Perspectives

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, Bears, Business, and Better World One of the oldest grizzlies outside a zoo emerges from yet another winter. The White Solution environmental, and social concerns for over 35 years N othing warms the heart like a conservation story about bears – and today we have a really good one for you. A few weeks ago, a nature photographer who lives near Yellowstone

Last week this column was entibe calculated?” and “How would the National Park sent a text message to Dr. Jane Goodall, the British primatolotled Half Slave, Half Free and dealt payment be made even if we could gist. “Miraculously, she still lives!” with the reality that people of agree upon who deserved the money, The photographer, Thomas Mangelsen, was referring to a grizzly bear color are not equal in this country; and, the amounts, and the desire to ‘even the known as “399,” probably the most famous wild bruin in the world. Aged that this condition is a fundamental score’ for centuries of being held back?” 24, not only is she one of the oldest grizzlies living outside a zoo, but she has challenge to our “Union” as envisioned The problem with reparations, also continued having cubs to a venerable age, becoming a poster child for the by Abraham Lincoln. Hopefully, after beyond the very challenging quesrecovery of bears in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. the last two weeks of international tions above, is far greater than the The population of grizzlies in the Yellowstone region was given protection protests we are ready to embrace the dollars. The problem with reparations under the Endangered Species Act in 1975 after their numbers dipped to less solution to racism. It is not enough is: after having been paid in whatever than 150. But their recovery, thanks to habitat protection, crackdowns on to “wish” it away. It is not enough to amount and in whatever way deterpoaching, and a ban on hunting, is considered one of the greatest conserva“hope” it goes away. It is not enough mined, the money will be gone and tion triumphs in U.S. history. to ignore the reality of 401 years since the challenges of our “half slave, half Today, at least700 grizzlies inhabit the region and, luring tourists, they have slavery reached our shores in the hopes free” society would remain. I strongly paid tangible economic dividends. Born in 1996, 399 has demonstrated the that somehow we can “forget” what believe that the best form of reparaimportance of a healthy female bear to an overall population. At least 22 bears has happened. It is not enough to cease tions is to morally, legally and finanare descended from her, both cubs and cubs of cubs. being a racist, or thinking one is neucially support a permanent program tral, it is now incumbent on us to which would remain in effect until PayPal commits to invest $530 million actively be anti-racist. What does this equality is achieved for all people of to support minority-owned businesses. mean? It means that whites have accucolor including Hispanics and Native Along with elected officials, corporate leaders also have an important role mulated the majority of power in our Americans. I include Hispanics and to play when it comes to addressing racial inequality. Now, in the wake of society so whites must be the source Native Americans because as Martin worldwide protests against racial injustice, some of the world’s biggest corpoof the solution. People of color have Luther King said, “Injustice anywhere rate players are stepping in to support action against this societal ill. been too marginalized to create equalis a threat to justice everywhere.” One of the most notable contributions comes from electronic payments firm ity. As Emmanuel Acho concluded, it “Equal” means equal for all of us PayPal, which recently pledged $530 million to support black and minoriwill take a “White Solution.” regardless of skin color or nation of ority-owned businesses in the United States and foster diversity.

South Carolina Congressman James gin and true equality is what people of Most of the money – $500 million – will be devoted to the creation of an Clyburn recently observed: with few color are clamoring for. Given the cureconomic opportunity fund that will invest in black and under-represented exceptions, almost every white perrent political paralysis, and the necessity minority businesses and communities. son who came to our shores did so to act at once, it is clear that our political What’s more, San Jose, California-based PayPal said $10 million of the total voluntarily seeking a better life; and, institutions will not be up to the task of pledged will be used for emergency grants to black-owned US businesses tragically, with very few exceptions designing or executing such a program. hurt by the effects of the coronavirus lockdown. his people (of color) were brought here Our Merchant Class must take the lead The grants of $10,000 each will be aimed at covering expenses needed to under duress as slaves. Those enslaved in this incredible challenge that will stabilize and re-open businesses. A further $15 million will be used to foster people and their descendants built this lead us to equality, and not cease until diversity within the company by expanding its inclusion programs. Although nation with the sweat of their brows we arrive there. money alone cannot create an actively anti-racist corporate culture, contributand labored to co-create with us the Apart from the obvious fact that our ing tangible financial funds towards supporting black-owned businesses and wealth that became the United States political institutions have been failing promoting diversity in business is a great starting point. •MJ even through the horror of Reconstruction. to correct our inequalities for hundreds They labored to work our farms and of years and seem less able to address build our factories through the incredthem today than at any time since Jim ed the dispassionate commitment to receive because of their financial staible indignities of “the Jim Crow” era. Crow, why should the business comcommon prosperity that the cry for tus and geographical location. It could

Today, these same people of color are munity assume this burden? There are Reparations evokes. finance the studies of inequality in our expected to serve our society even as two answers: 1) the peace of society, What would a business-led program workplaces and instigate reforms by our society fails to adequately educate and the general prosperity of society look like pushing us to true equality? It highlighting the best corporate behavior their children; even though our society for all its members, is the dominant could look like every business setting on behalf of all “stakeholder groups” fails to provide the same opportunities driver of our consumer economy so it aside two percent of annual profits for as JUST Capital does today for the top for housing in the neighborhoods of is in the interests of business to put the an “Equality Fund” to be used to pay 1,000 public corporations in America. their choice; even though we continue rancor, the riots, the ill will, the resentfor creating total equality in funding of Most importantly, the Fund could pay to abandon vast numbers of our fellow ment, the negativity and the forces of public education regardless of the disfor lawyers to enforce anti-redlining citizens of color to food desert wastedestruction behind us – that’s how our trict the student lived in or the color of statutes and to hold landlords, properlands within the inner city, and deny economy works and the business comhis/her complexion. Wealthy districts ty owners, and the related real estate them the same quality of healthcare, munity knows it. And, 2) business is the now provide homeowner subsidy payindustry to standards of absolute neuor job opportunities, as we collectively most powerful institution in society so ments to public school districts in many trality when it comes to allowing people extend to ourselves. more falls upon it to bring order from wealthy enclaves around the Nation. of color to live in the neighborhoods of

A discussion of these systemic racist our current chaos as the ultimate corpoThe Equality Fund would balance that their choosing. All this and much more challenges often devolves into a debate rate responsibility. There has not been a wealth factor as one’s parents’ wealth could be done by the Fund if we truly around the idea of “reparations” as a time for centuries such as this where should not be allowed again to deterbelieved that equality was the goal in way to repay our citizens of color who the business community must once mine the quality of one’s education. everyone’s best interests. have suffered for generations. again provide societal leadership. Not The Equality Fund could be used to The Equality Fund is one idea. We

Unfortunately, those conversations since the Medici of Medieval Florence pay to subsidize medical care for all who hope and trust that others will emerge become bogged down in practical quesand the Doges of Venice created the live in disadvantaged neighborhoods. from the business community as we tions like “Who is entitled to a payMerchant Class rulers who lead Europe It could pay for all the social services collectively strive to become “One ment?” and “How would the payment through the Renaissance have we needthe disadvantaged fail to adequately Nation Under God.” •MJ 18 – 25 June 2020 • The Voice of the Village • MONTECITO JOURNAL 27

ENTERTAINMENT (Continued from page 16) piece of music and send it to each of own entry, a giant macaw that appears the dancers who then filmed themto swoop and fly. selves,” he explained. “Some of them “The whole concept is silly, it’s did the same choreography, while othgoofy, and it’s fun,” he said. “We realers just made up something else. But ly have no idea how it will turn out. it’s all the same music. Then they But the point was to make an effort to put it together on the video, with the continue to share the spirit of what the screen showing anywhere from one to Solstice Parade embodies.” six dancers at a time so you get that The parade can be seen on Solstice’s ensemble experience.” new YouTube channel and stream

The theme itself was responsible live at high noon on June 20 on the for attracting one newbie ensemble, Summer Solstice Celebration webMorrison said, as “Beautiful Earth” site. Other associated online events enticed an ecology group to submit a include a full slate of music, a virtual video. Another smaller ensemble actubeer garden and dance party, screenally recorded their video of dancing up ing of Solstice-related films, sales of State Street. “They were small enough Solstice swag, and “Solstice Stories” so that they could do it while social interviews with special guests. Visit Live Oak Festival’s Main Stage Master of distancing and, yes, they wore masks.” www.virtualsolstice2020.com. Ceremonies Joe Craven

Organizers also filmed a virtual NorCal-based mandolinist and allopening with John Palminteri, the ubiquitous newsman who shows up every year, Morrison said. “We’re Live Oak Music Festival Gets Radio-active around entertainer who has served as Live Oak’s Main Stage Master of Ceremonies for more than 15 years, acting like we’re waving the parade After spending more than a quarwill again host the festivities all weekfloats out as we always do. We’re tryter century happily ensconced at the end long, and while we may still see ing to keep as many elements of the campground halfway up the San him dressing in drag and other outparade as we can.” Marcos Pass that gave the festival its landish costumes, it’s doubtful, due

Morrison himself participated in the name, the Live Oak Music Festival to internet lag, that he’ll be able to sit final entry, the large drum ensemble that takes place over Father’s Day in and jam, one of the Live Oak highthat traditionally serves as the ending weekend every year packed up to lights back when we all met in person. float. That took place a couple of weeks return to its roots in San Luis Obispo Still, the fest is aiming to create its ago, organized by Pali X-Mano, who two summers ago. Now, in the face community albeit remotely by encourhad to eschew his annual inflatable but of restrictions imposed by the state aging listeners to set up camp in your instead offered everyone a chance to during the coronavirus pandemic, the home or backyard, fire up the BBQ don costumes from previous parades. fest is migrating, temporarily, once and turn up the radio to enjoy Live

It was filmed on State Street, but also again, this time to the public radio Oak at home. Add to the fun by using in front of the Solstice mural behind station which produces the event and the hashtag #liveoakontheradio on the Granada Theatre in an impromptu serves as its impetus and beneficiary. Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to decision. “It wasn’t in the original planKCBX, which airs over 89.6 FM in share festival memories and/or vidning, but it turned out great, because Santa Barbara, is planning a reminiseos and photos of your activities all we have the present parading in front cence-filled romp through the Live weekend, showing camping setups, of Solstice past,” Morrison said. “That Oak archives, featuring songs from family jam sessions or whatever other was a beautiful overlap.” the huge swath of artists that have celebration seems to capture the Live

Justin Gunn, the filmmaker and artappeared over the years – including Oak motto of “Peace. Love. Dirt.” Visit ist whose short film A Solstice in Santa such big names as guitar wizard David www.liveoakfest.org. Barbara that he made just a few months Lindley, country music chart-topper after moving to town and which premiered at SBIFF, also shot some video in front of the murals, including his Wynonna Judd, dobro master Jerry Douglas, soul legend Mavis Staples, and jazz bassist Stanley Jordan – covCADA Cares Concert Combats COVID-19 ering a wide array of genres from funk and soul to bluegrass, folk, reggae, Fundraising Shortfall and more. The broadcast, slated for The unprecedented stay-at-home June 19-21, will also feature current orders because of the pandemic have releases from artists who have perbeen a double whammy for service formed previously at Live Oak and nonprofits such as the Council on those who the fest hopes to have as Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, whose part of its 2021 festival. mission is to provide services for preLike the Toyota Prius, however, the venting and treating alcoholism and festival is actually a hybrid. Live Oak drug abuse to youth, adults, and famialso plans to feature live performances lies throughout Santa Barbara County. from a few favorite local artists, most of Not only has 70-year-old CADA had whom have performed at the festival in to close its offices and pivot to helpthe past. Big Big SLO, which has been ing an increasing number of clients, streaming shows from BGA Studios as their families and the communiwell as the so-called Shelter Stage at ty via providing a full spectrum of the Pozo Saloon, is producing a series daily services through telephone and of performance at the BGA stage that Telehealth visits, but it also had to will air as live audio-video streams postpone its 34th annual Amethyst mixed in throughout the weekend. Ball, its major fundraiser of the year, Among the artists are Bear Market Riot, which was dubbed “Motown at the Moonshiner Collective, reggae master Miramar” and has been tentatively ResiNation, and the ever-popular gypsy rescheduled for October 16 at the jazz band Café Musique. recently reopened resort. What’s more, Joe Craven, the But next Thursday night is about 28 MONTECITO JOURNAL “The road to success is always under construction.” – Lily Tomlin

rockin’ it out Santa Barbara-style, as a number of well-known musicians with local ties have come forward to support CADA’s work as the COVID-19 crisis continues. CADA Cares: An Evening of Music at Home, which takes place on Thursday, June 25, is planned as an online interactive evening featuring performances by Michael McDonald, Alan Parsons, Peter and Natalie Noone, Dishwalla’s Justin Fox, David Pack from Ambrosia, and other special guests. The intimate performances are coming straight from the artists’ homes while the event venue will allow viewers to interact with favorite musicians, share comments about the performances, and provide support for CADA’s life-saving services by making donations before or during the concert.

We caught up with Fox, who spent a decade in Montecito where he rented a house with his former UCSB alum bandmates in Tripdavon before relocating to Carpinteria and replacing original lead singer J. R. Richards in Dishwalla, which scored a huge hit in the 1990s with “Counting Blue Cars.”

Q. What prompted you getting involved in the CADA Cares concert?

A. It’s a really important cause and they need to raise both funds and awareness for those issues. When they couldn’t do the Amethyst Ball, they were looking for a virtual alternative to keep the torch burning. Alcoholism and drug addiction is a mental health disease that needs to be treated that way, not as a crime. It’s about giving people the tools to heal and change their lives without slapping on the handcuffs and hauling them to jail. So I’m happy to help.

Have you done many of these virtual shows? (Dishwalla band members) Rodney (Browning), George (Pendergast), and I played the Together Apart Musical Festival that Todd Capps put together at the beginning of April. That was my first foray into doing something on Facebook Live. We had a bunch of technical difficulties, but we’ve figured it all out as the quarantine went on and we all got hip to it. Now I have a bunch more quality gear, good microphones and cameras, which is a lot better than propping your iPhone on a table.

What can we expect from your part?

David Pack and I are working on a song together, and that’s been really fun. He’s so talented. Rodney rode his bike over from his house in Carp with his guitar and we did a couple of acoustic guitar songs together. I also went over to Peter and Natalie (Noone’s) house to record some of their vocals for the event. It’s really a