talk at a Danish American cultural center in Yorba Linda in California. Bork’s usual central theme is the “lion” (aka Filihankat ) which appears in her art in varying shapes and forms. Her artist bio shares that the symbolism comes from her childhood and her exploration of lion imagery. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and hand created. Some of the pieces have gold accents. Bork was awarded the Fletcher Challenge Award of New Zealand and the Danish Kunsthaandvaerker Prisen of 1879.
411: www.elverhoj.org
www.instagram.com/marianne_steenholdt_bork
VILLAGE PROPERTIES
Proudly Congratulates Patricia Griffin
For her outstanding representation and successful closing of:
2175 BOUNDARY DRIVE, MONTECITO, CA 93108
Represented Buyer and Seller | Offered at $6,650,000
805.705.5133 | patricia@villagesite.com PatriciaGriffin.com DRE 00837659
Petite Wine Traveler
Sip and Savor:
Summer Delights in Montecito
by Jamie Knee
Montecito, a picturesque retreat where the mountains meet the ocean, offers a sun-drenched setting that encapsulates the quintessential summer lifestyle. As both a local and a global wine communicator, I’ve savored the world’s most prestigious wines and spirits. The charm of returning to Montecito’s warm embrace is unmatched. Here, where many people come to vacation, we are the fortunate ones who call it home, especially during the vibrant summer months. The casual elegance and intimate ambiance of Montecito provide the perfect backdrop for enjoying the finest local and international beverages in the glow of long, lazy summer days.
Folded Hills Tasting Room Montecito: Start your journey at Folded Hills Tasting Room on Coast Village Road, a cozy spot that boasts the unique distinction of being Montecito’s first and only tasting room. A short stroll from the ocean, this venue offers a delightful array of wines available by the glass, bottle, or tasting flight. The rustic decor and friendly staff contribute to a warm atmosphere where locals can unwind and visitors feel welcomed. Their award-winning selections provide a perfect introduction to the vibrant local wine scene. While there, be sure to try the 2022 Lilly Rosé, a dry rosé that tantalizes the palate with fresh flavors of bright yellow peach, strawberry, and rose petals.
Honor Bar Montecito: Just across the street, Honor Bar offers a livelier scene with its elegant wooden bar and cozy booths. It’s not just the fantastic wine list that attracts the crowds, but also their expertly crafted cocktails. The outdoor patio, furnished with Adirondack chairs, is the ideal spot to enjoy a refreshing cocktail while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. For a taste of local flavor, indulge in their HB Spicy Margarita with house-made sweet & sour mix, or savor a crisp refreshing Margerum Riviera Rosé.
The Speakeasy at San Ysidro Ranch: For those in search of a hidden gem, The Speakeasy at San Ysidro Ranch offers an experience steeped in secrecy and luxury. This clandestine bar, inspired by the Prohibition era, features craft cocktails and exclusive spirits in a setting that whispers of historical allure. The live music and intimate ambiance make it a perfect spot
for a romantic evening or a quiet night out with close friends. Explore the intriguing depths of an El Jolgorio, an artisanal mezcal from Oaxaca, or let the bartender surprise you with a bespoke cocktail tailored to soothe your spirit.
Miramar Beach Bar: If your ideal relaxation involves sipping a drink against a backdrop of panoramic ocean views, head to Miramar Beach Bar at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel. This venue captures the essence of coastal luxury with its nautical-inspired design and open-air setting. Whether you prefer a chilled glass of wine or a specialty cocktail, the oceanfront location offers an unmatched atmosphere to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Montecito. Don’t miss the chance to sip a bright, mouth-puckering Aperol Spritz, infusing you with those MediterraneanRiviera vibes.
Lucky’s Montecito: Step into the timeless elegance of Lucky’s Montecito, where old Hollywood glamour meets modern sophistication. This upscale hotspot is renowned for its prime steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive selection of wines and classic cocktails. Imbued with a vibrant ambiance and attended by friendly staff, it’s a favorite among locals, tourists, and celebrities alike. For a true taste of the 1950s Hollywood scene, enjoy a Vesper cocktail crafted with Stoli, Tanqueray, and Lillet, and let the luxurious spirit of the era envelop you.
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Plenty of flames and flavors at The Speakeasy, San Ysidro Ranch (courtesy photo)
Snarky Puppy,
Brilliant Thoughts On Second Thought
by Ashleigh Brilliant
When people hear that I have created and copyrighted ten thousand epigrams, none of which is longer than seventeen words, they often ask me which was Number One. Of course, I can and do tell them – but when I wrote it, I had no idea of what it was going to be the First of. The truth is that I had been writing somewhat strange little expressions for many years, and already had quite a collection of these “thoughts.” A time finally came when I wanted to share at least a few of them but wasn’t sure how best to do it. I showed them to a few friends, and then started reciting some at parties, as a kind of one-line poetry. People would tell me that I ought to publish them – but I didn’t like the idea of putting a whole bunch into a book, because I wanted to emphasize my feeling that each should be considered as a separate work. Finally it occurred to me that the best way to do that would be to put them on postcards. In those days (the 1960s) when there was not yet such a thing as email, postcards were still a very popular means of communication, especially because the postage rate for postcards was substantially less than for regular first-class mail. So, I decided to bring out an experimental group of ten, which I could try selling in some local stores. But which ten would it be? I really had no idea of what I was doing – so I just chose some from my stockpile, more or less at random. And, to at least appear orderly, I gave them numbers, without attaching any significance to the sequence. Number One turned out to have the message, “Let’s Keep the Christ in Chrysler.” Whatever gave me that idea? Bumper strips were popular at that time, and I had seen one that said “LET’S KEEP THE CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS.” The fact that it was on a car – I never knew what type of car – and that I knew one of the big car-makers was Chrysler – which sounds a little bit like “Christ” – prompted me to put these ideas together and
come up with keeping Christ in Crysler. (Actually the name stems from the German Kreisler, which meant “a maker of earthenware utensils,” i.e. what in English we would call a “potter.”) And, to keep us up to date, I should point out that the company name has now officially become “Stellantis” because it is the American subsidiary of a multinational car-maker of that name.
So that explains my arbitrarily chosen epigram Number One. But what about Number Two? What it says is: “HOW MUCH DO I LOVE YOU? – LESS THAN YOU’LL EVER KNOW.”
I liked the idea of twisting well-known expressions to give them a new, perhaps less pleasant, meaning. But I need hardly tell you that, as a postcard, this expression was never a best seller.
But coming, even immediately, after First, has much broader connotations than this. Calling something “second class” or “second rate” almost always connotes inferiority. And usually, so does “second hand” – although I must here tell you that it enters my own background in a very personal way. My mother was born and grew up in Toronto, Canada, where her parents had come as immigrants from England. They were Jews whose own families had come there as refugees from Eastern Europe at a pre-Holocaust time when Jews were persecuted in a rash of anti-Jewish outbreaks in what were called “Pogroms.” The Jews were tolerated in Britain, but saw more opportunity on this side of the Atlantic. And that is how my mother, Amelia Adler, came to grow up in a town where her own relatives were mostly in the “Second-hand” trade – i.e. buying and selling goods which are now often called “pre-owned,” because “second-hand” has acquired such negative connotations. But it was an easy kind of business to get into – and my mother, having grown up in it, was so enamored of it that she even tried to get me started in it when I was only about eight years old, sending me out to stand at a street corner with a little shoulder-tray and some merchandise like shoelaces. Her heart was in it – but mine wasn’t, and I never did anything like it again.
That should be enough of the subject – so I propose to end the article at this point. Will anybody second the motion?
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.
Rally your group and head to friendly Buellton, California and Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground. Here friends, family, and colleagues will find the ideal setting for making lasting memories and sharing bright ideas. Whether visiting a local craft brewery, relaxing in a cottage or at an RV site, brainstorming in our inviting conference space, or dining at Feather & Fire, you’ll find your whole group inspired by the perfect group getaway.
688-3716
offers elegant cocktails and a sophisticated, comfy ambiance (courtesy photo)
Local Montecito: Finally, make sure to visit Local Montecito, a lively gathering place celebrated for its comprehensive wine list and enchanting cocktail hour. Available from Friday through Sunday, their happy hour is beloved by residents for its reminiscent vibe of Italy’s Aperitivo – combining delicious small plates with classic cocktails. It’s the ideal venue to unwind with excellent drinks in a vibrant atmosphere, whether you’re wrapping up the week with friends or kicking off your weekend early.
CATCH
Montecito may be small, but its drink scene is rich and varied, reflecting the refined tastes of its residents and the laid-back luxury of California coastal living. From exclusive speakeasies to beachfront bars, each venue offers a unique glimpse into the local culture, making Montecito not just a place to live, but a place to truly enjoy living. So, whether you’re a wine aficionado or a cocktail enthusiast, take time to explore these spots – each sip promises a taste of Montecito’s idyllic charm. Cheers to the pleasures of our local lifestyle, where every drink is savored, and every moment cherished.
Simone Biles’ mental health victory: 5 practices we can all learn
Simone Biles, one of the best and most beloved gymnasts of all time, once again demonstrated her unrivaled abilities by departing the 2024 Paris Olympics with three gold medals and one silver. However, her achievement extends beyond the medals. Biles’ path has become as much about mental health as it is about gymnastics, demonstrating to the world that caring for one’s mental state is as important as honing physical skills.
Her recovery is a source of hope and inspiration for everyone dealing with mental health issues. Here are five effective behaviors from Biles’ mental health playbook that we can all apply to our lives.
1. Embrace mindfulness to calm a busy mind
Jamie Knee is a global wine communicator and travel writer, has hosted 100+ winemaker interviews, international wine judge, and holds multiple wine, sommelier, and educator certifications.
In an age of endless distractions, mindfulness is a lifesaver. Biles has embraced this practice wholeheartedly. After winning gold in the individual all-around event, she posted a peaceful photo of herself, eyes closed, sitting quietly on the sidelines. The caption was simple yet profound: “Mental health matters.”
2. Therapy can happen anywhere
In an era when mental health resources are becoming more accessible, Biles demonstrates how therapy may be easily integrated into a hectic existence. Before the individual all-around final in Paris, she casually stated in a TikTok video, “I did have therapy this morning, so I feel a little bit better.”
3. Set boundaries and stick to them
In today’s hyper-connected society, setting boundaries is more important than ever. Biles, who has frequently been in the spotlight, has realized the value of safeguarding her personal life. She recently responded to internet detractors of her husband, NFL star Jonathan Owens, with a strong message: “Leave us alone.”
4. It’s okay to put yourself first
In a culture that frequently demands constant people-pleasing, Biles has demonstrated the fortitude to prioritize her own needs. When she arrived in Paris, she was overwhelmed by the attention at the Olympic Village café, where admirers kept asking for selfies. Rather than deal with the anxiousness, she stocked up on food and ate in her room.
5. Use social media with care
Social media can be both a blessing and a curse, but Biles has learned to navigate it on her own terms. Before leaving for Paris, she told Today that “Limiting social media and stuff like that is going to be [important].”
Lucky’s
SWIM
On Entertainment Fairies, Magic, and the Bard Come to Godric Grove
by Steven Libowitz
It’s been more than a decade since the eloquent words of William Shakespeare have been recited in the all-natural environs of Elings Park, the huge private nonprofit open space high above the Mesa that’s perfect for performances of the Bard’s best. But now late summer is bringing two different productions of Shakespeare plays to Godric Grove, the tree-and-stone-lined open-air amphitheater atop Elings that boasts both intimacy and enviable mountain and city views.
First up on Saturday afternoon, August 17, is A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the signature production imported from Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, the Topanga Canyon company that has staged Shakespeare and more in its amphitheater for 51 summers. The show will be transported to town in the midst of its signature annual repertory run in Topanga. There could hardly be a better introduction of Theatricum Botanicum to Santa Barbara. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is not only perhaps the most accessible, but in this case also the most appropriate of Shakespeare’s works –given its setting in an enchanted forest inhabited by lovers both fairy and human.
The merry romp of a comedy conjures a world of wonder, magic, and romance where misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and the pain of potentially unrequited love are all joyously reconciled through midsummer night revelries and the enduring power of nature.
“We’ve been doing Midsummer Night’s Dream since the very beginning of our company. Our theater is in a creek bed which passes underneath the stage,” explained director Willow Geer, granddaughter of the theater’s legendary founder. “It’s in an oak grove, which is perfect for the play because you’re in the forest and the fairies come out all over the place, which is so much fun.”
Godric Grove might go one better, as there’s actually an oak tree growing through the stage, easing the transition of the space to an enchanted forest of Athens.
“I’ve actually been there for a wedding before, and it’s absolutely beautiful,” Geer said. “We’re really excited to be coming up there to do the show.”
Willow – whose grandfather Will founded the theater when he was blacklisted during the 1950s, before memorably portraying Grandpa in The Waltons in the 1970s – has been a part of the company since she was in diapers, and has played just about every role in Dream as she grew up.
“I was the changeling child when I was two, then I was a different fairy every year –Mustardseed, Moth, Cobweb. I was the first fairy for about five years from 13 to 17. Then I got to play Helena for 10 years, before taking on Tanya. And I’ve directed it twice before. That’s the beautiful thing about Shakespeare – you can work your way up through all the parts.”
Familiarity has not bred contempt at all for Geer, however.
“I have a lot of room in my heart for it, and I still hear new things every time,” she says. “This is my first time coming back since I’ve had children of my own, which really has changed my outlook. I’m having such a blast.”
Geer said those uninitiated in The Bard will particularly enjoy Dream.
“It’s a soft start, like a gateway drug to Shakespeare. It’s funny, it’s joyful, it’s magic and silly, but it’s also about love and reconnecting. It’s all positive and warm in the end. Our production is extremely accessible for kids and families. It’s like a good Bluey episode where the adults will cry and laugh and the kids will be delighted. And who knows? It might ignite a fire in a young person who will end up adoring Shakespeare.”
Shakespeare is coming to Godric Grove in what is bound to be a summer tradition (photo by Ian Flanders)
Elizabeth’s Appraisals
Egyptianesque Sofa
by Elizabeth Stewart
How did a massive, ornately carved, reportedly uncomfortable sofa – shaped like a gondola with arms of carved walnut supporting a pair of winged sphinx figures – get to a remote farm in Buffelspoort, Rustenburg District of South Africa? This is a short story about how the most out of place objects are usually found in the least likely environments. Mrs. K of this farm sent me photos and asked if I could help identify the sofa. Her husband’s grandfather purchased this farm in the ‘60s and the sofa resided there at the time. Now it is hers! She has done great sleuthing work on the style, and successfully finds her sofa’s antecedents in the Louvre – in the form of two 4th century BCE carved marble thrones, one dedicated to Bacchus and one to Ceres. She also sends me a photo of the identically shaped and themed throne of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte (with winged guardian sphinxes) from the Versailles Museum. She is right to begin her research with STYLE.
This beast of a sofa represents one of the most fascinating styles of design, popular during two resurgences throughout the 19th and early 20th c. in Europe and the U.S. Mrs. K owns an Egyptianesque – or Egyptian Revival work – of great craftsmanship. The first iteration of the style was due to the great discoveries made during Napoleon’s “expedition” to Syria and Egypt 1789-1801 in which meticulous topographical surveys were made, all aspects of natural history and culture were investigated and documented and, famously, ancient Egypt was discovered – the temples and tombs of Luxor, Philae, Dendera, and the Valley of the Kings. Thus, Emperor Napoleon’s throne was designed à la Egypt, and this became the dominate style of the French Empire period (1804-1815). All the elements you see on Mrs. K’s sofa were represented: carved falcon wings, sphinx supports, lotus blossoms, winged orbs, monopodia griffins, lotus leaf detailing, plinths instead of legs, and plenty of acanthus leaf carvings, all converging in a strong angular design. The style became popular in Regency England in the second quarter of the 19th c., popularized at the Prince of Wales’s Brighton Pavilion. Egyptian
Neoclassicism swept through Europe; even Sweden had a version.
The style had a second resurgence in the late 19th century when many more Classical ruins were discovered and learned people of the U.S. and Europe studied the ruins of Troy, Assyria, and Pompei, to name a few archeological treasures. A geographical revolution was underway, launching renewed interest in classically designed furniture. By the 1870s posh design firms were actively working in Egyptian or Neo-Grec Revival. A premier New York based firm, Pottier and Stymus, was known for high style furniture in the Neo-Greco and Egyptian Revival Styles. Herter Brothers was another high-end firm designing massive pieces in this style. The late 19th century Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition displayed furniture similar to that owned by Mrs. K on her farm in South Africa! Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company in New York City hired the Italian Egyptian Revival designer Michelangelo Guggenheim, who from his studio appointed prominent Venetian palaces in this style.
I have a suspicion that Mrs. K’s sofa is the work of this designer; Guggenheim’s furniture was overscale and imposing, and his figures, such as his Winged Sphinx, were almost surreal. Tiffany Studios was pleased to offer Guggenheim’s work in New York in the 1890s as well as in Europe. The very wealthy of Venice, New York, and Paris hired designers to create an over -
all impression of Egyptian grandeur. We would know if I am right about the craftsmen behind Mrs. K’s sofa if she can find a label “Stabilimento Artistico M Guggenheim Venezia.” If she has a sofa created by Pottier and Stymus, on the other hand, she will find the same number stamped on each of the parts of the sofa, or a stamp ‘PS.’
She mentions a worldwide phenomenon; her kids do not want this sofa, and she asks if it is worth holding onto or if the market will want it. The sofa is not in perfect shape, she says, and asks if she should restore it. Even if the makers were either Guggenheim or Pottier and Stymus in the late 19th century, this style of furniture is NOT desired. An entire seven-piece bedroom set in this style by Guggenheim achieved $20,000 at auction, a similar table in this design, $3,000, and a chair by Pottier and Stymus achieved $1,800. So I would suggest neither refinishing nor reupholstering, but a nice donation to a museum in South Africa!
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 ornate Egyptian Revival throne
Just Happen . . .
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Up for the Role?
Democracy has spoken.
Montecito comic Steve Martin, 78, has been deemed the perfect person to portray Vice President Kamala Harris’ recently appointed vice president candidate Minnesota governor Tim Walz, 60, on NBC’s Saturday Night Live this fall, when it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Social media was instantly abuzz noting the physical resemblance of the two men.
Even longtime SNL creator Lorne Michaels took note and offered Martin the gig, but he declined given it would mean an “ongoing commitment.”
Martin told the Los Angeles Times: “I’m not an impressionist. You need someone who can really nail the guy. I was picked because I have gray hair and wear glasses!”
New Three-Course Menu at Angel Oak
To the Ritz-Carlton Bacara to indulge in an evening of culinary delight at Angel Oak, the tony hostelry’s oceanside eatery, with my trusty shutterbug Priscilla.
In the fall Costa Rican chef Diego Seitour is introducing a new three-course tasting menu for a nominal $95.
Although wine is at extra cost, I chose a Far Niente 2023 Chardonnay while my lenswoman plumped for a Faust, Napa, 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon.
The first course, an heirloom tomato carpaccio with basil, local organic cheese, goat cheese, micro flowers, balsamic and olive oil pears, was a refreshing start to the delightful repast.
The main course, eye of ribeye, with broken citrus, beurre blanc, stuffed zucchini blossom and summer truffle crème
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Steve Martin is being called to portray Tim Walz (photo by Davidwbaker and Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons)
Sous-Chef Carlos Villegas presenting his first course (photo by Priscilla)
A beautiful presentation of Chef’s Lemon Curd Tart made with fresh lemons from Goleta in a golden crust (photo by Priscilla)
Server lan Russel, restaurant GM Stephanie Perkins, and server assistant Kiely Chang (photo by Priscilla)
MA Meeting Beach Erosion, Moody Sisters’ Cottage and More at August Meeting
by Joanne A Calitri
The Montecito Association held its monthly open-to-the-public meeting August 13 in person at the Montecito Library and via zoom.
The main conference agenda item was a presentation by Nick Turner, Montecito Water Protection District General Manager, on the July rate increase, which is one year earlier than planned due to inflation, aging infrastructure, water procurement/treatment and system resiliency. Pertinent points he made included: the water rate study concluded an overall 9% rate increase in FY 2025, and 5.75% for 2026 with minimizing impacts to low water users, promoting water efficiency, revenue stability and ensuring rates are equitable. Customer increases depending on use are approximately $6 to $28/month. Included in the rate increase are proactive maintenance and replacement of aging pipelines, selling of State Water Project water surplus, and MWPD rates are more favorable than neighboring agencies in Carpinteria-Santa Barbara-Goleta.
Additional MWPD news is that Jameson Lake is still spilling over, the Buena Vista water project updates are done and the roads are open; the water quality consumer confidence report June 30 showed consumers rated Montecito water meets or exceeds expectations; well registry is mandatory; smart meters are strongly suggested for water conservation and the public is invited to the MWPD August 21 meeting. Next, new Carpinteria Chief of Police Lieutenant Richard Brittingham was welcomed and introduced. Lt. Brittingham replaces Lt. Ugo Butch Arnoldi. Brittingham said he has 27 years on the force and will provide a more in-depth report of police activity in the area at the next MA meeting. For now, his department confirmed the resolution in process of a transient issue in Montecito.
The usual meeting reports were as follows:
Montecito Fire Travis Ederer Division Chief – Operations reported in lieu of Fire Chief David Neels. He stated that we are in high fire season and for everyone to adhere to fire protection. The department is fully staffed with a total of 51 people, of which 36 are fire fighters. The four new fire fighters recently added are fully on board. The department is working on redoing their entire radio system at the fire station. He cautioned for people hiking to make certain they know the trail, have a working cell phone, and plenty of water.
Montecito Sanitation District General Manager John Weigold reported that FEMA will reimburse approximately 90% for projects to remedy damages from the January storms. Two board members resigned; one has been replaced. They are doing an assessment to build a new wastewater plant, as the current one was built in 1960. Congressman Salud Carbajal has been able to get them $18 million in funding, which once appropriated, they can use for the new plant and other areas. Weigold added as a heads up that one agency, which he kept unnamed, is requesting the MSD do studies 50 to 100 years out, which may impede the MSD from attending to their annual creek and stream maintenance.
Superintendent & Principal of the Cold Spring School District Amy Alzina shared the students’ state test scores have gone up into the high 90 percentile and she will continue to do the work to have the scores be 100% across all subjects. The CSS’s Innovation and Creativity Arts Building is completed, its grand opening was July 31. Alzina serves on two state boards for superintendents and educators, focusing this year on AI and mental health for staff, students, and families. CSS starts August 22.
Montecito Union School Superintendent Anthony Ranii reported in via Zoom that the MUS student state test scores have increased, repairs continue on specific building needs, that the construction is done, and the portable classrooms have been removed. School starts on August 22. Other items of study are student enrollment decreases, updating the MUS Transitional Kindergarten model and training for staff and students on what to do if the school has an assailant.
Darcell Elliott, Chief of Staff for First SB County District Supervisor Das Williams, provided updates on the Miramar Beach erosion issue saying it does not fall under the SBC control, however Williams is reaching out to the beach enrichment
agency to look at the situation, as the beach is not getting the natural erosion it usually gets. The Cold Spring bridge is temporary, and a permanent replacement is scheduled that will have two lanes. Williams is filing a Civil Lawsuit to the property owners of the historically designated Moody Sisters cottage that was demolished by them, the owners know about it, but have not been officially served as yet.
Executive Director Houghton Hyatt gave her report stating the updates on membership and the Montecito Association website are progressing, and this year through 2025 marks the 75th Anniversary of the MA with the events to celebrate it still in the planning stages. Hyatt provided brief reports for the Board President, Land Use Chair, Outreach, and Hands Across Montecito who were not present. Cheryl Trosky Groundwater Chair defaulted to the presentation by Turner on the water district updates.
Events Chair Mindy Denson thanked the board for their support that made the July 4th event a success with the largest attendance in its history. She outlined plans for next year and Montecito Beautification Day was in the works for November. Trish Davis, History Chair, updated on receiving a grant to purchase a new file cabinet for historic documents and provided her knowledge on the background of the Moody Sisters cottage. All agreed that both public and government awareness and support of historic buildings and properties in Montecito needs to be raised.
411: www.montecitoassociation.org
magnitude earthquake that struck Santa Barbara. The remaining arched wall is one of the only remaining structures that still stands today on the property. After damage was caused by the earthquake, landscape designer Lockwood de Forest remodeled the property, arranging red brick planters to accent the existing structures. Around the same time, the irrigation system on the property was remodeled, costing the owners around one million dollars. After Henry’s death in 1923 and Ellen’s in 1965, heirs of the Bothin family sold a portion of the property to Edward F. Brown, separating Piranhurst from the Mar y Cel land. Mar y Cel was then purchased by photographer and artist Mr. Shirley Carter Burden, who was an ancestor of business magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt.
By the 1970s, Mar y Cel was rediscovered, however not for its tea parties or Shakespearean performances. Rather, a group of skateboarders led by Santa Barbara local Tom Sims noticed that two reservoirs on the property were completely empty and would be the perfect location for skateboarding. Known as the T-Bowls, the Mar y Cel reservoirs were the go-to spot for the skating community of Santa Barbara, even featuring in the 1976 film Freewheelin and a 1988 addition of Insane Terrain by Thrasher. However, by the 1980s, the city of Santa Barbara planted explosives throughout the bowls to blow out large sections of the once beloved skate spot. This was prompted by a lawsuit that occurred between the family of a young skateboarder who got injured skateboarding at the T-Bowl and the current owners of Mar y Cel. By the 1990s, groups of skateboarders in Santa Barbara
Mar y Cel featured stone aqueducts, waterfalls, tea gardens, and an amphitheater that hosted a variety of entertainment (photo courtesy of Gledhill Library, Santa Barbara Historical Museum)
still attempted to skate untouched parts of the T-Bowl, even being featured in an episode of SK8 TV on Nickelodeon. Today, the reservoirs are entirely filled with dirt and are no longer desirable to the skateboarders of Santa Barbara.
In 2008, a fire broke out at Mar y Cel after a group of young adults neglected to put out a bonfire they started at the tea gardens. Within several days, the Montecito Tea Fire spread throughout 1,940 acres, destroying 210 homes and injuring 13 people.
In September of 2000, a conservation easement was made by Cima del Mundo LLC, a local environmental investment group, to conserve the northern 150 acres of Mar y Cel. This conservation easement defends the land from residential development and protects the plants and wildlife that reside on the property. Cima del Mundo also agreed to grant an easement for a half-mile section of the land to be used by the public as part of the West Fork of the Cold Spring Trail. According to the Santa Barbara Land Trust, the rest of the property is to remain private. In 2022, the land went on the market at the selling price of 78 million dollars. Since then, the price has lowered to 58 million dollars.
While the lone arched wall is all that remains of Mar y Cel, sharing stories about the property keeps the magic of the land alive.
Robert’s Big Questions Living in a Real Conspiracy?
by Robert Bernstein
“We are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it.” This menacing threat came from Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts. This is in reference to their Project 2025.
Last year I wrote “Conspiracy Theories Not What They Used to Be?” contrasting real conspiracies with muddled paranoid delusions that serve powerful interests.
Project 2025 is a real conspiracy. With roots in another real conspiracy: The Powell Memo of August 1971.
Corporate lawyer Lewis Powell wrote his Memo to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to sound the alarm that business and its alliance with American governance were under attack. I was just 12 years old, but I vividly remember the atrocities being committed by our government and how powerless we felt. Notably, Nixon slaughtering hundreds of thousands of innocent people in Cambodia and Vietnam. And declaring his indifference to the hundreds of thousands of American citizens protesting outside his door. (Including our family.)
It is laughable to read the Powell Memo and to see how besieged they felt by our actions, while we felt so powerless!
Powell laid out a road map for business to fight back against Ralph Nader and his consumer advocacy – to fight, that is, against Nader’s regulatory desire to protect the environment and worker safety.
Even more important, Powell felt the urgent need to defend our very “free enterprise” system against its imminent collapse! He claimed that college professors and student protesters were on the verge of tearing down our entire system and turning the U.S into a Soviet Communist system.
right wing think tank that followed from his recommendation. Their Project 2025 is only the latest incarnation of the “Mandate for Leadership” they first served up for Reagan. Heritage claims that Reagan happily fulfilled 60% of their 2,000 Mandate proposals in his first year in office.
Project 2025 was drawn up mostly by Trump appointees. Trump’s people created it, yet he claims to know little about it. Trump knows that much of it will be deeply unpopular, yet his backing comes from these people.
Project 2025 would eliminate all programs trying to solve the Climate Crisis and would aggressively promote fossil fuel use here and abroad. Perhaps most important, it would replace scientists and other experts in many government agencies with political cronies. Equally important, it explicitly calls for the Department of Justice to serve the President, rather than being an independent agency serving the public interest.
Anne Applebaum, interviewed about her book Autocracy, Inc ., notes that Project 2025 creates a path to autocracy. Project 2025 also does its best to advance the Christian Nationalist agenda. It promotes private schools at the expense of public education. It tries to undermine or eliminate abortion access.
Credit to talk show host Thom Hartmann for talking about the Powell Memo for years. I have provided links to the original Powell Memo and several relevant commentaries on my web site at swt.org/mojo/powellc
On that same page are links to the full Project 2025 Mandate and commentaries on it.
Ella Catalfimo is a Montecito local entering her third year at the University of Edinburgh. She is studying English Literature and with an interest in Fashion Journalism.
The only hope was for the weak and beleaguered businesspeople to organize for battle. How? First, by setting up think tanks with smart people who would strategize on behalf of business, and against labor, environmental, peace, and civil rights activists – a cohort he saw as more powerful than American business!
He then wanted business to take control of mass media, education, the political system, the courts, and the legal system.
Much of what Powell laid out has indeed come to pass with surprisingly little notice or commotion. Nixon rewarded him with an appointment to the Supreme Court. Our current corrupt and politicized Court can be traced back to his Memo.
The Heritage Foundation was the leading
This is a conspiracy that is laid out by the conspirators for all to see. We often feel overwhelmed by the wealth and power of these anti-public interests. Yet they claim they are the victims who have to fight to survive. In a way, they are correct. The public does have the power and the bullies are scared. We just have to realize we have that power, and fight for a better future for the public interest and for a sustainable environment.
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
Although
In my 10 years in Santa Barbara, I’ve seen how deeply ingrained sexism and homophobia can be. I’ve had to fight tooth and nail for every opportunity, often adopting a “man mindset” to be taken seriously by the men who hold power. But I’m done hiding and pretending. As Harris champions the rights of marginalized communities, I’m reminded that our diversity is our greatest strength.
Harris’s campaign policies reflect her commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Her plans to expand voting rights, improve healthcare access, and promote economic equity are crucial steps towards dismantling systemic barriers. By addressing these issues head-on, she is paving the way for a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
As I sat in on that podcast, surrounded by people who viewed me as less than human, I realized that I could no longer stay silent. I feel as though I’ve gone into hiding in recent years since leaving my journalism job. I wanted to live in my own little world, I suppose, free from the constant fight for respect and equal opportunities. But this experience showed me that sticking my head in the sand doesn’t actually change the fact that there is an overwhelmingly large portion of voters who are fighting every day to keep the status quo.
The misinformation and bigotry being spread are not just harmful – they are dangerous. This experience is a stark reminder that we must fight against the tide of ignorance and hatred. We cannot afford to be complacent. I might be tired, but I am a fighter. I refuse to be silenced into submission any longer. I want to be an amazing mother with my soon-to-be wife, run a loving home, and see a country where my future children can thrive without facing the same battles I’ve fought. Harris’s vision for America is one where everyone, regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation, can achieve their dreams. Her policies on childcare, education, and economic support for families are steps towards making that vision a reality. This election is a turning point. It’s about choosing a future where women
are not reduced to their appearances or sexual histories but valued for their contributions and capabilities. It’s about ensuring that survivors, like me, can speak out without fear of retribution. It’s about electing leaders who understand that feminism and anti-racism are inseparable from the fight for true equality.
So, to the incels, misogynists, and all those who think women are too emotional to lead: watch out. We’re coming for you, and we’re bringing the full force of our lived experiences, our resilience, and our unyielding belief in a better world.
As I prepare to walk down the aisle with my fiancée this summer, I’m more determined than ever to fight for a world where our love and commitment are celebrated, not condemned. Harris’s leadership and policies give me hope that we can build a society where everyone can live authentically and be respected for who they are.
Kamala Harris’s words resonate with me: “Let us not be content to just sit back and watch. Let us speak truth to power and fight for the America we believe in.”
This is our call to action. We must stand up, speak out, and fight for a future where all voices are heard and valued.
In conclusion, let this op-ed serve as my battle cry. I will no longer be silenced. I will fight for my rights and the rights of all marginalized people. I will support leaders like Kamala Harris who are committed to building an inclusive, equitable future. And I will do everything in my power to ensure that the voices of the oppressed are heard loud and clear in this election and beyond.
So here’s to reclaiming our power, demanding respect, and fighting for a world where we all can thrive. It’s time to stand up, speak out, and make our voices count.
Foraging Thyme Jalapeños
by Melissa Petitto
Ihave been on a spicy kick lately and when I saw these vibrant jalapeños at Tutti Frutti Farms, I knew I had to have them. The jalapeño and all of its varietals have been adding flavor and heat to cuisine for some 6,000 years. There is a compound in jalapeños called capsaicin. This compound is what makes peppers spicy, but it is also where a lot of the health benefits come from. Capsaicin is a natural pain reliever when applied topically, metabolism booster, and blood sugar stabilizer. Studies have also found that capsaicin may help fight cancer. Jalapeños are rich in vitamins A, C, Potassium, and carotene, which helps fight damage to our cells. They also contain folate, vitamin K, and B vitamins. Jalapeños and other spicy chiles have been shown to help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and yeasts that cause infectious diseases, making them a great addition to our diets for reducing foodborne illnesses. Let’s take these beauties into the kitchen and create a drink that is super special and full of farmers market finds.
Strawberry Jalapeño Mint Julep
Yield: 2 Servings
½ cup water
½ cup unprocessed organic sugar
2 to 4 each jalapeños, halved ¼ cup strawberries, chopped 16 each mint leaves, plus more for garnish 4 ounces bourbon
Ice
2 – 12-ounce seltzer cans
Garnish
Strawberries
Delaney Smith is a Santa Barbara-based writer and former reporter with a decade of experience, passionate about her community and committed to making a positive impact
Jalapeños, thinly sliced
Directions:
1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, sugar, and jalapeños. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Discard jalapeños.
2. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the strawberries and mint. Add the bourbon and 2 tablespoons of the simple syrup, then fill with ice. Shake.
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. WANT TO ADVERTISE, BUT DON’T HAVE AN AD? CHECK
3. Fill 2 cocktail glasses with ice and strain mixture over the 2 glasses. Add seltzer to both.
4. Garnish with mint, a strawberry, and jalapeño slices.
Jalapeños are packed with flavor and health benefits (photo by ProtoplasmaKid via Wikimedia Commons)
Fantastic Voyage – about a submarine shrunk to the size of a molecule and injected into a guy’s neck (a true story) – you’ll recall the famous scene in which a cowardly Donald Pleasance tries to ditch his comrades by stealing the submarine while they are outside the vehicle and swimming through jelly. Pleasance recklessly crashes into a giant white corpuscle (as can happen), which then lugubriously attacks the foreign object. Our bad guy is trapped by collapsed machinery and gets his comeuppance, the corpuscle descending on the pilot’s bubble atop the sub, eating through the glass and engulfing the would-be escapee’s screaming head. Yes, I had hair like an attacking corpuscle. On some days it was more like a steel wool amoeba. Neither designation flatters. I took matters into my own hands. So, yeah. I began using my mom’s curling iron, smashing down my shameful stuff every evening into some approximation of what my classmates took utterly for granted. Then through the night (I am not making this up) I would tactically smash my sorry head against the pillow – first this side, then that – in order to assure success. Results Varied. Most days I would show up at school with the sort of Doris Day flip that invites the unwanted attentions of middle school bullies. “Hey, Wing! This is geography class, not The Pajama Game! Haw haw haw haw haw! Haw haw haw haw haw haw!” Stung with shame (while marveling at the thugs’ knowledge of the Doris Day canon) I would take my seat, receiving Mr. Clement’s ministrations on Lichtenstein or the Taymyr Peninsula, burning with shame and anger and just a touch of Dippity Do .
Some Men Can Wear a Hat with Panache
Some men can wear a hat with panache. Other hat-donning miscreants should be run out of town in the dead of night by torch-carrying, fist-shaking country folk. In the former panache category we have guys like Richard Mineards, whose class, erudition, and crystalline British accent make any hat he chooses a natural augment to his ensemble. To place any hat on my thinning pate, by contrast, gives me the unfortunate look of a Victorian pickpocket. Bowler, Derby, Top Hat, Beret, Fedora; even the festive Fez, with its vaguely conical profile and delightful swinging tassle – no hat will have me.
Yes, there are over-the-counter chemicals one may apply to the denuded scalp to encourage new hair growth. I’ve applied these potions religiously (on bended knee and with a slug of wine, that is), and the bursting forth of my new Andy Rooney eyebrows improved neither my mood nor social standing. There is
ON THE SIDE
Bronzing the Id at Studio 44
There exist artists who are so intensely immersed in their work one dare not approach. Susan Read Cronin – our Village’s dedicated, prolific, and celebrated sculptress, is of another species. On her website (for instance) she is seen perched on a tiny step stool and holding a pose in order – it would seem –to blend in with the bronze menagerie that surrounds her. Okay? The mercurial Ms. Cronin and her embraceable vision have taken up residence at the equally indescribable Studio 44 in the upper village – through Labor Day. Do drop in and bask in the New Bronze Age. 1482 East Valley Road #811
also some sort of pricey helmet festooned with diodes being touted as the great hope for the balding. At a certain point in one’s struggle it becomes clear that there may be worse things than a head garlanded with this awful stuff I’ve been gifted by a smirking cosmos. A light-throwing helmet is definitely in the running.
Reader, should you see me walking down Coast Village Rd. with that unmistakable swagger you have all come to love (“Huh? I’ve never seen this jackass walking around town. You?” “Nope. And that’s just fine with me.”) I ask that you look kindly upon the calamity atop my mildly misshapen head. And I will do the same for you. KIDDING!
The lifelong Southern California resident has accepted a new leadership position at Westmont, this time as director of Intercultural Programs, supporting students and educating the campus community about multicultural identity and specifically around cultural, ethnic, and racial diversity.
“My overarching goal is for Westmont to continue becoming an institution where multicultural identity and ethnic diversity are not only acknowledged but celebrated and integrated into every aspect of campus life,” she says. “I envision our intercultural programs as catalysts for meaningful relationships, important dialogue, transformative education, communal celebration of diversity, heightened awareness, and a reflection of biblical love and justice.”
Jarrett, who was named an NAIA First Team All-American twice during her prestigious career as a Warrior, was involved in intercultural programs as a student and experienced tensions on campus related to race and faith. “I understand firsthand the challenges and opportunities that students from diverse backgrounds encounter,” says Jarrett,
who will complete a master’s degree later this summer from Long Beach State. “My academic journey, particularly my thesis work on racial justice and Christianity, has equipped me with both theoretical knowledge and practical insights into addressing these crucial issues.”
New Golf Coach Joins Warriors
Leo Maes, former head golf coach at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Arizona, will serve as the next head coach for Westmont’s men’s and women’s golf teams. Maes previously was the head coach for four years at Glendale Community College and three years as an assistant at Mesa Community College.
“He brings a well-rounded track record of success on and off the course,” says Robert Ruiz, Westmont’s director of athletics. “His passion for teaching, attention to detail and vision for our golf program stood out during the hiring process.”
Maes says his priority is to build a strong foundation on faith. “Secondly, developing daily habits that stack up over time to grow and build something memorable,” he says. “Lastly, the competition aspect needs to be deeply rooted in why we’re here and our goals so we can go out and compete at the highest level.”
In three of his five years as a head coach, Maes’ teams have qualified for the NJCAA Division II National Championships, finishing as high as third place. He has coached four individual golfers to top-10 finishes in the national championship including the 2023 national champion, the fourth-place finisher in 2022 and the 2021 national runner-up. In 2021, Maes was named the NJCAA Division II West Region Coach of the Year.
While an assistant coach at Mesa, Maes helped lead the Thunderbirds to an NJCAA Division II National Championship.
Jeff 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
“I’m here to assist in the growth of the student-athletes golf game and also to help them grow in their faith and grow academically, while encouraging them to reach their full potential,” Maes says.
Iyree Jarrett
Leo Maes
Scott Craig is manager of media relations at Westmont College
Dear Montecito
She’s Up to Snow Good…
by Beatrice Tolan
Imet Kiara Lin in the place many Santa Barbara natives eventually meet–Los Angeles.
She grew up in Santa Barbara, attending Montessori Center School and Santa Barbara Junior High. Even in her youth, Kiara’s dedication to film was unmistakable. After three years enrolled at Santa Barbara High School, she moved to Michigan to complete her high school career at Interlochen Center for the Arts, graduating with honors and a 4.0 GPA. I was immediately drawn to Kiara’s eccentric, kind nature, and inspired by her insatiable ambition as a filmmaker. So when she proposed I help animate her college thesis film, it was a no-brainer. A year before her senior year even began, she’d started the monumental task of directing, casting, and producing Snow Day, a 10-minute traditionally animated comedy/fantasy short. It follows eight-year-old Iisa (Shelby Rabara) who will do anything to make it snow in Arizona… even if that means summoning the almighty demon Furfur (Jonathan Freeman) to do her bidding. Now, two years later, as Kiara submits Snow Day for its film festival run, it felt right to commemorate her massive achievement in this column. I sat with Kiara in the sweltering L.A. heat to reflect on the early influences that ultimately lead to Snow Day
Q. When did you first begin your exploration in film and media?
A. I was in fourth grade, had been doing theater since the age of four, and wanted to make a movie… because every kid wants to make a movie! I enlisted my best friend and we co-created our concept. I cast my classmates and we shot it every single day at lunch for about a year on Panasonic Camcorders, which to us was IMAX. When it came to post-production, I didn’t
know the first thing about editing. My parents had a computer that made the dial-up sound, so you can imagine I wasn’t the most tech-savvy. I began volunteering at the local TV station, TVSB, in exchange for use of their editing program. I volunteered there and worked on one of their night shows, Ken Boxer Live, where I worked my way up from a PA to Technical Director, becoming the youngest above-the-line crewmember.
Who or what were your project’s first inspirations?
I was first inspired by my junior high school film and acting teacher, Rich Lashua. With Lashua, we did film and Shakespeare, which was my first taste of something so different from the modalities I had been working with. He’s a champion for the arts in education, something I hope to give back to one day. For college, I went to a little school called Studio School, now bought by the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Studio School’s ideology was: “We don’t want you sitting behind a textbook for three years. We want you in
the editing room, your hand on the camera, making the spreadsheets.” Now I’m walking out of college with four SAG Union shorts, over 18 credits as a producer across shorts and music videos, and experience in other roles I’ll treasure forever.
So you’d say that, overall, you fit most neatly into a producing role. What is it about producing and casting that excites you the most?
One of my greatest joys in producing is facilitating the director’s vision. As a producer, it’s not your job to tell the actors how to act, but to facilitate the space they act in. I love knowing that people are able to create in a safe space because of me and –I’m going to be real here – I love spreadsheets Regarding casting, authentic casting is the most important to me. I want to make sure that if we’re going to tell stories with diverse characters, they have the actors and consult to back it. Even though Iisa being Filipina doesn’t have anything to do with the plot itself, it’s still an important part of her identity and needs to be represented properly. I was so lucky to work with passionate talents and cultural consultants who shared the same dedication as me!
What was something you learned on the production of Snow Day that you’ll be taking into future artistic endeavors?
As I’ve found more people who are as
passionate as I am, one lesson I’ve had the pleasure of learning is that you can trust others with your vision. You just need to find the right people. Being able to delegate was key on Snow Day. As much as I wish I could animate it, that’s not my skill. I was able to find the right talent to uplift and facilitate the story in ways that I could only dream of. Their minds, hands, and hearts made Snow Day! My team is the beating heart of Snow Day, and I’m so excited for the world to see it.
To learn more about the cast, crew, and lore of Snow Day, visit https://kiaraquelin.wixsite.com/ kiaraquelin/snow-day, or follow their Instagram: @ snowdaytheshort. Snow Day will be available to watch online after its festival run!
Beatrice Tolan is a fine artist, animator, and writer living in Los Angeles after residing in Montecito for 20 years. She is invested in building community through unique perspectives and stories. beatricetolan@gmail. com
Iisa summoning Furfur the weather demon with her trusty companion Sigbin
Iisa and Furfur’s goofy antics
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: Ocean Love Found, 892 Linden Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013. Andreas K Gutow, 3600 Harbor BLVD 348, Oxnard, CA 93035; Paul M Garcia , 6375 Lagunitas Ct, Carpinteria, CA 93013. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on August 7, 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. 2024-0001838. Published August 14, 21, 28, September 4, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: PTSD, 2315 White Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. Keld Hove, 2315 White Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on June 26, 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. 20240001524. Published August 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/ are doing business as:
Elizabeth Appraisals; Elizabeth Stewart, 400 East Pedregosa St, Unit 1, Santa Barbara, CA 93103.
Elizabeth Appraisals LLC, 400 East Pedregosa St, Unit 1, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on July 23, 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. 20240001750. Published July 31, August 7, 14, 21, 2024
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: CASE No. 24CV03463. To all interested parties: Petitioner Paul Douglas Seaman filed a petition with Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara, for a decree changing name to Paul Bouchard. The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court
may grant the petition without a hearing. Filed July 15, 2024 by Preston Frye. Hearing date: August 30, 2024 at 10 am in Dept. 4, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Published July 24, 31, August 7, 14, 2024
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME:
CASE No. 24CV03344. To all interested parties: Petitioner Gisselle Berenice Sanchez filed a petition with Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara, for a decree changing name to Gisselle Berenice Monterroza Gonzalez. The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Filed July 10, 2024 by Terri Chavez. Hearing date: August 23, 2024 at 10 am in Dept. 4, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Published July 24, 31, August 7, 14, 2024
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Escrow No. BU-1619-YL
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the creditors of the
(Condensed Notice for Publication)
NOTICE INVITING SEALED BIDS
2024 MANHOLE REHABILITATION
BID NO. 2024-02
MONTECITO SANITARY DISTRICT
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Montecito Sanitary District (“District”) will receive sealed bids, electronically, for its BID NO. 2024-02, 2024 Manhole Rehabilitation (“Project”), by or before Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. through its PlanetBids portal. All associated documents, including bonding information, shall be submitted with the bid. Bidders must be registered on the District’s PlanetBids™ portal in order to submit a Bid Proposal and to receive addendum notifications. Each bidder is responsible for making certain that their Bid Proposal is actually submitted/uploaded with sufficient time to be received by PlanetBids prior to the bid opening date and time. Large files may take more time to be submitted/uploaded to PlanetBids so plan accordingly. The receiving time on PlanetBids’ server will be the governing time for acceptability of bids. Telegraphic, telephonic, electronic, and facsimile bids will not be accepted. Bidders are responsible for obtaining all addenda from the District’s PlanetBids portal. If any Addendum issued by the District is not acknowledged online by the Bidder, the PlanetBids system may prevent the Bidder from submitting a Bid Proposal.
Bids shall be valid for sixty (60) calendar days after the bid opening date. The date and time for receiving bids shall be extended by no less than 72 hours if the officer, department, or Project Manager issues any material changes, additions, or deletions to the invitation later than 72 hours prior to the bid closing. Any bids received after the time specified above or any extension due to material changes shall be returned unopened.
Project Description: The Project entails the rehabilitation (lining) of 93 existing sewer manholes. All locations of the manholes are within the Montecito Sanitary District Boundary and the County of Santa Barbara.
Project documents for the work are available to prospective bidders through the District’s PlanetBids Portal website at www.montsan.org/bids.
In accordance with the provisions of California Public Contract Code § 3300, and Business and Professions Code § 7028.15(e), the contractor and any subcontractors shall be licensed by the contractors’ state licensing board and registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations at the time the contract is awarded. Failure to possess the specified license shall render a bidder’s bid as non-responsive and shall bar award of the contract to any bidder not possessing the specified license at the time of the award.
Pursuant to California Civil Code § 9550, a payment bond is required to be submitted for all projects estimated in excess of $25,000.00.
The proposed project is a public works project subject to the provisions of Labor Code § 1720 thereby requiring the Contractor to pay the prevailing wage rates for all work performed under the Contract. In addition, the Contractor shall be responsible for compliance with the requirements of Section 1777.5 of the California Labor Code relating to apprentice public works contracts.
The District reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
There will be mandatory pre-bid conferences on Monday August 5, at 10:00 a.m. and on Tuesday August 20, at 10:00 a.m. located at the Montecito Sanitary District Board Room, 1042 Monte Cristo Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Bidders must attend one of the two pre-bid conferences as a requirement for submittal of a bid proposal.
If you have any questions, please contact the District’s Engineering Manager, Bryce Swetek, P.E., at bswetek@montsan.org
MONTECITO SANITARY DISTRICT John Weigold General Manager
PUBLISHED:
• PlanetBids: July 24, 2024
• Montecito Journal, July 24, July 31, and August 14, 2024
within named seller that a bulk sale is about to be made of the assets described below: Nature’s Own Gallery, INC., a California corporation, 217 C Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 . The names and business addresses of the buyer are: ZEPHYR MOON, LLC, a California limited liability company, 315 Meigs Road, A-148, Santa Barbara, CA 93109 . The general description of the assets
to be sold: Inventory of stock, goodwill, improvements, and furniture, fixtures and equipment for that certain business located at: 217 C Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. The business name used by the seller at that location is: Nature’s Own Gallery. The anticipated date of the bulk sale is August 30, 2024, at the offices of Secured Trust Escrow, 21111 Victor Street, Torrance, CA 90503, Escrow
No. BU-3619-YL. This bulk sale is subject to California Uniform Commercial Code Section 6102.2. If so subject, the name and address of the person with whom claims may be filed is: Secured Trust Escrow, 21111 Victor Street, Torrance, CA 90503, Escrow No. BU-3619-YL and the last date for filing claims shall be August 29, 2024 which is the business day before the sale date specified above. Published August 14, 21, 2024.
That’s partly because Theatricum Botanicum takes pains to work with actors who have the rhetorical training that enables them to stress the words that are the most important and let “the superfluous stuff” fall to the side, Geer said. “The storyline sticks in your brain and you can really relate to the characters.”
The company also smartly edits each play to cut out references of half a millennium ago, and language so arcane as to be indecipherable.
“You don’t need to say everything in a Shakespeare play,” Geer said. “You don’t want to lose people because of things that aren’t pertinent nowadays. You want to keep it nice and trim and lean so that you stick with what the point of the whole play is.”
Which is pretty simple when it comes to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as much of the words are set in verse, she said. “It’s a lot easier to hear and follow. It’s almost like a fun pop song.”
Theatricum’s Dream will be followed by UCSB’s award-winning student company Naked Shakes, staging performances of Much Ado About Nothing directed by founder Irwin Appel on September 6 and 8 – when the focus will decidedly be more on the language. Audiences can enjoy both approaches in the same setting of Godric Grove.
“We are planting the seeds of Shakespeare in Elings Park. Our hope is to bring the Bard back to the Park every summer,” said Elings executive director Dean Noble “Summer Shakespeare could become the next Santa Barbara tradition.”
Geer said her company is certainly game.
“I think it’s the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
Tom’s Elton Tribute: Someone Saved His Life Tonight
There are likely more Elton John tribute acts than Top 10 hits produced by Sir Elton himself over his more than 50-year-career. Page 1 of a Google search yields such bands as Simply Elton, Almost Elton John and Ultimate Elton, as well as Rocket Max, The Rocket Man Show, Crocodile Mock and Elton Jeff & The Honky Cats. But it’s unlikely those singer-pianists credit John’s music with saving their lives the way Tom Cridland does.
Cridland, who calls his act Tom’s Elton Tribute – something akin to an untitled movie script – found himself so drawn to John’s music and learning how to play it that he used the effort as catalyst for a commitment to sobriety after serious time as an alcoholic. Cridland was a fashion designer with a self-named brand who developed the pointedly sustainable 30 Year Collection as an antidote to fast fashion, which connected him to movie and rock stars. He later got involved with his own original music, and a few years ago started a podcast called the Greatest Music of All Time. But it was during the pandemic that he latched onto an idea to learn how to play piano and study John’s songs that has led to his current gig.
“I didn’t go to rehab or do anything else but throw myself into music,” Cridland explained. “Learning piano so I could perform Elton’s music was like a carrot and stick situation to stay sober. It’s straight from the heart in that sense that I’m a genuine longtime fan – especially of the way he does things live, which I’ve studied through going to so many of his shows. It feels very natural.”
At first, when live shows resumed, Cridland said he simply focused on playing the music, performing in saloons and beer fests without dressing up like the rock star.
“I was looking down at my hands all the time, and I didn’t wear flamboyant outfits or sunglasses,” he said. “I didn’t have any showmanship at all.”
But within a matter of months, things clicked, and now Cridland has embraced John’s performing persona in full, leading to gigs in larger places, including playing to over 1,500 people at McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre in Texas.
Cridland and Tom’s Elton Tribute will make their Santa Barbara debut in a concert at the Granada on August 18 that was originally scheduled for March. In the interim, he got to perform at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, the same venue where Elton John debuted in the United States in 1970.
“That was absolutely a bucket list moment,” he said. “I was really nervous at first.”
The Granada show will feature both a bevy of hits – “Bennie and the Jets,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Rocket Man,” “Candle in the Wind,” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” “I’m Still Standing,” “Crocodile Rock,” and “Your Song,” to name a few – plus deeper cuts like “Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding” and “Burn Down the Mission” from Tumbleweed Connection.
While he’s having a great time, Cridland doesn’t know if the tribute show will continue to take over his life’s work.
“I’m still doing the podcast, the clothing line, and I have just finished producing the new record by the Stylistics featuring Elton John’s drummer Nigel Olsson, a friend for years from fashion, and guitarist Davey Johnstone,” he said. “I’m trying to evolve the best I can all the time. It’s day-to-day. But what keeps me sane the most is playing this music live, as strange as it sounds, traveling and playing these shows.”
Cornucopia of Cabarets
Ensemble Theatre’s Pay It Forward: Legends of Broadway benefit event last weekend was a smashing success, a sold-out soirée of song which even had some special surprises, including an appearance by the Gay Men’s Chorus augmenting the half-dozen veterans of the New York stage, screen and TV as they all celebrated the music of 10 of Broadway’s most influential composers. Highlights included a clever mashup/medley of three Andrew Lloyd Webber love songs, and a seriously scintillating showstopper of Anthony Fedorov belting out “Heaven on Their Minds” from Jesus Christ Superstar. Youth singers were more than a charming part of the concert, as the proceeds go to ETC’s education programs. For another Broadway-based musical review with an even more local flavor – and many more youngsters – check out Lights Up! Theatre Company’s Summer Lights Cabaret on Monday, August 19, at Center Stage Theatre. The fun-filled fundraiser for the seven-year-old youth company features past and present Lights Up! actors taking to the stage to sing both solo and group performances with live accompaniment, plus improv skits, games, memorable moments from previous LU shows and a teaser of what’s coming up in the 2024-25 season. Happy hour with hors d’oeuvres out on the spacious terrace above the El Paseo complex kicks off the evening. Visit www. lightsupsb.com or https://centerstagetheater.org.
Songs at sea come courtesy of the Condor Express in the next periodic Broadway Musical cruise set for early evening on August 17. Singers Deborah Bertling and Brian Hotchkin are joined by pianist/producer Renée Hamaty on deck for a cabaret-style performance of selections from West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, My Fair Lady, Camelot and other musical classics. Complimentary appetizers and a no-host bar are included in the boarding pass for the 71-foot quad-jet-powered catamaran. Visit www.condorexpress.com/ broadway-cruise.
Finally, there’s Cabaret itself, PCPA’s big summer show, which brings the hit musical’s Kit Kat Klub to Solvang, where the denizens of the decadent Weimar Republic-era nightspot perform the Kander & Ebb musical outdoors under the stars at the Festival Theatre through August 25. Visit www.pcpa.org.
Steven Libowitz has covered a plethora of topics for the Journal since 1997, and now leads our extensive arts and entertainment coverage
Tom Cridland brings Elton in full form to the Granada (courtesy photo)
Cabaret on the sea is coming to the Condor Express and Cabaret on the stage will be in Solvang (courtesy photo)
fraîche, was a trencherman’s delight.
Wrapping the dinner was a light lemon curd tart with Goleta lemon, Italian meringue, and berries.
Given a family emergency, Chef Seitour left the kitchen in the charge of the more than capable sous-chef Carlos Villegas with Stephanie Perkins, who formerly worked in the Funk Zone for Sherry Villanueva’s Acme Hospitality, perfectly managing the restaurant.
Local Home Sold
Ellen DeGeneres and actress wife Portia de Rossi have sold their sprawling Carpinteria spread for a hefty $96 million.
The dynamic duo purchased the 20-acre property in 2022 for $70 million, at the time one of the largest real estate deals in Santa Barbara County.
Property records obtained by the Wall Street Journal show they sold the bluff-top home less than two years later to an entity tied to mining magnate Robert Friedland
When Ellen bought the 1919 Tuscanstyle home in Carpinteria it stood on 9,000 square feet with five bedrooms and eight bathrooms on three levels.
They also bought a second vacant three-acre lot next door for $6 million.
Expanding the Portfolio
Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison, who has a home in our Eden by the Beach, has scooped up a luxury 300-room waterfront resort just south of Palm Beach, boosting a real estate empire that stretches from the East Coast to Hawaii.
Ellison, one of the world’s richest men with an estimated $162 billion net worth, according to Forbes, purchased the Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa in Manalapan –a 1950s era property that was a playground for Vanderbilts, Roosevelts and Fords – for reportedly more than $300 million.
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The Oracle co-founder bought the property from the London-based Lewis Trust group, who have owned the resort since 2003.
Ellison splashed out $173 million for a residential property in Manalapan two years ago when he broke Florida’s record for the priciest such buy in its history. His extensive property empire also includes the Hawaiian island of Lanai, as well as locales like the Nobu hotels in Malibu and Palo Alto.
On the Way to Colombia
Prince Harry and his actress wife Meghan Markle will travel to Colombia later this week at the invitation of the nation’s Vice President Francia Márquez.
The tony twosome will visit the South American country to “engage with teachers, youth, and women” and “to experience the rich heritage of Colombia.”
The trip will precede November’s Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogotá. The Sussexes are campaigning to end cyber bullying and online exploitation.
During the trip the Riven Rock couple will visit Bogota, as well as the Caribbean and Pacific regions of Cartagena and Cali.
The Things Dreams Are Made of
Montecito actor Rob Lowe says it was “a nightmare” working with his son, John Owen, 28, on their Netflix series Unstable because he thought he was “going to cure cancer, not become an actor.”
During an appearance on ABC’s The View, Lowe joked his son could have worked at Jamba Juice instead of attending Stanford University where he studied Science Technology.
Referring to the TV series Unstable, which helped the father-son duo bond over their sobriety, Rob was asked if it was a dream being on-air with his son.
“No, dream? It was a nightmare!” he replied. “You have to understand I sent this kid to Stanford. I wrote the check.
“I mean, if he wanted to be an actor, he could have worked at Jamba Juice,” as John Owen grinned awkwardly beside him.
“He could have saved me a lot of money!”
On a Roll
Santa Barbara warbler Katy Perry swears by lint rollers.
She reveals all in British Vogue’s ‘In the Bag’ series, saying the rollers keep her outfits “pristine.”
“I swear by them,” says for the former Dos Pueblos High student.
“I even roll the bottom of my feet before I get into bed. Isn’t that weird?”
Et tu Telinum?
If you’re fed up with Old Spice, try the fragrance used by Emperor Julius Caesar, which has been replicated more than 2,000 years after his death.
The Roman dictator, who reigned from 46 through 44 BC, was thought to use a scent called “Telinum,” made from a mixture of flowers, fruits, oils, and even ‘gladiator sweat.’
Scientists combed through historical accounts of Caesar before trying to recreate it themselves with a mix of mint, rose, lemon, bergamot, lavender, jasmine, water lily, violet, cedarwood, and amber.
The research team at the Scent Culture and Tourism Association (SCTA) recreated the gladiator sweat using patchouli, a type of flowering plant with an earthy musk scent famous for its intoxicatingly rich bouquet.
The Caesarian fragrance is set to go on sale in Turkey, France, and Italy in October, price unknown.
As for me, I’ll stick to Christian Dior’s Eau Sauvage Extreme, which I’ve used for decades and which I’m pleased to note from Prince Harry’s autobiography Spare is also used by his father King Charles III
On Board with the Choral Society
Two new members have joined the board of the Santa Barbara Choral Society – Dr. Lawrence M. Schecter and singer Susan Renehan
Schecter, a teacher, mentor, innovator and humanist, has added coaching and consulting to his impressive career in the healthcare industry.
He was chief medical officer in hospitals in Santa Monica and an associate professor of surgery at UCLA School
of Medicine. He is also associate dean at Washington State University College of Medicine.
Renehan has been a singer-member of the choral society since 2020. She is director of philanthropy and external affairs at Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County. She previously served in a development role as staffer at MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.
Sightings
Actor Chris Pratt at Pierre Lafond... The Weakest Link host Jane Lynch noshing at Jeannine’s... Warbler Katy Perry and British actor fiancé Orlando Bloom frolicking in Sardinia. 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
Larry Ellison buys luxury Florida resort (photo by Oracle PR Hartmann Studios via Wikimedia Commons)
Dr. Lawrence M. Schecter (courtesy photo)
Susan Renehan (courtesy photo)
Forever in the Background) [2020]. It’s a self-portrait and we got it right out of his studio. Many who view it are affected by the work for various reasons.
Tell us about the new exhibit…
Many of the acquisitions have come in the last four years, another portion ten years ago, and a few gifts that date back to 1970s. The inspiration was from a quote attributed to Gertrude Stein, “You can be a museum, or you can be modern, but you cannot be both.” I thought that was a provocation. I think if you if you can accept that contemporary art is always evolving and changing and you’re always going to be behind the curve, then it’s art in the making, and that is the title of exhibit and what we are showing.
411: www.sbma.net
Ryan Power New Executive Director at Montecito YMCA
The Channel Islands YMCA has appointed Ryan Power as the new Executive Director of the Montecito Family YMCA. Power brings a breadth of experience in recreational management, having worked as the General Manager at La Costa Beach & Tennis Club, the Operations Manager at Pierpont Racquet Club, and leadership positions with the City of Ventura, the City of Malibu and Conejo Recreation & Park District. His knowledge base includes youth programs, aquatics, and group fitness. He holds a BA in Education from Cal State Channel Islands.
In his position, Power will continue to foster community relationships with local schools, and the Y’s partnership with Montecito Unified School District and the Adelante Charter Schools.
I met with Power at the Montecito Family Y, where we talked about his goals and excitement for the organization in conjunction with our town. He asked me to walk the property with him while pointed out areas he is planning to implement. As a dedicated yoga practitioner, he is planning to enhance that at the Y, along with adding Tai Chi, a pickleball court complete with coaching programs and tournaments, and increased community awareness of the Y’s swimming pool, which features a family swim area, lap lanes and swim lesson lane. Power will also be looking at enhancing mental health and senior programs, and increasing programs for locally underserved kids for summer and after school.
Here are the highlights of our conversation:
Q. What are your goals through 2024 and 2025?
A. With the support of our Board of Directors, the Montecito Rotary Club, and our dedicated members and staff, we were able to gather 210 backpacks and $2,000 worth of school supplies for Adelante Charter School. We ran an enriching and exciting summer camp program there and this will be a great way to see those kids off to a great start for the school year.
We are always adding more and more to our group fitness calendar, and over the next month we will be debuting classes, including Tai Chi and Les Mills’ BODYPUMP –which incorporates barbells for a high energy work out
I began my role here shortly after a membership survey revealed strong enthusiasm for pickleball. I’m very happy to share that we’ll be adding this great sport to our facility offering open play, clinics, tournaments, and more to meet that membership demand.
I am excited that we currently have spaces open in our preschool. As a parent I know how hard it is to get childcare and our on-site Preschool program benefits from access to swim lessons, dance classes, yoga and more.
Your top focus for the Y?
The big picture is we are currently working on our long-term strategic plan. We are in the phase right now of interviewing stakeholders and gathering key data to inform the status of community needs and how we can best serve. We will remain committed to our key priorities: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. However, I do think that our new plan will incorporate belonging and bridge building. Loneliness and isolation are real issues for the health of individuals and communities. The YMCA is well-positioned to make an impact and create connections.
What is the CIYMCA Board’s focus for the Montecito Y?
We are fortunate to have a dedicated board led by our Chair, Gabby Garcia. Gabby and I have two visions for this year. The first is to strengthen our volunteer board by recruiting new and diverse talent. We have many goals we want to achieve, including future building and program expansion, and adding new talents and skills to the team will be important. Second, we have plans to be more visible in our community through events and outreach. We want to ensure that we are meeting community needs, expanding partnerships, and ensuring that the YMCA is seen as one of the best charities in the community.
Your plan for local support and funding?
We raise funds annually to support our operations, mission-based programs, and financial assistance for those who cannot afford the cost of programs. This year our goal is to raise $120,000. Our nonprofit is here to serve the community, but in order to do that, we need community support. The more we raise, the more we can achieve together. We need the support of local foundations, businesses, and individuals to meet our goal and ensure that programs like Livestrong for cancer survivors remain free of charge and that our preschool remains open to families who cannot afford care independently. Donations also help fund scholarships for membership and programs for individuals and families from all over.
What is the coolest thing about your job?
There are many wonderful nonprofits out there, but what sets the YMCA apart is its universal inclusivity. In my daily work, I have the privilege of witnessing the diverse range of people we serve – infants in parent-child swim classes, youth participating in afterschool programs, young adults enjoying the pool, seniors practicing yoga, and everyone in between. Our members come to us for their health and happiness, creating a vibrant and positive work environment. I am truly inspired every day by the impact we make. I am very happy to have had a career that led me to this team at the Montecito Family YMCA. Our team here is very diverse, engaging, knowledgeable, and all care deeply about our members and this special place.
411: www.ciymca.org/montecito
Joanne A Calitri is a professional international photographer and journalist. Contact her at: artraks@ yahoo.com
New Executive Director at the Montecito Family YMCA, Ryan Power (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Calendar of Events
by Steven Libowitz
ENDING THIS WEEK
Free al Fresco Music – OK, this time we mean it: Concerts in the Park really is winding up its free summer series at the Great Meadow in Chase Palm Park. The final added show will be on August 15. Locals The Framers, who began public performances playing the I.V. Del Playa scene, bring their indie-rock thing to the grassy spot across from the beach, where blankets, chairs, and picnics are welcome (although no alcohol is allowed) and dancing is encouraged.
WHEN: 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
Music at the Ranch’s Tuesday night concert series also shuts down for the season after one last blowout bash on August 20 with Spencer the Gardener winding down their midsummer madness. Picnics, blankets and low-backed chairs are encouraged at the tree-lined lakeside space at the Stow House-Rancho La Patera grounds.
WHEN: 5:30-7:30 pm
WHERE: 304 N. Los Carneros Road, Goleta
COST: free
INFO: (805) 681-7216 or www.goletahistory.org/music-at-the-ranch
Also coming to a close is Meet Me in Old Town, a partnership between the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce and the City of Goleta to highlight the attractions of Old Town Goleta. The new-for-2024 community event series is an evening block party on Magnolia Ave. just off the main drag, with live music, games and more family fun. Tequila Mockingbird, who dish up their own signature interpretations of the best classic and modern rock, blues, funk and groove, rock us into the night.
WHEN: 5-7 pm
WHERE: Magnolia Ave. between Hollister and Gaviota St. in Old Town COST: free
Back to ‘Back’ – The Granada seemed to have an interesting idea in creating Santa Bar-
Summer Screenings After Sunset – With the first day of school right around the corner on August 19, it’s the final opportunity to enjoy “Sun, Surf and Cinema,” UCSB Arts & Lectures’ free screenings at the sumptuous setting of the County Courthouse Sunken Gardens without any homework hanging over students’ heads. The uber-popular series, which takes place every Friday evening under the stars, draws thousands of film-loving folks to the space, so if the movie isn’t to your liking, you can stare at the clocktower and the amazing Spanish style architecture as the sky darkens and the moon rises. August 16: Mamma Mia! the irresistible ABBA-song filled musical adventure that finds a bride-to-be attempting to solve the mystery of her paternity by inviting three men from her mother’s past to crash her destination wedding. Crazy Rich Asians closes things out on August 23.
WHEN: 8:30 pm
WHERE: Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens, 1100 Anacapa St.
COST: free
INFO: www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15
Attacking Shark Antipathy – We already saw the original and scariest shark attack film earlier this summer when Jaws opened the UCSB screenings at the Courthouse. Tonight’s presentation from the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum examines the efforts to counteract the common fear and terror of sharks – which only worsened after that movie. The Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series “Protecting White Sharks Off California: Thirty Years Later” features Dr. Chris Lowe, Marine Biologist and director of the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach. The lab operates along nearly 600 miles of coastline, working to ensure safe coexistence with white sharks while emphasizing education and public safety. Lowe will talk about Shark Lab’s research and successful conservation efforts over the past three decades, highlighting how advancements in technology such as drones, underwater cameras, and acoustic and satellite telemetry techniques help them study the movement, behavior and physiology to deepen scientists’ understanding of the great fish’s world.
WHEN: 7 pm
WHERE: 113 Harbor Way, Ste 190
COST: $20 (discounts for members)
INFO: (805) 962-8404 or www.sbmm.org
bara Home Movies: Films by Artists and Performers Who Call Santa Barbara Home as part of their Granada Centennial film series. The idea of paying tribute to legendary Oscar-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis for a month of Saturdays also had some merit, marking the Montecito auteur’s achievements while reminding people of the Granada’s early days as a first-run movie palace. The problem is, unless you’ve got a good reason for folks to get up off the couch, it’s hard to draw an audience for films you can readily screen on your 70” mammoth HD set at home. Zemeckis, a 33-year Montecito resident, showed up for a Q&A for opening night’s Romancing the Stone, but there are no guests for weeks two or three. But I’m here to tell ya, the original Back to the Future is a fantastic film, a comedic redemption story in the guise of a (slightly) science fiction epic. Even if you weren’t alive in the 1950s, how do you not feel wistful when Marty’s first arrival finds him moseying into town to the innocent sounds of “Mr. Sandman”? Or chuckle when Marty amends how he starts to address his father 30 years in the past as “Dad, dad… daddio?” So yeah, you could watch it on Netflix whenever you want, but this movie was meant to be seen on the big screen, immersing yourself in the film while surrounded by other like-minded appreciators. And with the reduced pricing, it only cost a buck more than renting it on other streamers.
WHEN: 7 pm
WHERE: Granada Theatre, 1214 State Street
COST: $5
INFO: (805) 899-2222/www.granadasb.org or (805) 893-3535/https:// artsandlectures.ucsb.edu
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
Improving podcasts? Lovett! – TV Santa Barbara is gearing up to celebrate its 50th year as the region’s only community media access center with an ongoing speaker series that will culminate with a visit from travel authority Rick Steves in February. But first, social media mainstay and podcast host Evan Lovett is coming to town to share his insights on “What Makes a Podcast Successful?” Lovett, whose In a Minute with Evan Lovett attracted 10,000 weekly listeners in less than a year, will discuss how podcasts can stand out from the nearly 200,000 active competitors in the country by focusing on the basics. He’ll talk about using proper equipment and production techniques, both visualizing long-term outlook and executing each specific episode with care, handling obstacles and challenges, and evolving while staying true to the foundation established from the show’s inception.
WHEN: 5:30-7 pm
WHERE: TVSB studios, 1219 State St. COST: $20
INFO: (805) 571-1721 or https://tvsb.tv
Constitutional Unconventional – Don’t come to the Ensemble Theatre’s show this weekend if you care more about sound bites than substance, insults vs. insights, or, even more importantly, being right vs. civil rights. That’s because What the Constitution Means to Me – the timeliest piece of theater you might ever see in your lifetime –actually tackles tough subjects politicians generally avoid. The show is largely comprised of thoughtful discussion on issues that matter, such as sexual and physical violence, slavery, mental health and suicide, homophobia, abortion and sexuality. A refresher on the U.S. Constitution that’s also wildly entertaining, hilarious, and ultimately hopeful, the double Tony Award nominee and Pulitzer Prize finalist has its star (Stacy Stoltz) embodying the playwright Heidi Schreck’s teenage self, back when she earned her college tuition by winning constitutional debate competitions across the country. Along the way, she traces the profound impact of our nation’s founding document – not just on her own life, but on the past four generations of women in her family – and why it still matters. What the Constitution Means also has two local kids playing Heidi’s debate opponents, and even incorporates the audience. Go see it, and then, if you haven’t already, go register to vote.
WHEN: 7:30 pm August 15-17, plus 2 pm August 17-18
WHERE: New Vic Theater, 33 W. Victoria St.
COST: $30, free for students
INFO: (805) 965-5400 or www.etcsb.org
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
‘Colors of Love’ – Yulia Maluta and Transform Through Arts present the ninth annual Colors of Love Dance Show at Center Stage Theater, a showcase celebration of cultures and unity, and featuring live dancers and singers to the intimate black box theater in Paseo Nuevo. The variety dance show boasts a bevy of professional dancers and singers who come together to blend their unique talents into a powerful expression of love. Among the styles incorporated by the various acts are Latin dance, belly dance, Argentine tango, samba, flamenco and many more. R&B singer-songwriter Terrill Wiliams Carter is this edition’s featured vocalist. The show itself is dedicated to empowerment of women, and honoring Mother Earth and humanity, with the aim that the audience experiences mystery, vivacious energy, tender sensuality, exquisite beauty and infectious passion being transformed into a new sense of aliveness. All are invited to indulge your senses, your ears and your heart with the marvelous magic of dance and live music. WHEN: 8 pm
WHERE: Center Stage Theatre, 751 Paseo Nuevo, second floor COST: $35 in advance, $40 at the door; students $25 INFO: (805) 963-0408 or https://centerstagetheater.org
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18
More Muñoz Music – Long time Santa Barbara resident Luis Muñoz left town about four years ago to settle in Arizona for family obligations, but his heart partially remains here in the Costa Rica native’s adopted hometown. Muñoz makes his way back to SOhO, his old local stomping grounds, for a concert that covers two celebrations: his birthday, and the release of his new album, Glimmering Path. Muñoz will be performing the new project in its entirety along with other selections, with the composer-percussionist-vocalist accompanied by longtime musical compatriots singer Lois Mahalia, bassist Randy Tico, guitarist Daniel Zimmerman, and keyboardist George Friedenthal
WHEN: 7 pm
WHERE: SOhO Restaurant & Music Club, 1221 State Street
COST: $20
INFO: (805) 962-7776 or www.sohosb.com
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At OsteoStrong our proven non-drug protocol takes just ten minutes once a week to improve your bone density and aid in more energy, strength, balance and agility. Please call for a complimentary session! Call Now (805) 453-6086
AUTOMOBILES WANTED
We buy Classic Cars Running or not. Foreign/Domestic Chevy/Ford/Porsche/Mercedes/Etc. We come to you. Call Steven - 805-699-0684 Website – Avantiauto.group AVAILABLE CAREGIVER
Trusted, Experienced Caregiver, CA State registered and background checked. Vaccinated. Loving and caring provides transportation, medications, etc. Lina 805-940-6888
CARPET CLEANING
Carpet Cleaning Since 1978 (805) 963-5304 Rafael Mendez Cell: 689-8397 or 963-3117
ELECTRICIAN
Montecito Electric Repairs and Inspections Licensed C10485353 805-969-1575
Bouchard Electric Lic #794284 C-10 415-499-2203
TILE SETTING
Local tile setter of 35 years is now doing small jobs only. Services include grout cleaning and repair, caulking, sealing, replacing damaged tiles and basic plumbing needs. Call Doug Watts at 805-729-3211 for a free estimate.
AVAILABLE FOR RENT
Montecito Home. $30,000 per month. 4 BD 4 BTH – attached Nanny’s Quarters + Guest House. Minimum of 2 years lease. (310) 498-0315.
Car Storage – Secure, Private. OR Private Art Studio – Includes bathroom access.
Near S.B. Mission, $650.00 per month. Call Chris (310) 570-7700 or cb@yesworldwide.com
Stunning Montecito direct oceanfront condo for rent September. One bedroom and one-half bath. Completely redone. Text/ Call (312) 952-1519
PERSONAL SERVICES
Tell Your Story
How did you get to be where you are today? What were your challenges? What is your Love Story? I can help you tell your story in an unforgettable way – with a book that will live on for many generations. The books I write are as thorough and entertaining as acclaimed biographies you’ve read. I also assist with books you write – planning, editing and publishing. David Wilk. Great references. (805) 4555980 www.BiographyDavidWilk.com
It’s simple. Charge is $3 per line, each line with 31 characters. Minimum is $10 per issue. Photo/logo/visual is an additional $20 per issue. Email Classified Ad to frontdesk@montecitojournal.net or call (805) 565-1860. All ads must be finalized by Friday at 2pm the week prior to printing. We accept Visa/MasterCard/Amex (3%
