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MISCELLANY
22 Feb – 1 Mar 2018 Vol 24 Issue 8
The Voice of the Village
S SINCE 1995 S
Ty Warner creates “Cito,” a Beanie Babies rescue dog for students, first responders, and animal shelters, p. 6
LETTERS, P. 8 • ASHLEIGH BRILLIANT, P. 23 • CALENDAR OF EVENTS, P. 42
KICKING ASH
DAVID CROSBY, ALAN PARSONS, GLEN PHILLIPS, KENNY LOGGINS, DAVID FOSTER, RICHARD MARX, STEVE VAI, WILSON PHILLIPS, THE SISTERHOOD BAND, DISHWALLA, AND MANY OTHERS SET TO THANK AND ENTERTAIN THOUSANDS OF FIRST RESPONDERS AND THEIR FAMILIES AT PAT NESBITT’S SUMMERLAND SPREAD; DENNIS MILLER EMCEES (STORY ON PAGE 16)
Celebrating the Upper Village
Family-friendly event with food, shopping, and music to reintroduce joy of shopping in Montecito’s upper village, p. 12 (cover image by Alice Chein)
Oceanic Angels
Laurie Hall’s detour to visit twice-evacuated Montecito resident and friend, Missy, proves fruitful and angelic, p. 37
Piano Man
Juilliard student and MAW Solo Piano Competition winner Zhu Wang plays Hahn Hall Monday, Feb. 26, p. 36
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MONTECITO JOURNAL
• The Voice of the Village •
22 February – 1 March 2018
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 5 Editorial
Bob Hazard wipes away the mud to analyze Montecito’s clean-up endeavors, the Bucket Brigade and other volunteers, County aid, plus additional solutions
6 Miscellany
Ty Warner and dogs; Belmond El Encanto; nun Pauline Krismanich; Bui Simon bash; SB Symphony; Andrew Garland with Camerata Pacifica; CAMA concert; Cameron Carpenter; Calidore quartet; Council of Contributors; Unity Shoppe; Love Your Theater gala; and Katy Perry
8
Letters to the Editor
A wide-ranging collection of missives from Journal readers including Hillary Hauser, Bud Bottoms, Milt and Arlene Larsen, Don Gragg, Morten Wengler, Art Thomas, Sherry Bevan (c/o Jean von Wittenburg, “concerned residents,” Dale Lowdermilk, Carol Shabrami, Sharon Bellandi, Anonymous, Garth and Kathy Nobis, Judy Pearce, Jessica Tade, and Nigel Gallimore
10 This Week
MBAR meets; Zoomation; Spanish group; STEAM; Carp museum; free music; yoga on wharf; Rollness; BOS hearing; Kick Ash; slideshow; Knit ’N Needle; poetry; exhibit opening; Walk & Roll; Porch gala; and Annexx party
Tide Guide 12 Village Beat
Upper village celebration; Montecito Association meeting; CVR beautification; rain gauges installed; and Laguna Blanca fundraiser
14 Seen Around Town
Lynda Millner reports on the Friendship Center’s Queen of Hearts Tea Party and the “Go Red for Women” luncheon
16 On Entertainment
ONE DAY ONLY
Steven Libowitz chronicles the Kick Ash Bash benefit concert; Ventura Music Fest; SBYPC mixer; John Gorka; pianist Zhu Wang; and Personal Stories
23 Brilliant Thoughts
FEBRUARY 24
{
Down Under: Ashleigh Brilliant’s memory lures him back to the land of Australia, where he and wife Dorothy first visited circa 1972
9 AM TO 5 PM
34 Spirituality Matters
TRASH & TREASURES
}
CLEANING OUT OUR WAREHOUSE
All the money raised will go to
“The Bucket Brigade” help Montecito family’s clean up
– RESTAURANT CHAIRS – NEW WALLPAPER – TILE – ANTIQUE LIGHT FIXTURES – FLY FANS – FURNITURE – COSTUMES – – T-SHIRTS – TOTE BAGS – POSTERS – BOOKS – GAMES – PROPS – FRAMED PHOTOS – PAINTINGS – – MASSAGE TABLE – ANTIQUE TIN PANELS’ – SHOP TOOLS / PLANER & SANDER – – EVEN A SKELETON –
Steven Libowitz converses with Bill Wich about The Next Step; Consciousness Network; Rollness; Radhule Weininger; She is Rising; and Full Moon Circle
37 Embracing Life
Making angels: Laurie Hall follows the path of the recent mudslides by visiting her Montecito-based friend Missy, whose home was within the evacuation zone
38 Legal Advertising 39 On Law
Rex non Potest Peccare: Steven Blum digs deeper into insurance laws and finding additional ways to recover from losses caused by the mudslide
42 Calendar of Events
Anima theater; Danish quartet; jazz at Lobero; Teen Star; pianist Peter Serkin; Airedanse; SB Music Club; blues at Alhecama; NASA; and movies in focus
46 Classified Advertising MAGIC CASTLE CABARET PARKING LOT 30 LOS PATOS WAY, MONTECITO
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MONTECITO JOURNAL
Our very 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 • The Voice of the Village •
22 February – 1 March 2018
Editorial
by Bob Hazard
Mr. Hazard is an Associate Editor of this paper and a former president of Birnam Wood Golf Club.
Rising from the Mud
M
ontecito’s cleanup effort is well underway with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers having cleared most of the creeks and debris basins. But a largely unanswerable question surrounds the massive mountain of mud still piled on private property: what to do with the stuff. This is not just an individual homeowner problem; it is a pervasive problem for the entire community. Drive across East Valley Road through its former Private property mud removal in Bonnymede: $1,100,000 mud intersection with Randall removal bill on private property where three bodies were found Road and Glen Oaks Drive and try to envision a timeframe for rebuilding the private homes that are still hanging up in mud and trees. Walk down East Valley past the roadblocks at Hot Springs and visit the mud and devastation at Parra Grande Lane. Drive down Hot Springs and Olive Mill Road toward Coast Village Road to see the homes, once beautiful, now buried in muck and boulders. Observe the mountains of mud on private property at Casa de Maria, Bonnymede, the Four Seasons Biltmore, and sadly, the iconic San Ysidro Ranch. One of the hardest hit areas of Montecito is the neighborhood of 65 homes tucked into an area just east of Olive Mill and north of North Jameson known as Montecito Oaks. This lovely family-friendly enclave features homes on smaller
EDITORIAL Page 244
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MONTECITO JOURNAL
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Monte ito Miscellany by Richard Mineards
3 (PURE)
m
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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 CA 93101 The Joan 805-966-9811 Rivers Show andFAX Geraldo Rivera, host on E! TV, a correspondent on the syndicated show Extra, and a commentator on the KTLA Morning News. He moved to Montecito ten years ago.
Ty to the Rescue
B
eanie Baby billionaire Ty Warner is giving paws for thought! The hotelier, whose tony MMontecito ontecito Mudslide and Thomas Fire Water Quality Mudslide and Thomas Fire Water Quality hostelries, including the San Ysidro Ranch and the Biltmore, were heavily impacted by the flash floods and mudThe Thomas Fire and mudslide in Montecito has affected slides last month, has produced Cito, many of our friends, customers and neighbors. We’ve mudslide in Montecito has affected many of our friends, customers and neighbors. a mixed-breed rescue dog, which will had numerous calls regarding concerns about how these lls regarding concerns about how these events will affect our water quality. be given to each child in Montecito events will affect our water quality. schools and all firefighters and police officers, as well as the animal shelters The fire has andquality will affect groundwater quality the Fire affect groundwater over the next few over months. will be thatravaged helped in land the extensive search and rescue operations. next few months. Fire ravaged land will be susceptible ulling debris into the surrounding water sources and contaminaBng them. AddiBonally, The name tag has the inscription: “If to erosion pulling debris into the surrounding water d to combat the fires will seep into the groundwater affecBng water quality. there is a fire or flood, Even if there’s sources and contaminating them. Additionally, fire a lot of mud, I will help you find retardant toxins used to combat the fires will seep into your way, if you are hurting or gone experienced a boil water alert, we quality. recommend that our customers the groundwater affecting water astray.” service all water It is also planned to have a booth at sis, and filter systems once alerts are liEed. an auction at the Santa Barbara Polo If your community has experienced a boil water alert, Club to raise money for those in our we recommend that our customers service all water rarefied enclave who need help and ems offers a variety of services for water filtraBon including reverse osmosis drinking softeners, reverse osmosis, and filter systems once alerts on Sunday a fundraiser for the Bucket Eeners and a variety of other treatment opBons. are lifted. Brigade will be held at the Magic Castle, on the site of the former Cafe Matilija Pure Water Systems offers a variety of services for del Sol, by the dynamic duo of Milt you, but the fact remains the fire will affect your water. The last defense is at the point and Arlene Larsen. water filtration including reverse osmosis drinking water are here to help with special discounts for those affected by these events. Two years ago, Ty produced another systems, water softeners and a variety of other treatment canine Beanie Baby, Davey, in memory options. of a 5-month-old Chihuahua that was saniBzaBon or filter changes call us at (805) 963-7873 or www.getpurewater.com badly tortured and led to the founding We don’t want to alarm you, but the fact remains the of Montecito animal activist Gretchen fire will affect your water. The last defense is at the point Lieff’s organization, Davey’s Voice, ems has been serving our local community for 70 years and we are here to help our for animal rights. of use – your home. We are here to help with special He is hoping to open his San Ysidro th through these tragic events. discounts for those affected by these events. eateries, the Stonehouse and the Plow & Angel, in the next three to four To schedule any service, sanitization or filter changes call months, though the cottages on the us at (805) 963-7873 or www.getpurewater.com 500-acre site are not expected to be ready for occupation until year’s end depending on permitting. Matilija Pure Water Systems has been serving our local What a swell guy. community for 70 years and we are here to help our
Ty Warner’s new Beanie Baby, Cito
company’s long-term strategic plan,” says my man with the martini. “It is an iconic resort and will remain under the Belmond umbrella.” This year is also the El Encanto’s centenary and will be celebrated throughout the year with a number of events. Sister Act
friends and neighbors with through these tragic events.
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MONTECITO JOURNAL
Up for Grabs After the takeover of the 78-acre Sincerely, Bacara, with its 358 rooms and suites, by the Ritz-Carlton group in October, the Belmond El Encanto is now on the Daniel Masse, CWS market, I can exclusively reveal. Sincerely, General Manager The five-star, seven-acre Riviera MaBlija Pure Water Systemshostelry, which consists of 92 suites Daniel Masse, CWS and bungalows owned and managed General Manager by Belmond, formerly Orient Express since 2013, will still be managed by Matilija Pure Water Systems the international group under a longterm agreement. “The sale of the resort and associated real estate will support the company’s future growth and plans for continued expansion, in line with the • The Voice of the Village •
Longtime La Casa de Maria nun Pauline Krismanich retires
Montecito nun Pauline Krismanich, 88, who has lived at La Casa de Maria for 48 years, is retiring and moving to the Immaculate Heart Community center in Los Angeles. After being displaced by both the Thomas Fire and the mudslides, Pauline saw them as her sign to finally retire. She has been a figure around town for many years, driving her car, with its 4RJesus license plate, back and
MISCELLANY Page 184 22 February – 1 March 2018
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MONTECITO JOURNAL
7
LETTERS
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 jim@montecitojournal.net
The Mud Must Go Somewhere
H
The best little paper in America (Covering the best little community anywhere!) Publisher Timothy Lennon Buckley Editor At Large Kelly Mahan Herrick • Managing Editor James Luksic • Design/Production Trent Watanabe Associate Editor Bob Hazard
Account Managers Sue Brooks, Tanis Nelson, Leanne Wood, DJ Wetmore, Bookkeeping Diane Davidson • Proofreading Helen Buckley • Arts/Entertainment/Calendar/Music Steven Libowitz • Columns Leanne Wood, Erin Graffy, Scott Craig, Julia Rodgers, Ashleigh Brilliant, Karen Robiscoe, Sigrid Toye • Gossip Thedim Fiste, Richard Mineards • History Hattie Beresford • Humor Ernie Witham, Grace Rachow Photography/Our Town Joanne A. Calitri • Society Lynda Millner Travel Jerry Dunn • Sportsman Dr. John Burk • Trail Talk Lynn P. Kirst Published by Montecito Journal Inc., James Buckley, President 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: news@montecitojournal.net
You can subscribe to the Journal!! Please fill out this simple form and mail it to us with your payment My name is:____________________________________________________________________________ My address is:____________________________________________________________ ZIP__________ Enclosed is ____________ $150 for the next 50 issues of Montecito Journal to be delivered via First Class Mail P.S. Start my subscription with issue dated: Please send your check or money order to: Montecito Journal, 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite D, Montecito, CA 93108
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MONTECITO JOURNAL
eal the Ocean (HTO) has received numerous (some irate) phone calls regarding the mud being deposited on Goleta and Carpinteria beaches. Television media has also called for a response from us. We told them, and everyone else, we were investigating and would let everyone know when we knew the answer. We at HTO don’t believe environmental knee-jerk reactions help anything, least of all the environment. First, the Thomas Fire/mudslide is a disaster of enormous proportions. Possibly the worst since the earthquake of 1925 took down the Potter Hotel. More importantly, the decision to deposit mud on Goleta and Carpinteria beaches is a decision not made lightly by the numerous agencies charged with dealing with this massive problem, including public works officials from the city and county of Santa Barbara, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Caltrans, and the contractors themselves. Prudent decision-making is harder in a time of disaster of this magnitude (think Katrina)... but a decision-making process is put in place nonetheless, to consider the options. Tom Fayram, director of Santa Barbara County Public Works, told Heal the Ocean that “when the mud is ten feet high on a telephone pole on Danielson Road and when people are still missing, maybe buried in mud... we have only a few options, the chief one of which is to return the community to normal as soon as possible. That is what we are doing to the best of our abilities,” Fayram said. “After we get the community back in shape, people can slap me all they want.” Beyond that, all those concerned with the water quality of the ocean need to know the following: there are two County environmental planners at each site, inspecting “every single truckload,” and those that don’t meet requirements are turned away... to a site off Highway 154; debris and vegetation is going to a site in Buellton and/or Ventura County Fairgrounds for holding until future disposal decisions can be made. Ventura County is helping. Many agencies that have weighed the options available to solve this massive problem are working night and day. Heal the Ocean asks all ocean lovers and surfers (who should accept the fact they shouldn’t get into the water right now) to support the agencies working hard to get us out of this
• The Voice of the Village •
mess. And our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have lost loved ones. Hillary Hauser Executive director Heal the Ocean
A Lasting Tribute
The Thomas Fire and Montecito mudslides have affected everyone in our community, especially those who lost dear family members and friends. A memorial that remembers those lost and also dedicated to the responders who rescued so many can help with our healing and be a lasting tribute to the resilience of this community. There will likely be many suggestions for an appropriate memorial. About 35 years ago, the City of Santa Barbara held a contest for a fountain at Stearns Wharf. Twenty-six sculptors and designers offered their concepts, and residents were invited to choose their favorite. For a month, Santa Barbara residents visited the downtown library where the proposed models were on display, and the dolphin fountain concept won. If there is to be a monument, Montecito residents should have a voice, so it would truly be the people’s monument. A display of the concepts could be placed in the Montecito library or another central location where people could vote for their choice. Montecito deserves a people’s monument in their community, something comforting and uplifting through the years. Bud Bottoms Santa Barbara (Editor’s note: Mr. Bottoms is the sculptor whose dolphin fountain won the contest and whose exuberant creation at the bottom of State Street continues to enthrall visitors and residents alike. – J.B.)
LETTERS Page 224 22 February – 1 March 2018
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MONTECITO JOURNAL
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This Week in and around Montecito
(If you have a Montecito event, or an event that concerns Montecito, please e-mail kelly@montecitojournal.net or call (805) 565-1860) THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22 MBAR Meeting Montecito Board of Architectural Review seeks to ensure that new projects are harmonious with the unique physical characteristics and character of Montecito. On today’s agenda: a new accessory structure and trellis on Parra Grande, landscape changes on Parra Grande, an addition on Monte Vista Road, a new home, garages, and guest house on Cowles Road, and three new small cell wireless facilities on Mesa Road, Miramar Avenue, and San Leandro Lane, among several other agenda items. When: 1 pm Where: County Engineering building, Planning Commission Hearing Room, 123 E. Anapamu Zoomation at Montecito Library Zoomation is a non-live animal, 3-dimensional animated zoo presentation with additional animal puppets and songs, featuring American Sign Language (ASL) that together bring to life animals (birds, reptiles, and land and sea mammals) from oceans, deserts, mountains, jungles, and forests of the world. When: 4 to 5 pm Where: Montecito Library, 1469 East Valley Road Info: 969-5063 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Spanish Conversation Group at the Montecito Library The Montecito Library hosts a Spanish Conversation Group for anyone interested in practicing and improving conversational skills in Spanish.
Participants should be familiar with the basics. When: 1:30 pm Where: Montecito Library, 1469 East Valley Road Info: 969-5063 After-School STEAM Program Build with Legos, do snap circuits, and drop-in craft activities at Montecito Library. Ages 5 and up. When: 3:30 to 4:30 pm Where: 1469 East Valley Road Info: 969-5063 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Yoga on the Wharf Join in for another class on Stearn’s Wharf to benefit Direct Relief. All proceeds from this class will go directly to the cause. Bring your mat, your sunglasses, and all of your friends. Every day, Direct Relief prepares the most vulnerable communities worldwide for more frequent, more destructive emergencies, and Direct Relief responds fast, effectively, and efficiently when disaster strikes to make sure medical resources are where they need to be to save lives. Direct relief aims to improve the lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay. When: 9 am Where: Stearns Wharf, 219 Stearns Wharf Cost: donation One805 Kick Ash Bash Honoring our first responders while raising much-needed funds for emergency equipment, counseling services, and survivor relief. One805 will treat first responders and guests to an exciting day. Sited at the Nesbitt Bella Vista Estate in Summerland, the
event will be part music festival, part family fair, and 100 percent about bringing our community together in the aftermath of tragedy. The majority of tickets will be donated to first responders and their families. Any remaining tickets are available to the public for purchase online at www. one805.org. When: Noon to 10 pm Where: Nesbitt Bella Vista Estate Info: www.one805.org TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Board of Supervisors The SB Board of Supervisors will conduct a public hearing to consider the adoption of the Montecito Architectural Guidelines and Development Standards (Guidelines) Limited Update, Phase II. Phase II will limit the size and/or number of detached accessory buildings on residential lots in Montecito by amending the Guidelines and zoning ordinances. For additional information, please visit the project website: longrange.sbcountyplanning. org/programs/montecito/design_ guidelines_update.php When: 9 am Where: 105 E. Anapamu Street, 4th Floor WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Free Slideshow “Into the Mountains! Trails and Tales of the Santa Barbara Backcountry”, a free slideshow about our local trails with Q&A, will highlight several historic trails that lead from Santa Barbara into our local backcountry. Trails that can still be visited today as part of a day hike or backpacking trip and connect with the San Rafael and Dick Smith Wilderness areas. Trails highlighted will include those used by the Chumash, early settlers, mercury miners, cowboys, and early rangers. Join local author James Wapotich as he shares images and stories from his hikes and backpacking trips along these historic trails. He is a Volunteer Wilderness Ranger with the Forest Service and is the author of the
M on t e c i to Tid e G u id e Day Low Hgt High Thurs, February 22 1:44 AM Fri, February 23 2:52 AM Sat, February 24 4:08 AM Sun, February 25 5:19 AM Mon, February 26 12:05 AM 2.1 6:19 AM Tues, February 27 1:02 AM 1.7 7:12 AM Wed, February 28 1:51 AM 1.1 8:01 AM Thurs, March 1 2:38 AM 0.8 8:46 AM Fri, March 2 3:23 AM 0.5 9:30 AM
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Hgt Low 4.5 8:55 AM 4.7 10:33 AM 4.9 11:47 AM 5.3 12:43 PM 5.8 01:29 PM 6.1 02:11 PM 6.3 02:50 PM 6.3 03:27 PM 6 04:03 PM
Hgt 1.1 0.7 0.1 -0.6 -1 -1.4 -1.5 -1.4 -1
High 03:00 PM 05:12 PM 06:33 PM 07:23 PM 08:02 PM 08:38 PM 09:13 PM 09:48 PM 010:23 PM
Hgt Low 2.8 07:48 PM 2.8 09:18 PM 3.1 010:52 PM 3.6 4 4.3 4.6 4.8 5
• The Voice of the Village •
Hgt 2 2.4 2.4
Santa Barbara News-Press hiking column, Trail Quest. When: 7:30 pm, doors open at 7 pm Where: Farrand Hall at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol Info: 729-4250 THURSDAY, MARCH 1 Knit ‘N Needle Fiber art crafts (knitting, crochet, embroidery, and more) drop-in and meet-up for all ages at Montecito Library. When: 2 to 3 pm Where: 1469 East Valley Road Info: 969-5063 Poetry Club Each month, discuss the life and work of a different poet; poets selected by group consensus and interest. New members welcome. This month’s poet: Adrienne Rich. When: 3:30 to 5 pm Where: Montecito Library, 1469 East Valley Road Info: 969-5063 FRIDAY, MARCH 2 Walk & Roll Montecito Union School students, teachers, and parents walk or ride to school, rather than drive. When: 8 am Where: Via Vai, Ennisbrook, and Casa Dorinda trailhead Info: 969-3249 SATURDAY, MARCH 3 Opening Reception at Porch Lety Garcia, known for painting urban scenes, takes a look at plants; succulents and droughttolerant varieties. In hopes of raising awareness of viewing water as a finite resource and the need for mindful gardens that reflect that awareness. Refreshments and wine will be served. When: 3 pm Where: Porch, 3823 Santa Claus Lane Info: www.letygarcia.com Headshot & Bio Party Annexx is proud to present Annexx Lab – a fun, community-friendly party to help connect with neighbors, network for your business, and invest in the community. Join the March Lab for a Headshot and Bio party. Get a new headshot and bio, made just for you by professional photographers and writers. Talented stylists will help with hair-styling and make-up services. Plus, enjoy champagne and hors d’oeuvres while networking. Where: Impact Hub, 1221 Chapala St., Santa Barbara Register: www.Annexxhomes.com/ events •MJ 22 February – 1 March 2018
References Available (lots of them!) We Are Here to Help With Experience & Expertise “We know first hand what it’s like to have lost our home and cherished belongings as a result of the Tea Fire 9 years ago. Don Gragg was instrumental in helping to get our family’s lives back together. His compassion and expertise in planning and designing our beautiful new home was done in a professional and speedy manner. We would highly recommend Don to anyone who has gone through our experience.” Ray & Rosemary Pelli
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MONTECITO JOURNAL
11
Village Beat
VILLAGE PROPERTIES proudly congratulates EMILY KELLENBERGER For her outstanding representation and successful closing of: 80 VIRGINIA LN |
MONTECITO
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.
Celebrate Montecito’s Upper Village
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527 W. PUEBLO #3 |
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Offered at $825,000 | Represented Buyer 805.252.2773 | emily@villagesite.com
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1250 COAST VILLAGE RD, MONTECITO, CA 93108 All information provided is deemed reliable, but has not been verified and we do not guarantee it. We recommend that buyers make their own inquiries. CalBRE # 01397913
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12 MONTECITO JOURNAL
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n an effort to boost shopping and dining in Montecito’s upper village, a group of volunteers and neighbors have planned a special shopping, music, and food event at various locations in the upper village on Saturday, February 24, from 2 to 6 pm. Dubbed “Celebrate Montecito’s Upper Village,” the event will be a family-friendly way to revisit shops and businesses that were closed the majority of December and January due to the Thomas Fire and subsequent mudflow. According to organizers, the event is an opportunity for the community to show love and support to the restaurants and retailers who help to make the Montecito community the magical place that it is. “The businesses in the upper village have really suffered during the recent events,” said committee chair Ted Simmons. “We have heard that some businesses lost as much as 40 percent of their annual revenue during closures over the holidays. The idea of this event is to gather and show that we appreciate them with our presence and by buying gifts, flowers, home decor, clothes, food, and more!” In addition to mandatory evacuations that left their business district deserted, many business owners’ own homes were affected by the mudslides, which is an overwhelming circumstance. “I’m trying to deal with insurance companies for both my business and my home, while trying to keep my doors open,” one shop owner told us. Others have spent the last month trying to keep their doors open while donating goods to those who lost
• The Voice of the Village •
Glamour House owner Ann Picciuto Gehrke looks forward to welcoming the community to the upper village this Saturday, February 24
everything. “I’ve been using this as an opportunity to be good to clients who have been good to me,” said Glamour House owner Ann Picciuto Gehrke, who put together care packages for several women who barely escaped the mudflow, or who lost family members or their homes. “I know it isn’t much, but sometimes a bra, panties, and a set of pajamas can make it a little better,” she said. Gehrke has owned the upper village lingerie and apparel store for 15 years; it has been in the upper village since 1965, making it one of the area’s oldest retail shops. Her husband, Rick Gehrke, owner of
VILLAGE BEAT Page 334 22 February – 1 March 2018
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Ranch Resources Montecito project is operated by local veterans. Please contact us immediately anytime night or day for support and site evaluation. Cj McDonald 818-264-8538 / cj@ranchkids.org MONTECITO JOURNAL
13
Seen Around Town
Festival of Hearts
Friendship co-chairs Karolyn Hanna and Pamela Vander-Heide with board president Patricia Forgey in the center
by Lynda Millner
“T
he Queen of Hearts Tea Party” was the theme for Friendship Center’s 19th annual Festival of Hearts at the Fess Parker. It was to benefit H.E.A.R.T (Help Elders At Risk Today), which allows Friendship Center’s programs to remain available to all in need, regardless of income limitations. It’s always a fun luncheon, and this year there were a couple of “Queens” and a few crazy “rabbits,” to say nothing of all the funny hats the staff had brought for you to wear. The Montecito Jazz Project kept the wine hour lively with their music while everyone mixed and mingled in “Alice’s Wonderland.” They also shopped for Heart-Art, hearts created by local artists and celebrities to make Valentine’s Day shopping easy. Board president Patricia Forgey and executive director (for more than 30 years) Heidi Queen of Hearts’s Carol Metcalf and white rabbit Joyce Holly welcomed the lively Johnson at the Friendship Center luncheon
Pali X-Mano and executive director Heidi Holly at the annual Hearts luncheon Ms Millner is the author of The Magic Makeover, Tricks for Looking Thinner, Younger and More Confident – Instantly. If you have an event that belongs in this column, you are invited to call Lynda at 969-6164.
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group. As Heidi said, “Thank you to all who volunteer their time to help with this annual event and our daily programs. We couldn’t do it without
Auctioneer Gail Rappaport with heart wrangler Sharon Morrow
you and we love you.” All Saints By-the-Sea has housed Friendship Center since 1979. Then auctioneer Gail Rappaport took over the podium and kept the audience laughing and bidding at the same time. There was a staycation at the Fess Parker, the favorite “Dump and Dine” where a MarBorg dumpster comes to your house for all your junk and then you go out to eat, another prize to Carmel at the Pine Inn, or you could have a six-
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14 MONTECITO JOURNAL
• The Voice of the Village •
22 February – 1 March 2018
who needs day care, call (805) 9690859. There are two locations, one at 89 Eucalyptus Lane, Montecito, and another at 820 N. Fairview Avenue in Goleta. Friendship Center has innovative programs that value the dignity and worth of every person.
Go Red for Women
Dana and Andrea Newquist in costume for the Queen of Hearts party
hour wine tasting in a stretch Jeep Wrangler limo. In Alice’s lingo, that would be “Drink me!” Special thanks go to Sharon Morrow and her heart posse for their heart wrangling. They organized, photographed, and prepared all the artists’ hearts for the event. A few of the heart artists were Sally Beckham, Judith Collier, James Dow, Rod Lathim, Ginny Spears, Holly Walters, and Lori Williams. Co-chairs were Karolyn Hanna and Pamela Vander Heide, who were responsible for the Alice in Wonderland shenanigans and decorations. If you have an adult loved one
February not only includes Valentine’s Day, but it’s also a hearthealthy month with the “Go Red for Women” luncheon sponsored by the American Heart Association (AHA). Emcee Kelsey Gerckens told the sold-out audience at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, “Heart disease is the biggest killer of women, more than all cancers combined. One woman dies every 80 seconds.” Board president Dr. Michael Shenoda said, “One in three U.S. women live with some form of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke, and hypertension. The good news is over the past decade, there has been a 30-percent decline in deaths in women with cardiovascular disease.” That is partly attributed to the increased awareness. The luncheon always begins with a Life Health Expo where all things healthy are displayed by local vendors. There are also people to take
SEEN Page 204 Join Cottage Health and Old Mission Santa Barbara for this free event offering guidance, resources for healing and community feedback to identify areas of need.
HOW WE HEAL:
Listening for the Good Free event | Saturday, February 24, 2018 | 9 am–Noon
FREE EVENT Saturday, Feb. 24 | 9 am–Noon Junipero Serra Hall, Old Mission Santa Barbara 2200 Garden Street, Santa Barbara CA
Speaker information and registration: Cottagehealth.org/howweheal This event will bring together two Santa Barbara institutions focused on healing. It builds on Cottage Health’s Population Health listening tours and ongoing service to the community throughout the disaster response. It also reflects the Mission’s commitment to community outreach and engagement as a place for healing, public cultural celebrations and community partnerships.
22 February – 1 March 2018
MONTECITO JOURNAL
15
On Entertainment by Steven Libowitz
Kick Ash Bash Comes Together
“E
16 MONTECITO JOURNAL
ye in the Sky” was a big hit for The Alan Parsons Project, reaching No. 3 on Billboard’s chart back in 1982. Thirtyfive years later, drones – something the British rocker and producer famed for his early work with The Beatles and Pink Floyd hinted at but probably didn’t fully anticipate – proved especially helpful in fighting and surveying the damage from the Thomas Fire and ensuing Montecito mudslide/ debris flow. The drones and other aircraft offered airborne perspective during and after the twin tragedies, helping firefighters see where to pinpoint their containment efforts as the biggest wildfire in California history crept ever closer to residential areas in mid-December, and the unmanned eyes in the sky helped in surveying the massive damage from the mudslide/ debris flow that struck Montecito in January. Now Parsons is returning the favor, as the longtime Santa Barbara resident is serving as a headliner of sorts Sunday, February 25, for the Kick Ash Bash, the massive benefit concert honoring first responders while also raising much-needed funds for emergency equipment and relief efforts. Billed as Alan Parsons & Friends, the British rocker – who already donated more than $10,000 in proceeds from the Alan Parsons Project’s recent concert at the Chumash Casino Resort – will kick off a concert that also features famed record producer, composer, songwriter, and arranger David Foster, singer-actress Katharine McPhee, veteran Santa Barbara band Dishwalla (who also performed at an earlier Thomas Fire benefit at Carpinteria’s Alcazar Theatre), country duo The Sisterhood Band (which features Rod Stewart’s daughter Ruby), Montecito singer-songwriter Glen Phillips (of Toad the Wet Sprocket fame), three-time Grammy winning guitarist Steve Vai, adult contemporary pop star Richard Marx, pop band Wilson Phillips, and longtime Santa Barbara-based singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins. Veteran Montecito comedian/commentator Dennis Miller emcees. The daytime portion of the event – which takes place noon to 6 pm at the Bella Vista Polo Club in Carpinteria – also features a dedicated kids’ area where the young ones can meet and interact with cast members Emily Skinner, Molly Jackson, and Luke Mullen from the hit Disney show Andi Mack, the comedy-drama TV series that premiered last April and has already been renewed for a third
David Crosby is among the performers Sunday, February 25
season. The special section will also feature up-close encounters with Duncan the Dinosaur, Smokey Bear, Sparky the Fire Dog, and local Search & Rescue dogs, plus a Sea Center touch tank, face painting, obstacle course, three helicopters, two fire engines, and a squad car. But the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Instead, the Kick Ash Bash – so named because the idea came about while the organizers were still evacuated from the Thomas Fire, but prior to the Montecito mudslide – transition to an “After Bash” party from 7 to 10 pm. The reggae band Iration is the official headliner, though many fans will be more excited to hear David Crosby and the Light Tails, the new band led by the 76-year-old singer-songwriter Crosby (The Byrds; Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) who grew up in Santa Barbara. Also on the bill is Robby Krieger of The Doors, who will be focusing on classic tracks from the ‘60s Jim Morrison-led rock band for whom Krieger played guitar and co-wrote such classic tracks as “Light My Fire” and “Love Me Two Times”, plus the Santa Barbara teen sensations The Caverns, L.A. indie rockers The Feal, and DJs Zeke Monarrez, Suzanne Boisvert, and Matt Moore, with other special guests still to be announced. As there is a complementary bar, guests must be 21 or older to attend the post-party, which carries an additional $100 ticket price. The bash is being held largely as a gratitude event for the multitude of first responders who spent countless hours battling the Thomas Fire for weeks in December and, just days later, rescuing survivors and dealing with the massive damage caused by the unprecedented debris flow that struck Montecito on January 9. Of
• The Voice of the Village •
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.
the 2,500-plus tickets available, 2,000 are being donated to first responders and their families to come spend a day relaxing, listening to music, and interacting with community members who wish to come and express their thanks in person. Limited tickets for the main event are available for $250 general, and $50 for children under 14 years of age. Nearly $2 million has already been raised through a variety of sponsorships for the event, and all of the proceeds will be routed through the Santa Barbara Firefighters Alliance serving as the clearing house for all of the police and fire organizations that were involved in the disasters. A beneficiary committee comprised of first responders from Santa Barbara City Fire, County Fire, Montecito Fire, City Police, and the Sheriff’s Department will determine the specific allocation of funds and equipment purchases, while Direct Relief will allocate the funds for survivor relief and the At-Ease Program, which provides counselors for first responders. Visit www.one805.org for tickets and information.
Concert for Ventura
Also on Sunday afternoon, the Ventura Music Festival (VMF) is presenting a much more modest event meant to serve as a post-Thomas Fire celebration, held in downtown Ventura. The music lineup for the 3 to 4:30 pm program in Mission Park features Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Perla Batalla, who also sang background vocals for the late Leonard Cohen, plus two Grammy-winners in guitar virtuoso Diego Garcia and Tom Scott & the LA Express, the jazz fusion all-stars who also supported Joni Mitchell on her landmark Court and Spark album. Rounding out the bill are VMF artistic director Nuvi Mehta, the Ventura College Singers led by Brent Wilson, and a secret guest artist or two. The goal for the concert in Mission Park, 183 E. Santa Clara St. at the corner of Main Street across from Mission San Buenaventura in downtown Ventura, is to celebrate Ventura’s spirit of recovery and community through unifying force of live music. Admission is free, and no tickets are required. Guests should bring their own chairs or blankets. Info online at www.ventur amusicfestival.org. 22 February – 1 March 2018
Mixer to Mitigate Mudslide The Firefighters Alliance is also the beneficiary for another event this week as Santa Barbara Young Professionals Club’s (SBYPC) monthly mixer, which usually benefits a specific nonprofit that has been tagged as sponsor, has been turned into a charity event to support first responders of the Thomas Fire and Montecito mudslide/debris flow. February’s mixer, which takes place Thursday, February 22, takes place at Richie’s Barber Shop in Montecito in honor of owner Richie Ramirez, named SBYPC’s Young Professional of the
Year, who is being lauded for his involvement in giving back to the community and helping other small local businesses thrive. The event is being sponsored by Cutler’s Artisan Spirits, and all proceeds from drink purchase will be donated to the Santa Barbara Firefighters Alliance, which is also SBYPC’s Nonprofit of the Year. Santa Barbara Young Professionals Club’s members receive free admission as always, while guests can have the $10 fee waived by presenting a receipt indicating a purchase at any location in Montecito dated the day of the event. (Members will receive a thank-you gift if they show a receipt). Visit www.sbypc.org for details.
Time to Get Gorka’d Again John Gorka is no stranger to the Santa Barbara music scene. The New Jersey-born, literate-but-fun singer-songwriter who started playing out in the late 1970s before moving to Minnesota in the 1990s has played at SOhO, done the Sings Like Hell thing, and made repeat visits to the Tales from the Tavern series in Santa Ynez, where he was the subject of a live concert/interview DVD released in 2014. So, why now to talk to him again? It’s his new album, his 14th and perhaps his best since his stunning debut. True in Time is a career-cap-
ping achievement, a 12-song largely acoustic set that cleverly uses the title song – one whose lyrics are open to a variety of interpretations – as both the opening and closing track. But the entire album resonates with a keen sense of wistfulness, mostly looking back at life from his perspective of a man who turns 60 in July but still has plenty to say – at least in song – about regrets, love, and other relationships. “Yesterday come backs in time,” Gorka sings in “True in Time”. “I look around and find the past is either here or close behind.” “The line that kept coming back
ENTERTAINMENT Page 364
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MONTECITO JOURNAL
17
MISCELLANY (Continued from page 6)
Nicholson, Carol Burnett, and Jeff and Hollye Jacobs.
forth to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and volunteering each week at Cottage Hospital. Pauline has been working as a parttime bookkeeper at the Center for Spiritual Renewal. A farewell lunch was thrown in her honor. “She is absolutely wonderful and one of a kind!” says Sarah Kidwell, communications director. Happy Bui-day Former Miss Universe Bui Simon, wife of Montecito mall magnate Herb Simon, celebrated her 49th birthday in style with a bash at the five-star Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills. The venue was festooned in white orchids for the occasion and Bui wore a selection of outfits, including a sensational gold Versace gown, which complemented the evening’s main entertainer Bruno Mars – who performed at halftime at the Super Bowl in 2016 – whose songs included “Versace on the Floor” and “24K Magic”. As if that wasn’t enough, Babyface, winner of 11 Grammy Awards, also showed off his considerable vocal talents to wild applause. Bounteous Bui founded the Angels Wings Foundation in 2002 which builds and funds schools, orphanages, and healthcare for underprivileged children in her native Thailand. The tony twosome, who also have a home in Malibu, suffered major damage in the recent mudslides with household staff being evacuated by helicopter. Among the Montecito crowd at the birthday bash were Frank Caufield, Gene and Erica Montesano, Jimmy Argyropoulos, Barry and Jelinda DeVorzon, Robert and Robin Fell, Jeff and Margo Barbakow, Sandi
High Note
Lisa Vroman sizzles with Bernstein
Legendary conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein, who would have marked his 100th birthday in August, was celebrated by the Santa Barbara Symphony, backed by the Santa Barbara Choral Society, at the sold-out Granada. I would often see Bernstein, who died in 1990, outside his Central Park West home, the Dakota, dressed in his white-tie finery with a red-lined cloak waiting for his limo to be driven the two blocks to Manhattan’s Lincoln Center for another musical engagement and remember him vividly in action at Avery Fisher Hall with the New York Philharmonic in 1989 conducting Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony, so energized he almost leapt off the podium. The thoroughly entertaining performance in our Eden by the Beach also included Aaron Copland’s suite Quiet City, piano soloist Natasha Kislenko’s debut of a new concerto from Santa Barbara composer Robin
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18 MONTECITO JOURNAL
Frost, 88, and Pasadena-based soprano Lisa Vroman, a classically trained Broadway star who was in Phantom of the Opera for many years and has appeared in a number of the West Side Story composer’s tributes. The performance, conducted by veteran maestro Nir Kabaretti, showed the enormous range of Bernstein’s composing skills, including work from his ballet Fancy Free, which later morphed into the stage show On the Town, and Candide. It was a great party. Hall at Once Peripatetic baritone Andrew Garland was front and center at the latest Camerata Pacifica concert at the Music Academy of the West’s Hahn Hall. Garland, who has teamed with the ensemble’s pianist Warren Jones at New York’s Carnegie Hall, performed in three of the show’s five works by Hamilton Harty, Walter Rabl, Schubert, Rebecca Clarke, and Charles Martin Loeffler. Jones, who has played at the White House and is a faculty member on the Miraflores campus, was also an indispensable asset, using his undoubted keyboard skills in every piece with the likes of founding flutist Adrian Spence, cellist Ani Aznavoorian, and violist Paul Coletti. An entertaining evening. Mobile Music Berlin-based organist Cameron Carpenter, who I first saw two years
ago, was back in our Eden by the Beach for another UCSB Arts & Lectures Granada show. The maverick showman, the first organist nominated for a Grammy Award for a solo album, continues to smash the stereotypes of organists, organ, and classical music as a global artist in high demand with his one-ofa-kind Marshall & Ogletree touring organ. Assembly of the mighty instrument, made from six modular parts, and its myriad speakers takes fewer than three hours and travels in a single truck, with identical European and American sound systems – housed in Berlin and Needham, Massachusetts – making it internationally mobile. Juilliard graduate Carpenter’s dexterity with works by Bach, Schumann, and Bernstein, among others, and knowledge is truly extraordinary. CAMA One, Come All CAMA – Community Arts Music Association – had another cracker of a concert at the Granada when the London-based Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment played a two-part all-Beethoven program under Dutch director Michael Gurevich. The musicians, playing on period-specific instruments, kicked off their Santa Barbara debut with Symphony No. 4 in B-flat Major before Scots violinist Nicola Benedetti, who is also a director, brilliantly performed Concerto in D Major. Benedetti, who plays a 1717 Gariel Stradivarius, is the youngest-ever Judy Wainright, Cameron Carpenter, and Jim Mitchell (photo by Isaac Hernandez)
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Tim Nightingale, Cameron Carpenter, Lewis Manring, and Marianne Marsi (photo by Isaac Hernandez)
• The Voice of the Village •
22 February – 1 March 2018
recipient of the Queen’s Medal for Music last year and received an MBE, Member of the British Empire, accolade five years ago. She also performed at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Commonwealth Games to a live audience of 40,000 and a TV viewing audience of 9.4 million people.
Violinist Nicola Benedetti mesmerizes
Score by Four The Los Angeles-based Calidore String Quartet made a most impressive UCSB Arts & Lectures debut at the
Music Academy of the West’s Hahn Hall, playing works by Mendelssohn, Czech composer Leos Janacek, and Beethoven. The Fab Four – violinists Jeffrey Myers and 2011 Music Academy fellow Ryan Meehan, violist Jeremy Berry, and cellist Estelle Choi – were well on par with similar quartets, such as the Juilliard and Takacs, and are now represented by the same stellar agency as the legendary cellist The Calidore String Quartet impresses in Santa Barbara debut
MISCELLANY Page 284
MONTECITO MUDSLIDE RECOVERY WORKSHOP Canary Hotel
Mon 2/26 at 6:00 pm
31 W. Carrillo St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 We currently represent over 30 families and know the recovery process can be confusing, complicated, and frustrating. Members of our experienced legal team have lived and practiced in Santa Barbara for 40 years and are here to stay. In order to assist our community, we have put together a panel of speakers to discuss:
• • • •
How to recognize and deal with emotional effects from the mudslide How to maximize your insurance claims How to recover the full value of your landscape How the Thomas Fire started and So Cal Edison’s involvement
Featuring presentations from panel experts
Penny Clemmons, Ph.D., JD
- Clinical Psychologist - Discussing trauma, and emotional and mental recovery techniques
Joe Liebman, Esq.
- Landslide Attorney - Erosion causes and remediation tips
Shawn P. O’Brien, GC
- Licensed General Contractor and Landscape Expert - Discussing insurance coverage for primary residences
Can’t attend?
Please call our office at (805) 962-9495 to schedule a free in person consultation. Or go to www.montecitomudslidelawsuit.com and view the informational video we created.
Ventura 22 February – 1 March 2018
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara
San Diego MONTECITO JOURNAL
19
SEEN (Continued from page 15) news is, 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented with education and simple lifestyle changes. They also welcomed returning members to our Circle of Red and Red Tie societies. They give extra-large donations to the group. Those especially helping Janet and Jill were: Karen Chackel, David Edelman, Joanne Funari, Linda LeBrock, George Leis, Julie McGovern, Catherine Remak, Tony Vallejo, Beth Vos, and Christopher Williams. As the group said, “Let’s UNITE! Together we can prevent heart disease and stroke.” If you’d like to know more about the Red Tie Society or Circle or Red, contact Angela MillerBevan at (805) 979-5293. •MJ Some of the Go Red committee: Beth Vos, David Edelman, Janet Garufis, Tony Vallejo, Jill Fonte, Julie McGovern, and Christopher Williams
your blood pressure. As Dr. Shenoda said, “Women need to have heart checks, which would check blood pressure, cholesterol level, blood sugar, and body mass index. There are vast differences in signs of heart disease between men and women.” During lunch, Michele Mallet, a survivor, and her daughter, Izzy, told of Michele’s harrowing experience – and she’s only in her early 40s. She had SCAD, a separation of the cor-
onary arterial wall. Izzy drove her mom to the hospital and her life was saved. Co-chairs Janet Garufis and Jill Fonte reminded the group, “The Go Red for Women movement advocates for more research and swifter action for women’s heart health. We help eliminate misconceptions like ‘It’s a man’s Disease’ or ‘I’m too young to have heart disease.’ The reality is, you’re not.” The good When a loved one is struggling with memory decline and can no longer safely reside at home, turn to a caring and trusted resource…Villa Alamar.
Dr. Rania Shenoda and husband Dr. Michael Shenoda, board president, with guest speaker Michele Mallet and daughter Izzy at the Go Red luncheon
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20 MONTECITO JOURNAL
Business development director for the AHA Angela Miller and next year’s Go Red chair Karen Chackel with co-chairs Jill Fonte and Janet Garufis
• The Voice of the Village •
22 February – 1 March 2018
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22 February – 1 March 2018
MONTECITO JOURNAL
21
LETTERS (Continued from page 8)
A Crazy Sale
It’s just for one day, but the craziest sale ever will take place on Saturday, February 24, at the new Magic Castle Cabaret parking lot, 30 Los Patos Way (in Baja Montecito). We are cleaning out our warehouse, filled as it is with “trash and treasures,” and all the money raised will go to The Bucket Brigade helping Montecito families clean up after the mudslide. Included in the sale are restaurant chairs, new wallpaper, tiles, antique light fixtures, fly fans, furniture, costumes, T-shirts, tote bags, posters, books, games, props, framed photos, paintings, massage table, antique tin panels, shop tools, and even a skeleton. People may also get a chance to peek in the door of the Magic Castle Cabaret to see how beautiful it will be. No early birds, please! Milt and Arlene Larsen Santa Barbara (Editor’s note: Milt is the founder of L.A.’s Magic Castle and lived in a home on the beach in Montecito for nearly 15 years, though he and Arlene decamped to a home near TV hill that sports a similarly expansive ocean view to one they had in Montecito a decade ago. Arlene is a costume designer of the first order. This sale promises to be an event you’ll not want to miss! – J.B.)
Mud be Gone
There are many homeowners struggling to clean out the mud from their houses and property, while at the same time fighting with the insurance companies to be covered. Many could be limited to an amount that might not cover the cost of cleanup. The biggest issue: where to put the mud and debris. A quick drive through the Montecito Oaks neighborhood (off Olive Mill and North Jameson) makes it very clear very fast that we have a big problem. It seems to me that our elected officials and public agency officials could be doing more to organize help in the neighborhoods to provide trucks or dumpsters for the residents to dump and haul the mud and debris. Various agencies were able to coordinate this for the roads and other public areas before homeowners were allowed back into their houses
to clean up. It seems that could be continued for at least a limited time to help out these neighborhoods that are devastated. As I have been talking to the people affected, I am hearing bids as high as $600,000 to have the dirt removed from a lot. If we can give citizens in need programs such as food stamps and cell phones to help make their lives better and give them a boost up, why can’t we give the residents, who pay a great deal in property taxes, some assistance? These people are part of our community, and I think most in our community would support this. If something as wonderful as the Bucket Brigade can be implemented, can we not then expect our public officials to make this happen? Furthermore, there is a new problem that I have seen first-hand. Homeowners will clean up their lot or a portion of their lot, and when they are not there, someone else dumps debris on the area that has already been cleaned. I have been told of cases where creeks and/or debris basins are being cleaned out and the debris is being put on the properties, making it the homeowners’ problem. Finally, the dirt that people are piling up into huge mounds can be creating a danger. People simply cannot afford to dispose of the dirt; therefore, the piles get bigger and bigger. In the event of a heavy rain event, these giant piles of mud could turn back into mud flows yet again, directly above the 101 freeway. Please let our elected officials know that you would support them in this effort and get some help to our neighbors! Don Gragg Santa Barbara
Voters in Peril
In my view, there is an effort to corrupt America’s voting system for good. In L.A., the voting is 144 percent of all voters; in San Diego, it is about 138 percent. People are getting registered to vote when they obtain a driver’s license, which in no way legally qualifies anyone, of course (to vote). Many say that [Barack] Obama is quietly signing up illegals to vote across the nation, and with [George]
Soros money many small elections and the judiciary are being won by Democrats. America could well be at a “permanent crossroads” with regards to the integrity of our going system. Morten Wengler Malibu/Montecito (Editor’s note: We have no way of knowing if your statistics are accurate, but we do know that many localities report voting in excess of the numbers of voters in an area. That one party feels this is “nothing to worry about” is worrisome. – J.B.)
The New Math
For the second week in a row, Bob Hazard gives credit to Caltrans for opening the 101 in “three days” following the debris flow. Perhaps this is new math or something, but the 101 was closed on January 9 and reopened on January 21. In my book, that is 13 days. Admittedly, it was a monumental task and they deserve credit for it. But we should stick to the facts. Art Thomas Santa Barbara (Editor’s note: Our opinion is that credit for the swift re-opening of 101 belongs to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which, once they arrived, made things happen quicker than anyone would have thought possible. Also, we incorrectly printed the wrong version of Mr. Hazard’s guest editorial and we apologize for that – his final version had addressed those inaccuracies, but we failed to correct those in print. – J.B.)
Gone the special keepsakes The treasures people save All went down together In the muddy grave. But we are Montecito We’ll dig, rebuild, restore. Again the trees and gardens Will grace our streets once more. – Sherry Bevan Thought maybe you would be interested in printing this wonderful poem from my friend Sherry Bevan. Jean von Wittenburg Montecito
Mailing it out
Mud fingers probed the neighborhood Mud fingers broke through doors It took the lives of many And took the hopes of scores
Since late November 2017, Santa Barbara has been under an acute situation of mail theft that plagues Montecito, Hope Ranch, Santa Barbara, some in Goleta, the mountain communities of Painted Cave, West Camino Cielo, Rosario Park, Paradise Road, Kinevan, Stage Coach Road, San Marcos Pass, and possibly Lompoc and/or North County. The mail theft holiday and disaster opportunistic “trend” has gone beyond such “time periods,” and given that Montecito remains in a cautionary state, residents are vulnerable to mail theft and the mountain community as well, being the chosen “rural” “dumping area.” The perpetrators vary, with the possibility that there may be repeat offenders to certain neighborhoods. What is being done? How are people being notified of their mail being compromised (i.e., outgoing mortgage checks taken but thrown into the bushes, not reaching their destinations)? For instance, how much do the Montecito residents know of this mail theft? Has the inspector been in contact with their local post offices? Aside from surveillance cameras, motion-detector lights, locking mailboxes (of which many can be busted or an implement stretched through mail slot to retrieve contents), we need a community-coordinated residential crime alert system like OEM has for environmental disasters. Concerned Residents of Santa Barbara County (Editor’s note: A version of this letter was sent to USPS inspector Clinton Barry and Congressman Salud Carbajal; for the record, we have not recorded an uptick in this kind of crime in Montecito, though the large array of mailboxes on Mountain Drive have, over the years, been a frequent target. – J.B.)
Beside the broken houses
LETTERS Page 264
We Wished So Hard for Water We wished so hard for water Ached for wetness long denied But instead of kindly water Flames burned the mountainside. Hot and bleached and barren Just scars and ash remain In innocence we waited Waited for the rain. In early dark of morning The long-awaited came Instead of blessed showers Devastation was its name. A mighty torrent was unleashed The trees were shucked like corn The roots turned upwards in the flow The houses ripped and torn. The rocks began to roll then The creeks began to flow And there was mud, mud, mud On everything below.
22 MONTECITO JOURNAL
Crushed cars were thrown aside And furniture, loved photographs All took that fateful ride.
• The Voice of the Village •
22 February – 1 March 2018
Brilliant Thoughts by Ashleigh Brilliant 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 with wife Dorothy 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
Dreaming Australian
I
n 1972 – about half our lifetimes ago – Dorothy and I traveled to Australia, our first of many visits, but the only one by sea. The Australian Aborigines call their distant past the “Dream-Time.” On this journey, I carried my own enduring dream. Since school-days, I’d retained in my mind a map showing the comparatively few areas of the world that enjoy a “Mediterranean” type of climate – which has always appealed to me, with its general mildness, plentiful sunshine, and rain-free summers. One of these areas was, of course, in California, my home since 1955. But there was another such region, almost exactly opposite on the globe – part of the west coast of Australia. My dream was to go there and buy some land, and make it a sort of second home. Having reversed seasons naturally increased the appeal. When it was winter here, we could go and enjoy a second summer there. At the time of planning the trip, we were living in London, establishing a branch of our then-flourishing business based on my illustrated epigrams. So, how to go to Australia? I’d never liked big airplanes, and we both enjoyed sea travel. The Suez Canal had been closed since 1967 – but you could sail east by liner from England, around the Cape of Good Hope. That’s how we went, on a Greek ship called the Britannis, disembarking in October 1972 at Perth, the only sizeable urban area in the whole of Western Australia. It’s an interesting commentary on the terrible isolation of that area from the rest of the world, and even from the rest of Australia, that one of the first substantial buildings erected there by the early settlers was a Lunatic Asylum. Of course, things had much changed. (That sylum was now an “Arts Center.”) But, after exploring the heavily populated area around Perth, we decided to look further afield. We bought a Volkswagen camper, of the type that was popular in those days. One of the vehicles we looked at, but didn’t buy, was owned by a middle-aged local couple who had had their own plans of driving around the country in it, but through some personal misfortunes, were now obliged to sell the vehicle. I’ll always remember one thing they said sadly: “It was our dream.” Still pursuing our own dream, we 22 February – 1 March 2018
ventured as far as the South Coast, some five hours’ drive from Perth. In that relatively unknown corner of the continent, near the small town of Albany, we discovered a 72-acre property – still mostly undeveloped, with no buildings on it. The price was more than we’d intended to pay, and we had to send home for more money. But the location and the views, overlooking the Southern Ocean, and the remoteness, plus the fact that water was abundant (which is often not true in those parts) and that the climate was even more equable than that of Perth, made us feel that this had to be it.
County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Montecito Architectural Guidelines and Development Standards Limited Update, Phase II (Detached Accessory Buildings) Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Board of Supervisors Hearing Room 105 E. Anapamu St. 4th Floor, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Hearing begins at 9:00 A.M. On Tuesday, February 27, 2018, the Board of Supervisors will conduct a public hearing to consider the adoption of the Montecito Architectural Guidelines and Development Standards (Guidelines). Phase II will limit the size and/or number of detached accessory buildings on residential lots in Montecito by amending the Guidelines, the Montecito Land Use and Development Code (MLUDC), and the Coastal Zoning Ordinance (CZO). Adoption of the proposed amendments will require the following: A resolution amending the Guidelines; An ordinance (Case No. 17ORD-00000-00011) amending Division 35.2, Montecito Zones and Allowable Land Uses, Division 35.4, Montecito Standards for Specific Land Uses, and Division 35.10, Glossary, of Section 35-2, the MLUDC, of Chapter 35, Zoning, of the Santa Barbara County Code; An ordinance (Case No. 17ORD-00000-00012) amending Division 2, Definitions, and Division 15, Montecito Community Plan Overlay District, of the CZO, of Chapter 35, Zoning, of the Santa Barbara County Code; and, A determination that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15265. The proposed amendments, including a staff analysis, may be reviewed at the Clerk of the Board’s Office, 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, or at the Planning and Development Department, 123 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, one week prior to the date of the public hearing. The Board of Supervisors hearing begins at 9:00 a.m. Please see the posted agenda, available at the Clerk of the Board of Supervisor’s website (http://www.countyofsb.org/ceo/cob.sbc) on the Thursday prior to the hearing for a more specific time for this item. The order of items listed on the agenda is subject to change by the Board of Supervisors. Anyone interested in this matter is invited to appear and speak in support of or in opposition to the project. Written comments are also welcome. All letters should be addressed to the County Board of Supervisors, c/o Clerk of the Board, 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101. For additional information, please visit the project website: http://longrange.sbcountyplanning.org/programs/montecito/design_guidelines_update.php
Forty years later, we still own the best part of that property So, we bought it. But, after five months in Australia, Dorothy was suffering from homesickness. We sped east on the famous “Indian-Pacific” train, and then, in March 1973, flew back to California. Now, more than 40 years later, we still own the best part of that property (after selling some off) but have made only a few brief return visits, and have never done anything with it, except pay taxes, and allow a neighboring farmer to graze his cattle there, under an arrangement called an “agistment.” Over the years, we’ve had many ideas – building a house, starting a school, or (my own favorite) erecting a tower, to make the most of the spectacular views. But they’ve all remained just dreams. In the meantime, we’ve visited many other parts of Australia, including the Island-State of Tasmania – on the opposite side of the country from our property – which has its own appealing remoteness. We’ve even done the fabled rail journey from south to north coasts across the “dead heart” of the country. But we never bought any other land. Now we’re old, and our dreams have died – or are waiting for other people to come along, pick them up, and dust them off. The property is certainly still there – 36 beautiful acres on a place called Torbay Hill – and we’ve finally put it on the market – but not at a bargain figure. After all, it’s hard to put any price at all on a dream. •MJ
Or contact Jessi Steele, Planner: Email: jsteele@countyofsb.org | Phone: 805-884-8082 Attendance and participation by the public is invited and encouraged. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Hearing Support Staff (805) 568-2000. Notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the Hearing Support Staff to make reasonable arrangements. If you challenge the project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence to the County Board of Supervisors prior to the public hearing.
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It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold. – Charles Dickens
MONTECITO JOURNAL
23
EDITORIAL (Continued from page 5)
Birnam Wood mud and debris awaiting removal instructions from the county; 1/20th of the total Small pile of mud at the Biltmore
lots (by Montecito standards). Many of the homes are red-lined as uninhabitable, while others are yellow-tagged as damaged and dangerous. Today, mud, muck and debris still block entrances to garages and front doors; the stuff clings to fences and foundations, and prevents re-population despite the heroic community efforts of hundreds of volunteers from the Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade and the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity.
The Bucket Brigade
Hundreds of volunteers show up early in the morning at Manning Park to receive their team assignments from citizen-leader Abe Powell and his volunteer colleague, Tom Cole, the inspirational forces behind the Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade. The immediate task is to divide into work teams, and distribute masks, shovels, buckets, bobcats, excavators, skid steers, crawlers and backhoes to begin the painstaking work of clearing mud from private property homes and moving it to curbside for county truck removal.
Mud and debris removal on private property north of Olive Mill Road
Motivated Volunteers
Mud removal is back-breaking work. Witnessing selfless volunteers doing that work is heartwarming and inspirational. Among the hundreds of volunteers from Montecito and Santa Barbara, the same message could be heard: “We are here to restore our community. That is what we do. We want to help these people because they are our neighbors.” Gillian Christie, whose business Christie & Co. invests in and nurtures small companies, is but one example of this kind of selflessness. She has worked to secure donated mud removal equipment from “Can-Do Tools” in Los Angeles. She believes in and operates under the philosophy that “the Tom Schleck, MERRAG volunteer, and Gillian best help is in your own backyard.” Christie, Bucket Brigade Volunteers Tom Schleck, a former Montecito Association director, and now a MERRAG (Montecito Emergency Response & Recovery Action Group) volunteer, echoes that same philosophy: “It’s not me; it’s us.”
County Assistance Stingy and Insufficient
The county’s position regarding mud removal on private property has been to ask residents to clear and stack the stuff on their own private property at their own expense, and wait for the county to come up with a solution of where to put this “private property” and at what cost for removal? Mud containing fecal matter and other toxins becomes a forerunner to the growth of black mold inside homes. Prompt and safe removal becomes a health and safety issue as well as disaster recovery issue. The cost of mud removed from public property is usually reimbursed to the
24 MONTECITO JOURNAL
EDITORIAL Page 404 • The Voice of the Village •
22 February – 1 March 2018
The Fab Four of the Classical Music World
Danish String Quartet
View From Above: An Astronaut Photographs the World
Fri, Feb 23 / 7 PM / Campbell Hall Tickets start at $25 $15 all students (with valid ID) Program
photos: Terry Virts
Haydn: String Quartet No. 1 in B-flat Major, op. 1, no. 1 Mozart: String Quartet No. 17 in B-flat Major, K. 458 Widmann: Jagdquartett Brahms: String Quartet No. 3 in B-flat Major, op. 67
Mon, Feb 26 / 7:30 PM UCSB Campbell Hall $25 / $15 UCSB students and youth (18 & under)
Terry Virts, NASA Astronaut
Books will be available for purchase and signing
National Geographic Live series sponsored in part by Sheila & Michael Bonsignore
Event Sponsor: Anonymous Donor
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
Tue, Feb 27 & Wed, Feb 28 7:30 PM / Arlington Theatre $17 / $13 UCSB students and youth (18 & under)
Event Sponsor:
2 Nights, 16 Amazing Films
Squirrel Nut Zippers
27 YEARS IN SANTA BARBARA
Thu, Mar 1 / 8 PM / UCSB Campbell Hall Tickets start at $25 / $15 UCSB students
National Geographic Live Presenting Sponsor:
“It’s not easy to categorize the music of the Squirrel Nut Zippers, except that it’s hot.” NPR
An Arlington facility fee will be added to each ticket price
Featuring the world’s best films and videos on mountain subjects, the tour awes viewers with thrills and grandeur captured in exotic locations the world over. An entirely different program of films screens each night.
One of Only Three U.S. Dates!
New Album: Beasts of Burgundy, coming in March!
Spain’s National Dance Company Brings its Spectacular Adaptation of Carmen to Santa Barbara for Two Nights! Santa Barbara Premiere
Compañía Nacional de Danza José Carlos Martínez, Artistic Director
Tue, Mar 6 & Wed, Mar 7 / 8 PM / Granada Theatre Tickets start at $35 / $19 all students (with valid ID) photos: Jesús Vallinas
A Granada facility fee will be added to each ticket price
“Spain’s leading dance company [is a superb force.]… Dancers possess exquisite musical reflexes, their bodies display that mix of extravagant talent and hardworking modesty.” The Guardian (U.K.)
Dance Series Sponsors: Annette & Dr. Richard Caleel, Margo Cohen-Feinberg & Robert Feinberg and the Cohen Family Fund, Irma & Morrie Jurkowitz, Barbara Stupay Corporate Sponsor:
(805) 893-3535 / www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu Corporate Season Sponsor:
22 February – 1 March 2018
Arlington event tickets can also be purchased at: (805) 963-4408 Granada event tickets can also be purchased at: (805) 899-2222 / www.GranadaSB.org Granada event tickets can also be purchased at: (805) 899-2222 | www.GranadaSB.org MONTECITO JOURNAL
25
LETTERS (Continued from page 22)
The 2011
Norway Massacre
On July 22, 2011, a massacre occurred at a summer camp on the island of Utoya in Tyrifjorden, Buskerud, Norway. The camp was organized by the AUF, the youth division of the ruling Norwegian Labor Party (AP). The 39-year-old attacker, dressed in a homemade police uniform and showing false identification, took a ferry to the island and opened fire at the participants, killing 68 of them outright, and injuring at least 110 people, 55 of them seriously. The 69th victim died in a hospital two days after the massacre. Among the dead were personal friends of prime minister Jens Stoltenberg, and the stepbrother of Norway’s crown princess Mette-Marit. It was the deadliest attack in Norway since WWII and a survey found that one in four Norwegians knew “someone affected by the attacks.” The European Union, NATO, and several countries around the world expressed their support for Norway and condemned the attacks. On August 13, 2012, Norway’s prime minister received the Gjory Report, which concluded that Norway’s police could have caught the gunman faster at Utøya, that more security was necessary, and recommended that emergency measures to prevent further attacks and “mitigate adverse effects” should be implemented. Is it scientifically, or politically, possible to prevent very bad things from happening? Dale Lowdermilk Santa Barbara (Editor’s note: In the bad old days, the first thing people would consider would be preventive measures such as increased security, armed guards, limited surveillance, possible intervention, and the like; today, however, dis-arming those who may be in a position to prevent a recurrence seems to be the response. “If you see something, say something,” was apparently just a PR ploy and no one involved or in charge had any intention of taking action. – J.B.) EARTHQUAKE RETROFITTING 50 + YEARS EXPERIENCE - LOCAL 35+ YEARS
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Savor the Spirit
The whole world is watching Pyeongchang. The Olympic games are a powerful symbol of international cooperation and goodwill, while the spirit of the games represents the possibility of peace and progress in our time. Hope like that, especially on the Korean peninsula, is something sorely needed in these dark times. Despite the clear possibility for shared progress toward peace, President Trump and his administration seem to be doing all they can to stifle it. From disparaging other nations as s**t holes, to spurning international agreements, to seeking to make nuclear war easier to wage, Trump has done all he can to trample on the international goodwill. In short, Donald Trump and his team are the antithesis of the Olympic spirit. As disheartening as outbursts from the president are, it is within our power to reverse the damage he has done; Congress has a wealth of options to do just that. I am calling on our members of Congress to demand the administration focus on diplomacy rather than military bluster, to oppose the nuclear agenda set forth by Trump at every dangerous turn, and to censure his derogatory rhetoric. Perhaps if we learned from the Olympic Spirit rather than spat on it, we would find ourselves in a much less scary world. Carol Shabrami Santa Barbara
Good Intentions All
Thank you for all your good and generous intentions in keeping our community together. I live in Montecito on Danielson Road off the Olive Mill overpass. My daughter, myself, and my pet were among the lucky and the blessed. A few years ago, you published a Christmas Limerick I wrote, saying you saw it as written with good intention. This is nothing like a limerick. But it is written with nothing but good intentions.
J ARROTT
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seekers and finders all of art, of music of design ...hope
Sharon Bellandi Montecito
Where’s the Shame?
to seek the best to be the best to find the best in all we are
This takes the icing on the cake. A lot of us in Montecito suffered great loss and tragedy. In the midst of this horror, a bakery on Coast Village Road is taking advantage of this misery and is asking for donations on gofundme. com. Without an ounce of humility, their post on the Internet is aiming pretty high, at $60,000. None of their locations have suffered any material damages, and a good part of the money will be used to expand their business, pay the rents (we assume their own home too) and buy... a delivery van! We find this offensive and very sad, as many residents have lost family members, friends, and homes were destroyed. Many of us had to scramble, leave in a hurry with only the clothes on our back. We grabbed kids, pets, leaving behind years of memories and precious items. But, we have our pride. Sorry, No Name A Montecito resident
to give our only heart to the ones we love most mothers and fathers sons and daughters brothers and sisters friends and beloved there are no distinctions not now not in these days of who we are but for who we are to each other when one loses all of us lose our place we falter in our steps to regain our loss
Changes Required
as we reach for the outstretched hand of strangers who find us
We appreciate the Montecito Journal. It is a weekly “must read.” The Journal has been a valuable information source for the recent fire and flood. We need a change in wildfire management. What follows is a communication on that subject that we have emailed to our elected officials including the SB County supervisors, City of SB mayor and council, U.S. representative Salud Carbajal, U.S. Senators Kamala Harris and Dianne Feinstein, State Assembly member Monique Limon, and State Senator HannahBeth Jackson. Together, those elected officials and we citizens can influence how wildfires are managed in this future. California suffered unprecedented wildfires in 2017, with 32,000 homes damaged or destroyed and $12 billion in insured loss, per California insurance commissioner Dave Jones. This does not include costs of fighting fires, mitigating flood damage, or the loss of lives, property, or damage to business (including tax loss) or quality of life, including environmental. The fires in Santa Barbara, Napa, and Sonoma counties are especially notable. As an example, and local to us, the Thomas Fire (California’s largest at 280,000 acres, costing ($170 million in firefighting costs) was followed by the huge flood in the Montecito area in January 2018; the losses are
in what we knew as life they carry us when all is lost they strengthen us to remember why we are here the seekers and finders a place of beauty to steal your breath and capture your soul we the dreamers know what the seekers want to find to somehow make whole again the place that left us we will not leave calmer now we are kinder we are quiet and see the disparity that is
• The Voice of the Village •
22 February – 1 March 2018
huge, including 21 deaths and over 460 homes damaged or destroyed. We recall that Highway 101 was closed for nearly two weeks. Air quality was horrible in Santa Barbara and elsewhere during the Thomas Fire. It is time for a change in policies and practices to reduce the severity and size of these fires. The amount of fuel (brush, trees) needs to be reduced so unexpected fires can be put out much faster. There should be no debate that fires need fuel to burn; if there is no fuel, there is no fire; if there is little fuel, there will be little fire. It appears appropriate to return to controlled burns and other strategies. Can you initiate action to change policy and practice so horribly destructive fires are significantly reduced? The cost of a new effective wildfire management program could be less than the government and private costs of remediating the damage from fires as they currently occur. Current environmental policies are meaningless when confronted with the huge pollution of wildfires. A recent summary of returning to prior successful wildfire and flood management practices was discussed by Ron Fink writing in Noozhawk on January 23: “Generally, there are two ways to manage fuel beds: mechanical manipulation and controlled burning. Fuel clearance operations are needed to reduce the fuel load and offer strategic control points in the event an unplanned fire occurs. “These so-called fire breaks are effective, and fires can be contained to much smaller areas where they exist. “Environmental activists claim such operations ‘damage the environment and/or habitat’ and claim we should let fire take its natural course. “The recent, uncontrolled Thomas Fire, ‘damaged’ more than a quarter of a million acres of the habitat they are trying to save; so, which is better, losing a few hundred acres to fuel load reduction or the damage we witnessed in December? “There are also two ways to manage storm water flow during heavy rains: maintaining the fuel beds and drainage improvement. “Once again, environmental activists claim such operations ‘damage the environment and/or habitat’ and claim we should let nature take its
natural course. “Nature took its course and a sizeable portion of an affluent community was wrecked, and some of the homes of folks who fund the environmental activists’ community were lost. “So, which is better, losing a few hundred acres to storm water flow management, or the inevitable devastation we witnessed this month?” We look forward to learning of your plans to be able to reduce the size, duration, and impact of wildfires and would be happy to discuss this with you. We believe past successful practices should be strongly considered and they will be found to have significant cost and environmental benefit. Sincerely, Garth and Kathy Nobis Santa Barbara (Editor’s note: Of course, we should re-institute controlled burns and creek-clearing activities. We sincerely hope the “environmental community” can now see the wisdom in those ageold practices. Every year for the past decade, those of us who live here would dread the upcoming “fire season,” as we pondered the stored energy of “six or seven Hiroshima-sized atom bombs” waiting to explode in the hills just behind Montecito that hadn’t burned for 40 years or more. That firebomb finally went off in December, and we were relieved when the fire seemed to have been finally contained... for a few days, until the horrific events of January 9. Our advice is to put the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to work full time on creek-clearing and setting up a controlled burn system local authorities could follow, and while they are at it [we are only half-kidding here] to take charge of the widening of 101 through Montecito. – J.B.)
Help from Habitat
Twice I responded to a request from Habitat for Humanity for help clearing mud in the Montecito Oaks development. The first time, 75 volunteers showed up and worked on seven homes. It was truly a community effort, the Red Cross delivered lunches for all of us and Direct Relief donated safety gear. A neighbor from across the street from where my group was shoveling mud was out working right along beside us. She had rented a Bobcat with an operator and offered to clear the driveway and part of the
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yard for us, then had the machine move on to another property. This inspiring woman’s home and yard were undamaged. Members of the Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade were also out clearing properties. The area has memories for me that I never wrote about for my “Montecito Scrapbook” column in the Montecito Journal. Sixty-five houses were built on the property my mother remembered being the Miramar Dairy, for the hotel. My older brother just told me about beef cattle pastured there, and that he and his friends went in and threw dried “cow patties” around. I recall horses running in the big pasture when I was about seven or so. When the property was starting the present development, in 1953, I had just been given a horse. My friend Pam Ballard and I rode every morning before school and our favorite racetrack was on the wide dirt roads carved out and graded on the old dairy land. Three model houses were on Olive Mill Road. They were completely furnished, one in Early American Maple, another in Danish Modern, and the third was traditional with mahogany furniture. There was a full-page ad in the News-Press offering the houses to be built for $24,000. My friend Susie Hammond and I liked to go into the homes and pretend we lived there,
picking out a favorite bedroom and making ourselves comfortable on the beds. It amazes me now to wonder why the realtors showing the places didn’t just kick us out; we were, after all, only 12 years old. In the beautiful neighborhood of Montecito Oaks that I remember, it was disturbing to see the heartbreaking destruction from the mudslide. However, optimism rose up in me to see the community pitch in to help make Montecito whole again. On February 10, I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity to help homeowners in Montecito Oaks. Habitat for Humanity’s Rose Levy handles the monumental task of organizing volunteers who respond to her plea for assistance and making arrangements for all the details involved to be sure we are safe, have plenty of tools to work with, and are well taken care of; she had crews out on February 7, 10, and 11. That day, 198 volunteers included employees from Home Depot who were not only local residents but came from Simi Valley to Atascadero to pitch in. Groups of volunteers from several churches were also involved. Lunch was provided to all by the Salvation Army, and once again, Direct Relief distributed safety gear. Hardworking and gracious homeowners
LETTERS Page 304
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22 February – 1 March 2018
March 4th is the only day that is also a sentence. – John Green
Publication:
MONTECITO JOURNAL
27
MISCELLANY (Continued from page 19) Yo -Yo Ma and two years ago won the $100,000 grand prize of the inaugural M-Prize International Chamber Music Competition, the world’s largest award for chamber music. Using an amalgamation of “California” and “dore” – French for golden – the ensemble’s name is rightly bestowed. They can’t come back soon enough.
Musical Medley Just 24 hours earlier, Hahn Hall was again musically gridlocked for a Council of Contributors recital Soirée pour Camille with pianist Kevin Ahfat and cellist Juliette Herlin. The entertaining concert, supported by John and Jill Bishop, featured works by Duparc, Debussy, SaintSaëns, Poulenc, Hahn, and Faure. State of the Unity Unity Shoppe is on the move! After 15 years at 1219 State Street, the popular charity has moved just a tiara’s toss down the road to new premises at 1209, a former antiques store. The new shop is 4,900 sq. ft., which longtime executive Barbara Tellefson says gives them more room for storage and a senior center in the rear, which deals with 3,300 seniors annually. The ribbon was cut by the tony
Tony twosome Laura Kirby and Gretchen Lieff (photo by Priscilla)
New Unity Shoppe opens on State Street
triumvirate of Stephanie Armstrong of the Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce, David Gonzalez, Unity Shoppe chair, and Christina Rodriguez, who has managed the store for 22 years. Snaffling the canapés and quaffing the vino in the airy new space were Randy Weiss, Tom and Marcia Reed, Vince Caballero, John O’Neill, Jonatha King, John Corby, David Pritchard, and Sue Cappiello.
Ain’t Love Granada The venerable Granada threw its second annual Love Your Theater event for 80 members of its Premier Patron Society, when the inner workings of the stage, basement, and upper gantries were open to all and sundry. Champagne and comestibles sated the guests as they toured the labyrinth of corridors and dressing rooms as flamenco guitarist Gilberto Gonzales and pianist Debbie Denke entertained, and Rolf Freeman, facilities manager, DeAnn Nguyen, lighting executive, Jubal Molitor, stage carpenter, and Lauda Swan, wardrobe mistress, explained the intricacies involved. “We want to give our supporters the chance to explore and celebrate their theater,” said Craig Springer, executive director. “They always get to see what’s on stage, but rarely do they get to see what happens behind the scenes during a production. It is
Adrian and Ted Erler roaming the underground of “Love Your Theater” magic (photo by Priscilla)
quite an affair.” Sharing in the rare opportunity were Brooks and Kate Firestone, Dan and Meg Burnham, Pat Gregory, Hal Conklin, Peter Bertling, Gretchen Lieff, David Grossman, Bob and Val Montgomery, Duncan Mellichamp,
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• The Voice of the Village •
22 February – 1 March 2018
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Flower power with Val and Bob Montgomery (photo by Priscilla)
Kirsten Springer, Palmer and Susan Jackson, and Haley Firestone Jessup. Maternal Instinct Santa Barbara warbler Katy Perry, after a hugely successful rock career, now wants to settle down with motherhood. “I’m preparing to do a big soul overhaul very soon,” the former Dos Pueblos High student tells the March issue of Glamour Magazine. “I do want to emotionally elevate myself. I don’t want to hold on to childhood trauma any more. I want to grow into becoming an adult. “I’m preparing myself for having a family of my own in the near future. And that’s the thing: I want to do a little more soul surgery before I have a family of my own, so that I don’t transfer any of those lingering feelings.” Katy, 33, who has dated a number of hunks, including rocker John Mayer, adds: “This last year has been about killing my ego, which has been really necessary for my career. “I had a lot of expectations at the end of 2015, but by the end of 2016 they weren’t met. That was the first time in a long time I didn’t get my way.” Katy, I’m told, has now reconnected with her British actor beau Orlando Bloom. Stay tuned.
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Sightings: Singer Katy Perry checking out Jeannine’s...Back to the Future actor Christopher Lloyd stocking up at Pierre Lafond...Philanthropist yachtsman Tom Parker noshing at Viva Pip! Pip! Readers with tips, sightings and amusing items for Richard’s column should email him at richardmin eards@verizon.net or send invitations or other correspondence to the Journal. To reach Priscilla, email her at pris cilla@santabarbaraseen.com or call 969-3301. •MJ 22 February – 1 March 2018
4347 Marina Drive Hope Ranch - $24,900,000 MONTECITO JOURNAL
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LETTERS (Continued from page 27)
The 1964 flood sent car-size boulders down San Ysidro Creek (photo credit: Mark Winkler)
Just some of the Habitat For Humanity and Bucket Brigade volunteers helping to bring “normality” back to Montecito Oaks
who repeatedly thanked us made our efforts especially rewarding. Two young boys whose home is on Santa Isabel Lane worked alongside us in their yard while giving a first-person explanation about what the experience was like to have mud and debris roaring up to their home in the wee hours of January 9. One told us, “We thought we’d be able to leave until we saw our mother’s car wash away. The firemen had to walk us out.” The people I’ve met who were heavily impacted by the storm have impressed me with their resilience in moving on a path back to normality. (The “free food” table was out again this week.) Judy Pearce Carpinteria (Editor’s note: Ms Pearce wrote a regular history column for Montecito Journal from 1996 to 2001 or so; she has also written extensively for Montecito magazine. – J.B.)
The Casa Stands
After the mudslides, walking in the Casa gardens was surreal. Flowers burst with color in the cutting garden, roses bloomed in the rose garden, and the orchards were full of ripe citrus fruit. Birds chirped in the distance. It was stunning, just a few blocks away from tragedy, to be surrounded by such beauty. It was healing and comforting to know the Casa del Herrero had weathered the storm. For some people, life continues as it did before. But for others, life will never be the same. I am heartened by Montecito’s resiliency, how quickly the community has come together to rise about the tragedy, to try to become whole again. I am amazed at the great work of the first responders, firefighters, police officers, and individuals working to bring our community back. Many of you have expressed concern about the Casa, and I want to thank you for keeping the estate in your hearts. Your passion and love lifts us. And, it’s your support that
30 MONTECITO JOURNAL
keeps us going. Thank you for being there. Jessica Tade Montecito (Ms Tade is executive director of Casa del Herrero.)
It Will Happen Again
There is a long documented history in Montecito of what happened in January 2016. Seems the county office of emergency management did not do sufficient research. If they had used all these old photos to show the public in the media press conferences, it would have made a far bigger impression on the public as to the danger. During the big rains of January 1969, a river of mud came down Olive Mill Road and, in addition to covering Coast Village Road’s paved roadway, rushing water flooded the basement of the Montecito Inn, where some valuable collectors’ cars were stored. In January 1969, California saw a series of storms that brought 10 continuous days of rain to the southland. Locally, the storms were most severe in Montecito and Carpinteria. The events from the 1969 winter storms can serve as a cautionary tale. On January 18, 1969, the first of two five-day storms made landfall along the coast of California. The rain for Santa Barbara that day was around 1 to 2 inches. The county to date had seen a only modest amount of rain for the year. The next day, however, the rain started coming down heavier, bringing with it flash floods and the first tragedy associated with the storms. On Sunday afternoon, January 19, seven teenage boys decided to test out their homemade raft on rain-swollen Arroyo Burro Creek near La Cumbre Plaza. The boys put in near the YMCA, where strong currents grabbed the raft. Four of the boys jumped off, while the other three were swept downstream toward the 426foot long cement tunnel that carries the creek under Calle Real, the railroad tracks, and Modoc Road. Two of the boys were able to make it ashore
Coast Village Road at Olive Mill has been the location of a number of mudslides: one in 1964 (left) and again in 1971 (right); flooding in the winter of 1995/96 (not pictured) also closed Highway 101, when nearly 15 feet of water pooled under the Olive Mill Road overpass
and call out for help, while the third, Mark Williams, was carried through the tunnel and drowned. Members of Los Padres Search and Rescue Team arrived on the scene and two of them entered the tunnel, one from each end, in an effort to find Williams. They met midway on separate catwalks. When team member Don Buck attempted to jump across to the other catwalk he was swept away in the rising water, pulling in Rick Mohun, who was holding the safety line attached to Buck. Two more team members, Denis Huestis and Donald Thompson, tried to help and all four were swept downstream through the tunnel. Buck was pulled out but failed to respond to resuscitation. Mohun and Thompson made it out safely, but Huestis drowned. The rains were also rapidly filling our local reservoirs. On January 20, Gibraltar Reservoir was the first to overflow, having risen 15 feet the day before. The next morning, Jameson Reservoir, having risen 20 feet the previous day, overflowed. On January 23, there was a lull in the weather as the first storm played out. The county saw modest rainfall that day and some clearing skies, but more rain was on its way. The next day, the second five-day storm system hit an already saturated California, compounding the flood damage from the previous storm. Carpinteria was hit the hardest. During the first storm, 39 families had been forced to evacuate. When the second storm hit all three major creeks, Santa Monica, Franklin, and Carpinteria Creeks, overflowed, flooding much of the town and leaving behind silt-laden water, mud, and debris. One thousand of the 7,000 people living in Carpinteria were
• The Voice of the Village •
evacuated. Many of the creeks originating in the Santa Ynez Mountains overflowed, causing flood damage to the nearby neighborhoods. Heavy rains loosened boulders weighing as much as 30 tons, that then rolled down the canyons, clearing everything in their path and creating debris that would then jam up at various bridges. San Ysidro Creek, for example, backed up at the East Valley Road bridge, sending water into the adjoining neighborhoods. On January 25, Governor Reagan declared the County a disaster area as more rain continued to fall. The next day, the Santa Barbara News-Press headline read “Wettest January Since 1916 Douses Santa Barbara County”. The January rainfall total was surpassed only by the 1995 storms. The record, however, for the most amount of rain in a 24-hour period still belongs to 1969. On January 26, Jameson Lake recorded 16.31 inches of rain. The heavy rain, however, brought with it more tragedy. The already overflowing reservoir washed out the caretaker’s cabin below the dam killing the caretaker, William Brooks. The raging waters also fueled unfounded rumors that Gibraltar Dam was going to break under the strain of more water flowing through its spillway than it was designed to handle. Farther downstream along the Santa Ynez River, residents along Paradise Road trying to evacuate from the rising waters were cut off when the bridge across Los Laureles Creek was washed out. One-hundred twenty residents were then airlifted out by helicopter. Those same rising waters caused 22 February – 1 March 2018
Lake Cachuma to overflow on January 25. When the floodgates were opened, the river grew to a 600-foot wide torrent, flooding various parts of the valley. In Lompoc, the sewage treatment plant located next to the river was flooded, along with 4,000 acres of farmland. Then, on January 28, just as the rain was starting to play out, Santa Barbara was struck by a second disaster. The blowout at Platform A occurred, which released 80,000 to 100,000 barrels of oil over the next several months into the Santa Barbara Channel. It was the worst oil spill at that time and helped lay the foundations for the modern environmental movement. February brought still more rain and flooding; however, by comparison the damage wasn’t as bad in Santa Barbara County. Ventura County, which also saw major flooding during January, was hit harder by the February rains. On February 25, around 2:30 am, one of the levees along the Santa Clara River gave way. The river changed course and flowed out through the Ventura Marina. Three-hundred boats were damaged or completely destroyed. No lives were lost, and a number of boats were spared by being in dry dock to avoid damage from the oil spill. According to engineers on site, if the rain and erosion had continued, the river would have likely returned to its ancient course through downtown Oxnard. There are many lessons from these years of heavy rains and flooding, and it is a testament to the work of our first responders and city planners that those lessons have been integrated into our disaster preparedness programs. That awareness has, in turn, helped to reduce the overall impact of subsequent storms and the damage they can create. Until January 9, 2018 happened, that is. There now also has to be a look at where and how building permits are issued In Montecito. An incident like this can happen again. Within the next five years are a possibility and even anytime in the future. If what happened 50 years ago could be repeated in 2018, it seems no lessons were learned. Nigel Gallimore Montecito (Editor’s note: The rains of January and February 1995 also caused flooding along Olive Mill Road, though sandbags were able to protect most of the homes, as no mudslide accompanied the water. However, Highway 101 was flooded and closed, and residents living near Salinas and the new “sound wall” built by Caltrans in connection with the removal of the traffic lights a couple years earlier, utilized axes and hammers to break through that wall and allow the floodwaters to pass onto the highway rather than into their homes. – J.B.) •MJ 22 February – 1 March 2018
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PHOTO: MIKE ELIASON / SB COUNTY FIRE
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• The Voice of the Village •
10:05 AM 22 February – 12/20/18 March 2018
VILLAGE BEAT (Continued from page 12)
Projects West Construction, has also been working to help affected residents rebuild. Another shop owner, Mary Sheldon, owner of Tecolote Books, said as soon as the evacuation orders were lifted, she was back in the upper village with the doors open, welcoming back the community. “I felt it was important to provide a sense of comfort and normalcy to the residents who lost everything or had been out of their homes for weeks,” she said. Sheldon says while business has been slow, she’s been hearing countless stories of lost belongings, including people’s precious book collections. “It truly is heartbreaking,” she said. Sheldon has been a fixture at the bookstore as the manager since 1992; she and co-owner Herb Simon purchased the shop when it came for sale in 2007. During the evacuations, the upper village was a ghost town, save for American Red Cross volunteers distributing potable water, and the Village Wine & Cheese Shop, which was given special permission to stay open to feed first responders and Montecito residents who chose not to evacuate. Owner Patrick Braid distributed free food and goods, in part donated from other local businesses. The Celebrate Montecito’s upper village event is kid-friendly, with var-
ious activities including face painting and crafts geared toward the youngest members of our community. There will also be several musical guests at various locations in the upper village throughout the afternoon and evening. Businesses will be open and most will be offering discounts and donating to local nonprofits to support mudslide relief. The schedule is as follows: 2 to 4 pm: Face painting, station for writing Thank You Cards for firefighters and rescue workers, in the grassy circle in front of Tecolote. 3 to 6 pm: Music located near Pane e Vino; bands include Bryan Titus Trio, Paradise Kings, plus Tina Schlieske & the Graceland Exiles. There will also be a DJ spinning tunes in front of Village Wine & Cheese. Dan & the Dairy Queens with Leslie Lembo will be performing in the courtyard by Pierre LaFond & Wine Bistro. Celebrate Montecito’s Upper Village is Saturday, February 24, from 2 to 6 pm.
Montecito Association Meets
At this month’s Montecito Association meeting on February 13, the board began by holding the 70th annual assembly to install new board
Bank on better.
members a month later than originally planned. Members of the board, as well as a standing-room-only audience, held a moment of silence for the members of our community who perished in the January 9 mudflow event. The annual meeting marked the departure of board members Monica Babich, Aaron Budgor, and Laura Bridley, and welcomed two new board members: Linnea Pattillo and Larry Waldinger. The executive committee was voted on unanimously, naming Charlene Nagel as president, Harry Kolb as first vice president, Peter van Duinwyk as second vice president, Dr. Barbara Mathews as secretary, and Michele Saltoun as treasurer. The annual meeting was adjourned and the monthly gathering began; reps from the County including Office of Emergency Management director Rob Lewin, First District supervisor Das Williams, and director of recovery Matt Pontes spoke on the recovery efforts. “We are going to see our way through this, together,” Lewin said. “It is the County’s first priority, to help your community.” Lewin outlined the recovery process priorities and said highest on the list is clearing the debris basins and creek channels; 9 out of 11 debris basins are already cleaned out, with 16 percent of the creek channels cleared out. The
County has also been working on upgrading “yellow tagged” properties to “green tagged,” and at the MA meeting, Lewin announced 53 properties had been upgraded, with an additional 100 still in need. “We are trying to get these homes from uninhabitable to habitable, and the objective is to get people back home,” he said, adding that the target date to do so is Thursday, March 1. Also in the works: County reps are searching for places for homeowners to dump mud less expensively and are working on a “transfer station” where people can dump mud, and those who need it – farmers, contractors, et cetera – can pick it up. “We realize that cleanup is becoming difficult for those whose properties are too small to be able to store debris,” Lewin said. The County is also exploring the idea of a “summit for rebuilding,” in addition to making sure Montecito residents are prepared for future storms. Pontes and Supervisor Williams discussed the financial burden of the cleanup on County resources, with Williams saying the cost to remove debris in public right-of-way has cost upward of $80 million. Keeping up the numerous personnel required to patrol the area and help with future evacuations is also pricey: $1.6 million per year. “I just don’t know how
VILLAGE BEAT Page 414
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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.
Next Step: Changing Your Life from the Inside out
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ill Wich’s involvement in the ManKind Project and other self-discovery weekends goes back more than 25 years. He went through the entire MKP training, quickly rising to the role of full leader, and helped developed curriculum over the years. Much of what he developed over decades was the basis for The Work, a documentary film about a four-day intensive conducted at Folsom Prison that was released in 2017 to universal acclaim from critics and audiences and won the Grand Jury Prize at the South By Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival. In all that time, nothing has proven as profoundly effective as The Next Step, a weekend workshop that was developed to move beyond shadow work – uncovering and confronting learned behaviors and patterns that we try to hide, ignore, or deny – into an integrative system that encompasses and encourages life mission: the next step on a journey of healing and transformation. “Before this came along, mission was only ‘an esoteric exercise’ in our work,” Wich explained over the phone last week. That was largely because much of the other trainings and even ongoing circles such as MKP’s Integration Groups suffer from the called “Wound-ology” – where members “keep going over the same issues over and over again.” What makes The Next Step different, he said, is that the approach adds “tools and technology that helps you get through an issue, come out the other end, not have to work it again.” That comes from working with “Parts” – the individual areas, like a wounded child, that have not resolved and still drive thoughts and behavior. The facilitation in the Next
Step “takes a part aside, talks to it, and has a discussion that is productive and can lead to a solution, rather than just yelling at each other,” Wich said. “You are working directly with the subconscious,” he said of the Next Step, which he developed by synthesizing the best parts of all the workshops he has attended and conducted, including a background in hypnosis. “It’s not the conscious mind making a decision, like what might come out of therapy or the typical method of thinking or talking things through. It’s literally working with the part subconsciously, so that when it takes on a new behavior, it’s real. It’s a permanent resolution.” The process has its basis in the neuroplasticity of the brain. “Once you are in an altered state, you are beyond your conscious controlling mechanisms,” Wich explained. “Once that happens you can work directly with the ‘part’, and any changes made at that level become permanent. It’s not about creating more discipline. It’s about changing the wiring so that you naturally flow and do those things.” The upshot is to have all of the individual “parts” integrated and working toward the same goal of living a life of purpose without sabotage from within. The Next Step training, which was created in its current format just three years ago, makes its Santa Barbara area debut in a weekend workshop slated for March 2-4 at Dancing Deer Farms in Templeton, which is where MKP Santa Barbara holds its other trainings. It’s also the only MKP-sponsored training that is open to both men and women, and is considered especially beneficial
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for those who want to come as a couple. The only requirement is that participants have some experience in sitting in circles that involve co-facilitation, so that they have a background in the language and concept. Participants can expect to discover a deeper mission, experience healing shadows and transforming them into allies that fully support your mission, and experience a step-by-step process so you can facilitate the same deep healing in others – and yourself after the workshop. The Next Step Training participant fee is $395 and includes accommodations onsite and meals. Contact Christopher O’Dell at (562) 822-9437 or visit www. eventbrite.com/e/next-step-train ing-tickets-42364104176 for details and reservations.
ty to experience short sessions of massage, energetic healing, psychic readings, Tarot cards, intuitive channeling and healers, aura photos, Angel Card readers, and additional forms of healing in a wide variety of modalities for a fraction of the typical off-site cost. Each of the participating healers in the event offer mini-treatment sessions of their services at a prix-fixe rate of $20 for 15 minutes. (Full sessions are available for additional tickets). Among the choices are John of God Crystal Bed healing sessions, which are unusual for these types of events. Arts and crafts vendors with appropriate wares will be on site for visitors to shop. Admission is free. Call 9644861 or visit www.centeroftheheart. com for more information.
Turning Two
Balancing for the Bucket Brigade
The Santa Barbara Consciousness Network, which held monthly events at Unity of Santa Barbara bringing together guest speakers, local healing practitioners, and other members of the local conscious community, has been on hiatus for several months, taking a break even before the fire and mudslide disasters. But founder Forrest Leichtberg, the 24-year-old spiritual entrepreneur who previously brought such guests as Gay and Kathlyn Hendricks to his gatherings, doesn’t want anyone to think the organization has gone belly-up, even as he searches for a viable format and venue to resume to ongoing events with a mission to help people share their knowledge and power and growth potential for the betterment of humanity. So the Consciousness Network is hosting its Second Anniversary Party this Thursday, February 22, at Karpeles Manuscript Library. The free gathering is a celebration featuring a chance to meet or re-connect with like-minded community members, engage with invited previous speakers and musical performers, and share a meal during the optional potluck. Celebrate life and emerging from the disasters and discover what’s next for the network. Karpeles is located at 21 West Anapamu Street, event time is 6 to 9:30 pm. RSVP at www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-anniversary-conscious-community-cele bration-tickets-43038194398 or just show up.
Winter Healing Arts Faire
The Center for Spiritual Living at the Center of the Heart, located at 487 North Turnpike Road, hosts one of its popular periodic days of healing this Saturday, February 24. Taking place from noon to 5 pm, the event offers an opportuni-
• The Voice of the Village •
Shirley Marcus, who began offering her healing modalities include Rollness – which was developed by a European physiotherapist, fascia therapist, and energetician – at Sympatico Pilates Studio in Montecito only a few months ago, is hosting a special Rollness class by donation basis as a benefit for the Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade. The one-hour class, held Saturday at 11 am at Sympatico (a second class will take place at 12:30 pm based on demand), is aimed at improving endurance, balancing strength and flexibility, and reinforcing ligaments, as well as providing other benefits. Call 825-7865 or visit www.rollnes susa.com.
La Casa de Maria, Downtown
Radhule Weininger has been running meditation sessions weekly and retreats regularly each month at La Casa de Maria’s Center for Spiritual Renewal for years. In the wake of the devastating mudslide/debris flow that leveled several of the center’s buildings and severely damaged many others, the weekly meditation gatherings on Thursdays have been temporarily relocated to Sacred Space in Summerland, as noted here in a previous issue. Now, her HalfDay Retreat, slated for 2:30 to 6 pm this Sunday, February 25, is being held at Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Santa Barbara, which has been hosting her Solidarity and Renewal events on the second Tuesday of the month since the 2016 election. Sunday’s special event will be moderated by Weininger along with her husband, palliative physician Michael Kearney, while the interfaith guest speakers include Casa de Maria’s executive director Steve 22 February – 1 March 2018
Jacobsen, plus rabbi Arthur GrossSchaeffer, Imam Niazi, Vrajaprana, and rabbi Steve Cohen. Suzanne Dunn, and Jeannette Love from the Beatitudes will also participate, and poet Teddy Macker will be joined by Fariba reading Rumi. Pianist Suzanne Malloy, flutist Lisa DeBoer, and cellist Anne Anderson will present music from Taize, while concert pianist Heena Yoon from UCSB is slated to play Chopin, and Noah Owens will play guitar. Also, Anahita Holden, Juliet RhodeBrown, and Daniel Girard will present Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” with harp, guitar, and voice. Of course, Radhule will also offer a guided meditation as the anchor for the event, which also includes afternoon snacks donated by Fresco Cafe.
She Is Rising
Despite what the title might imply, the #MeToo movement was not the impetus for the women-only gatherings going on at the Santa Barbara Mission Rose Garden. She Is Rising is the mother-daughter “intimacy coaching” duo of Katie Korzen and Shelby Stawiecki, who teach women how to create a life of sensual sustainability. They are extending the open invitation to join a group of loving women who are interested in healing disconnection in relationship to themselves and their partners. The Meetup at the Mission is an introduction into the work of awakened intimacy, the path to radiant wholeness. Participants will discover how emotional intimacy and sexual intimacy’s healing work leads you to ecstatic bliss in each and every moment. Gather in the Rose Garden for the free intro sessions at 2 pm on the
next two Saturdays, February 24 and March 3. For more information, visit www.sheisrising.net.
Embrace Embracing
The Santa Barbara Cuddle Connection’s monthly gatherings offer an opportunity to practice connecting socially, energetically and/ or physically in a safe, structured environment. No puppy piles – as all activities are mutually agreed upon in clear words and intent. The format begins with ice breakers, exercises, demos, and before participants put into practice the skills you’ve learned. No touch is ever required. Led by certified Platonic Touch therapist Amber York from 7 to 10 pm on Saturday, February 25, at Santa Barbara Body Therapy Institute, 516 N. Quarantina Street. Donation $20. Details and optional reservations at www.meetup.com/Cuddle-andConnection-Santa-Barbara.
PHORUM 2018
PERSPECTIVES IN HEALTHCARE WITH VISITING NURSE & HOSPICE CARE
Full Moon Circle
He Heals On Wheels and Shiva and The Diva co-host a Full Moon Circle gathering at 7:30 pm on Thursday, March 1, where all are invited to come together at a healing space at Wisniewski Chiropractic & Massage (228 E. Anapamu St.) for a sharing circle and full-moon ceremony. Participants will build an altar, call in the four directions, and invite the spirit guides and animal friends to come together as a community to manifest the highest vibration with a clear intention. Bring any crystals you wish to clear and charge, and musical instruments of choice, including simply your voice. Details online at www.facebook.com/ events/2046817532264093. •MJ
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22 February – 1 March 2018
MONTECITO JOURNAL
35
ENTERTAINMENT (Continued from page 17)
Hands-on approach: John Gorka plays at SOhO and Ojai
to me as I was writing the songs was that the past doesn’t go anywhere,” Gorka explained over the phone the other day, noting that the song was inspired, indirectly, by the deaths of Carrie Fisher and her mom, Debbie Fisher, within days of each other, which got him thinking about “Mother and Child Reunion”, a song by Carrie’s ex Paul Simon. “We bring it with us. Sometimes the past is so present that it overwhelms us.” That same theme of self-examination and looking back permeates songs such as “Mennonite Girl”, “Crowded Heart”, and “Fallen For You”, which also rely on his proven formula of simple but memorable refrains that create an instant connection with listeners but also stand up to repeated listening. “I feel like we caught something special this time around,” Gorka agreed. “Like it was inevitable or something. I wish I had the control, that I could do this every time.” Part of the magic came from the fact that Gorka – who will be performing at SOhO on Wednesday and the Ojai Concert Series in Ojai on Thursday, March 1 – recorded the album in just three days, basically live to disc with only minimal overdubs. That resulted in an album that is not only spare but organic in sound. “I wanted the record to feel reachable, not like it’s coming from behind a wall of sound,” he explained. “Like it was made in a room that you could imagine, and you could touch the person. That level of intimacy, the human
side, is one of the things I like about acoustic music.” True in Time also features two formally “lost” songs, “Blues with A Rising Sun” and “Red Eye & Roses”, which were recovered by fan recordings and address similar themes of forgotten musicians in off-beat genres. Meanwhile, the “The Body Parts Medley” – which takes Gorka’s usual quotient of word play (à la “Stranger with Your Hair,” one is his earliest songs) decidedly to the silly side – acts as a bit of comic relief. “Yeah,” Gorka said with a laugh. “We’re living in ridiculous times, which means it’s the time to record this song. It’s that time of history.”
Piano Man: 4Q’s with MAW Winner
Zhu Wang, a Chinese pianist currently studying at Juilliard, won The Music Academy of the West/ Steinway & Sons inaugural Solo Piano Competition at last summer’s festival, taking home the $5,000 prize, and earning a recital tour that includes performances in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. The tour also features a return to Hahn Hall, the site of his triumph, at 7 pm on Monday, February 26. Wang talked about last summer and the concert – where he’ll play works by Bach, Brahms, Chopin, Nikolai Kapustin, and Timo Andres – over the phone recently from New York. Q. You’ve won a number of prestigious competitions in your teenage years. How did MAW compare? A. It was more like a party for me, because all of pianists had spent so much time together by then that we knew each other very well, and helped each other out with our pieces. It was the last performance of the year, and I’d practiced a great deal, so it wasn’t stressful at all. I just played very comfortably, and really enjoyed it because it was more like a chance to share with the audience what I learned over the last couple of months. I wasn’t thinking about winning, but I played with a lot of passion and with my true heart.
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As part of your prize, Timo Andres – who was also one of the judges – composed Moving Études for you. Did you connect? Does the piece capture some of what you are about? I actually met him after the competition. We finished so late that night that all the buses were gone, and I had no one to drive me home, as even my compeer had left. So, I asked him. We had a great conversation all the way to where I was staying. We talked about the Chinese piece that I played, and my experience and my life at Juilliard, and my favorite compositions. I told him I love the character pieces by Schumann and Schubert. He (Andres) wrote three short pieces that have very different characters. The first one is full of a lot of chords, with a lot of energy and a rhythmic pattern that keeps changing. The second is very emotional and has lots of room for expressiveness in the middle, while the third is poetic and romantic – that has freedom for me to have my own thinking. He wanted me to have room to improvise. But it’s very hard, and it’s taking a lot of practicing. How did you choose the other pieces for your program? Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring has a lot of feeling, so it’s a great way to start off the concert. The Brahms is something I loved the first time I heard it and could never get it out of my head, so that had to be on. Kapustin’s Variations is very jazzy and joyful, so it’s fun to play. I have always felt I have a special connection with C, and I’m always so comfortable to play his music... to end with this big structura piece, with a great ending that will end the concert with good affect. I’m a little surprised you don’t have any Chinese music on the program. Maybe as the encore. But I don’t want to assume anything.
SOS Gets Personal
The opening event of Speaking of Stories’s (SOS) 2018 season was a washout in the wake of the Montecito mudslide devastation and freeway closure, with the slated
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special Nothing But Laughs performance in tribute to Jay Thomas – the Montecito-connected actor and former morning DJ (Cheers, Love & War, Murphy Brown) who passed away last August – postponed from January until next month. But perhaps kicking off the season with SOS’s third annual Personal Stories readings – sort of our local version of The Moth – is an even more appropriate community-builder following the fire and debris flow disasters. Two separate programs each boasting 10 local writers and/ or actors – pairing several first-time performers and relative newcomers alongside seasoned SOS veterans, all of whom penned their own first-person accounts – will be presented in repertory Sunday-Wednesday, February 25-28, at the Center Stage black box theater in Paseo Nuevo that has been Speaking of Stories’s home for more than a decade. The lineup for Sunday afternoon and Tuesday evening includes Joel Altschul’s “The Best Defense is a Good Offense”, Susan Chiavelli’s “(Gravity, No Engines)”, Susan Cochran’s “I Have a Granddaughter”, Lisa Gates’s “Body Parts”, Cami Helmuth’s “Cloud Watching”, Michelle Howard’s “The Year I Failed Women’s Studies”, Tania Israel’s “I Come From”, Noah Lashly’s “Straight to Gay”, Tony Miratti’s “The Killer in the Closet”, Angie Swanson-Kyriaco’s “Denial, Depression and Dysfunction: The 90’s Edition”. The Monday and Wednesday show features Megan Burwell’s “Dear Megan Burwell”, Anna Jordan’s “I’m Gonna Need Backup”, Rudi Lion’s “Transported”, Robert MacNeal’s “Wooing”, Kathy Marden’s “Coming Home”, Lesley Miller ’s “The Most Unexpected Year”, Pauline Nelson’s “Thereby Hangs A Tail”, Marcia Orland’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, Jan K. Ruskin’s “My Sexual Revolution”, and Cynthia Waring’s “Smoky”. Tickets cost $28 general, $18 students and military or for “early birds” who purchase tickets to Sunday or Wednesday shows by Friday, February 23. Call 963-0408 or visit
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22 February – 1 March 2018
Embracing Life
Angels from Ashes
O
by Laurie Hall
n the 26 th of January, while driving south from Santa Ynez back to Redondo Beach, I went through Montecito and thought about my friend Missy. I knew she had been evacuated during the Thomas Fire, and again shortly thereafter, a second time, as a result of the mudslide. We had spoken only briefly in the previous week, to acknowledge she and her family were safe. It was an all-consuming day for me. Having driven the alternate route around the freeway closure from Central to Southern California several times in the past two weeks, I at first decided to ignore my instinct to stop and see my friend. Preoccupied with tasks of life and a direct route home, I continued south on the newly opened 101 freeway, for about three more exits, before a feeling too strong to ignore pushed me to get off the freeway and turn around. I really had no idea what to expect; I just knew I had to stop in. I found my friend at her family’s property in Summerland, heading into the office with her pet bird in hand, as the evacuation of her own Montecito home had not yet been lifted. I knew the minute we made eye contact I was there for a reason. Although smiling and cheerful, this lifetime Montecito resident wore her sadness, struck and saddened by the loss of life before her eyes, the potential loss of her home, and witness to countless personal and professional tragedies. I listened as she struggled to share her story, bearing witness to the loss of friends and neighbors. As she spoke of the trauma, I could feel her compassion, despair, and fear; at the same time, I could see her resolve, and watched as she unlocked the medicine within. It is difficult to say watching someone in pain can be beautiful, but witnessing her transformation was exceptional. As we spoke, she shared her recent interest in making angels. Missy asked me to walk with her across the property to the lawn of the main house so she could show me. Focused on demands of my own life, I almost refused, but something told me this was important. I was surprised by what I saw: clearly the beginnings of some creative process. There, piled high on picnic tables in the yard, were hundreds of broken pieces of lives, taking on the shape of angels. Intrigued and curious, I followed my friend out the gate onto the beach and stopped dead in my tracks, stunned. In front of me were the remains of a number of homes, precious remnants of lives at my feet, washed up on the beach and now piled several feet high like giant bonfires, lined up along the shore. Among all the building materials and driftwood were items such as a single shoe, an article of clothing, a perfume bottle, a torn teddy bear – all personal effects of homes and lives lost. Most poignant of all, for some reason, a case for contact lenses wedged between a piece of siding and the sand. My friend – a gifted artist and painter – had collected these pieces of people’s lives from the beach, not exactly understanding why. Perhaps it was part of her own healing, but she began to see angels’ wings and started creating angel sculptures. Trusting her instincts, staying present to her need to listen and express her feelings through creativity, I watched as she stepped into a door of opportunity. My friend seemed to have a sense that she could take what was left of these lives and create something meaningful, something beautiful. She had just begun to put these unique and precious angels together, not yet really understanding their purpose, but I was moved, I was inspired, and I offered to come back to help collect items from the shoreline and assemble angels with my friend. I returned a few days later, and we did just that. Together with another close friend and my friend’s 95-year-old mother, we spent the day making angels. We made several trips back to the shore to collect more broken pieces 22 February – 1 March 2018
of lives in the form of wings, arms, and halos, and perhaps just to connect with the spirits of those who were present. At last count, we had made more than 60 angels, often naming them, laughing a lot, and tearing up on occasion. It was a beautiful, exhausting, and triumphant day in a place where devastation had turned a community upside-down just days before. There are people in life who leave a lasting impression, whose presence can be nothing shy of a divinely guided miracle of connection. How blessed I am to have found a kindred spirit in my friend Missy. I feel blessed. I am not sure her angels have found their new home yet; I only know they have been appropriately named “Angels from Ashes”. I am sure they are part of a transformation to embrace a new life. •MJ
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Notice Inviting Bids Gutierrez Street Bridge Replacement Project Bid No. 3670 1. Bid Acceptance. The City of Santa Barbara (“City”) will accept sealed bids for its GUTIERREZ STREET BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT, by or before March 6, 2018, at 3:00 p.m., at its Purchasing Office, located at 310 E. Ortega Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101, at which time and place the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Each bidder is responsible for making certain that its Bid Proposal is actually delivered to the Purchasing Office. The receiving time at the Purchasing Office will be the governing time for acceptability of bids. Telegraphic, telephonic, electronic, and facsimile bids will not be accepted. 2.
Project Information.
2.1 Location and Description. The Project is located on Gutierrez Street between Chapala Street and De La Vina Street, and is described as follows: Removal and replacement of the Gutierrez Street Bridge over Mission Creek with construction of concrete channel walls. The work includes all labor, material, supervision, plant, and equipment necessary to complete and deliver the finished bridge replacement project per plans and specs. Pay close attention to the Special Notices at the beginning of the Specifications. 2.2 Time for Completion. The planned timeframe for commencement and completion of construction of the Project is: 260 working days. 2.3 Engineer’s Estimate. The Engineer’s estimate for construction of this Project is: $4,203,500. 2.4 Mandatory Bidders’ Conference. A bidders’ conference will be held on February 21, 2018 at 1:30 p.m., at the following location: Bridge Replacement location adjacent to 123 West Gutierrez Street for the purpose of acquainting all prospective bidders with the Contract Documents and the Worksite conditions. The bidders’ conference is mandatory. A bidder who fails to attend a mandatory bidders’ conference will be disqualified from bidding. 3.
License and Registration Requirements. 3.1 License. This Project requires a valid California contractor’s license for the following classification(s): A.
3.2 DIR Registration. City will not accept a Bid Proposal from or enter into the Contract with a bidder, without proof that the bidder and its Subcontractors are registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”) to perform public work under Labor Code section 1725.5, subject to limited legal exceptions. 4. 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: SantaBarbaraCA.gov/ebidboard. 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) 8846155. 5. 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’s issuance of the notice of award of the Contract, the bidder will execute the Contract and submit the payment and performance bonds, insurance certificates and endorsements, and all other documentation required by the Contract Documents. 6.
Prevailing Wage Requirements.
6.1 General. 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 section 1771.4. 7. Performance and Payment Bonds. The successful bidder will be required to provide performance and payment bond for 100% of the Contract Price regardless of contract dollar amount. 8. Substitution of Securities. Substitution of appropriate securities in lieu of retention amounts from progress payments is permitted under Public Contract Code section 22300. 9. Subcontractor List. Each bidder must submit, with its Bid Proposal, 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) 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 before submitting a Bid Proposal.
By: ___________________________________ William Hornung, C.P.M., General Services Manager Publication Dates: 1) February 14, 2018 Montecito Journal
Date: ________________
2) February 21, 2018
END OF NOTICE INVITING BIDS
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: C.P. Notary Services; P. Human Capital Services, PO Box 3071, Santa Maria, CA 93457. Consuelo Palacios, 429 El Cerrito, Santa Maria, CA 93455. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on February 16, 2018. 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 Marlene Ashcom. FBN No. 20180000522. Published February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 2018.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Montecito Sweets; Erica Urech Photography, 101 Palm Tree Lane, Montecito, CA 93108. Erica H Urech, 101 Palm Tree Lane, Montecito, CA 93108. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on January 25, 2018. 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 Deputy Clerk. FBN No. 20180000289. Published February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 2018.
38 MONTECITO JOURNAL
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: The Clear Choice Estate Services; The Clear Choice, 1187 Coast Village Road Suite #740, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Kenneth Hieronymus, 2111 Shadow Creek Dr., Oxnard, CA 93036. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on February 14, 2018. 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 Connie Tran. FBN No. 20180000499. Published February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 2018.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Marbella Boutique, 801 Hot Springs Road, Montecito, CA 93108. Caroline Encell, 801 Hot Springs Road, Montecito, CA 93108. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on February 13, 2018. 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 Connie Tran. FBN No. 20180000493. Published February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 2018.
• The Voice of the Village •
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Empire Landscape Company, 1208 Alden Ct., Lompoc, CA 93436. Carlos JR Sanchez, 1208 Alden Ct., Lompoc, CA 93436. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on February 6, 2018. 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 Mary Soto. FBN No. 2018-0000415. Published February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 2018. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Overland Protective Services, INC, 1517 Stowell Center Plaza, Suite L, Santa Maria, CA 93458. Overland Protective Services, INC, 1517 Stowell Center Plaza, Suite L, Santa Maria, CA 93458. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on February 14, 2018. 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 Marlene Ashcom. FBN No. 20180000508. Published February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 2018. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Elite Athletix, 465 E Clark Avenue, Orcutt, CA 93455. Tyrome Lee, 1440 Marsala Avenue, Santa Maria, CA 93458. Michael Richard Romero, 465 E Clark Avenue, Orcutt, CA 93455. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on February 7, 2018. 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 Marlene Ashcom. FBN No. 20180000438. Published February 14, 21, 28, March 7, 2018. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: 93108FUND. ORG, 1482 E Valley RD #514, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Win Win Give INC, 104 Divisadero ST, San Francisco, CA 94117. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on January 29, 2018. 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 Rachel Gann. FBN No. 2018-0000317. Published February 14, 21, 28, March 7, 2018. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: The Children’s Department, 1187 Coast Village Road STE 420, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Minemine Kids, INC, 1225 Coast Village Road, STE C, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. This
statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on January 31, 2018. 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 Tara Jayasinghe. FBN No. 2018-0000355. Published February 14, 21, 28, March 7, 2018. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: The Montecito Candle Company, 446 Old Coast HWY, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. Christa Lococo, 446 Old Coast HWY, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on January 29, 2018. 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 Margarita Silva. FBN No. 2018-0000320. Published February 7, 14, 21, 28, 2018. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Mission Villa, 321 W Mission St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Dana Newquist, 605 Juan Crespi LN, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on February 2, 2018. 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 Christine Potter. FBN No. 2018-0000397. Published February 7, 14, 21, 28, 2018. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Merry Maids of Santa Barbara and Santa Maria, 3130 Skyway Dr. Unit 404, Santa Maria, CA 93455. K W Holding, 416 S Elm St Unit B, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on January 30, 2018. 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 Deborah Sanchez. FBN No. 2018-0000330. Published February 7, 14, 21, 28, 2018. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Candlehill Consulting, 125 East Victoria Street, Suite G, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Trevor Nelson Kasmar, 1721A Laguna Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on January 24, 2018. 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 Melissa Mercer. FBN No. 20180000278. Published January 31, February 7, 14, 21, 2018.
22 February – 1 March 2018
On Law by Steven A. Blum Steven A. Blum received a law degree from Yale Law School in 1987 and has practiced real estate litigation, specializing in landslides, over the past 30 years in law firms big and small. He lives in Montecito and his website is www.cal-landslidelaw. com. He is a partner of Blum Collins LLP.
Who Says the King Can Do No Wrong? Finding More Ways to Recover Losses
W
hen I returned to Glen Oaks after the evacuation, I was still stunned by the physical and emotional devastation as neighbors mourn the loss of friends, relatives, their homes, and nature itself. Even as we begin to pick up the pieces, the weather forecast promised rain which turned out to be sprinkles not a storm. But more rain means more sleepless nights in Montecito. My geomorphologist (sort of a mountain man hydrologist) tells me that there is still plenty of debris in the mountains, which can continue to move down creeks, debris basins, and roads for three to five years while the hydrophobic soil barrier breaks down – intense heat from the wildfire melted plant material to create a waxy slip-and-slide surface. Meanwhile, hundreds of large trucks move through Montecito nearly 24/7, busy removing debris before the next rainstorm hits. While we brace for more rain, some (but not all) insurance companies have been dragging their feet to reimburse property owners for relocation and repairs. Some have simply ignored homeowners’ calls or delayed coverage by engaging in endless “investigation” into the obvious causes of the mudslides. California Insurance commissioner Dave Jones has continued to call out insurers by reiterating that “the indications are that the [Thomas] fires did cause the mudslides and that [the insurers] should pay claims.” As I suggested in my last two articles, if the facts show that a fire, covered by a typical homeowners’ insurance policy, was the “efficient proximate cause” of a later mudslide, then mudslide damage may be covered under a homeowners’ insurance policy. Many homeowners will have less insurance than necessary to repair and replace what they lost, including retaining walls and other outdoor structures to protect property from further damage in future floods. “Underinsured” is the word that describes this situation, which is most often due to policy limits that are too low, or lack of coverage for certain parts of your property that need repair. Moreover, homeowners’ insurance usually only covers repairs to the residential structure itself, contents, and relocation. What about resources to 22 February – 1 March 2018
restore the very land that your home sits on, or recovering the loss of property value resulting from the “stigma” that remains from physical damage, or building improvements to protect your home from future rainstorms? Where will you get the money to achieve full recovery and protect your family from the next mudslide?
Constitutional Property Rights
To answer this question, I’ve been sharing ways to seek recovery for your losses from sources other than your insurer. In my first article (MJ volume 24, issue 4, page 22), I discussed inverse condemnation, which is a constitutional remedy for the damaging of private property caused by a public project. The United States Constitution and the California Constitution prohibit private property from being “taken or damaged” for public use without the payment of just compensation. When a public project takes or damages private property and the government fails to bring a direct condemnation (also called eminent domain) proceeding, the property owner may file an inverse condemnation lawsuit. The only difference between a direct and inverse condemnation is who initiates the action. In both actions, the result is the same – the property owner receives compensation for the invasion of his private right. The theory of inverse condemnation is to distribute the cost of public improvements throughout the community – no private property owner should bear an unequal share of a public project (and that includes projects owned by utilities like Edison.) But the involvement of public works does not always mean there is inverse condemnation liability. The public project must be operating as intended when it caused the damage. If a water main breaks in the ordinary course of its operation, then there could be inverse condemnation liability. However, if a water district employee accidentally breaks the water main with a sledgehammer, then the government is probably not liable for inverse condemnation. Likewise, if the water district’s contribution to the sliding is a mere “drop in the bucket,” that’s not enough to constitute a legal cause of resulting damage.
Government Tort Claims
So, inverse condemnation is not a cure-all. Other than inverse condemnation, a property owner may have viable government tort claims such as trespass, nuisance, or dangerous condition of public property (the phrase for government negligence). While inverse condemnation plaintiffs are limited to recovering the fair market value of their property, tort plaintiffs enjoy a greater measure of recovery, including damages for personal injury and emotional distress. That means that the inverse condemnation theory does not provide full recovery of damages in cases involving personal injury or wrongful death. The injured person (or the survivor in a wrongful death case) needs to join claims for inverse condemnation and government tort in the same case, if they arise from the same government act or omission. When you sue a government agency, you first have to file a special claim (called an “administrative claim”) with the government office or agency before you file in court. For personal injury or wrongful death, you must file your administrative claim within 6 months of the date of the injury. For real property damage cases, you must file your administrative claim within 1 year of the date the real property damage occurred. For more than two centuries of our nation’s history, sovereign immunity protected the federal and state governments and their employees from tort lawsuits. The concept of sovereign immunity derives from the common law maxim Rex Non Potest Peccare – “the King can do no wrong.” The essential notion is that it contradicts the king’s sovereignty if he is sued in his own courts. In the context of a monarchy, this makes sense because the King is all-powerful and his subjects must bend to his will. (This all goes for queens too.) However, in our constitutional democracy, the power of the sovereign is derived directly from the people, and the judicial limitation on suits against the government creates tension between two elements of constitutionalism: government accountability and the need to shield the government from limitless tort litigation. As our nation evolved, so did our attitude toward holding the government more accountable for its misdeeds. In 1946, the federal government passed the Federal Tort Claims Act waiving sovereign immunity and allowing suits against the federal government in limited actions. Many states, including California, soon followed. In 1963, the California Legislature adopted the Tort Claims
March is the month God designed to show those who don’t drink what a hangover is like. – Garrison Keillor
Act governing suits against a public entity. As a matter of law, “a public entity is not liable for an injury” except as provided by statute. The purpose of the California Tort Claims Act is to carve out an exception to the California State’s sovereign immunity; specifically to allow suits in a limited number of actions. For example, Government Code section 835 specifically provides, “a public entity is liable for injury caused by a dangerous condition of its property.” The statutes also provide for causes of action such as trespass, negligence, or nuisance. The Tort Claims Act also includes a long list of immunities that protect the sovereign State, its employees, and other public entities from being sued. For example, there are the discretionary immunity, permit or license immunity (injuries resulting from the issuance, denial, revocation, or suspension of a permit or a license), natural condition/unimproved public property immunity (for injuries that are caused by natural conditions on unimproved public property, such as rocks tumbling down hills and crushing homes), inspection immunity (public entities are not liable for failure to inspect, or for inadequate or negligent inspection of property), and the list goes on. The broadest immunity is for the discretionary acts and omissions of public employees. The determination of whether a government act is discretionary must be made on a case-by-case basis. The availability of immunity turns on whether the public employee’s act or omission was an exercise of discretion at the planning rather than operational level of governmental decision making; in other words, whether the case will turn on the quality of basic policy decisions that the judiciary should refrain from second-guessing. For example, there would be no liability for deciding to adopt a county flood-control plan, but liability may exist for negligently implementing the flood plan. A subtle but important distinction. That’s just to give you a flavor of public immunities. As with inverse condemnation law, government tort claims law can be tricky for the uninitiated and unpracticed. And just as inverse condemnation law is formulated through 150 years of case law, government tort claims law involves convoluted statutes and procedural requirements. This is the fourth in a series of articles about the law and the Montecito mudslides. You can read the first three articles on montecitojournal.net, volume 24, issues 4, 5, and 6, or email: blum@blumcollins.com. Next week: legal ethics and ambulance chasing. •MJ MONTECITO JOURNAL
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EDITORIAL (Continued from page 24) Abe Powell delivering Sermon From the Mud Mount to Bucket Brigade and Habit for Humanity volunteers in Montecito Oaks
Partial removal of mud by the County of Santa Barbara
Habitat for Humanity volunteers helping victims clear mud from their properties
county by emergency disaster and FEMA funding. For questionable reasons, this same reimbursement plan is not available to cover the cost of mud and debris removal on private property. It is an artificial distinction to treat disaster-generated mud on public and private property differently. The origin and destination of the debris and mud is co-mingled. First responders, searching for victims, indiscriminately stacked mud, wherever needed, on both private and public property. Cars, trees and debris flowed randomly from federal, state and county public property onto private property. During the rescue phase of our twin disasters, a single unified Incident Commander drew upon whatever federal, state and local resources were needed, regardless of cost to save lives. There was no talk of a difference in rescues on public or private property. It makes no sense now to parse responsibility for mud removal between an unworkable trilogy of homeowners, recalcitrant insurance carriers, and county or state or FEMA agencies, each trying to avoid cost responsibilities.
Sonoma Solution
Following the Tubbs Fire in October 2017, which destroyed at least 5,500 homes and other structures, Sonoma County enacted a “Consolidated Fire Debris Removal Program” for removal of soil and debris from private property. The plan requires the EPA to remove ash and hazardous waste on a mandatory basis. At each homeowner’s option, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (headed up by a full three-star U.S. Army general) will remove all remaining soil and debris at no cost to private owners. Subsequent private insurance reimbursements for the removal task are remitted to the program. When asked about the Sonoma County program, First District supervisor Das Williams said, “We looked at it, and it wouldn’t work in Santa Barbara County.”
Let’s Just Do It
We cannot wallow too long in this mud. There are some 18,000 cubic yards of it in Montecito Oaks alone, which has now been pushed from ½-acre home sites to curbside. Who will take it away and who will bear the cost of removal?
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Group of Bucket Brigade and Habitat for Humanity volunteers
Habitat for Humanity team members
Recently, the county agreed to remove 900 cubic yards of curbside mud as a test program, or 5% of the total. County lawyers allowed the county to engage in this test removal program if a recognized non-profit, in this case, the local chapter of Habitat for the Humanities, participated alongside the unofficial Bucket Brigade volunteers. Each Montecito Oaks home site was rationed to three truckloads of county mud removal. This week, the county decided it cannot fund any additional removals from private property. When our community was in a “rescue mode” immediately following both the fire and debris flow, a single incident commander from Cal Fire decided what resources were needed and dispensed aid to wherever it was needed, regardless of private or public property. The goal was to save lives and homes. Now that we have moved into the “recovery mode,” each agency is back to doing its own thing, while trying to push costs onto someone else. What happens next becomes a function of Das Williams’s ability to convince county leadership to override strong objections from county lawyers and bean counters, and do the right thing. It is time for this community and its leadership to take a page from Abe Powell’s book of creative management: “The secret is to lift your head out of the mud,” he suggests, “and just do it!” •MJ
• The Voice of the Village •
22 February – 1 March 2018
VILLAGE BEAT (Continued from page 33)
that is going to be accomplished in our budget,” Williams said. Pontes added, “Yes, the County has strained resources, but there has been no holding back at any time to get what this community needs.” County reps estimate it will be another 45 to 60 days before surveyors, planners, land specialists, and others determine if and where “red tagged” properties can be rebuilt. Some recommendations will include increasing setbacks from newly determined stream channels and turning some property into public space. “If we had some public land along the creeks, we could increase resiliency,” Lewin said. During the community reports portion of the meeting, Montecito Fire chief Chip Hickman said he is proud of the heroic efforts of the MFPD team. “I’m a proud papa of my fire department and I’m proud of my community,” he said, adding that future mudflow risk continues. “Until we get vegetation on the hillside, we are not out of risk,” he said. Both public school superintendents shared their concerns over budget cuts due to the mudslide. Dr. Anthony Ranii from Montecito Union School reported that the school will need to cut several teachers and staff members to account for the new budget reductions, based on the reassessment of property values following the 1/9 storm. He also discussed the conservative approach he will take moving forward. “I will definitely be canceling school very aggressively during storms,” he said, adding that contingency plans include hiring a bussing company to transport students out of the area if a rogue storm cell shall occur. “We also have shelter-in-place plans should we need them, getting the kids to higher ground and having enough food and water to keep them for days on end, if necessary,” he said. Dr. Amy Alzina, Cold Spring School’s superintendent/principal reported that her school will take a major financial hit following the 1/9 event, to the tune of $485,000. “Our school cannot keep its current programs and staffing in place, with losing ten percent of our budget literally overnight,” she said. “It makes me emotional because our students have already been through so much, losing two classmates and six family members from our tiny community. I cannot bear the thought of them losing their favorite teacher or specialist programming.” Doctor Alzina and the school board have started a fundraising campaign to raise the $485K, available through the school’s website (www.coldspring school.net; click on the Fundraiser button). “We’re finding out how resilient we really are,” she said. Doctor Alzina added that there are plans in 22 February – 1 March 2018
place to hold school at a satellite campus during future storms. The next Montecito Association meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 13.
Coast Village Road Beautification
(NWS) and are vital in giving advance warning of the direction and intensity of storms approaching south Santa Barbara County. To improve the NWS’s ability to predict the location and intensity of local rainfalls, three additional gauges have been installed in the watersheds above Montecito. With such a large geographic area at risk from future Vintage Coast Village Road from the 1960s; the Coast Village Association is seeking interested parties to bring their beautification ideas
Fifty years ago, Old Coast Highway between Hot Springs and Olive Mill was redesigned, reconstructed, and renamed Coast Village Road. Now, the Coast Village Association (CVA) is looking for interested parties to bring new ideas, enthusiasm, and community spirit to reimagine the lower village, given new challenges such as traffic, lack of landscaping, and recovery from the Thomas Fire and mudflow. “Our beautiful little boulevard could use some polishing, remodeling, and dressing up,” says CVA president Bob Ludwick, who organized a meeting last week with retailers and restaurant owners to discuss issues and ideas regarding the road, which has recently undergone traffic changes including temporary stop signs and greater crosswalk visibility. The CVA’s Beautification Committee will hold a meeting on Wednesday, February 28, at 4:30 pm at the CVA Recovery Assistance Center at 1235-A Coast Village Road. “We welcome all interested parties to come and share their ideas with us,” Ludwick said.
New Rain Gauges
In the aftermath of the Thomas Fire and 1/9 debris flow, the Santa Barbara County Flood Control District installed six additional real-time rain gauges to provide enhanced rainfall monitoring for the impacted areas. In cooperation with the National Parks Service, three new high-tech gauges were installed at weather monitoring stations on the Channel Islands, located at Anacapa, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa islands. These gauges electronically dispatch storm information to the National Weather Service
A newly installed rain gauge at upper Romero Canyon, with hills in the background charred from the Thomas Fire
storms, the pinpointing of rainfall patterns will provide valuable feedback to the NWS as they work to make their advance predictions more accurate. “These rain gauges will improve the ability of the National Weather Service to have more accurate modeling and therefore better predictions,” says Rob Lewin, director of the County’s Office of Emergency Management. There are now 95 gauges countywide
that transmit data to the NWS in real-time. The system enhancements are a collaborative effort between the County’s Flood Control District, the NWS, the National Parks Service, and the California Geological Survey.
Laguna Blanca Raises Funds
On Tuesday, February 13, Laguna families came together at SOhO Restaurant & Music Club in the name of love and music to benefit Direct Relief and all those affected by the Thomas Fire and Montecito mudslides. In addition to helping others and enjoying an evening of music by Laguna’s talented students, guests heard from Laguna student and the band’s drummer, Clay Rodgers (Class of 2018), whose family home was hit hard by the devastating debris flow on January 9. He recounted how he and his father were awakened by the destruction in the pre-dawn hours, and how they eventually waded through waist-deep mud for a mile before getting picked up by a sheriff. Clay’s mother, brother, and family dog were down in L.A. at the time of the mudslide. Although his family lost many treasured heirlooms, musical instruments, furniture, and family photos, Clay stays focused on how grateful he is that his family is unharmed and that material possessions can be replaced. Samir Rai from Direct Relief also shared how their humanitarian aid organization has helped Santa Barbara through these recent disasters, from recognizing the need for and providing thousands of protective masks for residents during the Thomas Fire, to committing $300,000 to the 1/9 Victims Fund. Direct relief has equipped emergency responders with many of their requested resources, strengthened public health efforts with several thousand doses of tetanus and hepatitis-A vaccinations, and continues to support community groups, including the SB Bucket Brigade, providing supplies for safe cleanup and recovery. Proceeds from the door, SB Strong T-shirt sales – designed by Sofia Fouroohi-Martin (Class of ‘19) – and donations to Direct Relief on February 13 totaled nearly $5,000. •MJ
THE firstHUMAN TUNE-UP
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C ALENDAR OF Note to readers: This entertainment calendar is a subjective sampling of arts and other events taking place in the Santa Barbara area for the next week. It is by no means comprehensive. Be sure to read feature stories in each issue that complement the calendar. In order to be considered for inclusion in this calendar, information must be submitted no later than noon on the Wednesday eight days prior to publication date. Please send all news releases and digital artwork to slibowitz@yahoo.com)
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Anima 3 – Lisa Citore’s Anima, Theater of the Feminine Underground, presents its third in the women’s ritual theater project series that is both a form or community-building and self-expression, as well as a terrific night of personal theater in a variety of formats, from dance to film to poetry, and one-woman plays and monologs. The idea is to “give voice to the feminine subconscious for the purpose of individual and collective transformation and bringing socio-political balance.” The artists joining Citore tonight in “baring their soul-sharing dreams, fantasies, secrets, rants, revelations, and vulnerable reveals” are Cybil Gilbertson, Jenna Tico, Cynthia Waring, Yemaya Duby, Melissa Lowenstein, Samantha Bonavia, Elaine Gale, Justine Sutton, and Lamara Heartwell, nearly all of whom are veterans of the program. WHEN: 8 pm today & tomorrow WHERE: Center Stage Theater, 751 Paseo Nuevo, upstairs in the mall COST: $23 general in advance, $28 general day of the performance INFO: 963-0408 or www. CenterStageTheater.org SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Teen Star Singers – Teen Star Santa Barbara has already spawned some sensational emerging artists, including 2016 winner Jackson Gillies, who has gone on to perform at clubs, theaters, festivals, and benefits all around the area, plus deliver a speech at the most recent TEDx Talks Santa Barbara. But it’s not unfair to expect an even more dazzling
evening of singing at the final competition tonight at the Arlington, as the 10 finalists have had extra time – since winning a spot at the auditions in November – to work on their craft, including increased sessions with this year’s celebrity mentor, Kenny Loggins. Tonight’s grand finale, at which the winner will be crowned, is hosted by J.J. Lambert and features Catherine Remak, Randy Spendlove, and Loggins as the judges, with live audience voting contributing to the outcome. Even if you don’t know any of the finalists – Ava Burford, Santa Barbara High School (11th grade), Benjamin Catch, San Marcos High School (10th grade), Daniel Geiger, Pioneer Valley (12th grade), McKenna Gemberling, SMHS (9th grade), Jake Gildred, Santa Ynez (9th grade), Neve Greenwald, Dos Pueblos (9th grade), Holly Hadsall, La Colina Junior High School (7th grade), Savannah Jayaraman, Homeschool (12th grade), Elizabeth Padfield, Solvang Middle School (8th grade), Nicole Trujillo, DPHS (12th grade), and alternate Sofia Schuster, Crane Country Day School (8th grade), each of whom will sing a minimum of two songs – there’s reason enough to show up not only to cheer on the aspiring entertainers, but also to marvel at the level of talent in our area, emerging strong from the ashes and mud of the recent disasters. Speaking of which, there are 100 free tickets for Santa Barbara County first responders, who are encouraged to wear their uniforms or other identifying shirts at the event so they can be recognized during the show. WHEN: 7 pm WHERE: 1317 State St. COST: $25 to $40 INFO: 963-4408/www. thearlingtontheatre.com or www.axs.com
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Dancing with the Danes – In a press release, UCSB Arts & Lectures calls the Danish String Quartet (DSQ) its “favorite fab four,” which might elicit a few “Say, what?” comments from fans of The Beatles – but then again, the most popular rock band of all time never played the Isla Vista campus. The DSQ are kind of rock stars in the classical music world, beloved by both critics and audiences across the globe, celebrating their “warmth, wit, a beautiful tone, and technical prowess second to none” (NPR), as well as the palpable and infectious joy they bring to the chamber music-making. Their 201718 North American tour, which includes visits to the Vail and Ravinia summer festivals and dates at the Mostly Mozart Festival and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, returns to Campbell Hall tonight with a fascinating program pairing civilized string quartets with the blood sport of hunting. The concert offers examples from four different composers who each employ sort of 6/8 hunting call and/or hunting themes in their pieces: Haydn: String Quartet No. 1 in B-flat Major, op. 1, no. 1 (“La Chasse”), Mozart: String Quartet No. 17 in B-flat Major, K. 458 (“Hunt Quartet”), Widmann: Jagdquartett, and Brahms: String Quartet No. 3 in B-flat Major, op. 67. The DSQ also leads a Master Class with UCSB students from 2 to 4 pm on Thursday, February 22, at Geiringer Hall on campus, open to observers. Giddy-up! WHEN: 7 pm WHERE: UCSB’s Campbell Hall COST: $25 to $40 general, $15 students INFO: 893-3535 or www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu
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EVENTS by Steven Libowitz
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Crescent City Jazz – Saxophonist Derek Douget caps off conducting the Lobero Theatre’s inaugural Brubeck Jazz residency program with a concert on the main stage at the venerable venue. Douget, who mixes his Louisiana upbringing with strong individualism and an idiosyncratic voice, is a member of the Ellis Marsalis Quartet who has also performed with many other notable musicians on the New Orleans scene including Nicolas Payton, Dr. John, Terence Blanchard, Allen Toussaint, Branford Marsalis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Randy Brecker, and Wyclef Jean. Also the director of the Heritage School of Music and a member of the inaugural Louis Armstrong Quintet – a performing group dedicated to teaching jazz in New Orleans area schools – Douget and his band have been in Santa Barbara all week working with students from local high schools, colleges, and nonprofit organizations providing in-classroom instruction and working on charts with kids at Notes for Notes at the local Boys & Girls Clubs. Tonight, they – and we – get to hear him lead his group in performance. Brubeck, who frequently performed at the Lobero, would have been proud. WHEN: 8 pm WHERE: 33 East Canon Perdido St. COST: $25 general, $12 students INFO: 963-0761 or www.lobero.com Soaring with Serkin – Bach’s The Goldberg Variations, BWV 988, are one of the great tests and showcases for a classical pianist, due to their complexities and subtleties of expression, and every distinguished artist has taken on the challenges. The distinguished American pianist Peter Serkin – whose five decades of experience is backed by a rich musical heritage that extends to his father (famed pianist Rudolf Serkin) and his grandfather (violinist/composer Adolf Busch) – will offer his interpretation as part of his CAMA Masterseries program at the Lobero, his fifth visit to the series. But first, he’ll play Mozart’s Adagio in B minor, K.540, and Sonata No.17 in B-flat Major, K.570, before intermission. WHEN: 8 pm WHERE: 33 East Canon Perdido St. COST: $39 & $49 ($105 patron tickets include priority seating and pre-concert private reception) INFO: 9630761 or www.lobero.com Dancing on Air – Envision has a new environment, as the Airedanse Collective moves its performance to a studio setting at Santa Barbara Dance Center. Springtime and themes of new beginnings expressed through dance are the themes for the up-close performances from a variety of Santa Barbara’s dance enthusiasts directed by Airedanse’s Lauren Breese, who choreographed the ensemble pieces “Pigment” and “Raven”, a solo work for Marisa Allan called “I Am Not My Knee” and co-created “A Morgun (Tomorrow)” with Hector Sanchez, who is also familiar to local audiences for his work in BASSH and beyond. Also on the program: Nancy Scherich’s “Tensegrity”, which was inspired by the mathematical illusions of higher spatial dimensions and an experiment in geometry, gravity, trickery and string; Olivia Davi’s “Familiar”, which is performed on invented apparatus, plus works by Dance Fever Studio, Dance With Harout,, Lovie’s Dance Company, and The BellyDance Land of Cris! Basimah. WHEN: 7 pm WHERE: 127 W Canon Perdido St.
• The Voice of the Village •
COST: $15 INFO: 899-2901 or www. airedanse.com/events Potpourri of Piano (and More) – Santa Barbara Music Club’s next biweekly concert focuses on works for singers and instrumentalists accompanied by piano, beginning with Christopher Davis joining flutist Jane Hahn for pieces by Bach and Georges Enesco, followed by oboist Adelle Rodkey and Eric Valinsky playing Ravel’s Sonatin, and soprano Carolyn Kim Holmquist and Renée Hamaty offering a centennial birthday tribute to Leonard Bernstein with songs from several of his Broadway shows. The concert concludes with clarinetist Chad Cullins and Davis performing Saint-Saëns’s Clarinet Sonata in E-flat Major, Op. 167. WHEN: 3 pm WHERE: Faulkner Gallery in the downtown Public Library, 40 E. Anapamu St. COST: free INFO: www.sbmusicclub.org Having a Ball with Sultans of Blues – Sure, you can hear Santa Barbara blues stalwarts Tom Ball & Kenny Sultan just about every Sunday afternoon that they’re in town playing up at Cold Spring Tavern, as has been their wont for more than 30 years. That’s if you don’t mind sharing their acoustic wizardry and wisecracks with the sound of roaring motorcycles, people dancing on gravel, and other noises. Even when the duo open for others, which doesn’t happen all that often anymore, folks are usually drifting in and out, rather than actually listening. Tonight, not only are harmonica master Ball and guitarist Sultan the only attraction at The Wooden Hall Concerts – the intimate series set in the historic 1920s built Alhecama Theatre – they’re also playing with their fourpiece band, so expect to hear lots of blues, rags, and good-time songs they don’t often play as a duo. What’s more, they’re each teaching workshops at the venue earlier in the day – Ball at 2:30 and Sultan at 4 pm. WHEN: 7:30 pm WHERE: Alhecama Theater, 914 Santa Barbara St. COST: $20
22 February – 1 March 2018
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Teen Star Singers – Teen Star Santa Barbara has already spawned some sensational emerging artists, including 2016 winner Jackson Gillies, who has gone on to perform at clubs, theaters, festivals, and benefits all around the area, plus deliver a speech at the most recent TEDx Talks Santa Barbara. But it’s not unfair to expect an even more dazzling evening of singing at the final competition tonight at the Arlington, as the 10 finalists have had extra time – since winning a spot at the auditions in November – to work on their craft, including increased sessions with this year’s celebrity mentor, Kenny Loggins. Tonight’s grand finale, at which the winner will be crowned, is hosted by J.J. Lambert and features Catherine Remak, Randy Spendlove, and Loggins as the judges, with live audience voting contributing to the outcome. Even if you don’t know any of the finalists – Ava Burford, Santa Barbara High School (11th grade), Benjamin Catch, San Marcos High School (10th grade), Daniel Geiger, Pioneer Valley (12th grade), McKenna Gemberling, SMHS (9th grade), Jake Gildred, Santa Ynez (9th grade), Neve Greenwald, Dos Pueblos (9th grade), Holly Hadsall, La Colina Junior High School (7th grade), Savannah Jayaraman, Homeschool (12th grade), Elizabeth Padfield, Solvang Middle School (8th grade), Nicole Trujillo, DPHS (12th grade), and alternate Sofia Schuster, Crane Country Day School (8th grade), each of whom will sing a minimum of two songs – there’s reason enough to show up not only to cheer on the aspiring entertainers, but also to marvel at the level of talent in our area, emerging strong from the ashes and mud of the recent disasters. Speaking of which, there are 100 free tickets for Santa Barbara County first responders, who are encouraged to wear their uniforms or other identifying shirts at the event so they can be recognized during the show. WHEN: 7 pm WHERE: 1317 State St. COST: $25 to $40 INFO: 963-4408/www.thearlingtontheatre.com or www.axs.com (workshops $35 each) INFO: www.sbama. org TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Mountain of Movies – In an annual quirk of timing, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival is always closely followed by the local run of the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour. But fans of the outdoor adventure and nature shorts don’t seem to suffer from any overload, as the two-day presentation, now in its 27th year, almost always draws huge crowds to the city’s biggest indoor venue. The show features a wide variety of film subjects, from extreme sports to mountain culture and environment, with the thrills and grandeur
U P C O M I N G
P E R F O R M A N C E S OPERA SANTA BARBARA
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE FRI MAR 2 7:30PM SUN MAR 4 2:30PM UCSB ARTS & LECTURES
˜ NACIONAL COMPANÍA DE DANZA TUE MAR 6 8PM WED MAR 7 8PM MOVIES THAT MATTER WITH HAL CONKLIN
TOY STORY 3
captured in exotic locations from all around the world. In the mix this year are 16 shorts ranging from adventures in the Amazon to the mythical peaks of Mont Blanc, the true-story feats of a 90-year-old, covering from vessels and transports from hiking to biking to kayaks and skis, including a venture into the seemingly inaccessible ski culture in Iran. Perhaps of particular interest to longtime locals: Max Your Days, a four-minute survey of summer solstice on Canada’s West Coast. Each night features a different program. WHEN: 7:30 pm today & tomorrow WHERE: Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St. COST: $17 general, $13 youth age 18 and under INFO: 893-3535/ www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu or 9634408/www.axs.com •MJ
FRI MAR 9 7PM CAMA
ACADEMY OF ST. MARTIN IN THE FIELDS WED MAR 14 8PM UCSB ARTS & LECTURES
BUDDY GUY FRI MAR 16 8PM
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Spaced out – NASA has lost a little of the national pride won when the USA sent astronauts who were the first ever men to set foot on the moon back in 1969. A couple of shuttle explosions and budgetary issues haven’t helped, though sending probes and explorers to distant reaches of the solar system and beyond has certainly captured imaginations and curiosities. Still, the International Space Station (ISS) – the giant habitable artificial satellite in low Earth orbit first launched in 1998 for a planned 30-year employment – has been an object of fascination, not in the least for serving as a example of cooperation between competing nations. Astronaut Terry Virts spent more than seven months on the ISS, where he installed the Cupola module, allowing for an unprecedented 360-degree view from the station. When he later became the commander of the ISS, he made good use of the Cupola, taking more photographs than any astronaut who came before him. Many of those images were later used in the 2017 National Geographic book View From Above and the new IMAX film A Beautiful Planet. Now back on land, Virts is on tour with an illustrated public lecture, during which he presents his astonishing aerial images of Earth as he shares captivating tales of life at the edge of the atmosphere. A new generation of astronaut, Virts has said: “The mission of the space station is always science… but unless people on Earth can experience it and share the excitement and the adventure of space flight, it doesn’t really matter.” WHEN: 8 pm WHERE: UCSB’s Campbell Hall COST: $25 general, $15 youth age 18 and under INFO: 893-3535 or www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu
22 February – 1 March 2018
805.899.2222
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A CHORUS LINE TUE MAR 20 7:30PM WED MAR 21 7:30PM SANTA BARBARA SYMPHONY
LISZT & TCHAIKOVSKY SAT MAR 24 8PM SUN MAR 25 3PM
Granada Theatre Concert Series & Film Series sponsored by 1214 State Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Donor parking provided by
March came in that winter like the meekest and mildest of lambs. – L.M. Montgomery
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©2018 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. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information. CalBRE 01499736/01129919
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• The Voice of the Village •
22 February – 1 March 2018
22 February – 1 March 2018
By March, the worst of the winter would be over. – Neil Gaiman
MONTECITO JOURNAL
45
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46 MONTECITO JOURNAL
SPECIAL/PERSONAL SERVICES BUSINESS ASSISTANT/ BOOKKEEPER, Pay bills, filing, correspondence, scheduling, ORGANIZE TAX RECEIPTS. Confidential. Semi-retired professional. Excellent references. Sandra 636-3089 Personal Assistant Hello I am David, I’m 42 and married. Degree in Business Management. Bilingual (English and Spanish). Excellent personal skills. Honest and reliable. Ability to work on my own initiative. Flexible and adaptable to juggle a range of different tasks. Contact (805) 679 1317 Marketing and Publicity for your business, non-profit, or event. Integrating traditional and social media and specializing in PSAs, podcasts, videos, blogs, articles and press releases. Contact Patti Teel seniorityrules@gmail. com HEALTH & WELLNESS SERVICES Wellness Recovery Have you or a loved one been challenged by health or aging issues? House calls to regain one’s best self. Certified in effective exercise for Parkinson’s. Josette Fast, PT. 37 years experience UCLA trained. 805-722-8035 www.fitnisphysicaltherapy.com PHYSICAL TRAINING/THERAPY Fit for Life Customized workouts and nutritional guidance for any lifestyle. Individual/ group sessions. Specialized in CORRECTIVE EXERCISE – injury prevention and post surgery. House calls available. Victoria Frost- CPT & CES 805-895-9227
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3 bd/2.5 bth Mediterranean Style furnished house with City and Ocean views on the Riviera. $5,500/month. 6 months/1 year lease. Pets Ok. Annick (805)708-0320 One Block to Beautiful Butterfly Beach. This Property is Fully FURNISHED 2-bedroom, 2 bathrooms. Spacious condo within a boutique gated 2-unit complex giving this more of a single-family home feel. This is an open floor plan with kitchen, bar counter and living room opening to private patio with great outdoor dining area and grill. Both bedrooms have flat screen TVs with one also in the living room. One bedrooms offers an en suite with bath. New washer and dryer and off-street parking. Property has a lovely private fenced yard and we are pet friendly! Located within a short walk to Butterfly Beach as well as walking distance is the Biltmore Hotel and Coast Village Road. Looking for 6 months or more @ $4,000 per month. Tenant pays electric, gas and cable. Owner pays water and gardener. Call Clare (805) 448- 6763. Furnished House for Rent near Montecito Village. 2 Bedrooms, Den, 2.5 Baths. Secluded 1920’s cottage of former estate on 2 acres. June, September, October, November, December. Contact Mark MacGillvray, Coldwell Banker (805) 886-7097. For description and rates visit: www.vrbo.com/84421
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It’s Simple. Charge is $2 per line, each line with 31 characters. Minimum is $8 per week/issue. Photo/logo/visual is an additional $20 per issue. Email text to frontdesk@montecitojournal.net or call (805) 565-1860 and we will respond with a cost. Deadline for inclusion is Monday before 2 pm. We accept Visa/MasterCard/Amex • The Voice of the Village •
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REPAIRS SERVICES Woodworking Remodel Specialist Kitchens / Cabinets / Furniture / Mouldings / Built-ins / Wainscoting / Beam Ceilings / Room additions & conversions / Commercial Tenant Improvements Small Jobs OK! Call Erich @ 805-252-1246 www.digmydesigns.com License # 822764 DONATIONS NEEDED Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary Menagerie 2340 Lillie Avenue Summerland CA 93067
Only those with tenacity can march forward in March. – Ernest Agyemang Yeboah
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LUCKY’S . . . for lunch • Smaller Plates and Starter Salads •
• Main Course Salads •
Iceberg Lettuce Wedge, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10. roquefort or thousand island dressing
Sliced Steak Salad, 6 oz., . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $27. arugula, radicchio, endive, sautéed onion
Arugula, Radicchio & Endive, reggiano, balsamic vinaigrette 12. Caesar Salad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.
Seafood Louie, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29. shrimp, crab, egg, romaine, tomato ,cucumber, avocado
Farm Greens, balsamic vinaigrette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12. Jimmy the Greek Salad, french feta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12. Giant Shrimp Cocktail (3 pcs) or Crabmeat Cocktail . . . . . . . 18.
Cobb Salad, roquefort dressing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20. Chopped Salad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18. arugula, radicchio, shrimp, prosciutto, beans, onions
Grilled Artichoke, choice of sauce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.
Charred Rare Tuna Nicoise Salad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27. Old School Chinese Chicken Salad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20.
Burrata, tomatoes, arugula, le sorrelle’s evoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15. French Onion Soup Gratinée . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12. Matzo Ball Soup or Today’s Soup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10. Lucky Chili, cheddar, onions, warm corn bread . . . . . . . . . . . . 14. Fried Calamari, two sauces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.
Chilled Poached Salmon Salad of the day, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22. Lucky’s Salad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18. romaine, shrimp, bacon, green beans, avocado and roquefort
• Tacos and other Mains • Chicken, Swordfish or Steak Tacos, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22. beans, guacamole, salsa, tortillas
• Sandwiches • Fries, Farm Greens or Caesar
Lucky Burger, choice of cheese, soft bun or kaiser . . . . . . . . $20. Range Free Vegetarian Burger, choice of cheese, . . . . . . . . . . 20. soft bun or kaiser (burger patty is vegan) Sliced Filet Mignon Open Faced Sandwich, 6 oz., . . . . . . . . . 27. mushroom sauce
Fried Chicken Breast, boneless & skinless, coleslaw and fries . 19. Chicken Parmesan, San Marzano tomato sauce, . . . . . . . . . . .22. imported mozzarella, basil Salmon, blackened, grilled or steamed, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22. lemon-caper butter sauce, sautéed spinach Sautéed Tofu, Japanese vinaigrette, green onions, shiitakes . . 18. Sliced Prime NY Steak Frites, 7 oz., . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29. red wine shallot or peppercorn cream sauce
Reuben Sandwich, corned beef, kraut & gruyère on rye . . . . . 20. Meatball Sub, mozzarella, basil, D’Angelo roll . . . . . . . . . . . . 20. Pulled Pork Sandwich, Carolina bbq sauce, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19. topped with slaw, D’Angelo Roll
Smoked Scottish Salmon, Toasted Bialy or Bagel, . . . . . . . . . 20. cream cheese & condiments
Chili Dog, onions, cheddar & kraut - all on the side . . . . . . . . 14. Maine Lobster Roll, warm buttered D’Angelo roll . . . . . . . . . 29.
Skinny Onion Rings or Herbie’s Potato Skins . . . . . . . . . . . . $9. Lucky’s French Fried Potatoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9. Lucky’s Home Fries or Fried Sweet Potatoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.
• Sides •
Lucky’s Half & Half . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10. Sautéed Spinach or Sugar Snap Peas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.
Our Corkage Fee is $35 per 750ml bottle with a 2-bottle limit per table • 20% Gratuity added to parties of six or more