Esbee & Rugby – Santa Barbara’s own Esbee clothing company is touching down with a new collaborator, the Grunions, P.8
The Spirit of Shaka – From Montecito to Maui –how Oliver Welch made his way from growing up here to distilling agave on the islands, P.23
Before Instagram… before TikTok… this gal could get the shot around the clock… the saga of Jessie Tarbox Beals, who captured the early images and spectacles of Santa Barbara and Montecito (Story starts on page 5)
On January 9th, we remember the 1/9 Debris Flow: MUS at 6 pm
An Earful of Music – Get your mind and palate in tune with a recap of Gabe Saglie’s most recent music & wine pairing, P.24
Hands On AI
The Bacara has a new masseuse with a touching program – the Aescape AI Robotic Massage is ready for service, page 14
Window Wonders
The holidays are a wrap and the CVA and Rosewood Miramar are ready to announce the winners of the window contest, page 29
Delays to Ty Warner’s Sandpiper Golf Club Renovation Project Could Force Closure; Your Community Support is Needed
The Sandpiper renovation project has been entangled in delays by the City of Goleta planning process for over four years. A notice of preparation (NOP) for the EIR is finally scheduled to be released this month, and a public meeting is scheduled to be held at City Hall on January 15th, 2025. City of Goleta and Coastal Commission review of the Project is anticipated in early 2025.
The renovation is projected to cost $130 million, and first went before the City’s Design Review Board on December 8, 2020, where it received positive comments. aA formal application with plans and reports were submitted to the City in November 2021. Over two years later, the application was still not deemed complete by the City.
In January 2024, the City requested the applicant pay nearly $500,000 to have an environmental impact report (EIR) conducted by a City-approved independent consultant, to which the applicant agreed.
However, due to delays and the slow planning process and after spending over $3 million to date on architects, plans, environmental reports and consultants, Sandpiper Golf Trust, an entity owned by Ty Warner, faced the possibility it would be forced to close the golf course.
“It is unfortunate that these delays have caused us to consider the closure of the golf course” stated Ty Warner. “Considering the commitment and investment we have already made to the project, we expect the process to be expedited moving forward to avoid this outcome.”
Our goal is to move the approval process forward for the Sandpiper/Barnsdall renovation project, with commitment from the City of Goleta and Ty Warner.
Ty Warner is committed to paying all expenses associated with the project at zero cost to the taxpayers, including contributing private funds to the City of Goleta to enhance the Sperling Preserve, create a new preserve at Bell Canyon Creek and improve coastal access.
In addition, the following improvements are included in the project plan:
•Restoration of the Historic Barnsdall gas station and the addition of a new Rio Grande Café with public parking and a crosswalk across Hollister Ave.
• Burying all utility lines along Hollister underground
•Dedication of five acres west of Bell Canyon Creek to create a natural public open space and preservation of native habitat
•Providing a coastal access trail by extending the DeAnza trail along Hollister
•Dedication of public beach access below the bluffs
•Restoration and improvement of creek and Monarch butterfly habitat
•Improvement of storm water quality and drainage
•Construction of a sculptural clubhouse, seamlessly blending land, sea, and sky into infinity, featuring three restaurants, two open-airbars, and a sunset terrace and lounge with unobstructed views of the ocean and Channel Islands; and
•Creation of a world-class oceanfront top-50 golf course by award-winning golf course designer Tom Doak who has designed courses worldwide.
• Continued commitment to reduced golf rates for local residents
Ty Warner would like to move forward with the City of Goleta in mutual cooperation and commitment in expediting this process for full community benefit, to break ground no later than the end of 2025
Please contact the City representatives to let them know you support this project and ask they act as quickly as possible. Their contacts are:
Mayor Paula Perotte: pperotte@cityofgoleta.org
Mayor Pro Tempore Luz Reyes-Martin: lreyes-martin@cityofgoleta.org
Council Member Stuart Kasdin: skasdin@cityofgoleta.org
Council Member James Kyriaco: jkyriaco@cityofgoleta.org
Council Member Jennifer Smith: jsmith@cityofgoleta.org
City Manager Robert Nisbet: rnisbet@cityofgoleta.org
Special Projects Manager Jaime Valdez: jvaldez@cityofgoleta.org
Please also copy info@sandpipergolf.com with your email, and let us know if you have any questions.
412 E. Haley St. #3, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805.965.9555 | frontdesk@beckercon.com| www.beckerstudiosinc.com @beckerstudios
5 The Way It Was – From capturing cultural happenings to famous portraiture, Jessie Tarbox Beals photographed Santa Barbara and beyond
Beings & Doings – Oh, another New Year. What does it mean? Everything.
Montecito Miscellany – Esbee and rugby, The Ghosts of Haddon Hall, Adam’s Angels spread some holiday cheer, and more miscellany
to the Editor – Carlos the Bear says hello to the neighbors, praise
Invites – The future is here (well, at Bacara) with its new AI-driven
Thoughts – It’s
Big Questions – What are the strengths of weak ties? You can read all about it here (and also in Robert’s annual holiday cards)
23 Dear Montecito – Oliver Welch never expected he’d be helping produce some of Hawaii’s first agave spirits… 24 Music to My Ears – It’s notes of Bordeaux, tropical fruits, and Tchaikovsky at Gabe’s recent music and wine pairing
26 Stories Matter – With the new year comes new books – and Leslie has found something for everyone this month
On Entertainment – Mean Girls is a blast and it’s on stage now, plus Steven’s 2024 reflections
28 Light and Love – The Jewish Federation gets a little light, love, and brisket for its Hannukah celebration 29 CVA Communiqué – The Window Decorating Contest winners are announced, and accompanied by a photo collage of the festive façades
33 Spirituality Matters – The devotional Kirtan artist and singer-songwriter, Darren Marc, and more on the matter of spirituality
36 Calendar of Events – 1st Thursday happenings, comedy, concerts, and talks at Godmothers this week
38
Classifieds – Our own “Craigslist” of classified ads
39 Mini Meta Crossword Puzzles
Local Business Directory – Smart business owners place business cards here
Photography: Spenser Bruce
The Way It Was Jessie Tarbox Beals Photographs
Santa Barbara
by Hattie Beresford
Jessie Tarbox Beals (1870-1942) became America’s first female news photographer when The Buffalo Inquirer and Courier of New York hired her as a staff photographer in 1902. The road to a career in photography, however, began in 1888 when she won a camera for selling magazine subscriptions. At the time, she was living with her brother in Massachusetts and teaching school. She soon started earning extra money with her camera by offering to take portrait shots of students at the nearby college for a dollar.
In 1897 she married Alfred Tennyson Beals, and after she quit her teaching career in 1900, they opened a door-todoor portrait and general photography studio. Though the studio failed, thanks to her tenaciousness and passion for photography she slowly became known in the journalistic world dominated by men. She was ambitious and versatile, proving over and over again that she was someone who could get the photographic story.
In 1903, her editors were impressed when she was not deterred by the proclamation that a murder trial was closed to photographers. She had climbed atop a bookcase to take photos through the transom, and she earned her first exclusive. In 1904, she was not granted a press pass for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis. Nevertheless, she found a way to photograph people and events, and she eventually became
official photographer at the Fair for several national newspapers.
Her work ran the gamut from documentary images to portraits to cityscapes to news events to nocturnes to gardens and to institutions. Her photographs appeared in dozens of national magazines such as The Craftsman, Harper’s Bazaar, McClure’s, and American Homes and Gardens
Santa Barbara
By 1928, Jessie was 58 and couldn’t maintain her previous energetic pace.
Jessie Tarbox Beals carried a 50-pound camera into the field (photo courtesy of Wikipedia; Schlesinger Library, Harvard)
Showing her grit and ability, Jessie Tarbox Beals ascends a ladder for a photograph at the Louisiana Purchase Exhibition in St. Louis in 1904 (photo courtesy of Library of Congress)
Circa 1924, American poet and playwright Edna St. Vincent Millay and author Edmund Wilson pose at 75 1/2 Bedford Street in Greenwich Village, New York. Millay’s husband Eugen Boissevain sits in background. Beals had a studio nearby. (photo courtesy of Library of Congress)
Beings and Doings
Whistling Away the Dark
by Jeff Wing
Often I think my poor oldheart Has given up for good And then I see a brave new face, I glimpse some new neighborhood..
– Mancini/Mercer
And here we are again. Another …. New Year?! This is a reportedly cyclical occurrence, begat by an explosion that, for reasons I’ve stopped trying to grasp, gave birth to both Time itself and a universe filled with whirling crockery. All that centrifugal and centripetal spinning gives rise to circles and spheres and orbits and gyre-like galaxies and other cosmic featurettes that drive us to drink. So, yeah – we very recently escorted 2024 out of the building with
the usual streamers and laughter, and those damnable festive little poppers whose sudden deployment can make the unbraced partygoer spontaneously incontinent. Or so I’ve read.
New Year’s Eve is a global celebration of a drifting rock’s return to an arbitrary coordinate on a cosmic circle in deep space. The yearly occasion is also a massive gift to aspirin magnates everywhere. But there’s something else in the mix.
New Year’s Eve is a sort of maddened and inarticulate celebration of our own impermanence, the lightning strike we call home. Several days ago we raised our glasses to the temporal brute facts,
acknowledging (without saying as much) both the helpless headlong flow of time and the corresponding attraction of the human animal to precious daily life. Life itself is felt most acutely on these time-marking occasions, where – rather than grasp and stare longingly at each other, the furniture, the salami-andcheese charcuterie mandala, the hurried-
ly flowing minutes – we gulp emotional accelerants (up, with olives on the side) and yell and wave our arms and pretend to cheer the immediate future as it sidles, on stockinged tippy-toes, into the vanishing present. Whew! Where’d I put my drink?
Neanderthalesque
The border crossing from one Year into the next always occasions strange, expectant jitters and a neanderthalesque (not a real word) instinct to huddle. It is a weird yearly lovefest, often thinly disguised as something else. Large and small gatherings all over the home planet – in huts, palaces, yurts, and overpriced condos – similarly filled up with friends and strangers, exes and lovers-to-be, old pals and new
Beings & Doings Page 334
The beautiful and the damned (photo Kate Ter Haar, Wiki Commons)
The onrushing New Year inspires much levity (photo Jeff Covey for Wiki Commons)
HAMLET
Montecito Miscellany Esbee Goes Rugby
by Richard Mineards
Esbee, the Montecito-based clothing brand founded by partners Andrew Schmoller and Eli Gill, is expanding its overall brand image with a foray into sports partnerships.
With the mantra of “Perfect Fits, Best Fabrics, and Made in the USA,” the dynamic duo has announced its partnership with the Santa Barbara-based Grunion Rugby Football Club.
BY William Shakespeare
“It’s a natural progression of the brand to partner with a premier sports club that aligns with our image,” says Andrew. “It’s really an honor to be part of a great local tradition.”
Coincidentally, rugby player Ben Oler, a trainer at the Montecito Y, stars in the current ad campaign for Esbee.
Founded in 1978, Grunion RFC is part of the Southern Rugby Union League Division II men’s league and includes a diverse cast of characters originating from the Santa Barbara area, England, Ireland and South Africa.
The first match of the 2025 season is on Saturday, January 11 versus a San Luis Obispo team, and the following Saturday against a team from Pasadena.
Both matches are at Elings Park at 11 am
Revelry with Ghosts
Santa Barbara Revels Winter Solstice Celebration The Ghosts of Haddon Hall at the Lobero was last produced 11 years ago and this year’s production was undoubtedly one of the best and sleekest productions staged by founder Susan Keller’s talented company.
The colorful, energized show directed by Matt Tavianini with Dauri Kennedy as the new music director, celebrated 800 years of English and European music with the show set in 1926 and based on historical events at an historic stately pile called Haddon Hall – owned by the dukes of Rutland – which has sat
abandoned for more than 200 years and is set for demolition as a new highway comes through.
Having seen both productions, I had a particular interest as late friend, author and TV commentator Lord John Julius Norwich’s mother was Lady Diana Cooper (née Lady Diana Olivia Winifred Maud Manners) – well-known English society beauty and daughter of the 8th Duke of Rutland.
Lord Norwich was also the godson of the Aga Khan and the late newspaper tycoon Lord Beaverbrook, with his family
Miscellany Page 204
Esbee & rugby… a match made in clothing (courtesy photo)
Revels SB brough holiday spirit and spirits to stage (photo by Priscilla)
EXCEPTIONAL HOMES
Explore Properties that Inspire
CRIME IN THE ‘CITO
. . . .
Forced Entry / 1100 block Glenview Road
Friday, Dec 13, 2024, at 17:49 hrs
Deputies responded to an alarm call at the address mentioned above and discovered forced entry into the kitchen area via glass door. The residence was searched utilizing a K9, which revealed a second forced entry point. No suspects were apprehended, and it appears as if nothing was taken after speaking with the residents.
Deceased / Fairway Road
Monday Dec 16, 2024, at 08:39 hours
On Monday (12/16/24) at approximately 08:39 hours, a medical call was made for a man found seated on the floor of a Fairway Road parking structure. Montecito Fire Department arrived on scene and found the man deceased due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound, at which point deputies were summoned.
Breaking & Entering / 2720 Montecito Ranch Pl.
Monday Dec 16, 2024, at 10:10 hours
Between Friday (12/13/24) 13:41 hours and Monday (12/15/24) 09:13 hours, an unknown suspect(s) smashed a glass master bedroom door and entered the residence. The suspect(s) moved a large safe from the master closet and cut a hole in the side to access the contents. Nothing of value was reported stolen. Forensics were called to the scene and processed the scene for photos, prints, and DNA.
Deputies responded to Casa Dorinda after security reported being threatened by trespassers in a silver Jeep. Though the referenced firearm was never seen, the security guard was in fear for his safety after suspect said he would “meet his 9 millimeter.” Deputies located suspects’ vehicle at Butterfly Beach and conducted a high-risk stop with the assistance of CHP and 55. Three subjects were detained. One suspect was identified via Field Show Up (a law enforcement procedure that involves bringing a witness to the stop to identify the prospective perpetrator), and arrested for 422 PC (Criminal Threat). Another suspect was determined to be Under the Influence of drugs/ alcohol, unable to care for themselves and arrested for 647(f) PC. The final subject was arrested on an outstanding felony warrant. Stolen property was also located in the vehicle. California Penal Code section 72 (Presenting False Claim) was invoked at the scene and was handled by patrol.
Letters to the Editor
Hello Neighbors!
My name is Carlos, I was born and raised right here in Montecito. My home has been on a ranch nestled in the middle of East Valley Road, Romero Canyon Road, and Buena Vista drive for as long as I can remember. My mother named me Carlos Romero after the name of the ranch I live on, Rancho San Carlos and Romero Canyon, my neighborhood.
Please know that I am a neighbor, not a nemesis. If you see me from a car, wave. If you see me at your house, back away slowly, then, when safe, make lots of noise and let me know I should move on. After all, I get hungry this time of year and will gladly relocate to a more welcoming place. Just know it is not you I am after. I am shy and like to keep to myself, but lately the work on the ranch has been discomforting to me and the others there, such as my friends the deer, racoons, possums, and squirrels.
I think the humans are clearing brush and dead wood for fire season and that is a good thing. But the grubs, ants, and larvae that I eat as a staple diet might be getting taken away. I am an omnivore. I eat what is easiest to find and seldom hunt live prey. So, you really haven’t much to worry about from me. I may be large and imposing, but when I smell food from a garbage can, I will treat it like a log with larvae and see if I can find a nibble or two.
I know I might be alarming to you, but please be aware I have rights, just like you. Please go to the following link to understand them:
Winter is coming, that is why I am constantly eating, to prepare for my yearly deep sleep, hibernation,
Montecito Tide Guide
and bulking up so I will be able to snooze comfortably and be well out of your yards and streets for a good long slumber.
I know Fish and Game are probably setting a trap for me so they can take me to another location and that is fine with me as long as I can keep being a bear, doing what bears do best.
Account Managers | Sue Brooks, Tanis Nelson, Elizabeth Scott, Natasha Kucherenko
Contributing Editor | Kelly Mahan Herrick
Proofreading | Helen Buckley
Arts and Entertainment | Steven Libowitz
Contributors | Scott Craig, Ashleigh Brilliant, Chuck Graham, Mark Ashton Hunt, Dalina Michaels, Robert Bernstein, Christina Atchison, Leslie Zemeckis, Sigrid Toye, Elizabeth Stewart, Beatrice Tolan, Leana Orsua, Jeffrey Harding, Tiana Molony, Houghton Hyatt, Jeff Wing
Gossip | Richard Mineards
History | Hattie Beresford Humor | Ernie Witham
Our Town/Society | Joanne A Calitri Health/Wellness | Ann Brode, Deann Zampelli
Travel | Jerry Dunn, Leslie Westbrook
Food & Wine | Melissa Petitto, Gabe Saglie, Jamie Knee
Published by:
Montecito Journal Media Group, LLC
Montecito Journal is compiled, compounded, calibrated, cogitated over, and coughed up every Wednesday by an exacting agglomeration of excitable (and often exemplary) expert edifiers at 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite G, Montecito, CA 93108.
How to reach us: (805) 565-1860; FAX: (805) 969-6654; Montecito Journal, 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite G, Montecito, CA 93108; EMAIL: tim@montecitojournal.net
Jan 10
Kudos to Bernstein
Kudos to you, Robert Bernstein for “telling it like it is.” The lack of adequate medical treatment and care for all in this country is a monumental crime.
Political change sadly won’t be coming soon, not with someone as unscientific and backward-thinking as Robert Kennedy Jr. heading up Health and Human Services. His nomination is a huge distraction from the real need to address the insufferable human misery caused by the inequities of our health care system. A need which the new Administration will no doubt condemn as “socialized medicine.”
Nor can there be any meaningful progress with trillionaire Elon Musk calling the shots with a single tweet as he did on Dec.18.
May he and Donald Trump fight it out and mutually self-destruct sooner rather than later, while the CEOs of this new Gilded Age cower.
Let’s hope a few more brave Wendell Potters, CEOs with a conscience, emerge to advocate for true universal healthcare.
Medicare has worked with few hitches for me and my husband since 2003. It should be made available from cradle to grave as it is in Japan, France, Germany, Denmark, Norway and many other countries, including right next door to the north, in Canada.
Josie Levy Martin
Phone Booth Redux
Thank you, Journal , for Deann Zampelli’s piece: “The Power of Quiet.”
It’s also the power of self-awareness, the power of consideration for others nearby, and the power of, oh, existing in a society where quiet behavior can be so valuable, because it’s so scarce and... invisible.
Quiet behavior is the only gift you can give to others you don’t know.
Consider spreading it around... especially in a library.
Cell Phones are a misnomer. A more accurate name: Yell phones.
On that note, maybe the library can install a few sound-proofed “Yell-Phone booths” in strategic locations throughout the building – like the bright retro-red
kind you see in London.
Of course, some local artists could also be commissioned to paint them, and they could be seen as public indoor art with a useful purpose.
Sincerely,
LeeAnn Morgan
High Price to Pay for the Newly Amended County Wireless Ordinance
On December 4, 2024, the County Planning Commissioners voted for amendments to the county’s wireless ordinance combined with SB 9, a CA state housing bill, and put it on the February 4, 2025, agenda for a vote by the County Board of Supervisors. As a county resident, I am sounding the alarm for what will happen in our neighborhoods if these amendments are passed. Please urge the Santa Barbara County Supervisors to vote NO on February 4, 2025, on the county wireless ordinance amendments, pending a well-advertised, unrushed public review, meetings with concerned residents, the Safe Technology for Santa Barbara group and their expert attorneys, who have NO CONFLICTS OF INTEREST with the telecom industry. We need legal and necessary protections, not currently in the ordinance. It’s important not to rush this through, especially during the holidays! Putting the amended wireless ordinance on the February 4, 2025, County Board of Supervisors’ agenda is premature. This ordinance removes notification about proposed small cell tower permit applications, the public’s ability to participate in hearings, oppose and appeal, specifies zero setbacks and much more.
California SB 9 local legislation and the county small cell wireless ordinance amendments should not be combined in one package! This makes no sense, since they are not related to each other. It’s best to vote NO on SB 9, since SB 9 does not promote affordable housing, and Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Curtis Kin issued a landmark ruling on April 26, 2024, striking down the controversial
Letters Page 204
“Santa Barbara Design and Build was fabulous. Don and his crew were the BEST from day one. He was honest, timely, flexible, artistic, patient and skilled. They understood my vision and built my dream home”.
-Santa Barbara Resident
Our Town
Second Annual Chabad of Montecito’s Chanukah and Menorah Lighting
by Joanne A Calitri
CDoug Black, Montecito Firefighters and Chief Neels, Trish Davis, Cindy Feinberg and Rabbi Chaim (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
of the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara and Executive Director Cyndi Silverman; President of the Montecito Association Doug Black with his team: Events Chair Mindy Denson and History Chair Trish Davis; Montecito Fire Chief Neels and his team; and the SBC Sheriff’s Department team.
habad Montecito’s 2nd Annual Chanukah celebration and public Menorah lighting took place on Thursday, December 26, from 4 to 6 pm at the Corner Green in front of Pierre Lafond on East Valley Road.
The celebration was led (and originally established) by Chabad of Montecito’s Executive Director Rabbi Chaim Loschak and his wife Mushkie Loschak, who were there with their children.
VIP attendees were Rabbi Mendel Loschak and wife Rochel Loschak who have been serving the Jewish community in Santa Barbara since 2003 when they established SB Chabad; Rabbi Gershon Klein and wife Miri Klein of Chabad at UCSB; Mitchell Chupack and wife Laura Tompkins; Cindy Feinberg, Dr. Jason Solway, members
The formal program started with Rabbi Mendel discussing the work of Elyasaf Miara of Sokeda, Israel, a hobby artist who in 2014 asked if he could paint art murals on the exterior of the bomb shelters in southern Israel to “take the edge off” an unpleasant site in towns. Since 2014, he has “beautified” the exteriors of more than 50 bomb shelters all over the Gaza envelope (territory in Israel that is within 7 km of the Gaza Strip) in partnership with Jewish National FundUSA. He also paints murals on protective border walls. Mendel said that his work is like Chanukah where we ask: How can I make a difference? He noted that everyone has something special and unique they can contribute to shine a light on people and communities anywhere.
Next, Doug Black talked about how light transcends time and culture, imploring those gathered to celebrate the light of Chanukah to remember to be an agent of light shining throughout the world.
Rabbi Chaim presented the importance of public Menorah lighting ceremonies, citing, “This year is the 50th anniversary of public menorah lighting in the United States. The first was in Philadelphia by Rabbi Abraham Shemtov, who lit a menorah in front of Independence Hall in 1974. Here in Montecito, we are one of more than 15,000 public menorah lightings throughout the world. Public menorah lighting is important. When a person sees that a menorah signifies light, they can be light. Light doesn’t fight darkness, it lights up the area around it. Think of ways to bring light to others. Everyone here can be a lamplighter.”
He then wished to provide his thanks before the menorah lighting saying, “Thank you to Laura and Mitch Chupak for donating the public menorah on Coast Village Road; to Houghton Hyatt, Doug Black and Mindy Denson of the Montecito Association for making this event possible; to Lee Steinhart from Wendy Foster who gave us the green light for this menorah lighting; thank you to Mitch and Laura Chupack, Zach Kushinsky and Sully Israel for helping to erect both menorahs and making sure they are sturdy; to the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara
Rabbi Mendel, Rabbi Chaim, Mitch and Laura Chupack, Mushkie Loschak, Cindy Feinberg, Mindy Denson, and Rochel Loschak (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
Rabbi Chaim at the Chabad of Montecito Public Chanukah Menorah Lighting (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
Kids guessing the number of dreidels in the jar for a prize (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
Society Invites Aescape AI Robotic Massage Launches
at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara
by Joanne A Calitri
Society Invites says we know our town is on the cutting edge of innovative wellness, and this being the month post-holidaze, I accepted my invite to view and report on the Aescape AI Robot Massage launch at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara. This is an AI programmable robot massage therapy table being piloted from December through February at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara Spa. They are one of two locations in the western U.S. to have Aescape, the other is in L.A. at the Pause Wellness Studio.
I met with Director of Spa and Recreation at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara Alexis Haley . She provided a tour and details about the Aescape. We also toured the Spa’s 2025 wellness amenities. Haley explained, “For our facials we use top tier, near medical grade skin care products by Dr. Babor and his Cryo-Sculpt Gua Sha massage tool. We also offer a new Sleep Ritual treatment with hot stones, massage and sound bowls; and a Bamboo Muscle Reviving Massage. Later in January we will have the Technogym EXCITE gear with AI curated workouts – a Technogym coach, immersive training, and choice of Netflix or Spotify. We have three serenity chillout rooms for post workout/treatments, Virtual Reality headsets for meditation matched with aromatherapy, TheraFace LED skincare masks, RecoveryAir
JetBoots, and wellness shots with cold pressed ginger, cayenne, ashwagandha, cordyceps, lion’s mane, and 30 mg of full-spectrum CBD.”
Haley brought me to the Aescape massage room with subdued blue lighting. The table is firm, similar to a physical therapy table. Clients are required for safety to wear the provided Aerwear apparel and tie hair up off the neck. The client lies prone with their face in a donut-headrest. Underneath the headrest is the touch screen computer the client uses for the massage, music choices, and stop button. Massages are 15-minute segments up to 60 minutes total – focused on the back of the neck down to the glute muscles. The robot hands are warmed. Spa assistants get the client started on the machine, then leave for privacy. There are four AI overhead scanners to record data points of the client’s body form, which is programmed into the computer, and then the massage starts. The Aescape launched in the U.S. at Equinox in New York City and landed here. If you’re considering purchasing one, the only option at present is to lease it from the company.
Here is my interview with Haley, who referred some of my questions to the Aescape team:
MJ. How did the Ritz-Carlton Bacara decide to include the Aescape in its Spa?
Alexis Haley (AH). We introduced the Aescape massage table as part of our commitment to staying ahead in spa
wellness, guided by our guests’ evolving needs. Cutting-edge innovations that combine precision, personalization, and accessibility are at the heart of that mission. Aescape delivers on all fronts. It offers guests the freedom to book on demand, a fully personalized experience tailored to individual preferences, and complete control over their massage journey, all in one intuitive solution.
MJ. What do your Spa clients say about Aescape?
AH. The Aescape massage has filtered in many inquiries since our launch on December 19th. All bookings so far have seen rave reviews following the completion of their experience.
MJ. What type of client is interested in Aescape?
AH. The Aescape massage is suitable for all types of clients: the fitness driven clientele, as massage is known to be a recovery modality; clients that do not have the time to commit to a full 50 minute or longer service; clients that do not necessarily prefer the human touch but need relief; or even the clients that need something in between their regular massages for that additional relief. We have had numerous guests utilize it before a workout as a warm-up and even post-work out for recovery.
MJ. Have you tried the Aescape, and can you share your experience?
AH. I have tried the Aescape massage a handful of times now. It is a game changer in the industry for wellness, as we have combined innovative technology with a luxury experience to enhance the wellness and recovery of our guests. The experience is relaxing yet effective, and fully customizable. I can confidently say with the Aescape Massage, we offer all types of relaxation and recovery at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara Spa, in which there is truly something for everyone.
MJ. How is Aescape different than a massage by a licensed massage therapist?
Aescape Team (AT). Aescape isn’t a replacement for a licensed massage therapist, it’s a complementary offering in a category of its own. While therapists provide the invaluable human connection and intuitive care that define traditional massage, Aescape focuses on deliv-
ering precise, restorative work tailored to your needs, available on demand. If you’re looking for consistent, functional support to aid recovery and keep you at your best throughout the week, even in shorter, more convenient sessions, Aescape is designed for exactly that. It’s a new kind of wellness tool that empowers you to take charge of your self-care.
MJ. The elephant in the room of course is what can the client do during the Aescape massage if the robot causes an injury or will not shut off?
AT. We take nothing more seriously than the safety of our customers. The Aescape system is intentionally engineered with a controlled range of force strong enough to deliver a satisfying massage, yet purposefully limited to avoid potential harm. Aescape’s force is carefully calibrated for safety. We’ve worked closely with orthopedic surgeons during development to ensure that every movement is as safe as it is effective. What sets Aescape apart is its unparalleled precision. The system knows exactly where it’s pressing and how much pressure it’s exerting at any given moment, adapting in real-time to your body’s needs.
MJ. Anything else our readers should know about the robotic massage?
AH. Aescape is part of a new era of travel wellness we’re witnessing, where guests are expecting amenities to seamlessly support their wellness routines.
1. On-Demand Access Builds Habits: Aescape’s on-demand availability makes it easier for guests to incorporate consistent wellness into their routines – a significant advantage for the travel industry, where convenience is key.
2. Empowering Personalization: We’re putting control in the hands of the consumer. Guests define their experience, reflecting the broader shift in consumer expectations across industries.
3. Proven Success: This isn’t just an idea – it’s live and thriving. Guests are embracing it, hotels are seeing strong results, and it’s making a real impact.
Aescape is more than a product – it’s a new way to experience well-being.
Bacara Spa Director Alexis Haley with the Aescape robot massage
WOODLEY ROAD • MONTECITO
Elizabeth’s Appraisals Hiroshi Yoshida Japanese Woodcuts
by Elizabeth Stewart
has two exquisite Japanese woodcuts, and while she couldn’t quite make out the signature, I can. It is that of Hiroshi Yoshida (1876-1950), a leading artist of the Shin-hanga (“new print”) movement of the early 20th century in Japan, which focused on the techniques of traditional woodcut or watercolor, but borrowing from the Western style of landscape painting. The traditional Japanese woodblock process and images are called Ukiyo-e. First developed in the 15th century, these pieces portray landscapes and images of the theaters and brothels of the great cities. The name means images of “the floating world.” Yoshida’s art fused Eastern and Western traditions and became internationally successful.
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Yoshida ‘lived’ what he sketched, travelling around the world four times on extended trips, producing remarkable woodblock prints of the Grand Canyon, the Swiss Alps, the Taj Mahal, the Alps, and famous U.S. National Parks. These were six-month tours, the rest of the year spent refining his sketches, Yoshida carving images into woodblocks for printing later. He became famous for his portrayal of mountains and images at night, described as luminous because he included a light source within the image that seemed to glow.
RF’s two woodcuts are nocturns, and both have lanterns aglow as part of the narrative tale of the image. The first is a fishing skiff under a high bridge with the water illuminated by an orange lantern behind the sail as the fisherman gazes. The other shows foot and horse traffic on the high bridge at night, the pedestrians carrying lanterns. There’s a technical reason that these woodblocks
glow: Hiroshi “struck” each paper print between 30 and 100 times with the same woodblock but using different colors with each “strike.” The layering of colors meant that the same image created by the same block could print out in different color combinations. The most advanced technique of this color layering – called betsuzuri – was used to portray different times of day or different seasons of the SAME image. For example, in the series Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshi portrayed two sailing ships at dawn, morning, midday, afternoon, evening, at night, and in mist. The scene is of the same boats, portrayed over time.
The woodblocks were carved by Hiroshi’s staff of traditional carvers, based on Hiroshi’s sketches and supervised throughout the carving and printing process by Hiroshi himself. RF’s images contain Japanese calligraphy, which is the juzuri stamp – signifying “I the artist did this myself.”
At the age of 15 Hiroshi was “discovered” by his art teacher, a member of a multigenerational artistic family, the Yoshidas. Hiroshi was adopted into this family. His adoptive parents – the artist Kasaburo and his artist wife Rui –encouraged Hiroshi to learn from artists who painted in the Western (European) tradition. As a student, Hiroshi formed the Meiji Art Society, which merged Japanese tradition with Western traditions – combining the brushstrokes of oil painting, the color expressiveness of watercolor, and the technical woodblock traditions of Ukiyo-e.
He lived that same international style in his career, bringing his watercolor paintings to the Detroit Museum of Art in 1899, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston 1900, The Paris Exposition in 1900, and the St. Louis World’s Fair
in 1904. He struck his first woodblock print in 1920 and established a studio in Boston in 1923 where he exhibited and sold. Soon his woodblocks were exhibited nationally in the U.S. and Europe. 1926 was his most prolific year (41 woodblock creations were made). With his artist son Toshi, he travelled to India and Southeast Asia to sketch in 1930-31; a notable image was created of the Taj Mahal in the daylight – and in the moonlight.
The Yoshida family, over four generations, and continuing to this day, spawned four male and four female notable artists, all with the name of Yoshida. This lineal progression is a tradition in Japanese woodcut art, and thus makes it difficult to date a work of art.
Speaking of Hiroshi’s son, Toshi (an artist who was born in 1911), he and his brother Hadaka, also an artist, capitalized on the previously printed woodblocks their father passed to them in 1950, and reprinted posthumously. These were not printed for the early 20th century Japanese market, and the titles are written in pencil in English, and the signature is also Western style. This is the era of woodblock prints by Yoshida owned by RF. The size is the same as the original vintage print, I’ll wager –the Oban Tate-e (a term denoting the most prevalent print format for Japanese woodblock prints) of 10 x 15” image size. Comparable sales of such images sold at auction at $900- $1,150 each.
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 woodcuts by Hiroshi Yoshida have a glow that stems from his fusion of Western and Eastern styles
Hiroshi Yoshida’s woodcuts drew from the scenes he observed around the world during his travels
Brilliant Thoughts Montecito Health Coach Bad Grief Playing
by Ashleigh Brilliant
It shouldn’t be necessary to do this, but I feel the time has come when somebody needs to say something against grief and grieving. Lately these topics have been getting a very positive consideration in the relevant journals. The word has gone out far and wide from highly qualified experts that, at least in certain circumstances, it is O.K. to be acutely unhappy for extended periods of time. Assuming you have something legitimate to be grief-stricken about, we are told, it is a good and healthful kind of behavior, a sort of “work” you have to do, an important part of your recovery from losing whomever or whatever it is you have lost.
I say it just ain’t so. What I observe when I see people going through grief, mourning, or whatever else you want to call it, is people wasting time. I know whereof I speak, because I myself have already been through it a couple of times in my life – once when my father died, then years later when it was my mother’s turn – and once (more severely, and for a longer time) when a four-year relationship ended. Nobody can tell me that all that weeping and depression, that dwelling upon the loss, those feelings of anger and guilt and regret, which often made it impossible to concentrate upon anything else, were truly necessary or beneficial. If you add up all the person-hours lost by everybody thus afflicted, the cost to society in terms of productivity must be truly staggering.
What I say is that grief is itself a sickness, and that instead of teaching people to expect and accept it, we ought to be developing ways to get rid of it, just as we have conquered other crippling diseases. As things currently stand, I can only speculate as to what that might entail. As far as treatment is concerned, since it all happens in the brain, drugs, hypnosis, anesthesia, and even brain surgery
Brilliant Thoughts Page 224
to Win: Why Do We Compete?
by Deann Zampelli
Ihave always taken an odd amount of pride in the fact that I am not a competitive person, often even a bit smug about how primitive and foreign I find the very concept. I am just not that interested. Nope, not bothered at all.
Until I compete, that is.
Some years ago, a dear friend and I started doing the Avon Walk-a-Thon here in town that raised money for breast cancer research. Having lost my own mother to the disease, it was very close to my heart. We trained and prepared for the event that was 39.3 miles over a day and a half. It was challenging and immensely rewarding.
Day one of our inaugural race we set out and on the first check point (which was around mile seven) we were told that our pace was in the top 5% of the 3,000 participants. Top 5%? We looked at each other with pride and then at the women who were about to pass us and immediately upped our speed to an almost comical velocity, like middle-aged cartoon characters wearing neon pink spandex. I suddenly cared very much about finishing in the top 5%. Me, who was never competitive.
Even playing games with my children when they were very small became a joke in the family about how it is so funny that Mom doesn’t care if she wins. Fortunately, that was true, as fiercely competing against your sevenyear-old in a game of Uno would be a bit sad.
Now into middle-age, my character firmly developed, I still think of myself as not being competitive. Then I realized. It is because I never compete.
I am in month two on Duolingo, learning French to prepare for an upcoming family trip. I have long
wanted to learn the beautiful language and now was the perfect opportunity. Twenty minutes a day is very manageable, and the program is incredibly effective. My only goal was to learn enough not to be the clichéd American who doesn’t know a word of French, a much older and much less stylish Emily in Paris, if you will.
After doing Duolingo for a month, I suddenly discovered the “leader board.” We were being ranked. Against whom? “ What are XP points” I wondered, and why do some have so many more than others? Then it got serious. I found myself head-to-head with a mysterious avatar named James. We were neck and neck for days. I knew it was silly, my trepidation before I looked at my ranking each morning. Surely, he wasn’t as preoccupied with – or even as aware of – our Francophiled Call to Arms as I was.
Until one morning I woke up to an emoji on Duolingo blowing a raspberry at me. From James. I didn’t know you could even do that, and for a minute I thought I might have imagined it. I am still not totally sure.
He was 2,000 points ahead of me. I truly thought that when I said, “Bite me, James” to myself after passing him by five or 10 points here and there, that he must not be as immature or competitive as I had become. He not only cared, but he was also rubbing my face in it. And then it hit me.
He was feeling threatened at some level by how close I was getting to beating him. He needed to win. My teenage daughter found this hilarious and told me he must have stayed up all night to get that many points.
This got me thinking. Why do we compete?
According to Psychology Today ,
Health Coach Page 234
An Evening with Esther Perel
The Future of Relationships, Love & Desire
Tue, Jan 14 / 7:30 PM Arlington Theatre
“The quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives.” –Esther Perel
Lead Sponsor: Heather & Tom Sturgess
An Evening with Tommy Orange
Wed, Jan 29 / 7:30 PM / UCSB Campbell Hall
FREE copies of Orange’s new book, Wandering Stars , will be available while supplies last (pick up at event, one per household)
Justice for All Lead Sponsors: Marcy Carsey, Connie Frank & Evan Thompson, Eva & Yoel Haller, Dick Wolf, and Zegar Family Foundation
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Julia Bullock, soprano
Tue, Jan 21 / 7 PM Lobero Theatre
Great Performances Suite Sponsors:
G.A. Fowler Family Foundation and The Shanbrom Family Foundation
Danish String Quartet
Fri, Jan 31 / 7 PM / UCSB Campbell Hall
Program includes Mozart, Stravinsky, Shostakovich, O’Carolan and contemporary arrangements of Nordic folk tunes
Event Sponsor: Anonymous
Great Performances Suite Sponsors: G.A. Fowler Family Foundation and The Shanbrom Family Foundation
SB 9, as unconstitutional. Until final decisions are made, based on this court ruling building permits will be canceled. See:
SB 9 together with the county wireless ordinance are exempt from CEQA, NEPA, environmental review and coastal permit hearings.
It’s important that the Board of Supervisors upgrade, not downgrade the wireless ordinance for the most protective codes and best practices to protect us from the irresponsible placement of cell towers. Their hands are not tied!
Wireless purveyors often mislead local governments to believe that they have little or no authority to regulate the placement of wireless facilities. This is not true.
We can adopt the best parts of ordinances i.e. Malibu, Encinitas, Petaluma, Mill Valley, Palo Alto, Sebastopol, Sonoma, Oakland and Santa Rosa.
The new wireless ordinance encourages stealth and concealment of cell towers. We recommend that cell towers be visible and mapped.
More telecom facilities increase greenhouse gases and the digital waste stream. We need to protect our property and property values, health and environment. Please do not take away any regulations on these telecom ordinances!
Require the wireless companies to provide liability insurance for harm and death. Cell towers are not insured. Lloyds of London and all insurers have excluded all Radio Frequency radiation related illness. Ask Verizon for proof of insurance. The truth is, they are uninsurable for health-related effects.
Telecom should not be exempt from electrical and fire codes at the federal, state, and
county levels! We need fire safety protocols in the county wireless ordinances. Electrically caused fires could cost the county billions of dollars. Our wireless ordinances should include requirements and enforcement to ensure that licensed electricians or engineers are supervising and/or building, and properly inspecting wireless installations.
Restore local government discretion on antenna location, so property owners can cooperate with authorities to zone cell towers far from bedrooms, classrooms and other vulnerable populations.
Prioritize WIRED broadband connection, which polls show two-third of Americans prefer.
A cell tower adjacent to a home can reduce property values by 20%, and 90% of buyers will avoid purchasing such a home.
Do independent monitoring of radiation and add regulations to prevent fire risk. See: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_ i5Q7r8dg14OCW1MLo0yR6bf3ppv1Q2B/view
Cell towers are for cell phone calls and texts and not necessary for internet. Macro towers, distant from residential zones are best.
Wired Internet should be affordable and accessible to all! It’s faster, more secure, safer, has less fire risk and is far less polluting.
We need more local authority over cell towers, not less. Do not give a free pass to the telecom industry at the expense of notification, property values, fire risks, privacy, huge carbon footprint, health and safety.
Please send written public comments to: https://www.countyofsb.org/, attend the meeting on February 4, 2025, see: https://www.countyofsb.org/1599/ Board-of-Supervisors, and urge the Supervisors to vote NO on SB 9 and the proposed wireless ordinance.
For more information contact: SafeTechSBC@gmail.com http://emfsafetynetwork.org/safe-technologyfor-santa-barbara-take-action/ https://www.facebook.com/SafeTechSBC
Lesley Weinstock, PA
living at Belvoir Castle in Rutland, England’s smallest county, for more than 500 years.
John, who visited Venice more than 200 times and wrote innumerable books on La Serenissima, was close to my late friend Cat Pollon, who served on the board of Save Venice, died in 2018 at the age of 88, and would have undoubtedly loved the Revels show given its very local connection to the Manners family.
As Susan always reminds us: “Join us and be joyous!”
And as usual we did, and we were...
Angels Over the Holidays
Adam’s Angels celebrated their fifth annual Holiday Community event at
the Veterans Building when more than 100 volunteers prepared 650 meals of both meat and vegetarian lasagna, salad and dessert to make sure no one was left hungry during Yuletide.
A ‘pop up shop’ had racks of new jackets, warm gear and shoes provided by the nonprofit, founded by Douglas Elliman realtor Adam Mckaig, and Deckers in Goleta.
Santa Barbara Humane looked after four legged guests, while the County of Santa Barbara provided paper goods, utensils, decorations, and their certified kitchen. Students from the Franklin School created 25 colorful holiday centerpieces.
Miscellany Page 344
Susan Keller, Amelia Gorman, Dauri Kennedy, Bill Egan, Aram Freeman, Gillian Conway, Madden Advent, and Robby Robbins (photo by Priscilla)
Celebrating the Feast of Fools and the surprise selection from audience is Doug Bûbe making his crowned debut as the “Lord of Misrule” (photo by Priscilla)
Melissa Borders, Santa, and Adam McKaig bringing some holiday cheer (photo by Priscilla)
Imagine Having a Whole VILLAGE Behind You.
will probably play a part – as no doubt they already do in extreme cases. But I also favor what might be called “manipulation of the environment.” The grieving person should, if possible, be immediately removed from his or her customary surroundings and placed in some completely different situation where there are no unfortunate reminders of the past, but plenty of new challenges and stimulating surroundings – for example, some kind of “grief camp” where the emphasis is on constant new physical and mental activity.
Ultimately, however, we must think in terms, not of treatment, but of prevention. Obviously we have a long way to go in a society which still leaves most of us so unprepared for so many of the most common types of losses. What we really need is some kind of “vaccine” against grief. This could take many forms, but the key must lie in detoxifying the concept of “loss” itself. Already technology seems to be pointing us in the right direction. If you could ask people 200 years ago what the death of a loved one would mean, you might get an answer like “I will never hear his voice again,” or “I will never see her face again.” The modern development of sound and video recording has changed all that. It is now theoretically possible to record every moment of a person’s life, and after they die you could spend the rest of your own life playing it all back. Like just about everything else, death, even though it may still be hanging around, is not what it used to be.
That may be one reason why extensive and expensive formal mourning is no longer as fashionable as it once was (which has no doubt been a cause of great mourning in the undertaking industry). Of course, we are not yet ready to altogether stop being sorry when people, pets, or love affairs die. But we are increasingly unsure just what it is that we are sorry about. In a way, I suppose that can make the situation even more distressing. With all sorts of medical miracles here and on the horizon, death too is perhaps just another of the old certainties which we may have to let go of.
So if you must grieve, go ahead – I can’t stop you, and I probably won’t be able to stop myself if and when the next occasion arises. But while we’re grieving, let’s spare a few tears for poor old Grief itself. I’m sure its days are numbered.
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.
Robert’s Big Questions Holiday Cards and Weak Ties?
by Robert Bernstein
As a secular humanist, I don’t do Christmas. But I enjoy the end of year ritual of sending “holiday” cards. A few dozen people get real cards, and a larger circle get emails. Some of these people are close friends. But some are family and friends with whom I rarely have contact. Sometimes for years at a time.
I enjoyed a recent New York Times article by Peter Coy : “Why I Still Send Holiday Cards – And You Should, Too.” He expressed similar feelings that I experience. The agony of deciding who gets a card and who doesn’t. It is difficult to know when it is time to drop someone. And there is a fear that adding someone new will become a commitment for years to come.
But Coy also referenced some important relevant academic research. Notably, a 1973 paper “The Strength of Weak Ties” by sociologist Mark Granovetter. Weak ties being exactly like those of these annual recipients of holiday cards.
Granovetter claimed that weak ties can actually be more valuable than strong ties. We have strong ties to perhaps dozens of people. But we have weak ties to hundreds. Those “weak ties” people may live in very different circles than we do – different geographically, politically, and by occupation and interests.
receives. Reassuring, as that is true for me, too!
But I am grateful for others who do as I do. When I was young, we lived in rural Connecticut. One of our former neighbors continued to write a very newsy annual letter to my parents. It was handwritten, long and personal. Full of updates on everyone who had lived in our little backwoods world. My mother was mystified why they did this, and she would send a card and short note in return.
For my parents, it was a long distant and mostly forgotten past. But for me it was an important and formative period of my life. I was very grateful to read their annual letter. I should note that one of those Connecticut friends is now my biggest MoJo fan!
Granovetter’s 1973 paper has received over 70,000 citations. But most of them have occurred since 2000, due to the explosion of the Internet and social media in the interim.
Newer research has validated his key findings. But Erik Brynjolfsson and collaborators did a more extensive study (published in Science in 2022) that refined these findings. Notably: the weak ties’ utility in finding employment varies by industry. Weak ties were most helpful in “digital” industries. In less digital industries, strong ties were more valuable for career advancement.
Granovetter’s research showed that when searching for a job, weak ties are more valuable than strong ties. This is probably also true for meeting new potential partners.
Some years ago the company I helped found was sold to a corporation that soon drove off all of the founders. I was the last to go. I was in no hurry to find work again, but I was given unsolicited advice. One memorable bit: Don’t ask people you know if they have work for you. Ask them if they know anyone who might have work for you.
If you ask someone for work, they might just say no. But asking if they know anyone who might have work for you exponentially expands the circle of connections. Those are the so-called weak ties.
Coy noted that he doesn’t send out cards with these practical concerns in mind. Like me, he sends them out as a token of affection and perhaps to keep happy memories alive. Coy says he sends more cards than he
As for the holiday cards, there is also the question of what to enclose. Coy avoids a printed newsletter, feeling that it will “sound remote.” I am willing to take that risk. I print real photos on photo paper. Then I enclose a photo index sheet and a one-page newsletter. I can then add a personal note on the card.
Some people prefer less clutter and want an email. But some people tell me they look forward each year to my printed photos. Those are the weak ties that I value.
Robert Bernstein holds degrees from Physics departments of MIT and UCSB. His passion to understand the Big Questions of life, the universe and to be a good citizen of the planet. Visit facebook. com/questionbig
Dear Montecito
How Agave Spirits Are Made on Maui at Waikulu Distillery
by Beatrice Tolan
“It was a happy accident,” Oliver Welch recalls. It was June of 2022, his first summer out of college on the gloomy east coast; he’s on Maui to surf, dive, throw pottery, and hopefully find a farming gig to support the whole thing before going home to Santa Barbara. “I’m at dinner with my dad’s friend and he tells me that tomorrow he’s going to a new agave spirit operation that just popped up. ‘Want to join?’”
The very first bottling of Waikulu Distillery’s agave spirits had taken place just a month prior, in May – a whole decade of preparation leading up to the occasion. “They weren’t open to the public yet,” Welch says, “so on the tour, I asked if they needed any help.” Three weeks later, the company owner Paul Turner called him to say he landed the job. “And that was two and a half years ago.”
Welch got right to the work harvesting blue Weber agave plants and preparing them for distillation. If you’re wondering what agave spirits are, you’ll know the most popular one under a different name. “We can’t call our spirits ‘Tequila,’” Welch notes, “it’s like how certain sparkling wines can only be called ‘champagne’ if they come from a certain region of France.”
In order for agave spirits to be legally labeled ‘Tequila,’ they must be made with blue Weber agave and produced in five specific regions of Mexico: Nayarit, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Tamaulipas, and finally Jalisco, which is the heart of tequila production. If your distillery is based anywhere else, you’re making agave spirits; call it ‘Tequila’ and you’ll receive
farm manager Albert Pelep holding Waikulu’s agave spirits
“classic internet outrage,” as Welch puts it, potentially followed by a lawsuit by Consejo Regulador del Tequila.
So how do agave spirits grown and distilled on Maui compare? “The climate you’re growing plants in will affect the flavor a lot. The plants here grow bigger and sweeter on average, maturing in about six to eight years – a touch faster than in Jalisco. The taste is a bit more floral and brighter, less vegetal and funky.”
In 2011, Turner started with only 200 blue agave plants, which over time shot out clones – or pups, as they’re playfully called. “By the time I started working there, he had propagated 4,000 agave plants.”
Dear Montecito Page 274
“…some scholars argue, ‘competitiveness’ is a biological trait that co-evolved with the basic need for (human) survival.”
Right. I get that. Two lions, one deer. Survival of the fittest. Blah, blah, blah. It’s a thing. But learning French? Seriously? Or walking faster than someone else who is also trying to raise money for breast cancer research? That’s just bonkers.
So, what is it all about?
Science Direct has another theory, “…We hypothesized that people who are motivated by competition are motivated for at least three reasons: competition allows them to satisfy the need to win, competition provides the opportunity or reason for improving their performance, and competition motivates them to put forth greater effort that can result in high levels of performance.”
And here is the kicker. I think they might be right. When I was oblivious to the wily ways of my mysterious nemesis, “James,” I did my 20 minutes each day, progressing slowly but effectively enough to order a bottle of wine instead of a glass (don’t judge). But once he challenged me to le duel , the game was on! I was motivated (some might say obsessed – tomato, tomahto), I was working harder… dare I say, I was
competing? It felt good. Stressful. But good. It added a new layer of meaning to my daily practice. This wasn’t just for ordering crepes in Paris and telling the taxi driver how many suitcases we had (or valises , just saying), this was war!
Like adrenaline, which I have written about before, we need competition at some level for survival. For growth. To be challenged. It’s like the guy in the fast lane on the freeway who isn’t going fast until you try to pass him. You know; that guy. Every once in a while, we need to be shaken out of our stupor and rise to the occasion.
It makes me feel a bit better – and slightly less primitive – knowing this human instinct serves a purpose.
And James, I know this isn’t a contest. But if it was, I would be winning.
National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach trained at Duke Integrative Medicine, Deann Zampelli owns Montecito Coaching & Nutrition and provides health and humor in the MJ. She also has a Masters in Clinical Psychology and has been a resident of Montecito since 2006.
newspaper
Oliver Welch and Waikulu Distillery’s
A rainbow over Waikulu Distillery’s blue Weber agave field
•
They Happen by Design.
Music to My Ears Wines to Match Holiday Fare… and The Nutcracker
by Gabe Saglie
The ballet, The Nutcracker, is a perennial holiday favorite for its recognizable melodies and a touching storyline set during the Christmas season. This story is an introduction to a multisensory concept that I just put to the test, and with delicious results: Does pairing Tchaikovsky’s sweeping music with wine heighten your enjoyment of it? Or vice versa? Or both?
WineMusic (winemusic.org, @winemusic.la) was founded in 2022 to explore the power of thoughtfully pairing specific pieces of music with specific wines. My sister Meriette Saglie – a classically trained pianist – and I, an observer of the California wine industry for more than 20 years, were inspired by a recent study by experimental psychologists at Oxford University that suggested people can increase their enjoyment of wine by 15% if they pair it with the right type of music. Our nonprofit venture, which aims to provide solo musicians with unique opportunities to perform, has produced several private events since its launch, culminating with a pair of intimate concerts at the legendary Greystone Mansion last month. The sold-out events, presented by the City of Beverly Hills, featured Nutcracker melodies transcribed for piano, performed by Meriette, and wines from Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Napa counties, paired to each musical set by yours truly.
At the heart of the experience was our WineMusic Box, an innovative tool that led attendees through the four musical sets that were paired with wines presented inside 100-ml tubes. Guests poured wines into their glasses at their leisure, as the music played. And they were invited to ponder, as they sipped, how the wines enhanced the melodies, and vice versa.
This is, at its core, a purely personal, subjective experience. There are no wrong answers. The idea here is to open up your senses, and to open yourself up to the possibility that blending sound and taste can generate a thought, an idea, an emotion, even. Worst case, you’ve taken a moment to listen to beautiful music and savor beautiful wine!
Here’s a snapshot of our wine-and-music pairings.
2020 Le Vigne “Isabella” Blanc de Noirs ($52)
This was our pre-concert mingling wine, the scene-setter of sorts, before the main event. Much like an orchestra tuning its instruments ahead of a live performance, this estate sparkling from Paso Robles-based Le Vigne refreshed the tongue, perked up the taste buds and prepped the palate for the experience ahead. Made using the traditional méthode champenoise methods and Sangiovese grapes, this is a super fresh
Music to My Ears Page 324
MJ wine columnist Gabe Saglie and his sister, Meriette Saglie, hosted WineMusic events this month that paired music from The Nutcracker with premium California wines
Kyle Amundsen
After attending Art Center College of Design Kyle pursued a career in design and advertising that lead him to work at John Moran Auctioneers for 15 years. It was here he became fascinated with American & California Impressionist art, fine jewelry and diamonds. For the last 15 years Kyle has owned a company in Pasadena brokering estate jewelry, fine art, buying and selling diamonds & cutting diamonds.
Hana Goble Hana attended Gemological Institute of America after graduating from UC Riverside and has been passionate about antique jewelry for over a decade. Her deep interest in the history and craftsmanship of fine jewelry led her to work as a traveling buyer for a prominent estate jeweler, specializing in old-cut diamonds and signed pieces. She especially enjoys researching hallmarks and uncovering the history behind jewelry she encounters.
Michael Merritt
Mike is the owner of this company and host of the event. He has 36 years of experience in buying and selling new and vintage jewelry, wrist watches, pocket watches, currency and silver. Mike personally takes almost every call for the appointments and will be happy to answer all of your questions about the process and about what items are purchased.
Alan Bedwell Alan grew up working in the family jewelry business in London. That store is still located in the prestigious Gray Antique Market today. It was here that Alan learned the trade of fine English and American silver, signed European vintage jewelry and swiss watches. For the last 18 years Alan has been living in New York City and owns a business curating special pieces for stores all across the country.
Happy New Year. My hope for everyone in the coming months is that we embrace more stories, smart stories, entertaining and transportive stories. I’ve set my reading goals high to bring you even more recommendations. There is power, solace, and joy that comes from books and I think this month I have found something for everyone.
‘The Unbecoming of Margaret Wolf’
TStories Matter
New Year, New Books
by Leslie Zemeckis
he Unbecoming of Margaret Wolf by Isa Arsén is a sexy, dark Ripley-esque novel about a couple of Shakespearian actors enjoying the stage and an unconventional marriage. Though they deeply love each other, their relationship is strained when they depart for the New Mexico desert where temptation and obsession mingle with drugs, mobsters, and a handsome costume designer who seduces them both. The games they play grow uglier and more dangerous, leading up to opening night, where someone is sure to get hurt.
‘Viva Violetta & Verdi’
Local author Howard Jay Smith brings another operatic historical fiction with his Viva, Violetta & Verdi. Set Between 1813 and 1901 the book is narrated by a friend of Giuseppe Verdi, a Jewish minor opera singer named Dario. The books trills through the many love affairs the Italian composer conducted along with numerous highs and lows,
against the backdrop of Italy’s unification. Opera lovers will swoon over this one.
‘The
Rainfall Market’
Center on 9/11. Her mother had killed herself seven years earlier, and now Cora is alone. When a letter from Ireland arrives offering the not-yet-adult a place to live, Cora embarks on a new life with an aunt she doesn’t know in rural Burtonport, Ireland. The book spans three generations of Cora’s relatives and their secrets, buried trauma, loneliness and mental health. Catherine Airey has written a debut that is stunning with an emotional wallop.
‘Blood and the Badge’
IFwas delighted with You Yeong-Gwang’s
The Rainfall Market. Serin is a lonely young girl hoping to receive a Ticket to Rainbow Town. When she wins her ticket, she enters the mysterious Rainfall Market where a plethora of opportunities to change her life are presented. Along the way she meets fantastical creatures and magical realms. This book is aimed for the YA author in your life, but I found it sweet and mesmerizing.
‘Confessions’
Confessions begins with Cora’s father jumping from the World Trade
or those looking to walk the sleazefilled streets of bad cops and lowlife mafia, dip into Michael Cannell’s Blood and the Badge: The Mafia, Two Killer Cops, and a Scandal that Shocked a Nation. This true crime is loaded with bodies, drugs and two crooked NYPD cops working for the Mafia for over forty years before getting caught. Louis Eppolito and Stephen Caracappa were highly respected and decorated detectives who leaked an endless river of information in exchange for money from crime families. They were ruthless and carried out numerous murders for hire.
“The
Welch gave me a detailed rundown of the agave spirits distilling process, starting by harvesting the agave plant when it is 6 to 8 years old but – importantly – before it blooms. “Once the agave blooms, all the sugar you want from the plant is used to grow a tall stalk that will flower and produce seeds. It’s called their death bloom.”
Farmers then use a coa – a long, nearly 10-pound hoe equipped with a razor sharp, rounded end, to begin slicing the leaves off. “Every plant has to be harvested by hand,” Welch notes. “The leaves are so fibrous, the process would gum up anything with a chain.” The leaves are left to decompose in the field as agave spirits are made only from the plant’s heart, or piña
“Our average harvest weight for just the heart of the plant is 150 to 350 pounds; our biggest one was 635 pounds!” The hearts are rolled onto a low trailer and chopped next to a highly-insulated, unpressurized oven where they’ll be steamed for 40 hours. “Big producers do the cooking process in autoclaves in 9 hours, but you just don’t get the same flavor development as you do with a slow cook.”
The steamer turns the agave brown as the sugars caramelize. The chunks of steamed agave taste like molasses and sweet potatoes. Into the spinning crusher it goes to separate the sugar from the plant fibers; once the sugar is dissolved in water, it sits in a fermenter for five to six days. “It’s just the wild yeast from the plant that’s doing the fermentation,” Welch adds.
There are two distillation processes to make agave spirits edible. “The second distillation gets rid of what is called the heads; that’s the stuff that made the moonshiners go blind,” Oliver warns. Once the spirit is distilled, it’s either bottled as a silver agave spirit or aged in oak barrels.
Waikulu’s unique flavor has won it many accolades, including Best of Class at 2023 International Spirits Competition and gold at the 2024 LA Invitational Wine and Spirits Challenge. Its luxurious product design has also garnered attention in the design world. But if you’re licking your chops and ready to taste Waikulu’s product, you’re out of luck.
As of now, Turner hopes to keep Waikulu’s production limited to Maui. With its small team of about seven people, Waikulu is able to practice traditional agave spirit making techniques and maintain a closed loop agricultural system, meaning all byproducts of production are used again, from fertilizing fields to erasing sharpie markings off the equipment. Plus, at their small production volume, they’re unable to make shipping to the mainland a possibility.
“I bring like…six bottles with me in my suitcase whenever I go home.”
Welch admits. Santa Barbara has been his family’s home for three generations now. He developed his love for surfing and diving at Carpinteria’s beaches and ceramics at Cate School.
Welch has set up three pottery wheels on the island, his pottery proudly displayed in Waikulu’s tasting room. “I’ve gotten commissioned by places like The Four Seasons and their concept restaurants to create tens of pots or glasses. I surf, I do pottery, and I go to work.” Oliver says.
I say, “It sounds like a fantasy.” Follow Oliver Welch’s ceramic journey at his Instagram @oliverwelchceramics, and see more from Waikulu Distillery on their website or Instagram, @ waikuludistillery.
On Entertainment Go Fetch: ‘Mean Girls’ comes to the Granada
by Steven Libowitz
It’s been 20 years since Mean Girls gave us a telling and hilarious glimpse at social cliques in high schools, gave us The Plastics, and made Lindsay Lohan a star. The musical version of the madness, adapted by Tina Fey from her script for the film, was nominated for 12 Tony awards in 2018, including Best Musical, and is just now coming our way. This mere months after a new film version of the stage musical – yeah, you read that right – hit screens last year.
The story follows Cady, who grew up being homeschooled on an African savanna, encountering even more wild and vicious animals in her new high school in suburban Illinois. Cady finds herself torn between hanging out with nerdy new friends and joining The Plastics, the top rung on the social ladder, with her choices coming back to haunt her.
American Theatre Guild’s Broadway in Santa Barbara series touring production of Mean Girls plays at the Granada Theatre on January 8 and 9, just six weeks after the performances of the previous series show, Clue. The stage adaptation features music by threetime Emmy winner Jeff Richmond (Fey’s husband), lyrics by two-time Tony nominee Nell Benjamin, and original direction and choreography by two-time Tony winner Casey Nicholaw. In a quirky coincidence, both shows are tour directed by veteran Casey Hushion, whose other credits include Murder on the Orient Express, Beautiful: The Carole
King Musical, The Cher Show and many others, including an upcoming adaptation of another cult film in Mystic Pizza Hushion shared her thoughts over the phone from a rehearsal break for Pizza in Vero Beach, Florida.
Q. I absolutely loved Clue, which was so fast-paced with such clever set design and movement choreography. You were the original director of the show, so I just want to ask you about what went into making it work the way it does as such a fast-paced marvel?
A. The precision and the rhythms and the timing was the heart of how Clue was handled because what made it so interesting is that it’s both a murder mystery and a farce. Both of those genres require meticulous precision and detail for them to succeed, and putting them together makes it double that, which was an exciting challenge to find the language of how that could work and to heighten the theatricality. We had so much fun discovering how they would move through the house, how you could create a set in which they moved to 13 different rooms in one night without losing any of the tension in any of the speed and momentum of the show. It completely found its own vocabulary of how it moves.
We ended up designing the show very much in tandem with the book writer and the set designer, with the writing and designing adapting to what we were shaping. The set almost becomes like a Swiss Army knife and a character in the show itself.
Angeles after residing in Montecito for 20 years. She is invested in building community through unique perspectives and stories. beatricetola @gmail.com
La piña, the heart of the agave plant ready for cooking
Welch’s expert ceramic skills adorned with blue Weber agave leaves
Beatrice Tolan is a fine artist, animator, and writer living in Los
Mean Girls comes to Granada Theatre on January 8 and 9 (photo by Jeremy Daniel)
Light and Love A Hanukkah Celebration in Santa Barbara
by Jamie Knee
On Saturday, December 28, the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara became a beacon of warmth and connection as it hosted a vibrant Hanukkah celebration. Organized by Rick Oshay and Teresa Kuskey, this gathering brought together over 70 guests for an evening steeped in tradition, music, and joyous camaraderie. With the themes of light and love at its core, the event welcomed people of all faiths to experience the beauty of Hanukkah.
This year’s celebration was particularly significant, as it marked a new use for Etty’s Jewish Deli and Bakery, which opened inside the Jewish Federation earlier in 2024. Typically known for its delicious offerings, the deli transformed into a festive hub, hosting a large-scale Hanukkah celebration, which turned into a festive dance party following dinner. Chef Doug Weinstein prepared a spectacular menu of traditional Jewish fare, including crispy latkes, tender brisket, and perfectly seasoned green beans. The dessert spread featured decadent blintzes and comforting noodle kugel, a delightful conclusion to a typical Jewish Holiday meal. Adding to the evening’s charm was the selection of Central Coast wines, which elevated the holiday meal to a whole new level. As a wine specialist, I was delighted to see the thoughtful pairing of the region’s bright, crisp whites and robust reds with the Chef’s expertly crafted menu.
The evening began with a moving menorah lighting ceremony led by Avi Reichental alongside Jenna Jobst, setting the tone for the night. This was followed by dynamic entertainment, coordinated by Teresa Kuskey and Rick Oshay. Musical performances added to the celebratory ambiance, including Arthur Swalley’s heartfelt rendition of “L’Chaim.” Michael Gutin’s lively accordion performance united guests in sing-alongs of beloved classics like “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel” and “Oh Hanukkah.” Guests were further delighted by scenes from Fiddler on the Roof and spirited traditional Jewish dancing led by Jatila van der Veen. DJ Darla Bea brought the evening to a crescendo with her electrifying mix of Klezmer tunes, “Hava Nagila” for the Hora, and contemporary dance tracks, ensuring that the energy stayed high throughout the night.
The event attracted a diverse mix of guests, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Among those in attendance were Joel Knee, Adam McKaig , Melissa Borders , Sandy Kelley, Michael Marshall, Tom Dain, Julianna Friedman, Steve Lyons, Jane Perrin, Mark Harris, Laurie Kirby, Leslie Dinaberg, Dana Mazzetti, Joe Dalo, Jed Hirsch, and Adam and Julie Ross to name a few.
In addition to fostering community spirit, the event supported the Jewish Federation’s ongoing mission. Rick Oshay and Teresa Kuskey made generous contributions, and attendee Jane Perrin also made a donation, all in recognition of the organization’s impactful work. These acts of giving underscored the evening’s spirit of generosity and connection.
Local newscaster Tracy Lehr captured the essence of the event, noting that light and love were the themes of the Hanukkah celebration in Santa Barbara, and Rick and Teresa’s decision to host a dinner – rather than simply making a donation – invited people of all faiths to learn about Hanukkah traditions, music, and dance.
This Hanukkah celebration, part of the holiday that runs this year from December 25, 2024, to January 2, 2025, at nightfall, beautifully exemplified the power of shared traditions to bring people together. From the warm glow of the menorah to the joyous Hora on the dance floor, the evening captured the holiday’s essence of unity, resilience, and light. Guests departed with full hearts, cherished memories, and excitement for future celebrations at the Jewish Federation and Etty’s Jewish Deli and Bakery.
As the final strains of music faded, the message of the night lingered in the hearts of everyone present. In Santa Barbara, light and love continue to shine brightly, welcoming all to share in the beauty of community and tradition.
Our Town (Continued from 12)
for helping promote the event; to Montecito Fire Dept and Sheriff’s Dept for keeping us safe and protected; to Trish Davis and the Coast Village Association for ensuring we have a beautiful menorah on CVR. I also offer special thanks to the volunteers who came to set up this event, gave out donuts, and made sure this event ran smoothly, and to the Chanukah celebration committee. A special thank you to the event sponsors; and to Eric Morrison for securing the event.”
Rabbi Chaim called up his friend and Jewish community supporter Doug Brown to light the menorah. Brown was assisted by Mitch Chupak and another community member. Everyone cheered when the two candles were lit. Rabbi Chaim offered the traditional prayers during the lighting and sang the Chanukah song. The closing song with everyone singing was, “Don’t Let the Light Go Out.”
The event featured a contest in which participants were asked to guess the number of dreidels in a large container, and also included a Chabad of Montecito Step ‘n’ Repeat Photo Booth, an entertainer-comedian-magician, menorah kits and Shabbat candles, and specialty Kosher doughnuts and latkes for refreshments.
411: http://jewishmontecito.org
Public Access Closure to the Carpinteria Seal Rookery in Review to Protect Seals
Carpinteria’s Ad Hoc Harbor Seal Advisory Committee may recommend the city close the Harbor Seal Rookery to human access year-round to save the declining harbor seal population. That would close approximately 1,500 feet of the beach, which contains the rookery. The Ad Hoc Committee’s late December meeting was to review the findings of the seal populations, which have shown, in 2015 there were 396 adult seals and 80 pups, in 2021 there were 220 adult seals and 64 pups, and this year 186 seals in March to May dropping to 136 seals between June and August. The Ad Hoc Committee is scheduled to present its public closure recommendation of three to seven years to the City Council on January 27, 2025. The Carpinteria rookery is one of four remaining rookeries on the Southern California coast.
On Christmas Day I hiked above the rookery via the established Coastal Vista Trail path. The seals were in abundance, taking up the entire beach area, resting and swimming with their pups. All was peaceful – including the many visitors with kids and some with dogs on a leash, who stayed on the bluff’s path viewing point.
Normally, December 1 through May the rookery is closed to public access in order to protect the seals during their pupping season. The Carpinteria Harbor Seal Rookery is a designated beach area that offers critical safety and rest for these marine mammals that spend much of their time in the water.
It is imperative that members of the public avoid disturbing the animals at any time. To view the seals, visitors are required to stay on the rookery’s designated pathway and vista point, to remain quiet and not disturb the seals. The Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act imposes a fine of up to $10,000 and/or one year in prison for disturbances of the seals or actions that frighten the seals. Dog owners are liable for disturbances and injuries perpetrated by their dogs.
Disturbances in the past have included people walking on the beach to get selfies with the seals, playing games on the beach, dogs barking, and trying to feed the seals by throwing food at them. The Ad Hoc Committee for the Harbor Seal Rookery relates these disturbances to the decrease in seal population.
The Carpinteria Seal Watch hosts Seal Talks to educate interested peeps on the seals and the habitat of the rookery. They plan to have their first talk at Carp Kitchen (4945A Carpinteria Ave) on January 7, followed by talks on February 4, March 4, April 1, and May 6. Education of the public is key.
The Carpinteria Seal Watch is in its 33rd year monitoring the Carpinteria Seal Rookery. They are seeking volunteers with onsite training provided.
411: https://carpinteriasealwatch.org
The seals and their pups resting with local birds at the Carpinteria Seal Rookery on Christmas Day (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
Hanukkah guests dancing to beats by DJ Darla Bea (courtesy photo)
CVA Communiqué
CVR Lights Up the Holidays: Announcing the 2024 Window Decorating Contest Winners
by Beth Sullivan
This year’s Holiday Window Decorating Contest on Coast Village Road brought a new level of vibrant energy and festive creativity to the community, with businesses decking their windows with amazing elements – from shimmering lights to nostalgic touches of music and lyrics, and even a few nods bringing 5th Avenue NYC vibes!
The judges were thoroughly impressed by the efforts of all participants. We’re thrilled to announce the winners who helped spread holiday magic! The contest is sponsored by Coast Village Association and Rosewood Miramar Beach.
We are incredibly grateful for the Rosewood Miramar’s sponsorship of these fabulous prizes and the beautiful Christmas tree!
A special thank you goes out, as well, to all participating businesses – for bringing the spirit of the holidays to life. Your creativity and community spirit continue to make Coast Village Road a beloved destination during this magical season. Stay tuned for more events and celebrations as we usher in a joyful New Year!
First Place: Allora by Laura
For the second consecutive year, Allora by Laura has claimed the top prize! Her window captured the essence of this year’s theme with artistic flair. The lyrics of “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” adorned the glass, while musical instruments, dazzling clothing, and new decorative elements brought the display to life. The judges noted the thoughtful execution and innovative presentation that made her window a standout.
First Prize Winnings: Rosewood Miramar One-Night stay and dinner for two at AMA Sushi
Second Place: Blackmore Studios
A newcomer to the competition, Cassandria Blackmore Studios, made a spectacular debut with her display. Enthusiastically embracing the contest, her festive window shone brightly and showcased her dedication not only to this event but also to CVA’s broader initiatives throughout the year. We’re thrilled to celebrate her efforts with the second-place prize.
Second Prize Winnings: Dinner at Caruso’s for Two
Third Place: Montecito Collective
Known for going all out on decorations every season, including Halloween, Montecito Collective delivered another stunning display this holiday season. Their imaginative and cheerful design won over the judges, earning them third place.
Runner Up: Homer
Homer’s active involvement in community events this year did not go unnoticed. Their holiday window reflected their deep connection to fashionable creativity and added a warm touch to the season. We loved it!!
Property Owner Recognition: Montecito Inn
The Montecito Inn’s commitment to elevating the charm of Coast Village Road shone through this year. With fresh paint and upgrades to their property during the decorating phase, their efforts earned special recognition from the judges. Thank you, Montecito Inn, for your continued dedication to beautifying our community.
Third Prize Winnings: Brunch in the Revere Room for four.
Beth Sullivan is the Executive Director of the Coast Village Association
She and her daughter Nanette moved to Santa Barbara where Jessie soon opened a residence and studio at El Paseo. She announced plans to photograph the next Fiesta celebration, and she was very quickly adopted into the cultural and social life of the town.
The Morning Press took the opportunity to introduce her to Santa Barbara. “A rare personage indeed is this noted artist, discovered in a delightful studio in El Paseo yesterday, brim full of beautiful thoughts and enchanting sketches and portraits of many popular and well-known celebrities both here and in the east,” wrote the reporter.
“Mrs. Beals, a newcomer to Santa Barbara – yes, and a personality of ravishing ingenuity, the study of human nature as she has met thru her profession, has been one of the joys of her life. … Her work is truly a revelation!”
When a few months later danseuse Ruth St. Denis performed at the opening of El Paseo’s Anacapa addition, Jessie Beals and daughter were among the local cultural and artistic luminaries present. Her name was touted along with the artistic Gledhills, Herters, Parshalls, Fletchers, Hydes, de Forests, and civic promoter Pearl Chase.
The list of the number of portraits Beals had taken of political, social, business and cultural leaders of the nations was quite long. When asked about it in Santa Barbara, she remarked, “‘Interesting faces,’ while stimulating, do not make up a gallery which attracts the public. I think I shall make portraits in the future of nothing but handsome men.” Beals was obviously joking since reviews of her portrait photography lauded her ability to reveal the inner personality and character of her famous subjects.
The Morning Press was happy to use Beals’ photographs of people and events during her time in Santa Barbara. When a Railroad Advertising group came to a meeting in Santa Barbara, the members posed for a photo on the iconic stairway in the El Paseo courtyard. Her portrait of pioneer Mrs. Jane Kimberly and her daughter in Fiesta dress captured a living piece of Santa Barbara’s past as did her photo of a group of old timers telling stories of the past. She also captured an image of candidate Herbert Hoover in the Avenue of the Flags in El Paseo.
Jessie was also a poet and about this time a friend published a book of her photographs accompanied by her poetry in a volume called Songs of a Wanderer. One of her poems was published in the local newspaper. Entitled, “Old Man Fear,” the poem’s artistic quality may be slim, but it is a sort of anthem for her life.
ing at El Paseo. Janssens Troubadours played the song.
It starts out “Old man fear/ he once got hold o’ me/ He hissed in my ear,/ “You might as well be dead./ There’s no use hoping./ There’s no use trying./ Nothing you can do,/But keep on sighing.”
After another stanza, it ends, “Old man fear/ He must have been sleeping—/ For one fine day/ He slipped a gear./ I started laughing—/ ‘N I left off crying —/ Skies were blue—/ Flag of hope was flying —/ Birds were singing—/ Bells a ringing—/ ‘N gone for good/ Was old man fear.”
Many were drawn to her poetry. One young woman, Winifred McGee, was so enthralled by Beals’ poem “Doreen,” that she set it to music where it would be played at a dinner dance Beals was host-
In February 1929, a movie called Joy Street was being filmed in the El Paseo at night. At midnight, Jessie, who lived at her studio on the El Paseo balcony, took pity on two electricians who were working the spotlights from the balcony and offered to make them coffee. The newspaper reported, “Word that hot coffee was being made spread like wild-fire among the extras and helpers and soon the studio was packed with the cold and hungry movie folk. The phonograph was turned on and a regular supper party ensured.”
Later Years
Beals left Santa Barbara at the end of 1929 and went to live in Los Angeles. She was back for several months in 1931 when she took a studio at Meridian Studios.
– Tunde Oyeneyin
In 1928, Beals opened a residence and studio in El Paseo. This advertisement displays one of her atmospheric nocturne photographs. (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)
Beals’ photo of Las Tejas was colorized to reveal the richness of garden features (photo courtesy of Alexandria Digital Research Library, UCSB Library)
Il Brolino on Buena Vista Road was designed by George Washington Smith and became famous for its gardens designed by landscape architects Florence Yock and Lucile Council in 1922. Lutah Maria Riggs designed a wrought iron staircase with wooden banister for the house. (photo courtesy of Alexandria Digital Research Library, UCSB Library)
Beals with one of her famous subjects, American naturalist and author John Burroughs, a proponent of the Conservation Movement who said, “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)
Beals was featured in an article about Santa Barbara in the November 1928 edition of California Southland (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)
El Hogar was designed by George Washington Smith and purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Craig Heberton (photo courtesy of Alexandria Digital Research Library, UCSB Library)
As she had done in New York for Albert and Adele Herter and their estate of Près Choisis in East Hampton, New York, she was soon taking garden and estate photos for Montecitans and Santa Barbarans. These photos would find their way into the magazine Arts and Decorations in 1931 and 1932, beginning with a feature on the first home George Washington Smith had designed on Middle Road in Montecito, El Hogar. This was the home that had launched Smith on his career in architecture. It had been quickly purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Craig Heberton, who had convinced Smith to sell to them.
Subsequent issues of the magazine were to feature Ty Gwyn on Pepper Lane; Las Tejas between Picacho Lane and Hot Springs Road; and Casa Aleli on
Buena Vista Road. Not to be outdone by Montecito, Harold Chase’s home and gardens in Hope Ranch were also photographed by Beals.
In May of 1931, House Beautiful published Jessie’s photographs of the cactus mural created by artist Adele Herter for Amy du Pont’s home in Montecito. The mural was a reproduction of the mural Adele had created for the Herters’ hotel, El Mirasol, which stood on the block of today’s Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens. Frank Lloyd Wright had called it the most beautiful mural he had ever seen. For du Pont’s dining room, the Herters had designed all of the furnishings as well. Beals and her daughter returned to New York in the mid-1930s. Though she continued to work photographing gardens and
estates, the Depression and advancing age took its toll. No longer able to summon her scrappy, ambitious self, she fell into financial straits. Sadly, Jessie Tarbox Beals died destitute in the charity ward of Bellevue Hospital on May 30, 1942. Due to inability to store her work, much of her photographic work was lost or destroyed during her lifetime. Only a few copies of her book Songs of a Wanderer survive today due to, ironically, a fire in a storage unit.
Beresford has been writing a local history column for the Montecito Journal for more than a decade and is the author of several books on Santa Barbara’s historic past
Sources: “Jessie Tarbox Beals” by Beverly W. Brannan, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Reading Room; contemporary newspapers
El Mirador, with its extensive gardens and famous Lotus Pond designed by Charles Frederick Eaton on his former estate of Riso Rivo, was built by Lolita Armour and John Mitchell (photo courtesy of Alexandria Digital Research Library, UCSB Library)
Detail from the du Pont dining room mural created by Adele Herter and photographed years earlier by Jessie Tarbox Beals for House Beautiful magazine (author photo)
The Morning Press was quick to take advantage of Beals’ skills and published her photos of both local and national personages. In this photo, Presidential candidate Herbert Hoover poses at the entrance to the Avenue of the Flags in El Paseo. (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)
Hattie
House Beautiful of May 1931 featured Beals’ photographs of Adele Herter’s murals and the Herter furnishings for Amy du Pont’s dining room (photo courtesy of Montecito Association History Committee)
sparkler, with stone fruit aromas, rousing effervescence, a light fruitiness, subtle flavors of yeast and nuts, and a quenching finish. Named for the granddaughter of owners Walter and Sylvia Filippini, this is a perfect celebration wine for the holiday season. Le Vigne has a destination vineyard and winery in Paso that’s open daily, as well as a tasting room and Italian market in L.A. that’s open Thursday through Sunday. levignewinery.com
2014 Grimm’s Bluff Reserve Sauvignon Blanc ($48)
This dynamic white wine – serious and playful at once – was paired with the first of four music sets, which featured the famous “Overture” to The Nutcracker, the familiar “March of the Toy Soldiers” and the sweeping “Journey Through the Snow.” Most whites we buy are young – one, two, maybe three years old – so this decadeold sauv blanc is a rare opportunity to see how time can enhance flavor profile and mouthfeel, and how it makes a premium white wine more complex. Like the evolving moods of the three musical pieces, this wine was bouncy and playful, structured (like a march) and complex. And it was pervasively crisp, much like the chilly winter’s night depicted so beautifully in the Nutcracker story. Made by winemaker Ernst Storm from biodynamically grown grapes, this wine exhibits flavors of tropical fruits, green apples and lemongrass, with awesome minerality. grimmsbluff.com
Our first red – a gorgeous pinot with red fruit flavors buoyed by earthy spice –was paired with three Nutcracker dances: the “Waltz of the Snowflakes,” the super well-known “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and the recognizable Russian dance, “Trepak.” The strict syncopation of these dances mirrors the structure of the wine. But it’s the balance in the wine that matched the delightful balance in the music pieces – from jovial to sober – and in the image of the Sugar Plum Fairy herself, who’s simultaneously playful and majestic. This Santa Maria Valley pinot – with a garnet hue in the glass that screams Christmas – is fresh on the palate, thanks to its bright acidity, while also grounded, thanks to a refined tannic structure; it’s rich, but also elegant. With the crowd, I leaned into the suggestive element here – flavors of plums? Sure! – while noting a prevalence of red fruit – red cherries, red currants, red berries – and a scrumptious finish. foxenvineyard.com
2020 Dovecote Redtail ($65)
This is where the music gets more exotic – four dances inspired by what would have been far-flung cultures to Tchaikovsky, with interesting flavors to match: the “Spanish Chocolate Dance,” the “Arabian Coffee Dance,” the “Chinese Tea Dance” and the “Dance of the Reed Pipers,” inspired by marzipan. The Dovecote Redtail, made with fruit from the brand’s estate, and storied Thompson Vineyard in the Los Alisos Canyon AVA near the town of Los Alamos, is a blend of four grapes: syrah, grenache, mourvedre and petite sirah. Like the music, this wine is, indeed, exotic, as well as elegant, robust and balanced, and it exhibits plenty of verve. And you’d better believe there are flavors of chocolate and coffee a-plenty. Named for the beautiful redtail hawks that soar regularly above the vines and that provide pest control during the grape growing season, this wine is a perfect holiday table topper, as it’ll match myriad holiday dishes beautifully. My wife Renee and I recently spent a lovely afternoon touring Dovecote’s Thomson Vineyard with assistant winemaker Cameron Porter, followed by an escapist night in one of several overnight stays available for private bookings on the 250-acre ranch. dovecotewine.com
2022 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Franc ($80)
This final pairing took us to the St. Helena appellation of the Napa Valley, with a just-released wine that showcases how delectably a meaty, muscular, masculine red wine can taste in its infancy. Just two years old, this premium red wine is fleshy yet refined, hardy yet velvety, layered yet wonderfully approachable. The energy that comes from its youth is matched in the music paired with this wine – the famous “Waltz of the Flowers” and the very emotive, romantic Pas De Deux. Again, leaning into the suggestion: flowers on the nose? Sure! Violets, I’d say, followed by buxom flavors of pomegranate and chocolate. This wine is mouth-filling, and its intensity flows beautifully with the very emotional nature of these two pieces of music. Both are rousing and brooding, and – especially as the denouement of a beautiful series of melodies, and a beautiful series of flavors – both are wonderfully satisfying. Ehlers Estate, first planted in 1886, has a small portfolio focused squarely on the world-class Bordeaux grapes, cabernet sauvignon mainly, that grow on-property. ehlersestate.com
Now, it’s time to play your own favorite music, pop the cork on your own favorite wine, and open up your senses to the possibilities!
Gabe Saglie has been covering the Santa Barbara wine scene for more than 15 years through columns, TV, and radio. He’s a senior editor with Travelzoo and is a leading expert on travel deals, tips, and trends.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s)
is/are doing business as: Beach Town Crafts, 424 E. Sola St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101. Lacen A Patton, 133 E De La Guerra #214, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on December 6, 2024. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 20240002863. Published January 2, 9, 16, 23, 2025
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NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Kansas Storage & Containers, 1027 E De La Guerra St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93103. PM & JM LLC, PO Box 1391, Summerland, CA, 93067. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on December 10, 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. 2024-0002885. Published December 19, 26, 2024, January 2, 9, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: M.L. Solutions, 515 Newport Dr, Lompoc, CA, 93436. Moriah H Roberts, 515 Newport Dr, Lompoc, CA, 93436. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on November 1, 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. 2024-0002579. Published December 19, 26, 2024, January 2, 9, 2025
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NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: Thyne Berglund & Co, 205 E Carillo St, 100, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101. Thyne Berglund LLC, 205 E
with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara
on December
(SEAL). FBN No. 2024-0002820.
Carillo St, 100, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101. This statement was filed
County
The WineMusic Box contains wines in 100-ml tubes. Each serving is doled out while music, thoughtfully paired with the wine, is performed.
Pianist Meriette Saglie performed before an intimate, sold-out crowd of 30 inside the famous Greystone Mansion
acquaintances. An hour before midnight that chatty, hulking new gym friend, the one you invited in a moment of weakness, timidly arrived with his Gold’s bag slung over his shoulder, wearing a t-shirt so tight it may have been applied by automotive paint robots. You watched him furtively enter and were touched by his reticence. Accompanied by his demure and bespectacled wife, whose tiny hand he clenched in his catcher’s mitt of a paw like a terrified child, the jittery giant glanced once around the room, spotted you in the throng and bounded over like an enormous Irish Setter. His expression lit like a Christmas tree, he held out his fist for a brotherly bump. “Yo, man!”
“Yeah… Yo!” An inexpert bro, your own little fist punched empty air. Your newish gym buddy offered a warm smile of what looked curiously like recognition. Your own champagne-infused smile was less certain. “Yo,” you say again, nodding.
The Big Confetti
There have been 13.787 billion New Years, we’re told; many of these preceding the invention of paper hats and confetti. That first occasion is believed to have been a riotous thing, spewing out atoms and energy and such. Quantum perturbations (you heard me) caused the later clustering of flung atoms into coherent stars and galaxies and, much later, such magical ephemera as breadboxes and stomach flu. The Big Bang’s headline was arguably its having birthed time – which is both maximum security prison and diamond mine.
Today, the New Year is upon us – bursting forth with less cosmological drama but all the human yearning and heroic frailty the eons have perfected in us. Burt Bacharach, first kisses, and Jimmy Stewart movies aside, our Very Important Planet is but a mossy rock adrift in a vacuum. Thanks to some propellant aspect of the primordial kapow! (use your own sound effect here), our rock is eternally rotating on its axis while simultaneously loping around the sun like a bored donkey on a chain. It’s all very glamorous. We who cover the drifting rock feel deeply the so-called human condition – and frankly can’t shut up about it in our songs, poems,
and questionable art. Our spinning rock is impervious to our fancy talk, our heartbreak, our wars and joys, our pretenses, our hopes, our terror. The cold-hearted cosmos is completely unmoved by the vibrantly awful Christmas sweater we’re obliged to don in a maddened panic whenever Aunt Bethany threatens to stop by the house.
Blue Sapphire
Whether our world is a mere pebble flung out of an improbably exploding singularity, or a blue sapphire hung in the ether with care by an Intelligent Designer, we are individually so tiny and fleeting we verge on the virtual. For all that, we are – each of us – possessed of a depthless self-awareness and agency we haven’t begun to understand, let alone harness. Epoch after epoch, we swarm hopefully over a comparatively small rock as it runs inexhaustible laps around a ball of exhaustible nuclear fire. Whistling away the dark, bewitched, bothered, and bewildered (as they say), we are doing –by definition – the very best we can.
It’s a brand new year. The crazed and diapered throngs in Times Square, the televised fireworks blossoming over the Sydney Opera House – the New Year rolled like a wave moving across the Earth and the world’s capitals erupted with color. In your own loud room you stood and prepared yourself to receive it. The NYC disco ball shimmied down. Three! Two! One!
It was at that moment – the aptly named present tense – your mesomorph gym friend turned to you with wet eyes. What. The hell. Is this? Your own eyes darkened with moisture. It’s the champagne! At some point he’d slipped away and put on a dress shirt whose panicked-looking buttons seem barely able to hold the thing together. His mildly crumpled necktie appears to have been tied by Ray Charles. His wife looks up at her stricken Giant with a love that is almost tactile and in the New Year’s riot he grabs your arm. “Thanks, man. Thanks for the invite.” You successfully bump fists. And so begins another walk around our favorite star; a heat lamp that seems almost to have been placed there by an interior designer. A largish one. It’s only a fire, but what a lovely, lovely fire it is. See you in the coming circuit.
Spirituality Matters Can Kirtan Cure Our Conflicted Culture?
by Steven Libowitz
The call-and-response singing of devotional music known as Kirtan can be a joyous experience, but it’s also a healing one that can break down barriers between people. So suggests Darren Marc, the devotional Kirtan artist and singer-songwriter whose eclectic musical career includes more than 30 original songs featured in film and television shows.
For Marc – who has been leading Kirtan for a decade, including sessions on the first Saturday of the month at Yoga Soup – the sense of community comes from simply singing together in a call-and-response manner.
“Something really magical happens when people sing together, because it’s as if we are of one voice,” he said. “There could be 20 people coming from 20 different places, with different beliefs and backgrounds, and when we’re singing together suddenly there’s just this sense of unity and togetherness. It’s magic and not something you can experience in very many places outside of the yoga studio these days.”
A major part of the process is that the singing largely consists of Sanskrit mantras, which are sacred sound vibrations that still the mind and open the heart, meaning the shape and sounds of the words themselves matter as much as the meaning of the words.
“There was a study done where a positive statement in different languages was analyzed, and Sanskrit had the most positive effect on the human energy field, the aura,” Marc said.
Montecito-raised percussionist Joss Jaffe and singer-harmonium player Tara Gold join Marc, who sings, plays guitar, ukulele and percussion, for the first Kirtan of the new year, at 7 pm on January 4. Expect anywhere from 5-30 people to show up to sing.
“Whoever comes, it’s always very uplifting for me, and always opens my heart to experience more sweetness, which is really ultimately what the practice is all about,” said Marc.
Visit www.awakenwithdarren.com
Also at Yoga Soup
“Healing: A Class for Healers” and “Those Who Want to Heal Themselves,” with Bernard Unterman, who has been practicing Chinese Medicine for 37 years, will be offered at 1 pm on Saturday, January 4. The former Clinical Director and teacher at the Santa Barbara College
of Oriental Medicine and a former adjunct faculty member at Pacifica Institute, Unterman will share how our bodies are naturally programmed to be able to repair and heal themselves. He’ll discuss the factors that can enhance our body’s ability to heal and what can interfere with the process, including sharing about how using specific essential oils on various points on the body can activate inner healing, how fear fuels the progression of a disease (and how to counteract it), and how our perceptions and attitudes toward a disease can inhibit or enhance healing. There will also be a demonstration on applying stones to acupuncture points to bring about inner change, and everyone will receive a stone to use and take home. Yoga Soup is located at 28 Parker Way off lower State St. Call (805) 965-8811 or visit www.yogasoup.com
Light & Renewal at Sunburst
Sunburst Sanctuary and Organic Farm, the longtime center for holistic learning, healing and conscious living created and overseen by a cooperative community, jumps right into the new year with a meditation retreat from Thursday-Sunday, January 9-12, at the Lompoc center. The retreat offers an immersive opportunity to learn scientific meditation practices in the lineage of Paramahansa Yogananda to bring awakening and transformation to yourself and to the world. Receive Kriya meditation initiation, and learn techniques of pranayama, concentration, and inner listening.
Sunburst’s ongoing offerings include a weekly meditation gathering that takes place 10:30 am – 1 pm every Sunday and is open to all. Experienced meditators, total newcomers, and everyone in between are welcome to find your place of peace within through music, an inspirational talk, and silent meditation in Sunburst’s natural lightfilled temple. Families are also encouraged, with a children’s program offered during the quiet portion. After the meditation, gather in the Lodge or the patio for a light lunch and/or spend time walking the adjacent outdoor labyrinth, immersing yourself in the meditation gardens, or enjoy a guided hike through the oaks and meadows of Sunburst Sanctuary.
Sunburst Sanctuary is located at 7200 S. Highway 1 in Lompoc. Call (805) 736-6528 or visit http://sunburst.org
New Year’s in a small German village (photo by Andreas Weith for Wiki Commons)
Security was provided by the U.S. Army, of course. Gilding the occasion with melody, the very best of our Eden by the Beach’s music scene, directed by Maitland Ward, included Jackson Gillies , Lois Mahalia , Michael Andrews , Tina and Laura Schlieske , George Friedenthal , and Michael Henszey. Local warbler Katy Perry’s father Keith Hudson gave the opening prayer with other guests and supporters including Melissa Borders, Donna Crawford , vintner Fred Brander , Peter and Kathryn Martin, William Turner as Santa Claus, John Stampe, chef Geoffrey Akers, Carmen Munoz, Robert Adams, ubiquitous KEYT-TV reporter John Palminteri, Rick Oshay and Teresa Kuskey, and Teddi Drew
Local Couple Liked at Home
Prince Harry was one of the British Royal Family’s most popular members, but his decision to move to Montecito and publicly criticize the historic institution has seen his popularity plunge.
Local Mom Shares Parents’ Faith
Montecito actress Gwyneth Paltrow says her parents’ interfaith marriage was “scandalous” for their respective families when the twosome first tied the knot.
The Goop founder, 52, is the daughter of Meet the Parents actress Blythe Danner and the late director Bruce Paltrow.
Blythe, who is a Christian, and Bruce, who was Jewish, exchanged vows in 1969 and remained together until he died of cancer in 2002 aged 58.
As a little girl, the Oscar winner was raised celebrating holidays from both traditions and has apparently continued to do so in adulthood.
Now she has shone more light on her ecumenical upbringing in a video – with Israeli artist Noa Tishby –about Hannukah.
“I grew up in a time in the ‘70s when interfaith marriage was kind of a big deal. And so it was very hard for both of my parents that they were marrying each other. It was a bit scandalous.
“Nobody was happy about it, but they appear to have accepted it later in life, and we’ve learned to get used to all of that.”
Homer Abroad
hook on Coast Village Road,” says Terry, former head of Ralph Lauren, Coach and Tommy Bahama.
It’s amazing what a little international publicity can do…
Remembering Jimmy Carter
On a particularly poignant note, I remember President Jimmy Carter, who has died at his Georgia home at the age of 100.
On October, 2019, the Duke of Sussex was liked by 71 percent and disliked by 22 percent of the British public.
But data from last August shows only 30 percent had a favorable opinion of him, while 60 percent disliked him according to data from Statista.
A spectacular fall from grace after he launched a barrage of criticism at his own family with the controversial Oprah Winfrey interview in 2021, a Netflix docuseries in 2022, and his tellall memoir Spare in 2023.
However, in contrast to the British public, Americans remain fairly positive about King Charles III’s youngest son, with more than half of them – 53 percent – revealing favorable views, according to YouGov.
But things could be changing, according to an old friend Ingrid Seward , editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, with whom I have appeared on TV many times.
She tells The Standard: “I give a lot of talks to Americans and they all dislike Harry and Meghan. They hate that they let the Queen down.”
Stay tuned...
Montecito’s Terry Pillow had more cause than most to quaff Champagne over the New Year when a photo of actress Portia de Rossi appeared in the London Daily Mail carrying one of his popular Homer leather bags at her new Cotswolds estate with wife Ellen DeGeneres
“The phones were ringing off the
I had the great pleasure of having a one-on-one with Carter for nearly half an hour before he was joined by First Lady Rosalynn, when I was invited to the sprawling Manhattan apartment for a dinner party in the ‘80s hosted by the late celebrity realtor Alice Mason. Carter was an absolute delight, charming and self-deprecating in his famous southern drawl.
But I did note one sartorial faux pas. As it was a black-tie occasion, the president was wearing cuffs on his trousers. Maybe acceptable in his hometown of Plains, but a definite no-no in the heady social circles of Manhattan.
Sightings
Kevin Costner skiing in Aspen, Colorado... Jane Lynch breakfasting at the Montecito Coffee Shop... Actor Josh Brolin at Pierre Lafond.
The Adam’s Angels brought their support to the Veterans’ Building for some holiday fun (photo by Priscilla)
Giving her spellbinding performance is gospel singer Freda Ramey (photo by Priscilla)
Terry Pillow’s bags have an international clientele (courtesy photo)
President Jimmy Carter’s one on one with Richard (photo in Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons) From musings on the Royals to celebrity real estate deals, Richard Mineards is our man on the society
You’re also the tour director for Mean Girls, adapted from another popular movie with cult followings. But where Clue was a taut 90 minutes, Mean Girls is even longer than the movie at two and a half hours. But it’s also received great reviews. What’s the commonality in your approach?
I do have to clarify that my title on Mean Girls is really associate director, which means the vision, the original version, the choreography and the staging come from Casey Nicolaw, not me. But he’s someone I worked with for 20-plus years who is a great mentor and a close friend of mine, and I was around from the very first table read throughout the whole process and many, many years of the show. But where Clue was my original creation, my job here is to uphold the vision of what he created.
To your question, the key to all of these adaptations succeeding is learning how to capture the essence of what people most love and respond to about the original material, but then to take that essence and transform it into something that is new and really stage worthy and feels natural in a theatrical setting. So it’s really about making sure the audiences get what they’re coming to see, but also finding ways to surprise them and ways to do it differently.
Can you share more about how you do that, particularly for Mean Girls?
Adapted pieces tend to fall flat when you just try to put the film on stage and recreate that. What works is being judicious and knowing which lines and which moments you absolutely must give to the audience. When you have those core moments, then you can create something new that makes it a musical. I remember watching Casey create the number, “Where Do You Belong?” He had index cards on the floor with people’s names written on and was kind of spinning them and moving them and developing and coming up with this very original idea of how to take that moment in the cafeteria and make it into a huge musical num-
ber. It’s so successful because it’s entirely different, but it’s still in the style of and in the world of what the film represents. He found a way to make this massive Broadway production number out of it while staying true to the spirit.
Some folks have issues with the way musicals seem to suddenly break into a number in a way that makes no sense. How did you avoid that, and make something more seamless?
It has to come from a truthful place. People are allergic to musicals when they feel phony and corny. To me, both Mean Girls and Clue have the comedic taste come from honest characters in real circumstances, even with different approaches. The funniest things are jokey ones, but the ones that come from character and circumstance. I think that’s the common thread in the shows I work on.
How does that show up on Mean Girls?
Essentially the show is about treating each other with respect and with dignity, even when we have our differences. It’s bigger than high school – all of the behaviors that you see in the show play out in adult circumstances over and over. It’s really relatable and it’s very accessible, and in my opinion, very apropos
for our current moment. It’s great that you’re laughing and getting entertained with these musical numbers and big moments, but at the end of the day, that message is clear: Can we all just respect each other, communicate and work through our differences?
Has the show changed over the years as the world evolves?
The creative team has been continuously rewriting, updating, tweaking the show, with every incarnation, every tour, every version that goes out. It’s so cool that the creative team stays committed to continuing to build on the show and improve it. We just did a version in London on the West End, and it’s entirely different from any other Mean Girls we did before.
What about the version we’re seeing in Santa Barbara, which is part of a non-equity tour?
It’s not an easy show to cast because the requirements are really high, especially for the principals who have to be incredible, almost stunt singers for the vocal range that they cover, but also really excellent actors to convey the subtlety and nuance and complexity. They have to understand the rhythms of the comedy, but also be able to deliver the heart of the show and to belt their faces off on the songs. The non-equity cast has been great because they’re all age-appropriate, so they get the show’s world and culture just by their youth. A lot of them are right out of high school and just lived through these kinds of experiences. In fact, we have to work hard to not allow cliques to happen with the cast members and not let the culture of the show creep into the company.
Any final thoughts?
These characters and the comedy and the message of the film just translate really beautifully to the stage, a natural home for the story. The message seems more relevant than ever. So it really does feel like it belongs out there in the world at this moment
Highlights from Days of Yore, aka 2024
The two theatrical performances that utterly rocked my world and riveted my attention came from UCSB Arts & Lectures dance offerings. Dorrance Dance’s inventive jazz-fueled take on The Nutcracker proved that the old Christmas chestnut can be changed into a charming and cutting-edge work. MOMIX’s Alice showed that the creative mind of artistic director Moses Pendleton remains a place of wonder, whimsy and sheer wow-ness, as delivered by his stunningly supple and lithe dancers.
In the classical corner, Patricia Kopatchinskaja ’s alternately blistering and introspective star turn in Shostakovich’s “Violin Concerto” – with the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the Granada – was both an astonishingly impressive feat from the shoeless performer and an emotional rollercoaster for the rest of us. The same venue also hosted the Music Academy’s Festival Orchestra with violin virtuoso Leila Josefowicz under David Robertson’s baton for a signature performance of John Adams’ captivating “Violin Concerto.”
In the pop world, any concert from Aimee Mann is a thing to savor, and the singer-songwriter’s first show in town in more than a decade did not disappoint. Her buoyant melodies married to tales of love lost and spurned were joined by a touch of modern humor in the AI-inspired mid-set duo work at the Lobero with opener Jonathan Coulton Molly Tuttle, who played Campbell Hall in the fall, just keeps building on her progressive bluegrass base, adding a variety of sounds and approaches (and costumes) without losing the roots of the music. Another true treat was the debut of Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble at the Lobero, a Motownfocused marathon of incredible musicianship with plenty of soul. A shout out to Jackson Gillies, whose rendition of Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” at the Granada’s hometown heroes show is still ringing in my head.
visit our site at: www.williamdalziel.work idareproductions.com
Alexys Morera (Janis Sarkisian) and the tour company of Mean Girls (photo by Jeremy Daniel)
José Raúl as Aaron Samuels and Natalie Shaw as Cady Heron (photo by Jeremy Daniel)
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Calendar of Events
by Steven Libowitz
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2
Stand Up to Welcome 2025 – Whether you are full of joy or despair this January might depend on your feelings about what will happen on the 20th, but at least for now, all of us can come together to battle the potential post-holiday blues with a comedy show. Steve Hofstetter, a YouTube sensation with over
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2
1st Thursday – We normally try to trumpet the new in the roundup of galleries and other stops along the monthly art and culture walk centered on State Street downtown. Even though it’s just the second day of the new year, which means the slowest time of all (commercially speaking), and there’s only a grand total of 15 venues listed as participating this time around, one of them is indeed brand new. That would be Art & Soul (1323 State Street), the second location for the gallery that is still thriving in the Funk Zone, this one dedicated to celebrating the contemporary voices of Santa Barbara. The inaugural exhibition, Santa Barbara: The Art of Place, which just opened last month, features the works of Brad Betts, John Baran, Pedro De La Cruz, and Sylvan Butera Rich. But other than that, this First Thursday is a run of cherished regulars, which deserve their due, too. Santa Barbara Fine Art (1321 State Street) features local landscape artists, most of whom have been painting here in the area for more than half a century, including a number of Oak Group members and Bud Bottoms, the late famous fashioner of the dolphin sculpture at the base of Stearns Wharf… Sullivan Goss (11 East Anapamu St.), which just celebrated its 40th anniversary in town, has a new photography exhibition for the first time in nearly two decades, teaming up with Peter Fetterman Gallery, one of the most important photography galleries in the country. (Hint: it’s stunning!) Also on view, Off Beat by the famed Ojai potter Beatrice Wood, and the gallery’s annual Winter Salon…Waterhouse Gallery (1114 State Street #9) also marked its 40th anniversary this fall, a major milestone for the space that features figurative works, interiors and cityscapes by some of today’s finest nationally known local and Oak Group artists. On display are works by Ray Hunter, Derek Harrison, Wyllis Heaton, Camille Dellar, Ann Sanders, Thomas Van Stein, Nancy Davidson, Rick Garcia, Ellie Freudenstein, and gallery co-owner Ralph Waterhouse, who will also conduct a live demonstration at 6 pm… 10 West Gallery’s (10 W. Anapamu St.) smart new show Stories posits that even abstract art has a story to tell, even if the artist doesn’t know it (or necessarily want to hear your interpretation!). Eleven local contemporary artists display a diverse array of abstract, conceptual and figurative artwork that calls out to the viewer to think creatively about what they express… Exhibits at Gallery 113 (1114 State Street) come from members of the Santa Barbara Art Association, with Alvaro Maestro serving as January’s artist of the month. Featured artists include Lily Sanders, Bonnie Taylor, Linda Herzog, Andie Adler, Bonny Butler, Odessa Burrow, and Skip Lau… As the calendar turns the page, Santa Barbara Historical Museum (136 East De La Guerra St.), the granddaddy of them all, hosts its usual after-hours gathering boasting free wine to enjoy the opportunity to discover the artistry, stories, and lives that have shaped our community over time. Check out chairs of change in the new exhibit The Chair: Storied Seats from our Collection, and get historical views of our town in J. Walter Collinge: Pictorial Santa Barbara and Beyond
WHEN: 5-8 pm
WHERE: Lower State Street and side streets
COST: free
INFO: (805) 962-2098 or www.downtownsb.org/events/1st-thursday
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2
Free Foreign Film – Woof! – Black Dog, which won the Un Certain Regard prize at the 77th Cannes Film Festival last May, also claimed the Palm Dog Award, the annual critics prize for the best performance by a canine, named as a play on words of the Palm d’Or, the festival’s highest honor. The Chinese movie follows former stunt motorcyclist Lang, who returns to his hometown on the outskirts of the Gobi Desert after his release from prison. While seeking the bounty placed on a wild dog as part of a larger program to remove unwanted animals in preparation for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Lang instead strikes up an unlikely friendship with the canine, a stray black dog. With motorcycle and sidecar, the two outcasts embark on a transformative journey together. The actor Eddie Peng established such a strong bond with Xin, the dog featured in the film, that he actually adopted the animal after filming wrapped. The free screening will be followed by a previously recorded Q&A with writer-director Guan Hu
WHEN: 7 pm
WHERE: SBIFF’s Film Center, 916 State Street
COST: free
INFO: www.sbiff.org
225 million views on the site and half a billion more on Facebook, escapes the virtual world for a tour of clubs and small theaters. The host of Finding Babe Ruth on FS1, Hofstetter was previously the host and executive producer of FOX’s Laughs and has appeared on CBS’ The Late Late Show, E! True Hollywood Story, and Comics Unleashed, to name just a few. Kill the Butterflies is his new no-holds-barred stand-up performance, featuring some of his unfiltered observations about life. (Please note: dates and times in last week’s calendar column were inaccurate.)
WHEN: 7:30 pm
WHERE: Center Stage Theatre, 751 Paseo Nuevo, second floor
COST: $28 & $53 ($153 VIP tickets include front row center seating and a meetand-greet with Hofstetter)
INFO: (805) 963-0408 or https://centerstagetheater.org
TUESDAY, JANUARY 7
Lucky Number – It’s been more than 75 years since 13 men with an unrivaled passion for music and revelry banded together to form the dynamic brotherhood known as The Baker’s Dozen over the summer on the campus of Yale University, where a cappella singing is a very big thing. The group, whose membership turns over every year and often balloons up to 16 or more, tours different areas of the country between college semesters, combining unaccompanied vocal music plus its own brand of comedy in schools, clubs, restaurants and private parties across the nation and acrossthe globe. The ensemble returns to SOhO with special guest opening act Vocal Motion, UCSB’s own top-notch all-female a cappella singing ensemble.
WHEN: 7 pm
WHERE: SOhO, 1221 State St., upstairs in Victoria Court
COST: $10
INFO: (805) 962-7776 or www.sohosb.com
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8
Birdhouse in the House – The members of Birdhouse Improv, part of UCSB’s longstanding Improvability organization, bring their comedic genius downtown to SOhO for a night of laughs. Voted “Best Late Night Entertainment” at UCSB, the best friends perform shows that invariably draw a crowd on campus and aim to please with the perhaps more upstanding
FRIDAY, JANUARY 3
The Moon And Broken Glass – With a name taken from a Chekhov quote that has long been invoked to inspire creative writing (“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass”) – this newish band stars Santa Barbara stalwarts Dan Zimmerman (guitar, composer), Jim Connolly (bass, vocals) and Dave Garske (drums) and has a similar bent. Connolly calls the band “Western/ Prog Rock/Loudandsoft,” but also says the trio doesn’t sound like anyone else, as their music is born from their sense of adventure and the pure joy of playing together. The bassist, who also owns the Piano Kitchen venue, also wrote on Facebook “If you’ve ever loved taking a nap with a kitten, if you have ever bungee jumped after taking mushrooms, or if you just plain like live original music, come see The Moon and Broken Glass.” Works for us. The trio takes the early dinner time slot at SOhO tonight, heady stuff for a hearty meal.
WHEN: 5:45 pm
WHERE: SOhO, 1221 State St., upstairs in Victoria Court
COST: $10
INFO: (805) 962-7776 or www.sohosb.com
folks upstairs at the nightclub. Boasting infectious chemistry, skilled character work, and hilarious, interactive games, the evening promises to be a dinner show that might have you choking on your appies and doing spittakes with your cocktails.
WHEN: 7:30 pm
WHERE: SOhO, 1221 State St., upstairs in Victoria Court COST: $8
INFO: (805) 962-7776 or www.sohosb.com
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8-FRIDAY, JANUARY 10
Gatherings at Godmothers – The beachside bookstore has booked a bevy of events to kick off the new year, including a Wednesday conversation with architect and Summerland resident Wade Weissmann and his friend and frequent collaborator Mark Weaver, founder of a full-service design firm headquartered in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. The pair have refined the art of collaboration, fusing their talents on projects ranging from a waterfront Miami villa to a modern Montecito reconstruction and beyond. Weissmann’s latest book, Homes of Quiet Elegance, showcases timeless architect-designed spaces meant to last for generations from farmhouses and waterfront retreats to a highrise unit and a sports barn… Shira Gill, the professional home organizing expert with a diverse roster of clients ranging from students to CEOs, is the bestselling author of Minimalista and Organized Living. She’ll take to the Godmothers stage Thursday to discuss her just-published book, LifeStyled: Your Guide to a More Organized & Intentional Life with Riley Reed, Godmothers’ head of community engagement… Moon Unit Zappa, daughter of musical visionary Frank Zappa, has recently published her memoir Earth to Moon, which takes readers from her beginnings in an unconventional household in 1970s Los Angeles through a journey of finding herself as an adult. Joined on Friday evening by Godmothers co-founder Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, Zappa will discuss the work that chronicles searching for her own path, first as her famous father’s inadvertent musical collaborator, then as an actress, an artist, a spiritual person, a wife, and a mother.
WHEN: 6 pm
WHERE: 2280 Lillie Ave., Summerland COST: Weissmann/Weaver $20, or $62 with book; Gill & Zappa ($20/$40)
INFO: (805) 696-2340 or https://godmothers.com
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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
PET/ HOUSE SITTING
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 me. Christine (805) 452-2385
Longtime Santa Barbara resident, retired, active woman. experienced with house sitting and dog sitting prefer small dogs or cats. Trustworthy, tidy, kind pet lover. Excellent local References upon request. (805) 451-3415
Carpet Cleaning Since 1978 (805) 963-5304 Rafael Mendez Cell: 689-8397 or 963-3117
$10 MINIMUM TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD
It’s simple. Charge is $3 per line, each line with 31 characters. Minimum is $10 per issue. Photo/logo/visual is an additional $20 per issue. Email Classified Ad to frontdesk@montecitojournal.net or call (805) 565-1860. All ads must be finalized by Friday at 2pm the week prior to printing. We accept Visa/MasterCard/Amex (3% surcharge)
KNIFE SHARPENING SERVICES
EDC Mobile Sharpening is locally owned and operated in Santa Barbara. We specialize in (No-Entry) House Calls, Businesses, and Special Events. Call (805) 696-0525 to schedule an appointment.
PAINTINGS FOR SALE
3 Kasandra Martell Still Life
Framed floral paintings, approximately 1985 or earlier.
Peonies 24’’ by 20”
Peonies 25” by 29”
Hydrangeas 27” by 31.25”
Call Allen Braithwaite (805) 745-5533
HELP WITH VARIOUS/BABYSITTER
Bilingual, responsible and honest retired senior is looking to help with organization of a home, driving to doctor’s apts & errands. Babysit children/pets. Teach Spanish. (760) 968-7101
Happy Holidays from the guys at The Point Market Montecito!
Looking for Part-time. Accountant/bookkeeper, personal assistant; excellent references, detail oriented, very efficient. agn3@icloud.com
AVAILABLE FOR RENT
Acreage for sale outside Bozeman city, Montana. 131 acres with spectacular vistas, Three mountain ranges can be seen from the property. Minutes from downtown, surrounded by paved roads. Possible 1031 IRS exchange, long or short term investment, property development or family trust. Asking $3.98MM Call Tom Broker/ Owner for more information 406-581-2829
