Montecito's Complex Water World by Montecito Journal

MJ VISUAL ARTS CONTEST 21 - 28 May 2020 Vol 26 Issue 21

SERVING MONTECITO AND SUMMERLAND

Quarantine getting you down? Enter our visual arts contest and win prizes, details p.5

MONTECITO’S COMPLEX WATER WORLD

Montecito Water District works to achieve water security, but at what cost?

(First in a series of articles exploring the longtime complicated history of water in Montecito, story begins on p.16)

Did COVID Just Kickstart a State Street Resurgence?

City Council’s unanimous vote allows establishments to expand outside, p.14

Real Estate

Five new properties on the market that make it easy to follow stay-at-home orders, p.40

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

21 – 28 May 2020

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• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 5

Editor’s Letter

Montecito Miscellany

Village Beat

Solving challenges that arose from our good intentions

California Air National Guard Eagle fighter jets fly over town; United Way leads the way; Surf ’s Up Bath Company makes sanitizer; and more Cava reopens for takeout; County releases RISE Guide; new restaurant at Montecito Inn to open soon; TBCF raises funds

10 Letters to the Editor

A collection of communication from readers Dana Newquist, Pamela Boehr, Steven Gilbar, Tipper Gore, Michael Edwards, Thomas Carlisle, Bill Loomis, Mimi Wills, Thomas R. Parker

Community Voices

Andrew Firestone is ready for action

12 Village People

Montecito Village Grocery is between Vons and Pierre Lafond, geographically and conceptually, too

14 State Street Serenade

COVID kickstarts State Street’s pivot. Will the engine turn over, and how much gas is in the tank?

16 On the Record

First in a series of articles on Montecito’s water issues; ACLU files lawsuit against Lompoc Federal Prison; Scholarship Foundation awards grants

18 Humans of Montecito

Trish Davis on her time living at El Mirador

The author has difficulty being reintroduced into the wild

An appreciation of our underappreciated toes

20 Ernie’s World Photography by Spenser Bruce

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

21 Brilliant Thoughts

Body Wise

Relieving tension in tense times

22 The Way It Was

Hattie Beresford dives into Potter Theatre history

Socially appropriate mindfulness and body movement in the time of COVID

Your library is still a resource, even if not yet open to the public

What happened to the nesting ducks outside Mt. Carmel Church?

24 Spirituality Matters 25 Library Mojo

Thank You to our Local Heroes!

28 Fowl Play

30 Nosh Town

Local restaurateurs adapt to the ban on dine-in by offering assemble-at-home kits, produce boxes, and more

32 On Entertainment

I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival hits neighborhood driveways; Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics offers online workshops; Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival hosts contest

34 Meet the Teacher

Montecito Union School quickly adapts and helps define the new normal

36 Perspectives

Looking back, and forwards, at our treaties with the first Americans

The Daily Optimist

Novel adaptations to the novel coronavirus: A restaurant where the wait staff is pulleys, and a drive-through van Gogh exhibit

40 Real Estate

Five new homes on the market

42 Jerry Meandering

The author reminisces about his five decades with a best friend – who just succumbed to COVID

46 Classified Advertising

Our own “Craigslist” of classified ads, in which sellers offer everything from summer rentals to estate sales

47 Local Business Directory

Smart business owners place business cards here so readers know where to look when they need what those businesses offer

#Frontline #MontecitoStrong

MONTECITO JOURNAL

Laughing Matters montecito.bank

id you hear about the guy who got his whole left side cut off? He’s all right now.

“Everyone has a purpose in life. Perhaps yours is watching television.” – David Letterman

21 – 28 May 2020

Editor’s Letter by Gwyn Lurie CEO and Executive Editor of the Montecito Journal Media Group

Even the Best of Intentions Come with Their Challenges…

uring this challenging and bizarre pandemic moment, the Montecito Journal, like every other business, has tried to pivot to meet this unexpected time. One of the ways we have tried to do this is to initiate free home delivery (thanks to some local angel sponsors), so that community members who did not feel safe to leave their homes could still receive the local news. While this is intended to be helpful, as with everything, it has come with its unintended challenges – like some papers not being picked up or being delivered to the driveways of uninhabited homes. I assure you, littering was the last thing on our minds when we devised this plan. So as of this week, Brian Smith, our long-time delivery maven, will be driving around town to pick up and recycle any unwanted papers found on driveways or in the street. Thank you for your patience with this. We are currently working with the U.S. Postal Service to find a way to deliver the Journal through the mail in a timely manner. If you are interested in continuing to receive home delivery, please let us know at tim@montecitojournal.net.

And the Montecito Cash Mob…

This event, intended to get much needed cash to local business owners, was wildly successful as we raised in excess of a quarter of a million dollars to help our local businesses and minimum wage workers. We not only feel blessed to live in a town where people generously step up to support one another, but we also feel so grateful that as a community we have been in a position, even during this difficult moment, to do so. That said, this too comes with its logistical challenges. Over the past 10 days, representatives from the Coast Village Association and the Montecito Association have been working very hard to distribute all of the much-appreciated checks to the participating vendors – as seen in the photos in Kelly Mahan Herrick’s “Village Beat” column. The last of these checks are still in the process of being delivered. Because of the great success of this fundraising effort, many vendors have in excess of 50 clients with whom to connect regarding the purchased gift cards. This is all being done in concert with the otherwise complicated logistics that accompany the State’s measured re-opening, and the necessary re-envisioning of each business so that it can operate in the safe environment of social distancing. We understand that a number of customers have not yet been contacted by the businesses from which they purchased gift cards, but we promise that you have not been forgotten! Please be patient with these businesses as they make their way down their long to-do lists! I know they could not appreciate more each and every one of us who stepped up to lend them a hand in this moment. Thank you! •MJ

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MONTECITO JOURNAL’S VISUAL ARTS CONTEST:

his time we have decided to do something a little different. We have received many photographs and other artistic reflections on the time of corona. So, this week we ask that you submit a piece of visual art that captures a moment of this moment: a photograph, a drawing, a picture or a painting, or anything else visual image fit to print. We can’t wait to see what we get.

Send your image by Sunday, May 24 to: letters@montecitojournal.net. We will publish the winning image and award the winning artist with a $125 gift certificate to a local restaurant of our choice for take-out food. 21 – 28 May 2020

• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

Monte ito Miscellany

Above at 2,000 feet are the Four F-15C Eagle Fighter Jets of the 144th Fighter Wing from the California Air National Guard over Santa Barbara County honoring our healthcare workers (photo by Priscilla)

by Richard Mineards

Richard covered the Royal Family for Britain’s Daily Mirror and Daily Mail, and was an editor on New York Magazine. He was also a national anchor on CBS, a commentator on ABC Network News, gossip on The Joan Rivers Show and Geraldo Rivera, host on E! TV, a correspondent on the syndicated show Extra, a commentator on the KTLA Morning News and Entertainment Tonight. He moved to Montecito 13 years ago.

Fly Like an Eagle

he spectacular flyover by four California Air National Guard F-15C Eagle fighter jets honoring frontline healthcare workers was particularly poignant for longtime Montecito resident Annie Perkins. Her nephew Major James Hastings of the 144th Fighter Wing, who lives in Paso Robles, was one of the four pilots who took off from Fresno and soared over hospitals, medical centers, fire stations, and government buildings during the two-hour flight which first headed towards Sacramento before banking west over the San Francisco Bay, then soaring over Santa Barbara and Bakersfield before heading back to the Central Valley. The original flight plans also included Los Angeles, but changed course to accommodate a Southern California

Proudly holding photographs of their cousin Major James Hastings and the F-14 Fighter Jet are Cole, Elliott, and Hastings Perkins-Tift with their grandmother Annie Perkins (photo by Priscilla)

Viewing the flyover from Elings Park is Jessica Bixler, a friend of Annie Perkins and Major Hastings (photo by Priscilla)

flyover by the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds two days later. “It was quite a spectacular display,” says Annie proudly.

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Leading the Way Along with key community partners, United Way of Santa Barbara County is leading a multi-pronged response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on needs assessments conducted with dozens of community partners, the response efforts are focused on providing direct assistance to local individuals, families, and nonprofit organizations, supporting essential workers and workplaces with emergency childcare services and assisting the county’s Public Health Department in meeting critical public health needs. The COVID-19 joint response effort, a countywide funders’ collaborative led by United Way, the Santa Barbara Foundation, the Hutton Parker Foundation, and members of the Foundation Roundtable is providing assistance, with more than $2 million being secured. “The situation is urgent for local individuals and families who are truly struggling to make ends meet during this crisis,” says Steve Ortiz, president and CEO of United Way. “We heard from a single pregnant mom, who just lost her job and is desperate to keep her three kids housed and fed. “Paying rent is the top concern of

“The digital camera is a great invention because it allows us to reminisce. Instantly.” – Demetri Martin

Steve Ortiz, CEO of United Way

the thousands of residents who have lost employment. Many are also having to make heartbreaking choices about buying food versus paying the bills or purchasing needed medications.” Financial assistance checks have already reached more than 800 households, representing 2,600 individuals, totaling $600,000. Grants will continue to be approved on a rolling basis as more funds become available, “More than $1.2 million in funding has been secured and United Way expects to support approximately 1,600 households, representing 5,280 individuals,” adds Steve. Great work...

MISCELLANY Page 184 21 – 28 May 2020

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21 – 28 May 2020

• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

Village Beat by Kelly Mahan Herrick

Kelly has been editor at large for the Journal since 2007, reporting on news in Montecito and beyond. She is also a licensed realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, and is a member of Montecito and Santa Barbara’s top real estate team, Calcagno & Hamilton.

Cava Reopens on Coast Village Road

Cava on Coast Village Road, one of Montecito’s longest running restaurants, is reopening for take-out this week

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ust in time to celebrate the eatery’s 23rd anniversary on Coast Village Road, Cava owner Carlos Lopez-Hollis says he is thrilled to be reopening his doors after a twomonth pandemic-related hiatus. The restaurant opened Wednesday, May 20, and is open noon to 8 pm, seven days a week for take-out and curbside pickup. “It feels great to be reopening; we are thrilled!” Lopez-Hollis told us earlier this week. “It was such an energizing feeling to walk into the kitchen on Tuesday and smell the roasted tomatillos, see the halibut ceviche prepped, hear the banter, the music… you take all of this for granted and it suddenly gets pulled from you,” Lopez-Hollis said. “It’s a reassuring and beautiful experience to witness a restaurant come back alive, even with the knowledge that we are reopening amidst so much uncertainty.” Lopez-Hollis closed the doors of the eatery on March 15, following the stay-at-home orders handed down by Governor Gavin Newsom. “We feel super confident, having assessed the landscape these past two months, that we are reemerging at the right time,” Lopez-Hollis said, giving credit to the Santa Barbara Public Health Department for giving operators very clear directives on how to proceed, safely. He adds that the eatery will be ready to go for a wider reopening for dining in, once restrictions are lifted. The downtime has allowed the opportunity to upgrade both the interior and exterior alike, including a deep cleaning, new paint, new landscaping, reupholstery, and more. “Cava feels like the day we opened our doors in May of 1997!” Lopez-Hollis said. The Lopez-Hollis family has deep roots in both the Montecito and Santa Barbara community, opening the pop-

“A failure is like fertilizer; it stinks to be sure, but it makes things grow faster in the future.” – Denis Waitley

ular Carlitos Café y Cantina on State Street in the late ‘70s, followed by Cava in 1997 on Coast Village Road, in what was then considered Montecito’s sleepy lower village. Carlos became managing partner of Cava back in 2004, before he and his wife, Amanda, purchased the business from the family in 2011. They also opened a Santa Ynez Valley outpost, Dos Carlitos Restaurant & Tequila Bar, in 2009, and that eatery continues to be a culinary destination in the heart of downtown Santa Ynez; it was reopened for takeout during the pandemic on May 2. Lopez-Hollis says the groundswell of local support has been overwhelming, and he looks forward to seeing the familiar faces of his longtime customer base. There will be an abbreviated menu available, which includes some of Cava’s “greatest hits”: Carne Asada a la Tampiqueña, Halibut Ceviche, Spicy Baby Back Ribs, Chile Rellenos, Mole Poblano Taco, and more, as well as the eatery’s famous margaritas, available in to-go containers when purchased with a meal. Orders can be placed via phone or in-person; a new mobile-friendly website has access to the available menu items. Cava is located at 1212 Coast Village Road; call (805) 969-8500, or visit www.cavarestaurant.com for more information.

County Releases Reopening Playbook

Last week, the County of Santa Barbara published a local supplement to the State’s guidelines for reopening various industry sectors following over two months of stayat-home orders. The Reopening in a

VILLAGE BEAT Page 434 21 – 28 May 2020

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• The Voice of the Village •

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

Community Voices LETTERS

by Andrew Firestone

Andrew Firestone was born and raised in Santa Barbara County, and is the Founder and Principal of StonePark Capital. Andrew supports dozens of local non-profit groups supporting children and family services

Ready for the Rush

ver the past 10 weeks, Santa Barbara, along with the rest of the world, has been paralyzed with fear over the scourge of COVID-19. People remain frozen in fear of venturing outside, of touching a foreign or unknown object, and in fear of coming within six feet of another person. As the medical community grapples with the disease and understanding those most at risk, our economy crumbles. Like many Santa Barbarans, my wife and I volunteer to help those most vulnerable and most at risk who live with food and/or shelter insecurity, many of whom need family services and domestic abuse prevention help. This is the time of year when my weekend is generally spent hosting and auctioneering fundraisers, trying to help community organizations raise much-needed funds. But COVID-19 has canceled all such get-togethers. It now looks as though fundraisers this fall will be canceled as well, leaving organizations scrambling to meet their budgets. These non profits work tirelessly to ensure that no family is without services and support, but are we forgetting them during this COVID-19 crisis?

There is little chance of a swift and sudden recovery given the

structural damage to our economy as our reaction to COVID-19 continues to crush local businesses. The time to act is now.

The shelter-in-place order was intended “to flatten the curve” so that our healthcare system would not be overwhelmed. The media predicted rationed medical supplies, shortages of personnel and insufficient hospital beds, but the story turned out differently: Santa Barbara’s nimble and flexible healthcare professionals reacted quickly and repositioned resources where needed. No one was denied treatment. Cottage quickly set aside portions of its hospital and prepared for a rush of COVID-19 patients. Cal Poly’s 900-bed Alternative Care Site was constructed in record time. Fortunately, as of today, there are only 10 patients recovering in the ICU. Was this an overreaction? Absolutely not. We faced a virus we didn’t understand so we prepared for the worst. Meanwhile, these past two months provided critical data to identify who was at risk for fatality and how to protect them. Months ago, we discovered that anyone could become infected and anyone could be killed by the virus. We now know the first is true but we also know that the disease largely preys on a specific at-risk group: the elderly and those with certain medical conditions. With precious few exceptions, the young and healthy remain asymptomatic or suffer simple flu symptoms. A 40-year-old with underlying medical conditions should not be lulled into thinking this is a disease of the aged or infirm, as this virus preys mercilessly on the at-risk group and we must continue to protect them. We now have tens of thousands of Santa Barbara County residents out of work and relying on government support. Each day, more and more businesses are closing their doors and leaving countless employees searching for work. There is little chance of a swift and sudden recovery given the structural damage to our economy as our reaction to COVID-19 continues to crush local businesses. Most importantly, it has created enormous pressure on countless families in our community who are already at risk, not for COVID-19, but for myriad other socio-economic issues. The time to act is now. Life is not without its risks: we make the decision to venture onto roads and highways knowing that 38,000 people will die annually in horrific accidents. We must focus on the data that identifies who is at risk and who is not. We must have the courage to venture out and protect our economy and our society. With courage, we can protect those at risk of COVID-19 fatality while not forgetting those vulnerable residents dependent on our charity and outreach. We can take measures to ensure employees and customers feel safe. I pray that our governor and local officials will take immediate steps to allow businesses to return, while sheltering and protecting the at-risk group. •MJ

10 MONTECITO JOURNAL

TO THE EDITOR

If you have something you think Montecito should know about, or wish to respond to something you read in the Journal, we want to hear from you. Please send all such correspondence to: Montecito Journal, Letters to the Editor, 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite H, Montecito, CA. 93108. You can also FAX such mail to: (805) 969-6654, or E-mail to letters@montecitojournal.net

Tribute to a Community Treasure, John Venable

t’s extremely rare to find a person that gives so much of themselves unselfishly to their community as John Venable. John was always “there” and “ready” for whatever task that lay ahead. He was the first to volunteer to help organize and videograph our first Village 4th Parade (1996 & on). Beautification Day saw John picking up trash for his community. Decorating the Community Christmas (Hathaway Memorial) Tree was a favorite task. He was a Civic superstar having been on the Board of the Montecito Association. A passion in nature and hiking, John became long term Trails Foundation President. John and I served on the Montecito Fire Protection District where he played a key roll in a variety of Director functions. Last year John was rightfully nominated to be the Montecito Village 4th Grand Marshall. Normally, the Grand Marshall has his “own” parade vehicle. John asked to be with me on my Fire Engine, I was humbled and honored! Thank you for your grace and wisdom. Our entire community will miss you! Dana Newquist

Reject the Roundabout

My sons are fourth-generation Montecito Union alumnae. It goes without saying how much we regard our community. Some time ago the County of Santa Barbara sent quite an elaborate mailer at tax-payer expense to our home. I never learned the scope of their target, but it should have reached every resident in our county. With an elaborate layout and lots of color these are the points they hope to convince us of: • Create a welcoming pedestrian feel and ease-of-use • Promote bicycle accessibility for kids to experts • Use drought-tolerant landscaping and visual improvements • Maintain a semi-rural feel for a freeway frontage road • Educate drivers to slow to 25 mph

“Biologically speaking, if something bites you it’s more likely to be female.” – Desmond Morris

John Venable RIP

around roundabout (current speed is 35 mph) My maternal great-grandparents settled in my neighborhood prior to 1900. I am quite familiar with the intersection. Beach-goers and other pedestrians will not feel welcome. (How many pedestrians do you see using the Hot Springs roundabout?) How will children and/or experts feel safe riding in vehicle lanes? How will landscaping be handled when the current visuals are unacceptable? How would a huge roundabout “maintain a semi-rural feel”? Stop signs are in place. The current speed is 0. I’m asking you and the other commissioners to unanimously reject this. It doesn’t belong in our community. Sincerely, Pamela Boehr

Different Strokes

Mr. McGinity’s comments about Ashleigh Brilliant are, in the former’s own words, “somewhat off track.” To find fault with Brilliant that he did not give any support for his thesis that there is no God is not countered by McGinity’s evidence that there is one. The jury is still out on that one. Mr. McGinity’s guess that Brilliant is unhappy seems to presume that to be happy one must have kids or grandkids. This is a narrow perception of the great world beyond Montecito, where there are many fulfilled people who have elected not to have children. Finally, that Brilliant should convert to Christianity in order to have a rewarding life is absurd. (Christopher 21 – 28 May 2020

Hitchens was by all appearances a fulfilled man.) First, why Christianity, and not some other religion? Second, not all Christians are joyful and fulfilled people. Finally can one who does not believe in God simply “convert” to Christianity and adopt those beliefs that McGinity thinks make Christians a happy people. I am pleased that Mr. McGinity’s religion and offspring have given him a fulfilled life, but as Sylvester Stone wrote: “different strokes for different folks.” Steven Gilbar Montecito

SBWCN Love

All of us are thinking about keeping each other safe during this pandemic. The wildlife among us need helping hands now as always. We are fortunate to have the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network on Fairview Avenue in Goleta. A local place to take injured or sick wildlife is so important. Several friends have discovered injured animals and have been grateful to have a local place to provide loving care for our fellow creatures. I have visited their facilities on many occasions and know first-hand of their wonderful work. As we care for each other, we need to be aware of the wildlife around us, and care for them as well. I am so proud of the SBWCN and the continuing work that they do. Tipper Gore Montecito

Remembering John

My dear friend, John Venable, once street neighbor, fellow wine lover, and Montecito ally, has passed into the other room. We shared wine, dine, and lots of good time. He was hero to me. I am a better man for having known him. Our Bistro get togethers will not be the same without him. He has left his mark on many places in Montecito: The Fire Board, The Montecito Association, The Polo Club and others. His heart was big, and his

love for Montecito was HUGE. He, as I do, always felt it outrageously cool to live in village where we can voice opinions and help the community first hand. May his legacy live on in good memory and may we carry on his traditions of service. He will be missed. Michael Edwards Montecito

Do As I Say…

On 5/12/20 while driving on Micheltorena Street northbound, I saw an incident that really disturbs me. Five police cyclists riding their bikes, not single file, but quintuple on the road, even protruding on coming traffic driving towards them, if that wasn’t bad enough, they ran a stop light, and stop sign. The police are always lecturing us about road safety. Maybe the Chief should lecture her subordinates before they hit the road. By the way, I have a witness. Thomas Carlisle

Stay Calm

The current pandemic brings back memories of 9/11 when I watched the Twin Towers crumble into dust. My office was then on the 64th floor of 30 Rock and had a clear view of the Hudson River. Someone was in my office shortly after those collapses and said to me, “Look at that!” Six helicopter gunships were moving up and down the river and over the West Side for about an hour. The following weekend we went to our home in Connecticut. My wife and I were in the yard on that Saturday afternoon with our children when we heard loud noises and looked up. Fighter bombers began swooping low in circles. The first incident was precautionary. The second was to convey confidence. Pearl Harbor was the seminal tragedy for my parents. My mother had been to Hawaii and lost friends whom she had first met when they were midshipmen and then my father began 34

years in the Navy. I remember the Cuban Missile Crisis. At a Connecticut boarding school, we were taking drills to go into the basements of our dorms because of fears of a nuclear war. My father was then sleeping for ten days on a cot adjoining McNamara’s office at the Pentagon. I also remember where I was standing in a hallway at that boarding school when learning that JFK had been assassinated. Much later was 9/11. This virus may be the seminal tragedy for the current generation. The commonality is to stay calm. Bill Loomis

Safety First

There are many reasons to oppose a roundabout at the San Ysidro intersection. Safety is by far the biggest. Empirical evidence shows roundabouts are safer and more efficient for motorized vehicles, not pedestrians and bicyclists. While they can reduce accidents for pedestrians at certain types of intersections they do not improve safety when replacing an all-way controlled stop intersection like San Ysidro. I have continuously expressed in meetings critical reasons that this roundabout cannot be put at San Ysidro. Reasons that are supported substantially from studies

that show the safety issues with a roundabout at this corner would be significant and unavoidable. During the January 9, 2020 MBAR meeting again expressed those issues in detail bringing up important points on how this intersection is consistently used by the large number of elderly residents, children going to and from school, people walking their dogs to the beach, beach goers, families with wagons and large strollers with young children in tow. As well as the handful of visually impaired residents, myself included. I brought up the data that shows drivers only yield 5% of the time at most for pedestrians who step into the crosswalk and up to 24% if the pedestrian appears blind because they either are using a seeing eye dog or cane. That is unacceptable to expect any pedestrian let alone anyone who is visually impaired, elderly and especially children to ever take such a risk. A risk they will have to take three separate times just to cross the intersection in one direction. I also shared information on unconventional shaped roundabout design. According to the FHA oval and unconventional shaped roundabouts cause driver speed to increase on straight sections and increase chance of loss of control. This puts the drivers focus on

LETTERS Page 294

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• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

Village People

Chelsea, Augustin, and Gilbert stocking the specialty display

by Nicholas Schou

The Montecito Village Grocery Family

oxy Lawler had already been in the grocery business for nearly 15 years when she and her family took over Montecito Village Grocery in January 2017. But in the last three years alone, the store has experienced not one but two once-ina-lifetime (or perhaps once-per-millennium) disasters: the devastating

January 9, 2018 debris flows and this year of course the COVID pandemic. But whereas the former event threatened to put the store out of operation, the ongoing one has been something of a boon to business. Maybe even too much of a boon, at least on aisle four. “There was a lot of hoarding in the beginning,” Roxy

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says. “Paper products are still out of whack. We haven’t had paper towels for six weeks, if not eight.” Roxy and her husband, Michael Lawler, opened their first grocery store in 2005 with a business partner in Telluride, Colorado. Three years later, they sold the business and moved to Aspen, where in 2009, they opened a high-end food village-style grocery store called Roxy’s Market. When the store succeeded, they opened another Roxy’s Market in Big Sky, Montana. Because their daughter, Chelsea Lawler, now the store’s wine buyer and manager, was attending the since-closed Brooks Institute of Photography, the couple relocated to Montecito several years ago. “We fell in love with this town and decided to buy a little place here so we could spend more time here,” Roxy says. “It’s the perfect world.” Roxy’s plan for revamping Montecito Village Grocery was essentially to continue with what the store already did well and build on that success by expanding its selection of prepared and made-to-order foods as well as wines, liquor, and other specialty items. The result is a loyal clientele of discerning local shoppers looking for healthy, daily-prepared salads and entrees, hors d’oeuvres, meats, cheeses and wines, along with a thriving lunchtime trade in sandwiches and hot meals, which appeal to both contractors and their hungry, mid-shift employees. “That’s the secret of our success,” Roxy says. “We have a hybrid formula for the different demographics you see in resort communities: graband-go meals for guys who have half an hour to get lunch but also high end products for someone who might want truffle salt with their burrito.”

Behind the counter, Tony Perocco, aka Tony the Butcher, who’s worked for the store for 37 years, is in charge of the meat. “God forbid he ever retires,” says Roxy. “I tell him I will prop him up with a stick if I have to. He’s been the consistent face of the business.” Meanwhile, in the kitchen behind the counter, cooks prepare a constantly-changing daily lineup of Mexican and American lunch specials: everything from chicken tinga, carne asada, and chile rellenos served with rice and beans (and tortillas on the side) to cheeseburgers with fries. “The five gals back there kill it,” Roxy says. Peak-time shoppers should expect a slight wait outside the store, since only a certain number of customers are allowed inside at a time, to maintain effective social distancing. That said, for added convenience, the market does offer curbside pickup. “We do get a bit of a rush at lunchtime,” says Roxy. “But I think most people feel they can come in at less busy times of day like the morning and mid-afternoon.” Just don’t show up expecting to walk out with two bags full of toilet paper. “We are still struggling to find distributors,” Roxy explains. “That’s been our biggest challenge. I don’t think it will be indefinite but I don’t know when it will be resolved.” For now, each customer is limited to one roll per trip. “Once we do get paper products in stock we try to limit the quantity,” she explains. “Hopefully it won’t last forever. I’m just grateful that we’ve been able to stay open, nobody’s been sick, and we’ve been able to keep all our employees working.” Montecito Village Grocery is at 1482 East Valley Road. (805) 969-1112. www.roxysmarket.com. •MJ

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21 – 28 May 2020

A Conversation with Cristal... Locally as we, and many states across the nation, start to emerge from the shelter-in-place restrictions, and as businesses and communities start to re -open, I thought I would take a moment to thank all those who recently supported the Cash Mob fundraiser which helped support local businesses here in Montecito. I would also personally like to thank all the organizations who work tirelessly behind the scenes to take care of another part of our community: the animal community. There are many local organizations that help support our less fortunate animal community and in these times they, now more than ever, also require our help and support. So whether you are a dog, cat, horse, bunny or other animal lover, or simply want to help, here are a few organizations that provide care to animals in need as well as animal companion therapy services for rehabilitation and support... • All For Animals: 805.682.3160

• HEARTS Therapeutic Riding Center: 805.964.1519

• ASAP, Animal Shelter Assistance Program: 805.683.3368

• K-9 Pals : 805.570.0415

• BUNS, Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter: 805.683.0521

• ResQCats: 805.563.9424

• C.A.R.E. 4 Paws: 805.968.2273

• SB County Aminal Care Foundation: 805.260.2386

• Catalysts for Cats, Inc: 805.685.1563

• SB Equine Assistance & Evac: 805.892.4484

• Cold Noses, Warm Hearts: 805.964.2446

• SB Humane Society: 805.964.4777

• DAWG, Dog Adoption & Welfare Group: 805.681.0561

• Other Resources: Petfinder.com

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©2020 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. CalDRE 00968247. * Individual Agent By Sales Volume in 2019 for Santa Barbara MLS.

21 – 28 May 2020

• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

State Street Serenade by Mitchell Kriegman Novelist Being Audrey Hepburn, Things I Can’t Explain. Creator Clarissa Explains it All and more. Writer for The New Yorker, LARB, National Lampoon, and Saturday Night Live

impending shell of Nordstrom, a hollowed-out Macy’s, and an unoccupied Staples, Downtown has at least six massive vacant structures unlikely to be occupied anytime soon. Watching last week’s City Council meeting seemed like checking in on a cranky old relative who isn’t feeling very well. This week’s meeting was livelier if more contentious which is probably a good sign. The Council has awakened. The moment of truth has arrived. Now they have to navigate the first COVIDrelated budget with transparency to build trust and take continued action while there may just still be time. A significant number of people called into the last two web-based City Council meetings explicitly supporting the preliminary opening of State Street. At the same time other voices were less than confident about the anticipated opening, wondering whether people would be socially reckless. Gathering homeless, especially in these dire times, are a worry both as a welfare issue and as a concern for business. Many question how proactive the city’s first steps are and whether it still lacks a fundamental vision – a comprehensive understanding and master plan for how to navigate the dire months ahead. Councilwoman Kristen Sneddon, in a recent interview, spoke candidly about this subject.

The Need for a Larger Vision

It’s easy to imagine a Mediterranean open plaza, like this one in Croatia, working here

or decades State Street has been the hope or bane of Santa Barbara’s existence. Today, the moment of truth has arrived as a groundswell of public opinion favors the Mediterranean town square model: closing State Street to traffic and opening up the street to pedestrians, retail and outdoor dining, in hopes of making the city vibrant again while remaining within social distancing guidelines. The City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, to allow restaurants to create “parklets,” placing tables six feet apart in front of their restaurants with planters on the sidewalks past the tables to delineate a less formal boundary. Blocks of State Street would be closed at the 500 and 1200 blocks. This initial small measure is helpful in the short term and would hopefully lead to more aggressive steps to reinvigorate Santa Barbara’s Downtown going forward. Venerable State Street has been historically important since the town’s inception when, according to the Downtown Santa Barbara Organization, saloons, dry goods stores, hotels, blacksmith shops, bordellos, adobes, feed stores, a few Victorian houses, a clock tower and even one puppeteer, lined the old dirt street. It makes you wonder what the puppeteer was up to. Were there really enough birthday parties?

“I’ve been a proponent of closing down State Street to cars since I came into office (in November of 2017). I ran on the opening of State Street as part of my campaign,” remarked the council member. “I’m all for it, but there seems to be a panic to just do something without thinking it through. We need the larger vision or at least a framework for how we discuss what that vision is.” With these immediate closures some kind of incremental change has begun. Hope has been rekindled. It would be good however to really get a sense of possibilities and whether the City will move off its presumed role as merely a regulator and fully embrace being a supporter or even a facilitator of business and initiate new progressive designs or revert to its narrower role. “Grand reopening” doesn’t mean you just spend one grand on it. Short term measures may help some merchants and restaurants but it’s not going to fill the seventy plus vacancies on State Street or even bring back the street’s February 2020 levels of occupancy. In all likelihood the new State Street will be even more empty than it was before. These new steps may be a lifeline for some but too late for many. One important way the City could breathe new life into Downtown would be to fully visualize and present a full understanding of where commerce is going, how this new iteration works and, most importantly, how we get there.

STATE STREET Page 444

Just Shy of a Ghost Town

But let’s take our Wayback Machine way back to just three months ago. Pre-COVID State Street was bleeding retail and restaurants, leaving empty storefront windows in the wake. Now, with three vacant movie theatres, the

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14 MONTECITO JOURNAL

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21 – 28 May 2020

HOME EVER H OM E IS I S WHERE W H ERE THE T H E HEART H EA RT IIS. S. NOW N O W MORE M ORE TTHAN H A N EVER M A Y YOUR YOU R HOME H OM E BE R SA N CT U A RY. MAY BE YOU YOUR SANCTUARY.

WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER DURING COVID-19 MONTECITO WATER DISTRICT IS CONSIDERING CHANGES TO HOW IT CHARGES FOR WATER SERVICE We’ve heard from our customers, who want their drinking water to come from local, reliable supplies with stable, predictable, and affordable rates. More information on the proposed rate plan is available at www.montecitowater.com.

While at this time the State of California continues to observe Governor Newsom’s Stay at Home order, we know customers are all looking forward to phases of reopening. For any buildings that will be reoccupied after a prolonged absence or water use interruption, here are some important tips:

• Buildings and large service connections such as commercial properties

• • • •

and institutions that shut down or significantly reduce water use have an increased risk of Legionella growth, low disinfectant (chlorine) levels, and leaching of lead and copper. It is recommended that these properties flush hot and cold points of use (e.g., sink faucets, showers). The purpose of building flushing is to replace all water inside building piping with fresh water. Flushing may need to occur in segments (e.g., floors or individual rooms) due to facility size and water pressure. Flush until the hot water reaches its maximum temperature. Then flush cold water for the same time frame. Further resources are available at the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/building-watersystem.html

Reminder: Customers can continue to use and drink tap water as usual. Montecito Water District is delivering water that meets the highest quality standards. California’s comprehensive safe drinking water standards include disinfection processes for drinking water which are effective against viruses, including coronaviruses such as COVID-19. Public participation is available for all Board meetings via Teleconferencing. www.montecitowater.com | customerservice@montecitowater.com | 805-969-2271 21 – 28 May 2020

• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

ON THE RECORD

Nicholas Schou

Nicholas Schou is an award-winning investigative journalist and author of several books, including Orange Sunshine and Kill the Messenger. If you have tips or stories about Montecito, please email him at newseditor@montecitojournal.net

Will Montecito Go Full Speed Ahead with Desalinated Water?

his month, roughly 4,600 households in Montecito and Summerland received a special insert along with their monthly water bill. “WATER RATE UPDATE!” the flyer declared in urgent all caps, adding that the “Montecito Water District has Plans for Delivering a Secure Water Future.” Stating that its customers “want their drinking water to come from local, reliable supplies with stable, predictable and affordable rates,” the agency announced that, effective July 1, it is entering into a long-term water sharing agreement (WSA) with Santa Barbara to purchase a portion of the city’s desalinated water. “The city’s desalination plant provides the foundation for the WSA, which will cement a regional partnership in water management and provide our customers with a flexible, drought-resilient supply at a guaranteed cost for the next 50 years,” the flyer states. The agency’s recent bill-insert assures customers that the deal is necessary to avoid dependence on unreliable and drought-prone regional sources like Lake Cachuma as well as the State Water Project, which provides water from the Feather River in Northern California to numerous water districts throughout the state. The agency’s official analysis of the water-sharing deal states that while some customers will pay more for their water with the proposed water rate changes, the majority of rate-payers –56 percent in fact – will either enjoy a decrease or see no change to their monthly bill. 73 percent of customers, they promise, will either pay less or see no more than a $20 per month increase in fees. Yet some former water district officials as well as local water conservation proponents who spoke with the Montecito Journal couldn’t disagree more with the agency’s plan. They claim the current board’s proposal is irresponsible because it commits Montecito to purchase a half-century’s worth of desalinated water, which is among the most expensive water to produce, whether the town needs the water or not during any particular year. They also worry about the fact that MWD is pushing forward with this scheme during the COVID scare, meaning that the only public hearing on the deal, tentatively scheduled for June 3, will likely have to take place via Zoom, meaning that even fewer members of the public than usual will be able to participate in any debate over the plan. Water District Board member Cori Hayman told the Montecito Journal that she and her colleagues have worked strenuously during the past several years to bring water security to what she referred to as “this side of the mountain,” in other words, without having to rely on Lake Cachuma, the State Water Project, or purchasing water from other districts further inland. According to Hayman, the overall supply and delivery over water to Montecito is complicated by the fact that Lake Cachuma is subjected to numerous delivery constraints, safeyield restrictions, downstream rights, and fisheries, all of which explains why, at the peak of the recent drought several years ago, the district was on the verge of having to approve emergency-based water rationing. Additionally, Hayman said, the State Water Project is projected to deliver no more than 40 percent of the district’s full allocation of water in future years. “I believe we received only 15 percent of our contracted amount this year,” she added. “Water supply availability was continuing to decline to the point where if the drought had continued beyond 2016 at the same severity we were experiencing, we would have been nearly 100 percent reliant on the State Water Project pipeline which has a limited capacity, about a quarter less than we were providing to our customers at the time,” said Nick Turner, the water district’s general manager. A long-term water supply agreement with Santa Barbara, he added, is a cost-effective way to ensure a local and reliable supply of water for the community. Because of the fact that Montecito will be paying up-front capital costs stemming from the plant’s original construction, a long-term deal helps avoid the possibility that once the plant has been paid off, Santa Barbara might simply end the agreement or increase the price of its water. “An agreement extending beyond 50 years would ensure the district will benefit from the plant capital costs being paid off,” he explained. Whereas the proposed deal is estimated to cost approximately $3,000 per acre foot in one year, Turner said that the State Water Project costs considerably more based on its current and projected reduced future availability. “The State Water Project costs Montecito approxi-

16 MONTECITO JOURNAL

mately $6 million per year in fixed costs, whether we are allocated all the water or not,” he said. “This year, based on a 15 percent allocation, we are paying over $12,000 per acre foot for that water.” According to Turner, the water district is investigating the possibility that it can sell any excess desalinated water to other water districts. “The district is in the process of pursuing opportunities to lease water that is surplus to its needs on an annual basis, and that will be used to offset the cost of the water sharing agreement.” Meanwhile, climate change is expected to make state water increasingly expensive and unreliable. “We expect climate change to cause more frequent droughts of longer duration. Supplies are dwindling and becoming less available every year, so having a supply in our backyard is a prudent thing to do.”

“Forget it, Jake, it’s Chinatown”

As any student of California history knows, the world’s fifth largest economy wouldn’t exist without an elaborate, century-long endeavor to harness and distribute water from lush northern watersheds to the vast agricultural fields of the Central Valley and the sprawling suburbs of the Southland. It is impossible to exaggerate the state’s dependence on this precious resource. According to Carolee Krieger, president and executive director of the California Water Impact Network (CWIN), an estimated 29 million acre feet (the amount it takes to cover an acre with 12 inches of water) falls as rain or snow in California each year. But each year that water is supposed to service 153.7 million acre feet in annual water-rights claims.

The story of water in Montecito is a long and complicated one. Although it is cloaked in environmental rhetoric, it has, at its core, much deeper issues involving the privileges of power and money, political access and the lack thereof. To understand the debate over water requires an understanding of the various constituencies in Montecito, the land on which they reside, and what lies beneath it.

The damming and diversion of water and competition over the right to its use has led to some staggering political skullduggery over the decades, chief among them the creation of the Los Angeles Aqueduct, which led to the so-called California Water Wars of the 1930s and the deliberate obliteration of Owens River agriculture, as famously depicted in the 1974 film Chinatown. Unfortunately, water politics tend to be so complicated that the general public is largely ignorant of the source of their water and unprepared to hold local officials accountable over how it is used, who pays for it, and how much. The story of water in Montecito is a long and complicated one. Although it is cloaked in environmental rhetoric, it has, at its core, much deeper issues involving the privileges of power and money, political access and the lack thereof. To understand the debate over water requires an understanding of the various constituencies in Montecito, the land on which they reside, and what lies beneath it. Beginning with this story, the Montecito Journal will be publishing a series of articles with the intention to spark a long-overdue public dialogue about the politics of water usage, reliance on regional and statewide infrastructure, drought-related insecurity, desalination, and conservation. This series will focus on several aspects of the history and politics of water in Montecito, including a contentious election over seats on the Water District Board in a town that rarely sees competitive elections. In 2018, a group called the “Water Security Team” ran a slate of candidates in a successful attempt to unseat existing Montecito Water District (MWD) incumbents while also winning seats on the Montecito Sanitary District’s board. The expressed intention of this well-financed campaign: to rectify the longstanding lack of communication and cooperation between the two agencies. Yet critics claim the effort represents a handful of wealthy campaign donors whose motive is to cement political control over both agencies. Aside from MWD’s proposed water-sharing plan, which is the primary focus of this piece, the series will also explore Montecito’s complicated relationship with other water districts as well as with the state of California, particularly the State Water Project. It will also explore the recently passed State Groundwater Sustainability Act, which required all water districts in California to regulate ground water consumption. This is a matter of particular relevance to

ON THE RECORD Page 374

“The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.” – Dorothy Parker

21 – 28 May 2020

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21 – 28 May 2020

• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

Humans of Montecito

by Megan Waldrep

Where Have You Lived in Montecito?

“M

y husband and I were fortunate to live at El Mirador, the old Armour estate, on Coast Village Road. The owners had been there since 1916. In fact the grand dame, Lolita Armour, just passed away a couple years ago. You would go in on a Friday after work, close the gates, and you just didn’t leave until you had to on Monday morning. It was just packed full of history. Walt Disney would come visit, Charles Lindbergh would ride with Los Rancheros Visitadores. It was just a magical time. El Mirador was 70 acres at the time, before it was divided up, and you could roam through the Japanese gardens. It was totally great with the owners if you had a party, as long as they were invited. You were happy to be allowed to bring your friends up there because it would be hard to describe what it was like if they never set foot on the property. [Where we lived], it was called the “old farm building.” At night, the peacocks would be up in the trees for safety. We would throw the windows open and the silhouettes of the peacocks, with all of their feathers handing down against the starry night, was really a mystical feeling. Behind those big gates was an incredible experience.” Trish Davis Montecito History Committee •MJ

18 MONTECITO JOURNAL

MISCELLANY (Continued from page 6) Come Here Often? The late Hollywood icon Kirk Douglas, who died in February aged 103, was “a flirt to the very end,” says his Oscar winning son Michael Douglas, 75. The former Montecito resident says Kirk, who also had a home in our rarefied enclave, was constantly teasing him and trying to flirt with his Welsh actress wife Catherine Zeta-Jones, 50. “There wasn’t anyone like him,” Michael tells the TV show Entertainment Tonight. “There’s another generation, that was the great generation, post-World War II... and dad was one of a kind. “I think he’s very happy. I know he takes particular pride – not so much in whatever I worked with and I’m doing with the Motion Picture Television Fund – but I know he loves Catherine and the work that she’s doing. “He always used to tease me. We would call him up and he would be like ‘Enough with you, let me talk to your wife.’ He was a flirt until the very end.”

Keeping it Clean Santa Barbara’s Surf’s Up Bath Company, which manufactures sanitizer and bath products, has launched a new FDA compliant alcohol-based hand sanitizer, with ten per cent of the inventory donated to COVID-19 relief. In conjunction with the launch, 1,000 bottles of hand sanitizer are being donated to the local non profit One805 in an effort to support COVID-19 relief, with the product being distributed to first responders and frontline providers serving highrisk roles throughout Santa Barbara County. “We are thrilled to bring this product to market at a time when it is needed most and give back to those protecting our community,” says Brooke Hansen, company director. “The support of local purchases has allowed us and our entire community to pay it forward. “We look forward to future partnerships of this kind as we ramp up manufacturing.” Stepping Down After nearly 40 years of service, Peter Jordano, 85, has retired from the board of directors of Montecito Bank & Trust. Peter is chairman and CEO of Jordano’s, the 105-year-old Santa Barbara grocery distributorship. “He has been an integral part of our growth to today’s nearly $1.8 billion in assets,” says Janet Garufis, the bank’s CEO. And, from a personal point of view, I always enjoy seeing Peter, a most

“Never doubt the courage of the French. They were the ones who discovered that snails are edible.” – Doug Larson

Peter Jordano retires from bank board

affable individual, and his Swedish wife, Gerd, at the myriad charity events we frequently attend. Having Hope

Proceeds from the limited edition Hope Bear go to United Way Worldwide fund

Beanie Baby billionaire Ty Warner’s limited edition multi-colored Hope Bear, which I wrote about in this illustrious organ last month, has been donated by the hundreds to children served by CALM and Storyteller Children’s Center, with 100 per cent of proceeds from sales going to the United Way Worldwide fund. “The world needs hope and this little bear just might bring us the smile we need right now,” says Ty, 75. “It is an honor to partner with United Way Worldwide, the world’s largest nonprofit organization, which has been providing hope to communities around the world for over 135 years.” CALM deals with childhood trauma and abuse, while Storyteller’s center is a year-round therapeutic school serving homeless and disadvantaged toddlers and preschoolers. Hot List Despite the doldrums created by the pandemic, Los Angeles billionaire Rick Caruso is smiling after Conde Nast’s Traveler listed his Rosewood Miramar hotel on its 2020 Hot List, 21 – 28 May 2020

Rick Caruso’s hotel garners top travel accolade

one of the hospitality industry’s most esteemed awards that honors the best newly opened and renovated properties around the world. Based on the firsthand experiences and reviews of the glossy’s distinguished editorial team, the tony 161room hostelry is the only Left Coast resort to be honored, demonstrating its prized positioning in the region. Getting the Gang Back Together Montecito actor Christopher Lloyd, Michael J. Fox, and Lea Thompson recited famous lines from the classic

Christopher Lloyd reunites with cast on YouTube (photo by Gage Skidmore)

Back to the Future franchise in an epic Zoom reunion. Superfan Josh Gad orchestrated the reunion on the latest episode of his YouTube series, Reunited Apart, where he also brought on Montecito writer-director Robert Zemeckis, Elisabeth Shue, singer Huey Lewis, and composer Alan Silvestri. Christopher, 81, and Fox, 58, were the first to get back into character as The Doc and Marty McFly, reciting lines from the blockbuster films.

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MISCELLANY Page 354

Matthew Pifer, MD

CO LD WE LL BA NK E R RE ALT Y

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805.967.9311 matthewpifermd.com MONTECITO JOURNAL

Ernie’s World

by Ernie Witham

Ernie has been writing humor for more than 20 years. He is the author of three humor books and is the humor workshop leader at the prestigious Santa Barbara Writers Conference.

Walk On. And On. And On...

ot much opportunity for exercise right now. Gyms are closed. Yoga classes are cancelled. Swing dance lessons have gone dark... “Oh, ah, umpf. Someone turn on the dang lights willya?” So, we head to the great outdoors and we walk until our motivation starts to wane. “You can do it. Just pretend there is a giant refrigerator at the end of the block full of free beer.” “Domestic or imported?” After eight weeks, my wife and I had walked our neighborhood so many times that little things started bugging me. “Fuchsia? Who paints their fence fuchsia? And that juniper needs a prune. And why in the world do you have a lawn if you are never going to mow it?” So, Pat suggested we try some new spots, like More Mesa, a huge piece of property with lots of crisscrossing footpaths, including some right along the edge of sheer cliffs. “Great. As soon

as I plummet to my death, I’ll probably find out my lottery ticket won.” “That’s ridiculous,” Pat said. “But just in case, where is that ticket?” Next day, Pat suggested we drive to Nojoqui Falls Park. “I’ll bet the falls are running pretty good after all the winter rains. You can bring your camera. Get some award-winning photos.” “Hm. I could use some fame and fortune right about now.” The place was eerily empty. We parked at the trailhead. There was a sign warning about the possibility of mountain lions on the trail. “If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run, do not stare into its eyes, and if attacked, fight back.”

The place was eerily empty. We parked at the trailhead.

There was a sign warning about

the possibility of mountain lions on the trail. “If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run,

do not stare into its eyes, and They say “he who sits on a fence gets splinters.” Still, it beats mountain lions.

if attacked, fight back.”

“’Spose the mountain lion will care if I wet myself first?” We saw a big guy with a dog heading up to the falls. We followed him – at a safe social distance, of course. As we got close to the falls, there was a sign saying to go no further because of the possibility of landslides. “Perfect,” I said, as we skirted the sign, “free burial with a nice view.” Turns out we didn’t see a single mountain lion or any new landslides and the falls were beautiful. “I wasn’t really worried you know?” “I know,” Pat said. “But can you walk in front of me now instead of behind me? You keep stepping on the

Montecito Landscape is celebrating 50 years of creating beautiful gardens!

heel of my shoe.” A few days later it was suggested we walk around Sheffield Reservoir on Mountain Drive. “Half-mile-wide paved loop,” Pat promised. “Easypeasy.” “Huff, huff. How many loops have we done now?” “One... quarter of a loop.” “What are the early signs of a heart attack?” And now Pat has found a new spot: The San Marcos Foothills Preserve, near Route 154. There are other cars, which is good. I’m not one of those people who wants to go off into the wilderness alone for months at a time to “find myself.” The other good news: no warning signs for mountain lions, bobcats, bears, or large deer with anger management issues. “Wow! Look at all this mustard grass,” Pat said as we began walking. “It’s so yellow and taller than we are.” “That will make it impossible to find us when we get lost.” “We can’t get lost. There are trails.” I turned around to face Pat. “I used to get lost all the time in the woods of New Hampshire. It’s pure luck that I’m here with you today.” I tripped, automatically grabbing for any kind of support, taking Pat down with me. I looked at the ground. It was full of ruts caused by mud from the recent rains. “Guess we’d better turn back. This could get dangerous.” “Excuse me!” An older gentleman trotted by jumping athletically from side to side to avoid the ruts. “Beautiful day, huh?” “Look, there is a smoother path on the other side of this fence.” Pat climbed over. “Come on.” I threw one leg over, straddling the fence. “I think I’m stuck.” Pat grabbed my shoulders and pulled. My other leg came up to a ninety-degree angle and briefly I looked like a posing ballet dancer. Me and Mikhail Baryshnikov, I thought. Then I toppled over, again taking Pat with me. “You know, I’ll be glad when things stabilize and my gym opens up again.” “Me too,” said Pat. “Me too.” •MJ

THE FIRE SEASON IS COMING.

Thank you Montecito for helping us live our dream! Fill your garden with joy. – Chris and Lisa Cullen

If you are interested in supporting an aerial firefighting service that can help provide additional aviation assets for the Montecito, Santa Barbara area please email Dave@Intl-EmergencyServices.com or call 805 925 0999 extension 100. Paid for by IES LLC.

20 MONTECITO JOURNAL

“I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that I don’t know the answer.” – Douglas Adams

21 – 28 May 2020

Brilliant Thoughts

Body Wise

by Ashleigh Brilliant

by Ann Brode

Born London, 1933. Mother Canadian. Father a British civil servant. World War II childhood spent mostly in Toronto and Washington, D.C. Berkeley PhD. in American History, 1964. Living in Santa Barbara since 1973. No children. Best-known for his illustrated epigrams, called “Pot-Shots”, now a series of 10,000. Email ashleigh@west.net or visit www.ashleighbrilliant.com

Ann Brode has been an Aston Patterning practitioner and body-oriented therapist in Santa Barbara for over forty years. A recognized master in her field, Brode writes down-to-earth, compassionate articles on the challenges and rewards of living consciously in the body. She is the author of A Guide to Body Wisdom- What Your Mind Needs to Know About Your Body.

Nobody Knows My Toes

ost of us have twenty digits, but the upper ten get nearly all the attention. Once we’ve outgrown the days of “this little piggy goes to market,” the lower ten are usually hidden in some protective footwear, and little account is taken of them – until something goes wrong. The classic case of something going wrong is narrated by Edward Lear in his immortal epic, “The Pobble Who Has No Toes.” This reckless creature, who “had once as many as we,” scoffed at the idea of losing them all, especially since he had his own special safeguard: “His Aunt Jobiska made him drink Lavender water tinged with pink, For she said, ‘The World in general knows There’s nothing so good for a Pobble’s toes.’” I will not sadden you with the tragic details of his loss – but I fear they may cause you to have doubts about the effectiveness of lavender water, tinged or untinged. But while we’re exploring these remarkable protuberances which fringe our feet, it seems worth noting that they are the only parts of the body which can be stubbed – and that it is only the owner of the toe who can do the stubbing. (Now, be honest – you’ve never heard of a person stubbing somebody else’s toe, have you?) But toes do have their legitimate role to play in our culture, particularly in the world of sports, where “toeing the line” is so important at the start of a race that the expression has come to have metaphorical significance, indicating acceptance of the rules – whatever the context – and generally (but not always willingly) conforming to group standards. Sometimes it’s expanded to “toeing the party line” – but be careful not to confuse this party line with the telephonic one – or you might trip over it. Speaking of sports, our toes also have the distinction of being subject to a disorder apparently so common among people athletically inclined that it’s been named in their honor: Athlete’s Foot. They share this questionable type of accolade with aficionados of some other sports, who have given the world Tennis (and Golf) Elbow and Swimmer’s Ear. Lest anyone feel left out of this discussion, I should also mention that, 21 – 28 May 2020

besides those who engage in various sports there are also the victims of certain other occupations and activities, who have expanded the nomenclature of suffering with their own maladies – such as Housemaid’s Knee, Traveler’s Diarrhea, and Writer’s Cramp. (The latter, of course, since writing with a pen is no longer fashionable, has now given pride of place to various computer-related disorders, which however, have failed to give us any name more romantic than “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.”) But not all such occupational associations need be negative. Have you ever heard of “Lawyer’s Jaw”? – probably not, since I just made it up. But I based the idea on a verse from the poem “You Are Old, Father William,” in Lewis Carroll’s “Alice In Wonderland.” In this dialogue, a young man asks his aged father how he was able to eat some almost unchewable food. “ In my youth,” said his father, “I took to the law, And argued each case with my wife; And the muscular strength, which it gave to my jaw, Has lasted the rest of my life.” But, getting back to our pedal extremities – considering how little they are seen on the stage of daily life, it’s remarkable what an active part they play, so to speak in the wings. It would be hard to invent new expressions as meaningful as “getting a toe-hold” (a term which appears to have derived from wrestling), “keeping on your (own) toes,” or “treading on (someone else’s) toes.” And when it comes to doing something very carefully and quietly, where would we be without the idea of “walking on tip-toe”? Then there are those unfortunate people who for some reason are unable to use their hands, and have to rely on their toes to serve as fingers. You may have heard of Christy Brown, whose autobiography My Left Foot, (which became a film) tells how, despite the extreme handicap of cerebral palsy, he was able to become a celebrated artist. In view of such inspiring stories, I’m sorry to tell you that, in terms of evolution, we appear to be losing our toes, starting with the little one, which, in a few million years, may be gone altogether – and you thought we had nothing in common with the poor Pobble! •MJ

A Moving Inspiration

he past few weeks of suspended routines, social isolation, and uncertainty have been tough on us and a challenge for our bodies. Regrouping at home and grappling with the full scope of health and financial considerations is a full-time job with lots of scary variables. Even such basics as shopping for food and pumping gas can feel complicated and threatening. My poet daughter-in-law calls this “the underlying thread of dread.” Moreover, the angst of it all ends up in the body. You feel it as an oppressive presence whenever you need to relax, focus, or find inspiration. So in order to negotiate the emotional upheaval of the COVID quarantine, it’s important to know how to let it go and let it flow. From the body’s point of view, it’s natural to lock down and armor up in response to an unexpected, unprecedented threat. This shows up in varied and personal ways – a clenched jaw, knotted stomach, tight butt, scrunched eyes, and so forth. Knowing where you carry stress establishes a reference point for letting it go. Of course you want to be on guard. But you also want to be resilient, resourceful, and ready. Like weeds in your garden, when uncertainty and worry get a foothold, they need to be found and uprooted. Take a moment right now and feel your body: where are your stress hideouts? Once you locate the tension, you can implement basic body mechanics to loosen its hold and get moving again. Here’s how this works. Find a tense place in your body and move the bones and tissues under and around this area to free up your local muscles and get circulation flowing. For instance, if your jaw is clenched, move it softly and slowly, open and closed, side to side, forward and back. No stretching or pushing; just intentional but easy. Glide your tongue around the surfaces of your teeth. Gently stretch, pout, and pucker your lips. Mobilizing your bones and tissues is a good way to undermine the message of being on guard, anywhere in your body. For your shoulders: lift, rotate, shrug, slide, and shake. For your legs and hips: roll, jiggle, sway, and swing. Remember that moving loosely and fluidly sends a positive message to your brain that all’s well and life is good.

Get Up and Boogie

The best way to counter emotional-mental lockdown is to get your body moving. Get off the couch, turn off the computer and phone and tune in to your body. Whether you dance, get on the treadmill, march around the house, or take a walk outside, the important thing is to get yourself moving. Instead of using your energy to talk, figure, plan, and rehash, use it to be physical. Instead of fretting and feeling stir crazy, shift your attention to the mechanical brilliance of your mobilized body. Develop an easy cadence, swinging your arms and legs to disengage both physical and emotional tension. Not only is this cross-crawl motion relaxing, it balances the brain and brings the body into harmony.

Getting Your Bearings Can Help You Bear It

Once you get the rhythm going, expand your sensory awareness to include the space around you. Hear the remarkable repertoire of a mockingbird, smell the blossoming citrus. Feel how your feet touch the ground. Allow hope to filter through as you observe the miracle of springtime and the greening of our mountains. The truth is, any time events challenge equilibrium, your moving body will help you regain both composure and balance. Like a guided meditation, being centered in your body is a good way to be present in the moment and connect with a larger Truth. Tuning in can give you the comfort of perspective and even be inspiring. For instance, on a recent walk, I had the thought that we’re all witnessing a life-changing moment together. A moment that’s as transformative as seeing the “blue marble” photo of planet Earth in 1972. Like then, we see clearly the beauty and vulnerability of our precious earthly home. Perhaps, on the other side of this worldwide time-out, our global collective consciousness will be different. And as the philosophers presaged, we will know that all are ONE. Then, as one, we will seek and find ways to solve our existential problems. •MJ

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

The Way It Was

Potter Tales: Genesis

A letter to the editor opined that the Sousa concert at the Opera House would have been better if the venue had been “better suited to proper rendition of concert music”

by Hattie Beresford

The Lobero Theatre stood at the edge of Santa Barbara’s Chinatown. Lobero’s Theatre Saloon was next door, and next to it was a Chinese boarding house and tong. (Courtesy Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

hen Jose Lobero expanded the old adobe Sebastopol schoolhouse and created his Opera House between 1871 and 1873, Chinatown was already established on the first block of East Canon Perdido Street. At that time, the street was nothing more than a narrow dirt track and an article from November 1873 stated, “This narrow and disagreeable street, … now a Chinese quarter, between State and Anacapa streets, is soon to be widened; thus making the way to the theater agreeable instead of offensive.” “Soon” apparently meant several years and many complaints to City Council before the street work was actually completed. While improving access to Lobero’s theatre, the new 60-foot-wide street also aided several Chinese business establishments. In 1877, six such businesses advertised in the Morning Press, as did Lobero’s Theatre Saloon and G. Latourrette’s wine and liquor business and bar. On Canon Perdido’s southeast corner with State Street stood John Hubel’s Brewery Saloon. Despite the improved street, the theater’s location in Chinatown remained distasteful to many Santa Barbarans, partially due to the presence of gambling and opium dens. Many people

Ms Beresford is a local historian who has written two Noticias for the Santa Barbara Historical Museum as well as authored two books. One, The Way It Was: Santa Barbara Comes of Age, is a collection of articles written for the Montecito Journal. The other, Celebrating CAMA’s Centennial, is the fascinating story of Santa Barbara’s Community Arts Music Association.

believed that Chinatown should not be so close to the respectable State Street business area. Pressure to move the district dated from as far back as 1887, when one writer reported that the “pest spot” of Chinatown in the otherwise beautiful city of San Jose had been torn down and removed. He felt this act was worthy of emulation by other cities, implying Santa Barbara should be one of them.

safety, comfort, and acoustic issues continued to plague the venue as much as its location. An article in February 1902 spoke of an unnamed group who had been busy for several months planning to erect a new opera house on State Street and of an unnamed Eastern architect who was drawing the plans. The writer believed it would be completed before the new Potter Hotel was open for business. The summer of 1902, however, passed without any further news

of a new theater. In October, a letter to the Morning Press expressed frustration with the lack of progress, saying that a new opera house was as necessary then as it had been a year ago, but no one was working on it because no one was willing to invest in the project. The writer suggested that the music and drama lovers of Santa Barbara should form a stock company and build it themselves. “The need for a new playhouse was apparent Tuesday

Quest for a New Opera House

The Lobero Theatre was barely 29 years old when a campaign to build a new opera house saw the light of day. Over the years, the Lobero had seen many lessees and several waves of renovations and improvements, but

The proscenium arch of the Belasco inspired the Potter’s proscenium. Note the asbestos curtain. Milo Potter offered to contribute one to the new theatre if it were named “Potter” (Courtesy Bill Counter)

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“I was born to make mistakes, not to fake perfection.” – Drake

21 – 28 May 2020

The new design of the Potter Theatre was based on the 1904 Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles, which once stood at 337 South Main Street (Courtesy Bill Counter) Father Villa’s St. Aloysius Band pose in their brand new uniforms before a concert at the Potter. Notice the entry behind them, the candy store on the right, and the entrance to lodging in “Modern Rooms” to the left, and next to that door, the ornate entrance to the saloon with the sign, “No minors allowed.” (Courtesy Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

evening,” he wrote. “Sousa gave a delightful concert, but it would not have been less delightful had the place been better suited to proper rendition of concert music.” The pressure mounted, and the Chamber of Commerce gave Santa Barbarans a Valentine in 1903 when it announced they would soon open subscriptions for a new theater and

A worksheet for calculating revenue using the seating plan for the Potter Theatre (Courtesy Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

already had promises for 25-30 thousand dollars. They estimated the cost for constructing the new theater would be $60,000, and that it would be completed in several more months. Once again, further reports were not forthcoming. Plans flickered and fluttered

WAY IT WAS Page 264

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Monday - Friday 10-4pm Saturday 10-2pm 805-969-2284 Wear a mask and walk through the side door on East Valley Road. We have a BIG SALE going on as well! We are so excited to see you! “Spread Love Everywhere You Go” – Mother Teresa

The controversial Potter drop curtain shows several blank spaces for advertisements, but not everyone had been cowed by Mrs. Christian Herter’s petition. It’s not surprising, however, to see the Lagomarsino’s name on three of the ads. Note the intricate proscenium arch, which is similar to the one at the Belasco. (Courtesy Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

21 – 28 May 2020

• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

Spirituality Matters by Steven Libowitz “Spirituality Matters” highlights two or three Santa Barbara area spiritual gatherings. Unusual themes and events with that something extra, especially newer ones looking for a boost in attendance, receive special attention. For consideration for inclusion in this column, email slibowitz@yahoo.com.

Qigong Gets Back to the Garden

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arpinteria Qigong/tai chi teacher Jessica Kolbe was one of the last to shut down in personal classes, only giving up her gatherings that were fighting the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing on Carpinteria State Beach when the statewide stay-at-home orders became official in mid-March. She’s been offering online classes ever since, with the more than half a dozen choices featuring at least one free workshop every week (this week it’s an hour of Healing Qigong for Strength and Joint Health) to let prospective students try her out on Zoom at no cost. So it only seemed like things were coming full circle to hear that Kolbe is among the first to take advantage of the relaxing of stay-at-home standards and the slow re-opening of the economy by starting to teach live Qigong/Tai Chi classes with real people, albeit outdoors, once again. The new meetings take place every Thursday at 10 am in the large garden at the Carpinteria Woman’s Club, where Kolbe confirms that participants will practice social distancing while communing with actual nature as well as our internal natures. Participants are also required to wear masks during the session. “Qigong has practices for getting through all of life’s ups and downs, while Tai Chi helps to bring life back into balance and harmony,” writes Kolbe, whose clients include people with Parkinson’s disease, Lewy Body Disease, cancer, dementia, chronic pain, arthritis, balance issues, depression, compromised lungs, and other conditions. The classes cost $18 per session, with discounts for 5- or 10-class packages. Meanwhile, most of Kolbe’s online classes have been recorded and reformatted for airing on TVSB, Channel 17, community access, which now airs her workshops up to seven times a day. And Kolbe Santa Barbara City College summer online class “Tai Chi Easy™” starts Monday, June 1, at 11:30 am. Visit www.QigongSB.com, email JessicaKolbe26@gmail.com or call (805) 705-3426.

Socially Distant Ecstatic Dancing

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Also taking to the great outdoors this week is the Santa Barbara Ecstatic Dance Co-op, which features music programmed by members of the community who are encouraged to express themselves through their choices of songs, rhythms, and beats. Its last dance took place at Divinitree Yoga studio the first Friday in March before bowing to the pandemic. Now host Michael Love has announced a pilot ecstatic dance in person for this Friday, May 22, at 6 pm, at the big meadow at White Rock Los Padres off Paradise Road, opposite White Rock Recreation Area. Dancers should follow the trail to the center of the meadow and find a spot to get your groove on – either on the trail or somewhere in the wild grass – either way respecting proper social distancing of keeping at least six feet apart from other people who are not in your household. The plan is to put a speaker in the middle of the meadow and stage a 90-minute dance as the sun sets. “This is more of a flash mob than an organized dance,” according to the public Facebook event page, and attendees should take care of their own needs regarding water, clothing, etc. “Let’s come together to celebrate our love and good fortune and dance it through our bodies, hearts and souls as we are able to at this moment.” Visit www.facebook.com/events/243347886769817. Meanwhile, Santa Barbara Dance Tribe, the granddaddy of the local ecstatic dance community having celebrated its 15th birthday not long ago, continues to meet online via Zoom in its regular time slot of 11 am to 1 pm on Sundays. Up to 70 or more dancers have been showing up each week, moving and grooving with each other from home via the miracle of online meetings, and most of the participants keep their cameras on to create a strong sense of community. Visit www.sbdancetribe.org for details.

SEL Out Online

SBCC School of Extended Learning’s summer session got underway earlier this week, but it’s never too late to join the ongoing classes, particularly now that all of their offerings are online. Among the selections in the Spirituality, SelfManagement and Psychology sections are beginning and intermediate sections of “Nature and Self-Healing,” where students can explore the local trails via photos and streaming videos and interact with instructor Rodger Sorrow via Zoom; “How Meditation Helps: Mindfulness in Everyday Life”; “Enhance Your Life with Mayan Astrology”; and “Messages from the Ancestors, Wisdom for the Way.” Visit www.sbcc.edu/ExtendedLearning for details and registration. •MJ

“If you think nobody cares if you’re alive, try missing a couple of car payments.” – Earl Wilson

21 – 28 May 2020

Library Mojo

by Kim Crail

Kim is the Branch Lead of the Montecito Library. Questions or comments? Contact her: kcrail@santabarbaraca.gov

Picking a Winner

“W

hat do you recommend? What should I read next?” At the library, it is easy to see what’s new and in demand, hear rave reviews or scathing critiques. I feel like I’m in the know, surrounded by booklovers. With this lengthy library closure, I thought it might be useful to share some “from home” tricks to help find your next literary score.

Appealing or Appalling

If you want to get down to the nitty-gritty about this topic, check out Novelist’s “The Secret Language of Books: A Guide to Story Elements” found online. You can browse by style of character, pace, storyline, tone, and writing style – even create your own mix of preferences. They also have a wonderful section on genres. (Police procedural, anyone? Yes!) Skim this and confidently use the Novelist database, which is accessible from the SBPL website with your

21 – 28 May 2020

library card. You can also just search the library catalog for the last good book you enjoyed. If you go to the “More Information” button and scroll way down, you will find suggestions for other titles and authors to try. This can be a great tool for finding books for children and teens, too.

Good Old Word of Mouth

In a rare “out in the world” interaction (at the beach, from a shouting distance), a friend and I exchanged recommendations. Hers was The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes, which she said touched on serious issues while being a very enjoyable book about librarians. Mine was The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson about a blue-skinned, yes, blue-skinned, packhorse librarian in Kentucky. As it turns out, the books had both been released in 2019 and were

My kids, missing school and the library, but making the best of it

embroiled in a juicy controversy over plagiarism. There’s a waitlist for The Giver of Stars so if you are interested in reading it (right now!) like I am, give Tecolote Book Shop a call at (805) 969-4977.

Reading for Wellness

We all know that exercise, fresh air, healthy food, water, and keeping in touch with loved ones can make quarantine life more manageable. I would argue that having some nice books to escape into is more attainable for some of us. Books are also a needed reprieve from screens and social media. They

• The Voice of the Village •

relieve stress and can transport you to a time before the quarantine or ahead to a hopeful future. Whatever you are reading, watching, or listening to, I hope that you are getting what you want these days. Whether it’s for entertainment, education, comfort, or relaxation, please reach out if you need anything. All public libraries remain closed, but the Central Library has staff in the building to answer questions and fulfill requests for book delivery by mail. Staff is available Monday through Thursday 9-6 and Friday 9-5:30 at (805) 962-7653. I’m still helping at the Public Health Department in Epidemiology, but I am checking work emails and would love to hear how you’re doing. Be well, Library Friends. You are important and dearly missed! •MJ

MONTECITO JOURNAL

WAY IT WAS (Continued from page 23)

for almost three more years, dying down to ashes and then banked again into a small flame. Then on January 25, 1906, the newspaper headline exclaimed “MODERN OPERA HOUSE FOR SANTA BARBARA WILL BE ERECTED SOON – Property Has Been Purchased and Work Will be in Progress in the Very Near Future – Milo M. Potter is Interested.”

Breaking Ground

The new theater would stand on the southwest corner of State and Montecito streets. John Lagomarsino, pioneer Ventura resident, farmer, banker, and owner of the Lagomarsino Theatre in Ventura, spearheaded the project along with four other investors. Lagomarsino had business interests in liquor and wine distribution in Santa Barbara. S.L. Shaw of Ventura, who had designed and built Lagomarsino’s theater, was given the contract for the new opera house. He based his design on the 1904 Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles. Now that things were really moving, Contractor Augustin L. Pendola broke ground on February 23. Peter Poole was hired to do the stone foundation work from which would arise a three-story brick building fronting on State Street. Much of the work would be executed by, and the materials supplied by, local businesses. The 10,000 bricks needed per day, for instance, were manufactured at the Coleman brickyard on Milpas Street. Each of the upstairs floors contained eight large rooms with baths for lodging which were leased to a hotelier to manage. On one side of the entry, a grocer set up business, and on the other, a saloonkeeper established a bar. H.A. Rogers, manager of the Santa Barbara Opera House (Lobero), leased the new theater for three years and endeavored to manage them both. As the new theater approached completion, the plan for the proposed drop curtain ignited an inferno of protest. The curtain was to have advertising on it! Many Santa Barbara theater

J ARROTT

The Potter Theatre was not rebuilt after the 1925 earthquake, but a comparison of this photo with that of the Belasco shows its simpler but similar design. One odd difference was the lack of symmetry between the left and right sides of the building. (Courtesy Santa Barbara Historical Museum.)

lovers believed that a model, up-todate theater should not be cheapened by advertisements. Members of the Women’s Club took up the matter, and Mrs. Christian (Mary Miles) Herter, whose home later became the exclusive El Mirasol Hotel, gathered signatures for a petition pledging non-support of any business that advertised on it. The names on the petition read like a list of Who’s Who in Santa Barbara

society of the day. A few names, which may still be recognizable today, were Gould, Hazard, Fernald, Stow, Spaulding, Eaton (Arts and Crafts artisan) and, with Franceschi, Southern California Acclimatizing Association, Doulton (Miramar), Hollister, and Oliver (Rocky Nook Park). The Morning Press published 78 names and said there were “many others.” It was to no avail, however, for after much discussion the Potter

CO.

Finally, the Potter Opens

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26 MONTECITO JOURNAL

directors decided to go ahead with their original plan. Construction delays, and perhaps the protests, had pushed the official opening to January 29, 1907, but when that first audience filed in they found a thoroughly modern theater where comfort and safety and convenience were paramount. Between the main floor with six loges and four stage boxes and the upstairs balcony and gallery, the theater seated 1,175 people. Many of the seats were upholstered and there was a comfortable waiting room for the ladies. Many emergency exits and a fire resistant asbestos curtain, donated by Milo Potter in exchange for naming the theater after his hotel, insured safety. One of the most striking features was the proscenium arch that framed the stage. It included ornamental staff work and real paintings, statues, and studies in bas-relief.

Perhaps the only remaining photo of the “Broilers.” These girls were garbed in authentic gridiron gear and played a real game on stage.

“To err is human; to admit it, superhuman.” – Doug Larson

For its gala opening, the Potter presented the musical comedy The Umpire, featuring the same cast that had played over 350 wildly successful nights in Chicago, where its catchy music and “the most agile and graceful group of little dancing beauties that ever did a jig-step,” had entranced Windy City audiences for nearly a year. With book and lyrics by Will M. Hough and Frank R. Adams and music by Joseph E. Howard, the rather zany plot centered on an umpire whose egregious baseball call brought down such venomous threats that he 21 – 28 May 2020

Laboratory Manager Carole confirming it is fully disinfected (Sources: contemporary newspaper Since 1962, the Montecito District has b articles;Sanitary 1907 and 1913 Theater Guides; ancestry.com sources; losanglelestheMontecito’s wastewater. The District’s certified labo atres.blogspot.com by Bill Counter; biographical monitoring information fromusing vari- t local environment by continuous ous internet sources; Plie Ball! Baseball District’s well‐maintained facilities and award winnin Meets Music and Dance on Stage and Screen by Jeffrey M. Katz, pp 40-41; day, 7 days a week. If you have any questions call Ge California: A History by Andrew F. Rolle.) •MJ

St. Anthony’s College, and “legitimate theater” was represented by Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. That month, the stage was lit for 15 out of 28 days. Faced with this abundance of competition, the old Santa Barbara Opera House (Lobero) soon fell into decline and after several years was rarely used. Ultimately, it would arise phoenix-like from the ashes in 1924, while the Potter would succumb to the Earthquake of 1925. Though brief, the Potter years were not without import

and influence on the future of music and drama in Santa Barbara. Next time: Glory Days at the Potter

Murray and Mack were old friends to the Santa Barbara stage and on February 12 played at the new theater in town. Their musical comedy company boasted 40 people, mostly girls. (Library of Congress)

was forced to flee to Morocco. By officiating an all girls’ football game there, he finds redemption and love. Throw in eight new songs, including “How’d You Like to be an Umpire,” lots of dancing, and a real football game between the girls, and the play was a smash hit. Though the paper enthused about the christening of the “finest theater” in the West and the entrepreneurial energy that had made it a reality, they also admitted the audience was not so large as it could have been. They blamed the weather, but only two of the 78 prominent citizens who signed

the petition against the advertising curtain attended. They were Louis Stott and his wife, Ethel, who was “strikingly gowned in a crush strawberry creation.” Never-the-less, the Potter was suitably launched and quickly became the theater of choice, offering a steady stream of entertainments each month. During that first February, its lights were rarely out, as it brought such varied acts as McIntyre and Heath’s vaudeville company, for whom W.C. Fields was a principal member. Community theater was represented by the annual production of

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION – PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15072

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: The Montecito Sanitary District is proposing to design, construct, and implement the proposed Development Plan Projects. The Development Plan Projects consist of the construction, operations, and maintenance of: (1) a recycled wastewater treatment system; (2) essential services building and parking lot; and (3) five solar structures with panels. In coordination with the Montecito Water District, the recycled water produced from the recycled wastewater treatment system would be used to irrigate the adjacent existing Santa Barbara Cemetery. The use of recycled water for the irrigation of the cemetery will allow the cemetery to cease use of potable water for irrigation purposes. All project components would be located either within or adjacent to the existing Montecito Sanitary District facility in the unincorporated community of Montecito, at 1042 Monte Cristo Lane. As the CEQA Lead Agency for the proposed Development Plan Projects, the Montecito Sanitary District has conducted an Initial Study of the potential effects of the proposed projects, and determined, in light of the whole record, the proposed projects would not result in a significant impact on the environment. MSD has determined the following issue areas would require mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts to a less-than-significant level. •Biological Resources •Cultural Resources •Transportation

•Tribal Cultural Resources •Utilities and Service Systems

As previously noticed on the District website, the 30-day period for public review and comment on the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration began on May 5, 2020. All comments must be submitted by June 5, 2020. Please address comments on the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration as follows:

WENDY GRAGG

Development Plan Projects Attn: Carrie Poytress, P.E., Engineering Manager Montecito Sanitary District 1042 Monte Cristo Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93108

Luxury Real Estate Specialist for Nearly 20 Years

Email: cpoytress@montsan.org A copy of the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration and all documents referenced therein are available for review on the MSD website (https://www.montsan.org/).

805. 453. 3371

Lic #01304471

21 – 28 May 2020

Luxury Real Estate Specialist

• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

FOWL PLAY

At the site of the ducks’ nesting area are SBWLC Volunteer and graphic artist Violet Cota, SBWCN Director of Communications Claire Garvis, and Mt. Carmel’s Groundskeeper Mario Mondragon (photo by Priscilla)

by Gretchen Lieff Gretchen is founder and president of the Lutah Maria Riggs Society and Davey’s Voice, both Santa Barbara 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Gretchen sits on the board of the California Water Impact Network and is vice president of the board of the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network. She is a former board member of the Granada Theatre and the Coral Casino Membership Committee.

The Great Montecito Duck Caper Nesting area at Mt. Carmel Church where mother duck and her three hatchlings and eight other eggs were taken (photo by Priscilla)

onday morning… animal rescue phones at the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network ring endlessly. Breathless callers trying to save a wild life, Samaritans rush in babies of all shapes and sizes; fawns from the Gaviota Fire, Red tail fledglings, bunnies and squirrels and pelicans and racoons and hummingbirds and on and on and on… Cars pull into our cramped parking lot at the end of North Fairview, delivering boxes and towels swaddling adorable and terrified babies… some near death. Baby Season at the Center is a challenge but this year much more so...

28 MONTECITO JOURNAL

as humans isolate from COVID-19, resurgent wildlife has kept our volunteers busy, leaving full-time staff overworked and exhausted. Still… every animal at Santa Barbara Wildlife Care is treated with utmost care and professionalism. On this particular Monday the wild baby triage is particularly intense when the call comes in from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Montecito. A mommy duck with three ducklings and seven eggs is nesting precariously along an outside wall of the church parking lot. Dangerously near the rush of East Valley Road. Our phone volunteer tells the concerned Church Lady we will send somebody though apparently there’s no imminent threat. Duck 101 teaches us that ducks often choose terrible places to make their nests. However duck etiquette requires we always leave the mama in the nest until all her eggs have hatched… and then relocate Mother Duck and her nest and its precious contents to a safer spot. It was only natural that the Network’s “Duck Mamas” were dispatched to go to the Church and check things out. Spring Baby Season is notorious for producing a huge volume of orphaned ducklings and our designated Duck Team “mothers” some dozens of ducklings in various stages of development. The little feathered babies need to be watered, fed and happy. Their comfort is our imperative. We take duck work with utmost seriousness. It’s late afternoon when our Duck Strike Team arrives at Mount Carmel to take the matter “under our wing,” assuring that the nest, the momma

duck and her eggs/ducklings are “safe and secure.” The “Church Lady” directed us to the large parking lot along East Valley Road to a particular oak tree. “Go ahead and take a look… but the ducks are no longer here… they were taken away by your wildlife person.” What? “We thought it was somebody with your Wildlife Care Network… they came and took the ducks away.” Gone? … but… we didn’t take them… nobody from the Wildlife Network took the ducks. The Church Lady shrugs. (We refer to her as “Church Lady” because she doesn’t want her name used in this article.) A thorough inspection of the site indicates the duck napping culprit is not a predator. There is no sign of carnage… no eggshells… nothing. The scene is scraped clean of evidence… except for some of the mother duck’s soft down on the oak leaves where her nest used to be. All evidence suggests the ducks have not flown the coop… but rather have been carted away. Heartbreaking... “She must have been terrified to have someone just come along... and grab her as she helplessly nests with her ducklings and unhatched eggs.”

Who Would Do This?

A check with the Wildlife Center confirms the likelihood of “fowl play”… determining that the duck nappers were not affiliated with our Center in any way. So… where… why and how… could 11 ducks disappear from beneath an oak tree at Mount Carmel Church? Church parish member Maribel Jarchow offers her opinion in the church parking lot; “The ducks were nesting over there under that tree… there was water for them… that’s all I know. We were told the Wildlife people were coming to get the ducks. And now they’re gone and Wildlife says they don’t have them.” So the question is, where are the ducks? Would someone really steal ducklings from a church?

“Never have more children than you have car windows.” – Erma Bombeck

Well, What do YOU Think?

“I hope some good-hearted soul took the duck and the babies… because there are babies involved here… that’s all I can say. That’s all I know.” There sure is a lot of interest in these ducks… and lots of concern on social media. At a time when so many of our problems seem insurmountable, maybe there’s solace in a small mystery we might actually solve. Mount Carmel Church Father Lawrence Seyer was kind enough to allow us to post our signs on church property and offers, “I really enjoyed having the ducks here… I enjoyed hearing them and having the mother fly around and quack. It’s also very interesting how many people have commented on the signs... People who may have seen the ducks. Folks really care about wildlife in this town… which is great.” We post missing duck flyers around the neighborhood and on social media as word of the duck caper spreads. So far, no leads… You can’t make a quack about ducks in this town without getting advice from Penny Bianchi; “How about checking with people who have ponds on their properties?” Days pass and it’s Sunday evening. We’re enjoying a glass of wine with an early dinner about to watch 60 Minutes. Frankly it’s been a full weekend of ducks and, just when I think I can’t take another quack, two things happen; a huge male mallard makes a cannonball dive into our pool and the phone rings; “There’s a mother duck and a bunch of ducklings walking down East Valley Road. Can you go check it out?” No hesitation. Donna M alerted the Wildlife Network that the ducks were walking along the south side of East Valley Road… between the library and Cota Road. We race there in the approaching twilight. Could this be the missing mother and her ducklings?… To Be Continued… •MJ 21 – 28 May 2020

LETTERS (Continued from page 11)

the unfamiliar roundabout and not pedestrians who might be wanting to cross. To add to the safety issues, the highest times for pedestrians traffic are also during the peak times for commuters. With the roundabout there will be a constant stream of cars no longer required to come to a complete stop at the intersection like there is now giving all the pedestrians the chance to cross safely. After speaking at the meeting Mr. Rubalcava confirmed “there is nothing Ms. Wills brought up that we contest,” but still the roundabout moves forward at the expense of pedestrian safety. I urge everyone who has not attended these meetings to listen to them on line. This roundabout is to serve commuters during the freeway construction. That is why this roundabout must be done prior to the freeway widening and reinstallation of the southbound onramp at Cabrillo which Caltrans admits will reduce congestion 60%. To pose such significant risk to pedestrian safety to increase the intersection LOS current level E, not F like claimed, to only a D, not B like claimed, makes zero sense! This project severely violates the Montecito community plan. I’m honestly taken back, saddened, and shocked that our community and the fierce community members who have always worked so hard to protect Montecito are even allowing this. I love being from here and it’s more than because of its beautiful location and great weather. I love how special Montecito is and it wouldn’t be this with without the handful of residents who have worked so hard to continue to keep this wonderful little community small and special. The intersection would benefit from better pedestrian crossings but that can very easily happen with a painted cross walk and

without a roundabout. Speaking for myself, someone who is now legally blind, and lives next to this intersection I depend on my ability to walk to have some sort of independence. After this roundabout is done I lose that. Even the best designed roundabouts in the country have yet been able to solve the issue for visually impaired users, even with any of the crossing methods being considered by the county for this roundabout. This is not a time to waste tax dollars in this country or state. Mimi Wills

General Skullduggery

A few days ago, a letter signed by various officials of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI was made public in Washington, D.C. calling upon U.S. Atty General William Barr to resign over his efforts to have all charges dismissed relating to disgraced Lt. General Michael Flynn. I felt honored to have been asked to be one of the signators on that letter. As readers may recall, Flynn was appointed as Trump’s first Director of National Security (DNI), though he had been fired by President Obama based upon prior evidence of him being untrustworthy and a possible threat to our national security. Shortly thereafter, Flynn pleaded guilty to Federal felony charges of lying to the FBI during the investigation into Russian interference in in the 2016 election to bolster Trump’s election. Specifically, he falsely denied having had certain conversations with Russia’s Ambassador to the U.S., Sergei Kislyak, during which Flynn promised Russia the removal of various economic sanctions against Russia if Trump was elected U.S. President.

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Contributors Scott Craig, Julia Rodgers, Ashleigh Brilliant, Sigrid Toye, Zach Rosen, Kim Crail Gossip Richard Mineards • History Hattie Beresford • Humor Ernie Witham Our Town Joanne A. Calitri Society Lynda Millner • Travel Jerry Dunn • Sportsman Dr. John Burk • Trail Talk Lynn P. Kirst Account Managers Sue Brooks, Tanis Nelson, Casey Champion Bookkeeping Diane Davidson, Christine Merrick • Proofreading Helen Buckley Design/Production Trent Watanabe Published by Montecito Journal Media Group, LLC PRINTED BY NPCP INC., SANTA BARBARA, CA 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 H, Montecito, CA 93108. How to reach us: Editorial: (805) 565-1860; Sue Brooks: ext. 4; Christine Merrick: ext. 3; Classified: ext. 3; FAX: (805) 969-6654; Letters to Editor: Montecito Journal, 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite H, Montecito, CA 93108; E-MAIL: tim@montecitojournal.net

21 – 28 May 2020

Flynn also pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI over his receiving and not disclosing payments from the government of Turkey, and for not registering as an agent of a foreign government as required by Federal law. Flynn was one of the top Intelligence officials in the U.S. military before his retirement and was fully cognizant of all such laws and registration requirements. As is usually required in the Federal Court system, for the Federal Judge to accept his multiple guilty pleas, Flynn was required to describe in his own words what he had done in violation of those laws, and he did so eloquently. His words matched the proof that Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation and the FBI had already professionally uncovered. There is no question of Flynn’s guilt on these charges, and no question that there was a solid basis for the national security investigation that led to his convictions. Flynn was represented by one of the top law firms in the country was given ample time over multiple opportunities to defend himself against the charges but declined to do so, further substantiating his guilt. The former Chief of DOJ’s National Security Division, Mary B. McCord, who had been directly involved in the Flynn case, even went so far as to accuse AG Barr of distorting one of her reports in that case to help justify dropping the lying charge against Flynn. McCord described it as “disingenuous for the department to twist my words” to support the motion for dismissal, and not an accurate reflection of what she had stated. She also rebuked DOJ’s assertion that the lies told by Flynn to Federal investigators were immaterial and the FBI Agents had no legal basis for questioning Flynn about them, thus precluding any prosecution. Ms. McCord contended that the FBI had sufficient reason to question Flynn and his answers were pertinent to their investigation into Flynn’s conversations with Russian Ambassador Kislyak, purportedly to influence the election. It should be noted that Flynn also admitted lying to Vice President Pence about the same conversations. Barr’s motion to dismiss does not hold water – or even vodka – in this case! As a former senior FBI field executive, I joined with over 2,000 Justice Department prosecutors and other FBI officials in signing this letter. Some of the DOJ officials who had been directly involved in the Flynn prosecution resigned from the case after Barr announced his plans for dismissal. Among those of us signing the letter, there is little question that Flynn was clearly guilty and the case was properly and professionally handled and charged within the stringent requirements of Federal laws and criminal procedures, just as recounted

• The Voice of the Village •

by Mary McCord. There were some internal administrative irregularities during the FBI’s Russia investigation, but absent any political motivation, they would not have risen to the level of a case dismissal. The only disagreements to that fact seem to be emanate from Barr, Trump, Flynn and his current lawyers, and Trump’s political supporters who have no independent knowledge of the case but when commanded to “jump”, merely ask “How high, sir?” Being a friend and supporter of a president is not a “get out of jail free” card. The Federal Judge handling the case is a hard-liner and solid speculation exists that he will not accept Barr’s and DOJ’s motions and will refuse to dismiss the case based upon the overwhelming evidence and Flynn’s multiple guilty pleas. The judge would be on firm legal ground in denying that dismissal. Previous to this current administration, the Rule of Law was the guiding principle of our democracy and our system of justice. Our beloved country was founded upon its precepts, and I am proud to have had a role in defending that principle for over fifty years. It must prevail against all enemies, foreign and domestic! The people of America deserve nothing less. Thomas R. Parker Former FBI Agent Santa Barbara •MJ

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

NOSH TOWN

by Claudia Schou

Santa Barbara’s ban on dine-in service has many proprietors re-thinking the art of carry out, offering family-style meals, produce boxes from local farms, and assemble-at-home kits. As restaurant owners and chefs grapple with uncertainty, we asked them to share their specials and new offerings with our readers. SWEET WHEEL FARM & FLOWERS’ PUT IN A BOX AND GO MEALS

CA’ DARIO PIVOTS WITH FAMILY MEALS TO-GO

ticky buns with Fuji apple and softened banana filling and savory snail rolls made with garlic and white sage are just a few novelty items on display on Sweet Wheel Farm & Flowers’ 15-foot mobile cart, parked in an empty lot across the street from Summerland Beach Café. Owner Leslie Person Ryan restocks the cart every morning with fresh fruit, vegetables, wildflowers and locally-made specialty foods made from her garden or nearby soil. “Customers aren’t allowed to touch the items on the cart, they just point to it and we put it in a bag or a produce box,” said Person Ryan, who credits her love of farming to her early years living on a lemon ranch in Upland, California. On a recent Saturday there was a long line of customers standing six feet apart next to wood barrels that served as waiting stations. At the front of the line customers snapped up artichokes, spring onions, cauliflower and yellow carrots along with fresh herbs such as English thyme, tarragon, white sage, cilantro, a variety of chili peppers and bay leaf, with price points ranging from 50 cents to $6. Follow Sweet Wheel Farm & Flowers on Instagram.

BECOME YOUR OWN SUSHI MASTER ASSEMBLY KIT

ired of taco night? Change up your pandemic dinner routine with Santa Barbara Fish Market’s Assemble Your Own Sushi Kit. Make your own artful sushi with fresh sushigrade options such as Scottish salmon and Canadian ocean trout ($19.95 lb) to ahi tuna ($17.95 lb), hamachi yellow tail from Japan ($24.95 lb), shrimp ($19.95 lb), and roe (2 oz for $3.95). About a pound of each selection will feed four people, according to SB Fish Market General Manager Laszlo Nemeth, who added that fish bowls and hand rolls are fun and easy to make at home. The sushi kit costs $55.60 and includes all of the essential staples such as 4.4 lbs of sushi rice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ponzu sauce, toasted seaweed nori sheets, bamboo rolling mats, wasabi tubes, pickled ginger and sesame seeds. Order for home delivery or curbside pickup by calling (805) 965-9564.

ring a taste of northern Italy home from Ca’ Dario’s new dining outpost at 1187 Coast Village Road, which offers the same rustic northern Italian-style dishes that has made Chef Dario Furlati’s casual and low-key Santa Barbara eateries popular with locals and visitors alike. Chef Furlati’s cooking style (more broth and wine and less tomato) has earned the seasoned chef accolades over the years (most notably at Pane e Vino and Tre Luna in Montecito), but none compare to the satisfaction he receives from serving his clients in good times and tough times. “We want to give our customers a break from the kitchen [during the pandemic]. Some meals make hard times less difficult,” he said, adding that his kitchen is stocked with fresh pastas, sauces, soup and freshly-baked breads daily. To provide comfort to diners’ palates, Furlati created a family meal package available for carryout and curbside pick up. The menu is a la carte (between $20 and $70) with four generous servings. To view the entire menu or place an order, visit www.cadariorestaurants.com.

EPICUREAN SB TO HOST IMPRESSIVE & EASY COOKING DEMO

iscover pandemic cookery in an hourlong Zoom class titled “Impressive & Easy” with Epicurean Santa Barbara Co-Founder Amy Baer Robinson, who will demonstrate culinary techniques for three easy recipes that will amaze loved ones you’re quarantining with and even yourself! Featured recipes

TASTING NOTES WITH BOUCHON SOMMELIER/GENERAL MANAGER ERIC HANSON

30 MONTECITO JOURNAL

rewer-Clifton has been a stalwart since the mid-‘90s. In fact, there has never been a time since bouchon opened in 1998 that the Santa Rita Hills winery has not been featured on our wine list! The single most important attribute I look for in a wine, no matter the varietal, is balance. The fruit, acid, alcohol, body, and tannin all have combined seamlessly in order to provide a quality wine experience that works in concert with our menu. Brewer-Clifton winemaker Greg Brewer crafts arguably the most consistently excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Santa Rita Hills. A fastidious technician, Greg masterminds every aspect of vineyard management through harvest. This includes the mildly controversial stem-inclusion process when, done correctly, delivers brilliant structure for Pinot Noir. The use of stems layers in smoothly silkier tannins than you get from just the grape or “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss

include No-Knead Artisan Bread & Focaccia with blue cheese chive butter, Easy Beef Carpaccio with homemade aioli, pickled mustard seeds, farm greens with Spanish olive vinaigrette and Chocolate Bark 2 Ways. Participants may arrange curbside pick up for their demo kit box of ingredients in advance along with wine pairing suggestions. A zoom based culinary demo will take place on May 26th at 6:30 p.m. The event fee and demo kit is $42 for members. For information about membership, visit epicureansb.com, or email info@epicureansb.com. •MJ barrel and, when coupled with the right acid and body, delivers a perfectly balanced wine. I recommend the 2016 Brewer-Clifton Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills as the ultimate wine pairing for our signature duck dish. Our signature dish at bouchon is a duck duo that features maple-glazed breast and confit of thigh. The accompanying succotash is a savory and luscious combination of butternut squash, sweet corn, fava beans, and leeks. Finished with a Port-thyme demi-glace, the dish pairs beautifully with a full-flavored Pinot Noir, lean Grenache, or lighter Syrah. •MJ

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GRUBHUB JUICERANCH. COM • The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

On Entertainment by Steven Libowitz

Chalk it Up! I Madonnari Street Painting Festival Persists During Pandemic

treet painting artists have been compared to masochists, in that their hobby of drawing with chalk on the sidewalk has become an obsession, back pain and sore knees ignored in a mission that is exhibited annually on the pavement in front of the Santa Barbara’s Old Mission during the I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival held every Memorial Day Weekend. This year, of course, that endeavor had to be canceled in deference to sheltering in place to combat the coronavirus pandemic. But all is not lost. Instead the assorted artists will have to display their drive and determination to mix colors and pastels to render huge images on the ground on the driveways of their own homes. “I love the festival at the Old Mission, but that just wasn’t possible this year,” said Children’s Creative Project Executive Director Kathy Koury, who created the festival and the concept of sponsored street paintings as a fundraiser for the nonprofit and produced the first local festival way back in 1987 after seeing a street painting competition in Grazie di Curtatone, Italy, the village where the nearly 500-year-old tradition still thrives. Early Italian street painters were vagabonds who would arrive in small towns and villages for Catholic religious festivals and transform the streets and public squares into temporary galleries for their ephemeral

Steven Libowitz has reported on the arts and entertainment for more than 30 years; he has contributed to the Montecito Journal for more than 10 years.

works of art, often of the Madonna, which gave the tradition its name. Santa Barbara’s event – which also features three days of nearly nonstop music on a temporary stage on the lawn of the Mission’s plaza as well as food booths and crafts sales along the perimeter – has spawned similar festivals in more than 200 cities throughout the Western Hemisphere, but this year, the progenitor of the process has had to move to an online presence only. The way it works is that festival artists will use chalk pastels to transform their pavement canvases into compositions painted from

photographs or their own imagination, while visitors can view the daily evolution of the street paintings on the festival website, Instagram, and Facebook by following the hashtags #imadonnari, #iMadOnline2020 and #ChildrensCreativeProject. This year’s featured street painting – which usually occupies “center stage” just beneath the steps of the Mission – will be a reproduction of a piece by Thomas Hart Benton. The 12’ x 50’ painting will be created by longtime I Mads artists Sharyn Chan, Ann Hefferman, and Jay Schwartz, with the assistance of Emily Hefferman, in a secret location off-limits to the general public. A new “Chalk for Kids” event will let children create drawings on their own driveways – or the sidewalk, if they’re bold – and also share their creations on Instagram using #ChalkOn2020. Through the sponsorship of Village Properties, free chalk will be distributed via social distancing between 9 am and 1 pm on Saturday, May 23, at the drivethrough parking lot at the corner of State and Micheltorena streets. Those who like to see silver linings among the clouds might consider that the ephemeral nature of chalk drawings – which are at the mercy of the elements as well as foot traffic – might be even more poignant this year as the COVID crisis has brought the fragility of our existence into the

forefront of the mind. Then again, this year’s drawings will live on forever in cyberspace.

May Day for LeMay

Festival artist Jennifer LeMay, who started street painting with chalk for I Madonnari in the festival’s second year in 1988 and has missed only a handful of I-Mads over the ensuing 32 years, is joining nearly 60 other artists in creating works in her own driveway to celebrate the Memorial Day Weekend event. We caught up with her last weekend to see how COVID might be changing her approach. Q. So this is different, huh, doing a street painting festival from home? A. This is very different. But at least we’re doing it. For a while, we thought that the festival would just be canceled. The prospect of not having it was sad, but then the staff at CCP came up with the idea of us doing it from home and having us take pictures, do some progress photos, tag each other on social media and post photo galleries. Everybody was like, wow, that’s a great idea. A lot of artists jumped on board and we’ve got quite a few sponsors, too. So we can still have art this year, and a festival that’s the main fundraiser for the year for CCP. Obviously it’s pared down, but a lot better than not having one at all.

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Jennifer LeMay’s collaborative street painting from a few years back

“I drink to make other people more interesting.” – Ernest Hemingway

21 – 28 May 2020

stand at the foot of the driveway and talk to me. I noticed you say paintings instead of drawings even though chalk is the medium. Some artists call them drawings but I do think of them as paintings because we’re pushing color pigments around too. There’s no liquid, it’s a dry medium. But it feels more like a painting when you’re done. But we’re still mixing colors and everything else.

The image Jennifer LeMay is working from for this year’s painting

Or maybe in some ways even better: You don’t have to drive anywhere, try to beat everyone for a place to park, nobody keeps interrupting you with questions, and your snacks and drinks and some shade are just steps away. Yeah, in terms of conveniences for the artists it’s absolutely easier. All my stuff is here, my supplies. Anytime I want to take a break I can just hop inside. But of course it’s not social and you’re not seeing people and doesn’t have the whole festival feel. So you’ll miss the camaraderie and crowds? Oh yeah. It definitely won’t have that same energy, and we love when people ask us questions and come by and talk with us. But we’re trying to have as much energy as we can by posting online and commenting on each other’s photos and encouraging each other as things come together to recreate that feeling as much as possible. We’ll be checking out what everybody else is doing on Instagram or Facebook and making comments, tagging people. It’s kind of like the other years when we’d be hanging out on the Mission steps at the end of the day after painting all day, we’ll be at home doing the same thing, only remotely. At least, where I live I can sort of hear the Mission bells in the distance, so I will feel a little bit like I’m there. What’s your design for this year? Can we have a sneak preview? I’m working from a photo I took of Matilija poppies, those really tall white flowers that are indigenous to here and in Mexico. They look like a giant fried egg. They’re in full bloom right now all over the place, and when we rode our bikes down Channel Drive toward Butterfly Beach a couple of weekends ago on a gorgeous 21 – 28 May 2020

sunny day, we saw a lot of them with the ocean in the background. I took a bunch of photos with my phone – the bright white with a yellow center against the blue ocean. There are some other red flowers in the background, too. And of course there will be a hummingbird in there, which I’ve always done over the last few years. How is it to think people will only see it virtually? I haven’t really contemplated that very much. Of course it’s always more fun to see it in person. But I’d rather do something even if people will only see it virtually than not do it at all. The real thing of course is much better. You can walk around, take a look from different angles, see the progress in real time whenever you come by rather than just when I take photos. What about live streaming? That would be closer to reality, right? I don’t know. Maybe other people will do that. But it’s too much to think about. You have to worry about where the camera is situated, and the lighting, and the angles. I’m going to have an umbrella because our driveway is in bright sun, and that makes the lighting really tricky. It seems like it would be another layer of stuff that’s too complicated… But I am thinking about a time lapse series if we can borrow a GoPro camera which would capture more of the process. I heard at one point there was the thought of putting out a map so people could drive around and see the drawings, but that isn’t happening. Yeah. The whole point was to not have people congregating. So we couldn’t do that. But I have neighbors who know I’m going to be painting on my driveway and I imagine some of them and others who walk by might

One more thing before we go: I’m looking ahead to after the weekend, and I’m thinking you might be a little hesitant to go for a drive if it means you’re going to be the one to mess up your own painting this year. Sheltering in place is hard enough, right? That’s a really good question. I was worried about it at first myself. But it turns out our driveway is big enough that I can do an 8x8’ square on the upper part by the garage door, and there’s still plenty of space in front of it so I can park in the driveway without having the car touch on the painting.

Kickin’ it with KITP

The Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics has streamed more than 30 hours of videos of events by KITP’s visiting scientists since it launched the series of curated talks from its archives in mid-March. New videos are added each Wednesday, with a recent week’s interesting entries including “Welcome to Your Brain: Why You Lose Your Car Keys but Never Forget How to Drive & Other Puzzles of Everyday Life” from Sam Wang of Princeton University, and “Uncovering the Nature of Dark Matter with Stellar Streams in the Milky Way” from Ana Bonaca, Institute for Theory and Computation at Harvard University. The series also recently featured a talk about the science behind the infamous Montecito mudslides and debris flows – that seems like eons ago in the middle of our “new reality,” doesn’t it? – from Douglas Jerolmack, professor in the Departments of Earth and Environmental Science and Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics at the University of Pennsylvania, dating from March 28, 2018. Visit KITP’s YouTube channel to see the videos.

larly-themed Fiddle Convention and Festival, which still has high hopes of holding its event in the fall. Instead, Topanga has had to migrate online, or rather make that morph, as the festival itself was canceled. In its place, however, organizers have announced the First (hopefully not annual) Virtual Gimme Shelter Contest, a virtual performance competition that aims to keep the connections going while also giving budding performers a chance to show off their developing skills. “Folk music has always been a way to express challenging times, and we are hoping to get through the next few months with a renewed sense of unity and strength,” the statement said, adding that the virtual event is being produced “in the spirit of folk music, and its rich history of perseverance.” Anyone can enter, as long as they follow the rules, including recording the video during this COVID-19 quarantine and following appropriate physical distancing regulations for collaborators who are not cohabiting. “The video does not have to be fancy. We are judging your performance, and not filmmaking capability. But… if you would like, dress creatively to reflect the times. You can use pajamas, hats, hazmat suits, etc.” Videos should also follow the guidelines of the original – read in-person – contests in the areas of music, songwriting and folk dance. There is no contest registration fee. In the truly laid-back stance of a folk festival, the rules say that the winners will be announced as soon as the categories are filled up and the judges submit their scores of the performances. Get all the details online at www. topangabanjofiddle.org. •MJ

Ooh, oh, Gimme Shelter

In the pre-pandemic era, last weekend would have marked the Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival’s 60th annual event, a downhome acoustic instrument extravaganza that is rivaled around these parts only by Santa Barbara’s own simi-

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MEET THE TEACHER by Sigrid Toye, Ph.D. Ms Toye is a former L.A. Unified School District teacher and has worked as an educational-behavior therapist in private practice since 1979.

Megan Soderborg – MUS 4th Grade

Melody attends a Zoom class

Megan Soderborg and family

n this time of housebound confinement, fashion face masks, and six-foot social distancing, it’s impossible to pay a visit to the excellent schools I’ve grown to love in Montecito and Santa Barbara. Like a Broadway theatre on a Monday night, the lights are out and everything’s dark! Parking lots are vacant, students with backpacks loaded with books and homework are nowhere in sight, and the empty playgrounds are longing for recess and outdoor fun. That doesn’t mean, however, that nothing is going on. Not by a long shot! How do I know this, you might ask? My little… well, not so little anymore, fourth-grade granddaughter who attends Montecito Union School told me all about it: how she studies at home seated at a work space, designed especially for her, as she continues to prepare for the elevated status of a fifth grader in the fall. With the aid of her computer and the courtesy of Zoom (now the planet’s most popular website) she is able to communicate in real time with the other students in her class and her own teacher assisted by a fourth-grade teaching team. Having started my working life as a teacher, I was naturally curious. How does something like online teaching actually work for a classroom of elementary students? Online college courses I can understand, but elementary school… not so much. With MUS Superintendent Anthony Ranii’s blessing and assistance I was able to find out for myself how the new school-wide teaching method

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came to be. And, most importantly, how it is facilitated at the fourth-grade level. Megan Soderborg, my granddaughter’s fourth-grade teacher, was kind enough to take the time to talk with me. “Our fourth-grade teaching team works in collaboration according to their specialty, in effect teaching all of the subjects in my class,” summarized Soderborg. The team decided to strategically divide the planning of core subjects – reading, writing, math – by teacher. Dividing the workload in this way ensures higher quality experiences for students and makes the workload more manageable in this very unique environment. All fourthgrade teachers teach the core subjects in their own classroom during the Zoom classroom sessions as well as provide feedback on student work turned in through Google Classroom. Each teacher writes a guide to assist kids to finish independently after Zoom meetings using a variety of online platforms, along with Google Classroom’s easily accessible digital resources. Adding to that, the fourthgrade team meets weekly to prepare and evaluate, via Zoom of course… how’s that for teamwork and prep? Creating an interactive school day within the confines of each student’s home via computer was the vision. “We wanted to set up something that felt like school with structure and time for work and play,” Soderborg explained. The fourth-grade schedule begins in the Zoom virtual homeroom at 9 am with early blocks for core cur-

riculum followed by workshops for reading, writing, and math. Included is a block for specialist opportunities such as science, PE, art, music, and Spanish, plus a half-hour recess with a break in the middle of the day for lunch. “Our program remains a work in progress and we depend on feedback from parents and their children as we continue to evaluate the effectiveness of our online teaching methods,” stressed Soderborg. “Our entire community working together has always been the key to any successful program during challenging times, and this one is no exception.” The MUS experience of having to adjust and relocate during the Thomas Fire and the deadly debris flow in 2018 in Montecito most assuredly served as a forerunner for this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, the pandemic and consequent school closures came as a surprise to everyone. “It was like being hit on the side of the head,” Soderborg recalls. “This all happened in the time before Spring Break and we had no idea how long it would last – maybe a couple of weeks, we thought.” However, informed by the past and the uncertainties looming ahead, the school administration and staff sprung into action. During Spring Break Soderborg and other faculty members investigated the Zoom platform and preparations were being made for the possibility that school might actually not open on campus. The Monday after the break teachers were given a two-day crash course in Zoom and time to plan what Distance Learning would look like in this new reality. On the third day, Wednesday April 1, Zoom became the new classroom and an innovative chapter of online instruction began. “And this happened so fast!” exclaimed Soderborg. “Fortunately MUS has an energy and enthusiasm that is catching. It is, and always has been, a supporting community... it’s just in the air you breathe here,” she continued. “That’s why we’ve been able to mobilize in the way that we did because, simply put, we are working in a collaborative

“How many people here have telekenetic powers? Raise my hand.” – Emo Philips

space.” Soderborg emphasized that the mission of the school has always been based on how best to benefit the student: the collaborative atmosphere innate at MUS and the support of the parents made the quick transition to online teaching possible. “I can’t emphasize enough how grateful I am for our amazing, supportive parents who are also working from home while trying to raise and help educate their own children!” Soderborg understands both sides with three small children of her own, ages six, four, and (gasp!) 20 months. A native Santa Barbarian, Megan Soderborg attended San Marcos High School where she and her future husband, Jeff, were students. She earned a degree from Boston College and after his graduation from UCLA, the couple rejoined and eventually moved to the Bay Area for law school during which time she taught Kindergarten and fourth grade. With the prospect of starting a family on the horizon and two sets of grandparents in Santa Barbara, the couple contemplated returning to the South Coast. In anticipation of the move, Soderborg applied for the position at MUS. “When I applied I didn’t think something like that could ever happen,” she recalled with a happy tone in her voice, “…but it did, and I’ve been here ever since… and never looked back!” Seems like a lot of other people are happy, too! The collaborative atmosphere that pervades Montecito Union School only underscores Megan Soderborg’s words. That spirit is unmistakable and radiates from the administration to the faculty and staff. It is hard to imagine that the MUS community has experienced a series of catastrophic, almost Biblical, events within the short period of two years. But as a result, it has not only survived, but thrived. Congratulations and thanks Montecito Union School for the success of your Distance Learning program, and to Megan Soderborg and the entire fourth-grade team. No wonder my granddaughter Melody is such a happy fourth-grade camper! •MJ 21 – 28 May 2020

MISCELLANY (Continued from page 19)

Sightings have been suspended during the coronavirus, given the social distancing edict from California governor Gavin Newsom. They will return when the restrictions have been lifted.

Taken Too Soon

Given the coronavirus pandemic, Montecito Miscellany is going on hiatus through the fall when, hopefully, some semblance of normalcy resumes. Have a good summer – and, most importantly, be safe. Pip! Pip! Readers with tips, sightings and amusing items for Richard’s column should e-mail him at richardmin eards@verizon.net or send invitations or other correspondence to the Journal. To reach Priscilla, e-mail her at pris cilla@santabarbaraseen.com or call 805-969-3301. •MJ

Rocker Dave Crosby in mourning (photo by Glenn Francis)

My condolences to Santa Barbara rocker Dave Crosby whose son, Beckett Cypher, 21, has died after struggling with opioid addiction, The musician, 78, was the sperm donor for singer Melissa Etheridge and former partner, Julie Cypher, and addressed the tragic passing in several short messages on social media, saying that he’d taken an active part in Beckett’s life. Ups and Downs Santa Barbara warbler Katy Perry has been battling “waves of depression” while being pregnant with her first child by English actor Orlando Bloom amid the coronavirus pandemic. But the former Dos Pueblos High student, 35, looked far from down in a new photo she posted on Instagram to promote her latest single “Daisies.” “Sometimes I don’t know what’s worse, trying to avoid the virus or the worries of depression that comes with the new norm,” she said. Hopefully the news that ABC has renewed American Idol for a fourth season, on which Katy is one of three judges, will cheer her up. What Stinks? It wasn’t exactly the sweet smell of success for Montecito actress Gwyneth Paltrow when a detractor left a barrow-full of manure outside the front door of her London Goop store. The heap of animal excrement was tipped on the sidewalk outside her shop in oh-so trendy Notting Hill attracting flies and making passing pedestrians smelling the most unpleasant aroma. The Oscar winner, 47, opened the store in 2018, but, fortunately, it is currently closed because of the coronavirus. Escaping the Palace Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal exit is getting the Lifetime movie treatment with the network announc21 – 28 May 2020

John Venable R.I.P. (photo courtesy J’Amy Brown 2012)

ing its third film about the couple’s life together. Tentatively titled Harry and Meghan: Escaping the Palace, the film will chronicle the events surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s infamous decision to step down as serious working royals. No casting has yet been announced. Staying Home, Staying Safe Former TV talk show titan Oprah Winfrey, 66, has cleared her schedule through the end of the year because of the coronavirus pandemic. “I don’t think it’s gonna be safe to be in large group settings until the virus is over in every form,” she said on Oprah Magazine’s Instagram Live. The cancellations include personal plans, as well as including events like O Magazine’s 20th anniversary party. “I will not be leaving these gates this summer,” she added. “I might poke my nose out in the fall, but I’m gonna wait and see.” Remembering John On a particularly sad note, I mark the passing of John Venable, 80, a former Grand Marshall in the Montecito July 4 Parade, where I am a regular as King George III. For 16 years he was a member of the Montecito Fire Protection Board and a

longtime president of the Montecito Trails Foundation. He will be missed. Rest in Peace, Roy On a personal note, I remember Roy Horn, partner in the iconic Las Vegas act, Siegfried & Roy, who has died from the coronavirus aged 75. I was in the desert gambling mecca in 1997 for the opening of a New York friend, Marc Packer’s Harley Davidson Cafe, attended by a host of celebrities, including Burt Reynolds, Jon Voight, Stephanie Powers, and Pamela Anderson. I stayed nearby at Steve Wynn’s Mirage, where the dynamic duo performed with their white Bengal tigers and lions for more than 30,000 shows, and decided to check it out. At the time I was an anchor on the CBS syndicated show Day & Date and the usher moved me from my table in the middle of the auditorium to the front, which was particularly unnerving given I was just feet away from the 400 pound beasts, with nothing between us to prevent me becoming a tasty carnivore canapé. During their stint at the Mirage, for which they signed a lifetime contract in 2001, the shows attracted more than ten million people and generated more than $1 billion in revenue. A roaring success...

• The Voice of the Village •

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Perspectives by Rinaldo S. Brutoco Rinaldo S. Brutoco is the Founding President and CEO of the Santa Barbara-based World Business Academy and a co-founder of JUST Capital. He’s a serial entrepreneur, executive, author, radio host, and futurist who’s published on the role of business in relation to pressing moral, environmental, and social concerns for over 35 years

A Trail of Tears

n our recent four-part series, “New Federalism in a Post COVID-19 World,” we extensively reviewed the pre-Colonial origins, the subsequent history, and the modern evolution of the Federal government’s relationship with the individual states. That’s what the subject of “Federalism” usually means in a political context, as if the only governmental authorities in the United States are the Federal and respective state governments. However, this limited assessment totally ignores the existence of over 500 sovereign Native American reservations residing within national boundaries. For the most part these are sovereign nations which the US Supreme Court in its 1835 decision in Worcester v. Georgia held could not be regulated by any state. Fast forward to 2020 and we have the unbelievable situation where Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota “ordered” the Oglala and Cheyenne River Sioux to remove coronavirus checkpoints established on the perimeter of their reservations to prevent non-essential traffic from bringing in the disease. Not only are the Sioux doing a smart thing from a public health perspective, and something that is clearly guaranteed them under the 1835 case, but they are also providing a regional public service from which Governor Noem should learn. How could South Dakota take the absurd position that the federally ratified treaties with the Sioux Nation can be abrogated because a Governor is uninterested in controlling the spread of the coronavirus – at meat packing plants, in the general public, or particularly on reservation land? In a similar vein, how can the Trump Administration justify the arbitrary removal of over 300 acres of Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe lands which they’ve inhabited for over a thousand years?! Observing this travesty unfold in two places even as we publish this column, it is worth recalling that Benjamin Franklin first proposed “The Albany Plan” in 1754 as a protoype structure for the evolving United States, a plan he adapted from the Iroquois Confederation which, he observed, started in the 1100s and lasted until the founding of our nation. He felt that tenets of government that could last so long, and be so stable, would be suitable to the “experiment” the Founding Fathers were creating for us. The first significant treaty between

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the new American nation and the sovereign Native Americans was negotiated directly under George Washington’s instructions as the Pickering Treaty of 1794. Every treaty with the Native Americans from that day to the present re-affirmed that Native Americans lived in their own sovereign nations. In fact, the first Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court, John Marshall (the man appointed by Washington himself), wrote this: “Indian Nations had always been considered as distinct, independent political communities retaining their original natural rights as the undisputed possessors of the soil… the very term ‘nation’ so generally applied to them means ‘a people distinct from other.’” So how did we get to this place where the best intentions of the Founding Fathers, including Franklin, Washington, and Marshall, result in a first term governor of South Dakota, or the current Department of the Interior, so cavalierly ignoring what the law clearly requires as “Treaty Obligations”? It is often said that our nation’s “original sin” was the enslavement of black people to build the southern sugar cane and cotton economy, but this “sin” also includes the fact we literally stole our land from the Native Americans. We entered into over 350 formal treaties, and violated them even after each signing was ratified by the US Senate as solemn treaty obligations of the USA. Well, the fact we’ve been violating those treaties since the moment the ink was dry does not excuse or give permission to modern politicians to continue the land grab which has been a moral albatross around our nation’s neck. It wasn’t legal or morally justifiable to ignore these treaty obligations yesterday and it won’t be in the future. We must discontinue doing so at once. Why? The coming period of the New Federalism we will enter once COVID19 is restrained will require the sovereign Native American nations to help the Federal and State governments develop comprehensive strategies for interactive engagement that will fundamentally alter the current relationships of political power. Properly restored to their legally entitled sovereignty, each Native American reservation could become a unique incubator of the solutions we must evolve to deal with: the food insecurity, public health challenges, and environmental sustain-

New Ways to Navigate a Pandemic

A peek into the quirky world of post-pandemic dining. s various parts of the world ease out of coronavirus lockdowns, restaurants are finding creative ways to ensure patrons feel safe while eating out during the coronavirus. Amsterdam’s Mediamatic Eten is servicing customers in a wholly different way than it did before the COVID-19 pandemic. The fine-dining restaurant has added five “quarantine greenhouses” to its outdoor patio area. Two people can sit in each of the glass structures, which the restaurant calls “serres séparées” – a play on the phrase “chambre séparée,” which denotes a private room in a restaurant or bar. Restaurants in Sweden took an entirely different approach to keep within new restrictions. Stedsans in the Woods built two-person benches for pairs of diners to share. The restaurant also added plexiglass partitions to its communal tables to serve as “sneezing fences” between groups. Another Swedish restaurant, Bord För En, only just opened, and it might offer the safest options for eating out during the coronavirus. It features a single table with a single chair, positioned in the middle of a field 50 yards away from the house where the food is cooked. The chef uses a basket hanging from a rope connected to the kitchen window to send a three-course meal to the table. Guests decide for themselves what they want to pay for the meal, and after they leave, the restaurant owners wait six hours before sanitizing the chair and table.

Toronto Museum Will Offer a Drive-In Van Gogh Exhibit

Earlier this week, we read about Toni Ross’ drive-by art exhibit in the Montecito Journal. This story has a similar take on new ways to appreciate art when the world is still on lockdown. When a Toronto museum’s Vincent van Gogh exhibit was interrupted due to COVID-19, the museum staff had to pivot and came up with an ingenious way for people to visit the famous art: a drive-in exhibit. Art lovers will be able to drive into a 4,000 square foot downtown industrial space and see more than 400 pieces from collections around the world. The space allows for 14 cars at a time and visitors simply drive in, turn off their engines, and are treated to a visual display of the pieces including Starry Night, Sunflowers, and many self-portraits. The display was created with the help of Paris-based digital art project Atelier des Lumières and is set to open up on June 18. Entrance, however, costs a pretty penny, with the museum charging $100 per car – although that does include access to the walk-in exhibition when it eventually opens. If you can’t enjoy the world as you usually know it, why not take a drive into the world of Vincent van Gogh? •MJ ability issues presented by the current pandemic. Those individual “laboratories” would likely play a major role as the Federal and State governments, by necessity, re-establish the appropriate relative roles they will fill going forward. They cannot be left out simply because they are sovereign nations who pre-paid the U.S. government centuries ago for their treaties with the surrender of the land mass we now inhabit. They are sovereign nations within our borders and we have much to learn from them as we re-set the balance of power between the Federal, state, and sovereign nation governments – all which reside, like a three-legged milking stool, within our borders. The Trail of Tears usually refers to the forced resettlement of 60,000 Cherokee natives (with many self-freed blacks included) to West of the Mississippi

“An alcoholic is someone you don’t like who drinks as much as you do.” – Dylan Thomas

(with more than 4,000 lives lost along the way) in what was clearly President Andrew Jackson’s most morally outrageous act – which is saying something given the many moral challenges he inflicted on the U.S. Those “tears” are symbolic of the moral stain we suffer as a people from our racist background that infects our politics to the present day. Until we face that moral stain, address it, and begin to heal it, we will not effectively live as one Nation. In order to create a healthy and prosperous future, sovereign states and sovereign Native American nations have to be brought into a just new alignment or we will never achieve our goal of E Pluribus Unum. Out of many, one. Is that not still our goal? Or will we opt to devolve again into open civil war? We get to choose. Let’s choose wisely. •MJ 21 – 28 May 2020

ON THE RECORD (Continued from page 16)

Montecito, where hundreds of private wells have been drilled over the past century, with major impacts on the supply of groundwater that are often overlooked in debates over water usage. It was only a few short years ago, that, during the peak of California’s most recent drought, many local residents were encouraged and even shamed into killing their grass lawns in favor of drought-resistant landscaping. The frenzy of conserving water became so ostentatious that for a time, once lushly lawn-lined residential streets in Montecito were replaced by a defoliated landscape with occasional yard signage proclaiming environmentally-conscious slogans such as “Brown is the New Green.” Now, Montecito’s water district is on the verge of approving a plan to purchase a vast new supply of water from Santa Barbara. By law, the agency must first allow for a period of public comment. Accordingly, a public hearing is tentatively scheduled for June 3, although the agency hasn’t outlined exactly how this will happen, and it will presumably take place online. The water board is scheduled to meet again on June 25, at which time the board is expected to vote on whether to approve the plan.

Water Rationing Wars

On its merits, the agency’s justification for the deal sounds solid: After all, who can argue against locally-sourced recycled ocean water in the wake of an epic statewide water shortage? But while both sides of the debate acknowledge that California is just beginning to emerge from one of the worst droughts in history, critics of MWD’s plan argue that Montecito should focus on conserving water rather than consuming more of it. They point out that, with roughly 85 percent of water going to landscaping and other exterior use, the community ranks among the most lopsided water users in the country. “There is a question as to whether or not the deal is necessary,” said Dick Shaikewitz, who served on the MSD board of directors for 12 years until 2018. “My belief is that it is not needed, and it’s very expensive,” he continues, adding that during the past century, Montecito has typically used only about 25 percent of the water that was available each year even during major droughts. “Everyone is going to be paying an awful lot of money for water we won’t need.” Shaikewitz lost his seat in the 2018 election when a slate of new candidates joined the water board after collectively raising more than $100,000 in campaign contributions. He believes the proposed deal with Santa Barbara stems from rumblings that began in 2010, during the peak of the recent drought, when the board penalized a handful of customers who used too much water for landscaping. “We had to do something, or we knew we’d have water problems,” recalled Shaikewitz. “At that time, several wealthy individuals were very upset because they had expensive water during a drought. That situation was kind of the beginning of this new water board. They wanted to get rid of everybody [on the board] and get more water.” Longtime MJ readers may remember the “water rationing” brouhaha thanks to various op-eds and letters to the editor on the controversy that have appeared in the paper over the past few years. (More on this and the contentious 2018 water board election in a future story.)

A Slam Dunk?

Although it has cost about $90 million in construction and maintenance fees so far, Santa Barbara’s desalination plant, which opened in 1991, operated for only a few months before being shut down for decades and was only brought back online in 2015. While MWD’s proposed water-sharing deal is a slam dunk for Santa Barbara, given that the city is desperate to pay off the plant’s enormous cost, critics say it’s a waste of money for Montecito. They point to the fact that the contract would force Montecito to purchase 1,400 acre feet of water per year at $3,000 per acre foot for five decades regardless of whether or not it needs the water during any particular year. “What the current board did is find an organization that would help them with excess water,” Shaikewitz argued. “It doesn’t make sense to spend serious dollars when you don’t need it,” he concludes. “Sure, if everyone’s water all of a sudden turns off and there is no more water for the next 50 years, we’ll have a problem. Is that going to happen? Probably not. So, is it necessary to pay $4 million for the next 50 years? I don’t think so.” Another MWD board member who lost his seat in 2018 is Charles Newman, who also opposes the WSA. “There are those in the community who believe they are entitled to receive as much water as they care to pay for, and there are those who believe it should be used sparingly and in an environmentally responsible way,” he said. “Of course, the more local the source and the more control you have over it, the better, unquestionably. However, the question is at what cost and not just financial but environmental? Desalination is an intense user of energy, specifically electricity. So, this deal comes at an enormous 21 – 28 May 2020

IN OTHER NEWS Civil Rights Lawsuit Filed on Behalf of Lompoc Federal Prison Inmates

lthough it houses just 1,162 people behind bars – not to mention a healthy supply of razor wire – Lompoc Federal Prison already has no less than 900 inmates who have tested positive for COVID-19. That’s not only well more than 70 percent of the prison’s population, it’s also roughly half the number of people in all of Santa Barbara County who are known to have the disease. A May 17 lawsuit filed on behalf of the inmates by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) argues that prison officials were negligent in allowing the virus to spread so widely. The suit, which the ACLU filed on May 17 on behalf of inmates at both Lompoc and Terminal Island Federal Prison, claims that prison officials failed to take “sanctioned actions” in halting the virus. The crisis never needed to happen, the ACLU claims. “Through a series of unconscionable delays, blunders, and failures to follow official guidelines, the situation grew unimaginably worse,” the lawsuit argues. “And still, Terminal Island and Lompoc prison officials refuse to take adequate remedial actions, including those approved by the U.S. Congress and Attorney General’s office.” Among the lawsuit’s demands: better social distancing, free hand soap, paper towels and hand sanitizers.

Hard Work Pays Off for Local Scholars

n an otherwise dismal end to the academic year, there’s some late-breaking good news for nearly 2,000 local students heading on to college or graduate-school. On May 15, the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara awarded college scholarships totaling more than $6 million, providing an average $3,357 per recipient. The foundation is the nation’s largest community-based provider of college scholarships, having so far awarded nearly $130 million to more than 53,000 county students since its founding in 1962. “This news could not come at a better time,” said Barbara Robertson, the foundation’s president and CEO, who added that she hoped to award even more scholarships next year. “In spite of everything our community has endured in recent months, we are helping almost 1,800 students get a college education.”

For additional information on the foundation, visit www.sbscholarship.org.

•MJ

expense and is environmentally irresponsible.” Bob Roebuck, MWD’s former general manager, also agrees with that assessment. “We had a 1,200-year drought this past decade,” he said. “That meant we had to take some drastic measures to conserve water, but it also led to this water-sharing agreement because some people would rather have more water, even if it’s expensive, rather than be told to conserve.” Roebuck believes that Montecito would be better off relying on state water as well as so-called “water banks,” essentially paper agreements that allow water districts such as Montecito to purchase state water from other districts that don’t need it. “There are a lot of districts that have their own supply of water and will never use all their state water,” he explained. “And it’s a lot cheaper to purchase that water from them than it is to pay for desalinated water for the next fifty years.”

Unlikely Allies

California water politics make for some strange bedfellows, however, and not all conservation proponents oppose MWD’s water-sharing proposal, including CWIN’s Carolee Krieger. She believes that the State Water Project is too overburdened with competing claims and too unreliable in drought conditions for Montecito. “I believe desalination is a way more reliable source than the State Water Project,” said Krieger. And desalination, if done correctly, can be cost-effective and environmentally healthy. It’s the best insurance policy for any California coastal city.” Krieger added that technological advancements, including in the area of underwater wave energy, show great promise for the future of desalination. And she supports the Water Board’s basic goal of achieving locally sourced water instead of depending on state water or unreliable water banks. “What they are saying is everything we are saying,” she concludes. “The solution for Montecito is to go local.” •MJ

• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

Notice Inviting Bids

PUBLIC NOTICE City of Santa Barbara NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Santa Barbara will conduct a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 during the afternoon session of the meeting which begins at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. The hearing is to consider renewal of the Wildland Fire Suppression Assessment District and the levying and collection of assessments to fund the cost of wildland fire suppression services within the District for Fiscal Year 2020-21.

FY20 WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT Bid No. 5814 1.

Bid results and awards will be available on PlanetBids 2.

On May 12, 2020, the City Council adopted a Resolution of Intention, declaring its intention to hold this hearing (hereinafter referred to as the “Assessment Hearing”) and to consider renewal of the Wildland Fire Suppression Assessment District. All interested or affected property owners will be afforded the opportunity to be heard by the City Council at the Assessment Hearing. Written comments are also welcome up to the time of the hearing, and should be addressed to the City Council via the City Clerk’s Office at Clerk@SantaBarbaraCA.gov. The total cost of the Wildland Fire Suppression Assessment District is estimated to be $291,107 for Fiscal Year 2020-21. This cost results in a proposed assessment rate of $87.37 per single-family equivalent benefit unit in the Foothill Zone and $108.34 in the Extreme Foothill Zone for Fiscal Year 2020-21. Parcels located within the assessment area are assessed based upon their receipt of special benefits from the services over and above general benefits conferred on real property or to the public at large. The Assessments include a provision for an annual increase equal to the change in the Los AngelesRiverside-Orange County Area Consumer Price Index (CPI), not to exceed 4% (four percent) per year without a further vote or balloting process. The total allowable CPI adjustment for 2020-21 is 2.96%, and the rates have been adjusted accordingly. An Engineer's Report for the Wildland Fire Suppression Assessment District has been prepared and was preliminarily approved by the City Council on May 12, 2020. The Council will consider final approval of the report during the Assessment Hearing. The updated Engineer’s Report is available for review by contacting jpoire@santabarbaraca.gov or cbraden@santabarbaraca.gov. Due to the current health crisis, the report will not be accessible at Fire Administration or the City Clerk’s office for public review. On Thursday, May 28, 2020, an Agenda with all items to be heard on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, will be accessible online at www.santabarbaraca.gov/CAP. Regular meetings of the Council are broadcast live and rebroadcast on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. and on Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. on City TV Channel 18. These meetings can also be viewed over the Internet at www.santabarbaraca.gov/CouncilVideos. Please note that in order to promote social distancing, the Council Chambers will not be open to the general public. Information on how the public can participate during the Council Meeting will be made available on the cover page of the agenda packet that will be published prior to the meeting date. If you wish to challenge the Council's action on the appeal of the renewal of the Wildland Fire Suppression Assessment District decision in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City at, or prior to, the public hearing. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need auxiliary aids or services or staff assistance to attend or participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator’s Office at 564-5305. If possible, notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will usually enable the City to make reasonable arrangements. Specialized services, such as sign language interpretation or documents in Braille, may require additional lead time to arrange. (SEAL) /s/ Sarah Gorman, MMC City Clerk Services Manager May 13, 2020 Published May 20, 2020 Montecito Journal

38 MONTECITO JOURNAL

Bid Submission. The City of Santa Barbara (“City”) will accept electronic bids for its FY20 Water Main Replacement Project (“Project”), by or before Wednesday June 17, 2020, at 3:00 p.m., through its PlanetBids portal. Bidders must be registered on the City of Santa Barbara’s PlanetBids portal in order to submit a Bid proposal and to receive addendum notifications. Each bidder is responsible for making certain that its Bid Proposal is actually submitted/uploaded to PlanetBids, so plan accordingly. The receiving time on the PlanetBids server will be the governing time for acceptability of bids. Telegraphic, telephonic, paper, and facsimile bids will not be accepted.

Project Information. 2.1 Location and Description. The Project is located in the streets listed below, and is described as follows: Install new various sized ductile iron and PVC water main. Reconnect services and hydrants and obtain acceptance of the new lines. Location

From

State Street

La Cumbre Plaza Drive

Constance Avenue

Modoc Rd

Las Positas

Ferrara Way

Anacapa St.

E. Padre St.

E. Mission St.

W. Canon Perdido

Santa Barbara St.

Olive St.

2.2 Time for Completion. The Project must be completed within 130 consecutive working days from the start date set forth in the Notice to Proceed. City anticipates that the Work will begin on or about July 15, 2020, but the anticipated start date is provided solely for convenience and is neither certain nor binding. 2.3 Estimated Cost. The estimated construction cost is $2.9 Million 3.

License and Registration Requirements. 3.1 License. This Project requires a valid California contractor’s license for the following classification(s): Class A – General Engineering Contractor. 3.2 DIR Registration. City may not accept a Bid Proposal from or enter into the Contract with a bidder, without proof that the bidder is registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”) to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code § 1725.5, subject to limited legal exceptions.

Contract Documents. The plans, specifications, bid forms and contract documents for the Project, and any addenda thereto (“Contract Documents”) may be downloaded from City’s website at: http://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=29959 A printed copy of the Contract Documents may be obtained from CyberCopy Shop, located at 504 N. Milpas Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, at (805) 884-6155.

Bid Security. The Bid Proposal must be accompanied by bid security of ten percent of the maximum bid amount, in the form of a cashier’s or certified check made payable to City, or a bid bond executed by a surety licensed to do business in the State of California on the Bid Bond form included with the Contract Documents. The bid security must guarantee that within ten days after City issues the Notice of Award, the successful bidder will execute the Contract and submit the payment and performance bonds, insurance certificates and endorsements, and any other submittals required by the Contract Documents and as specified in the Notice of Award.

Prevailing Wage Requirements. 6.1 General. Pursuant to California Labor Code § 1720 et seq., this Project is subject to the prevailing wage requirements applicable to the locality in which the Work is to be performed for each craft, classification or type of worker needed to perform the Work, including employer payments for health and welfare, pension, vacation, apprenticeship and similar purposes. 6.2 Rates. These prevailing rates are on file with the City and are available online at http://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSR. Each Contractor and Subcontractor must pay no less than the specified rates to all workers employed to work on the Project. The schedule of per diem wages is based upon a working day of eight hours. The rate for holiday and overtime work must be at least time and one-half. 6.3 Compliance. The Contract will be subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the DIR, under Labor Code § 1771.4.

Performance and Payment Bonds. The successful bidder will be required to provide performance and payment bonds, each for 100% of the Contract Price, as further specified in the Contract Documents.

Substitution of Securities. Substitution of appropriate securities in lieu of retention amounts from progress payments is permitted under Public Contract Code § 22300.

Subcontractor List. Each Subcontractor must be registered with the DIR to perform work on public projects. Each bidder must submit a completed Subcontractor List form with its Bid Proposal, including the name, location of the place of business, California contractor license number, DIR registration number, and percentage of the Work to be performed (based on the base bid price) for each Subcontractor that will perform Work or service or fabricate or install Work for the prime contractor in excess of one-half of 1% of the bid price, using the Subcontractor List form included with the Contract Documents.

10.

Instructions to Bidders. All bidders should carefully review the Instructions to Bidders for more detailed information before submitting a Bid Proposal. The definitions provided in Article 1 of the General Conditions apply to all of the Contract Documents, as defined therein, including this Notice Inviting Bids.

11.

Mandatory Bidders’ Conference. A bidders’ conference will be held on Wednesday June 3, 2020 at 1:00 p.m., at the following location: David Gebhard Room, 630 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, to acquaint all prospective bidders with the Contract Documents and the Worksite. The bidders’ conference is mandatory. A bidder who fails to attend the mandatory bidders’ conference will be disqualified from bidding.

By: ___________________________________

Date: ________________

William Hornung, CPM, General Services Manager Publication Dates: 1) May 20, 2020

2) May 27, 2020 END OF NOTICE INVITING BIDS

“Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog. Few people are interested and the frog dies of it.” – E. B. White

21 – 28 May 2020

Notice Inviting Bids BID NO. 5840 CCTV SERVICES FOR FY21 1.

Bid Submission. The City of Santa Barbara (“City”) will accept electronic bids for its CCTV INSPECTION SERVICES FOR FY21 (“Project”), by or before Wednesday, June 10, 2020, at 3:00p.m. through its PlanetBids portal. Bidders must be registered on the City of Santa Barbara’s PlanetBids™ portal in order to submit a Bid Proposal and to receive addendum notifications. Each bidder is responsible for making certain that their Bid Proposal is actually submitted/uploaded with sufficient time to be received by PlanetBids prior to the bid opening date and time. Large files may take more time to be submitted/uploaded to PlanetBids so plan accordingly. The receiving time at on PlanetBids’ server will be the governing time for acceptability of bids. Telegraphic, telephonic, electronic, and facsimile bids will not be accepted. If any Addendum issued by the City is not acknowledged online by the Bidder, the PlanetBids System will prevent the Bidder from submitting a Bid Proposal. Bidders are responsible for obtaining all addenda from the City’s PlanetBids portal. Bid results and awards will be available on PlanetBids.

Project Information. 2.1 Location and Description. The Project is located at various locations within Santa Barbara city limits, and is described as follows: The work includes inspect approximately 12.3 miles of 6” – 8” diameter sanitary sewer mains per NASSCO PACP standards and these specifications beginning approximately July 1, 2020. 2.2 Time for Completion. All sewer mains assigned to the contractor shall be inspected within 100 working days from the Notice to Proceed date, unless otherwise agreed upon. City anticipates that the work will begin on or about JULY 1, 2020 but the anticipated start date is provided solely for convenience and is neither certain nor binding. 2.3 Estimate. The estimate for this Project is $131,000.00

License and Registration Requirements. 3.1 License. This Project requires a valid California contractor’s license for the following classification(s): CLASS A – GENERAL ENGINEERING OR C36 PLUMBING LICENSE. 3.2 DIR Registration. City may not accept a Bid Proposal from or enter into the Contract with a bidder, without proof that the bidder is registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”) to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code § 1725.5, subject to limited legal exceptions

Prevailing Wage Requirements. 6.1 General. Pursuant to California Labor Code § 1720 et seq., this Project is subject to the prevailing wage requirements applicable to the locality in which the Work is to be performed for each craft, classification or type of worker needed to perform the Work, including employer payments for health and welfare, pension, vacation, apprenticeship and similar purposes. 6.2 Rates. The prevailing rates are on file with City and available online at http://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSR. Each Contractor and Subcontractor must pay no less than the specified rates to all workers employed to work on the Project. The schedule of per diem wages is based upon a working day of eight hours. The rate for holiday and overtime work must be at least time and one-half. 6.3 Compliance. The Contract will be subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the DIR, under Labor Code § 1771.4.

Performance and Payment Bonds. The successful bidder will be required to provide separate performance and payment bonds for 100% of the Contract Price regardless of contract dollar amount, as further specified in the Contract Documents.

Substitution of Securities. Substitution of appropriate securities in lieu of retention amounts from progress payments is permitted under Public Contract Code § 22300.

Subcontractor List. Each subcontractor must be registered with the DIR to perform work on public projects. Each bidder must submit a complete Subcontractor List WITH ITS Bid Proposal through the PlanetBids portal. Failure to do will result in rejection of your bid. The Subcontractors List shall include the name, location of the place of business, California contractor license number, and percentage of the Work to be performed (based on the Base Bid) for each Subcontractor that will perform work or service or fabricate or install work for the prime contractor in excess of onehalf of 1% of the bid price.

10.

Instructions to Bidders. All bidders should carefully review the Instructions to Bidders before submitting a Bid Proposal.

11.

Retention Percentage. Retention will not be withheld from progress payments for this contract.

By: _____________________________________ William Hornung, C.P.M. General Services Manager

Date: ________________

Publication Date: 5/20/20 Montecito Journal

21 – 28 May 2020

• The Voice of the Village •

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Sound Waves SB, 2062 Alameda Padre Serra, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. Dennis S. Sands, 1243 Mesa Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on April 28, 2020. 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), by Jon Beck. FBN No. 2020-0001058. Published May 20, 27, June 3, 10, 2020. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Nexem Staffing; Nexem Allied, 3820 State Street Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. Partners Personnel-Management Services LLC, 3820 State Street Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on May 8, 2020. 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. 2020-0001148. Published May 20, 27, June 3, 10, 2020. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GW Wallcoverings, 346 Hot Springs Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Glenn Walter, 346 Hot Springs Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on April 29, 2020. 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), filed by Brenda Aguilera. FBN No. 2020-0001086. Published May 13, 20, 27, June 3, 2020. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Rothdeutsch & Associates Professional Fiduciary Services; SBGoats. com, 782 Acacia Walk Apt. G, Goleta, CA 93117. Khristine Sharon Rothdeutsch, 782 Acacia Walk Apt. G, Goleta, CA 93117. Scott Andrew Rothdeutsch, 782 Acacia Walk Apt. G, Goleta, CA 93117. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on April 29, 2020. 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), filed by John Beck. FBN No. 2020-0001072. Published May 13, 20, 27, June 3, 2020. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Niche Enterprises, 4040 Primavera Rd. #5, Santa Barbara, CA 93110. Jason Erwin, 5068 San Lorenzo Dr., Santa Barbara, CA 93111. Brian Langlo, 410 W. Canon Perdido St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101. This

statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on April 24, 2020. 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), filed by John Beck. FBN No. 2020-0001042. Published May 13, 20, 27, June 3, 2020. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Eudaimon Wealth Management, 144 San Rafael Ave., Santa Barbara, CA 93109. Steve Daniels, 144 San Rafael Ave., Santa Barbara, CA 93109. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on April 23, 2020. 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), filed by John Beck. FBN No. 2020-0001030. Published May 13, 20, 27, June 3, 2020. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Mission Canyon Mind Body & Soul, 2600 Foothill Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. Brigitta T Wissmann, 2600 Foothill Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on April 24, 2020. 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), filed by John Beck. FBN No. 2020-0001038. Published May 6, 13, 20, 27, 2020. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: The Bookstore at the Vedanta Temple, 925 Ladera Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Vedanta Society of Southern California, 1946 Vedanta Place, Los Angeles, CA 90068. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on April 29, 2020. 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), filed by John Beck. FBN No. 2020-0001075. Published May 6, 13, 20, 27, 2020. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Bam Playing Cards, 1914 Emerson Ave. Apt A, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. Mackenzie Fixler, 1914 Emerson Ave. Apt A, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on April 16, 2020. 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), filed by John Beck. FBN No. 2020-0000978. Published April 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, 2020.

MONTECITO JOURNAL

Real Estate

by Mark Ashton Hunt

Mark and his wife, Sheela Hunt, are real estate agents. His family goes back nearly 100 years in the Santa Barbara area. Mark’s grandparents – Bill and Elsie Hunt – were Santa Barbara real estate brokers for 25 years.

New Listings in Montecito

hope everyone is staying safe and enjoying “at-home time” as much as is possible. Perhaps by the time this article is out on the streets, there will be more people out and about. In the meantime, regardless of being somewhat back to normal or not, we are all spending more time at home and finding time for things we need or want to do within the confines of our homes. We are learning by spending a lot of time at home, that perhaps a home should reflect the interests of the owner. For example, if someone likes the outdoors, perhaps a yard. If someone likes to work in a quiet space, an office or a den will be helpful, etc... Fortunately, our home has a yard… a yard I must admit, we did not use nearly as often prior to the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders as we do today. Choices in style of home, amenities, spaces to get away to, yard to play and work in, all become more important the more time we spend at home. Living in Montecito allows one the ability to seclude oneself in a place that is envied around the world for her beaches, topography, scenic beauty, and in many cases, stylish architecture. Being recognized as one of the best climates to live in last year did not hurt the 93108 either. On top of the livable climate and natural beauty of the area, Montecito has fought to maintain a community sensibility and architectural review process, that has thus far, kept her from building 6,000-square-foot box houses on tiny lots. Look around, there is a nice mix of home styles to choose from at any given moment, in most price ranges. Here are a few newer listings (hitting the market in May of 2020), some of which were on the market in the past year, but are new again on the market and worthy of mention for one or more reasons. The incredible English barn homes offered for sale on Miramar Avenue mentioned below are just one example of the unique homes and living experiences available here in Montecito.

ern convenience. The 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home and the 1-bedroom, 1-bath guest house are surrounded by one half acre of well-developed landscaping that offer desired privacy. A great room was added to the floor plan by the current owners and the three fireplaces in the main house bring additional warmth and charm to the home. Additionally, there is an artist studio and a large trellised patio.

1164 Hill Road - $4,895,000

216 Ortega Ridge Road - $3,149,000

T O

rtega Ridge Road sits up high, confidently positioned between Montecito and Summerland, and this home offers both mountain and Montecito Valley views as well as nearly 4,000 square feet of living space to enjoy. Inside find an inviting living room, chef’s kitchen, and family room with open floor plan designed for indoor/outdoor living. There is a master suite with sitting room and a mountain view deck, plus three bedrooms, and an office. Resting on just over an acre, enjoy the gardens, pool, spa, bocce court, dining patios and fireplace. This home is located within Montecito’s 93108 zip code and is in the Summerland and Carpinteria School Districts.

1572 Green Lane - $3,150,000

his home is located on a private lane in the Hedgerow neighborhood of Montecito, just blocks from Miramar Beach and Montecito Union School. Consisting of nearly 2,700 square feet of living space, this renovated Mary Craig home, guest house, and artist’s studio offers old world charm and mod-

40 MONTECITO JOURNAL

his European style 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom main house and the 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom guest cottage are surrounded by mature landscaping, providing privacy and seclusion on an over half acre lot near Butterfly Beach and the Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel. Located on a rare double lot with deeded beach access, this home offers a living room with French doors leading to the well-framed garden and pool. There is a formal dining room, breakfast nook with fireplace and access to outdoor seating areas under the pergola. The hot tub and pool are surrounded by colorful, yet drought tolerant landscaping with always-perfect synthetic turf and mature trees and hedges for privacy. This home is located within the Montecito Union School District.

705 Oak Grove Drive - $6,495,000

et amongst mature Oak trees on this private and gated, .97-acre lot, find this Montecito urban farmhouse estate, located in the foothills above East Valley Road, in the Montecito Union School District. Completely renovated and reimagined in 2016, the home features three bedroom suites, all with French doors leading to patios and the garden setting. The master suite has dual closets, master bath with custom finishes and built-ins, a soaking tub and oversized spa shower. An additional, two rooms in the main house provide versatility to use as bedrooms, offices, or home gym. Walls of French doors open to the wrap around veranda and resort like pool with spa, fire pit and entertaining patio with mountain views. A re-imagined and converted barn now offers two additional guest suites adjacent to an out-

“I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn’t work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.” – Emo Philips

21 – 28 May 2020

door kitchen. Professional landscaping and an attached garage that can park up to eight cars tandem, rounds out this San Ysidro Ranch inspired compound.

210 Miramar Avenue - $6,900,000

n the Montecito Hedgerow, midway between Miramar Beach and the Montecito Union School, rests The Porter House: a newly renovated residence that is rich in history, style, and creature comforts. What began as two 18th century English barns has evolved into a hip get-

away in Montecito, filled with unexpected delights, architectural pedigree, and lush gardens. Wise and wavy woodwork lends a sense of wit and whimsy throughout the house. As the light evolves throughout the day, different areas of the residence come alive. Enjoy morning lattes in the solarium. Host an epic cocktail party in the lounge. Enjoy a nightcap off the master terrace. For information on any of these listings or to have me arrange a showing with one of the listing agents, please contact me directly, Mark@Villagesite.com or call/text 805-698-2174. Please view my website, www.MontecitoBestBuys.com, from which this article is based. •MJ

MISSING DUCKS Photo: Gretchen Lieff

On May 14, 2020 a nesting mother mallard duck, her eggs, and her hatchlings went missing from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church on East Valley Road.

The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network is looking for information on the whereabouts of these ducks. We just want to make sure they are safe. If you have any information about this mother duck, her eggs, and her hatchlings, please call the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network at:

(805) 681-1080

21 – 28 May 2020

• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

Jerry Meandering by Jerold Oshinsky A Partner with Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP, Jerold Oshinsky has more than 35 years of experience litigating insurance cases in federal and state courts throughout the country. Chambers USA consistently has designated him as the only lawyer to be accorded “Star” ranking in its national insurance category. Jerry has been a resident of Montecito for 14 years.

Memories are Made of This

am writing this article both as a memorial to a dear friend of 50 years who just succumbed to COVID. And as a reminder to all that the coronavirus remains a clear and present danger to everyone. After eight weeks of hibernation, I am as stir crazy as everyone else, although I have the blessing of being able to conduct most of my legal practice from my home office, including reading multitudes of insurance policies. Nevertheless, I cannot rationalize my deep sense of regret for the year that has been torn away from the lives of friends, our children and grandchildren. We are very fortunate in Montecito to be cared for by Cottage Hospital, one of the nation’s great hospitals and also by our terrific local doctors and their staffs. But no one can predict with any degree of certainty where this calamity is heading (“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” – Charles Dickens). So return with me now to happier times, just over a half century ago, to1969.

1969

1969 was a very good year. I was a second-year law associate at a Wall Street law firm. I was working with very prominent lawyers from renowned New York families, including JP Morgan and Howard Hughes, who really did conduct his meetings from a phone booth. I worked on cases for North American Aviation (later Rockwell), that gave me access into the Space Program. I met astronauts, investigated the cause of the tragic fire in the command module in 1967 that killed three astronauts, and I ultimately represented North American in its successful administrative litigation against Pratt & Whitney for the rights to design and build the Main Engine for the Space Shuttle. Charley Pickett (Mr. Pickett to me) became the most significant mentor in my legal career. As Yogi Berra reportedly said about Yankee great catcher Bill Dickey: “He learned me all his experience.” 1969 was a very good year. Wall Street law firms had just raised the first year starting salaries for associates from $9,000 to $15,000 and we benefitted from that largess. To put that in perspective, we rented a lovely apartment in Brooklyn for $125

42 MONTECITO JOURNAL

per month. Two slices of pizza and a Coke were 50 cents, phone calls were 10 cents and to ride anywhere on the New York City Subway system was also 10 cents. We were pregnant with our first child and followed the migration from Brooklyn to the suburbs. But which suburbs? Most young Brooklyn Jewish families migrated to the “island” (Long Island). But it was suggested by friends to consider Parsippany, New Jersey, 26 miles due West of New York City and a more attractive commute to Wall Street. Comparable homes in New Jersey, then, were less expensive.

and Sheila did as well and ironically, as Sandy and I were stuck in traffic in the Holland Tunnel, immediately next to us in their car were Cal and Sheila. Somehow that coincidence was the launch of many decades of friendship. We and they moved to Parsippany at about the same time; we lived there for 10 years; our daughter Ali and their daughter Karen were close friends and still stay in contact. We celebrated our children’s birthdays together, street parties, barbecues, holidays, living in the same community for 10 years. We even shared the oddities of certain neighbors. For example, there was Marty.

Marty

Old ties are the deepest and we have remained friends with Cal and Sheila for 50 years. Cal was a talented commercial artist; but I think that, deep down, his true love (in addition to Sheila) was the art world

Cal died last Thursday from complications of the Corona virus – our first and only close connection to the tragedy confronting our country and the world. We don’t know how he contracted the virus. He did all the right things and yet he succumbed, alone in a hospital in a neighboring town because there were no beds in the local Parsippany, New Jersey hospital. He spent a month in the hospital and after being on a ventilator for two weeks, he died.

Parsippany, New Jersey

1969 was a very good year. Our first child, David, was born and Ali was born two years later. Woodstock became a household name, the New York Mets remarkably won the World Series, New York Jets Quarterback Joe Namath fulfilled his bold promise to bring the Super Bowl Victory (16-7) to New York over the much more highly touted Baltimore Colts (now in Indianapolis), Neil Armstrong walked on the Moon, Sesame Street began its run and we did move to Parsippany, New Jersey.

The Holland Tunnel

Our journey to Parsippany began with looking for a house. We started by looking in a new development one weekend morning and we ran into Cal and Sheila Schoenfeld doing the same thing. We and Cal and Sheila were looking at the various model homes that were available; we probably had lunch together. We headed back to Brooklyn and Cal

in general and he could draw anything from Warhol to Van Gogh. He did not share my obsession with sports, and he never had a bad word to say about anybody, well... except Marty. Cal and Sheila had moved to Parsippany shortly before we did and Cal told me that our next-door neighbor, Marty, was a “meshuggeneh”( look it up) and he was. We had once purchased a patio table for our backyard and one night we heard noise coming from that direction. We looked out our back window and there was Marty, on the ground, with instruction plans in hand, studying our patio table. Sandy discerned that Marty had purchased the same table and was trying to figure out how the table was assembled! The day that the moving truck brought us to Parsippany, it was pouring rain, and the new driveway and lawn were not yet completed. There was water and mud all over and everything was a mess. Marty, in the next house, burst out his front door screaming that this was a “terrible” place and that we should go back to Brooklyn. Cal and Sheila, on the other hand, brought over sandwiches for lunch. They told

“Leave something for someone but don’t leave someone for something.” – Enid Blyton

us that moving to Parsippany was the best thing that they had ever done.

Fairfax/Arlington, Virginia, Santa Barbara

In 1979, Sandy and I, Dave and Ali and Mr. Fluff, our female cat – we are gender flexible where cats are concerned – moved from Parsippany, New Jersey to Fairfax, Virginia. My law firm decided to open an office in Washington, D.C. and I was offered the opportunity to run that office. But we did not lose our connection to Cal and Sheila. We would always keep in touch by phone. Sandy and I moved to Santa Barbara in 2004. Sheila has two married sisters who live in Los Angeles and we would always meet Cal and Sheila when they came to the West Coast. When we traveled to NYC, Cal and Sheila would come in from Parsippany and spend the day with us. Cal died last Thursday from complications of the coronavirus – our first and only close connection to the tragedy confronting our country and the world. We don’t know how he contracted the virus. He did all the right things and yet he succumbed, alone in a hospital in a neighboring town because there were no beds in the local Parsippany, New Jersey hospital. He spent a month in the hospital and after being on a ventilator for two weeks, he died. Cal and Sheila have lived in the same Parsippany home for 50 years. They were married for 60 years. Cal leaves Sheila, his wife of 60 years and his best friend, his daughter Karen and her husband Steve and their two daughters, Hannah and Abby, and their son Eric, his wife and two sons. Hannah shares Cal’s artistic talent. He also leaves behind his very heartbroken friend Jerry Oshinsky. At one point in his career Cal, the freelance commercial artist, decided to “go commercial” and take a job in New York City. He and I traveled on the Lakeland Bus Lines from Parsippany to New York City. But that was not to be his life. He soon returned to his basement studio in Parsippany. Cal was one of the smartest and best-informed people I knew. I have not known anyone with less “ego” than Cal. Cal was a throwback to an earlier generation. He was an artist, and a scholar and his calm demeanor was an attribute to be treasured by his friends. We shared the same core values and while I was running from court to court, Cal was quietly illustrating his advertisements; the coincidence of being stuck side by side In the Holland Tunnel was (with a nod to Casablanca) “the start of a beautiful friendship... we will always have... Parsippany.” 1969 was a very good year. So far 2020, not so much. •MJ 21 – 28 May 2020

VILLAGE BEAT (Continued from page 8)

Safe Environment Guide, aka RISE Guide, is a roadmap that describes when and how the County can reopen businesses safely. The Guide, which is available to view on www.readysbc. org, is considered a live and fluid document, subject to change as guidelines change. The good–great–news is that as of press time, Santa Barbara County has met or exceeded all requirements to accelerate the reopening of Phase 2B businesses, which includes resuming regular retail operations, the reopening of shopping malls and swap meets, dine-in restaurants, office-based businesses, school and childcare facilities, and some personal services including tanning facilities and car washes. Last week the County successfully petitioned the State to be able to remove the COVID-19 case count and death statistics from the Lompoc Federal Prison, which was causing the County as a whole to be ineligible to reopen. Without these numbers, the County has had fewer than 25 new cases per 100,000 residents in the past 14 days, or less than 8% testing positive in the past seven days. There have been no community deaths in the past two weeks; testing capacity is more than adequate; containment capacity, which includes the hiring of contact tracers and the ability to temporarily house at least 15% of county residents experiencing homelessness, is adequate, as is hospital capacity; vulnerable populations have the necessary PPE; and other criteria has been met or exceeded. “The disease is trending down,” said Public Health Officer Henning Ansorg to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday morning. The County has already sent its attestation to get approval from the State for the reopening of Stage 2B businesses; it is expected to happen as early as the beginning of June. Business owners can view the RISE Guide on www.readysbc.org, and become familiar with the guidelines that will be in place. Businesses will have to perform a risk assessment and prepare and implement a protection plan, complete an industry specific checklist, complete attestation, and print out and post an applicable certificate at the place of business. There will be requirements for increased signage, employee training, physical distancing, and routine sanitation. Some businesses that require modifications in order to adhere to physical distancing guidelines may require inspections and permitting. “The goal is to make this exceptionally easy for our businesses to access,” said Terri Nisich, Assistant CEO at the County, who said that there are opportunities for existing businesses to expand their footprint outside, to accommodate social distancing. Business owners 21 – 28 May 2020

should check out pages 47, 48, and 49 of the RISE Guide, available at www. readysbc.org. The next stages (Stages 3 and 4) of reopening will not take place until the governor allows; these businesses include the beverage industry including bars and lounges; hair and nail salons; barbers; body art parlors; gyms; faith-based community services; events, venues, attractions; and hotels and lodging for tourism and leisure. “I want to praise the people of Santa Barbara County. The reason we meet the criteria that the governor has set, is due to an unprecedented amount of cooperation from the people of the county. We are beating the disease,” said First District Supervisor Das Williams. “My hope is that people continue in that spirit. Support local business, and support each other as a community.” Visit www.readysbc.org for the most current information.

Coast & Olive Coming Soon!

If you’ve walked along Coast Village Road in the past weeks, you may have stopped to peruse the menu posted at the Montecito Inn; the hotel’s new restaurant, Coast & Olive, is set to open for takeout orders in the coming weeks. The eatery, which is run and managed by the Copus family, the owners of the Inn, was poised to open in early April, until the COVID-19 pandemic thwarted those plans. Coast & Olive will feature cuisine inspired by the French Riviera, while being approachable and affordable, according to Jason Copus, who will run the restaurant with his brothers, Jim Copus and Danny Copus. “We have served travelers from around the world at the Montecito Inn and Coast Village Inn, and we felt it was time to own and operate the main restaurant space within the Inn,” Jason said. “While we believe people from around the world will love Coast & Olive, our main focus is on the locals. For years now we have paid attention to what the locals have said they want at our hotel, and we truly believe this restaurant will deliver what they’ve been asking from us for a long time.” The space was most recently occupied by The Monarch, which closed in September 2019, and prior to that was home to Montecito Café for over 30 years. The brothers have plans to open the restaurant for takeout orders, and once fully open, Coast & Olive will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. The menu includes approachable breakfast items like yogurt and granola, waffles and French toast, and several egg dishes; lunch is an array of fresh salads with protein; avocado

Coast & Olive, an approachable eatery run by the Copus brothers, is set to open soon at Montecito Inn

toast; a grilled chicken sandwich; a burger; and more. Dinner offers fish, chicken, and duck options, several different cuts of steak, risotto, a pork chop, and more. The restaurant promises to be kid friendly, with a special menu just for the little ones. The Copuses have assembled an accredited team at Coast & Olive: Executive Chef John Butler has an impressive resumé which includes big name eateries in both the Bay Area and LA – including Mucho in Los Angeles and Mélisse Restaurant in Santa Monica – before moving to Santa Barbara to head up the kitchen at The Monarch. General Manager Ricardo Flores has worked at Bluewater Grill, the Miramar, and Lure Fish House, getting a feel for the local restaurant clientele. Montecito’s newest spot for date night, lunch meetings, special occasions, and everything in between has been remodeled in a contemporary, elevated aesthetic that still feels comfortable and friendly. “We are excited to start serving the community in this new way and bring our new passion into their homes for takeout,” Jason said. “And in due time, we will be ready to welcome them into this new space, which we’ve designed to celebrate every occasion.” To follow along with the progress, follow @coastandolive on Instagram.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Pivots

In a time when many nonprofit organizations are struggling to raise their usual funds, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, which assists and supports families dealing with childhood cancer along the Central Coast, has pivoted to raise much needed funds for their families. TBCF has announced a new song, “Stronger Than You Know,” is available for purchase on amazon.com, which was recorded by local 8th grader Joanne Tudor. Tudor, who attends Marymount, wrote and sang the song in honor of her best friend, who was

• The Voice of the Village •

Joanne Tudor will donate 100% of the proceeds from her new song, “Stronger Than You Know,” to Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation

diagnosed with cancer. Joanne performed the song live at TBCF’s Little Heroes event in February, and now it’s available for purchase. An anonymous donor has offered to match funds raised up to $5,000. “Even though COVID-19 has caused us to cancel or postpone two major events, including the California Clambake and the Gold Ribbon Luncheon, we are still staying focused on our families and our mission,” said Interim Executive Director Eryn Shugart. The Foundation has been able to continue giving gift cards and financial aid to families, as well as providing dinner deliveries, flowers and goodie bags for Mother’s Day, a virtual Easter Egg Hunt, and a virtual Support Group. Giving opportunities are available online at www.teddy bearcancerfoundation.org or call 805563-4723. To purchase the song, which costs $.99, visit www.amazon. c o m / - / e s / J o a n n e - Tu d o r / d p / B0843NQWJC?language=en_US. •MJ MONTECITO JOURNAL

STATE STREET (Continued from page 14)

State Street Cross Section with Tivoli Lights (rendering by 2017 Charette: Team 9)

Fortunately, the Council has in its possession a number of architectural drawings by the AIA, the local architect’s association, that almost directly addresses these opening steps as well as a more robust reopening. In fact the drawings created for the AIA’s 2017 Charrette, the same year Councilwoman Sneddon came into office, seem as if they were presciently drawn for this precise social distancing moment. “We have drawings of different walks of State Street where it’s been suggested that we shut down that block either on a temporary or permanent basis,” AIA member and charrette leader Ellen Bildsten of Bildsten Architecture and Planning remarked. “Each drawing has all kinds of elements including planters and other features that would make for a great pedestrian experience.” These drawings are at the very least a visualization if not a vision, a starting point and framework as Councilwoman Sneddon has suggested.

Social Distancing Drawings Before There Was Social Distancing

In 2017 a drawing charrette was held by the AIA to envision State Street for a better time. Today these drawings appear eerily designed in anticipation of a world where social distancing is imperative. The drawing of Arlington Way from architect Cass Ensberg, of Art & Architecture, Interior Design and Planning, “You can easily imagine applying this drawing to State Street. You can see how the tables are spaced widely apart,” said Ms Ensberg. All the drawings in the charrette were a collection of team efforts made by architects and architectural firms across the city and represent the collaborative effort of the entire professional organization. The Arlington drawing is more than the addition of a few planters, it summons the sensation of bringing the public out into nature. The triple assets of sea, sky, and mountains are a blessing in Santa Barbara that sheltering in place have given us a renewed opportunity to appreciate. It’s like sleeping under the

stars when you were a kid. Yes, we will miss our indoor spaces, but our homes have become so dominant in our lives during this pandemic that the outdoors takes on greater value. The beauty of this design is that it replaces what might seem like a loss with a sense of liberation. Another drawing also by Ms Ensberg’s charrette team, shows a State Street cross section that adds colored bike paths, planters and Tivoli lights in an “Enhanced Zone.” Imagine yourself one balmy evening under the stringed lights, the street alive with dining tables, murmuring, laughter, and music echoing. Talk about a “moveable feast.” Planters, lighting, Pedicabs, paths for pedestrians and landscaping block by Cass Ensberg, architect and AIA member (photo block are envisioned in these drawings by Hugo Rohas) as is greater residential use. Another drawing shows a bird’s-eye view of the bottom of State Street from Cota to East Gutierrez streets with the cross streets remaining open. This preserves many of the traffic patterns we are used to in order to keep State Street circulating. It also helps to prevent dark corners that are less safe. It’s Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade model. The AIA is continuing to build on the 2017 Charrette in order to focus on new efforts for needed housing and post-COVID planning. “We’re planning a charrette for this year,” Ms Ensberg said, “we’re figuring out our new ‘virtual’ setting and identifying teams for the later part of this year.” These designs are well-considered and already tailored to spaces we know and love. They could be implemented immediately, adjusted and changed or merely used as a jumping off point for other ideas. They would bring vitality and vibrance and hope to what has become a sad area.

Taking Advantage of Urbanscapes and Landscapes Concurrently

Pictures say a thousand words and drawings reassure and bring understanding. They allow people to conceptualize how they might move around in these spaces which will need to accommodate social distancing in an enjoyable way. Drawings make it possible to mentally place oneself in new environments with the positive anticipation of what these spaces might actually be like to explore. For instance, the conceptualization of Lobero Plaza shows how the Lobero might envision outdoor performances maximizing its adjacent spaces, capitalizing on the natural acoustics of Santa Barbara’s downtown area. These drawings suggest the idea that we should take advantage of our city more. The streets, the plazas, the paseos are open for us to inhabit and find joy. When one removes the car from so many cityscapes, people are allowed to breathe the city in more deeply, to explore it and appreciate it from a more humane pedestrian perspective. These are not new ideas. Cities around the world like Venice, Rome, and Lisbon have long allowed local denizens to use their cities in ways that make the structures they live with more meaningful and purposeful. In the United States think of New York’s High Line as a highly successful pedestrianed thoroughfare and Portland’s Pearl district. “This is a proven concept in cities throughout the world and all over Lobero Plaza MUSIC ON THE OUTSIDE (rendering by 2017: Team 5)

44 MONTECITO JOURNAL

“Great art is the contempt of a great man for small art.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

21 – 28 May 2020

At Granada Garage Paseo

America,” Sherry Villanueva remarked after this week’s meeting endorsing the new expansion. At a time where budgets are crunched and even greater sacrifices lie ahead, the AIA drawings provide a great deal of guidance that seem tailor made for now. These charrettes are part of their professional mission. They do not cost the City anything. For City Hall to not take advantage of such talent in this city would be a shame, as these plans would enable scaling up the City’s initial steps to bigger, more substantial ones.

People Movers on the Way

Fortunately, Transportation Manager Rob Dayton and his team have already purchased new kinds of people movers that could easily offset the limitations on cars. “The first all-electric bike system in the nation is going to be here in September,” Mr. Dayton remarks. “Each bike is $2,500. They are free to the city because the provider charges for use. We challenged the design team for Beach Cycle, and they developed a unique single docking system that looks more like a bike rack. You just push the front tire in, it locks up and you unlock it with your phone.” “We will have 250 initially. They’ll be up and down State Street, a little bit on the waterfront at the City College to encourage the students to become more connected to Downtown.” Dayton, who never stops calling Santa Barbara “Paradise,” is probably the city’s greatest optimist and an enormous asset in forward looking planning. He understands how the basic economics of the city work and is always trying to figure out how to make city life more attractive to its residents. “I always say, we don’t do things for tourists. We do things for locals and tourists want to be here,” he remarks. In all likelihood, however, we may not actually know how many hurdles and how long the path will be to true reopening especially in terms of outside visitors. Many tourist-based businesses have already written off the rest of 2020. They are looking to 2021 before the business will even achieve half of the industry’s 2019 capacity. But Dayton wants to be ready now. “We need to create a destination for people to want to be here,” he insists. “Don’t tell me the rules right now. Tell me how we survive. We just have to be nimble, fluid, ready. In leadership, the worst decisions are made out of fear.” In the 1990s Paseo Nuevo was built out of fear that La Cumbre Plaza would draw consumers away from downtown Santa Barbara. State Street is the downtown that turned itself into a mall to compete with La Cumbre. Now La Cumbre is dead. Will State Street be the next casualty? It seems clear in these pandemic times that if you live by the mall you die by the mall. Fast Times at Ridgemont High are now past times. “I would absolutely state in the strongest terms, we have a moment in time right now to break through this gridlock on State Street that we’ve had for the last fifty years,” Ms Ensberg declares. Despite rolling street closures, Paseo Nuevo clearly remains an issue. “I’ve been advocating since 2017 that Macy’s should just be demo-ed. Then the street would open up.”

Time for a Paradigm Shift Reassessing State Street

Hopefully the City Council’s initial measures will provide some relief to establishments directly in harm’s way, particularly those on State Street. But at some point, the question arises – why does the notion persist that State Street – as a unified thirteen block neighborhood – will transform and become pros21 – 28 May 2020

Sample State Street Closure with Open Cross Streets (rendering by Team 1)

perous? Perhaps more importantly, is a reinvigorated State Street a necessity for the sake of Santa Barbara? Perhaps the time has come for a paradigm shift, a new way of looking at State Street and the entire city. Instead of assessing Santa Barbara in terms of areas and districts, perhaps the map of Santa Barbara should be regarded from the point of view of providing strong businesses, in whatever part of town that can survive, with help. Not thinking in terms of literal geography, but in terms of history, stability, and potential. Instead of looking at the big hole on State Street, perhaps the focus should be on businesses that are uniquely equipped to sustain through this challenging time and take us to the next level of post-COVID prosperity. Businesses like La Super-Rica, a local institution that has had a successful business for decades, will likely come back, if they can survive this difficult period. Coast Village Road is another potential area that may already be more geared to survival and growth than State Street. This area warrants taking substantial measures, actually spending the time to design its expansion into the COVIDready side lane, fully taking all of its establishments into the streets. “Ever since I can recall, we’ve had these conversations about the downtown area and the city has been stuck on the downtown area,” Councilmember Alejandra Gutierrez remarked. Born and raised on the Eastside, Ms Gutierrez represents the Funk Zone, Haley, the Eastside and Milpas. She has grown up intertwined in two cultures and in many ways has a wider perspective on the city. Representing such a diverse business base has made her look at the city in terms of those businesses. “Really innovative, visionary people got together, and boom, the Funk Zone came up. Nobody would go in that area,” she recounts. “Then the Funk Zone became this happening place. But there are lots of areas that were thriving and will thrive again if they can make it through this. Coast Village Road, all the restaurants on Upper State, Milpas. We have to look at getting through this in terms of all the businesses.” One thing is extraordinarily clear, the time has come to look beyond State Street. Certainly, closing the downtown to traffic in order to open more dining, retail, and enjoying the urbanscape and the landscape simultaneously is laudable. But the entirety of our businesses can’t be sacrificed for one geographic area. In all likelihood the impending economic reshuffling will be significantly more dire than that which is currently being addressed. There is definitely a factor of how much disturbing news we can effectively absorb. But we need to prepare for greater changes and initiatives as the reality of business demise evolves.

Panacea or Placebo?

Is saving State Street a panacea for Santa Barbara or a placebo? Is State Street a nostalgic attachment or a city administrator’s stopgap? Most importantly has the time come to go beyond the focus on a particular street with such a burdensome past? Maybe it’s better to stop concentrating on streets at all and single-mindedly see our city in terms of the business establishments themselves on a case-by-case basis and become an enabler of those cherished establishments, wherever they reside. Regardless, State Street seems to be headed toward a now or never moment. •MJ

• The Voice of the Village •

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• The Voice of the Village •

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685 STONEHOUSE LN, MONTECITO 2 ± acs • $2,995,000 Team Scarborough, 805.331.1465 LIC# 01182792 / 01050902

2275 FEATHERHILL RD, MONTECITO 4BD/4BA • $2,950,000 Rachael Douglas, 805.318.0900 LIC# 02024147

2942 TORITO RD, MONTECITO UPPER 3BD/3BA • $2,475,000 Joyce Enright, 805.570.1360 LIC# 00557356

805 TORO CANYON RD, MONTECITO 10.67±acs • $2,375,000 Nancy Kogevinas, 805.450.6233 LIC# 01209514

134 SANTA ELENA LN, MONTECITO 4BD/3BA • $2,195,000 Mary Whitney, 805.689.0915 LIC# 01144746

1375 PLAZA DE SONADORES, MONTECITO

715 CIRCLE DR, MONTECITO UPPER 3BD/3BA • $1,435,000 Mark Schneidman, 805.452.2428 LIC# 00976849

2BD/2½BA • $2,150,000 Nancy Kogevinas, 805.450.6233 LIC# 01209514

@BHHSCALIFORNIA

Montecito's Complex Water World

Articles inside

Local Business Directory

cumbed to COVID

Jerry Meandering

Real Estate

Perspectives

On Entertainment

Institute for Theoretical Physics offers online workshops; Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival hosts contest

Fowl Play

Spirituality Matters

Library Mojo

Brilliant Thoughts

State Street Serenade

On the Record

Ernie’s World

Editor’s Letter

Community Voices

Lompoc Federal Prison; Scholarship Foundation awards grants

Montecito Miscellany

Letters to the Editor