It’s a busy week at the MPC as the Biltmore renovations come up for review… with the pool and more previously under scrutiny, were the plans approved? page 6
Ambassador Falsini
Surfer Laird Hamilton, Princess Theodora of Liechtenstein, and now, Chef Falsini… Project Zero appoints Caruso’s MICHELIN star chef as a program ambassador, page 14
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Three Stunning Properties
109 Rametto Road
Reminiscent of Hollywood’s ‘’Golden Era,’’ this magnificent 1920’s Montecito estate boasts breathtaking ocean/island views and embodies a rare blend of stunning architecture and unmatched quality. Featuring grand bedrooms, libraries, offices, with 10 fireplaces and 14 baths, every facet of this residence exudes regal splendor.
$17,500,000
1106 Dulzura Drive
This stunning single-level Montecito home exudes quality throughout and offers a perfect blend of modern elegance and classic charm. The luxurious primary suite provides a newly remodeled bath, dual walk-in closets, a private office, and French doors with access to the gardens and spa.
$5,850,000
7427 Shepard Mesa Road
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, islands, Carpinteria Valley, and the Santa Ynez Mountain Range at this stylish mid-century modern 3 Bed/3 Bath home. Inside, you are greeted by a timeless 1950s mid-century modern aesthetic that can be seen throughout the home.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Vote! – Just a handy reminder and a few
Biltmore at the MPC – After appealing the requested MBAR denial, the Biltmore heads to the MPC for preliminary approval of their project
Montecito Miscellany – The Full Potential of Girls Inc., the symphony’s Tchaikovsky Immersion, Seeking Beauty, and more miscellany
MPC Recusal – A closer look at what happened in Friday’s Montecito Planning Commission and Commissioner Stahl’s shocking recusal Community Voices – Bob Hazard and Harry Rabin share their thoughts on the MPC and Miramar
18 Beings and Doings – You want to live longer and spend the whole ride feeling great. Gary Binkow has your number.
W.E. Rides – After being paralyzed, British TV presenter, writer, and artist Sophie Morgan is empowering other women with her new riding adventures
20 The Giving List – Explore the Soil Lab, Elderberry Orchard, and all aspects of regenerative agriculture at White Buffalo’s Jalama Canyon Ranch
22 Brilliant Thoughts – Through Labor Day and labor disputes – this is what has worked in the working world
24 On Entertainment – State Street Ballet’s fiery flight, the everlasting lyrics of Aimee Mann, and an Out of the Box Family Album
34
Crime in the ‘Cito – A nude barbecue incident, a high speed 180, an Amtrack fatality, and wee-hour frolicsome teens
Meeting at MA – Updates from Congressman Carbajal, the Fire Chiefs have an Ambulance Plan, new signage for East Mountain Drive, and more
37 Animal Intuition – When a pet is at a loss of words, thankfully there’s pet psychic Alice Murphy to get them to speak their mind
42 News Bytes – Ghost Village Road, a Harvest for Hope, the Teacher’s Fund a success, and a Visual Feast with Roland Petersen
44 Calendar of Events – Boo at the Zoo, singing at Stearns Wharf, and a performance for Middle East peace, among other stunning and unique entertainments
Our Town – It was all ocean and reefs speak at Caruso’s when Project Zero Founder Michele Clarke appointed Chef Falsini as an ambassador
Invites – Get a glimpse into what State
26 Elizabeth’s Appraisals – A genre painting tells of the Second Industrial Revolution and a yearning for simpler times
28
Montecito Health Coach – Colonics, Biofeedback, and the We Care Euphoria –Deann returns fresh from the We Care spa in Desert Hot Springs
46
Classifieds – Our own “Craigslist” of classified ads, in which sellers offer everything from summer rentals to estate sales
47
Mini Meta Crossword Puzzles
Local Business Directory – Smart business owners place business cards here
Photography: Jim Bartsch
by MJ Editorial Staff
The General Election is roughly two weeks away. Here are our endorsements for who and what is on the ballot. Regardless of who you support, the most important aspect of a democracy, is simply to have a voice – so on November 5th… GO VOTE!
President & Vice President
United States Senator Adam B. Schiff
United States Representative, District 24
Salud Carbajal
State Senator, District 21
S. Monique Limón
Member of the State Assembly, District 37
Gregg Hart
Santa Barbara County Board of Education Trustee, Area 4
Guy Walker
Santa Barbara Unified School District Governing Board Member, Area 2
Sunita Beall Vote
spirits secrets and october 31st at 5pm halloween night in the speakeasy
and mystery
Kamala D. Harris & Tim Walz
Biltmore at the MPC
Schedules, Palapas, and More Discussed at Meeting
by Tiana Molony
On Wednesday, October 16th, the Four Seasons Biltmore received preliminary approval from the Montecito Planning Commission (MPC) for its updated development plan. The plan includes adding private hot tubs for the bungalows, renovating the guest houses, building a new pool, and renovating the outdoor dining deck.
Ahead of the vote, the MPC requested that the size of the family pool be reduced by 5% and that the palapa in the pool area be covered with foliage so it could not be seen from Channel Drive. The Biltmore agreed to both requests.
The hotel received over a thousand letters of support from the community, according to the Biltmore’s Director of Development, Sean Lavelle, who held those letters at the meeting.
The hotel – owned by billionaire and Montecito resident Ty Warner – closed its doors in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown, leaving 650 employees furloughed and causing a consequent legal battle. The original plan was to renovate the resort and reopen in 2024; however, the reopening date is now projected for Summer 2025 because of permit setbacks. Approved plans, like renovating guest rooms into retail space, are underway, with some renovations already finished.
The Biltmore team hoped to clear the air regarding what they felt were misconceptions about the project, including the design of the bungalow hot tubs and the proposed family pool. The Biltmore assured commissioners that all designs aligned with the Spanish Revival style by the hotel’s original architect, Reginald Johnson. The shell of the hot tubs is fiberglass, but the visible part is tile. The hot tub concept is similar to those at San Ysidro Ranch, one of Warner’s other properties.
At the hotel’s last meeting with the Montecito Board of Architectural Review (MBAR), the board shared their thoughts on the project and made recommendations. At the meeting, some MBAR members vehemently opposed the additional pool concept and compared it to a “lazy river.” Following this meeting, the Biltmore team asked that the preliminary approval be denied. Then, they appealed that decision and presented it to the MPC.
Biltmore Page 314
At the MBAR meeting, many members opposed the pool redesign, comparing it to a “lazy river.” Proponents of the project, commented that these objections weren’t related to architectural details. (courtesy photo)
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Montecito Miscellany
Full Moon, Full Potential, Full Fun
by Richard Mineards
The lunar-tics were out in force for a night on the tiles at the Kimpton Canary hotel rooftop, when Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara hosted a Full Moon, Full Potential bash, their first in-person event since 2019, to coincide with the night’s Super Moon, with 215 guests helping raise around $175,000.
After a cocktail reception with live music by Miriam Dance and her band, speeches were given by board chair Paul Portney, executive director Cydney Justman, and Girls Inc. alumnae Sagarika, a senior at Dos Pueblos High School and inspiring teen honoree – followed by a live auction conducted by Tina Ballue, director of development for Domestic Violence Solutions.
Vice Chair on Girls Inc.’s board Tracy Jenkins (right) visits with daughter Jordan M. RabaniJenkins (left) and Director of Finance, Coral De Alba (photo by Isaac Hernandez de Lipa)
Cane Schneiderman, Lily Marx, and Eileen Mielko
The 150-minute boffo bash wrapped just in time to see the largest moon of the year shine particularly brightly over our Eden by the Beach.
Among the awestruck moon maniacs were Sybil Rosen, Anne Luther, Carol Wathen, Caroline Thompson, Diana Villanueva, Shelley Schultz, Chuck and Missy Sheldon, Vivian Solodkin, Tom and Eileen Mielko, Mercedes Millington, Russell Ghitterman, Renee Grubb, Marcia Long, and Ron and Shelley Segal
An interplanetary event of major note...
Tchaikovsky Triumvirate
A triple tribute celebration launched Santa Barbara Symphony’s new season at
Miscellany Page 384
Leslie
greet one another upon arrival (photo by Isaac Hernandez de Lipa)
Board Chair Paul Portney delivers opening remarks, thanks sponsors and welcomes all guests to Full Moon, Full Potential (photo by Isaac Hernandez de Lipa)
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MPC Recusal
Miramar and the 18 Pages Heard Around the Room
by Tiana Molony
The October 18th Montecito Planning Commission (MPC) meeting, scheduled for the purposes of discussing the Rosewood Miramar’s proposed expansion for mixed-use housing, abruptly ended when Commissioner Sandy Stahl recused herself halfway through, causing the commission to lose its required quorum.
The mixed-use housing development plan being considered, in advance of next week’s scheduled County Planning Commission meeting on the same topic, includes affordable housing, market-rate apartments, and new retail shops, expanding the hotel’s current footprint by 54,000 square feet. Last month, Rick Caruso and his team, citing County Code Section 2-25.2 which gives the County full approval over any development linked to affordable housing, insisted that the county bypass the MPC and move the project directly to the County Planning Commission for approval. The County, however, in response to the overwhelming objection by Montecito residents, decided to give the MPC one of their five allotted hearings on the matter.
The county’s original position, however, did not go unmentioned at the hearing. MPC Chair Marshall Miller addressed the county’s decision to move the item straight to the CPC, saying the decision was “corrosive to trust between staff and the Montecito Planning Commissioners.”
Before the scheduled lunch break, Chris Robertson, Rick Caruso’s Senior Vice President of Planning and Development, questioned the integrity of a document Commissioner Stahl submitted prior to the meeting. The document in question contained 6,000 words and over 18 pages of questions. Robertson pointed out that, according to the document’s history discovered in a reverse search by Caruso’s legal team, the letter was authored not by Stahl, but
by an individual who is openly opposed to Caruso’s proposed expansion. “As some of you know, it’s very easy to go into Word and see who authored the document,” said Robertson.
A later statement from Miramar owner Rick Caruso’s team revealed that the letter’s author was Philip Dracht, “a litigator and leader at All Saints Church.
Dracht has helped lead the church’s concerted effort to stop the Miramar project and has threatened to sue the county.”
According to Stahl, the original email she sent to County staff member Willow Brown included a paragraph in the body of her document with her own questions and an attachment of the ones drafted by Dracht. She said that she did not draw on Dracht’s questions at the meeting.
Stahl claims that had someone asked her about the questions before the meeting, she would have said where they came from. “I wasn’t trying to hide anything,” she said in a phone call. “I mean, it’s a set of questions. It’s not like some insidious document; it’s just questions.”
Commissioners usually disclose any ex parte communications that occurred before hearings, but Stahl had not mentioned Dracht’s name. “I was unclear about procedures and the specifics of ex parte communications, and on that basis, I am going to recuse myself,” said Stahl after the lunch break.
The Miramar was concerned that this revelation showed that the commission had “pre-judged” their project. “Integrity is a core value for me and my company,” said Caruso in the Miramar statement following the meeting. “And it should be for those who hold positions of public trust.”
Stahl says she was unaware of Dracht’s association with the church when she shared his questions with county staff. According to Stahl, this is why she did not specifically mention Dracht in her ex parte communications. “He identified himself to me as a
Recusal Page 364
Community Voices Dark Day at the MPC
by Bob Hazard
Friday, October 18 was a dark day for those who care about the principles of integrity and fairness in Montecito. This was the day the Montecito Planning Commission utterly failed in its mission to faithfully abide by its legal and ethical obligations in representing our community. Their unfinished hearing amounted to a self-inflicted wound that may prove impossible to recover from.
As many readers will be aware, the matter at hand was the Miramar Resort and Rick Caruso’s plan to convert two parking lots into 26 units of affordable employee housing, approximately a dozen resort shops, and eight market rate apartments. This is a plan that has been developed over the course of two years with a great deal of public input. MPC members have insisted they are the rightful body to review and evaluate this plan, rather than the County Planning Commission. County code indicates otherwise, clearly stating that affordable housing projects such as this are to be heard at the County level. After an outcry, the County CEO agreed to allow the MPC to hear the matter and issue a recommendation before a final decision from the County Commission.
The MPC then used this hard-won opportunity to publicly embarrass itself.
The five-member commission was already down to four members on the hearing day. Chair Marshall Miller recused himself due to a conflict of interest, as his wife is the Junior Warden of All Saints Church, a leading Miramar opponent. That left Commissioners Donna Senauer, Ron Pulice, and Sandy Stahl, with Bob Kupiec attending remotely from out of town.
and parishioner of All Saints who is helping to lead the church’s campaign against the project. In fact, he has threatened to sue the Miramar and the County if the decision doesn’t go his way.
After lunch, Commissioner Stahl said she was “unclear about procedures and the specifics of ex parte communications” and recused herself, approximately five hours after the hearing began. There wasn’t even an attempt to justify her transgression. The move meant the Commission no longer had a quorum, as Kupiec’s remote presence didn’t count toward the necessary total. The hearing promptly ended, and with it the influence over this application the MPC had so loudly fought for.
For Commissioner Stahl to accept this diehard opponent’s lengthy work product and submit it as her own, and then sit in judgment of the topic as an allegedly fair-minded arbiter, almost defies belief. It is a plain-as-day violation of basic principles of fairness and transparency, as well as a violation of law. There is no way in good conscience she can continue to serve on this Commission and should tender her resignation immediately.
These troubling events raise many urgent questions. What other undisclosed interactions has Commissioner Stahl been having with Miramar opponents? Is this a common practice with this Commission? And more broadly, what other “specifics” of good governance and due process has this Commission been unfamiliar with in its work?
I am on record as a supporter of the Miramar proposal. I believe we owe a debt of gratitude to Rick Caruso for having the patience and stamina to hang in there long enough to replace the dilapidated and abandoned Miramar property with the beautiful hotel that stands today – and which helps fill the coffers of our County government every year. I believe they have proposed a sensible plan that will help us meet our state housing requirement at no cost to the public, and I was pleased to see that the state agency overseeing housing policy recently voiced support for the plan as well.
As is standard in such hearings, the Commissioners disclosed their ex parte communications on the Miramar matter – interactions that took place outside Commission hearings. Commissioner Stahl disclosed that she had met with representatives from Caruso, with some area neighbors, and with two vocal plan opponents, Cliff Ghersen and Sheri Benninghoven She said nothing about the 18-page document filled with questions for County Staff and Caruso that she had sent to County Planning staff, and later relied on in her questioning of the project.
The problem was, Commissioner Stahl was not the author of the document.
As a Caruso representative revealed right before lunch in a stunning statement, data embedded in the computer file showed that the actual author of the document was Philip Dracht. Dracht is a local attorney
But all of that said, my opinion of this proposal is beside the point. There are more fundamental questions that Montecitans must now confront. What kind of Commission is holding this position of public trust? Why don’t all of its members honor basic concepts like fairness, open-mindedness, and transparency? Montecito deserves the highest quality of representation in local government. If this Commission is the best we can do, maybe we should think twice about even having it at all.
Community Voices
What’s Really and Accurately Up with the Miramar Beach Resort?
A Rebuttal to Bob Hazard’s One-Sided and Inaccurate Article
by Harry Rabin
Mr. Hazard, let’s begin with your 1st point (MJ Vol. 30_40, October 3-10, 2024) that the Rosewood expansion will provide “Workforce Housing for Employees.” Yes, affordable Housing is GREAT but only when it’s available to the community at large, not for self-serving interests taking advantage of a poorly written bill; SB-330. So 26 affordable housing units, let’s not forget a pool of 400 Miramar ONLY employees? That actually equates to income for the Miramar and increases its ability to find employees. Are we to believe this will reduce traffic and offset our carbon footprint? The reality is that the average occupancy would be 1.5 occupants, spouses, offspring, etc. So more like 40 occupants of which 14 are not Miramar employees. Perhaps these additional affordable housing residents own cars too? And perhaps they have friends? Visitors with cars? Which will be parked… where? But let’s get back to SB-330 which most people know nothing about. Here is a summary:
SB-330 was created to stimulate developers to build more affordable housing, unfortunately it falls far short of that important goal. Developers are clearly taking advantage of this poorly written bill creating high risks to those who live near their illplanned projects. SB-330 gives CARTE BLANCHE to developers as it bypasses several important safety valves in the system by allowing developers to leap over important regulatory and watchdog entities such as the Coastal Commission, CEQA/EIR (an Environmental Impact Report), and here’s a big one – it creates shortcuts around the issues of PUBLIC SAFETY.
The Miramar expansion would break local roads which are already overwhelmed.
We presently have a monster of a 101 freeway expansion in progress extending itself like a cancerous growth – 80% of our freeway ramps, that’s four out of the five in the immediate vicinity of
Double parked in active east bound lane, forcing traffic onto oncoming traffic. (photo by Harry Rabin)
the Miramar Hotel are closed! Over six detours alone have been documented on the SBROADS101 website! Automobile accidents are climbing every month!
And let’s also take a look at the “UNDERGROUND PARKING” so highly touted by Mr. Hazard and how it will truly impact PUBLIC SAFETY to construct it. It will require very large 10-ton capacity trucks to make over 2,600 trips to remove the volume of dirt required for this parking structure. Will they be easily accessing the freeway with their payloads of dirt and TOXIC asphalt? No, they will be tearing up our surface streets taking the local detours, and creating a huge carbon footprint, contributing to TRAFFIC and a threat to PUBLIC SAFETY.
Mira-Marred
Current Miramar parking overflow is interfering with emergency situations, i.e. fire, flood, evacuations and the ability for safety vehicles to get through our already narrow streets. Who is to be placed in charge of this critical traffic study? At present it’s actually the Miramar team! This again brings me to a very simple question: Is it even possible to do an accurate traffic report given the current condition of the 101 Freeway construction surrounding the area? In fact, it’s impossible to perform an essential and reliable traffic report until the 101 freeway construction is completed. Remember all the closed ramps, all the detours, all the road blockage from the construction. The even bigger question is why would the County allow the DEVELOPER to be in charge of producing this critical traffic report? It needs to be a peer reviewed traffic study! Sure, the Miramar Hotel can be involved. They can pay the County for a proper study to be done AFTER the 101 freeway expansion has finally been completed in 2026!
Community Voices Page 304
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Letters to the Editor
MPC Befuddlement
Befuddled. I rarely use this word, but found it the most appropriate to describe what I witnessed at the MPC meeting regarding the Miramar project. Talk about Amateur Hour(s).
There are a lot a great people in Montecito, who earned their place, with pure intent, and who want nothing more than to preserve the beauty and serenity that makes Montecito so special. I respect that.
There are, however, a contingent of those who continue to propagate the longstanding stigma of the Montecito elite, the “I already have mine, and you can’t have yours” mentality, and boy was it on full display in last Friday’s meeting.
I know the feeling, since my family and I have owned in Montecito for over 40 years, and I still feel like an outsider.
So when good people with good intentions, come to town with noble proposals, like Mr. Caruso is with his no taxpayer cost affordable housing solution, I know his pain.
I have been in Montecito long enough to remember what the Miramar Hotel was like BC (Before Caruso).
It had boundless ocean views, awesome beach access, asphalt aplenty, and a darn good chance you would leave with scabies.
Fact is, Caruso has proven himself here in Montecito.
In 2007 he purchased and improved an otherwise condemned property and turned it into arguably the most elegant and inspiring destination in Montecito. No one thought he would get it done, but he did. And most, if not all, of his opponents now enjoy a safer environment, and home values exponentially increasing.
He is one of the highest taxpayers, and largest employers in Montecito. He gives generously to many organizations,
including schools and churches. More importantly, he makes himself available to all, and his properties accessible to all.
And you know what? It is the very thing that he does so well that really bothers certain folks in Montecito. Remember, “I have mine, you can’t have yours!”
It’s hard to find fault in Caruso, but here, I found one… HE IS TOO DARN INCLUSIVE!!
Based on how they are treating him with this project, it seems to be a very yucky word.
The treatment of Caruso at the MPC meeting was unacceptable; actually, it was shameful.
I am unsure people are fully grasping the impact of the terrible OPTICS of this.
Rick Caruso is offering to build 26 affordable housing units, for fully employed, worthy individuals, on his land that he bought in 2007. He is not asking for a dime from the taxpayer to do so, but is adding 15 retail units to offset the cost of the project. Again, on his land, with no taxpayer cost, with no expansion on land.
What in the world is the issue??
Oh yeah, the issue seems to be a Church’s partial mountain view obstruction.
Because with all that is happening in the world today, God worries about that kind of thing…
No disrespect, but just curious, how much property tax does a church pay?
Once again, I am very angry and disappointed that MPC wasted my time Friday, and it is absolutely no mystery to me why Caruso bypassed them altogether.
I do hope he gets a fairer shot with the County. He deserves it.
If these antics continue, I fear a future that compels the following headline:
“Caruso offers an Affordable Housing Solution on a silver platter, Montecito rejects it.”
That’s how all this reads to me. But who am I, just another 40-year Montecito outsider.
Historically, before arrival of all these municipalities and appointed gatekeepers, Montecito was originally cultivated and developed by poor Italian immigrant laborers. It is, in fact, one of the first Affordable Housing Communities in America.
How fitting for Caruso, who proudly flies an Italian flag on his Miramar property, to bring this opportunity to Montecito, as not only a real test of living your values, but as what is simply the right thing to do.
Eric Mozilo
Basic Principle of Fairness
I was in attendance at the Montecito Planning Commission meeting on Friday in regard to the Miramar project.
I am a long time Montecito resident and have been to meetings in the past for other matters.
No matter where you stand on the Miramar, I feel everyone is entitled to a fair consideration of their application which is what the MPC should be doing. What I witnessed was not that.
Montecito Tide Guide
There was definitive sway to meet the opposition’s feelings.
Sandy Stahl was aggressive in her questioning of the flood and traffic departments, so much so that she was told several times that her questioning was out of line for the application and what they could effectively answer. It then came to light that she was in possession of 18 pages of questions sent to her by a lawyer who is with the group opposing the project. These 18 pages were sent to the Caruso team as if they were her own, and when that came to
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Humor | Ernie Witham
Our Town/Society | Joanne A Calitri Travel | Jerry Dunn, Leslie Westbrook Food & Wine | Melissa Petitto, Gabe Saglie, Jamie Knee
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JOURNAL
Our Town
Appointed Ambassador for Project Zero
by Joanne A Calitri
In a major collaborative effort to bring its work in marine conservation to our town, Project Zero has appointed MICHELIN Chef Massimo Falsini as an Ambassador. Massimo is the Chef-Partner of Caruso’s Restaurant at the Rosewood Miramar Beach. He has proven to be a dedicated environmentalist, taking that commitment into his kitchens with sustainable sourcing and respectful repurposing of food waste throughout his career in the culinary arts. At Caruso’s, he has maintained one MICHELIN star and one MICHELIN Green Star since 2022, with the restaurant receiving multiple sustainability awards, including Smart Catch Ambassador, FishChoice, and Ocean Wise partnerships. Falsini joins a growing group of diverse ambassadors including Shark Lab Director at CSU Long Beach Dr. Chris Lowe , surfer Laird Hamilton , founder of the Green Teen Team,
Princess Theodora of Liechtenstein , and marine biologist at the Great Barrier Reef Jacinta Shackleton.
The announcement and ocean info-celebration were held at Caruso’s on Friday, October 18 at a private event. Here, the caviar and champagne were second to the important conversation I had with Project Zero’s CEO Michele Clarke , for our readers. Project Zero was founded by Mick Jagger ’s son James Jagger , Keith Richard ’s daughter Alexandra Richards , Ronnie Wood ’s son Tyrone Wood , along with their board members – Kendall Conrad , John de Neufville , Michelle Edelman , Samuel Horne , and Jeremy Lindblad .
Project Zero creates revenue streams to fund scientists and organizations that protect and preserve ocean and marine life via celebrity and luxury brand collabs to raise awareness. One of its first brand fundraisers was in NYC 2017, with luxury skin care line La Mer and 54 celebrities who created ocean wave sculptures placed around NYC’s five boroughs. The sculptures
plant a healthy future for you and your community
were auctioned at Paddle8 with funds directed to La Mer’s Blue Heart Oceans Fund x Project Zero. Artists included Julian Schnabel , Cara Delevingne , Bruce Weber , Sienna Miller , and Vivienne Westwood
I asked Michele Clarke how it all started. She explained, “What happened was, I had a production company in NYC doing advertising. We were working on a major project for Heineken all over the world. While we were in Ho Chi Minh City, I saw a researcher I knew who said
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he was working on ocean conservation. What he told me made me aware of the issues, and scared. I then worked with scientists to find out how a nonmarine biologist person [me] could help. Project Zero came out of that, with two major insights; I was not alone in my lack of awareness about the issue, and of the total global philanthropy, 3% goes to the environment, and ocean conservation gets 6% of that, so it’s
Our Town Page 394
To learn more and to request a complimentary proposal, please contact Carla Long, Director of Gift Planning at 805-897-8987 or clong@sbch.org.
Project Zero Founder and CEO Michele Clarke with Chef Massimo Falsini (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
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Society Invites
State Street Ballet’s 30th Anniversary Season Opens October 26!
by Joanne A Calitri
Cecily MacDougall , Executive Director of the State Street Ballet, has formally announced its 30th Anniversary Year, commencing with the season opening performance on October 26 and 27, at the Granada Theatre.
This year proves to be its finest and the one for which you should purchase your season pas de deux tix early. The SSB has renowned choreographers working with the company, coupled with the grand jeté of live orchestral music for every performance. Being its 30th anniversary, I couldn’t help but wonder, shall we all wear pearls when we attend?!
Season sponsors thus far are Nicole Callahan, Roger and Sarah Chrisman, Margo Cohen-Feinberg and Robert Feinberg , the Ann Jackson Family Foundation, Tim Mikel, Sara Miller McCune, Marc and Pauline Sylvain, Carrie Towbes for the Michael Towbes Fund, and Richard Watts. Live music
sponsor is Nora McNeely Hurley and her Manitou Fund.
To bring these insider details to our readers, I attended the invite-only preview of the season’s ballets in their main rehearsal studio at the Gail Towbes Center for Dance on Wednesday, October 16. There I met with MacDougall, Founding Director [1994] Rodney Gustafson, Resident Choreographer William Soleau, Artistic Associate Nilas Martins , Artistic Director Megan Philipp, and of course, the company dancers. MacDougall and I talked shop; the hard work behind the scenes, the need for ballet performance shoes, professional costuming, set design, and of course, sponsors. Which indeed brought the convo around to foundational ballet patron, Baroness Léni Fé Bland… if you know, you know. From there it was time for the presenters and dance teaser performances.
Soleau, a renowned NYC-based choreographer, spoke on the historic firsts of the Firebird ballet, from the power-
ful lead being a female ballerina to its new music composed by Igor Stravinsky and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, at a time when political tensions abounded concerning France and Russia. Soleau is choreographing this ballet and Scheherazade for SSB with Autumn Eckman. Live music is by the Santa Barbara Symphony conducted by Nir Kabaretti
Former NYC Ballet principal dancer Martins shared about his directing and interpreting the choreography of George Balanchine’s “Who Cares?” which is
part of a trifecta performance titled, The Brilliance Program: Balanchine, Arpino, And Beyond, slated for May 2025. He himself has performed Balanchine, and directs one to note the technical complexities for the dancer using interchangeably jazz and ballet positions. The performance will showcase music by George Gershwin and Giuseppe Verdi, played by the Opera Santa Barbara Orchestra and conducted by Kostis Protopapas
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William Soleau, Nilas Martins, Megan Philipp, Cecily MacDougall, and Rodney Gustafson (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
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Beings and Doings
You Say Lifespan, I Say Healthspan. The Swell Score can settle this
by Jeff Wing
Amovie producer named Gary Binkow (Finding Neverland, Cider House Rules, etc.) stopped in for a routine physical, at whose conclusion his doctor blandly recommended a preemptive cholesterol med. “I was prescribed Lipitor,” Binkow says with a puzzled half grin. “It was so easy for my doctor to say, ‘…Look, you’re very early and your heart scan says only 5% – but you should just get on the Lipitor.’” Binkow is a witty, relaxed guy with a charmingly tilted smile, backswept relaxed guy hair, and an amused, unhurried manner. Still. There was mild umbrage. “I’m like, no – I don’t want to get on ‘the Lipitor.’”
This seemingly unremarkable exchange heralded the start of a personal revolution for Binkow – a journey to the peer-reviewed frontiers of personal wellness, and a life-project called The Longevity Lab by Swell Score. To be clear, this “project” is a largish, austerely-appointed room with a door at 5036 Carpinteria Ave. Longevity Lab is a retail space, yes. Is it a vitamin shop with impulse buy stress relief squeezies at checkout? Nope.
Binkow is doing something next level, something that will change the self-care space. The Swell Score, of which Binkow is CEO, hosts a commercial web site. The brick-and-mortar Longevity Lab is meant as a sort of flesh and blood complement to the site, a means of engaging interpersonally with people who are not familiar with the naturopathic space. “A personal connection in a storefront allows us to have that conversation, but I’m not sure people are as passionate about it as I am…”
It’s said there is no more fiercely dedicated acolyte than the newish convert. Gary Binkow fits that bill and has gone to great lengths to innovate a new model of wellness transparency, one that likely means the end of fence-sitting and the beginning of wisdom. Binkow may be CEO of a “Wellness” business, but he is not jittery about using the ‘S’ word in conversation.
“We’re not trying to do a money grab or a land grab. I’m just excited to talk to people in person – to discuss wellness and products that actually work; and why we think this works versus snake oil products that are not worth your money. It’s not just about selling products and supplements. We
want to be a community, one that welcomes people to come in to see if they can find more realistic answers and solutions.”
Choose Your Span
While longevity has long been the elusive grail of humankind, it’s not clear if we are actually attracted to the idea of living three hundred years or simply repelled by the glum alternative. Whatever the case, Binkow puts a fine point on it, dropping the name of a change agent in his life and describing his Road to Damascus moment. “What version of 80 do you want to be?” he asks. “Look, I don’t necessarily want to live to be a hundred. I worked for Dr. Valter Longo at USC and he helped me understand this. He inspired me.”
Shortlisted for the Nobel Prize, Longo discovered and thoroughly explicated (coincident with a Japanese scientist on the same trail) a process called autophagy – in which the body’s cells, confronted with starvation – or fasting, in a practical application – busily start repairing themselves by taking out the cellular garbage. The body in crisis renews itself.
Valter Longo is Professor of Gerontology and Biological Sciences at USC, and Director of the USC Longevity Institute. By the time he was working for Dr. Longo, Binkow had hopped off the Hollywood tilt-awhirl and was building his portfolio as a renowned content strategist. His time with Longo – one of Time magazine’s 50 most influential people in health
Beings & Doings Page 354
W.E. Rides
Sophie Morgan: Paralympics 1st Disabled Correspondent Will Lead Your Next Highway Adventure
by Beatrice Tolan
After being paralyzed from the waist down at just 18 years old, British TV presenter, writer, and artist Sophie Morgan has become a beacon for disability advocacy. A jack of all trades, she has reported for the Paralympics for three years, released her debut book Driving Forwards, and most recently co-founded W.E. Rides, a movement that empowers women through long-distance Can-Am riding getaways. Read on to learn how you can join Sophie Morgan for her next adventure…
Q. Describe your love for traveling on a motorbike/Can-Ams. What are the kinds of feelings and experiences that happen on the open road that keep you coming back?
A. I love riding a bike because it is not often something you see people with disabilities doing, particularly wheelchair users, and it gives me a real sense of breaking down a stereotype. It is different to a car, because you are exposed to the elements and there is a thrill involved. The thing about a Can-Am is that, firstly, you don’t need to have a bike license to be able to ride it, and secondly, it is not as dangerous as riding a motorbike. It is inherently stable, it’s three wheels, and it is much larger. It has a bigger presence on the road and people can see you coming. You get the fun and the enjoyment of a bike, but you get the safety and ability to ride long distances like you would with a car. Every time I ride, I feel like a different person. If I am feeling stressed, or am feeling like I have lost motivation, or if I am feeling like I have lost my strength, I get on a bike and after one ride I get off feeling like a badass; feeling joyful, feeling excited, feeling like I can take on the world – it is the best feeling ever!
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Sophie Morgan embracing the open road – and so can other women riders with her W.E. Ride adventures (courtesy photo)
Sophie takes to the sky in zero G (courtesy photo)
W.E. Rides Page
Gary Binkow at rest in the Longevity Lab
Pulitzer Prize Finalist
An Evening with Percival Everett
Fri, Oct 25 / 7:30 PM / UCSB Campbell Hall
FREE copies of Everett’s new book, James, will be available while supplies last (pick up at event; one per household)
“The times are finally catching up to the satirical genius of this cult literary icon. Everett is a true American genius, a master artist.” Oprah Daily
Additional titles will be available for purchase and signing, courtesy of Chaucer’s
No. 1 New York Times
Bestselling Author and Poet Yung Pueblo in Conversation with Pico Iyer
Tue, Oct 29 / 7:30 PM / UCSB Campbell Hall
Yung Pueblo is a writer and poet whose focus on self-knowledge and radical selfacceptance has made him a source of inspiration and wisdom to millions.
Event Sponsor: Natalie Orfalea Foundation & Lou Buglioli
Bestselling Novelist and Essayist Anne Lamott Somehow: Thoughts on Love
Wed, Nov 13 / 7:30 PM / Arlington Theatre
A lyrical writer who takes on the most complex, intimate parts of life with grace, humor and precision, Anne Lamott discusses finding love late in life, the changing ways we love our children and how love can keep us going in a painful world.
Books will be available for purchase and signing, courtesy of Chaucer’s
Lead Sponsor: Lynda Weinman & Bruce Heavin
The Giving List Home, Home on the Range: White Buffalo Land Trust’s Open House
by Steven Libowitz
White Buffalo Land Trust has only been around for six years, and it was only in 2021 that the nonprofit dedicated to restoring our ecosystem through regenerative agriculture acquired the 1,000-acre Jalama Canyon Ranch to establish its center to practice, promote, and develop systems of regenerative agriculture for local, regional, and global impact. Located near Highway 1, about eight miles north of Point Conception and a 10-minute drive south of Lompoc, WBLT’s Jalama Canyon Ranch started right in on its mission to foster the evolution of land stewardship and reimagine our food system.
WBLT’s approach is circular, one that weaves regenerative land stewardship with educating the community and training current and future farmers and ranchers. At the same time, the nonprofit incorporates innovative monitoring and data collection to measure and support scientific research which in turn improves its land stewardship, learning and teaching. The work also collectively brings regenerative products into the marketplace to prove the value of the practices not only on the farm but also in the commercial space, an important factor in creating lasting change.
Despite only working Jalama for 42 months, WBLT has already had
a major impact beyond its own “living laboratory,” as its management principles and practices are now seen on more than 150,000 acres of land including the training of hundreds of farmers and ranchers.
Now, White Buffalo is hosting its first community open house day, a more family-friendly and self-guided access to Jalama Canyon Ranch than its usual highly structured public field days. All are invited to visit the ranch on Saturday, October 26, to discover its beauty, explore WBLT’s approach and participate in hands-on learning as well as enjoy live music and a scrumptious meal on site.
“We wanted to provide a different and new way for people to access the ranch, to come and spend time there and to learn more about our work in a hands-on way that wasn’t a workshop only for farmers and ranchers,” explained Ana Smith, White Buffalo’s Director of Programs and Engagement. “Our fall open house is about community connection, a chance for everyone to meet our staff and have deeper conversations about our programs, and the research, biodiversity, and human health components of our work enterprise partnerships.”
To that end, the Interactive Exploration portion of the day takes place 10 am to 1 pm, when guests can embark on
Giving List Page 324
Come experience all that the Jalama Canyon Ranch has to offer at its open house on Saturday, October 26 (courtesy photo)
THIS IS WHA:
IS ALL ABOUT
Congratulations to Kerry Mormann & Santa Barbara for the Sale of the Historic ±3,100 Acre El Rancho Tajiguas.
The ranch was purchased by a conservation group and will never be developed which benefits the entire Santa Barbara community.
ASKING PRICE $45,000,000
KERRY MORMANN REPRESENTED SELLER & BUYER
Brilliant Thoughts
It’s Working
by Ashleigh Brilliant
OWorkers of the World, commonly abbreviated to the IWW and nicknamed “The Wobblies.” Their leader was an immigrant from Sweden who anglicized his Swedish name to Joe Hill. His talents included creative writing, and particularly writing songs. One of his songs satirized a Christian hymn which, in its original form, promised a glorious afterlife with the words
“In the sweet by and by We shall meet on that beautiful shore.”
ne of several mass movements which have shaped the modern world is that of organized workers, usually campaigning for more pay and better working conditions. A key moment in this struggle occurred in 1848 with the publication of a document written by two German Jews, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It was called The Communist Manifesto and called for a worldwide revolution by all workers to overthrow the system which made them victims of their employers. It concluded with this stirring exhortation: “Workers of the Word unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains!”
In the nearly two centuries since that proclamation, workers have indeed united in many places and many ways. In its early years this movement acquired an image of violence and extremism. On its outer fringes there were groups known as Anarchists, who wanted to get rid of government altogether. To that end, leading political figures were assassinated. Even in the United States, a President, William McKinley, was killed by one of those fanatics.
But in the course of time, organized workers – acting peacefully together and sometimes implementing their most powerful weapon, that of simply stopping work (or as it came to be called, going on strike) – became a force to be reckoned with, and, ultimately, to be respected. Labor evolved into a new political force.
In Britain, the Labor Party (or Labour as they spell it), have several times, by democratic processes, actually taken control of the Government.
In the U.S., the labor movement initially established itself in the Pacific Northwest among the lumberjacks who formed their own union. They called it the Industrial
Joe Hill’s version, which became extremely popular, included these words:
“You will eat by and by In that glorious land above the sky –Work and pray, live on hay –
You’ll get pie in the sky when you die.”
Fortunately – or unfortunately for the Labor movement (depending on your point of view) – Joe Hill’s life came to a climax when he became a cause célèbre in, of all places, the Mormon capital of Salt Lake City, Utah. He was accused of a 1914 shooting in which two people died. He did not put up a spirited defense, appearing almost to desire martyrdom on behalf of his great Cause. Others tried to save him – but the outcome was his execution in 1915.
After his death, he did indeed become an enduring hero of the Labor movement, as exemplified by one song which appeared in 1936:
“I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night, alive as you and me –
‘Why Joe,’ says I, ‘You’re ten years dead’ –
‘I never died,’ says he.”
But we must not forget that the U.S. movement was a relative latecomer to the world scene. The long-awaited Revolution, when it came, did not happen, as expected, in one of the advanced societies of Western Europe, but in what was considered the most backward modern country – Czarist Russia. The result, as you may know, was the establishment, just a century ago, of a huge political entity which called itself a “Workers’ Republic,” and became known as the Soviet Union. Its red flag bore the Labor symbol of the “Hammer and Sickle.” The Hammer represented industrial workers. The Sickle was for those who worked in agriculture. Its first heroic leader was a man named Lenin – but it ultimately came under the brutal control of Stalin, who imposed a campaign of modernization, at enormous human cost, but somehow managed to bring that nation victoriously through the merciless Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union during the Second World War.
Since then, what we used to call “work” has, very broadly speaking, largely become a matter of typing into keyboards and reading on screens, all governed by processes called Automation and Artificial Intelligence. But we still have an annual holiday called Labor Day, which is celebrated by having fewer people performing their customary labor on that day. And the first day of May is observed in many countries as May Day or International Workers’ Day.
For others, there is always a choice – they can choose to do their work willingly or unwillingly.
Ashleigh Brilliant born England 1933, came to California in 1955, to Santa Barbara in 1973, 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.
“Bloody
Richard Mineards, MONTECITO JOURNAL
By Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen Directed by Jamie Torcellini
Montecito Journal
On Entertainment State Street Shuffle: Ballet Blossoms Anew
by Steven Libowitz
The twist is decidedly not part of the ballet repertoire, but State Street Ballet has done some shakin’ for its 30th season, the first one to be entirely programmed without the supervising hand of founding director Rodney Gustafson. New artistic director Megan Philipp and executive director Cecily MacDougall – who worked with Gustafson for more than a decade – have now been handed the helm to steer State Street through its next era.
The pair have put together the 2024-25 offerings, which in March will feature the homegrown company’s first full-length world premiere since 2019 in The Little Mermaid, with original choreography by Philipp and MacDougall, and close out in May with State Street’s first foray into performing works by famous choreographers with George Balanchine’s Who Cares? and Birthday Variations by Joffrey Ballet’s Gerald Arpino
But first there’s this weekend’s performances of two repertoire pieces, Scheherazade (2014) and The Firebird (2013), which return to the Granada, linking the old with the new and honoring some longtime SSB heroes. Scheherazade, with choreography by frequent SSB collaborator Autumn Eckman, was first envisioned by the company’s managing director Tim Mikel, who wrote the libretto as a variation on the classic story, while The Firebird, the classic Russian fairy tale of good vs. evil, features dramatic choreography by William Soleau, the NYC choreographer who also served as SSB’s co-artistic director.
Both Mikel and Soleau are also scaling back their associations with State Street.
“We’re excited with our new fresh energy, but we are standing on the shoulders of giants,” Philipp explained. “Last year was all Rodney, so we wanted to honor Bill and Tim and to demonstrate that what we’re building is an evolution, not a revolution.”
The two ballets are often connected, not least by their respective scores, because Scheherazade’s Rimsky-Korsakov was a mentor to Firebird ’s Stravinsky, Philipp said. “They fill the program with a beautiful arc.”
Both also take place in mystical realms with females serving as the protagonists –which does unintentionally mirror the SSB’s new directorial team.
“But it’s a performance that even the little boys in the audience are going to enjoy, because there’s a battle in both ballets,” Philipp said. “They’ve got all the pieces to keep everybody on the edge of their seat.”
Scheherazade and The Firebird give State Street Ballet’s new season a fiery start (photo by Rose Eichenbaum)
Essential African Pop from Mali Habib Koité, Aly Keïta, Lamine Cissokho
Mandé Sila
Wed, Oct 30 / 8 PM / UCSB Campbell Hall
“First there was Hendrix, then Stevie Ray, and now Habib.” – Bonnie Raitt
African polyrhythms merge with the propulsive beats of modern rock in the hypnotic grooves of Mali’s Habib Koité, joined by balafon virtuoso Aly Keïta and kora master Lamine Cissokho.
Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan
13 Tongues
Cheng Tsung-lung, Artistic Director
Sat, Nov 2 / 7:30 PM / Granada Theatre
Mixing traditional storytelling with futuristic imagery and shifting between folk, classical and electronic music sources, 13 Tongues delivers an unforgettable experience of contemporary dance at its most innovative and spectacular.
Dance Series Sponsors: Margo Cohen-Feinberg, Barbara Stupay, and Sheila Wald
Thu, Nov 14 / 6:30 PM (note special time) / Arlington Theatre
Elizabeth’s Appraisals Andalusian Genre Painting
by Elizabeth Stewart
, who receives my monthly “Stuff-Whisperer” newsletter, read that I spent the first two weeks of September in Malaga, Southern Spain, visiting my brother. She sent an oil on canvas of her Spanish Lady, as it is known to her family (dated 1887), because I have experienced Andalusian culture recently!
EF’s grandparents purchased this work at my favorite department store (I grew up in Chicago), Marshall Field and Co. They’d purchased it at the Picture Galleries for $67 after their wedding in 1915. EF remembers it in their dining room.
This style of work is called “genre painting,” which portrays images of the ‘old world’ of simple people in traditional costumes, set in streets hundreds of years old, exotic, and uncomplicated. The subjects portrayed have a natural dignity born of the old ways of their native lands.
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Genre painting took the form of one of two prevalent themes in art of the Gilded Age (1870-1900). As I suggested, one form portrayed humble commoners set in exotic places; the other theme pictured aristocrats set in the formal architecture of past ages. These two themes both looked ‘backward,’ either to a simpler rural past, or to idealized historical images of great status and refinement.
When this painting was created (1887), the unknown artist was “looking back” to old Spain, where a pretty Andalusian maiden dressed in traditional garb might pose coquettishly on the walls of the streets of Granada. This genre style of the late 19th century – picturing humble common folk of the past – provided a “comfort” with the familiar
in an era that seemed to be moving quickly into a disorienting future. That the modern world was here to stay was unmistakable to people of the Gilded Age, thus nostalgia for the uncomplicated past was a common theme in art and architecture as well.
“This style of work is called “genre painting,” which portrays images of the ‘old world’ of simple people in traditional costumes, set in streets hundreds of years old, exotic, and uncomplicated.”
The Gilded Age was a time of sweeping changes. From roughly 1870 to 1900, the U.S. and developed countries of Europe transformed from a largely agrarian society of farmers and small producers to an industrial economy based in large cities. During these few short decades, innovation exploded in the fields of engineering, chemistry, and technology, changing the pace and experience of life itself. The past was easier to understand. This era is called the “Second Industrial Revolution” (1870-1914), a technological revolution that was countered in art by nostalgic themes of retreats into the calming, idealized past.
The modern world was developing in the late 19th century with breakneck speed. A short list of inventions around
the date of this painting’s creation would include the telephone (1875), the incandescent light bulb (1879), the phonograph, the internal combustion engine, the electric generator, the Bessemer process for the mass production of steel, the air brake, the automobile (1886), the Kodak camera (1888), and the electric streetcar (1888).
Politically, the world was in turmoil in three great wars when this painting was created: the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878) and the War of the Pacific (1879-1884). Late 19th century buyers of art purchased paintings which alleviated the fear of the future, such as EF’s “The Spanish Lady” of 1887.
The “School” of this painting, or the geographical style, is important. The painting is signed “Granada” bottom left, which is not the artist’s name, but the place. The lack of signature is also indicative of genre work, which often was not signed as it was meant to be created by an anonymous (past) artist of the people. Signatures were for more highbrow works of art!
The “Granada School” or “Andalusian School” of the late 19th century featured handsome town and country folk, but few images of nature in favor of classic “old world” village streets of Southern Spain. Images of an idealized lifestyle were painted in rich colors. Very few realistically painted figures were identifiable portraits.
Possibly the greatest artist of the Granada School was Manuel García y Rodríguez. EF might compare his A Street in Granada of 1870 to her Spanish Lady
I found works of the “Granada School” selling at the Galeria de Arte y Antiguedades Ruiz Linares in Granada; there, a Portrait of a Young Spanish Man from the late 19th century is offered for $1,450. The Drouot Auction in Paris, the largest public auction consortium since 1852, sold a work of the late 19th century Andalusian School attributed to A Martin/E Castar titled Rebecca, a Spanish version of Rebecca at the Well, for $1,500. Also, for comparable sales, at the Isbilya Auction House in Madrid, a fine example of a genre scene, a painting of ruffians titled Bandoleros, sold for $1,000. EF, your grandparent’s painting would likely be worth $1,500-$2,000 today.
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 genre painting, Spanish Lady, from Granada
Montecito Health Coach
We Care Spa: The Last Resort
by Deann Zampelli
“This place saved my life.” A sentiment I heard from not one, but two different women while I was staying at the Desert Hot Springs oasis last month. One of whom was a Montecito resident celebrating her 50th birthday. This was her sixth visit to the spa and even after not having eaten solid food for 5 days she said she had never felt better.
As I walked the peaceful paths to and from my stunning room each day, I could see why. The stillness of the desert and the scurrying rabbits alone seemed to be curated by some sort of spa goddess talent coordinator. “Queue the roadrunner. Stand by for the breathtaking sunrise!” Around every corner there was another beautiful sculpture of an elephant, a little Buddha, a labyrinth, St. Francis, a rabbit (wait, that one was real) – and shaded, comfy seating at every turn. A floating bed, infrared saunas, lounge chairs, a gorgeous pool with a juice bar… you get the idea.
While I have been a guest there before, this time I was visiting from a new perspective; how to incorporate the healing you experience into lasting change.
As a health coach, I am always interested in ways we can implement big changes through small, realistic steps. Health goals can often feel daunting until you break them up. “Eating healthier” can start with cleaning up your breakfast. “Starting to be more active” can begin with doing squats in between Netflix episodes. You get the idea. But how can we best incorporate the teachings of a five-star health getaway into our normal lives once we get back home?
The answer could be found in We Care’s origins. It has been around for over 40 years and while the name refers to it being a “spa,” it is so much more. As the General Manager, Jim Root, explained to me, “We Care is actually a ‘destination spa.’” Meaning that it has a designated program. You don’t just go there for a getaway to rest and come back with dewy skin (although I must say, mine was pretty darn dewy when I got home). They have created a tried a true protocol designed to heal you from the inside out. Don’t get me
wrong, you can also receive the most relaxing and restorative treatments you have ever had, but the true goal is to clean out your intestinal garbage and restore the pH of your entire system. Stick with me here and I will explain what that really means.
The protocol was invented by the founder, Susana Belen, who 40 years ago found herself a severely stressed-out single mother of four. She began searching for a new way of living, a new way of being. Through intense research and travel, she wove together a program; one that for her is a way of life. It involves complete detoxification – spiritual (through breathwork, yoga and meditation), physical (daily movement and lymphatic drainage), and nutritional (incorporating liquid nutrition and strategic resting periods for your detoxing organs). She feels that as our bodies are constantly in a state of toxic overload from our environment and the food we choose to eat, it is imperative that we not only regularly clean it out, but that we incorporate these teachings into our daily lives. Her key philosophies are maintaining your body’s pH balance (by drinking alkaline water and avoiding highly acidic foods like coffee), incorporating at least one liquid meal each day, doing a liquid diet once a week, getting colonics and being mindful of what and how we eat.
I took one of her many classes, and she is emphatic that we follow these easy steps whenever we are eating:
1. Do not drink any liquid with your meals as it interferes with digestion.
2. Be mindful and thankful of the food you are eating.
Dr. Joel Rothman
Director of the Center for Aging and Longevity Studies andDistinguished Professor and Wilcox Family Chair in Biotechnology at UCSB
Thursday, November 21, 2024 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Hahn Hall, Music Academy of the West, 1070 Fairway Road, Santa Barbara
Advances in the science of aging mean that in the near future, human health might be dramatically improved not by individually treating many different age-driven maladies, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases as well as cancer, but instead by treating only one: aging itself.
Attendance is free, but all attendees MUST pre vistaslifelonglearning.org or by phoning VISTAS Business Manager at 805
3. Fully chew each bite before having another.
Rolling hills and big skies only add to the soothing ambiance of We Care spa
The Potter House
Hope Ranch Santa Barbara, CA
The most significant and endearing Hope Ranch property is now available for the first time in 47 years.
Sitting at the end of a cul-de-sac on a panoramic view top knoll, the beloved Potter House overlooks Las Palmas Valley and Laguna Blanca Lake with magnificent views of the Santa Ynez Mountain Range. Rich in provenance and rooted in Santa Barbara community history, the estate was the first property in Hope Ranch and was originally developed as the Potter Country Club in 1907. The club was later transformed into a residence cherished by distinguished families throughout the years.
This is a rare opportunity to be the next owner of a true legacy property. The private setting, majestic views and heartwarming charm are just some of the reasons you'll fall in love with this storybook estate.
5 Bedrooms
5 Bathrooms
5,025± sq.ft
Offered at $9,900,000
Seriously, what’s the rush here!?
Why are Team Caruso and their supporters in such a hurry to slam this through a system that was designed and developed over a decade to work? Hmmm…skipping MBAR, not putting up story poles, refusing an EIR. Non-existent. All of these well-proven checks and balances thrown out the window. A transparent forum for all of us who live here was completely, utterly, and arrogantly discarded. This system that was put in place long before Caruso and his team arrived in Santa Barbara. The heavy hitters at Caruso and associates commuted here, they’re NOT from here, they do not raise their families here. They are from Los Angeles County. So why would they have the best interests of our community in mind when in reality they are not a part of our community? Of our environment? The real truth here is: it’s all about the bottom
line, profit – and I would not exclude the County too from this statement, as they will gain bed tax, property tax, and retail tax money revenues should this expansion be approved in its entirety; including luxury apartments – and let’s not forget Mr. Hazard’s brief mention of a few shops.
The “miramall” is not just growing, it’s grove-ing!
We are talking 22 SHOPS in total after 12 more are added to the already burgeoning 10 retail shops, some of which, by the way, were not transparently installed. Under the guise of providing Affordable Housing (# for Itself), if granted its wish the Rosewood expansion would set a precedent for the malling (and mauling) of Montecito. In French the word “mal” means bad. In this case the French are right.
light she then recused herself.
This behavior is a betrayal of the public’s trust and the basic principle of fairness.
This should not be tolerated on a Planning Commission that should be operating out of fair and honest deliberation.
Thank You, Marni Blau
Extremely Disappointed
I am extremely disappointed by the failure of certain Commissioners on the Montecito Planning Commission to treat the Caruso company fairly at their latest hearing on October 18th. Rick Caruso and his team deserve enormous credit for creating the new Miramar and for partnering with the community to develop such a thoughtful plan for its future. Instead, the MPC treated them with hostility and suspicion. They did the same with county employees, asking slanted questions that went far beyond the project they were considering.
The Caruso team has developed their affordable housing and retail plan very thoughtfully, with a great deal of input from the community. It’s going to
make a very positive change in the lives of Miramar employees and will be wonderful for the entire Montecito community as well.
It was refreshing to see Claire Gottsdanker speak in favor of the project at the October 18th meeting. Formerly a Montecito Planning Commissioner and MBAR member, she knows Montecito very well. The fact she is a supporter speaks volumes. Floyd Wicks
Step in the Right Direction
I just cannot believe the events and the mess at the Montecito Planning Commission meeting on October 18. Does anybody follow the rules nowadays? I am glad that Commissioner Stahl recused herself. This is somewhat a step in the right direction. One must ask, how did it get to that point? I guess this is our world today. Through my eyes the intended project at Rosewood/Miramar is a wonderful thing.
I hope we see it through to completion.
Respectfully, Leo Bunnin Montecito Resident
Montecito Fire Department unable to get through Humphrey Rd. blocked by public parking overflow from Miramar Hotel. (photo by Harry Rabin)
“It was pretty clear it was the concept of the swimming pool that was the problem,” said Mark Lloyd, a private land use agency for the Biltmore. “It didn’t have to do with architectural details.”
Commissioners questioned the Biltmore’s decision to request an appeal. Commissioner Bob Kupiec asked Biltmore representatives why they would be reluctant to go back to MBAR since they had now made changes to the project that would accommodate them. Biltmore responded that they were hesitant to do this because one MBAR member stated they “would never be able to vote for our project.”
Still, Kupiec felt that the Biltmore should have received approval from MBAR. “Why wouldn’t you go back and get their approval… we aren’t a panel of architects, and they are,” he retorted.
Some of the changes that the Biltmore team made to their plans following the MBAR meeting include lowering the proposed height of the palapa at the new pool from 25 feet to 16 feet and making the top of the palapa “round-shaped.” In addition, they reduced the size of the dining deck at the La Marina Restaurant.
Chip Wullbrandt, a land-use attorney for the Biltmore, stressed the importance of getting these plans approved as they hope to open back up “as soon as possible” and estimated that this new Biltmore could generate “15 to 18 million dollars” in Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) each year.
Tom Widroe of the Santa Barbara County Taxpayers Association stepped up for public comment to discuss the tax revenue. “One of the most exciting things about this project is that it will generate 15 million dollars or more in tax revenue for the county,” said Widroe. “I personally am concerned that if this project gets delayed and it goes past the July proposed opening of 2025, that’s 15,16,17 million dollars in tax revenue that our county needs.”
The Biltmore made some requests before the Commission, including changing the allotted construction times from Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm to Monday through Saturday from 7 am to 7 pm. The commission denied this request, saying that it would further disrupt the neighborhood. Commissioner Donna Senauer said she “cannot support” Saturday work.
The Biltmore also requested that Bungalow R, one of the historic bungalows slated for relocation, be moved at night. The Biltmore said this decision is to avoid further disrupting neighbors, which the MPC supported.
Commissioner Sandy Stahl specifically requested information regarding the number of shops onsite when the Biltmore re-opens. The 1,680 square feet brought before the commission is in addition to a retail space approved in March. This project, already under construction, involves renovating guest rooms into 5,000 square feet of retail space. Stahl believed that the “whole thing” should have been brought before the MPC instead of the county approving the 5,000 square feet of retail space.
County staff cited Substantial Conformity Determination, an ordinance that grants the director and staff the authority to make small-scale modifications to projects, provided they adhere to certain guidelines. “That ordinance allows us to do it,” said a county staff member. “We review every project under that ordinance and criteria. It doesn’t come to your body, but if it doesn’t meet those criteria, then it comes before your body.”
Ultimately, county staff recommended that the MPC approve the project, which passed 3-1, with Commissioner Stahl being the only opposing vote. It will go before MBAR for final review on October 31.
Gustafson is choreographing The Nutcracker, with music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, featuring the Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra conducted by Brian Asher Alhadeff
The Little Mermaid, choreographed by Philipp and MacDougall, is their first full production ballet since 2019. We were shown its “costume bible” and listened to an in-progress composition [World Premiere] for it by composer Charles Fernandez. Fernandez is an award-winning Emmy-andAnnie-nominated composer, orchestrator, arranger, teacher, and bassoonist
based in Los Angeles, who has scored for Disney’s The Little Mermaid TV series and others. When performed in March 2025, The Little Mermaid will once again feature the Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra conducted by Brian Asher Alhadeff.
The event concluded with photo ops, wine, and mingling with the SSB team and dancers. Preview attendees included SSB Board Member Alex Nourse, Barbara Bergman, Andre Yew, and Richard Watts.
411: https://statestreetballet.com/
The State Street Ballet company dancers with Cecily MacDougall, Rodney Gustafson, and Megan Philipp in center (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
their own adventures by visiting stations across the ranch where knowledgeable team members will share insights into WBLT’s ongoing efforts in land stewardship, scientific research and innovative enterprises, with visitors being able to see firsthand how regenerative agriculture can contribute to a healthier ecosystem and a thriving community.
The Soil Lab station will demonstrate the tools and techniques used to study ecological health. Guests can get their hands dirty while comparing and contrasting the different properties of soil samples taken across the ranch through touch and feel. Live soil experiments showing how water moves through different types of soils will be performed, and a comprehensive overview of WBLT’s testing protocols and monitoring sites will be highlighted.
At the Oak Meadow nestled in an oak tree grove, the station will highlight the importance of birds in providing biodiversity to the ecosystem, as visitors will learn about WBLT’s partnership with Audubon Conservation Ranching, observe wildlife through provided binoculars, and engage with found bird feathers, nests and more from the ranch.
Saddle Overlook, located beyond the vineyard, gives guests a 360-degree view of Jalama Canyon Ranch and its boundaries. Visitors will learn about the rotational grazing techniques used at the ranch and WBLT’s enterprise partners including Richards Regenerative beef, Flamingo Estates products, and Coyuchi organic cotton.
At the Elderberry Orchard, visitors will learn about the California native plant and the many offerings it provides, including the details of WBLT’s innovative Elderberry Project. Guests will also have the opportunity to try a variety of elderberry products and learn about the important role this plant has in our local ecosystem.
For families, the nonprofit will provide children’s activity books and projects to work on along the way over the course of the day.
“People can choose their own adventure,” Smith said. “If you’re finding that you’re more interested in the research side of things, you can stay and have a conversation with other staff members. It’s a great opportunity to get to know more of our team in a more intimate way while also having hands-on experiences.”
The fall field day open house is all part of illustrating in microcosm White Buffalo Land Trust’s circular approach.
“It’s an opportunity for everyone to see our theory of change in action, to enter into this space of work that we do from whatever doorway they want,” Smith said. “It’s a chance to taste, feel, smell, and hear what makes this work so unique in our Central Coast region and how our work is having an impact beyond.”
The open house continues from 1-3 pm back at Basecamp with even more activities and interaction, including hands-on crafts for all ages and live music, plus a delicious, thoughtfully prepared lunch using ingredients from the ranch, served for $20 for guests who reserve a plate in advance.
“Just as our work and on the ground is consistently evolving as we learn new ways of stewarding different living systems and crops, we are also growing in our education and looking for ways to provide new and exciting experiences for our community,” Smith said. “The fall field day open house is a great way to be able to come together and celebrate the work that’s being done as a community.”
Visit www.whitebuffalolandtrust.org/attend-courses-events/open-house for details and to make a reservation
W.E. Rides (Continued from 18)
What was the impetus or instigating event that started W.E. Ride?
W.E. Ride began because my friend Christina and I, both Can-Am ambassadors, often rode together. Last summer I rode my Can-Am across America, and she joined me for part of the journey. While riding, we reflected on the immense sense of freedom and empowerment it gives us, and we wanted to share that with other women. We decided to create W.E. Ride for women who are going through tough times, offering them the same life-changing experience we have on the road. The idea is to pay it forward and give people the same feeling we have – our rides are completely free, and anyone can apply or nominate a friend or family member on our website. We want to take as many women out as we possibly can to build confidence, connections, friendships, and have fun through the freedom of riding! I love to be around badass, brilliant, and brave women – people who are entrepreneurial, creative, funny – and a little naughty.
What does an average day on a W.E. Ride adventure look like?
Our adventures start near Santa Barbara and wind through the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. I like to keep the full itinerary a secret to keep it special, but we explore scenic routes, wineries, and end the day with a special meal where we bond and reflect on our ride, where we set an intentional purpose behind the ride. It’s not just about the ride itself – it’s about forming connections, building friendships, and leaving feeling more empowered. Right now, we focus on day rides, but we’re planning to expand into three-day and week-long rides soon. This is just the beginning!
As the W.E. Ride application asks, what does empowerment mean to you? Specifically for women?
Empowerment, to me, means stepping into your full strength and authenticity –being impenetrable and ready to take on any challenge. After my injury and becoming paralyzed at 18, empowerment has taken on many different forms throughout my life. Really, at the heart of it, it is the sense that I am enough and that I have flaws. I am not perfect, but that is okay. I feel like empowerment is also to do with being able to have the strength to hand that over to other people and when people are around you, they feel that contagious feeling of wanting to be more.
What would you share with someone going through what they think is an insurmountable obstacle in their life? In moments of sadness or frustration, what mantras or self-care routines keep you grounded?
My best advice is to keep driving forward. That’s why my book is called Driving Forward. No matter what, keep driving and moving, because everything – whether it’s pain, sadness, or frustration – will come to an end eventually. Whatever it is, aim for that purpose because the purpose is the point. If you’re struggling to keep moving, find a purpose. It doesn’t matter what it is, just pursue it, because purpose gives life meaning. For me, getting on the bike is my self-care routine.
What projects on the horizon are you excited about, and how can our readers learn more about them?
I have a company called Making Space and Making Space Media, which is dedicated to creating opportunities for disabled talent on camera, television, storytelling, and in employment. I have a number of exciting projects in the works, both with myself and other disabled people and women. I’ve also just moved to California from the U.K., which has been a dream. And of course, running W.E. Rides every month is one of the highlights of my life!
To find out more about Sophie Morgan’s disability work and future W.E. Ride adventures, visit www. sophiemorgan.com
through unique perspectives and stories. beatricetola @gmail.com
A happy Sophie Morgan mid-adventure (courtesy photo)
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
CRIME IN THE ‘CITO
Sheriff’s Blotter 93108 . . . .
Nudity & Trespassing / Outlook Park
Monday, Oct 7, 2024, at 15:38 hrs
Subject was contacted after having been witnessed trespassing on the property –fully nude – and stealing a BBQ grill cover. Subject was contacted and the reporting party signed a citizen’s arrest form. Subject was arrested and booked for being in violation of PC 602(m) and PC 488.
High-Speed Chase / Lillie/Evans Ave, Summerland to Hwy 101N
Monday, Oct 7, 2024, at 03:29 hrs
Vehicle was observed driving erratically and running stop signs in Summerland. Sr. Deputy McKarrell attempted to stop the vehicle, and it fled at high a high rate of speed through the northbound 101 construction zone. A pursuit was initiated after the vehicle passed through the construction zone. Driver attempted to “break check” Sr. Deputy McKarrell in an effort to cause an intentional traffic collision. Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver – the forced 180° rotational stop of a non-compliant suspect’s vehicle – was authorized and executed as the driver exited the freeway and entered again southbound 101 at Patterson. Initial PIT was unsuccessful, and the suspect attempted to ram Sr. Deputy McKarrell as he continued southbound on the 101. A second PIT maneuver was executed and caused the vehicle to collide with the guardrail. Termination of the pursuit was at southbound 101 between Patterson and Turnpike. Suspect was transported to Cottage Hospital for complaint of head pain. During the PIT maneuver, the Sheriff’s vehicle sustained minor damage and was towed to the garage.
Stolen Vehicle & Items / 3700 Santa Claus Lane
Tuesday, Oct 8, 2024, at 19:20 hrs
A vehicle stop was conducted for VC 22400 and VC 4000(a)(1). The driver was in violation of VC 14601.1. Subject was in possession of a reported stolen license plate, multiple cellphones, and a driver license not belonging to him. Subject was arrested and booked at SBJ. The vehicle’s passenger was identified and a record check revealed they were a person of interest in organized crime. Outside agency contacted and passenger was released.
Missing SBFD [retired] / Miramar Beach
Wednesday, Oct 9, 2024, at 07:50 hrs
The search for a missing retired Santa Barbara City Fire Captain, Anthony “Tony” Pighetti, began during the evening on 10/8/24 and continued during the early morning hours of 10/9/25. Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue (SAR) searched the beaches while the United States Coast Guard checked the nearby waterways. At approximately 07:50 hours, deputies were requested to respond to the SAR and Fire staging area at Eucalyptus Ln. at Miramar Beach Rd. Once on scene, they were briefed that Coast Guard personnel had located an unresponsive subject, on or near his paddleboard approximately two miles out in the ocean from the location.
Amtrak Rail Death / Lookout Park
Thursday, Oct 10, 2024, at 10:01 hrs
The train engineer was driving the Amtrak train north to Santa Barbara. While going around a bend the engineer saw the decedent standing in the middle of the train tracks. The decedent was north of the road crossing leading into Lookout Park in Summerland. The engineer utilized his horn and applied the emergency brakes to avoid collision with the decedent. The decedent was looking directly at the train and put his hands in pockets as the train approached at speed. The train was not able to stop in time, colliding with the decedent. At approximately 10:01 hours, Medic Engine 62 pronounced time of death.
Minors Sex & Nudity / Lower Manning Park
Friday, Oct 11, 2024, at 01:06 hrs
A 16-year-old boy and 17-year- old girl were having relations in the girl’s car in the Manning parking lot. The girl, in a state of partial undress, tried to drive away as the deputy pulled in behind her car. She was cited for 12500(a)VC and being out past curfew and was released to her father. The boy was cited for curfew violation and released to his mother.
Meeting at MA An Ambulance Plan, New Signage, and More at October Meeting
by Joanne A Calitri
The Montecito Association
October meeting was held in person at the Montecito Library community room and on Zoom from 4 pm to 6:45 pm. The meeting was led by its MA President Doug Black with Executive Director Houghton Hyatt
The most pertinent agenda reports were:
Congressman Salud Carbajal via Zoom from Sacramento provided his legislative updates stating, “I requested this update meeting with the Montecito Association. Here is what I have been working on: the Chumash Marine Sanctuary will be signed into effect by October 15 with a Federal Government designation; the Clean Airport legislation on banning forever chemicals; a Bipartisan Bill to Disrupt Federal Trafficking and coordinate with Mexico to disrupt drug cartels; a Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with $1 billion for the Central Coast to augment drinking water; Funding for the groundwater sustainability project and FEMA repairs for the Montecito Water District; voted to Fund the Federal Government through December 20; and the Hot Springs Trail meeting with Stake Holders.”
Lt. Richard Brittingham recapped the local crimes as a rash of burglaries at Birnam Wood, and illegal camps at the beach and cemetery. Additional police units are being dispatched to those areas. Channel Drive has been reported to be quiet late night to early morning.
Montecito Fire Chief David Neels with SBC Fire Chief/Fire Warden Mark A. Hartwig outlined their proposed Ambulance Plan for Montecito/ Carpinteria/Summerland. They stated that, “In 2016 the SB County Fire Chiefs met regarding the ambulance wait times and need for critical care, stating they could provide a much
better service to the area. Their plan included 35 ambulances with updated equipment, trained personnel, a rest area for workers during downtime, and a plan to reinvest any profits made annually back into the ambulance fleet, gear, and workers thereby conserving the use of local taxes to fund the ambulance services. In March 2024, when the current ambulance service’s contract with SB County Board of Supervisors expired, the SB County Fire Chiefs applied for the permit. They were taken to court by the current ambulance provider, with a trial date for February 2025. In the interim, SB County Board of Supervisors has allowed the current ambulance service provider to continue, in what appears to the fire chiefs as a monopoly on services, when they are proposing a more equitable solution.”
Darcel Elliott, Chief of Staff for SBC 1st Supervisor Das Williams, shared that the Miramar Beach erosion teams met with SBC Parks and Public Works and Miramar Beach Homeowners Association for options regarding the debris sediment. The Manning Park tennis court revamp project shows it will reopen early spring 2025. SB County Public Works will meet with the San Leandro hedgerow area and the Bucket Brigade on October 18, from 10 am to 2 pm. They will be placing signage by the SBC Dept of Public Works stating “No Parking Stopping or Standing Zone”. The signage will appear on the southside of East Mountain Drive from Centerline of Ashley Road, and the north side from 158’ west of the centerline on Ashley Road. “No Parking Sunset to 8 am Zone” signs will be placed on the north side of East Mountain Drive and Hot Springs Road.
For MA committee updates, see their October minutes on their website.
411: www.montecitoassociation.org
MFD Chief Neels and SBC Fire Chief/Fire Warden
Mark A. Hartwig review the stats on local ambulance service (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
care (2018) – began as a content creation gig but became a sort of informal apprenticeship. With teachings.
“Dr. Longo hired me to help him get the word out,” Binkow says, momentarily burying the lead. Here it comes now. “He taught me that there are so many things we can do to live longer, but it’s actually about healthspan, not lifespan.” Meaning? “Do you want to be playing pickleball and tennis and traveling and playing with your grandkids and being vibrant? Or do you want to be bound to a wheelchair? There are many people – like the biohackers – focused on ‘I want to live to 120’. But what version of that life do you want?” Binkow sits back in his chair. “I’m focused on all of us getting the most out of our healthiest years.”
Health and Wellness and the Lab
“Health” is a foursquare word. Yeah, if you’ve got it, you’ve got everything (as the old saying goes). But “health” is – traditionally – a benign but vaguely threatening noun; a doctor’s variable judgement over which we have little agency.
Today’s “wellness” has largely supplanted “health” as the default signifier of self-managed physical soundness, and not a moment too soon. Binkow, though, is no wrench-wielding iconoclast.
“I’m not a radical like [Muppet pioneer, iatrophobe, and sepsis victim] Jim Henson. I’m not going to never see a doctor or never take a pill,” Binkow says. “There’s a great place for traditional western medicine. If I break my arm, I’m going to go to a hospital. If I have cancer, I’m not going to treat it with ashwagandha.”
A sensibly arranged marriage of western and traditional medicine offers a base-covering yin and yang. “Modern western medicine is increasingly more accepting of these ideas. We’re getting to this holistic health place where we all work together and look at root cause medicine, as opposed to treating the symptoms after the fact.”
Our medical institutions are indeed coming around to the holistic wellness model. Hospitals associated with Johns Hopkins, Yale, Duke University, and other highly respected research centers actively promote so-called alternative therapies Today, science is assiduously drilling into the mechanisms of the found plant medicines whose field testing by hunched iron age humans in ragged deerskin set the bar eons ago – and today informs our ironedsmock pharma.
The National Institutes of Health boast some 6,400 peer-reviewed papers on the efficacies of milk thistle, for instance; never mind the 65,000 or so papers on lemon balm’s healing properties. The scholarly, data-jammed paperwork on “naturopathy”
will test your skepticism, and then your patience. Binkow is determined to reframe the conversation.
Gatekeeping
“We want to be one of the most trusted wellness destinations,” Binkow says, and has laboriously built a model that dovetails into that trust. The Swell Score website is a curated marketplace of the best, purest, and most highly rated naturopathic solutions that exist, representing an array of blue-chip providers with names like Under Luna, BiOptimizers, RiseWell, and Austin Air Systems. “We found the best brands,” Binkow says. “Ironically, a lot of these are smaller brands. Not ironically, most of them are female-led brands, because often these entrepreneurs are moms that have kids, and they’re more focused on environmental toxins and what they buy.”
The Swell Score’s panel of experts and clinicians (bios and credentials at theswellscore.com) thoroughly vet prospective brand candidates. “We’ve also leveraged AI and built our own scanning model to look at any ingredients,” Binkow says. “We have over 80,000 chemicals on our list.” Supplements, light therapy mats, organic mattresses, air and water purifiers; the Longevity Lab and accompanying website are snake-oil free, and provably so. Binkow’s project is to “regulate” the largely unregulated supplement and wellness space, making available the best of the best of the best.
On October 31 – two days before the Lab’s Grand Opening on November 2 – stop in for a look at what Gary Binkow has built. There will be Somatic Healing and a Qigong session. What the hell is a Qigong session? You’ll see. Timid observing from across the room is allowed and encouraged.
And the name? Swell Score? Is it a gee-whiz throwback to a more innocent time? “It’s a portmanteau,” Binkow says hesitantly. “The science of wellness. Swell.” I express surprise and delight. The man is pleased. “There – ya see, Jeff?” he says in his best Archie Bunker. “I’m smart, too!”
Visit The Longevity Lab by Swell Score (5036 Carpinteria Ave.) on Thursday, October 31, from 11 – 2 pm to see what the lab has in store
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
4. When eating anything that has been cooked, take it with digestive enzymes. 5. Fully wash your produce in water and a cup of vinegar before you eat it.
These are powerful, attainable takeaways we can incorporate into our lives. From the perspective of lasting change, these are sweepstake-level winners.
In addition to the complimentary classes they offer, you can choose from an extensive menu of spa treatments. I tried a little bit of everything, but here are my highlights: thermal mud wrap, a “Holi” facial, Biofeedback, the We Care Euphoria (2 hours of sheer bliss), mineral wraps and – drum roll – Shamanic Healing for 90 minutes. Yes, Shamanic Healing. One of the coolest and strangest experiences I have ever had. Mitzi created a very safe and gentle healing space in her fabulous “tent.” Tent isn’t really the right word though; it was more like a Five Star Poser Excursion Meets Out of Africa 2024 kind of deal. I kept waiting for Robert Redford to come and wash my hair, but apparently I had to book that part in advance.
Each staff member, masseuse, manager, and wait for it… Colonic Hydrotherapist… was so very kind and incredibly knowledgeable about the human body and its systems. It truly felt like the healthiest and happiest place on Earth.
The protocol’s must dos involve having a series of drinks every 30-60 minutes. This non-stop ingestion of liquids will not only have you visit the loo every 10 minutes, but miraculously also keeps you from being physically hungry (the mental and emotional hunger is different for each person but mine didn’t rear its vicious head until my last night there).
In addition, you get daily colonics. Colonics are somewhat controversial out in the real world, some citing that they interfere with the healthy bacteria in our gut, but at We Care, colonics are one of the key ways Susana managed to heal herself and her daughter of serious illnesses.
There are so many subtle and complex ways this place fosters healing that I feel one article cannot begin to do it justice. But for many locals in our town, they have internalized its power enough to make We Care a regular (and costly) part of their life.
For me, I have chosen to continue the dry brushing and detox baths, not having liquid with my meals, having at least one liquid meal each day, and taking food enzymes when needed (and when I remember). I have realized that like so many things in our fast-paced lives, the true change comes just from slowing everything down. We can’t wait for a spa retreat to eat slowly and appreciate our food. A little mindfulness really does go a long way.
Regardless, next time I am determined to request the Out of Africa Hair Washing with the Shamanic Healing. Now that would be truly life changing.
Trained at Duke Integrative Medicine, Deann Zampelli owns Montecito Coaching & Nutrition and has a broad range of clients working on everything from nutrition to improving their marathon pace. She also has a Masters in Clinical Psychology and has been a resident of Montecito since 2006.
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neighbor,” she said. During her ex parte, she disclosed that she had talked to “various neighbors.” She also said that the first time she ever met Dracht was at the Friday meeting.
According to the California Public Utilities Commission: “An ex parte communication is a written or oral communication between a decisionmaker and an interested person concerning any issue in a formal proceeding, other than procedural matters that does not occur in a public forum established in the proceeding or on the record of the proceeding. Ex parte communications include communications that are one-way from a decisionmaker to an interested person.”
Lisa Plowman, the Director of Planning and Development for Santa Barbara County, expressed that in her
view Stahl had not shared the document with enough members of county staff and that she should have explicitly disclosed that the questions she submitted were not hers. “It was not clear that they were from somebody else,” Plowman said.
“Had anyone called me or asked me to clarify the origin of the 18 pages of attachment questions, I would have happily given Mr. Dracht’s name,” said Stahl in an email to the Montecito Journal
Chair Miller also recused himself at the beginning of the meeting, citing a conflict of interest, leaving only three MPC members present in person with Commissioner Bob Kupiec participating from out of town over Zoom. As a result of Stahl’s recusal, the commissioners ceased to have a quorum.
Stahl said that the questions she submitted in the email were “very different”
than Dracht’s questions. “I feel like my job as a commissioner is to ask questions.”
According to The Montecito Planning Commission Procedural Manual:
“A member who has received evidence outside of a hearing or has viewed the subject property, who is familiar with the subject property, shall fully disclose at the beginning of the hearing such evidence and observations and familiarity with the property so that the applicant, opponent, interested persons and other members of the decision-making body may be aware of the facts or evidence upon which the member is relying and have an opportunity to controvert them. All written evidence received outside of the hearing shall be filed with the Recording Secretary, distributed to other members, and be included in the record.”
Lisa Plowman, stated that MPC members are expected to follow the procedures from the manual. “In a public process like that, those procedures ensure that you have a fair, impartial hearing,” she said in a phone call with the MJ.
According to Plowman, the county council advised Stahl as to the “appropriate steps” to remain seated in the quorum and allowed her to choose what she wanted to do. “It was ultimately her choice to recuse herself,” said Plowman.
D’ANGELO BREAD
Officials from the Montecito Fire Department, the County Flood Department, and Public Works answered the commissioner’s questions about the project before the meeting was shut down.
Prior to the meeting’s ending, Commissioner Stahl inquired whether there was an evacuation plan in place that included the current projects happening South of the 101 Freeway. Fire Marshall Aaron Briner of the Montecito Fire Department said that a 2022 scientific evacuation analysis was completed to “assess the district for deficiencies in relation to wildfire.” However, he added, that many of the projects Stahl referenced, like the Music Academy, The Biltmore, or Coral
Casino, had not yet commenced at the time of that study.
“The vast majority of the evacuations included north-to-south evacuations, and from my understanding of the analysis, there was very little impact that occurred from the inclusion of both residences and the commercial structures south of the freeway,” Briner said.
Briner also mentioned a county-wide evacuation analysis that is currently underway and would include Montecito.
In a later statement to the Montecito Journal , Briner stated, “The Fire Department was pleased to participate in the Montecito Planning Commission meeting, offering insight into the fire and life safety requirements for the proposed Miramar project. The department evaluates all projects within district boundaries using the current California Fire Code as its standard.”
Commissioner Stahl echoed the same concerns to William Robertson from the county’s Public Works transportation division, who referred her back to the fire department, saying, “I think fire is the best department to answer that question.”
Commissioner Ron Pulice voiced concerns about congestion on the Posilipo Lane on-ramp near the Miramar. He asked if the “added burden” of the plan had any effect on traffic while getting onto the on-ramp. William Robertson of County Public Works and Transportation cited a traffic study submitted by the Miramar. “There would be no impact so far that we’ve identified,” he said regarding the study.
The Miramar team was not required to submit a traffic study for this project. A traffic study is required if the project generates more than 50 peak-hour trips, according to Robertson.
Community members, both for and against the project, also spoke at the meeting. The project will next be presented to the County Planning Commission on November 1st, at which point community members will have another chance to speak to the matter.
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Animal Intuition
What Lies Beyond the Bark
by Leana Orsua
There’s not much Caroline MartelMiller won’t do for her dog Cashy. The French expat opened her luxury dog boutique on Coast Village Road two years ago – named in the six-year-old French bulldog’s honor. So when the pampered pooch lost the usual pep in his step and his appetite began to decline – Caroline was quick to go in search of answers.
The help she found came in a less-than-traditional way. Meet Alice Murphy, a pet psychic who connects with animals on a spiritual level. She tunes in to feel their emotions, connect with their thoughts, and pick up on their experiences – even seeing where physical pain or ailments might be hiding.
Alice, a gifted artist who has been drawing pets for more than a decade – grew up in the English countryside where horses served as playmates, and a connection to their inner thoughts developed at an early age. “I always had strong relationships with my animals. I always had a sense that we could pick up on each other’s thoughts.” As she grew up, she began to have spiritual experiences.” I would get voices in my head, like strong inarticulate feelings. They call the phenomenon The Clair Senses. These were truly stand-out moments.”
Clair senses are the ability to receive messages, and feel emotions, energies, and physical sensations that often defy logic. They can include seeing images or visions that are not physically present. But it wasn’t until Alice moved to the
Santa Ynez Valley to start her family and establish her fine art pet portraits that she began “tuning in” to the animal’s natural energies and emotions during her illustration sessions. “As I was working on the animals, I would receive messages on what I felt their personalities were.” When Alice would describe these received intuitions – on such characteristics as behaviors, habits, and emotions – the animals’ owners would marvel at her accuracy.
“Once I received a very specific message. One dog told me he didn’t want to go near the kitchen door.” When I talked to the owner, she said they had a training aid there which would make a high pitched sound when he came near it.”
Encouraged by her boyfriend, Alice soon began combining her fine art portraits with animal readings – channeling their energies through their photographs. “One of the horses told me he was a mess and his feet were burning. He was in constant pain. He had to be put down. They show me how they feel in that moment.”
When Caroline scrolled across Alice’s animal readings posts on Instagram, she immediately knew that what Alice offers would be a unique service to offer her boutique’s high-profile clients who wanted to know more about their living and departed four-legged companions.
“These little guys are such a big part of our life, but we can’t talk to them. They are smart as a whip, so I wanted to make sure that there was a bridge, especially for people who lost their pets. I wanted to bring a little bit of comfort or a little bit of closure and some answers for those whose pets’ issues can’t be figured out.”
Alice’s ability to see beyond the physical was the link Caroline needed to put Cashy on the road back to health. “When she did his reading, he’d just had two ultrasound tests done.” Caroline’s diag-
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nostic attempt to find answers prompted a suggestion from Alice. “You won’t find what’s ailing him in an ultrasound. You need to ask for X-rays,” Caroline recalled Alice telling her. “She was very stuck on that. She could see something there.”
That prediction was spot on. When the ultrasound results came in, there was nothing to show. So Caroline pushed for the X-rays – which revealed Cashy’s diagnosis – a hiatal hernia, a condition that occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm –causing coughing, vomiting, and a burning feeling in the chest after eating.
“I was truly blown away, and so relieved to have answers thanks to Alice.” Cashy’s diet now includes a cocktail of supplements and medications to help with the pain and digestion.
Lauren Klein wanted to know about her dog Jack, a six-year-old rescue from Goleta who had undergone surgery on one of his knees after a hard tumble caused a torn ligament. “It didn’t seem like it was fully better,” Lauren said. She wanted to know if her suspicions were accurate. “It was immediately apparent Alice was tuned in to him. He seemed aware that she was telling me his thoughts.” When Alice asked Jack if his knee hurt, his response was “Which one?”
It was a surreal moment for Lauren – who recalled the day Jack’s vet did his X-ray and discovered both knees had damage. “It gets stiff sometimes, but it’s much better now than it was before.” That’s the response from Jack when Alice specifically asked about the knee in question. “For me,” says Lauren, “it confirmed that the surgery was in fact helpful.”
Each Monday, Alice makes the drive from Solvang to Montecito to give Cashy’s customers a supernatural experience – bringing comfort and solace to pet parents looking to unlock the secrets inside their thoughts. “I am able to give help to the voiceless because animals can’t speak. I feel that I am a translator because I can read what the animal is telling me and put it into words.” Alice can also conduct readings by phone with simply a photo of the pet.
In the year since she first brought her metaphysical communications to the village storefront, Alice has touched paws with some A-list pups. Clients range from Fortune 500 business owners to film and TV entertainers, and they are all too happy to hear what thoughts and stories lie beyond the bark.
Pet readings are done at Cashy’s Playpen at 1292 Coast Village Rd. every Monday at 4:30 pm or 5:45 pm. Sessions are one hour long and cost $260. Sessions can be reserved by calling: 805-869-2037.
Leana Orsua is a former TV News reporter and anchor at stations in the Southern U.S. and locally at KEYTTV and KSBY-TV. Orsua, a proud 3rd generation Santa Barbaran, has also covered local stories in print at the Santa Barbara News Press.
Alice speaking to one of her clients
Pet psychic Alice Murphy with Caroline MartelMiller and Cashy
the Granada with Tchaikovsky Immersion featuring the Russian composer’s majestic Fourth Symphony.
The event marked the return of renowned classical guitarist Pablo Sáinz Villegas performing the greatest of all guitar concertos – Rodrigo’s haunting “Concierto de Aranjuez” as part of his weeklong artist residency in Santa Barbara.
Led by veteran maestro Nir Kabaretti, the concert began with a moving tribute to the late celebrated local composer Emma Lou Diemer featuring her “Homage to Tchaikovsky,” a piece originally commissioned by the symphony in 2001 offering a modern reflection on the composer’s themes and emotional depths.
As part of the Tchaikovsky Immersion, the audience heard the fascinating history behind the Fourth Symphony, revealing the personal and musical journey that shaped the works, and the patronage of the mysterious woman who made it possible.
A glorious kickoff to a most promising 72nd season.
Area’s Numbers by the Numbers
For the eighth consecutive year Atherton, California – 94027 – is America’s most expensive zip code while our rarefied enclave – 93108 – ranked Number 5 with a median property price of $5,052,000.
The Hamptons’ Sagaponack and Water Mill ranked number two and three with median property prices just shy of $6 million, according to Property Shark.
Newport Beach – 02651, 92657 and 92662 – had three consecutive rankings at 6,7 and 8 with median property prices in excess of $4,763,000 and $4,650,000.
Meanwhile L.A.’s most expensive zip codes were the $3.15 million 90272 in Pacific Palisades, the $2.81 million within 90277 – the Bel Air, Beverly Crescent and Holmby Hills neighborhoods, and the $2.35 million median in Brentwood – 90049.
Adam to the ‘Foooore’-front
Santa Barbara Symphony conductor Nir Kabaretti and his wife Gaia are beaming over their 14-year-old son Adam’s golfing prowess, as well they should.
Adam, a freshman at San Marcos High School, was selected among 60 applicants to compete in the Tiger Woods – TGR Jr. Invitational golf tournament last weekend.
The 30 girls and 30 boys selected from all over the United States got to spend a long weekend at the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach, sponsored by TaylorMade and the TGR Foundation.
Last Sunday the youngsters competed in a three-round tournament at the Hay, a golf course re-designed in 2021 by Woods, followed by a dinner party and a Q&A with PGA tour professionals such
as Gary Woodland and Max Homa. The following day two finalists from the first day competed in a championship match at the iconic Spanish Bay golf course.
Adam won first place on both days for his age category and became the TGR Junior Invitational champion.
He has been playing golf for two years and is part of the Southern California Junior Golf Association coached by local PGA golfers Brent Cole and Michael Wolseley. Given his father, music continues to play an important role in his life. Adam plays violin in the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony and guitar in his school jazz band.
A Timetable to Trot To
Carpinteria photographer Christie Jenkins launched her new polo men’s calendar with a bijou bash at Tecolote, the bustling bibliophile bastion in the upper village.
Polo: Man & Horse 2025 features 44 lavish shots of players in the barns with their favorite horses.
The calendar benefits 16 equine charities across America, with the players choosing the nonprofits they’ d like to benefit.
Local players featured included Jake Klentner, son of local developer and former Wilhelmina model Justin Klentner who plays for Klentner Ranch, Budweiser beer scion Andy Busch’s son Will, Miscellany Page 434
Adam Kabaretti – accomplished musician, ace teen golf champion (courtesy photo)
Grant Palmer with photo of his Pacific Coast Open win (photo by Christie Jenkins)
Nir Kabaretti led the Tchaikovsky triple threat (photo by Nik Blaskovich)
Nir Kabaretti led the Tchaikovsky triple threat (photo by Nik Blaskovich)
critically underfunded. We created an organization that looked and felt like a brand, creates ambassador experiences people enjoy, and gives us a platform to have those discussions and get resources to the people doing the work [scientists]. The Coral Collective [started] because I got an email from the United Nations about 18 months ago saying they love what we do, coral reefs are in crisis, and we need to engage the public. The Coral Collective is a multi-year campaign of Project Zero through 2030. Its funding goal is $5 million by end of 2024, and $100 million by 2030. We will host a series of art exhibitions and a concert movie – timed with the next 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice – to raise funds for the U.N. Fund for Coral Reefs, the G-20’s Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform, and the International Coral Reef Initiative. Combined, we are the largest collective to preserve coral reefs.”
Following our conversation, the event program commenced with Chef Massimo. He talked about his concerns for the environment and in food service, how fortunate he is to be supported by Rick Caruso so he can buy food for the menu from local fishermen and small farms who use sustainable practices (see video of his speech on the MJ website with this story).
Rebecca Albright, PhD, Assistant Curator of Invertebrate Zoology at the California Academy of Sciences, presented a video and talked about her work on coral reefs. In her science
This will be the first time either piece will be performed to a live score by the Santa Barbara Symphony playing in the theater’s pit, a rare occurrence for the company.
“It’s a game changer for us,” Philipp said. “Having live music raises the bar. It’s just magic.”
Mann Up:
Singer-Songwriter Shares Insight into Her Oeuvre
Aimee Mann’s gift for literate lyrics that belie the bright melodies of her chamber folkpop music has defined her own genre for more than 30 years of a solo career.
Her oeuvre is the vulnerable truth laid bare, mostly drawn from her own experiences, but in such refreshing ways that it’s decidedly universal, and healing rather than depressing. That gift is readily apparent in two choice songs from Bachelor No. 2 from a quarter-century ago, remastered and re-released in 2020.
“Now that I’ve met you/Would you object to/Never seeing each other again,” she sings in “Deathly.” “‘Cause I can’t afford to/Climb aboard you/No one’s got that much ego to spend.”
In “How Am I Different?” Mann also dives right in:
“I can’t do it, I can’t conceive/You’re everything you’re trying to make me believe ‘Cause this show is too well designed/Too well to be held with only me in mind. How, how am I different?”
lab, she was able to simulate the natural habitat for coral reef propagation, becoming the first lab in the U.S. and the second globally to do so. Her team just set up in Honduras where they can re-wild the coral reefs grown in the lab. Albright was followed by Clarke, who thanked the guests for their support, and Kendall Conrad shared, “Bringing the Coral Collective to Santa Barbara marks an important step in uniting key communities with a shared purpose of saving our coral reefs, and represents the power of communities coming together to make a real difference for our oceans.”
Seen at the private event were David Cameron , Nathan Turner and Eric Hughes , Jordana Brewster , Belle Hahn and Richard Scibird , Mark and Alexis Abrahams , Jennifer Smith , Lisa Lloyd , Paul and Jane Orfalea , and Kenny and Elizabeth Slaught
411: Social – @coral_global www.weareprojectzero.org/
yahoo.com
Mann has largely moved within the same territory ever since, with the occasional left turn into writing about others’ plight, even if her full output only comes to less than a dozen albums. Yet the wit in her wry melancholia has only become an even more emotionally lethal “sugar-coated poison pill” as the New York Times put it.
Mann returns to Santa Barbara for the first time in nearly a decade with a show at the Lobero on October 30, with singer-songwriter Jonathan Coulton as opener and band member. She shared about her songwriting and more over the phone last week.
Q. Your songs seem to get inside of the guts of a relationship or situation with plain language that’s spot on and packs a wallop. What’s that process like for you, and how has it changed over the years?
A. When I first started writing songs, I was either really inspired and a song just came out, or I’d have an idea about what I wanted to say and just try to write it the best I could. But I really didn’t have the tools for generating ideas or getting around a problem… As I get older I realize that I get inspiration just from sitting down and trying to work, and if I run out of steam, I know how to switch it over into the workmanlike part of it that keeps the inspiration going. It makes it easier to finish and more likely that I’ll be happy with what I come up with.
So it’s more of a circular process where you are not quite so much at the mercy of the muse because you have the crafting ability to keep going and have it re-inspire. Yeah, that’s exactly right.
What about the knack for finding words that rhyme that don’t compromise intent for the sake of rhyming. How hard is that for you to do?
That’s also gotten easier with experience because part of your brain is always working on it in the background. There’s certain tricks, or rather rules, that I’ve realized help the process. You don’t want to telegraph where you’re going, and the listener subconsciously realizing there’s only one rhyme left. The
On Entertainment Page 424
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Montecito Water District (District) is soliciting proposals from qualified consultants to provide professional engineering services to prepare design plans and specifications for the District’s East Valley, Ladera and Lambert Water Main Replacement Project
The RFP is available on our web site: www.montecitowater.com or at the District Office location shown below.
Questions regarding this Request for Proposal (RFP) shall be emailed to:
David Wong
Assistant Engineer
Montecito Water District 583 San Ysidro Road Santa Barbara, CA 93108-2124 dwong@montecitowater.com
All proposals are due by 12:00 p.m. on Thursday November 14, 2024 per the instructions in the RFP.
Published October 24, 2024 Montecito Journal
Town
Rebecca Albright and Kendall Conrad at the Project Zero SB launch (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
Joanne A Calitri is a professional international photographer and journalist. Contact her at: artraks@
The moving and melodic Aimee Mann comes to the Lobero on October 30, (courtesy photo)
(Condensed Notice for Publication)
NOTICE INVITING SEALED BIDS
2024 MANHOLE REHABILITATION
BID NO. 2024-03
MONTECITO SANITARY DISTRICT
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Montecito Sanitary District (“District”) will receive sealed bids, electronically, for its BID NO. 2024-03, 2024 Manhole Rehabilitation (“Project”), by or before Wednesday, November 13th, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. through its PlanetBids portal All associated documents, including bonding information, shall be submitted with the bid. Bidders must be registered on the District’s PlanetBids™ portal in order to submit a Bid Proposal and to receive addendum notifications. Each bidder is responsible for making certain that their Bid Proposal is actually submitted/uploaded with sufficient time to be received by PlanetBids prior to the bid opening date and time. Large files may take more time to be submitted/uploaded to PlanetBids so plan accordingly. The receiving time on PlanetBids’ server will be the governing time for acceptability of bids. Telegraphic, telephonic, electronic, and facsimile bids will not be accepted. Bidders are responsible for obtaining all addenda from the District’s PlanetBids portal. If any Addendum issued by the District is not acknowledged online by the Bidder, the PlanetBids system may prevent the Bidder from submitting a Bid Proposal.
The date and time for receiving bids shall be extended by no less than 72 hours if the officer, department, or Project Manager issues any material changes, additions, or deletions to the invitation later than 72 hours prior to the bid closing. Any bids received after the time specified above or any extension due to material changes shall be returned unopened.
Bids shall be valid for sixty (60) calendar days after the bid opening date.
Project Description: The Project entails the rehabilitation (lining) of 93 existing sewer manholes
All locations of the manholes are within the Montecito Sanitary District Boundary and the County of Santa Barbara The rehabilitation schedule is broken into “Schedule A” and “Schedule B.” The manholes for “Schedule A” are intended to be completed as soon as possible, whereas the Contractor may demobilize and return in the dry season to complete “Schedule B” if desired. All “Schedule A” manholes are located within or directly adjacent to roadways
Project documents for the work are available to prospective bidders through the District’s PlanetBids Portal website at www.montsan.org/bids.
In accordance with the provisions of California Public Contract Code § 3300, and Business and Professions Code § 7028.15(e), the contractor and any subcontractors shall be licensed by the contractors’ state licensing board and registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations at the time the contract is awarded. Failure to possess the specified license shall render a bidder’s bid as non-responsive and shall bar award of the contract to any bidder not possessing the specified license at the time of the award.
Pursuant to California Civil Code § 9550, a payment bond is required to be submitted for all projects estimated in excess of $25,000.00.
The proposed project is a public works project subject to the provisions of Labor Code § 1720 thereby requiring the Contractor to pay the prevailing wage rates for all work performed under the Contract. In addition, the Contractor shall be responsible for compliance with the requirements of Section 1777.5 of the California Labor Code relating to apprentice public works contracts.
The District reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
There will be a mandatory pre-bid conference held on Tuesday October 29th at 10:00 a.m. at the Montecito Sanitary District Board Room, 1042 Monte Cristo Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Bidders must attend the pre-bid conference as a requirement for submittal of a bid proposal. Virtual attendance of the pre-bid conference is acceptable, virtual meeting link can be provided upon request. Following the mandatory conference, there will be an optional site visit, with guidance by District Staff, to select manholes located within District Easements that would otherwise not be accessible to the Contractor RSVP for the pre-bid conference no later than Friday October 25th on PlanetBids.
If you have any questions, please contact the District’s Engineering Manager, Bryce Swetek, P.E., at bswetek@montsan.org
MONTECITO SANITARY DISTRICT
John Weigold General Manager
PUBLISHED:
• PlanetBids: October 16th, 2024
• Montecito Journal, October 16, 2024, and October 23, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTIFICATION IS HEREBY GIVEN that EFFECTIVE Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 8am. The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara will be accepting Pre-applications through hasbarco.org for Escalante Meadows Development, a 79 Unit Development located in the City of Guadalupe. They are 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedrooms.
15 Units in this development will be set aside to be referred exclusively by the Coordinated Entry System for persons who are chronically homeless or homeless and high-cost health users.
7 Units – First priority will be given for Income qualified applicants who were displaced by the Thomas Fire from Zip Code 93108. Applicants must be able to verify they were displaced by the disaster.
3 Units in this development will be set aside to be referred exclusively by the Veteran’s Administration through the VASH program.
Section 8 income eligibility is a requirement for all applicants.
This Public Notice is being published to ensure that individuals and interested groups are fully aware of this action.
The Housing Authority will accept applications for this program regardless of race, color, creed, sex, familial status, national origin, age, handicap, or other protected groups under State, Federal or local equal opportunity laws.
Published October 24, 2024 Montecito Journal
AUTORIDAD
DE VIVIENDA DEL CONDADO DE SANTA BÁRBARA AVISO PÚBLICO
POR LO PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que a partir del miércoles 30 de octubre de 2024 a las 8 a.m. La Autoridad de Vivienda del Condado de Santa Bárbara aceptará solicitudes previas a través de hasbarco.org para Escalante Meadows, un desarrollo de 79 unidades ubicado en la ciudad de Guadalupe. Unidades de 1, 2, 3 y 4 dormitorios.
Se reservarán 15 unidades en este desarrollo para ser referidas exclusivamente por el Sistema de Ingreso Coordinado para personas crónicamente sin hogar o sin hogar y usuarias de salud de alto costo.
7 Unidades – Se dará prioridad a los solicitantes calificados por ingresos que fueron desplazados por el incendio Thomas de código postal 93108. Los solicitantes deben poder proporcionar verificación que fueron desplazados por el desastre.
3 Unidades en este desarrollo se reservarán para ser referidas exclusivamente por la Administración de Veteranos a través del programa VASH.
La elegibilidad de ingresos de Sección 8 es un requisito para todos los solicitantes.
Este Aviso Público se publica para garantizar que las personas y los grupos interesados estén plenamente al tanto de esta acción.
La Autoridad de Vivienda aceptará solicitudes para este programa, sin importar su raza, el color, el credo, el sexo, el estado familiar, el origen nacional, la edad, la discapacidad u otros grupos protegidos según las leyes estatales, federales o locales de igualdad de oportunidades.
Published October 24, 2024 Montecito Journal
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: AUTONATION FINANCE, 6 Executive Circle, Suite 100, Irvine, CA, 92614. CIG Financial, LLC, 6 Executive Circle, Suite 100, Irvine, CA, 92614. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on October 7, 2024. This statement expires
NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Pivotal Management Group; PPG Marketing; Pivotal Promotions, 3201 Airpark Dr. Ste 201, Santa Maria, CA, 93455. Pivotal Perspectives INC, 3201 Airpark Dr. Ste 201, Santa Maria, CA, 93455. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on October 16, 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. 20240002429. Published October 24, 31, November 7, 14, 2024
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. 20240002344. Published October 2, 9, 16, 23, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Vons #3326, 163 S. Turnpike Road, Santa Barbara, CA, 93117. 1918 Winter Street ABS LLC, 7 Corporate Drive c/o Legal Depart-
ment, Keene, NH 03413. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on September 5, 2024. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the
original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2024-0002119. Published October 2, 9, 16, 23, 2024
AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: CASE No. 24CV03779.
To all interested parties: Petitioner Matthew Tanner Haynie filed a petition with Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara, for a decree changing name to Matthew Joseph Orosco. The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear
NOTICE OF PENDING ACTION BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
This may affect your property. Please read.
Notice is hereby given that the Director of the Planning and Development Department intends to take an action to approve, approve with conditions, or deny an application for a Development Plan for the project described below. At this time it is not known when this action may occur; however, the earliest this action may occur is on the eleventh day following the date of this notice indicated below.
PUBLIC COMMENT: A public hearing will not be held on this matter. Anyone interested in this matter is invited to submit written testimony in support or opposition to the proposed project 24DVP00021. All letters should be addressed to Planning and Development, Planning and Development, 123 E. Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara 93101-2058, Attention: Alejandro Jimenez. Letters, with two copies, should be received in the office of the Planning and Development Department a minimum of 24 hours prior to the earliest date of action by the Director identified above.
To receive additional information regarding this project, and/or to view the application and plans, or to provide comments on the project, please contact Alejandro Jimenez at Planning and Development, 123 E. Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara 93101-2058, or by email at ajimenez@countyofsb.org, or by phone at (805) 568-3559.
PROPOSAL: STAR PROPERTY LB INVESTMENT LLC GRADING PROJECT ADDRESS: 1379 OAK CREEK CANYON, MONTECITO, CA 93108 1st SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT
DATE OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR ACTION: On or after 10/24/2024, the Director of the Planning and Development Department intends to approve this Development Plan for the development described below, based on the ability to make all of the required findings and subject to the terms and conditions
APPLICATION FILED: 6/25/2024
PERMIT NUMBER: 24DVP-00021
ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NO.: 011-280-031
ZONING: RMZ-40
PROJECT AREA: 4.63
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Applicant: Steve Fort
Proposed Project: The project is a request for a Development Plan to validate existing structures onsite that were built legally with permits but are now nonconforming solely due to the absence of an approved Development Plan. The existing structures onsite include a residence of 7,007 SF, attached garage of 573 SF, guesthouse of 792 SF and a pool. Project also calls for a new driveway to provide vehicular access to a permitted ADU from Oak Creek Canyon. The proposed driveway is approximately 95’ in length and 14’-8” wide and requires 197’-6” of retaining walls, with a maximum height of 6’. The driveway is proposed to be paved with Sweetwater cobblestone to match the existing driveway to the main residence. A 6' tall wrought iron driveway gate with sandstone pilasters measuring 6’-5” tall is proposed approximately 17’ back from the private drive. Grading for this project shall consist of 92 CY of cut, 143 CY of fill, and 51 CY of import. The parcel will continue to be served by the Montecito Water District, Montecito Sanitary District, and the Montecito Fire Protection District. Access will continue to be provided off of Oak Creek Canyon. The property is a 6.09-acre parcel zoned RMZ-40 and shown as Assessor's Parcel Number 011280-031, located at 1379 Oak Creek Canyon in the Montecito Community Plan area, First Supervisorial District.
APPEALS: The decision of the Director of the Planning and Development Department to approve, conditionally approve, or deny this Development Plan 24DVP-00021 may be appealed to the Montecito Planning Commission by the applicant or an aggrieved person. The appeal must be filed within the 10 calendar days following the date that the Director takes action on this Director Action. To qualify as an "aggrieved person" the appellant must have, in person or through a representative, informed the Planning and Development Department by appropriate means prior to the Director Action of the nature of their concerns, or, for good cause, was unable to do so.
Appeals must be filed with the Planning and Development Department online at https://acaprod.accela.com/sbco/Default.aspx, by 5:00 p.m. within the timeframe identified above. In the event that the last day for filing an appeal falls on a non-business day of the County, the appeal may be timely filed on the next business day.
This Development Plan may be appealed to the California Coastal Commission after the appellant has exhausted all local appeals, therefore a fee is not required to file an appeal.
CHALLENGES: If you challenge the project 24DVP-00021 in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised in written correspondence to the Planning and Development Department.
For additional information regarding the appeal process, contact Alejandro Jimenez.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Information about this project review process may also be viewed at: https://casantabarbaracounty.civicplus.pro/1499/Planning-Permit-Process-Flow-Chart
Published October 24, 2024 Montecito Journal
before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the
petition without a hearing. Filed October 16, 2024 by Terri Chavez. Hearing date: December 6, 2024 at 10 am in Dept. 4, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Published October 24, 31, November 7, 14, 2024
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
STATE OF CALIFORINIA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Tuesday, November 5, 2024 In Santa Barbara County Administration Building, 4th Floor Board Hearing Room 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, CA The meeting starts at 9:00 a.m.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 the Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing to consider Case No. 23APL-00021, an appeal of the Montecito Planning Commission’s April 5, 2023 approval of the Music Academy of the West Revised Conditional Use Permit, Case Nos. 21RVP-00000-00109 and 21CDP-00000-00129.
The request is for approval of a CUP Revision and CDP to allow changes to the 2004 Revised CUP. The primary objectives of the project are to update and simplify the CUP document, revise several of the CUP conditions to better serve its current and foreseeable needs, and create operational flexibility while also maintaining the maximum restrictions set forth in the 2004 CUP. Further, it is the express intent of the MAW to balance the proposed CUP changes in a manner that results in no new environmental impacts. Thus, where a change is sought to seating in one recital hall, a reduction of seats is proposed in another; where a new activity for public use is proposed, another existing public use is eliminated. Additionally, no new structural development is proposed.
Key changes being requested include:
1. Eliminating the on-site retail shops and reintroducing residential uses to the corresponding structures.
2. Increasing student enrollment from 150 to 175 students.
3. Re-introducing weddings and other “Significant Life Events” that had previously been eliminated as part of the prior approval, all of which would count towards the daily and annual cap.
4. Allowing greater use of amplified spoken word and non-amplified acoustic music outdoors while adhering to existing activity hours and sound level requirements at the property lines.
For additional information, please contact Steve Conner, Planner, at: Email: conners@countyofsb.org | Tel: 805-568-2081.
For current methods of public participation for the meeting of November 5, 2024, please see page two (2) of the posted Agenda. The posted agenda will be available on Thursday prior to the above referenced meeting for a more specific time for this item. However, the order of the agenda may be rearranged or the item may be continued.
Staff reports and the posted agenda is available on the Thursday prior to the meeting at http://santabarbara.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx under the hearing date or contact the Clerk of the Board at (805) 568-2240 for alternative options.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by 4:00 PM on Friday before the Board meeting. For information about these services please contact the Clerk of the Board at (805) 568-2240.
If you challenge this project (Case Nos. 23APL-00021, 21RVP-00000-0019, 21CDP-00000-00129) in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence to the Board of Supervisors prior to the public hearing. G.C. Section 65009, 6066, and 6062a.
Mona Miyasato
CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
By: Sheila de la Guerra, Deputy Clerk
Published October 24, 2024 Montecito Journal
PUBLIC NOTICE
Invitation to Bid No. 2024-004
Dry Stack Rock Wall and Paver Patio 1257 East Valley Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
The Montecito Fire Protection District hereby invites the submission of sealed bids for:
ITB# 2024-004 – Dry Stack Rock Wall and Paver Patio
Bid Opening – Tuesday November 12, 2024 at 2:00 p m in the conference room at Montecito Fire Station 91, 595 San Ysidro Road, Santa Barbara.
ITB documents may be viewed on the Montecito Fire Protection District (MFPD) website at www.montecitofire.com or a copy may be secured from MFPD at 595 San Ysidro Road, Santa Barbara CA between the hours of 8:00 a m and 5:00 p m , Monday through Friday. Responses must be sealed, clearly marked “1257 EVR Wall & Patio – General Contractor Bid” and returned to:
Montecito Fire Protection District
Attn: Anthony Hudley, Battalion Chief 595 San Ysidro Road Santa Barbara, CA 93108
Bids will be accepted until 2:00 p m on November 12, 2024. Bids received after this time will be returned unopened. Faxed bids will not be accepted.
Published October 17 & 24, 2024 Montecito Journal
idea is to walk up to it so it’s still a surprise, and the listener is drawn into the song itself rather than what the rhyme might be.
But it’s hard. Sometimes I think the most valuable thing that I have (as a songwriter) is that I’m willing to step back, read what I’ve written, and say, “I could see that rhyme coming a mile away. I have to change it. “It might be a pain in the ass but you have to avoid what I call the cram – that thing when you’re doing a jigsaw puzzle and you keep trying to cram a piece that doesn’t belong there just to finish it. I want it to be natural and conversational, which means it also can’t be super tricky to say, or a convoluted mouthful of consonants. It also can’t be a cram syllabically, where the emphasis is on a syllable that it wouldn’t be in speech.
There’s many, many, many songs where I could not solve that puzzle and I had to bow to my limitations. But it’s easier now, and the puzzle is much more fun.
I’m almost afraid to ask how melodies fit in the puzzle. How do you marry the word and the music?
To me, the melody follows what you’re saying. You try to keep the cadence of speech and put the emphasis where you want it, maybe with a pause. So it’s usually just what occurs to me. Maybe that’s the talent part of it, but to me it’s more about paying attention to the intent of the words.
Your last album Queens of the Summer Hotel was composed for an anticipated musical adaptation of Girl, Interrupted. How was it for you to take on existing material like that?
It was fascinating to ask where I intersect with this person or this situation, and can I just inhabit their point of view entirely. It was a good reminder that my songs don’t have to be 100% my own experience. A different narrative illustrates your own feelings better than you can. In some ways it’s easier to write a fake thing.
You’ve recently won some Grammy awards. Years ago, NPR called you one of the 10 best living songwriters along with McCartney, Dylan, and Springsteen. Critics trip over themselves with praise. What do such accolades mean to you? Are they validating? Thrilling? Embarrassing? Meaningless? Or?
Probably a mixture of all of those. It is very flattering to have somebody think that I’m in the pantheon of great songwriters, but at the same time, you remind yourself that it’s one person’s opinion, and most people still have no idea who you are. Which is fine, because ‘Til Tuesday was one of the first bands to become really highly visible from a video on MTV. We were recognized all over the place. It’s not particularly fun. It’s really awkward to have someone follow you into the bathroom to talk to you, or come up to you in an airport and say you look familiar, are you somebody? Which is a question nobody should ever have to answer. So I was relieved when it faded a few years later.
Now YouTube has made so many more people famous that I have no idea who they are. The conveyor belt keeps moving past. I don’t need to be in the game. My ambition is to keep writing and making records.
All in the Family
Out of the Box Theatre Company kicks off its new season with something different a few blocks up from its usual home at Center Stage. Family Album – a song collection by Joe Iconis, composer-lyricist of the Broadway hit Be More Chill and several other musicals – will be performed just once in a concert-style show October 27 at SOhO. The songs are created from the point of view of their character – an assortment of artists, eccentrics and monsters of both the fantastical and real-life variety, including murderers, werewolves, dinosaurs, robots and social media zombies. Timed for the spooky season leading up to Halloween, the show also touches on themes of hope, resilience and love.
The anthology of short stories set to music, ranging from love ballads to indie-rock anthems, has been praised as “tales that spring forth from Iconis’ mind in ways wonderful, whimsical and even a little bit wicked.” OOB’s cast for the performance features a full 16 singers, including founder Samantha Eve. Visit www.sohosb. com or www.outoftheboxtheatre. org.
News Bytes Ghost Village Road
by MJ Staff
It’s that time of year again! On October 31st, join the CVA for Ghost Village Road for family fun on Coast Village Road where the magic of trick-or-treating comes alive. Businesses will be generously treating those in costume with the best treats, and you’ll love seeing all the creative costumes!
Harvest for Hope
H arvest for Hope event is on Sunday, October 27 (the day before National Immigrant Day), at the Cabrillo Pavilion in Santa Barbara. The keynote speakers are SB Police Dept Officer Adrian Gutierrez, who has partnered with Immigrant Hope in providing community education through the department’s community academy program; and Liliana Encinas, the Bilingual Public Outreach Coordinator with SB Fire, and the LISTOS National Program Director for the Fire Services Training Institute – leading the largest Spanish speaking group with advanced disaster response training in the nation.
Immigrant Hope Santa Barbara (IHSB) is an immigration center recognized by the Department of Justice that provides low-cost services to immigrants who cannot afford representation from an immigration attorney. They also provide education classes, such as ESL, Driver’s License, Civics, and more.
Tickets and 411: www.immigranthopesb.org/ harvest-for-hope.html
Village Properties’ Teacher’s Fund News
Renee Grubb, owner of Village Properties, created the Teacher’s Fund in 2002. She has happily announced that this year’s funding goal of $75,000 was met and surpassed, having raised over $100,000 from August 20 to September
20. The funding provides general classroom materials, STEM equipment, classroom organizational materials, art supplies, electronics and classroom furniture, among other items – for K12 teachers in schools from Santa Ynez to Carpinteria. Drive committee co-chair and Village Properties realtor Brianna Johnson thanked the community and said, “These funds will help us continue our mission of supporting Santa Barbara teachers with much needed educational items to help students thrive.”
The Teacher’s Fund has donated more than $2.1 million to Santa Barbara-area schools.
411: https://teachersfund.org
Artist Roland Petersen at the Elverhøj Museum
A coup for the Elverhøj Museum is its upcoming major exhibit of works by 98 years young artist Roland Petersen [b.1926, Denmark]. The exhibit, titled The Visual Feast , is on view from October 26 through January 5. The critically-lauded Petersen has been painting for five decades, and continues to create, producing art in his Bay area studio while thriving at home with his wife.
Steven Libowitz has covered a plethora of topics for the Journal since 1997, and now leads our extensive arts and entertainment coverage
Though he is a longstanding member of the Bay Area Figurative Movement whose members pointedly pivoted from abstract expressionism to figuration, his works notably divide and conquer the realms of geometricism, Petersen’s color blocking landscapes often embracing a certain figurative abstraction. No short CV here, Petersen’s works are in the Museum of Modern Art (NYC), the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Hirshhorn Museum, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, private collections, and government buildings. Petersen was one of the first professors in the early art department at the University of California at Davis, where he shepherded the program for over thirty years, recruiting artists Wayne Thiebaud, Manuel Neri, and Robert Arneson to the faculty in that time. A recipient of Guggenheim and Fulbright Fellowships, he holds a BA and MA from UC Berkeley, and studied at the Hans Hoffman School of Fine Arts in Provincetown.
411: www.elverhoj.org
Teacher’s Fund Co-Chair and Founder Renee Grubb with Co-Chair Brianna Johnson (courtesy photo)
who is on the Folded Hills roster, Bayne Bossom, son of Old Etonian financier Andrew Bossom, and Carter Thicke, son of the late actor Alan Thicke. I’ll drink to that!...
Home Off the Market
Prince Harry and actress wife Meghan Markle have added another home to their collection, acquiring a house in Portugal.
The property, according to London’s Daily Mail, is near to the home of Harry’s cousin, Princess Eugenie, daughter of Prince Andrew and the
Duchess of York, and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, who own a property in the Costa Terra Ocean Club, a development with 300 properties in Melides, south of the Portuguese capital Lisbon, where he works.
Brooksbank, 38, splits his time between the club and London with Eugenie, 34, and their two sons, August, 3, and Ernest, 16 months.
The Sussexes are said to have flown from Dusseldorf in Germany to Lisbon in the “mega secret” operation.
But as to how much monies exchanged hands in not known, with many saying the Riven Rock couple received the property as part of a promotional deal to bring more attention to the development.
Stay tuned...
‘Seeking Beauty’ at the Coral
Ricardo Calderon and his wife Dinah hosted a champagne-fueled bash at the Coral Casino for international interior designer Veere Grenney and his new coffee table tome Seeking Beauty.
It took the New Zealand native, a longtime friend of the tony twosome, two years to write, with photos by Francesco Lagnese from his three beautiful residences – in Tangiers, Morocco, on the coasts of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, in Chelsea, London, and his “pocket Palladian” temple in parkland at Tendring Hall, Stoke-by-Nayland, in the chocolate box county of Suffolk; where I used to reside in a rented farmhouse with three Old Etonians when I started my second job as a district chief reporter on the Cambridge Evening News in 1974.
I also attended one of the most legendary birthday parties when New York publisher Malcolm Forbes threw his 70th bash in 1989 at his Palais Mendoub, overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar – flying us in on a chartered Air France Concorde and plying us with vintage Krug Champagne, Coco Chanel’s favorite, for the three days of the boffo bash with guest star Elizabeth Taylor, who’d been flown in on Malcolm’s private Boeing 737.
Among the rapt Coral Casino audience were Daphne Moore, Dinah’s mother, Jennifer Smith Hale, Anne Luther, Cynthia Spivey, Alex Nourse, Donna Barranco Fisher, Peter Kevoian, Kimberly Phillips Hayes, and Bruce Gregga
Home On the Market
The late Santa Barbara copper heiress Huguette Clark’s New Canaan, Connecticut, estate, which she purchased in 1951, is up for sale for $25.5 million following a major renovation by its current owners, fashion director Reed Krakoff and his interior designer wife Delfine Clark, who died in 2011 aged 104, bought the sprawling property as a country retreat for family and friends in the event of a Soviet attack on New York City, but never lived there in 60 years.
The main residence occupies 14,300 square feet and has nine bedrooms. It also comes with a two-bedroom caretaker’s cottage and another house turned into a gym. The Krakoffs acquired the 24-acre estate in 2014 for $14.3 million and spent $10 million on renovations.
Clark’s California estate, Bellosguardo, overlooking East Beach in Santa Barbara, is now open to the public by appointment for docent-led tours.
Another impressive home that was left empty for decades.
Application Auditions
Ensemble Theatre Company is now accepting applications for the 2025 Young Playwrights Festival.
Designed for aspiring playwrights aged 14-19, the tuition-free program is a cornerstone of ETC’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of storytellers, offering a transformative creative experience that is crucial to ensuring a vibrant future for American theater.
The festival is a four-month journey where participants will craft a ten-minute play within a supportive and inspiring environment.
Under the guidance of a professional director and actor, these original works will be publicly presented, bringing
young voices to the forefront of our community’s theatrical scene
Apply Yourself
The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara has begun accepting applications for financial aid during the 2025-2026 academy year. Eligibility requirements and application instructions are available online at www.sbscholarship.org.
The foundation received 3,619 applications during its recently concluded scholarship awards cycle.
In May, it awarded more than $7.1 million in scholarships to 1,787 Santa Barbara County students.
Scholarship awards for undergraduates at four-year schools averaged $3,301. Graduate student awards, excluding those for medical school, averaged $6,251.
The foundation also supports students pursuing vocational training. Eligible students may receive up to five years of undergraduate funding and four years of medical-graduate level funding.
The primary criteria for award selection are financial need, academic achievement, and motivation.
The deadline to apply for financial aid is February 19, 2025.
Sightings
Katy Perry at the Kia Forum in Inglewood... Oprah Winfrey brunching with friends at Joe’s Cafe... Actor Josh Brolin at Pierre Lafond. Pip! Pip!
From musings on the Royals to celebrity real estate deals, Richard Mineards is our man on the society scene and has been for more than 15 years
Francisco Conde, Christie Jenkins, and Will Busch (courtesy photo)
William Laman and Bruce Gregga with Veere Grenney (photo by Ricardo Calderon)
Elizabeth McGovern with Veere Grenney (photo by Ricardo Calderon)
Andy Busch, Francisco Conde, Will Busch, and Andy Busch Jr. (photo by Christie Jenkins)
Dinah and Ricardo Calderon, Juliette Calderon, moderator Lorie Porter and Veere Grenney (photo by Ricardo Calderon)
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Calendar of Events
by Steven Libowitz
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24
The ‘Voice of Tibet’ – Tibetan singer-songwriter Yungchen Lhamo, whose name translates as “goddess of melody,” reached increased public awareness when she won the ARIA Award for Best World Music Album in 1995, and then signed with Peter Gabriel’s Real World record label. Over the last three decades, Lhamo has recorded and performed everything from a cappella renditions of original compositions and authentic Tibetan Buddhist prayers to traditional Buddhist chants and mantras, as well as a wide range of other music, often accompanied by both traditional and modern Western instruments. She has performed and recorded with Gabriel as well as Natalie Merchant, Annie Lennox, Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan and Bono, among many others, while her recordings have been used in the film Seven Years in Tibet and Tibetan documentaries. Ten years ago, Lhamo established her charitable organization, the One Drop of Kindness Foundation, which assists Tibetan communities in need with food, clothing, educational supplies and building materials, as well as supporting such infrastructure projects as ensuring clean drinking water and the rebuilding of monasteries. The Foundation also supports projects in the USA, Nepal, India, and Liberia. One Drop of Kindness Foundation is also the title of her 2023 album, co-produced with multi-instrumentalist John Alevizakis at a studio in the Sierra Nevada. The collection of songs, prayers, and mantras devoted to spiritual awakening and unconditional love and compassion also forms the framework for her performance at Trinity Episcopal Church, accompanied by Alevizakis and Montecito-raised world musician Joss Jaffe WHEN: 7 pm
Tina Takes on Jazz – Longtime Montecito-via-Minnesota based singer-songwriter/ rock-and-roller Tina Schlieske first turned her ear (and heart) toward the classics of jazz vocals back before the pandemic, with some exploratory shows at the now-defunct Les Marchands. Earlier this year those avenues resulted in the release of a recording of eight songs made familiar by Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and other classic jazz singers; well-traveled territory to which Schlieske somehow adds something deep and meaningful. Tonight, live on stage at our beloved Lobero, we get the first chance to hear Schlieske fronting the Minnesota band that made the record. Over the course of the evening she’ll also dive into her much-lauded rock diva territory, with originals and covers that include tunes by Minneapolis hometown hero Prince.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
Cam Pac’s Time Capsule Concert – Camerata Pacifica, the Santa Barbara-based chamber music collective renowned for musical versatility and bold programming, turns a few things around for its next series of concert – including starting the program at our own intimate Hahn Hall, which usually serves as the anchor venue. The ensemble is also featuring three solo works leading up to a closing quintet, starting with Sooyun Kim performing Kazuo Fukushima’s mysterious 1962 “Mei for Solo Flute” followed by Rachmaninoff’s solo piano pieces 1896 “Six Moments Musicaux, Op. 16,” with Cam Pac principal Irina Zahharenkova, and Stravinsky’s 1918 jazz- and ragtime-inspired tour-de-force “Three Pieces for Solo Clarinet,” interpreted by Camerata’s principal clarinetist Jose Franch-Ballester Schoenberg’s “Chamber Symphony No. 1, Op. 9,” arranged by his student Anton Webern between 1922 and 1923, caps the curious and captivating program with the three solo artists joined by violinist Alena Hove and principal cellist Ani Aznavoorian to perfiorm the composer’s 1906 landmark work.
WHEN: 7:30 pm
WHERE: Hahn Hall at the Music Academy, 1070 Fairway Road
COST: $75:
WHEN: 7:30 pm
WHERE: Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.
COST: $32
INFO: (805) 963-0761 or www.lobero.org
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
Harbor Sing – Music and merriment go maritime with Santa Barbara Revels and the group’s relatively recent autumn entry event. As with its perennial Pub Sings, everyone is invited to join in the rollicking music-making, or just clapping or toe-tapping and otherwise carousing along as new Revels music director Dauri Kennedy directs the assortment of traditional tunes and sea shanties, plus Irish favorites in anticipation of this year’s The Christmas Revels: A Winter Solstice Celebration – The Ghosts of Haddon Hall. Dive into the Deep Sea Tasting Room for the show that includes a sing-along songbook, a glass of premium wine, snacks, and a terrific time (not to mention pretty decent harbor views).
WHEN: 4 pm
WHERE: Deep Sea Tasting Room, 217 Stearns Wharf
COST: $25
INFO: (805) 364-4630 or www.santabarbararevels.org
MONDAY, OCTOBER 28
INFO: (805) 884-8410 or www.cameratapacifica.org ENDING THIS WEEK
Boo at the Zoo – The Santa Barbara Zoo has fired up its signature Halloween “spell-ebration” – two October weekends of fun for the whole family, including safe trick-or-treating and “monster-ous” thrills and chills. The spook-tacular event invites guests of all ages to enjoy safe trick-or-treating along the Zoo’s candy trail, which includes multiple informative and fun stops. Also on tap are bounce houses, spooky story time, dancing, and even animal encounters, along with the opportunity to experience other eerie surprises around every corner. If the candy doesn’t hit the spot, other tasty treats and booo-zy adult beverages are available for purchase.
WHEN: 5-8 pm October 25-27
WHERE: Santa Barbara Zoo, 500 Ninos Drive
COST: $25 adults, $18 children 2-12; $3 discount for zoo members
INFO: (805) 962-5339 or www.sbzoo.org
Bonamassa Bonanza – Just over the last year, we’ve seen the boisterous, bountiful and surprisingly soulful blues guitarist-singer Joe Bonamassa do a handful of songs as part of the 75th birthday tribute to Alan Parsons at the Lobero, and at Kevin Costner’s estate as part of One805LIVE! His last appearance in a regular concert was at the Arlington, a fitting venue for the guitarist’s grittiness. Now, he’s heading across the street to the Granada, where the grandeur should add a touch of elegance to an all-enveloping live show, an ongoing series that has made him a top draw and helped propel an astounding 27 of his LPs to the top of Billboard Blues Album chart. We’re told the show will feature new songs alongside career-spanning favorites.
WHEN: 8 pm
WHERE: Granada Theatre, 1214 State Street
COST: $75-$225
INFO: (805) 899-2222 or www.granadasb.org
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30
Habib’s Habitat – African polyrhythms merge with the propulsive beats of modern rock in the hypnotic grooves of Mali’s Habib Koité, whose sophisticated acoustic
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
Los Lobos Live at Lobero – Way back in 1984, the East L.A. Mexican American band Los Lobos put out How Will the Wolf Survive?, their first major label album after a decade gigging around town. Its title was inspired by a National Geographic article about the canine – which the band compared to their own struggle to gain success in the United States while maintaining their Mexican roots. After four decades, I think it’s safe to say that the answer is abundantly clear. Los Lobos have sold millions of records and won prestigious awards including multiple Grammys, all the while continuing to make music that embodies the idea of America as a cultural melting pot. Nobody melds such styles – rock-and-roll and R&B, surf music and soul, mariachi and música norteña, punk rock and country – with this level of authenticity and artistry. The band still features four original members in David Hidalgo (vocals, guitars), Louie Pérez, Jr. (vocals, guitars), Cesar Rosas (vocals, guitars, bass, Hammond B3 organ) and Conrad Lozano (bass), plus Steve Berlin (saxes, keyboards) who joined a few years in after a stint with the Blasters. Los Lobos’ latest LP, Native Sons, essentially serves as a love letter to Los Angeles, which is still their home. Their Mitchell Froom-produced 1992 album Kiko still arguably embodies their most creative-yet-commercial approach. Opening tonight is a similarly eclectic Molly Maher, whose music rides the rails between Americana roots and big city grooves.
WHEN: 7:30 pm
WHERE: Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.
COST: $59 & $69 ($106 VIP tickets includes premier seating and a pre-show reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres)
INFO: (805) 963-0761 or www.lobero.org
guitar technique brings the pentatonic tuning of the griot’s traditional kora to the slashing solos of classic rock. Mali’s biggest pop star comes from a noble line of Khassonké griots, the traditional troubadours who provide wit, wisdom, and musical entertainment at social gatherings and special events. Koité’s own soulful vocals and magnetic personality add to his prowess on the guitar, which has resulted in international world music stardom and inspired collaborations with Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne among others. In his latest visit to UCSB, Koité performs with two other standard bearers of West African musical traditions: kora master Lamine Cissokho and balafon virtuoso Aly Keïta to celebrate Mandé Sila: the way of the Mandingo empire, symbolizing languages, cultures, music and the entire organology (acknowledged cultural significance) of West Africa’s musical instruments. WHEN: 8 pm
INFO: (805) 893-3535 or https://artsandlectures.ucsb.edu
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
Performance for Peace – The UCSB Middle East Ensemble, known for decades for its formal quarterly concerts at its seaside campus home, wanders down to Carpinteria for a special Concert for Middle East Peace produced by Larry Nimmer, the Carp-based film producer now expanding his efforts to illuminate the crisis in that troubled region of the world. The ensemble members include Muslims, Jews, and Christians, with a repertoire that reflects the variety and richness of cultures found in the Middle East. The Middle East Ensemble’s 35-year-tenured founding director Scott Marcus will precede each selection – performed on period instruments and often with dancers in traditional costumes – with introductions to the given piece’s cultural background. Santa Barbara-based nonprofit ShelterBox USA, which works around the world to ensure no one is without shelter after disasters, is the event’s sponsor.
INFO: (805) 684-6380 or www.thealcazar.org/calendar
NOW OPEN IN THE MAXIMUS GALLERY
Remarkable animal portraits of the feline and canine families inhabit the gallery this fall. The art of natural history is on display in original hand-colored lithographs by 19th-century artists and naturalists, John James Audubon and Daniel Giraud Elliot.
2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara 805-682-4711 • sbnature.org
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ESTATE/SENIOR SERVICES
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TRESOR
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ELECTRICIAN
Montecito Electric Repairs and Inspections Licensed C10485353
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
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Please call for a complimentary session! Call Now (805) 453-6086
AUTOMOBILES WANTED
We buy Classic Cars Running or not. Foreign/Domestic Chevy/Ford/Porsche/Mercedes/Etc. We come to you. Call Steven – 805-699-0684 Website – Avantiauto.group
AVAILABLE CAREGIVER
Trusted, Experienced Caregiver, CA State registered and background checked. Vaccinated. Loving and caring provides transportation, medications, etc. Lina 805-940-6888
Sweet woman with 20 years of experience as a caregiver. I had been living at the area for 25 years. CA State registered and background checked. Tiana 805-722-8015
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
Beautiful renovated mid-century 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom with Ocean views in Santa Barbara foothills, Available Dec 15th - March 15th (646) 206-4391
Charming MONTECITO studio cottage, great location, newly renovated, private with pool access $2,500/month. MontecitoClassifiedAds@gmail.com
Bedroom and bath in Montecito estate. Month to month. $1,500. MontecitoClassifiedAds@gmail.com
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
LANDSCAPE
Casa L. M.
Landscape hedges installed. Ficus to flowering. Disease resistant. Great privacy. Licensed & insured. Call (805) 963-6909
Do you need to get away for a weekend, week or more? I will house sit and take care of your pets, plants & mail. I have refs if needed. Call me or text
LA BAROLO
“Private Barolo Collection Experts” Routine shipments direct from Italy. Contact: nash@labarolo.com
BURIAL CRYPT
Burial Crypt, SB Cemetery, Mausoleum in the Pines Courtyard, Tier 6, Crypt 34. Holds full size coffin. Premium location, visit cemetery to view. Will work with buyer and cemetery to transfer ownership, $19,000 or best offer, plus $500 transfer fee, negotiable. Call or text (805) 698-2165
Biedermeier sofa for sale. Frame is birch, Sweden,1820-1830. Very solid. H:40” L:96” D:31” seat height 25” $6500 call or text Barbara 626-390-4039
Australian American seeking full-time live-in, property/pet care opportunity. Excellent local references. Chris 805-705-8622
