Legends of the Granada

del Herrero

APPOINTMENTS

Dream. Design. Build. Live.

412 E. Haley St. #3, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805.965.9555 | frontdesk@beckercon.com| www.beckerstudiosinc.com @beckerstudios

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

5 Granada Legends – In the midst of its centennial celebration, the Granada’s signature gala honors two key voices that have made the theater sing

Beings & Doings – Kerrilee Gore left home at 18 to try her hand at pure, ceaseless artistry. It worked.

Montecito Miscellany – A love regatta, Rockwood’s Wild Night Out, the Hilton has a FurBall, and more miscellany 10 Meeting at MA – The Land Use Committee meets to discuss the issues surrounding the Montecito Hot Springs Tide Guide 11 In Passing – Remembering the life of architectural lighting designer, wife, mother, artist, and mentor: Ann Kale

12

Our Town – Casa del Herrero receives its largest one-time grant (with a caveat), Soul Bites needs the community’s help and how to support other Black-owned businesses 14 Society Invites – SEE International will celebrate 50 years of eye opening work at its upcoming Golden Gala 16 On Entertainment – The Father on Center Stage, 50 years of the Planned Parenthood book sale, a long sip of Poe, Jenna Tico’s Cancer Moon, and more

Brilliant Thoughts – You can bet on Ashleigh’s thoughts surrounding country music and “The Gambler” being worth the read

20 Dear Montecito – One artist’s journey took her from Moscow to Montecito and from an economics to an art major

22 Elizabeth’s Appraisals – An antique floor lamp illuminates a story of early electricity and one skilled craftsman’s work

24 An Independent Mind – With the upcoming presidential elections, Jeffrey examines major policy topics, with trade the first to be discussed

28 On Community – The artists are out and ready to support the Storyteller Children’s Center ahead of their annual gala

30 Santa Barbara by the Glass – The iconic wine-fueled movie Sideways turns 20 and the Santa Ynez Valley and actress Virginia Madsen are here to celebrate it

32 Your Westmont – The observatory opens for a lunar event, sociologist examines benefits of attending church, and a men’s soccer player gets his kicks

33 The Optimist Daily – The U.S. National Park system is getting a boost through the biggest donation its foundation has ever seen

40 Calendar of Events – A Miraflores SCAPE, Coldplay by candlelight, Marley’s Ghost at SOhO, and other happenings

42 Classifieds – Our own “Craigslist” of classified ads

Photography: Spenser Bruce

Granada Legends

Joan Rutkowski and Susan Gulbransen:

Legends of the Granada

by Steven Libowitz

After seven years of following a broad format for its annual Granada Legends gala, the performing arts venue is turning its attention inward for this year’s fundraising event. Previous galas have called attention to the region’s rich and interconnected cultural heritage of artists, organizations and philanthropists, as the event each year honored one of its eight partner presenting organizations, an entertainer or other arts-related local, and a philanthropist who has supported both the venue and the arts in general in Santa Barbara.

But as part of its ongoing centennial celebration, the Granada’s major fundraising event has actually chosen itself as the focus, as the 8th annual Granada Legends is honoring two of the Granada’s own legendary ladies in visionaries Joan Rutkowski and Susan Gulbransen. The two founding board members’ tireless efforts not only paved the way but persevered throughout the entire massive restoration project that turned what was a somewhat neglected trifurcated movie house into the gleaming jewel of Santa Barbara’s downtown performing arts hub. The project began in 1998 with the original concept to create a brand-new performing arts complex, before morph-

ing into purchasing and renovating the Granada – a “renovation” which ended up being more of a gut it to the studs and start all over process. The project culminated more than $50 million dollars later with the grand reopening in 2008.

“It was Joan and Susan who kept this idea alive and moving forward,” said Jill Seltzer, Vice President for Advancement at the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts, the official owners of the Granada. “They were the ones who were able to attract financial supporters (Michael Towbes, Sarah and Roger Chrisman, Sara Miller McCune and others), as well as a group of civic leaders who worked to make it all happen. Our 100th anniversary is a great time to make sure that we honor the two women who kept the idea afloat.”

Underscoring that sentiment, Palmer Jackson, Jr. – the Granada’s Executive Chairman and current Chairman of the Board – put it very succinctly: “They were absolutely the driving force all along. It definitely wouldn’t have happened without them.”

Rutkowski, who was on the board of the Santa Barbara Symphony in the 1990s, said the concept came about because of the challenging acoustics at the ensemble’s then-home of the Arlington Theatre.

from 10am - 2pm

The Granada has long been a cultural hub of Santa Barbara and was elevated to a world class institution after its 2006 renovation (courtesy photo)

Beings & Doings

Shimmy Shimmy: Kerrilee’s Goal is Exaltation

by Jeff Wing

The decorous sunken lawn in front of Pierre Lafond is ordinarily a still point of shade-dappled peace, the calming eye of any given day’s hurricane. The trees lean in with leafy solicitude, birdsong seasons the scented air, and the good people of Montecito engage in lively conversation, gesturing and gabbing. Into this bucolic set piece we drop the improbable Kerrilee Gore, a loquacious, gamma-flinging dynamo.

“You’ll see the lost, but you will somehow feel found,” she says excitedly, and her intensity charges the air. Gore – a playwright, dancer, and argonaut – is in the throes. It’s a lovely thing. “You’ll be turned on to parts of your mind you may not have known existed. Your heart may pound with a strange, haunting charm. You’ll dig deep and find the forgotten part of you – but you will feel…” In the grassy background a couple of caffeinated terriers have stopped their manic tail-chasing and are momentarily staring this way. If our pets really can perceive our auras, Kerrilee’s seems to be of the terrier-stunning variety. I’m picturing her energy field as a Roy Lichtenstein KAPOW! in pulsating midnight blue.

Kerrilee Gore is an Artist, yes – but may be better understood as a solar flare in human form. A fiercely creative polymorph who fled her Massachusetts hometown at 18 to wholly reinvent herself, Gore the artist has long been beholden to one idea: throwing fuel on the fire of human exaltation. There are few performance avenues she hasn’t explored in pursuit of this talisman. Her themes sing the oblique, twilit corners of the human pageant.

“Everyone always views me as this bright, cheery, blonde girl,” Gore says cheerily, with suitably furrowed brow. “But I’ve always loved dark and sexy.” She quickly reconnoiters. “I like sexy, not racy. And I don’t like raunchy. I gravitate to haunting, strange, dark… outlier things – it’s in the way I dress, it’s in the music I prefer.” Like many a Montecito mom (yeah), Kerrilee Gore loves Throbbing Gristle, for instance. This is not a culinary reference.

When the Lights Go Out (the virtues of freefall)

A Kerrilee Gore/Shimmy Shimmy production bends the metronome of daily

life, the mesmerizing timekeeper under whose spell we check the mail, tie our shoes, and placidly make endless egg salad sandwiches. Strange and gorgeous truths burble just under the neatly polished Formica® surface of things, and this is Gore’s artistic landscape. “It can be about making people feel uncomfortable – in a good way,” Gore says. “Everybody needs that. It makes you think about a friend, it makes you think about yourself, about what we’re all going through.” Under Gore’s proscenium things happen. Unpredictable things. Her stage productions can be like the towering thrill ride your friend cajoled you into boarding – an interval of corkscrewing, gasping, plunging rocket sled panic followed by Oh my G*d!! LET’S GO AGAIN! The spirit-tweaking virtues of freefall can’t be overstated.

Gore’s signature piece is an unclassifiable multimedia stage extravaganza called When the Lights Go Out. Created, Written, and Directed by Gore – with Choreography & Dance Direction by Jason and Valeree Young of 8 & 1 Creative – and born once upon a time of Gore’s fraught artistic journey, the show is a sort of living emblem of the artist’s willful rebirth. As an elaborately staged performance piece, When the Lights Go Out may be best described as a Cabaret of the Id.

Tireless Artist Kerrilee Gore stylishly tearing her hair (photo by Travis Shinn)

Montecito Miscellany

The Love Boat(s)

by Richard Mineards

Atidal wave of generosity swept over the 149-year-old Santa Barbara Yacht Club for the 20th anniversary Yachts of Love regatta which was expected to raise $120,000 for 113-yearold VNA Health – formerly known as Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care. More

than 400 guests attended, many taking to the cooling waves on members’ yachts.

The nautical jolly, which since its inception two decades ago has raised more than $2.5 million, was co-chaired by Francie Lufkin and Nick Sebastian

Before the starting gun sent the 30-plus racers on their way, David Gonzalez sang the national anthem, and there was a harbor patrol paddle board salute. The

event’s emcee was David Moorman

Among those enjoying a day on the Pacific waves were Sigrid Toye, Trish Davis, Bill and Shari Guilfoyle, Jack and Karen Byers , Jeff and Becky Berkus , Alixe Mattingly , Mayor Randy Rowse, former Mayor Helene Schneider, Brenda Blalock and Alan Porter, Dick and Mary Compton, and Fred and Sarah Kass

A Wild Night Out at the Rockwood

The party animals were out in force when the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network hosted A Wild Night Out at the Rockwood Woman’s Club. 200 creatively garbed guests raised around $150,000 for the popular Goleta-based organization, which has an annual budget of $2.5 million.

The fun fête, emceed by auctioneer Nick Di Nieri, also featured actor Elijah Alexander reading campfire stories.

Animal lovers turning out included executive director Ariana Katovich , Gretchen Lieff , Connie Pearcy , Roland Bryan , Paulo Lima , Chris Brown , Ian Shive , Dan and Robin Cerf , and Maria McCall .

Miscellany Page 344

“It’s

SBYC Commodore Dennis Boneck and his wife and “Captain” Sandy Boneck (photo by Priscilla)

Lois Mahalia and Hannah Griffin singing a tribute song to all First Responders (photo by Priscilla)

Warner, Mike, and Nicole McGrew, Lailan McGrath, David Moorman, David S., and David Gonzalez (photo by Priscilla)

Meeting at MA

Hot Springs a Hot Topic at September’s Land Use Meeting

by Joanne A Calitri

The Montecito Association Land Use September meeting was held in person at the Montecito Library community room and on Zoom.

The meeting was led by its Chair, Dorinne Lee Johnson. Attendees were the Land Use Committee members: Montecito Association Executive Director, Houghton Hyatt; Chief of Staff for Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams, Darcel Elliott; attorney Joe Cole; Executive Director for The Project for Resilient Communities, Pat McElroy; attorney and Montecito Water District Director Cori Hayman; and via Zoom for comment were Fire Chief David Neels and SBC Public Works Transportation Division Mostafa Estaji

The key presentation was by Cole and McElroy on the Hot Springs Trail issues. Together they formed a new nonprofit called the Santa Barbara Wildfire Protection Team (SBWPT). Cole said they canvassed the Hot Springs Trail neighbors who have been experiencing an increase in crime, vandalism, and issues with parking. McElroy said the SBWPT presented their concerns to Congressman Salud Carbajal and that Carbajal told them he would call a meeting of the stakeholders involved in the area to come together and work out a plan to resolve the issues.

Cole reviewed and updated his cogent report at the February 2024 Montecito Association meeting on the Hot Springs Trail issues with slides and a biologist’s report.

Issues presented and discussed by Cole, McElroy, and Hayman were:

- The urgent need to address the safety of Montecito from potential fires caused by visitors and hikers to the trail and the pools with their illegal use of fire pits, kerosene, tiki lamps and other related fire type items. Additionally, many of these illegal fire uses are after dark. The area is difficult to evacuate should a fire ensue. Any fire in the Hot Springs area has the potential to affect all of Montecito, thus it is a community issue.

- Illegal parking along the East Valley Road

- Illegal removal of parking barriers and signage

- Vandalism and noise

- Approximately 11 mini-pools that are annually re-built by both residents of the area and hikers/campers every year following the natural removal of the said pools by the seasonal rains. They said that it is illegal to rebuild any naturally occurring pool, hot spring, and related water bodies after the water area has been washed over and removed by natural storms.

- There is a large group of stakeholders who manage the area and none take responsibility to monitor it and enforce existing laws to protect the environment, endangered species, and the public from the illegal activities of people on the trail and pool areas.

- Wildlife protection, especially for endangered species, and natural habitat protection in the area.

- Environmental impact of the hikers and people constructing the wading pools and redirecting the natural hot springs to their pools.

- Lack of a mechanism to fine those violating the rules

- Failure of the agencies who have jurisdiction over the area to monitor it and bring their agency rules and regulations to bear on the violators

- The springing up of various unauthorized groups claiming to issue permits, such as the group Stewards of the Hot Springs

- Montecito Fire Protection District cannot enforce anything except to respond to emergencies

- There is a need for 24/7 supervision of the trail

For the stakeholders meeting with Congressman Carbajal, they listed the U.S. Forest Service, CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, SBC Sheriff’s Department, the SBC Board of Supervisors, Montecito Fire Protection District, Montecito Water District, CAL Fire, SBC Fire District, Montecito Trails Foundation, SBC Trails Council, SBC Public Works, Traffic Dept, and related agencies. They indicated the first meeting will be when Carbajal returns to California on October 1 st, and they will be in contact with him.

McElroy emphasized their focus is protection of the area, and not to stop hiking on the trails. Cole said he met with incoming SBC First District Supervisor Roy Lee at the trail head to review the issues. Lee asked him for a plan he can bring to the SBC Board of Supervisors. The need for public education on the issues was discussed, with possible social media information. Cole said their new nonprofit is seeking permits to restore the creek area themselves. Hayman pointed out that the main person violating the hot spring

MONTECITO TIDE GUIDE

pools frequently posts on social media. She asked for a call to action by the Land Use Committee.

Fire Chief Neels stated that his department supports resolving the issues and will attend the meeting with Carbajal. SBC Public Works Transportation Director Estaji explained that their job is implementation of the strategy to keep the parking area safe and clear. Following a Q&A and further discussion, Lee-Jones stated she will present the issues and call to action formally at the next Montecito Association meeting for direction. Two members of the Land Use Committee volunteered to be on the subcommittee.

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

President/COO | Timothy Lennon Buckley tim@montecitojournal.net

Managing Editor | Zach Rosen zach@montecitojournal.net

MoJo Contributing Editor | Christopher Matteo Connor

Art/Production Director | Trent Watanabe

Graphic Design/Layout | Stevie Acuña

Administration | Jessikah Fechner

Administrative Assistant | Kassidy Craner VP, Sales & Marketing | Leanne Wood leanne@montecitojournal.net

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

Contributing Editor | Kelly Mahan Herrick Copy Editor | Lily Buckley Harbin

Proofreading | Helen Buckley Arts and Entertainment | Steven Libowitz

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

Gossip | Richard Mineards

History | Hattie Beresford

Humor | Ernie Witham

Our Town/Society | Joanne A Calitri

Travel | Jerry Dunn, Leslie Westbrook

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

Published by:

Montecito Journal Media Group, LLC

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

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

In Passing Ann Kale

It is with sadness that we mourn the loss of Ann Kale, who lost her battle with cancer on August 11 th. She was surrounded by friends and family to the last and will be forever in their hearts and minds.

Ann, born in Los Angeles, graduated from Cal State San Diego and afterwards accepted an internship in New York City with a preeminent architectural lighting design firm, beginning a career that would span nearly 40 years. She founded Ann Kale Associates in 1987 and became an award winning, nationally recognized architectural lighting designer, ultimately with hundreds of projects to her credit. Ann was a true force of nature, blazing a path in a profession that, at the time, was largely dominated by men. She was a mentor to many and taught lighting design at the Parsons School of Design.

Ann and her architect husband, Bob Kupiec AIA, married in 1990 and lived in Park Slope, Brooklyn. They welcomed their daughter, Julia, in 1997. Ann always planned to return to California and in 2003 made sure Santa Barbara was the place her family landed. Throughout her daughter’s childhood, Ann was active in local school affairs and reveled in orchestrating the “Books for Bedtime” series of musical theater performances at Montecito Union School, a program very popular with the students as well as their parents. As Julia moved on to Santa Barbara Junior High, Ann took on the role of PTA President, continuing her commitment to Public Education.

Ann’s spirit will continue to shine through the spaces she touched, the people she mentored, and the standards of excellence she set.

Ann was great fun to be around. She was a wonderful storyteller and took great pleasure in “growing up with Julia” in the era of Harry Potter, relaying the tales during long drives to their country home in the Berkshires. A dinner in Ann’s home often consisted of her, Bob and Julia play-acting accents and characters for the fun of it... well into Julia’s adulthood. Ann was very pleased that Julia inherited her talents as an artist. They often painted together and have left behind some wonderful canvases that will be cherished. She loved gathering around the fireplace with friends and truly reveled in a spirited game of Hearts… it’s certain that she is shooting-themoon somewhere.

Ann Kale Associates continued to thrive in Santa Barbara and made significant contributions to our community. Over the last 20 years, Ann’s expertise and commitment to design excellence has brightened many of Santa Barbara’s landmark buildings including the Lobero Theatre, Cabrillo Arts Center, the MOXI Children’s Museum, the Music Academy of the West, the Carrillo Recreation Center, Paseo Nuevo and the Hotel Californian to name just a few. Ann’s spirit will continue to shine through the spaces she touched, the people she mentored, and the standards of excellence she set.

Ann is survived by her husband and daughter, her sister Denise, brother Paul, and beloved nieces and nephews – Christopher, Nicole, Curtis, Olivia, Alison, Greta and Sean

There will be a memorial service on September 17th at 2:30 pm in the Mural Room of the Santa Barbara Courthouse… one of her favorite projects. Following the Memorial there will be a Celebration of Life gathering at the Kale-Kupiec home in Montecito.

“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

Trailblazing architectural lighting designer, wife, mother, artist, and mentor: Ann Kale

Our Town Casa del Herrero Awarded Largest One-Time Grant in Its History

by Joanne A Calitri

IThe federal matching grant award means that Casa del Herrero needs to provide $750,000 in matching funds to receive it. The timeline of the grant is three years from the date of its award, August 2024. The sooner the Casa can secure its part of the award funds, the sooner it receives the check from The California Missions Foundation. This will bring the total funds to be used by the Casa for its already slated preservation work to $1.5 million.

In presenting the award, Bolton echoed the statement by Michael H. Imwalle, Chairman of the CMF Board of Directors:

n a press conference on Monday, September 9, David Bolton , Executive Director of The California Missions Foundation, presented a prestigious $750,000 matching grant award to Board of Trustees President Heather Biles and Executive Director of Casa del Herrero Rose Rafferty for preservation work at Casa del Herrero. The grant is awarded from the Department of the Interior and National Park Service’s Save America’s Treasures grant program and administered by the California Missions Foundation (CMF). The grant is specifically for preservation and conservation work at Casa del Herrero, a designated National Historic Property. Joining the check presentation at Casa del Herrero were CMF Director of Development & Administration Dorian Belmonte, its Board of Trustee members, in particular Mari McAlister who was instrumental in introducing Bolton to the Casa, and Elizabeth McGovern who worked with Bolton on the grant, and the Casa development team.

international series

AT THE GRANADA THEATRE

SEASON SPONSOR: SAGE PUBLISHING

MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2024, 7:30PM LOS ANGELES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Jaime Martín, Music Director Thomas Bauer, baritone

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2024, 7:30PM PHILHARMONIA BAROQUE ORCHESTRA

Avi Avital, mandolin/leader/arranger Estelí Gomez, soprano

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2025, 7:30PM THE MUSIC ACADEMY OF THE WEST AND CAMA CO-PRESENT LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Sir Antonio Pappano, Music Director Janine Jansen, violin

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2025, 7:30PM CHINEKE! ORCHESTRA

Chi-Chi Nwanoku CBE, Founder & Artistic Director, Chineke! Vimbayi Kaziboni, Conductor Aaron Azunda Akugbo, trumpet

FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2025, 7:30PM LOS ANGELES

PHILHARMONIC

Esa-Pekka Salonen, Conductor Laureate Pierre-Laurent Aimard, piano

“Preservation of our state’s historic buildings is the mission of CMF. For more than 25 years, the California Missions Foundation has been dedicated to preserving our California Missions and related historic sites. As a fine example of Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture, we enjoy collaborating with Casa del Herrero and the National Parks Service on this important grant.”

Bolton further emphasized the importance of community funding for the Casa to receive the award, and for donations to be made as soon as possible:

“This grant and this project is only possible if the local community steps up to help the Casa meet the match,” Bolton said. “The Federal government believes in this national treasure by awarding the matching $750,000 grant. The sooner matching funds are received, the sooner the Casa receives the CMF award check in total and can start the work during the timeframe of the grant. The work is for preservation, restoration, and conservation of the property as it currently exists, and no permits will be required. Contractors for the work submitted by Casa del Herrero will be vetted by the CMF to ensure they meet the CMF requirements. Heather Biles is currently sourcing a General Contractor who has experience in historic property preservation.”

Biles shared: “This grant says that Casa del Herrero is a significant asset in our community, and that it is an asset that deserves to be preserved. Thanks to the California Missions Foundation, this is the largest one-time grant the Casa has ever received, and it is at the highest level of national prestige. It will support the restoration of key elements of the Casa’s property, including tile work, the Lath House, Green House, Gardener’s Shed and Workshop, all fountains and Exedras, and the repair and painting of the exterior walls and main house. I want to extend my sincere thanks to Elizabeth McGovern

Presenting the world’s finest classical artists since 1919

2024/2025

106th Concert Season

masterseries

AT THE LOBERO THEATRE

SEASON SPONSOR: ESPERIA FOUNDATION

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024, 7:30PM ANNE AKIKO MEYERS, violin Fabio Bidini, piano

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2025, 7:30PM GARRICK OHLSSON, piano

SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2025, 7:30PM GILLES APAP, violin and Friends!

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2025, 7:30PM YEFIM BRONFMAN, piano

SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

INTERNATIONAL SERIES Granada

SANTA BARBARA

Esa-Pekka Salonen

Anne Akiko Meyers

Sir Antonio Pappano

Yefim Bronfman

Casa del Herrero awarded CMF matching grant

– Dorian Belmonte, David Bolton, Heather Biles, Rosie Rafferty and Elizabeth McGovern (photo

Joanne A Calitri)

Society Invites SEE’s Eye Opening 50 Years of Work

by Joanne A Calitri

Society Invites reports the upcoming 50th Anniversary of SEE International, an organization founded in our town by Dr. Harry Brown, and dedicated to sight-restoring surgeries and essential eyecare world-wide. To celebrate its Golden Anniversary, the organization is inviting the community to a formal black tie Golden Gala ball on October 24, at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. It features a cocktail hour, three-course dinner, speakers such as famed Dr. Helena Ndume (whom I have interviewed for the MJ), gala entertainment, and an after-party with dancing and more cocktails.

The Gala’s Honorary Committee Chair is Keith Moore. He shared with me via email:

“I’m glad to support SEE International and honor them in their 50th year of service to the international community. My friend, the founder Dr. Harry Brown, was a visionary who opened my eyes to the world of vision restoration. And I’m glad to see his mission continue. As Honorary Committee Chair, I am leading our committee’s efforts to share awareness of this event and SEE’s cause to bring greater support in helping people within our community and worldwide.”

Moore’s Gala Honorary Committee members are Beverly Cavaliere, Caryl Crahan, Gary Simpson, George Leis, Hiroko Benko, Jody Dolan Holehouse, Katherine Murray-Morse , Mara Abboud, Maria McCall, and Missy Chandler DeYoung.

SEE International President & CEO Donald Bell provided these finer details to me via email-interview on its 50th Anniversary:

Q. Could you share about the work of SEE International for our readers?

A. Half of all blindness in the world is people who need a 15-minute surgery costing $100. For 50 years, SEE International has provided sight-restoring surgery in more than 40 countries and

here at home in Santa Barbara. SEE’s work impacts patients, families, and communities and helps break the cycle of poverty caused by treatable blindness.

Our guest speaker at the Gala is Dr. Helena Ndume, SEE’s Volunteer Ophthalmologist from Namibia, Africa, who explains, “There is nothing greater in the world than witnessing the happiness of a person who was once blind, as they regain their vision.”

What is the gala’s fundraising goal, and to what needs will the proceeds be directed?

Our gala goal this year is $350,000. The proceeds go to support our programs which include SEE clinics in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, SEE International clinics, and SEE Education initiatives to train medical professionals. The 50th Golden Gala is an opportunity to celebrate our achievements and acknowledge the work that remains. Your generosity and partnership are crucial in creating visibly brighter futures for patients around the world. Our healthcare services include eye screenings, comprehensive eye exams, and surgical care. This impact extends beyond the patients themselves, touching their loved ones and entire communities, and fostering generational change.”

The Golden Gala Lead Sponsor is Alcon, and key sponsors are Drs. Ilene and Jeff Levenson, Drs. Madhavi and Sundeep Reddy, David and Patricia Markoff, Genetech, The Julia Stearns Dockweiler Charitable Foundation, The Hutton Parker Foundation, CenCal Health, and the Sansum Clinic.

411: www.seeintl.org

Founded in 1974, SEE International is a Santa Barbara nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential eye care services to those in need and ultimately eradicating preventable blindness. To this end, SEE has served over five million people, restoring sight to more than 750,000 people in Santa Barbara and throughout the world in regions like Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and others.

SEE International 50th Gala Honorary Committee (courtesy photo)

•

•

•

DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS

On Entertainment Dimensions of Dementia: ‘The Father’ Debuts

by Steven Libowitz

CBY Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen

DIRECTED BY Jamie Torcellini

ritics have unanimously praised Florian Zeller’s The Father, a play that takes the unusual perspective of presenting the world from the vantage of an elderly but still elegant man going through progressive stages of dementia. His shifting and relative reality – including concepts of such taken-for-granted facts as time and place – wreaks havoc on his relatives and other caregivers, although Andre also has plenty of lucid and charming moments.

The Father won the 2014 Molière award for France’s best play. Two years later, Frank Langella took home the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play in the Broadway debut of the English translation by Christopher Hampton (Dangerous Liaisons, Atonement), who likewise received a Tony nod. Zeller’s film adaptation of the play, which he also directed, won the Academy Award while star Anthony Hopkins claimed the Best Actor Oscar; his second.

The gripping, emotionally intense, yet poignant play makes its Santa Barbara debut via The Producing Unit, with the versatile actor Tom Hinshaw portraying Andre and co-founder Bill Egan directing the courageous and challenging work, which dives deep into the sadness, the anger, the confusion and – yes, the humor – which springs from the situations brought about by memory loss.

“Everyone in life goes through a time where the parent becomes the child and the child becomes parent, and Alzheimer’s is an additional level,” Egan said, explaining his interest in The Father. “What makes this profound is experiencing everyone’s perspective, and it’s a puzzle in more ways than one – which we’re trying to depict in the poster.”

It’s a difficult subject, one that many of us try to avoid, even as the coming so-called “silver tsunami” approaches. Indeed, the California Central Coast Alzheimer’s Association will have information at the theater about the local chapter and the resources here in Santa Barbara, and representatives are expected to join the cast for a Q&A after the September 15 matinee.

As with nearly all Producing Unit shows, Egan expects the audience to feel a bit of discomfort at least initially, and to become increasingly intrigued enough to continue to let the performance resonate long after the lights go down.

“We want people walking out already discussing what really happened, what was reality and what was in Andre’s mind,” he said. “We love when those conversations continue on the car ride home and at the breakfast table the next day.”

But all is not despair and depression, Egan said.

“The play is peppered with wry humor, and when we get glimpses of who Andre was before the dementia, he’s charming, as Tom does an amazing job.”

The Father performs at Center Stage September 13-22. Visit https://centerstagetheater.org

Book ‘em: Milestones of the Write Stuff

Both the Granada Theatre and Old Spanish Days Fiesta marked their 100th anniversaries this year, and the Lobero also celebrated the centennial of its reopening, while the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Parade & Festival reached its half-century milestone celebration this summer. Now, mid-September also brings the 50th edition of the Planned Parenthood Book Sale, which has become almost as treasured an event as the others.

Somewhat against all odds, not only has the annual affair survived the big discount booksellers, Amazon, eBay, a zillion thrift stores and more – it’s actually thriving as a solid fundraiser for Planned Parenthood California Central Coast, which operates six personal health centers in Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties.

The esteemed play The Father comes to Center Stage from Sep. 13-22 (courtesy photo)

Brilliant Thoughts

Holding And Folding

by Ashleigh Brilliant

Only recently have I been introduced to a well-established genre of music, and particularly of singing, called “Country.” It seems somehow to be peculiarly American, particularly “Southern,” and “Western,” and apparently derives from what used to be called a “Hillbilly” sound. I would say it’s the opposite of sophisticated, embodying the social outlook of people who in other countries and eras might have been called “commoners,” or “laborers.”

Nevertheless at least some specimens of the genre obviously have a powerful emotional and intellectual impact on a wide range of people, including yours truly. One song in particular has apparently established itself virtually in a class of its own, especially as performed by a Country Music icon named Kenny Rogers. But the name of the song-writer, who of course deserves most of the credit, is Don Schlitz

The song is called “The Gambler,” and I, for one, have found it hard to get out of my mind. It begins by setting a scene of two men alone in a train compartment late at night. Earlier, they have evidently been part of a poker game. One man, for whom the song is named, is the more experienced, both in poker and in life, which includes observing people – and he offers some advice to the other, presumably younger, man. What he says can be taken on two levels – the Game, and Life in general – and it’s sung almost as the kind of chant you might hear in a Buddhist temple. Here is his message:

You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em, Know when to fold ‘em, Know when to walk away, Know when to run –

You never count your money, when you’re sitting at the table –There’ll be time enough for countin’ When the dealing’s done.

I have found that line about knowing “when to run” particularly disturbing. What kind of circumstances, in a card game or any other situation in ordinary life, would impel you to “walk away,” and, even more unsettling, “to run”?

I have never played poker, but it’s hardly necessary to understand the deeper meaning of “holding” and “folding.” We have all encountered situations in life when a decision must be made as to whether it’s better to stay as you are, or to take a chance by making a change.

The biggest such change in my own life had to do with changing countries. Although I was born in England, I had spent my entire childhood, from the age of five to 12, on this side of the Atlantic, because of World War II. This, of course, was not voluntary, nor was the next change, in which all my teenage years were spent back in England again – during which time I went all the way up through high school and college, and got a degree at the University of London.

By that time, I was legally “of age,” and finally free to shape my own destiny. I could continue residing in England, where it should be easy to step into some kind of Academic career, based on my interests in History and Literature. But, despite all those years of becoming Anglicized, I still had a hankering to go back to America.

Not that it was an easy choice. To this day, I still think certain aspects of life in England were, and are, preferable. For one thing, the British political system has much to recommend it. Elections and campaigning for government positions usually last only a few weeks, whereas here they never seem to stop.

Another way I like things British is in their sense of humor. It’s hard to describe what makes the difference, but I have always found English comedy, whether in movies on TV, or in print somehow funnier. (I still lament the passing of Punch magazine.) This seems to be borne out by the fact that, even over here, a show like Monty Python’s Flying Circus is more popular than any equivalent American comedy is in Britain.

But I did make the painful and momentous decision, as have many immigrants before me, to fold ‘em rather than hold ‘em – to leave my native land and try my luck in the New World. Did that gamble pay off? My big ambition had always been to make my living as a writer. Mine turned out to be a desiccated kind of writing called an epigram. What about money? As the song advises, there’ll be time enough for counting, when the dealing’s done.

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.

Come celebrate Santa Barbara’s beauty with those who help create it.

2024 Santa Barbara Beautiful Awards Celebration

Colors of Santa Barbara

Sunday, September 29th | 2:30 – 5:30pm

Santa Barbara Historical Museum

Cocktail Reception - Live Entertainment

For Award Winners, Sponsorships and Tickets, visit www.SBbeautiful.org

Dear Montecito

Nicole Belton: Ephemeral Landscapes from Moscow to Montecito

by Beatrice Tolan

Nicole Belton’s art studio, located at 1019 West in Inglewood, feels like walking into a museum of trees frozen in time. Dream-like hills and extending branches captured in a submerged composition (Skyview Drive); a tree in a moment of transition, poised before fading into a muted, decaying terrain (Ash).

For the past six years, Belton has paved a distinct path into multiple creative industries. Belton’s résumé includes working as an art instructor for Laguna Blanca High School, a graphic designer for Twentieth Gallery, and as a graphic designer for CAA. In addition, Belton has experience working with clients in New York and Moscow.

Belton’s design positions serve to bolster her career as a fine artist. Since moving to Los Angeles in 2021, Belton has taken the initiative to create artistic communities through hosting open studio nights, attending lectures and classes at local universities, and curating multiple exhibitions.

Regarding her curatorial practices, she explains, “I curate to connect research-

based themes, build multicultural communities, and contribute to a dialogue of visual expression.” Her most recent exhibitions were inspired by the books War of Art by Steven Pressfield, What is Art? by Leo Tolstoy, and The Doors of Perception by Aldous Huxley.

Belton was a sophomore studying economics at the University of San Francisco, while also taking numerous art electives. Inspired by her art professor Jenifer Wofford, who recognized her strong conceptual ideation skills and encouraged her to pursue art full time, Belton made the bold decision to change her major to design and fine arts – despite her parents’ objections.

“While I was in college, my parents lived in Russia… nobody was going to find out,” she recalls. Her parents eventually discovered the change just weeks before her graduation but have since come to support her artistic ambitions. Her brash decision speaks to Belton’s rebellious, effortlessly confident, and cool-tempered attitude.

Looking at Belton’s childhood, there is no question of her having been drawn to painting. At only five years old she began taking painting classes alongside her sister, Nadia , intrigued by recreating landscapes in winter and spring seasons.

Her artistic practice is a culmination of her early fascination with contrasting environments. “In my final year of university, I painted abstract landscapes to offset my time spent working digitally. Soon, my work began to lean back into more specific references to landscape and objects in landscape.”

Nicole Belton in front of East Valley (left) and Meadowbrook Drive (right)

Skyview Drive, oil paint on canvas, 24 x 36 inches, 2023

Off October 1

Tue, Oct 1 / 7:30 PM

Arlington Theatre

“A barnstorming, groove-centric instrumental act with a rabid fan base and a blithely unplaceable style.” The New York Times

Founder of Khan Academy Salman Khan

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

Sat, Oct 5 / 4 PM / Arlington Theatre

Arrive early for a Jazz & Gelato Season Kickoff Party featuring a live set by KCRW’s Nassir Nassirzadeh, prizes, complimentary treats from local creameries and more!

The War and Treaty

Tue, Oct 8 / 7:30 PM / Arlington Theatre

Civil rights icon Mavis Staples is one of the most recognizable and beloved voices in American music. Grammy-nominated husband and wife Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter are a southern soul duo known as The War and Treaty. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of deep soul and heart-wrenching gospel passion.

Chef and Bestselling Cookbook Author An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi

Mon, Oct 14 / 7:30 PM Granada Theatre

Jazz, Funk and More from North Texas

Special Double Bill Mavis Staples

Elizabeth’s Appraisals

Spanish Colonial Revival Torchiere Lamp

by Elizabeth Stewart

JE

has a beautiful wrought iron Spanish Colonial Revival torchiere floor lamp, hand wrought in a time frame from the 1920s to 1930s. When it was created, electricity for lighting the home was a relatively new invention. The first commercial application of the first electric lightbulb was in the 1870s; because of the brightness of the light, this invention was not used domestically, but used for movie projectors, stage lighting, and to light dangerous streets. In 1802 Humphry Davy invented – by accident – the first electric light bulb, called the electric arc lamp. He connected wires to an electric battery and a strip of platinum which, to his surprise, produced a glow. It was not until the 1910s that affluent households began to use electric light bulbs, and electricians created lamps for inside the home; any fine vase was a candidate for electrification. I have often found fabulous Ming dynasty vases of porcelain “drilled” for the insertion of an electrical cord. Thus, interior lighting is only 100 years old; the widespread use of light bulbs did not occur until after WWII in England and in the U.S.

The early aesthetics of the lamp tell stories – all lamps had a theme; it was not enough just to hold a light bulb. Thus,

JE’s lamp looks like it had once been an architectural feature of an ancient Spanish gate. JE’s torchiere has a barley sugar twist surmounting a trefoil style circular base, and a dual pair of pull chain lights, which is the true 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival style.

The Spanish colonial flavor of the torchiere pictured here was typical of the style of lighting as it was first introduced to the American home in the late 19 th to early 20 th century, because lamps were meant to blend in with a themed interior decorating scheme. Instead of celebrating the newness of the technology of the electric light bulb, lamp designs featured naked beauties holding lighted globes aloft, Arab merchants and their camels standing close to a blazing sun, leaded glass shades with dragonfly or lotus designs aglow. This period was called the Revival era, in which all “good” design referenced a previous era, such as the Gothic, Spanish Colonial, or Louis XV styles. Likewise, JE’s torchiere reference the grand lights that were oil-burning at the entries of Spanish Castles, created in curving wrought iron.

Santa Barbara owes much to the days when the Spanish Colonial Revival style was coveted in the first and second quarter of the 20 th century in California. Many old 1920s Montecito mansions boasted wrought iron wall sconces of this “Spanish” design. The great period of Spanish Colonial Revival design was the early 20 th century, but California had a “soft” revival of that style in the 1970s and 80s.

Now to the designer of JE’s torchiere: I attribute the style to a New York metalwork designer, Oscar B. Bach, who designed in both the Gothic and Spanish Colonial; he farmed those two eras for 14th-17th century wrought iron architectural touches on which to base themed lamps. Bach was born in Berlin in the late 19th century. A wealthy uncle noticed his artistic temperament and young Oscar was sent to art school by the age of eight. At 14, he was apprenticed to two important German masters of metal work. He studied in Vienna at the Royal Academy, and then at the Imperial Academy in Berlin. He opened a metalwork studio in Hamburg, and then immigrated to New York. Bach had a following from the wealthy upper-class families based in New York with “summer homes” in Montecito in the first half of the 20th century.

Bach was an influential artisan in first 20th century metal work in the Revival styles of past eras: however, the metalwork he did in antique revival styles celebrated modernity in significant ways. JE’s torchiere reference the style of 17th century Spain, but Bach had a solid understanding of electrical engineering; the lamp still functions well today. Bach designed a metalwork telephone table in the 1920s which was rendered in the Spanish Colonial Style of curving wrought iron and marble, which referenced Spanish 17th century altar cubicles. However, the table and chair were meant for a telephone and not for a monastery; his skillfull incorporation of one of the first private phones into the table makes me think of a confessional. Bach was technically adept, stylistically diverse, and commercially successful, as we can see from his clients in Montecito – and JE’s great-great aunt was one of these clients. The value of JE’s torchiere is $700.

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 wrought iron Spanish Colonial Revival torchiere floor lamp

An Independent Mind

Major Political Issue No.1: Trade

by Jeffrey Harding

I, who get my tirades published every other week, have five articles to write before the November 2 election, starting now.

These articles will give context to the issues that you will hear from our presidential candidates. Readers who have suffered through my policy critiques understand that I try to explain what works and what doesn’t.

I’m starting with trade policy.

As an introduction to trade policy, here’s a comment praising former President Trump’s tariffs on less expensive Chinese cabinet imports.

“[T]he tariffs have proved popular with industries that have faced stiff competition from Chinese firms, like makers of kitchen cabinets. Paul Wellborn, the president of Wellborn Cabinet, a manufacturer of kitchen and bath cabinets in Ashland, Ala., credited tariffs with saving his company and the industry.”

Wellborn Cabinet joined with others in its industry to mount an investigation into Chinese trade practices, which resulted in tariffs ranging from 4% to nearly 300% on Chinese cabinets. The industry was further helped as Mr. Trump added first 10% and then an additional 15% of tariffs on top. [NYTimes]

Everyone in Ashland was happy because it saved about 1,300 jobs.

But what about the rest of us who now have to pay more for cabinets made in the USA? There 85,760,000 homeowner households in the USA. According the Census Bureau there are 19,000 cabinet makers.

We, the many consumers of cabinets, are penalized because we are deprived of the choice of buying less expensive Chinese cabinets. We are the many and cabinetmakers

CATCH SOME SUMMER TIME VIBES

are the few. Tariffs are a tax on consumers. We pay them, not Mr. Wellborn. It makes us poorer and U.S. cabinetmakers better off. This is what tariffs are all about. There are a lot of myths about foreign trade. Let me dispel a few of them.

1. China has caused unemployment in America. Well, where they compete with U.S. manufacturers, yes, some. But right now – despite Chinese competition – the unemployment rate is low, at 4.3%. Many economists say we are almost at full employment.

2. We need to save American manufacturing from Chinese competition. China has “hollowed out” our manufacturing industry.

Actually no. As a percentage of GDP, manufacturing has been about the same since 1947 (12% ±). We are the second largest manufacturer in the world (after China).

3. China has wiped out manufacturing jobs.

Some, yes. But manufacturing jobs have declined worldwide because of investment in modern technology. Fewer workers are required but they are more productive. Employment growth has been in the service sector. In comparing wage averages, manufacturing pays $33.63 per hour vs. $31.06 for services. Not a big difference.

4. We owe China trillions of dollars.

No, we don’t. We owe ourselves trillions of dollars. When we buy goods from China we pay in dollars. Chinese manufacturers put those dollars in their banks and get yuan in exchange. The banks now hold dollars. What do they do with the dollars? They buy things in the U.S. or buy U.S. gilt-edge government debt. Our huge national debt is the result of our out-of-control government spending.

5. Trump says we need to protect American industry by imposing a 10% (later he said 20%) tariff on all imports.

Assuming he will actually do this if he wins, it is the most dangerous policy proposed by either candidate. Harris’s socialist-welfarism is a slower death. Across the board tariffs would be a quick death.

The history of these kinds of tariffs produce tariff wars. The last time around was during the Great Depression. The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 was one cause that kick-started and prolonged the depression. A whole range of higher tariffs were imposed on 20,000 imported goods. The blowback was that countries exporting to the U.S. retaliated and put up tariff walls against U.S. goods. World trade decreased by 66% from 1929 to 1934.

Could it happen here? Trump and his advisers do not understand the economics of free trade despite surveys that say 95% of economists think tariffs are a bad idea. The difference between the 1930s and now is that we are much more globally connected. Supply chains work on a worldwide basis. Any attempt to erect a tariff moat around our shores would lead to retaliatory tariffs and the global supply chain would break down. You can imagine what would happen.

Let’s hope this cockamamie idea never gets off the ground.

Jeffrey Harding is a real estate investor and long-time resident of Montecito. He previously published a popular financial blog, The Daily Capitalist. He is a retired SBCC adjunct professor.

THERE’S AN ART & SCIENCE TO LASTING VITALITY.

Imagine waking each morning ready for stimulating encounters & adventures. This is how life unfolds at Maravilla— an ideal setting for your very own kind of invigorating and fulfilling life. Schedule a tour and discover an enriched community experience.

SATURDAY, SEPT 21 st • 11:30AM-2:30PM To RSVP, please call 805.319.4379.

MARAVILLA

The organization collects donated books all year to prepare for the event, which runs from September 12-22 at Exhibition Hall at Earl Warren Showgrounds and boasts literally thousands of items in nearly 60 categories, from American History & Culture and Animals & Pets to World Languages and Young Adult, with stops at such esoteric options as “Banned Books” and “Offbeat Oddities.” (I’ve found books on improv I couldn’t even order online at all, and other treasures almost every year.)

Each item at the sale has been carefully checked for condition and cleaned before being sorted to make shopping a simple – if time-consuming – activity, and new books are added every day as tabletop space becomes available. All proceeds benefit Planned Parenthood California Central Coast in its mission to provide families and individuals in our community with educational and health care services that include wellness exams, cancer screenings and reproductive care.

Admission is free except for opening night, when those who want first crack at the stuff pay $30 for the opportunity. Visit https://booksale.ppcentralcoast.org.

Chaucer’s Choices

A trio of SoCal authors autograph and talk about their new books this week as the midtown bookstore Chaucer’s Books also gets ready for its own 50th anniversary celebration. On September 15, UCLA professor Teddi Chichester’s Wildlife Crossings of Hope: Connecting Creatures Around the Globe combines first-person reporting with research – and stunning two-color art from illustrator Jamie Green – to take a personal, in-depth look at wildlife crossings, corridor projects and dam removal efforts around the world, from an underpass for elephants in Kenya to the Un-Dam the Klamath movement in the U.S. to the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, which extends from southern Mexico to Panama. September 17 brings local author Alycia Vreeland, who will be highlighting both her memoir Baby Darlin’, which examines the stigma around child sexual abuse with compassion and insight, as well Laughing in her Sleep, a poetry collection by her late husband Jon Vreeland featuring her illustrations and photos. On September 19, Santa Barbara sportswriter Jim Buckley’s latest release, ‘STER IT UP! The story of Santa Barbara Foresters, America’s Most Successful Summer Baseball Team, features recaps of every Santa Barbara Foresters season since the team’s founding in 1991, along the way telling the story of how a collection of college players from around the country gather here each summer to create a team of unprecedented championships, including players who go on to major league careers. Foresters’ founding manager Bill Pintard will also be on hand. All events at 6 pm. Visit www.chaucersbooks.com.

Poe-tent Potables and Performances: Mixing up the ‘Master of the Macabre’

I can still recall the chill running up and down my spine, not to mention that evening’s nightmares, after a teacher read Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” aloud during an English class. But fans of Master of the Macabre, those who find pleasure in Poe’s powerful and often poetic horror stories – some of the most grisly, terrifying and scariest tales ever told – those brave and fearless souls should head down to the Funk Zone this weekend for the Santa Barbara debut of “The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy,” an immersive touring show that mashes up literature and mixology. Although Poe passed away more than 150 years ago, his works have become the catalyst for the Speakeasy, where guests will listen to Poe “historians” retelling some of the writer’s most infamous tales while sipping on carefully

The Santa Barbara Foresters are the focus of Jim Buckley’s latest release with manager Bill Pintard (pictured) joining the Chaucer’s event (courtesy photo)

Take a sip and an earful of the macabre at the debut of The Edgar Allen Poe Speakeasy (courtesy photo)

“Blindingly impressive.”

The New York Times on AMOC*

“Julia Bullock [is] an essential soprano for our times.”

– Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times

Co-presented with

Olivier Messiaen’s HARAWI

An American Modern Opera Company (AMOC*) Production

Fri, Oct 4 / 8 PM / UCSB Campbell Hall

Tickets start at $32.50 / $15 UCSB students

Zack Winokur, director

Julia Bullock, soprano

Conor Hanick, piano

Bobbi Jene Smith, dancer/choreographer Or Schraiber, dancer/choreographer

Experience Olivier Messiaen’s deeply affecting, hour-long song cycle for voice and piano in a newly physicalized and dramatized production. Throughout a dozen interconnected love songs, two dancers bring the composer’s romantic surrealism to life and add new dimension to the piece’s searing portrayal of love and loss.

London Philharmonic Orchestra

Edward Gardner, Principal Conductor

Patricia Kopatchinskaja , violin

Sat, Oct 12 / 7 PM / Granada Theatre

Tickets start at $58.50 / $20 UCSB students

A Granada facility fee is included in each ticket price

“London’s most adventurous and dynamic mainstream orchestra.” The Times (U.K.)

“An astonishing force of nature.”

The Guardian (U.K.) on Patricia Kopatchinskaja

Led by principal conductor Edward Gardner, the London Philharmonic Orchestra performs a new piece by Pulitzer Prizewinning composer Tania León. Violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja joins the orchestra for Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 1. Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony takes listeners on an emotional journey with moments of anguish to pure ecstasy.

from 26)

crafted cocktails inspired by four of Poe’s iconic stories. A Poe “historian” serves as emcee, introducing the chilling stories, which include “The Black Cat,” “The Raven,” and “The Masque of the Red Death” and the aforementioned “Heart,” with a different cocktail designated for each of the tales, including Pale Blues Eyes (blueberry vodka-based), Cocktail of Red Death (100-proof vodka, Cherry Heering, Benedictine), Edgar’s Twisted Brandy Milk Punch (Kentucky Bourbon meets a French brandy), and The Nevermore (orange peach blossom vodka).

The evening of literary “gothic elegance” takes place – where else? – at the Narrative Loft in Funk Zone, with the added eerie twist of Friday the 13th falling smack dab in the middle of the September 12-14 dates, each featuring several iterations of the 90-minute show. Visit www.edgarallanpoebar.com for tickets.

Tico Tells All

Jenna Tico – the multi-generational Santa Barbara native who has served as everything from a dancer to community organizer to grant writer for local nonprofits, Summer Solstice aficionado to AHA! staffer – is also the driving force behind Backbone Storytelling, a The Moth-style program that hosts periodic popup events at local watering holes. (Latest themes include “Off My Chest” and “Thin Skin.”) On September 17, an imprint of Simon & Schuster is publishing Cancer Moon, a collection of vulnerable personal essays, stories and poetry meant as a memoir, with the subtitle “How I Survived the Best Years of My Life.”

True to form, rather than booking a date at an area bookshop, the author is hosting a book launch party at SOhO on September 19, where the celebration will include an on-stage interview and performance by indie rock project Waterstrider. Visit www.sohosb.com.

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

On Community Local Artists Rally to Support Storyteller

Children’s Center’s Annual Gala

By MJ Staff

Santa Barbara’s artist community is joining together for a cause that brings advocacy and support to local children facing adversity. Storyteller Children’s Center’s Annual Gala, themed “Color the World,” will be held on Friday, September 27, spotlighting the organization’s role in bringing vibrancy into the lives of those who are experiencing poverty and trauma.

As part of the gala – and a nod to the theme – nine celebrated local artists are generously donating coveted and original works of art with 100% of the proceeds from auctioned pieces going directly to support Storyteller’s year-round therapeutic programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Leading up to the event, Storyteller gala organizers are hosting a Pre-Show Art Reception at Helena Mason Gallery on September 19, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Donated art will be on display along with small noshes by Duo Events and wine by Trippers & Askers. The public viewing offers the broader community a chance to experience and bid on exceptional artworks, even if they are unable to attend the main gala.

“We want to fully celebrate the generosity of time and talent these artists are bringing to Storyteller programs by expanding our auction stage,” said Storyteller Event Co-Chair Analise Maggio. “We are honored by the diverse talent represented by this incredible slate of artwork – so we’re shining a big light on it.”

The art auction is now live online and will conclude at 6 pm on September 27. Art lovers and supporters can place their bids by visiting BidPal.net/ColorTheWorld or by texting colortheworld to 243725. Bid amounts over the listed fair market value may be tax deductible.

A snapshot of the contributing artists includes:

• Phoebe Brunner: Represented by Sullivan Goss Gallery, Phoebe Brunner is known for creating an alternative view to traditional landscape painting. Her re-conceived landscapes of the coast of California, simultaneously real and surreal, invite the viewer to lose oneself in an environment of nature enhanced and unexpected.

• Cassandria Blackmore: Cassandria Blackmore’s work is in the permanent collections at the Crocker Art Museum, the Fitchburg Museum, the Racine Museum, the Oakland Art Museum, the Imagine Museum, the Fort Wayne Museum, and other notable public art collections. Her work explores the human condition and how shattering points in life are the moments from which we begin to reflect light. She explains, “It’s the essence of breaking down an image and restoring it to another version of itself that intrigues me.” Cassandria serves as a trustee on the board of Pilchuck Glass School founded by Dale Chihuly.

• Pedro de la Cruz: The Storyteller cause is near and dear to Pedro de la Cruz as his wife was a former preschool teacher at

Phoebe Brunner with Sun Seekers, 16”x12”, oil on panel

Chris Gocong with Rubber Ducky, 24”x24”, acrylics on canvas

the State Street campus. One of Cruz’s art pieces was famously sold for $100,000 at Storyteller’s 2018 gala. Cruz is inspired by music, architecture, and a warm cup of coffee in the morning. His art is influenced by the diversity of his community as he embraces positivity and light, with an intention to bring joy through the colors of his art.

• Chris Gocong: Post his pro NFL career, Chris Gocong’s pivot into the realm of visual art has been nothing short of spectacular. Motivated by a profound fascination with human emotion, Gocong’s artistic odyssey unfolds across a diverse spectrum, encompassing poignant pop culture portraits, figurative expressions, and vibrant abstract creations.

• Michael Haber: Famed fine art photographer known for his detailed and contemplative portraits, Michael Haber was raised within blocks of the Guggenheim, the Modern, the Whitney, and the Met. His creative roots were nourished in Manhattan. Michael’s own parents’ works covered the walls of his home, so art was not just something behind golden ropes at a museum, but a way to experience life itself.

• Belle Hahn: Inspired by her father who was a famous art dealer, the efferves-

Sylvan Butera Rich with Dragon’s Back, 30”x48”,

cent socialite and philanthropist studied painting at Sarah Lawrence with Ursula Schneider. The experience allowed Belle Hahn to explore art as a modality of healing vs. dealing; reconnecting soil and soul with a deep love and understanding of the natural world. Admired for her vibrant and whimsical pieces, the fusion of art and nature has always been an inspiration for Hahn.

• Kate Kramer: A Santa Barbara native and has always had a passion for art and design, Kate Kramer studied Art History and Studio Art with a focus in oil painting during her time at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her work is driven by the friction between opposing forces of built and natural environments, design and art, abstraction and figuration. When she is not making art she is also the principal interior designer and owner of Kate Hunter Design.

• Giuliana Mottin: Giuliana Mottin, born in Porto Alegre, Brazil, started painting at 11, influenced by Modigliani and Picasso. She moved to Italy in 1998 to study at the Accademia di Belle Arti and the University of Florence, focusing on costume and fashion design. Later, Mottin gained acclaim for her “Writing on Canvas” series and “Daily Candy” series, which explores themes of varied repetition. After a break period to raise her two young sons, Mottin returned in 2023 with new works that combine pressed flowers and watercolor, reflecting on life’s cycles and nature’s beauty.

• Sylvan Butera Rich: Living and working in Santa Barbara, Sylvan Butera Rich’s acrylic-based paintings illuminate beauty, movement, and depth in the natural world, with a specific focus on the California Central Coast. Art has been a lifelong passion for Rich, inspired by the need to connect with the beauty of our natural world amidst a changing social backdrop. Unique landscapes, color, and tranquility are defining themes in her work.

“Each artist’s contribution reflects a commitment to enriching lives through their own creative passion – supporting

the well-being of our local children,” added Gala Co-Chair and Storyteller Board Co-Chair Erinn Lynch. “Storyteller is about community, and the community is showing up. We are grateful.”

The Storyteller Children’s Center provides year-round essential therapeutic support, educational enrichment, and a nurturing environment for young children – and their families – who live below the poverty line. With three campuses in Santa Barbara – including newly added classrooms at Transition House – the organization serves infants, toddlers, and preschoolers during their most critical developmental phase of life.

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

• FLOOR LEVELING

• QUALITY REMODELING

• FOUNDATION REPLACEMENTS

• FOUNDATIONS REPAIRS

• EARTHQUAKE RETROFITTING

• RETAINING WALLS

• FRENCH DRAINS – WATERPROOFING

• SITE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

• UNDERPINNINGS – CAISSONS

• STRUCTURAL CORRECTION WORK

• CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS

805.698.4318 billjdalziel@gmail.com

For more information about Storyteller Children’s Center, visit www.storytellercenter.org.

Elite Sculpt Series

Buy 4 EmSculpt Neo sessions & receive 4 sessions for 2nd area incl. new EDGE obliques & “love-handles”attachment!

Hydra-Glow Special

Purchase 5 facial sessions & receive 2 complimentary sessions. Potenza/SkinPen Microneedling

Buy 3 sessions & receive 2 TempSure Envi facial contouring treatments. BioRePeel

Purchase a package of 4 and get a 5th complementary treatment. Skinny Me Specials

Consultation fees waived for both Semaglutide & Tirzepatide programs. Plus 20% OFF ALL skincare products!

Pedro de la Cruz with Her Face, 24”x24”, acrylics on canvas

Cassandria Blackmore’s Chrysos, 25”x25”x2”, glass

Giuliana Mottin’s press flower piece

acrylics on canvas

Santa Barbara by the Glass

20 Years Later, We’re Still Talking ‘Sideways’: Santa Ynez Valley to Spotlight

Cult Film During Annual Feast

by Gabe Saglie

Actress Virginia Madsen got an Oscar nomination for her role in the 2004 film, Sideways. Twenty years later, she’s still feeling the impact, and enjoying it.

“It changed my life,” she told me during a recent conversation. “And it’s still so alive, this movie. It became a cultural phenomenon, and there are very few movies that do that.”

Sideways, set primarily in the Santa Ynez Valley as it follows a bachelor duo through a series of wine-fueled antics, many of them eye-popping, reeled in a slew of accolades in its release year.

Director Alexander Payne took home the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, and the film was named Movie of the Year by the American Film Institute. Its actors,

including Ms. Madsen, were showered with accolades that ripple to this day.

Sideways ’ greatest accomplishment, though, was what it did to wine culture. At a macro level, it put pinot noir on a pedestal, sending its sales (and plantings) soaring, all while sending the image of merlot into a tailspin. And at a micro level, it sent the Santa Barbara County wine industry’s appeal as a viticultural powerhouse, and as any budding oenophile’s dream vacation, soaring.

“It’s still a favorite getaway for me,” says Ms. Madsen, a Studio City resident. “The Santa Ynez Valley is so welcoming, you really feel at home there. There are incredible places to stay, and of course the incredible wine tasting experience.”

Those of us who’ve actively watched the territory grow over the last 20 years can attest to the fact that its approachable magic remains, all while its gastronomic

KTLA 5 Morning News anchors Frank Buckley and Jennifer Holmes were joined by Sideways actress Virginia Madsen and MJ wine writer Gabe Saglie last month to promote this year’s Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley (courtesy photo)

Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley will feature a diverse lineup of culinary events across the six towns that make up the SYV (courtesy photo)

caliber, including globally-renowned wine brands and several Michelinrecommended eateries, has soared.

It’s a no brainer, then, that Sideways will feature prominently during this year’s Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley, an annual feast launched in 2019 by the area’s tourism team, Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, to celebrate the region’s wine, food and experiential treasures. This year’s four-day fête is set for September 26-29, culminating with a Sideways-inspired culinary party and 20th anniversary screening. And Virginia Madsen is going to be there.

“I love watching this movie – if it’s on, I’ll sit down and watch it!” she says. “And I’m just so pleased that they’re going to show it right there – where it was filmed – so that everyone can celebrate with me and raise a glass!”

The Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley lineup for September 29th includes a “Sideways 20th Anniversary Festival” from noon until 3 pm at the Hitching Post II in Buellton, including food from various restaurants, as well as wine, beer, and live music. The popular roadside steakhouse plays a supporting role – of sorts – in Sideways, as the place where Ms. Madsen’s character, Maya, meets wine-loving Miles, and where the main characters often stop for sips of pinot noir.

Festivities continue that evening from 5-9 pm at the open-air, just-refurbished Solvang Festival Theater, with more food and wine, and where the movie will get its official 20th anniversary screening, introduced by Ms. Madsen. “I love the feel of the audience,” she admits, “and seeing their faces as they watch the movie!”

pour their versions of cabernet franc, along with “blancs” like sauvignon blanc and chenin blanc. There will be food and live music, too.

On Sunday the 29 th, Sarloos & Sons will lead a hike through the vines ($35), followed by wine tasting, from 8-11 am. And “Watercolor in the Vineyard” ($90) will take place at Kaena at the Ranch, along Highway 246, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Tickets are $150 for the all-day experience, or $50 for the evening screening alone.

And there’s plenty more.

Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley features more than a dozen events across the six towns that make up the SYV – Solvang, Buellton, Ballard, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, and Santa Ynez. Several popular events, like a horseback ride with breakfast at the Alisal Guest Ranch, communal dinners set along the iconic downtown streets of Los Olivos and Los Alamos, and a banquet inside the Sunstone wine caves, are sold out. But tickets still remain for myriad unique experiences.

Vineyard Yoga SYV will put on a “Yoga in the Vineyard” event ($45) on the grounds of Sunstone Winery on Friday morning, September 27th, from 9-11 am. The one-hour Zen moment will be followed by tastings of wine or Sunstone’s new line of THC-infused spritzes (must be 21+). Also on Friday, the Santa Barbara County Vintners will put on a rosé tasting ($40) from 1-3 pm at The Ballard Inn. The walk-around event will feature rosé wines from all over the county, along with light bites.

Highline Adventures in Buellton will be offering ziplining tours ($135) on Saturday, from 9 to 11 am. Home to three of the longest and fastest zip lines in all of California, the event will send guests soaring across 1,000 vertical feet above vineyards and flower fields.

A “Franc & Blanc Tasting” ($40) takes places Saturday from 1-4 pm at Gainey Vineyards, the classic brand which is itself celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Wineries from all over the area will

WENDY GRAGG

Luxury Real Estate Specialist for Over 20 Years

There’s a charitable aspect to Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley: proceeds benefitting the Santa Barbara County chapter of the California Farm Workers Resource Foundation, which provides health and wellness services, educational resources and civil assistance to California’s ad workforce.

For more information and tickets, check out www. visitsyv.com/taste-of-the-santa-ynez-valley. And I’ll see you there!

And One More Thing…

The Hitching Post II is producing its own Sideways celebration in partnership with Searchlight Pictures, which distrib-

uted the film. Winemakers Frank Ostini and Gray Hartley have released a special bottling of their 2021 Highliner Pinot Noir, the wine featured in Sideways, with a special commemorative label. And, along with the September 29th festivities at Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley, they’re hosting a series of dinners across the state, including at Santa Barbara’s La Paloma Café on September 24th, Copia at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa on October 12th, and Jar Restaurant in L.A. on October 29th.

Get more info at www.hitchingpost2.com

Gabe Saglie has been covering the Santa Barbara wine scene for more than 15 years through columns, TV, and radio. He’s a senior editor with Travelzoo and is a leading expert on travel deals, tips, and trends.

Communal dinners along the iconic downtown drags of towns like Los Alamos and Los Olivos are always sell-out events during Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley (courtesy photo)

Beyond the wine and food: Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley guests can access zip lining thrills at Highline Adventures in Buellton, home to three of the fastest and longest zip lines in California (courtesy photo)

Your Westmont

Stargazers to Be Moonstruck Saturday

by Scott Craig, photos by Brad

The public is invited to join Westmont’s astrophysics students to learn more about the moon on NASA’s International Observe the Moon Night on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 7:30-9:30 pm at the Westmont Observatory.

“The moon is something we’re so used to seeing, and it’s an important part of our life here on Earth,” says Jen Ito, assistant professor of physics and director of the observatory. “There are so many amazing features about it such as its phases, craters and orbit. If you don’t know much about our moon, come join us.”

The observatory will be using the powerful Keck Telescope and several other smaller telescopes as well. Guests are invited to bring their own binoculars for the lunar viewing.

The international event occurs annually in September or October when the moon is near its first quarter – a great phase for evening observing along the terminator, the line between night and day, where shadows enhance the moon’s cratered landscape.

Guerrero Scores Weekly Honors

Westmont junior Erik Guerrero has been named the PacWest Men’s Soccer Player of the Week in the first such award of the year.

Guerrero scored goals in both of the Warriors’ games last week. In the season opener against Simon Fraser (B.C.) on Sept. 5, Guerrero’s penalty kick in the 67th minute drew the Warriors even with the Red Leafs at a goal apiece. The goal from the native of Los Alamos proved to be the final tally of the game.

Guerrero scored the second goal in Westmont’s 3-0 win over Saint Martin’s (Wash.) on Sept. 7.

“Erik was, over the two games, arguably our best player of the weekend,” said Westmont’s head coach Morgan Cathey. “He continues to get better and better in all phases. He brings such a good creativity and such a good calm in the attacking third.”

The Warriors, now 1-0-1 on the young season, will travel across town on Saturday, Sept. 14, to take on the NCAA DI UC Santa Barbara. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 pm. Westmont battles CSU East Bay in the Warriors’ home opener Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 4 pm.

Study Finds Immediate Benefit to Churchgoers

The research of a Westmont sociologist who examined the effects of church attendance has garnered national attention. According to the study of U.S. adults, regular weekend attendance of a religious service creates an immediate increase in positive emotions as well as a decrease in negative ones. Researchers found there was no change in the emotional well-being of non-regular attendees.

The study, “‘See You Sunday?’ Effects of Attending a Specific Weekend Religious Service on Emotional Well-Being: A State/Trait Analysis of the SoulPulse Study,” appears in Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion. It relies on a sample of 2,869 individuals participating in SoulPulse, a cellphone-based study that collected data twice-daily via survey links sent to respondents’ smartphones. The research sheds light on exactly what happens in the emotional lives of religious service attendees after participating in a religious service.

“Almost 100% of the research in this area relies on estimated patterns of religious attendance,” said Blake Victor Kent, associate professor of sociology at Westmont. “That means we know a lot about emotional well-being for people who check a box on surveys saying how much they go to church, but we know almost nothing about what actually happens emotionally in the hours and days after someone actually attends.”

For the analysis, religious service attendance was measured both as a habit (the traditional method) and also in terms of actual attendance during the two-week study period. To find out whether respondents actually attended services on a given weekend, the survey was sent out on Sunday nights and included the question: “Did you attend a religious service this past weekend?” Respondents were also asked to respond to a variety of emotional well-being items which measured 10 emotional states. These included positive emotions such as gratitude, joy, and satisfaction as well as negative emotions like anxiety and depressive symptoms.

“The day-by-day nature of data collection in SoulPulse allowed us to make two really interesting comparisons,” Kent said. “First, we were able to compare those who attended a religious service in a given weekend against those who didn’t. Second, taking only those who did attend on a given weekend, we were able to compare those who were regular attenders against those who didn’t attend regularly.”

Results from the study showed that only those who both attended services on a given weekend and were habitual attenders captured an emotional benefit.

“It’s remarkable,” Kent said. “In order to experience a positive emotional benefit from going to church you have to not only attend, but attend regularly. This is probably because in order to benefit you need to be familiar with the routines, the style of worship, and the people with whom you are worshiping. If not, you just aren’t able to participate with the same level of familiarity, and the social connections just aren’t there. Thus, there is little or no emotional impact.”

The researchers, who include Laura Upenieks of Baylor University, Daniel Jang of Baylor University, Christopher Ellison of the University of Texas – San Antonio, and Bradley Wright of the University of Connecticut, say these findings point to the importance of spiritual capital – a set of spiritual resources that can be accumulated similarly to social or financial capital. Spiritual capital acquired through regular religious participation can set in motion an upward spiral of experiences that contribute to emotional well-being and flourishing, the researchers say.

Kent and his colleagues were also able to assess how long emotional benefits lasted, finding that most dissipated by Monday morning. “Not only do frequent religious attendees experience better emotional health on average compared to those who don’t, but every time they attend services they get a temporary boost in well-being,”

Kent says. “It’s like a shot in the arm.”

Elliott

The moon (photo by Keck Telescope)

Study finds regular church attendance good for well-being

Erik Guerrero

Scott Craig is manager of media relations at Westmont College

U.S. National Parks Get a Historic $100 Million Boost

The U.S. National Park system recently received a dramatic boost with the announcement of a $100 million commitment from Lilly Endowment Inc., the largest single donation in the National Park Foundation’s history. The National Park Foundation, the National Park Service’s official fundraising arm, will use this historic contribution to support essential initiatives focused on maintaining and improving the park system’s more than 400 sites.

Belton’s subjects are informed by traditional Russian Gzhel painting styles which typically illustrate sprawling flowers, trees, and branches in blueon-white porcelain. Georgia O’Keeffe’s vibrant, rolling landscapes in brilliant hues have also been a pivotal source of inspiration.

Nature was Belton’s first muse. Growing up in Pokrovsky Hills – a small, forested community in Moscow, Russia – and later moving to Ennisbrook in Montecito, she began questioning her relationship with the natural world, a theme that would later influence her art.

Belton’s mother is from St. Petersburg, Russia, while her father is from Fairbanks, Alaska. During summer visits to Alaska, she experienced “the strange phenomenon of encountering identical foliage and plants in two places that were politically and culturally opposed.”

This inquiry led Belton to “question what a landscape has experienced throughout its history,” painting landscapes from her past and naming them after the roads and addresses that defined her childhood. Each piece is in a unique state of being, whether that be submerged in water, frozen under ice, or jostled by wind in spring’s light ( East Valley ).

The results are ephemeral landscapes where Belton captures “the impermanence of the human experience in the natural world,” evoking a collective nostalgia similar to catching a glimpse of a memory before it fades. She asks the question, “How can we utilize our common experience to promote unity?”

Belton describes her work as “unified abstractions,” creating pieces that invite viewers to connect with recogniz -

able natural elements while discovering their own personal interpretations. “I like to play with the art of perception,” she explains. “I believe the way people interpret my work depends on the environment with which they’re most familiar.”

What I found to be the most striking piece in Belton’s studio was Ash. I shared how I was transported to the frozen, gray winters of my college years in Boston. For Belton, the piece captured a hike into the mountains of Montecito after a devastating wildfire.

Immediately the 2018 Montecito mudslides entered my heart. The range of emotion Ash was able to evoke is a testament to Belton’s technical expertise and deeply empathetic practice.

The horizon is bright for Belton’s career. In Los Angeles, from November 8th to 10th, Belton will participate in the 15th Annual Art Walk arranged by Inglewood Open Studios, hosting her own wine-tasting event and studio tour “Palette Cleanser” on the 9th.

In Santa Barbara, Belton will join the group show “L’image” on December 14th held in the Funk Zone, hosted by local Kayla Bollag.

To stay updated on Nicole Belton’s work, visit her website nicolebelton.com or her Instagram @nicolebeltonstudio. For commission inquiries, please email her at nbelton99@gmail.com or directly message her through Instagram.

“For over 50 years, private philanthropy has played a vital role in bridging the gap between park needs and available funding,” said Will Shafroth, the National Park Foundation’s president and CEO. “This grant will allow us to supercharge our efforts to ensure our national parks are for everyone, for generations to come.” The donation is not just a remarkable milestone for the National Park Foundation, but it is also the largest grant ever made to help U.S. national parks.

The $100 million funding will address four major priorities inside the national parks. First, the program will focus on increasing opportunities for young people to visit and experience parks, establishing a stronger connection to nature and outside places. This project seeks to ensure that future generations value and safeguard these natural assets.

Conservation is another important area of concern. The funding will be used to conserve fragile ecosystems and species in the parks, solving some of the country’s most serious environmental issues.

In addition to environmental conservation, the grant will help to portray a more inclusive and comprehensive story of American history. The National Park Foundation intends to promote the tales of communities whose contributions and experiences have frequently gone unnoticed, resulting in a richer and more diverse narrative within parks.

Finally, the money will improve the overall visitor experience at all national parks. With over 320 million yearly visitors, the NPF is dedicated to offering a “worldclass” experience, guaranteeing that everyone who enters a national park may fully appreciate and interact with these natural beauties.

As the NPF prepares to execute these projects, the impact of this gift will be felt across the country, ensuring that the natural and cultural riches of the park system are accessible and preserved for all.

perspectives and stories. beatricetolan@gmail. com

Nicole Belton in her studio with Skyview Drive (left) and a work in progress (right)

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

A decidedly hot night with temperatures in the 90s!

FurBall

Gets the Green Light

It was paws for thought when Santa Barbara Humane hosted its second annual gala The Great Gatsby FurBall at the Hilton, with 250 guests raising around $200,000 for the 136-year-old organization which, in its illustrious history, has helped more than one million animals find homes and has provided low cost veterinary care, their two campuses – in our Eden by the Beach and Santa Maria –having overseen 2,127 adoptions last year. The boffo beastly bash, co-chaired by Ruth Ann Howe and Denise Sanford, kicked off with welcomes from board chair John Corby, CEO Kerri Burns, chief veterinary officer Dr. Katie Marrie, and teen volunteer Siena Wyatt. The ubiquitous Geoff Green conducted the auction, which featured a five night

stay in Loreto Bay, Mexico (snapped up for $3,600), an acrylic on canvas painting by Pedro de la Cruz bought for $10,000, and a diamond bracelet going for $8,000.

Among the two-legged supporters in their flapper dresses and straw boaters were Stephanie Petlow , Adam McKaig and Melissa Borders, Nicole Wichowski, Crystal Knepler, Diana Washburn, Glen Holden, Paige Van Tuyl, Earl Minnis, and David Edelman.

Getting ‘Cut’

Orlando Bloom, British actor fiancé of singer Katy Perry, took his body to the limit while filming The Cut, about a retired boxer returning to matters pugilistic.

The new movie premiered at the Toronto Film Festival earlier this month and Bloom told People he “literally thought I was gonna die” because the role was so taxing and involved losing a drastic amount of weight.

“The last three weeks in London before we started filming was just eating cucumber and tuna,” he says.

The nutritionist on set put him on a “strict regime” designed to “tear him down” so he would start the film at his lightest weight.

“Then I put the weight on as we

filmed,” Bloom explained.

He says Katy was shocked by his transformation. “She freaked out, but she knew what it took.”

A One805 Belmond Bash

The Belmond El Encanto hosted a champagne-fueled bash for 150 guests to promote a forthcoming auction in connection with the One805LIVE! concert at Oscar-winning actor Kevin Costner’s Carpinteria estate on Friday, Sept. 20.

Star of the show was a Ferrari LaFerrari prototype, which has a reserve price of $2.1 million; safaris to South Africa, Botswana and Zambia; tickets for the Masters golf tournament in Augusta; dinner for 12 at Lucky’s with former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, who lives just a tiara’s toss away; tanzanite and diamond earrings from Silverhorn,

Lisa Amador, Tara Zanecki, John Hillis, Lisa Faitell, Nancy Shaak, and Jeep Holden

a VIP experience to see rockers Maroon 5 in their Las Vegas residency, and an assortment of celebrity-signed guitars.

The auction runs through Saturday, Sept. 28.

Among those checking out the Aladdin’s cave of items were co-founders Richard and Kirsten Weston-Smith, Peter and Kathryn Martin, Penny Bianchi, Santa Barbara fire chief Chris Mailes, John Thyne III, and Brendon Twigden.

Visit www.one805.org to view the online auction

Meghan Markle’s latest trademark application was denied last month in

Maria McCall with Jody Zuella, Todd Zuella, and Rebecca Aldoretta (photo by Priscilla)

Clare Carey, Mouhanad Hammami, Gretchen Lieff, Justine Pannier, and Suzanne Von Drehle (photo by Priscilla)

Back: Jamie and Joel Knee with Suzanne Von Drehle; Front: Suzi Schomer and Ariana Katovich (photo by Priscilla)

Gala Committee and SBH Staff (photo by Priscilla)

(photo by Priscilla)

First Responders with the new City Fire Engine #71 acquired through One805 support (photo by Priscilla)

Dana Dellheim, Pedro de la Cruz, Geoff Green, Jennifer Williams, with Amy and Robert Curtis (photo by Priscilla)

Jolynn Hardiman and Rick Wallace with Plastic Harpoon’s guitarist Taylor Casey (photo by Priscilla)

Artist Russell Young with his Marilyn Crying (photo by Priscilla)

major blow to her embattled American Riviera Orchard home goods brand.

The Duchess of Sussex’s effort to trademark her homemade jams and other household goods has landed her in another sticky situation with the U.S. Patent and Trademarks Office after previous bungles and failures to secure rights over new podcast, Archewell, last year.

The Patent Office rejected the application on Aug. 31, saying businesses are not allowed to trademark geographical locations, including the coastline around their Montecito home – the American Riviera.

The refusal also included a slew of problems with the filing, including her apparent failure to sign the current applications.

The USPTO admonished Prince Harry and his wife for giving vague descriptions of her products that covered multiple trademark categories.

“Registration is refused because the application is primarily geographically-based with the name American Riviera widely known as a nickname for Santa Barbara, California.”

In other news, Meghan spoke at the opening of the new Summerland bookshop Godmothers with near neighbor Oprah Winfrey

Also at the event were actor Marco Leone , psychological astrologer Dr. Jennifer Freed, and author, teacher and psychic medium Laura Lynne Jackson, all of whom highlighted Meghan in their Instagram stories.

Relationship Reflections

Santa Barbara warbler Katy Perry appears to have taken a swing at her British ex-husband Russell Brand as she made a jibe about “narcissists.”

Speaking in a preview from her interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast, she described to host Alex George her preferred types of male.

“I’m not attracted to narcissists,” she declared. “Anyone pulling the rug out from under you is not it. Someone like that just won’t help.”

Katy and Brand’s short-lived marriage lasted just 14 months, ending abruptly

in December 2011, when the comedian sent the former Dos Pueblos High student a text saying he was divorcing her.

A Michael by Any Other Name

Montecito actor Michael Keaton wants to change his stage name and start going by his real name Michael Douglas.

After decades the 73-year-old Beetlejuice stars plans to go by Michael Keaton Douglas.

Keaton wasn’t legally allowed to use his birth name because the Screen Actors Guild prohibits members from using other stars professional names.

And, unfortunately for Keaton, Oscarwinning Michael Douglas, 79, son of screen legend Kirk Douglas, was using it first.

Keaton now wants to be credited as Michael Keaton Douglas in future movies.

Remember the Queen

On a personal note, it is hard to imagine that the weekend was the second anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the U.K.’s longest reigning monarch.

Her son, King Charles III marked the occasion with Queen Camilla at Balmoral Castle, the beloved Scottish estate where Queen Elizabeth passed peacefully away.

At the time I did innumerable TV and newspaper interviews, having covered the Queen for many years for ABC Network, the Daily Mail and Daily Mirror among them.

As I said at the time: “It’s like losing one’s favorite grandmother.”

An amazing, unique and utterly charming individual.....

Sightings

Kevin Costner reuniting with his Bull Durham co-star Susan Sarandon at the Venice Film Festival... Orlando Bloom catching the racketeers at the U.S. Open tennis championships... TV host Jane Lynch noshing at the Montecito Coffee Shop.

Pip! Pip!

- 8:30 PM

Mason Art Gallery Featuring original works by celebrated artists including: Phoebe Brunner, Cassandria Blackmore, Pedro de la Cruz, Chris Gocong, Michael Haber, Belle Hahn, Kate Kramer, Giuliana Mottin, Sylvan Butera Rich

events@storytellercenter.org 100% of “art auction bids” will go to Storyteller Children’s Center: a year— round therapeutic school serving infants, toddlers and preschoolers facing adversity.

Kirsten Cavendish Weston-Smith and Richard Weston-Smith with the 2014 Laferrari Prototype PSI (photo by Priscilla)

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

“I just want people to feel, and feel BIG,” Gore says. She’s not kidding. The piece has a linear narrative, but one subsumed in and colorized by otherworldly stage effects, graceful aerialists, heart-seizing choreography (some of it nearly Fosse-adjacent), additive film clips, dramatically pointed vignettes, eyebrow arching humor, and – yeah – a hair hang artist.

When the Lights Go Out runs October 3 – October 6. Where, you ask? In a “… Secret Underground Location in downtown Santa Barbara. Details to follow upon purchasing ticket.” Okay? Some of this madness surely prompts the reasonable query; “Who is this Kerrilee Gore, and what on Earth is going on?” Indeed.

Miami Dice (born artist reaches teens, quits town)

“I was a gymnast. I grew up in a really small town in Massachusetts and literally dreamed about getting out of there the second I could. And I did, at 18. Two weeks out of high school I drove myself to Miami.” Gore had traded gymnastics for dance at 13 and had thrown herself at the new discipline, paying for her own lessons and absolutely killing it as hour after hour she twirled around her parents’ basement before thousands of appreciative, wholly imaginary attendees. A dervish of determination, Kerrilee would shortly find her actual audience, herself, and her love. But why Miami?

“It’s a big city. It didn’t feel like America. It felt like another world loaded with

Haitians, Argentinians, European expats, such a mix of friends! South Beach was a melting pot of cultures. I danced with several companies – and then I moved to New York City and I studied theater.”

Taking a bite of the Big Apple seems almost a rite of passage for the earnest performer, whatever the genre. “I’m a horrible actress,” Gore promptly offers with a grin. Only the enviably centered artist launches this sort of clay pigeon with the express purpose of laughingly shooting it down. “Then I moved to L.A. and started dancing in various places and joined Zen Arts.” In short order she became Zen Arts’ Dance Director.

When she received a job offer in Santa Barbara it seemed too good to be true. New owners of the perennially confused Savoy Hotel on lower State St. hired Kerrilee to put something together there as Entertainment Director. “I created ‘Gypzy Suite,’ Gore says avidly, with a touch of foreboding. An aerialist, a burlesque ninja, a miracle guy on stilts, the 40 Deuce Jazz Quartet, a famous Argentine Dancer – Gore ideated and wrote and laboriously constructed a seamless entertainment literally like no other, a dazzling cirque of talent, and in the perfect venue; the 19th century Italianate Jewel in the Crown of State Street’s club district. The owners, though, weren’t sure what they had on their hands, perhaps understandably. The show tanked in spectacular fashion, starved of publicity. Never mind. Kerrilee would soon fall head over heels in love with another artist – and come up with a new mission statement.

Everything Counts

“I’d stopped dancing,” Kerrilee says of a corner-turning moment now ten years past. Marital bliss had rechanneled her

creative impulse and her old energies were madly waving hands for attention. “I’d never not worked. I’ve never not been in a world where you’re hustling jobs and dancing and creating.” Gore is one half of “an art couple” (in my own awkward parlance) – two creatives dedicated to each other, to family, and to the crucible of art; an enviable union. Gore’s husband is a successful songwriter whose tune “People are People” was an epochal hit for his band at a time when modern music was reaching a chimeric, melodic zenith. To be crystal clear, “People are People” is not the Streisand hit from Funny Girl.

“Watching him perform night after night,” Gore recounts of the decade-old epiphany in the wings of her dear pal’s rock show. “… I was like, oh, this is so beautiful and so amazing. I need to get back to my own work! So I kind of put all that energy towards writing When the Lights Go Out, so that when we got home from the tour I could pour myself into that.” What began as a writing experiment would become Gore’s north star. Performed and retooled at various brave venues for a decade (Carr Winery, the Lobero), it is coming to a Black Box near you.

Kerrilee Gore has written and directed Stand by Mother , Random Acts of Madness , and has been busily rebuilding her formative work for a new debut at her very own Black Box theater… somewhere in Santa Barbara. There’s more. From 2015 to 2018, Gore was certified court appointed special advocate for local nonprofit, CASA. She was talent director for Teen Dance Star, and sat on the board of the Arts Mentorship Program for five years, serving as President in 2020. She is presently Board Co-President of teen-burnishing nonprofit AHA! Busy? Yuh huh. Shimmy Shimmy is the pro -

duction company that will frame and formalize Gore’s creative oeuvre going forward. Her work would not be mistaken for anyone else’s. Nor her directorial chit-chat.

“This is the last time people will ever see this version of When the Lights Go Out . It’s been playing for a decade, building and building and building. Last time the girl was hung 20 feet from her hair. This time I have 12-foot ceilings, so it’s going to be a little more intimate...”

When the Lights Go Out October 3-6, 2024 Doors 7:00 pm Show 7:30 pm

Please Uber or street park Secret Underground Location in downtown Santa Barbara details to follow upon purchasing ticket www.whenthelightsgooutshow.com

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

“Hang on with everything you’ve got!” When the Lights Go Out redefines the theatergoers experience (courtesy Ira Meyer Photography)

Gorgeous choreography interweaves a sometimes-jarring multimedia evening (courtesy Ira Meyer Photography)

who worked with me closely to complete this application and worked tirelessly to secure all of the supporting contractor estimates. I would also like to recognize Mari McAlister for bringing David Bolton, Executive Director of the California Missions Foundation, to the Casa for a visit, where he recognized that Casa del Herrero could be a great candidate for this prestigious grant and encouraged us to apply.”

Regarding this award and the organization’s Capital Campaign, Biles explained, “The timing couldn’t be better because next year we are celebrating our 100-year anniversary, and that is the main reason we launched our Capital Campaign. This award is a significant piece of the goal of the campaign, as the projects it funds are part of our overall restoration plan.”

411: For donations and more info on the Casa visit www.casadelherrero.com

Soul Bites Restaurant & Venue Needs $30K by September 15

Soul Bites Restaurant, on lower State Street, is the community-based entertainment space during Black History Month and all year round. The food is served up homemade by owner and actor, Stirling Nix-Bradley and his partner Rose. Their mission: “To feed the soul of our community through the comfort of our kitchen.”

Due to recent financial hardship derived from both a tough summer and the economy of Santa Barbara, they need to raise $30,000 by September 15.

Nix-Bradley: “This is hard for me to say, but...we’ve had a rough summer, with some unexpected expenses, during our slower months and we need some help. We’ve worked with our landlord, and they have generously offered us reduced rent for the rest of the year, to help us get back on track and to give us the opportunity to continue serving our community. We are hosting a series of events to raise money, so that we can stay on State Street, in Old Town Santa Barbara and keep doing what we love...cooking chef-driven Soul Food and maintaining the only community based, live entertainment venue, restaurant and bar in town. We fought hard to create our space two years ago, and we plan to continue fighting to offer this safe space for our community. We have been and will continue to be proud supporters of the Black and Brown community, the LGBTQ+ community, the sober community, the houseless and disadvantaged, artists of all disciplines, and the youth of our community. We do this by offering a safe, welcoming space for all. Our mission is to feed the SOUL of our community, through the comfort of our kitchen, and a diverse cultural collection of art and entertainment.”

Helping to get the word out is Black Culture House’s Darrell McNeill and Sally Foxen-McNeill, the Juneteenth Committee, and social media. 411: GoFundMe: www.gofundme.com/f/save-soul-bites-a-hub-for-art-and-comfort-food Insta: www.instagram.com/soulbitesrestaurants Website: https://soulbitesrestaurants.com/

Let’s keep supporting our local Black Owned Businesses. Here are a few more to know: Ethiopian Chef Mollie Ahlstrand, long respected Chef from A-Listers to local Montecito peeps, reopened her culinary talents in Carpinteria in 2023, at Mollie’s Kitchen. As she continues to serve up top level Italian fare, her strength through personal hardships is that of the G.O.A.T inspiration. The restaurant offers indoor dining, take out, and cooking classes along with her cookbook. 411: www.molliesdeli.com

Rare Society Restaurant (Trust Restaurant Group), owned and operated by Chef and Restaurateur Brad Wise The restaurant pays homage to retro steakhouses, along with upscale cocktail programs and sustainably sourced

seafood. One of his five locations is on 214 State Street, DTSB. Originally from the Central Coast, he holds close the wood-fired cooking methodology served alongside a great menu and atmosphere. 411: https://raresociety.com

The Summerland Salon & Spa co-owner Kara Richard is a Black woman who, with her business partner Jonathan Dawson, bring the complete beauty and wellness experience to our town. They host retreats, wellness workshops, and teach salon education, with their belief in the importance of building community. 411: www.summerlandsalonandspa.com

Dr. Jacquelin “Jacques” Charles, DC, BA, BA, LA, LC, LE; Aesthetics, Health & Wellness Institute, DTSB. Dr. Charles is a BoardCertified Licensed Chiropractor, Licensed Aesthetician, Licensed Cosmetologist, and Licensed Electrologist. He is a philanthropist and community activist, an experienced actor, model and yoga instructor. He truly enjoys serving others and being an asset to his community. He holds a dual B.A. from UCSB in Dramatic Arts and Black Studies, a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Southern California University of Health Sciences, is a licensed Aesthetician, Cosmetologist and Electrologist.

For a full list of services and more about Dr. Charles see the 411. 411: http://drjacquescharles.com/dr-jacques-charles

SB Party Animals provides a unique petting animal zoo at many of our town’s celebrations, especially for children and seniors. It was founded on an endearing story about a young boy who was orphaned in the middle of the Burundi civil war in 1997. His adopted family brought him to our town. He was naturally drawn to animals, from cats, chickens and more, and the party animals petting zoo business was founded. 411: www.sbpartyanimals.com/our-story

MamaBoy Movers, founded by Tevin Krall, who was raised by his single mom. The moving company’s mission is, “founded in love and respect for its clients, and its commitment to have a positive impact on our community with special support for veterans, senior citizens and single parents.”

411: http://mamaboymovers.com

Community Invited to Pre-High Holidays Schmooze by Chabad of Montecito

Rabbi Chaim Loschak of Chabad of Montecito is inviting the community, no affiliation necessary, to join their Pre-High Holidays Schmooze event on Thursday, September 19, 7:15-8:30 pm. The event will answer questions about Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Torah insights, and have space for discussion. Reservations are required. 411: www.jewishmontecito.org, 805-613-7199

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

Help save Soul Bites!

Dr. Jacques Charles (courtesy photo)

Chef and restaurater Brad Wise at his SB Restaurant, Rare Society (photo by Matt Furman Photography)

Chef Mollie Ahlstrand (courtesy photo)

Owners of the Summerland Salon and Spa Kara Richard and Jonathan Dawson (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

“I just thought, Santa Barbara is so blessed to have a lot of first-class performing arts entities. We’ve got to do better for them,” she said. “When I mentioned it to Susan, she was all-in right away.”

Fast-forwarding to the day the Granada reopened in 2006, Rutkowski recalled walking up the stairs and looking back at the people making their way inside.

“I saw all these people ready to enjoy something that I had worked so hard for, and I just felt so much joy,” she said. “I saw everyone coming to this magnificent new theater, and I thought, ‘We did good.’”

As for receiving the Legends award, which could be considered Santa Barbara’s equivalent of the Kennedy Center Honors, Rutkowski had a confession.

“To tell the truth, I’m slightly embarrassed,” she said. “I’m also very grateful and really happy. But it’s not about me, it’s about our community. It means the world to me that everyone is able to use the Granada – young and old, classical, jazz and rock, dance and now even movies. It’s the center of the cultural life of Santa Barbara.”

Gulbransen also gave a great deal of the credit to the community members who quickly signed on to the effort in what eventually became the renovation of the Granada.

“It was incredible how immediately after we began, so many people stepped up to not only financially support what we were doing, but also joined in helping us,” she said. “Joan and I had no idea it would become something so fantastic and gorgeous. But we kept working on it and people kept joining. And now we have this excellent performance theater, far above and beyond what we had hoped for or dreamed of.”

Gulbransen recalled her surprise when she found out that the Granada planned to honor the two of them with the Legends Award this year.

“We’re amazed and so pleased really,” she said. “The Granada is always in our thoughts and our dreams and our appreciations.”

While the choice of honorees has taken a one-off left turn for 2024, what remains the same is the Granada Legends’ fabulously elegant black tie evening that provides guests a rare opportunity to experience the Granada from the stage rather than one of its 1,300 seats, as the event seats patrons around tables on the fully extended stage. All of the activities and presentations – including a gourmet banquet dinner paired with wines and cocktails – takes place from a vantage only the entertainers normally experience.

The entertainment for the Legends gala is also a bit different, as the lineup parallels the Centennial celebration weekend back in April, taking note of the past, present and future of the Granada. Past is represented by State Street Ballet performing a standalone truncated version of its original 2018 work Chaplin about the early Hollywood legend. The present produces a special performance by the aptly named One-NightStand-Band boasting a bevy of Santa Barbara stalwarts put together by Randy Tico and Tariqh Akoni, and featuring Morganfield Burnett, George Friedenthal, Hunter Hawkins, Lois Mahalia, and Herman Matthews. The future finds a return appearance by Euphony, the elite show choir combining high school and SBCC students, who sang the title song of Sweeney Todd in April and will perform “The Nicest Kids in Town” from Hairspray.

“The idea is that at the end of Legends Gala and the end of the centennial year, it’s not only about looking backwards, but also celebrating what happens in this venue every month and what the future holds,” Seltzer said. “Focusing on local Santa Barbara talent is something we hope will survive and flourish in the future.”

The sponsor-supported gala is what allows the Granada to pause to celebrate each September. “Their generous and unrestricted support lets us keep the building in pristine condition for the eight resident companies and the outside producers that bring high quality talent to Santa Barbara,” Seltzer said.

The eighth annual Granada Legends Gala takes place Saturday, September 14. Visit www.granadasb.org.

John Steinbeck

Joan Rutkowski and Susan Gulbransen, instrumental in the Granada’s renovation, will be honored at this weekend’s Granada Legends gala (courtesy photo)

Today, the Granada in all its glory (courtesy photo)

2024 Puzzle 9: “Press Play” Solution

This month’s meta challenged solvers to find a famous song. The oversized grid (53 x 11, to be exact, which is more squares than an NYT Sunday puzzle!) contains several large chunks of black squares, as well as a large number of three-letter words. These normally undesirable grid characteristics serve a very specific purpose: The grid is in the shape of a piano keyboard.

The grid also has seven rebus squares, each containing the letters “NOTE.” These squares, ordered from top to bottom, are on the keys C-C-B-G-A-B-C. The spacing between the notes approximates the duration of the notes. When played, this sequence forms the melody of this month’s meta answer, Somewhere Over the Rainbow (or Over the Rainbow).

When Andrew first came up with this concept, I was skeptical that we could make it work. We gave it a go, and I’m pleased tha t by and large our solvers loved the puzzle and thought the juice was worth the squeeze of the extra- large grid.

Pete always does a cover version related to the meta answer (usually with his band, the Kindred Souls) You can watch the video and see this month’s full write-up here: https://pmxwords.com/september2024solution

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Tiki Trader, 890 Linden Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93103. 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 September 6, 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. 20240002139. Published September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Arturo Rios Kickboxing, 120 W Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Arturo Rios, 60 Sycamore Ter Apt 202, Goleta, CA 93117. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on August 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. 2024-0001936. Published September 4, 11, 18, 25, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Pro Balance, 1054 Palmetto Way, A, Carpinteria, CA 93013. Hortencia Torres, 1054 Palmetto Way, A, Carpinteria, CA 93013. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on August 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. 20240002036. Published August 28, September 4, 11, 18, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Perch Home and Lifestyle, 3558 Sagunto Street, B-1, Santa Ynez, CA 93460. Maureen A Hemming, PO Box 1749, Santa

Ynez, CA 93460. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on August 13, 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. 20240001927. Published August 28, September 4, 11, 18, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Start My Way, 1445 Harbor View Dr. Apt 115, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. Ma Lourdes Cordero, 1445 Harbor View Dr. Apt 115, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on August 12, 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. 20240001898. Published August 21, 28, September 4, 11, 2024

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Calendar of Events

by Steven Libowitz

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

E-SCAPE to Miraflores – The beauty of the Central Coast will be on display – and in one of the coast’s most beautiful spaces – when SCAPE’s (Southern California Artists Painting for the Environment) annual juried fall show takes up a two-day residence at the Music Academy of the West. “Central Coast Reflections” is the theme for this year’s exhibit from the sizeable group of outdoor painters whose passions include creating art, showing art, and preserving the natural world – a practice that serves as their inspiration through raising money to support environmental causes. The juror for this year’s exhibit, which like its predecessors features a wide range of painting styles from realism to the wildly abstract, is Santa Barbara artist Tom Henderson, a member of the Oak Group, who will also display some of his own work and conduct a painting demonstration at 12 noon tomorrow. A portion of sales will benefit Explore Ecology, the environmental education nonprofit.

WHEN: 2:30-6:30 pm today (reception at 5 pm), 11 am-4 pm tomorrow

WHERE: Hahn Hall, Music Academy of the West campus, 1070 Fairway Road

COST: free

INFO: https://scape.wildapricot.org

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Candlelight Does Coldplay – Candlelight Concerts is the newish series of original performances created by Fever to bring chamber music ensemble concerts to a true chamber setting; one in which local musicians play in stunning locations illuminated by thousands of candles. Initially conceived as a classical music series focusing on works from composers such as Vivaldi, Mozart and Chopin, the concept has expanded to encompass other genres and themes, including tributes to contemporary artists and movie soundtracks, as well as jazz, soul, opera, flamenco and more. Tonight, Candlelight, which made its Santa Barbara debut earlier this year, returns to concentrate on Coldplay, the mega-selling British rock band, with the Listeso String Quartet playing an evening of hits including “Clocks,” “Speed of Sound,” “Fix You,” “Yellow,” and “A Sky Full of Stars.”

WHEN: 6:30 & 9 pm

WHERE: New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St.

COST: $41-$69

INFO: (805) 965-5400 or www.etcsb.org

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

‘Once’ Again – Once began as a 2007 indie movie. It came out of nowhere to grab both the Academy Award for best song and a Grammy for creators Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová for the ballad “Falling Slowly.” Once was then adapted into a Broadway musical that garnered eight Tony Awards, setting a new record. Set in Dublin, the story revolves around the generically named Guy, a talented but discouraged street musician, and Girl, a young Czech woman so touched by his music that she convinces him to record an album together. The collaborative project produces a spark between them but it’s not a typical love story as the heart of the show comes from its emotional honesty and the power of music to transcend barriers and bring people together. Out of the Box most recently produced the now-regional theater staple at Center Stage in spring 2023. Now Rubicon Theatre Company closes out its current season with a pub-based production directed by Michael Michetti and starring Shawn William Smith and Maddie Eaton

WHEN: Tonight-October 6

WHERE: Rubicon Theatre, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura

COST: $30-$89.50 (discounts for students, seniors, veterans & active military)

INFO: (805) 667-2900 or www.rubicontheatre.org

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Go Cray Cray for the Blues – Five-time Grammy-winner Robert Cray, who over the course of a 50-year career has developed into one of American music’s singular bluesbased artists, returns to a familiar venue in downtown Santa Barbara. Recipient of the Americana Music Lifetime Achievement Award and a member of the Blues Hall of Fame, the singer-songwriter-guitarist is bringing longtime bandmates Richard Cousins (bass), Dover Weinberg (keyboards), and George Sluppick (drums) to the Lobero show.

WHEN: 7:30 pm

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

COST: $55 & $65 ($105 VIP tickets includes premier seating and a pre-show reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres)

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

& Suds – Casa de la Guerra is the central setting for the 2nd annual Downtown Santa Barbara Brew Fest, which boasts a bevy of craft beers and ales and stunning views of the adobe architecture. Guests can sample a wide selection of unique and refreshing hand-crafted beverages from some of the finest local breweries, including well-known neighbors like Institution Ale, Night Lizard, Figueroa Mountain and Third Window, along with lesser-known establishments Bright Spark Brewing, High Seas Mead, Single Fin Cider, and Leashless Brewing. All folks of legal drinking age are invited to immerse in the diverse flavors of the region and embrace the almost autumn vibes for the afternoon event, complete with live music and food.

WHEN: 2-6 pm

WHERE: Casa de la Guerra, 15 E. De la Guerra St.

COST: $49

INFO: (805) 962-2098 or www.downtownsb.org

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Irish Invasion – Celtic Thunder, the all-male vocal quartet known for its dynamic productions mixing tradition with innovation – including turning concerts into stirring theatrical experiences complete with dramatic set pieces – brings its latest creation to town. Odyssey, named after the album and DVD of the same name, aims to captivate audiences by paying homage to Celtic Thunder’s rich Irish heritage with fresh interpretations of iconic Irish songs like “Grace,” “Rare Olde Times,” and “Fields of Athenry,” as well as electrifying solo performances from each member: Neil Byrne, Emmet Cahill, Damian McGinty, and Ronan Scolard. Cahill comes back to town on the heels of a pair of solo appearances with his “Christmas in Ireland” concert at Trinity Episcopal Church the last two winters. Odyssey blends the group’s contemporary rhythms, original arrangements, and scintillating vocal chemistry with captivating storytelling – colorfully wrapped in an educational and entertaining journey through the heart of Irish culture, weaving a rich tapestry of emotions and musical styles. WHEN: 7:30 pm

WHERE: Granada Theatre, 1214 State Street

COST: $62-$92

INFO: (805) 899-2222 or www.granadasb.org

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Valley Fever – Head up to the Santa Ynez Valley to take your choice between one of the most enduring of the Central Coast’s relatively unheralded singer-songwriters at the Maverick Saloon, or the outrageously funny comedian of stage and screen. Savanna, Georgia, native Jill Knight’s soulful sound blends Americana, blues, R&B and more in a mix that can both move your feet and reach your heart. A finalist in a slew of SoCal songwriter awards, Knight is joined by Brynn Albanese and Eric Williams in her set at tonight’s Tales from the Tavern concert, sharing the bill with soul-folk-bluegrass singer-songwriter Abby Posner, a multi-instrumentalist comfortable on anything with strings.

Bricks

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Road to Recovery – The Marjorie Luke Theatre’s Green Film Series screens the Santa Barbara premiere of a documentary that traces the roots of the colonial conquest of North America to the so-called “Doctrine of Discovery,” which was issued by the Pope in 1493 and which justified the dispossession of Native populations from the lands of North America. Through the voices of four Indigenous women, the film uncovers this little-known history and advocates for a Doctrine of Recovery to restore social and environmental justice, reestablish harmony with the Earth, revive the sacred feminine, and ensure the survival of our species. Directed by Indigenous filmmaker Brisind (Somebody’s Daughter) and produced by former Santa Barbaran Leslee Goodman, along with Georgina Lightning of Tribal Alliance Productions, the film features an all-female cast of Tribal members who have appeared in such films and TV shows as Reservation Dogs, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Yellowstone. Doctrine of Recovery unapologetically exposes the influence of founding patriarchs and white supremacy on the devastating and ongoing effects of colonialism. The screening of Doctrine of Recovery, which has won awards at several film festivals, will be preceded by a Native American prayer and followed by a panel discussion with Goodman and actor/Ponca elder Casey Camp-Horinek

WHEN: 4 pm

WHERE: Marjorie Luke Theatre, Santa Barbara Junior High, 721 East Cota St.

COST: $10

INFO: (805) 884-4087 or https://luketheatre.org/events

WHEN: 7 pm

WHERE: The Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez COST: $34

INFO: (805) 688-0383 or www.talesfromthetavern.com

Over in Solvang, it’s an evening with Kevin Nealon, the Emmy and SAG-nominated actor, stand-up, and Saturday Night Live cast member for nine years (“Weekend Update,” “Hans & Franz”). Following that run, Nealon created the character of Doug Wilson on Weeds; an egregious, self-serving, smutty – and somehow still charming and likable character on the series. His film credits include a half-dozen with fellow SNL alum Adam Sandler, and many others. His dry wit should go over well in the dry late summer heat. Andy Woodhull opens.

WHEN: 7 pm

WHERE: Solvang Festival Theatre, 420 2nd Street, Solvang COST: $60-$90

INFO: (805) 686-1789 or https://solvangtheaterfest.org

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Back on the Chain Gang – Four decades into their collective careers, most of the fellas who formed Marley’s Ghost back in the mid-1980s are still a part of the band, one that, like The Band, has been hailed for encompassing a broad scope of Americana and acoustic music that refuses to be confined to any singular niche. Marley’s Ghost can sing and play anything American in the musical world – from roots to rock, blues to bluegrass, gospel to stone country – and sound utterly authentic doing so. Over the course of a dozen albums and counting, Ghost’s members – including Montecito’s John Wilcox – might be a little grayer around the temples, but their spirited musicianship, skill at crafting multi-part harmonies and self-deprecating and irreverent humor has only grown. While the sextet still plays the festival circuit, their cult status allows us the gift of periodically seeing them gig in a space as intimate as SOhO.

WHEN: 7:30 pm

WHERE: SOhO, 1221 State St., upstairs in Victoria Court COST: $20

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

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING (805) 565-1860

ESTATE/SENIOR SERVICES

MOVING MISS DAISY

Full Service SAFE Senior Relocation and Estate Liquidation Services Including: Packing and Unpacking, Estate Sales, Online Auctions and our own Consignment Shop! We are Licensed, Bonded, Liability Insured, Workers Comped, Certified by The National Assoc of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) and The American Society of Estate Liquidators (ASEL).

Glenn Novack, Owner. 805-770-7715 info@movingmissdaisy.com MovingMissDaisy.com Consignments@MovingMissDaisy.hibid.com

The Clearing House, LLC

Recognized as the area’s Premier Estate Liquidators - Experts in the Santa Barbara Market! We are Skilled Professionals with Years of Experience in Downsizing and Estate Sales. Personalized service. Insured. Call for a complimentary consultation. Elaine (805) 708-6113 Christa (805) 450-8382 Email: theclearinghouseSB@cox.net Website: www.theclearinghouseSB.com

TRESOR

We Buy, Sell and Broker Important Estate Jewelry. Located in the upper village of Montecito. Graduate Gemologists with 30 years of experience. We do free evaluations and private consultation. 1470 East Valley Rd Suite V. 805-969-0888

Timeless, elegance - Nightwear, robes, loungewear

www.shopglamourhouse.com 805-969 5285 Ann@shopglamourhouse.com

PHYSICAL TRAINING & THERAPY

Stillwell Fitness of Santa Barbara In Home Personal Training Sessions for 65+ Help with: Strength, Flexibility, Balance, Motivation, and Consistency John Stillwell, CPT, Specialist in Senior Fitness 805-705-2014 StillwellFitness.com

GOT OSTEOPOROSIS? WE CAN HELP

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

Mobile Massage Therapy Focused Pain Relief & Mobility Restoration by Female Therapist 30 Years of Experience Licensed, Insured, Local References Available 9-7pm Call/Text: 805 710-1127

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

ELECTRICIAN

Montecito Electric Repairs and Inspections Licensed C10485353 805-969-1575

Bouchard Electric Full Service Electrical Generac - Automatic Generators Lic #794284 C-10 415-499-2203

LANDSCAPE

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

Gorgeous remodeled 2BR guesthouse/cottage in Montecito’s Golden Quadrangle. Private tropical setting, part of a gated estate. Separate parking and entrance, furnished, lush private patio.

Full kitchen, A/C, W/D. All utilities, Wi-Fi and cable included.

$7,200/mo. Minimum 4 mos. Lease. (215) 260-0207

El Escorial East Beach Condo, 2 bed/2 bath, $4795/mo, Resort living with on-site amenities, furnished/unfurnished. Minimum term. Call (928) 275-1108

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) 455-5980 www.BiographyDavidWilk.com

KNIFE SHARPENING SERVICES

EDC Mobile Sharpening is locally owned and operated in Santa Barbara. We specialize in (No-Entry) House Calls, Businesses, and Special Events. Call (805) 696-0525 to schedule an appointment.

PET/ HOUSE SITTING

Do you need to get away for a weekend, week or more? I will housesit and take care of your pets, plants & mail. I have refs if needed. Call me or text me. Christine (805) 452-2385

SANTA BARBARA CEMETERY PLOT

Ocean view plot off of Bluff Ave. Island Edition-C

GARDENING

Care and maintenance of all your gardening needs. Pruning fruit trees, roses, hedges, and more! Reliable. REASONABLE RATES. CALL Scott (805) 448 9824

CARPET CLEANING

Carpet Cleaning Since 1978 (805) 963-5304

Rafael Mendez Cell: 689-8397 or 963-3117

. PROJECT MANAGEMENT FALL APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE 805.335.1481 WWW.CAROLYNEFERGUSONDESIGN.COM

Sunny, stunning mid-century classic home. Recently renovated, world-class art. Sept 15th- Dec 15th - Flexible times during the year.

2 mo. Minimum lease 3 BD / 3 BA

Pool & Hot Tub

Secured Community $25,000 per month (574) 215-0213

SALE

2018 BMW C-Evolution Maxi Scooter Fully electric with four ride modes. Fresh service and brand new tires. 3300miles in Excellent condition! To my knowledge only 100 were sent to the States.

$6500 obo

Steve (805) 448-1218

MiniMeta

ByPeteMuller&FrankLongo

ByPeteMuller&FrankLongo

ByPeteMuller&FrankLongo

ByPeteMuller&FrankLongo

Foreachofthefirstfiveminicrosswords,oneoftheentriesalsoservesaspartofa five-wordmetaclue.Theanswertothemetaisawordorphrase(sixlettersor longer)hiddenwithinthesixthminicrossword.Thehiddenmetaanswerstartsin oneofthesquaresandsnakesthroughthegridverticallyandhorizontallyfrom there(nodiagonals!)withoutrevisitinganysquares.

Foreachofthefirstfiveminicrosswords,oneoftheentriesalsoservesaspartofa five-wordmetaclue.Theanswertothemetaisawordorphrase(sixlettersor longer)hiddenwithinthesixthminicrossword.Thehiddenmetaanswerstartsin oneofthesquaresandsnakesthroughthegridverticallyandhorizontallyfrom there(nodiagonals!)withoutrevisitinganysquares.

Foreachofthefirstfiveminicrosswords,oneoftheentriesalsoservesaspartofa five-wordmetaclue.Theanswertothemetaisawordorphrase(fivelettersor longer)hiddenwithinthesixthminicrossword.Thehiddenmetaanswerstartsin oneofthesquaresandsnakesthroughthegridverticallyandhorizontallyfrom there(nodiagonals!)withoutrevisitinganysquares.

Foreachofthefirstfiveminicrosswords,oneoftheentriesalsoservesaspartofa five-wordmetaclue.Theanswertothemetaisawordorphrase(sixlettersor longer)hiddenwithinthesixthminicrossword.Thehiddenmetaanswerstartsin oneofthesquaresandsnakesthroughthegridverticallyandhorizontallyfrom there(nodiagonals!)withoutrevisitinganysquares.

Coordinate,astwowatches

Likepunchthatpacksa punch

Goodqualityformodeling

Poutystates

Closesttozero