The Highball House

Adderley Entertaining – An evening of song, entertainment, and support for The Adderley School danced through the Lobero, P.10

A Bear’s Pic-a-Nic – It’s lawn games, music under the sun, and family fun Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Picnic, P.16

‘Sit Behind the Nets!’ – Jana Brody speaks about her mother and the crusade for safer baseball before her upcoming Tecolote talk, P.32 Breathe Green –The healing power of the houseplant is proven in this new research about air pollution and quality, P.33

The Community Environmental Council brings 50 years of environmental activism and is just getting started, page 6

THE HIGHBALL HOUSE

First Class

These students are ready for your visit –Casa del Herrero hosts its first ever ceremony for its graduating class of docents, page 20

Remembering Ben Brode Artist, adventurer, and beloved family man, his wife Ann and loved ones write in about his storied life, page 19

Montecito Bank & truSt Wealth ManageMent is pleased to announce

lloyd

has joined our division as Senior Vice PreSident & Senior Portfolio Manager

Lloyd’s deep expertise in portfolio management, particularly in environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing, will play a key role in advancing MB&T’s commitment to providing clients with sustainable investment opportunities.

lkurtz@montecito.bank

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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Village Beat – Schedules around the 101 expansion, Montecito Meditation offers more classes, and a correction to last week’s column

The Giving List – The Community Environmental Council celebrates over 50 years of environmental activism with a successful Earth Day

Tide Guide

Montecito Miscellany – The Adderley School performs, the Flower Empower lunch, Chef Dario Furlati helps Seared, and more miscellany

Our Town – Let the graduations commence! It’s part one of Our Town’s 21st Annual Graduation coverage.

Society Invites – It’s a day full of sun, fun, and fundraising at this year’s Annual Teddy Bear Foundation Picnic

On Entertainment – Asleep at the Wheel rolls through town, SB Acoustic possibly unplugs, and a range of authors talk

In Passing – The adventures and compassionate life of Ben Brode are described by his wife, Ann, and family

Brilliant Thoughts – Ashleigh lets his thoughts run wild in defining what makes us a civilized society versus a primitive one

Robert’s Big Questions – How do we pick winners and losers in technology investments? And who should get to pick them?

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Your Westmont – The college offers a new certificate in theological leadership, and local artists win cash awards

Curious Traveler – A masterpiece of modern design and adorned with futuristic details, the Sheats-Goldstein House is one not to be missed

Library Mojo – Reading bingo, a talk by Elaine Castillo, and more –taking place this summer at your local libraries

Foraging Thyme – With a nice char and this pistachio-orange gremolata, this broccolini dish is perfect for the coming summer

Reading Matters – A foul ball found the author’s mother in her seat at Dodger Stadium. The rest is history. Tecolote Bookshop hosts Jana Brody on June 10.

The Optimist Daily – The green solution to air pollution may be more green than you think

Calendar of Events – 1st Thursday happenings in town, drinking at the Zoo, White House Plumbers at UCSB, a Marine Megatropolis in the airport, and more

Classifieds – Our own “Craigslist” of classified ads

P.39 Mini Meta Crossword Puzzles

kurtz, MBa, cfa®

Village Beat Highway 101 Construction Timing

by Kelly Mahan Herrick

The project team behind the 101 expansion and associated projects in Montecito are making the rounds this week, preparing the community for impending traffic delays. Representatives for the project, along with spokesperson Kirsten Ayars, will be at the Montecito Inn this week, on Thursday, June 1, at 4 pm, to discuss the staging timeline for the 101 expansion through Montecito.

Caltrans will add a new peak-period carpool lane in each direction in the Montecito corridor from the Romero Creek Bridge north to Olive Mill Road along with new onand off-ramps. There will also be northbound and southbound auxiliary lanes (lanes connecting on-ramps and off-ramps to improve merging) between San Ysidro and Olive Mill roads. New bridges will be built over Romero, San Ysidro, and Oak creeks.

Construction is scheduled from mid-June 2023 through 2026. Funding in the Advanced Work area is provided by state and regional funds and Measure A. Funding for the remainder of the project is expected to be announced later in June.

During this summer, mid-June until school starts, the focus will be on the San Ysidro Overcrossing. Crews will replace the safety railings on each side of the bridge, work on the ramps, and build the main portion of the roundabout. This will result in the closure of the overcrossing to vehicles; pedestrians will still have access.

Late this summer/fall, construction will begin on Highway 101 with vegetation clearing, work in the median in the advanced work area (essentially San Ysidro to Olive Mill), and on the southbound shoulder. Crews will be strengthening the pavement in the median and shoulder to enable lane shifts. After that is ready, lanes will be shifted in the spring of 2024 so that work on the northbound side can occur.

According to Ayars, this general pattern is similar to the other segments: Carpinteria, Padaro, Summerland. The Montecito segment is more constricted and physically tighter, so it is a challenge.

To keep up-to-date on the expansion plans, sign up for updates at www.sbroads.com.

In Business: Montecito Meditation

A tranquil space located upstairs at the Las Aves complex across from the bird refuge is expanding its offerings next month; Montecito Meditation will now add yoga classes to the schedule, in addition to guided meditation sessions. The business, owned by Tina Lyn, opened shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and is now making a comeback as new offerings are added. A community celebration and open house is happening this Friday, June 2, from 5 to 6:30 pm.

“This is my way of giving back to the community,” Lyn told us about her free meditation sessions during a visit to the studio earlier this week. After a career as a personal trainer, Lyn learned how to meditate, and saw how the mindful practice enhanced all aspects of her life. She was trained to teach meditation, and set out

A meeting this week at Montecito Inn will go over the staging and timeline for upcoming construction to Highway 101 through Montecito (Courtesy of SBRoads.com)

Sierra Bingham and Tina Lyn at Montecito Meditation in the Las Aves complex

The Giving List Community Environmental Council

by Steven Libowitz

Santa Barbara nonprofit Community Environmental Council has long been on the forefront of the environmental movement ever since its founding more than 50 years ago. Among its groundbreaking accomplishments in those early decades, CEC founded one of the nation’s first ecology centers, as well as the first learning and research community gardens. CEC was instrumental in launching our first community recycling centers, pioneered hazardous waste collection and curbside recycling, and helped pass California’s plastics recycling law, the first in the nation. In the 2000s, CEC built the Watershed Resource Center at Arroyo Burro Beach, and then in 2004 shifted its mission to focus on climate change, three years later publishing one of the nation’s first carbon neutrality plans.

Serving California’s Central Coast by advancing rapid and equitable solutions to the climate crisis and leading environmental action in the area is what drives CEC on a daily basis. But as the season shifts from spring to summer, it’s a special

moment for CEC, as it’s smack in the middle of being able to celebrate three worthy accomplishments.

In late April, CEC’s annual Earth Day celebration finally made its return to Alameda Park after four pandemic-postponed years, and more than 22,000 climate fans flocked to the festivities visiting the more than 150 booths to engage with environmentally-focused businesses and organizations, gaining a deeper understanding of the real impacts of climate change and learning ways to take action on the Central Coast and beyond.

“We were thrilled to be back in person with everyone, and immersed with the community again,” said CEC Executive Director Sigrid Wright. “It felt almost like a reunion of sorts to be back with people in person celebrating, learning, coordinating and planning.”

Actor and climate activist Jane Fonda joined the festivities on the final day as part of the Last Chance Alliance’s statewide Big Oil Resistance Tour. She was there to present CEC’s 2023 Environmental Hero Awards, and her presence was a joyous jolt for the crowd, as the 85-year-old Fonda sent a surge of

energy through the gathered crowd with such lines as “Together, we can learn, strategize, and take action as we plot our path forward.”

Wright introduced Fonda with words of appreciation for the legendary actress and activist.

“She’s just such a spark plug and it’s very inspiring how she calls it like she sees it,” said Wright, who surely merits similar praise from the community given her 15-year tenure at CEC.

But basking in the sunlight-induced glow of Earth Day was quickly pushed aside for CEC to announce the successful closing of its 50th anniversary “Protect Our Climate” campaign, which garnered

more than $16.97 million in pledges to immediately tackle the urgent threat of climate change on the Central Coast, significantly exceeding the $15 million goal. More than 300 donors made sizeable pledges to reverse and repair the effects of climate change in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. About $6.75 million of that total will come through long-term legacy gifts, ensuring the future sustainability of the organization via the unexpectedly strong support shown by donors making such commitments in their estate plans. But more than $10 million is earmarked to

This year the CEC returned to their in-person Earth Day festival with 22,000 attendees (photo by Kristen Weiss)

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Village Beat (Continued from 5)

on a mission to help more people become mindful and gain the benefits of a regular meditation practice. “I wanted to elevate the experience of meditating. It’s changed a lot of lives, and I’m proud of that,” she said.

The twice weekly free meditations are just 25 minutes in length, and begin with a body scanning portion and lead into mantra meditation. “You will feel different when you leave here, I promise you,” said Lyn, who dubs herself the “Montecito Hippie.”

Last year, Lyn partnered with local massage therapist Sierra Bingham, owner of Montecito Body, who now utilizes a room at the studio for her massage business. Bingham has worked with both private clients and in local spas for 15 years, including the Four Seasons Biltmore. She holds an additional certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, which helps her clients detox and recover from trauma and surgeries. Ionic foot detox is another service offered.

Kate Wysocki, a yoga instructor from Yoga Soup, Power of your Om, and Montecito Club, will be joining the studio, offering an array of yoga classes starting in June.

There is also a small gift shop on the site filled with unique items not found online, including Montecito Hippie merchandise, sage bundles, essential oils, plant-able greeting cards, candles, books, mugs, and more.

Montecito Meditation is located at 1801 E. Cabrillo Blvd, Suite G, in the Las Aves complex. The complex is undergoing an extensive overhaul in the coming years, with the majority of the tenants said to be vacating when their leases are up after news of the sale of the complex last year to a Los Angeles-based investment firm. As we reported in October last year, the property sold to the Runyon Group, who had most recently completed a popular shopping, eating, and lifestyle destination in Culver City in Los Angeles, called Platform LA. It’s rumored the shopping and eating destination at Las Aves will be called The Post Montecito, with developers hoping to bring in a fresh group of tenants to appeal to a younger demographic, according to a source close to the transaction.

Lyn, the owner of Montecito Meditation, tells us she hopes to relocate her studio elsewhere in Montecito when her lease is up next summer. Visit www.montecito-meditation.com for more information about the meditation studio.

Milt Larsen Passes Away at 92

The world lost some of its magic this past Sunday, May 28, as Milt Larsen has passed away at 92. A writer and frequent participant on the long-running TV show, Truth Or Consequences, producer and instigator behind various theatrical projects like DAWGS! The Musical, but more than anything from his storied past, Milt will be remembered as the Founder, Father – one could say – Wizard – behind Hollywood’s The Magic Castle. An old Victorian mansion converted into a chateau of magic, trickery, and mystical performances by Milt, his brother Bill Larsen, mother Irene Larsen, and a

Village Beat Page 334

immediately step-up CEC’s plan for combating climate change, the result of the organization’s periodic self-reflection about how to have the biggest impact.

“The way our organization is structured is that every few years we ask ourselves tough questions like: What are the most pressing environmental concerns facing our region? And where are the greatest opportunities to truly move the needle?” Wright said.

It turned out the answer was to amp up its proven formula for developing and scaling innovative local solutions to complex problems – necessitating the campaign to fund a rapid leveling up of CEC’s climate programs.

“We have developed a very robust, aggressive strategic plan to double down on climate change,” Wright said. “We are colloquially calling it Twice as Much, Twice as Fast, because that’s what we need to do. So we doubled our geographic service area to include all of Santa Barbara County up north and all of Ventura County going south. And we are also doubling our efforts toward making a deep lasting significant impact, which meant doubling our programming. We added a policy division,

MONTECITO TIDE GUIDE

an education and leadership division, a climate justice division, and one for climate resilience.”

It’s all about rethinking the approach to addressing climate change through a more collaborative effort, one that reaches into other sectors such as transportation and construction – and of course getting the community more involved at a hands-on level.

“To do that, you have to educate people and get them to become like

newspaper

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Art/Production Director | Trent Watanabe

Administration | Jessikah Fechner

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Graphic Design/Layout | Stevie Acuña

Account Managers | Sue Brooks Tanis Nelson, Elizabeth Nadel, Bryce Eller, Bob Levitt

Contributing Editor | Kelly Mahan Herrick

Copy Editor | Lily Buckley Harbin, Jeff Wing

Proofreading | Helen Buckley

Arts and Entertainment | Steven Libowitz

Contributors | Scott Craig Ashleigh Brilliant Kim Crail, Tom Farr, Chuck Graham, Stella Haffner, Mark Ashton Hunt, Dalina Michaels, Sharon Byrne, Robert Bernstein, Christina Favuzzi, Leslie Zemeckis, Sigrid Toye

Gossip | Richard Mineards

History | Hattie Beresford

Humor | Ernie Witham

Our Town/Society | Joanne A Calitri

Travel | Jerry Dunn, Leslie Westbrook

Food & Wine | Claudia Schou, Melissa Petitto, Gabe Saglie

Published by:

Montecito Journal Media Group, LLC

Montecito Journal is compiled, compounded, calibrated, cogitated over, and coughed up every Wednesday by an exacting agglomeration of excitable (and often exemplary) expert edifiers at 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite G, Montecito, CA 93108.

How to reach us: (805) 565-1860; FAX: (805) 969-6654; Montecito Journal, 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite G, Montecito, CA 93108; EMAIL: tim@montecitojournal.net

Kathi King, CEC Director of Climate Education and Leadership and Earth Day Festival organizer; Sigrid Wright, CEC CEO/Executive Director; Jane Fonda, actor and activist; Florencia Ramirez, author of Eat Less Water; and Cesar Aguirre, Oil and Gas Director for the Central California Environmental Justice Network (CCEJN) and award recipient (photo by Paul Mann)

Milt Larsen smiling at his and his brother’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (Courtesy photo)

trained activists,” Wright said. “You need to ensure that everyone has access to new technology, that low-income communities have the ability to afford and incorporate those technologies. And you have to have a space to bring everyone together.”

It’s that last part that leads into what the organization is about to celebrate next month; the grand opening of CEC’s Environmental Hub – a 10,000-squarefoot, state-of-the-art collaborative space on Santa Barbara’s State Street, designed to be an epicenter for community activism, education, entrepreneurship, media, and art.

“Climate change is not a single orga-

nization issue,” Wright said. “It’s an all hands on deck situation, activating the community and developing solutions together. The hub is a place for the social sector, the entrepreneurs, and folks from all sectors to have a place to meet and do the good work that is needed in this community.”

Ribbon-cutting at CEC’s Environmental Hub, 1219 State Street, is set for 5:30 pm on July 6 as part of 1st Thursday.

Community Environmental Council Sigrid Wright, CEO (805) 730-0768

www.cecsb.org

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The Guadalupe Community Air Monitoring Program installation (photo by Kristen Weiss)

Montecito Miscellany

An Adderley Delightful Night

by Richard Mineards

British actor James Corden, 44, who just retired as host of The Late Late Show on CBS after eight years, winged back to the U.S. especially to host The Adderley School’s 30th anniversary gala at the Lobero, which featured his son Max, 12, as the emcee singing “Willkommen” from the show Cabaret

Earlier, former Ralph Lauren head honcho Terry and Kelly Pillow, whose son Sam, 17, also appeared in a scene from Cabaret singing “Money,” hosted

a pre-show reception at Intermezzo, just a tiara’s toss away. The reception was attended by Corden and his wife Julia, and local rocker Kenny Loggins, 75, currently on his farewell U.S. tour.

Later joining bubbly founder Janet Adderley’s talented company – drawn from her outposts in Pacific Palisades; Santa Barbara; Austin, Texas; New Orleans; and Darien, Connecticut – Loggins sang, and danced along to, his hit Footloose from the 1984 Kevin Bacon movie.

Other Broadway productions represented in the hugely entertaining threehour show, which wrapped with a boffo bash on the Lovelace Esplanade, included

Oliver!, Pippin, Into the Woods, Grease, The Music Man, Chicago, Legally Blonde, West Side Story, ‘A’

My

Name Is Alice, and Les Misérables

“We’re celebrating three decades of empowering kids and spreading joy,” enthused Janet, a former performer on the Great White Way herself, who started her career attending the prestigious Kinder High School for the Performing Arts in Houston, Texas, before moving to Los Angeles and founding the Adderley School, nurturing young talent, in 1993.

At the gala evening, Yale graduate Janet, whose 94-year-old mother Velma, a mathematics professor, was also in attendance, launched the Adderley School Foundation.

“This probably follows the longest

Miscellany Page 304

The Santa Barbara Neuroscience Institute Brain and Spinal Tumor Program

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Brain and Spinal Cord Tumor Management

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For more information, please contact the Santa Barbara Neuroscience Institute’s Nurse Navigator at 805-450-8820.

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N. Nicole Moayeri, MD, FAANS

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Kim and Michael Hayes, Dr. Homer Boyd, Dr. Velma Williams and her daughter Janet Adderley, with hostess Kelly Pillow (photo by Priscilla)

Janet Adderley and Debra Martin

Chase (photo by Priscilla)

Adderley Gala Emcee James Corden (photo by Priscilla)

Our Town

Our Town’s 21st Annual Graduation

Issue 1 of 3

stream for guests. The four-hour ceremony began with the graduate processional from the field to their grandstand seating area, each student clad in traditional dress whites and holding a flower of their choice representing the school’s colors.

At the podium was Headmaster Ben D. Williams IV, alongside Cate faculty and board members. Cate’s new Head of School, Alex Lockett MBA, will succeed Williams in fall ‘23, making this the last Cate School commencement over which Williams will preside. He fought tears as he spoke and was given a standing ovation. Among his comments’ high points: “What we say here, or how we say it, is less important than the fact we are here to honor a moment that deserves attention, a moment that owes its existence to so many moments leading up to this one. You are tougher than you know, faithful to each other and your identity as individuals, and a remarkable class of seniors. If Cate teaches you anything, surely it is that you have what you need, and if you need more, you know how to get that too. God speed you on your travels my friends. I will keep you with me always.”

Graduate Myla van Lynde gave the Student Address, using metaphors, movement and memories. “There is motion everywhere at Cate. The class of 2023 with our array of talents, propensities, and tendencies, managed to find our footing through the lockdown. Emily Dickinson believes forever is composed of nows, moving ahead to the next singular infinity. To the class of 2023, what an honor it has been to move together in this place. Let us hold pride in ourselves and this school.”

by Joanne A Calitri

Our town’s schools are holding their graduations from May 21 through June 9th this year. The eight local school graduations are covered in order of occurrence. This issue has Cate School leading the charge with 71 graduates.

The Montecito Journal wishes much success and offers congratulations to our graduates, school faculty, staff and parents!

Cate School Graduation 2023

The Cate School’s 109th graduation (“Go Rams!”) was held on Sunday May 21, at 10 am, outside at the school campus for faculty, family, and students, with a live

The Class of 2023 presented their Faculty Award to Science teacher Beth Caylor and Classmate award to Claiborne Beurle. Williams presented the Santa Barbara Scholarship Cup: Emily Allison; Ellis Cup: Nicole Teh and Eloise Tunnell; Morgan Gwynne Temby ‘69 Award: Beatrice Thompson and Desirée Alejandra Flores Grimaldi; The Miramar Award: Serigne Babacar Pouye and Charles Neil Patel; Dohrmann Pischel 1914 Medal (Bronze): Mary Foster and Wade Nieman; Nelson Jones 1948 (Silver): William Kellogg and Kennedy Kirkland; Head of School Award: Elizabeth Sutter; Santa Barbara School Medal (Gold): Cyrus Symington; William Shepard Biddle 1918 Cup: Claiborne Beurle.

New awards established this year: The Brownlee Cup 2023, presented to the alumnus it is named for, Assistant Head of School External Affairs Charlotte Brownlee, and presented as well to 2023 graduate Kendall Thorne. The Benjamin D. Williams Inquiry Award, named after Williams for his 25 years of service at Cate by the faculty, was presented to Williams himself, and to 2023 graduate Ella Chang

Our Town Page 204

Thursday, June 1 through Sunday, June 11

Start your summer with discovery, exploration, delight and the Land Trust.

Eleven days of outdoor-oriented, fun activities such as: Treks throughout the county, a movie night, Family Day at the Arroyo Hondo Preserve, Shopping Days at REI, Patagonia, and J. McLaughlin, a night out at Figueroa Mountain Brewery and much, much more. Join us!

All activities free of charge. Scan QR code for details, reservations, and up-to-the-minute updates, or visit www.sblandtrust.org .

Cate School Class of 2023 (photo by Aimee Stanchina)

Society Invites

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Picnic Fundraiser

by Joanne A Calitri

The Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation held a picnic fundraiser at the Montecito Country Club on Sunday May 21 in the afternoon. Guests were asked to wear summer whites attire and bring the kids for an all ages fun day with picnic lunch. There were tables and picnic blankets on the lawn to choose from, and guests received a logo glass drinking bottle.

Activities were sack races, corn hole tournament, jewelry toss grab bags, sledding hills, hula hoops, lawn games, face painting, henna art, hair piece flower wreaths craft-making station and clip in extensions by the SBCC Cosmetology Academy, badminton, basketball, and bocce ball. Winners of the corn hole tournament won four MVP tickets for an Angels baseball game at Angel Stadium.

Millesime Cellars Private Label Wines served red and white wines donated by Brittany Jean Rice, founder and winemaker. Rosé wines were donated by La Lieff Winery. On acoustic guitar was Josh Jenkins. At the entrance were two antique Fiat 600 convertible cars in yellow and blue, and buckets of parasols for the sun that appeared mid-afternoon. There was the “Be a Match” booth where guests could register to be a bone marrow donor.

After lunch and the tournament finales, the program commenced with Senior Development Director Brittany Avila Wazny talking about the organization and the importance of the donations today; “We are connected to the families we serve for a long time on their journey with their child, and all the funding received goes directly into our programs. We fill the gaps in caring

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1250 COAST VILLAGE ROAD, STE G , MONTECITO CA

Executive Director Dr. Corey Pahanish with children who attended the event Evelyn Dal Zuffo and Elizabeth Allen (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

Brittany Rice of Millesime Cellars with teddy bears (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

On Entertainment

Asleep at the Wheel: Ray Benson Still Driving Western Swing band’s sound

by Steven Libowitz

Asleep at the Wheel was just a country western band playing regular mountain music when Ray Benson co-founded the group in Paw Paw, West Virginia, back in 1970 – but after discovering Western Swing pioneer Bob Wills a few years later, the band never looked back.

“I was 19 when we started out, but as our proficiency grew, we started to attempt more challenging western music,” Benson explained over the phone last weekend. “In terms of being able to wear a cowboy hat and sing country western lyrics, Western Swing is the most advanced musical form that allows you to do that.”

Half a century later, the genre still holds unfading fascination for Benson, who has long since been the only remaining original member of the band that went on to establish a brief beachhead in Oakland, California, and a decades-long tenancy in Austin, Texas, where they helped to crystallize the city as a musical mecca. Over the years, Asleep at the Wheel has collected nine Grammy Awards and 21 hit country singles, and collaborated with country stalwarts Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, and such later stars as the Dixie Chicks, Tim McGraw, and Lee Ann Womack, as well as singer-songwriters (Shawn Colvin), pop bands (Squirrel Nut Zippers), and gospel legends (The Blind Boys of Alabama).

As AATW’s popularity waxed and waned over the years, Benson has seen bandmates move on to solo careers or other endeavors. As they rotate out, he replaces them with a new younger set of musicians as enamored by Western Swing – the Texas-born genre that combines swing band jazz, rhythm and blues, traditional fiddling, steel guitar, and harmony vocals – as he was as a teenager.

“Every 10 years or so, there’s a new generation of players who come of age that are learning how to play their instruments,” he said. “They hang out in places where this

music is heard, and nowadays it’s a well-connected world of people who can play this kind of music. When I was younger, I played music with older musicians. Now that I’m old, I play with younger musicians. Nobody cares as long as you can play it.”

Through it all, Benson has never allowed the band to veer too far from the Wheel’s wheelhouse of Western Swing, but that’s also never limited his ingenuity: as the bearded front man has often said, sticking to your guns is different than being stuck in a box.

“How creative can you be within the structures of this form? That’s what it’s about,” he explained. “The way I phrase my singing, the tone in my voice, the way I play my guitar, those things are creative decisions. It’s what you do with the language of Western Swing, and how you employ improvisation and spontaneity that takes it beyond just a craft. I practice all the time, learning something new every day, and every night we’re on the stage. I’m trying something a little different. That’s Western Swing and that’s what I love.”

All of that is evident on Asleep’s latest studio album, Half a Hundred Years. The 19-song retrospective, like all of the band’s albums, features a handful of Benson originals and a few tributes to Wills alongside AATW favorites – and includes as well “There You Go Again,” which was nominated for the inaugural Best Americana Performance Grammy at the 2023 awards. That’s the bulk of what the band will be playing live in a tour stop at the Lobero Theatre next Thursday, June 8 – their first sojourn since effecting major repairs to the band tour bus, thanks to Benson auctioning off “Hats, boots, posters, cars, and guitars!” from his vast Austin collection last fall.

Expect the audience to look something like a cross section of America. In our deeply polarized times, Benson has played for the inaugurations of both President Bushes, as well as Clinton’s and Obama’s. He’s proud of being able to bring together such divergent fans as the country diehards usually found at the Creekside or Maverick Saloon, swing dancers who kick up their heels at the Carrillo Ballroom on Friday nights, and roots music lovers who made the Sings Like Hell series a hit for 20 years.

“We just do what we do. We don’t ask anybody who they voted for, and we don’t tell ‘em who we like. We’re just happy they are coming to see a show with American roots music. That’s what brings us together.”

Pop Around Town

We’re hearing hints that suggest SB Acoustic might be moving on after the pair of shows at SOhO this weekend. Whether that’s relocating, retreating, reworking or reconfiguring we don’t know, but John Jorgenson and Carl Verheyen should provide a doubly delightful denouement. Guitarist Jorgenson is appearing with his J2B2 quartet, aka The John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band, an all-star outfit bringing bountiful chops to bluegrass that were first booked at the club by SB Acoustic just last year. Jorgenson’s old Desert Rose bandmate Herb Pedersen will provide banjo – the instrument that had him filling in for Earl Scruggs in the Foggy Mountain Boys and following Doug Dillard in the Dillards – as well as vocals. Pederson’s heavenly harmonies have kept him in demand for decades on records by Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Emmylou Harris, and countless others. J2B2 bassist Mark Fain spent years as Ricky Skaggs’ band leader and supported Ry Cooder, Rosanne Cash, and Bruce Hornsby on albums and tours, while Patrick Sauber’s string creds include Peter Rowan, Doc Watson, and John Fogerty. Originals, covers, and bluegrass classics are on the bill of fare for the supper show at SOhO on June 3.

Carl Verheyen, considered one of the world’s top guitarists, also brings an acoustic band to the club the following night, with Dave Marotta, who plays a variety of

“Instruction ends in the schoolroom, but education ends only with life.” — Frederick W. Robertson

Asleep at the Wheel plays through 50 years of swinging country at the Lobero (Courtesy photo)

In Passing Benjamin Fay Brode:

by Ann Brode, his wife, partner, friend, and fan

Ben Brode had logged a lifetime of exciting adventures out in the world by the time I met him. But when destiny opened the door, he was ready for one more – a 44-year journey of the heart. As he told his kids recently, “when I got together with your mother, it felt like setting sail from the Galapagos to the Marquesas – into the unknown on an adventure I wouldn’t want to miss.” And he didn’t miss a thing. His kids, Ben E., Emma, and Carrie, remember how he showed up for camping trips, drove the water polo team, went to horse shows, organized art shows, set up lemonade stands, made cookies after school, and drove them every summer out to their land in northern New Mexico. Key to his fabulous relationship with his kids: Ben offered advice only when asked.

1937 – 2023

faster route and all of our spirits lifted. ‘They don’t call me Backroad Brodie for nothin’,’ he said.” – Susie Meserve, daughter-in-law

“We had a tradition on the last day of school every year to go sit at the counter in Brophy Bros and have lunch.” – Brody Paine, grandson

“I remember movie time snuggles with Baba while he slept through it.” – Sebastian Paine, grandson

Over the years, we hosted many memorable dinner parties for family and friends in the garden settings of our various homes around town. Normally a man of few words, with a little libation – “G&T with a slice of lime, dash of bitters, please” – Ben would share a story from his interesting life. We were charmed by accounts of a kid running barefoot, attending a one-room schoolhouse, and growing up behind his parents’ grocery store. We could feel the glory of a high school track star and sense the challenges of a young seaman in the engine room of a Fletcher Class destroyer. We were entertained by tales of commercial fishing out of the Santa Barbara harbor on the Six Brothers, prospecting for gold in the jungles of Nicaragua, and mystical encounters in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. And we were delighted with an endless repertoire of vignettes from an epic adventure sailing the South Pacific for two years on a 27-foot wooden boat. Even if you’d heard these stories before, you were eager to hear them again.

“I was really into theater, and Brode knew that, of course, so he built all the sets for my summer stock performance of Lord of the Rings. And he made me a really cool axe out of wood, so when I said, ‘and my axe!’ It was, actually, my axe!”

– Ben Eichenberg, stepson

“I’ve never known anyone who was more capable of building or fixing anything. If you asked him to build you a simple arbor, he’d build you the most spectacular masterpiece because that’s just who he was. Everything he touched turned into a work of art.” – Emma

Ben Brode walked through life with a self-confidence that came from knowing essential things and mastering impressive skills. Even though he never sought the limelight, people were drawn to his talent, generosity, and good looks. He was known for pitching in when hard work needed to be done and finding solutions when things fell apart. And if you were lucky enough, he would invite you in and show you how to see the world through the lens of an artist.

James, daughter

“I think from even a small age I knew that I had won the lottery when it came to fathers. Mine was gentle and wise and kind and loved me wildly. I couldn’t have dreamed up a better candidate. We adventured together, laughed, cooked, sailed, camped, drove around the French countryside in a little Renault rent-a-car – and all the while he let me know that I was absolutely perfect without saying a word. I am so grateful for all the gifts he gave me. And so proud of his lasting legacy: kindness in memory and beauty in his art.”

– Caroline Paine, daughter

Ben was husband, father, godfather, father-in-law, uncle, and grandfather to a thriving family of interesting, creative, and engaging characters. As he settled into his role of kindly grandpa, the “BabaVan,” an old VW, became a fort and favorite mode of transportation. People still remember seeing him with his first grandson down at the marina checking out trucks and looking at boats. A surprise to himself, Ben was a natural patriarch, in the best sense of the word.

Ben was an artist through and through. He created logos for the John Dory and Harbor restaurants. He trimmed trees with David Gosnell and ran cabinet shops for ATN and Utt Construction. He designed and built many beautiful pieces of furniture. In 1998, Ben set up his own studio and set out to master the art of landscape painting – making his own frames, of course. People remember the many themed art shows featuring the inherent beauty of Santa Barbara ranchlands; the majesty of the Sierras, Berkshires, and Rockies; the tropical beaches of the Caribbean and Hawaii; and the wild coast of California. In 2014, Ben and author Thom Steinbeck began a creative collaboration resulting in the acclaimed book In Search of the Dark Watchers: Landscapes and Lore of Big Sur. Ben was an active participant in the art community, serving on the board of directors of the Santa Barbara Studio Artists for several years.

Our dear Ben had been slowing down in the past few years but continued on with a steady grace that was simply his way. Once he was diagnosed with metastasized pancreatic cancer, however, he wrapped things up quickly and elegantly. At his request, we convened a final family gathering so Ben could welcome Baby Levi and bid farewell to his precious Clan Brode. One morning, a short time later, he sailed away on the soft notes of a lullaby. In his wake he left behind an eternal love that radiates from each garden gate, piece of furniture, landscape painting, and sweet memory.

– Thomas Paine, son-in-law

“He showed me how to build so many things in life, from backyard decks to loving families, but I grieve for how much more he had to give.”

“Brode was a gentle and quiet soul who often let others do the talking, but every so often, he’d land a hilarious line. Once we were piled in the car stuck in traffic on the 101 after a day at the beach, all feeling quite cranky. He pulled off at the next exit and found us a

The family would like to thank all who brought food, sent flowers and loving words, shared stories, contributed to the Go-Fund-Me campaign, and held us tenderly over the past couple of months. We are grateful to the hospice professionals at VNA for supporting Ben’s wish to spend his final days in his own home and the construction crew that worked double-time to make it happen. All these blessings have filled this difficult time with love and light.

A memorial will be held on Sunday, September 17th from 11 am to 2 pm at the Kiwanis Meadows, area #5, in Tucker’s Grove Park. Please save the date and join us to share a few memories and celebrate this remarkable man.

Ben was an artist through and through, serving on the board of directors of the Santa Barbara Studio Artists for several years

Benjamin Fay Brode, 1937 – 2023

Ben Brode had lived a childhood of stories and would go on to have many more adventures over the years

Ann Brode writes about living consciously in the body. She is the author of the book A Guide to Body Wisdom. Visit bodywisdomforlife.com for more information.

History Department Chair Rebekah Barry gave the Faculty Address as requested by the class of 2023. She talked about liminality, societal change, and progress, “Hope is not magic, it is work. Dream and dig toward discovery, hope and work toward change. To make real progress we have to do both.”

The presentation of diplomas by Williams and his team included a brief statement of the student’s attributes and contributions. Following a collective congratulations of the class, the grads processed out to a receiving line and reception with their family and guests.

Cate School Class of 2023 Graduates:

Emily Marlene Allison, Zaqary Asuamah, Lylie F. Bechtel, Claiborne Virginia Beurle, Ava Bovet Bracher, Ella Chang, Zimo (Ella) Chen, Cathleen Linn Chow, Oliver Dworsky, Jengus Carlisle Ercil, Mary Rebecca Foster, Caden Frederick Fuchs,

Andrew Luca Gansa, Grace (Gigi) Frances Geyer, Alexander Goncharenko, Eswyn

Khuyen Gray, Desirée Alejandra Flores Grimaldi, Jaelen Emmanuel Hall-Collins,

Phebe Gregg Hancock, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Hendricks, Jack McIntyre Higgins, Sage

Chen Hou, Alexander He Huffer, Zofia Helena Oranje Ingram, Adelaide Vaupel

James, Marley Joseph, Yifeng (Athena) Ke, William Brewster Kellogg, Shelby

Germaine Kernisant, Arhum Khan, Benjamin Kim, Carlo Kim, Kennedy Julia

Kirkland, Devon Caroline Lack, Lindsey Camille Laurence, Dongyun Daniel Lee,

Jaehan Lim, Oscar Sydney Livingston, Emmett Francis Mack, Harrison Lawrence

McAdam, Carly Mikel Medina, Stella Zenani Meister, Amelia Ann Montsinger,

Justin Aaron Ngandi Musyimi, Emilia Nam, Nikita Nautiyal, Wade Emmett

Nieman, Charles Neil Patel, Brian Edward Payne, Serigne Babacar Pouye, Thalia

Chloe Ruxin, Daisy True Ryan, Elizabeth Trexler Sutter, Cyrus Kent Symington, Alex Tang, Tamsyn Taptich, Nicole Teh, Beatrice Jane Thompson, Kendall Reese Thorne, Talia Tom, Eloise Evans Tunnell, Myla Margaret van Lynde, William Chadwick Vanica, Tatiana Sierra von Bothmer, Maesa Vongkusolkit, Tue Anh (Avery) Minh Vu, Chau Anh Minh Vu, Carly Jordan Weinberger, Jack Pettigrew Whelan, Tatiana Arielle Young, and Zhiyuan (Rory) Zhang

First Annual Casa del Herrero Docent Graduation

Casa del Herrero held a graduation ceremony on Thursday May 25 for the volunteers who completed the docent training program. This ceremony is the first graduation held for docents to formally induct them into the docent body, and will likely continue a new tradition for the organization.

The Chair of the Docent Committee, Carolyn Williams, led the ceremony with a warm welcome and introduced each graduate to the attendees by way of reading aloud a short bio of each docent’s background, work, and volunteer work in our town. Williams: “Today welcomes and celebrates eight newly trained docents with extraordinary backgrounds, who are now ready to share with the community, the visiting public, educators, and students their knowledge of the Steedman family’s collection of fifteenth and sixteenth century antiquities, as well as the Casa’s historic Moorish style gardens. The docents completed a six-week training course covering topics related to medieval Spanish art, landscape design, Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, metalworking, and more. The trainees also shadowed public docent-led tours, and received advice from current docents about presentation, storytelling, and other techniques for docents.”

The new docents for Casa del Herrero are Sheila Burns, Anne-Marie Castleberg, Adrian Erler, Serena Ettelson, Kristi Marks, Andrew Patterson, Nick Sebastian, and Rose Thomas

Board of Trustees President Heather Biles addressed the new docents: “There aren’t enough words to express our gratitude to this incredible group of docents who play such an important role as the first to welcome visitors to the Casa. In addition to providing engaging and informative tours of the home and landmark gardens, many take on special projects in areas of interest including everything from gardening to educational programs to archival work. We can’t thank the docents enough for supporting the cultural heritage of Casa del Herrero.” Biles then spoke for Gary Bradhering, Board of Trustees Treasurer, who was not present. Biles shared on Bradhering’s behalf that Bradhering became a Trustee of Casa del Herrero because of a docent tour he took with Williams, further lauding the importance of docents at the estate. Each graduate received their official docent name tag, program completion certificate, and a gift bag of fresh garden fruits and herbs. The wine and cheese reception with home baked treats was organized by Reception Chair and docent Sue Skenderian. Guests included the current docent team of Hal Altman, Jane Defnet, David DeSelm, Lore Dobler, Sally Green, Lynda Millner, Larry Parsons, Liz Rosedale, Diane Sassen, and Pat Sheppard; and Casa del Herrero Board of Trustees Elizabeth Storm McGovern – Governance, Mari McAlister – Secretary, Janet McCann, and Bradley S. Dyruff

411: https://www.casadelherrero.com

Casa del Herrero’s mission is to maintain, preserve, and restore the house, furnishings, gardens, and history of the Steedman/Bass estate for the benefit of the community, visiting public, scholars, educators, and students. Docents lead 90-minute walking tours on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10 am and 2 pm, where they share the unique architecture, Spanish antiquities, landscape design, and California history.

“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” — Benjamin Franklin

On the steps of Casa del Herrero are the new docent graduates. Back, from left: Rose Thomas, Nick Sebastian, Andrew Patterson, and Sheila Burns; Front, from left: Adrian Erler, Kristi Marks, Serena Ettelson, and Anne-Marie Castleberg (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

Sue Skenderian and Carolyn Williams (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

Bradley S. Dyruff, Elizabeth Storm McGovern, Heather Biles, and Mari McAlister (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

PRESENTED BY

Tania & John Burke

Marni & Michael Cooney

Carole MacElhenny

Tulip Tulip Cont. Daisy

Lorrie & Greg Forgatch

Jill & John Bishop

Ginny & Tim Bliss

Zora & Les Charles

Montecito Bank & Trust

SEIU Local 620

U.S. Bank formerly Union Bank

Peony Rose Lily

Liz & Andrew Butcher

Balance Financial Management

CenCal Health

Santa Barbara Foundation

Development Committee

Maria McCall, co-chair

Sandy Nordahl, co-chair

Campbell Family Fund

Cottage Health

Ruth Ann Bowe, Village Properties

Lisa Brabo

The Capritto Family Fund

Robin & Reid Cederlof

Sintija Kemezys Felder FTI Services Inc.

Jean & William Howard

Chana & James Jackson

Robert Janeway

Indira & Paul Katan

Morouse Family Fund

Kathy O’Leary

Tricia & Craig Price

Sybil Rosen in Honor of Shirley Ann Hurley

Robin Doell-Sawaske & John Sawaske

SBCC Foundation

Spach & Associates

Jane & Fred Sweeney

VerticalChange

Village Properties

Andrew Wilson

Katya Armistead & Tim Pritchard

Maria Chesley Consulting

Dianne & Robert Duva

The Fund for Santa Barbara

Teressa & Chuck Johnes

Maria McCall & Dirk Brandts

Santa Barbara Estate

Planning & Elder Law

Gary Simpson, Santa Barbara

Home Improvement Center

UCLA Health

Vanguard Planning

Special Thanks

Catering Connection

Cutler’s Artisan Spirits

Brilliant Thoughts Running Wild

by Ashleigh Brilliant

To most of us, Civilization is where it’s at and – as a general rule – any alternative is less preferable. The alternatives can be categorized either favorably under the heading of “Nature,” or unfavorable ones beneath the label of “Wilderness” – or “Desert.”

From childhood I have known that the ancient Hebrews, after escaping bondage in Egypt, wandered and worshiped in the desert for forty years. What I could never figure out was just how they got those warships into the desert.

No doubt you have frequently encountered the idea that “civilization” can be equated with taxation, the earliest taxes probably having been imposed to pay for schemes of water distribution. In fact, by the relatively recent era that we call biblical times, it was apparently taken for granted that people (including Jesus and his family) would travel long distances in order to pay their taxes. What seems remarkable to me is that much or most of the inconvenience, not to say hardship, that all this involved seems to have been undergone voluntarily. We are of course talking about times long before modern record keeping and law enforcement, which even now fail to catch and punish all the evaders. But does this mean that people were more law abiding then than now?

Still, taxes continue to be as notoriously unavoidable as death. And one other idea that many of us have grown up with is that there is something unholy about taxation without representation – as if taxation with representation were otherwise O.K. The truth is that, in this democratic federation of ours, representatives from thinly populated states like Arizona are heavily outnumbered in one half of the national legislature by those from populous states like New York.

But what else does Civilization have to define it, if not to recommend it?

An unbiased observer might say that it has, or should have, peaceful ways of resolving disputes. In other words, “Law and Order.” And yet most of the great wars of the past several centuries have been between and among what might otherwise have been considered highly civilized societies.

The notion of a single world government, however, only seems to raise the prospect of more, and more terrible, civil wars.

So, what about the alternative fate for humankind – some kind of retreat from competitive technology into a more “natural” state of simplicity and weaponless mutual benevolence?

There is much evidence of a planet-wide movement towards what might

once have been called barbarism. If enough people escape from Civilization, it will no longer exist. But that seems unlikely, and in the meantime we have legally regulated hunting, camping, archery, kayaking, tree-felling, and any number of other pursuits now engaged in for pleasure which can be traced back to our non-regulated ancestors.

Jack London wrote an extremely popular book entitled The Call of the Wild, which has the theme of our essential savagery – only, the hero is not a person, but a dog. This animal grows up in very “civilized” circumstances in California, but then gets taken north as part of the Klondike Gold Rush (which the author himself also experienced). The book ends with the dog falling in with a pack of wolves, which of course represent his own primitive ancestry.

But you don’t have to go to the Arctic or thereabouts to find specimens of tame creatures who have gone wild. In fact, your own backyard, unless it’s securely fenced, may often be visited by one or more of them. Of course, they are dogs and cats – particularly cats – who may once have been somebody’s pet, but who have been able to get away from their owners, with or without permission. (Many cat owners allow their felines out to roam, assuming they will always return to the place where they are fed –but my wife always considered this one of the greatest of sins.)

The term for the wildest of these homeless animals is “feral,” and in many communities whole organizations exist of cat-lovers devoted to dealing with ferals – whom they distinguish from “strays,” depending on their degree of human contact, or “socialization.” One problem they present is their unlimited multiplication.

Some of these groups, opposed to taking lives unnecessarily, as has been the policy of most “humane” organizations, make it their goal to capture these ferals, sterilize or neuter them, and then release them again to the wild.

But many of us still prefer the image of Tarzan, becoming part of a feral community of apes.

Robert’s Big Questions Biden Picking the Right Winners?

by Robert Bernstein

“Government shouldn’t pick winners” is the constant refrain from the “free market” crowd. Except when they want government to pick their chosen winners.

“President Trump has ordered Energy Secretary Rick Perry to ‘prepare immediate steps’ to stop the closing of unprofitable coal and nuclear plants around the country” was the lede of a June 1, 2018, New York Times article. The article went on to indicate how this might be done.

“… the Department of Energy would order grid operators to buy electricity from struggling coal and nuclear plants for two years, using emergency authority that is normally reserved for exceptional crises like natural disasters.”

In other words, Trump ordered the public to subsidize unprofitable coal and nuclear plants. Picking losers to be winners.

In fact, our entire transportation and energy system was shaped by the government “picking winners.” Mostly, those winners were chosen based on crony capitalism: Those who made the “investment” in campaign contributions, got the government to invest in their pick.

The railroad expansion of the West was built by government picking winners, through the Pacific Railway Act of 1862. In the 20th century, the government abandoned the railroads in favor of subsidies for private motor vehicles on a far larger scale. Those subsidies run to trillions of dollars a year, as I have written about before.

A wide range of such subsidies led us to the Climate Crisis we are in now.

What is less known is how President Biden is finally picking the right winners, based on good public policy, rather than based on corruption. As reported in a May 11, 2023, New York Times article.

As is well known, Biden’s “Inflation Reduction Act” (IRA) was largely about investing in the transportation and energy of the future. An important part of this is the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office.

many early large wind and solar projects that were successful.

Secondly, Solyndra did not fail because of bad management or bad technology. It failed because other solar technology improved so rapidly that it was left behind. That is the nature of investing, as any investor knows. No sensible investor would put all of their money into one business. Instead, investors know to spread their investing among multiple competing businesses in a chosen sector.

Investors know that most startups fail. If just one investment succeeds in a big way, it more than makes up for the failed investments.

Shah is using his technical and investing skill to “back promising clean energy deals that can’t get conventional financing because commercial lenders lack the capability to vet them –scientific expertise that resides at the Department of Energy.” (Quoting the May NY Times article).

As explained by one loan recipient (Rob Hanson of Monolith), “The scrutiny you go through can be pretty intense – it takes years, they bring in teams to go over every little detail of our technology, our business plans. But at the end, you don’t just get a loan, you get validation from one of the most sophisticated technical organizations in the world, which is incredibly valuable.”

Picking winners is exactly what is needed to invest in the transportation and energy of the future. Winners that can lead us out of the Climate Crisis and toward economic success for our country.

I was not a huge fan of Biden when he ran in 2020. But I am now. His decades of experience down in the trenches of government are paying off in a big way. Bringing jobs of the future to poor Red State areas that were left behind… when our government picked the wrong winners, subsidizing fossil fuels.

Ashleigh Brilliant born England 1933, came to California in 1955, to Santa Barbara in 1973, to the Montecito Journal in 2016. Best-known for his illustrated epigrams, called “Pot-Shots,” now a series of 10,000. email: ashleigh@west. net. web: www.ash leighbrilliant.com.

Unlike Trump’s pick of the utterly unqualified Texas fossil fuel crony Rick Perry, Biden picked a successful sustainable energy entrepreneur to run this vital office. His name is Jigar Shah and he founded SunEdison, which innovatively financed solar arrays – making solar affordable without government subsidies.

The “free market” hypocrites like to point out the failure of a previous Loan Programs Office pick: Solyndra. There are many answers to this absurd point.

Notably, the same round of funding that went to Solyndra also went to help Tesla get started. It also bankrolled

Picking the right winners is a win-winwin for the planet and for the people of both Red and Blue states. We’ve become so accustomed to protesting bad actors and bad policy. Perhaps we need to recognize and reward Biden’s visionary actions for our future?

Robert Bernstein holds degrees from Physics departments of MIT and UCSB. Passion to understand the Big Questions of life, the universe and to be a good citizen of the planet. Visit facebook.com/ questionbig

“Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” — Nora Ephron

basses, and John Mader on percussion. Verheyen’s half-decade career is vastly multi-faceted, encompassing nearly four decades as both a member of the British rock group Supertramp, and as one of L.A.’s elite “first call” session players with appearances on hundreds of records, movie soundtracks, and television shows. Verheyen’s stature as a solo artist has garnered him an international following. If this is a send-off for SB Acoustic, we say sayonara or see you later with a special sense of gratitude.

Book ‘em

Chaucer’s has booked a whopping four in-store signings at its Loreto Plaza location this week, starting with No. 1 New York Times bestselling Young Adult author P. C. Cast on Sunday afternoon, June 4. Cast, whose novels count more than 20 million copies in print in over 40 countries, had the last installment of her Tales of a New World series published on Wednesday. Earth Called finds love and goodness put to the ultimate test as gods, humans, and animals come together to save everything they hold dear in the culmination to the fantasy adventure series… Two days later, on June 6, Chaucer’s Books moves from a young adult author to an author who is actually a young adult. UCSB undergrad Elaine Skiadas is a teenage recipe developer, food photographer, and the creator behind the popular blog, Wandering Chickpea. Fantastic Vegan Recipes for the Teen Cook features 60 easy-to-follow recipes along with helpful vegan cooking tips, tricks, and techniques to create healthy, fun, and flavorful vegan dishes proving for budding chefs of any age that easy vegan cooking doesn’t need to be bland or boring.

Skipping to the other end of the age spectrum, UCSB Distinguished Professor Emeritus in geology Bruce Luyendyk comes home to share his latest book, Mighty Bad Land: A Perilous Expedition to Antarctica Reveals Clues to an Eighth Continent. He’ll be signing at Chaucer’s on Wednesday, June 7. On his first expedition to West Antarctica in 1989, Luyendyk and his geology team found evidence that a large submarine plateau, a fragment from the Gondwana breakup, comprises a sunken continent beneath New

Zealand. This eighth continent was named Zealandia by Luyendyk, whose prior research in marine geophysics included exploration of deep-sea black smokers, i.e., hydrothermal vents, using the deep submersible ALVIN off western Mexico. Mighty Bad Land is told firsthand by Luyendyk, revealing his inner battles and challenges as he shares what it takes to prevail in the harsh climate. The author invites readers into a land of emptiness, beauty, constant daylight, and unseen menace as Luyendyk, his three geologist colleagues, and two mountain guides face the brutal beauty of West Antarctica 800 miles from the U.S. main base.

Rounding out the week, CSUCI professor Colleen M. Delaney shows up at Chaucer’s on Thursday, June 8, to share the history of what is today mostly known as a mountain biking trail in Point Mugu State Park. Rancho Guadalasca: Last Ranch of California’s Central Coast traces the land that lays at the western end of the Santa Monica Mountains along the eastern Oxnard Plain, mining tales of indigenous Chumash, Californio ranchers, Anglo American farmers, Japanese fishermen, and Basque sheepherders, all of whom left their marks on the land. The work also explains the strange intersection between Camarillo State Hospital and her own institution, CSU Channel Islands. Free admission to all the events. For more details, call (805) 682-6787 or visit www.chaucersbooks.com.

Write On

Want the chance to someday show up at Chaucer’s to sign copies of your own book? Consider the deep dive into the literary world later this month when the Santa Barbara Writers Conference returns to an in-person gathering at the beachside Mar Monte Hotel for its 50th anniversary on June 18-23. The six-day immersion involves intensive work focusing on craft as well as the business of writing, including marketing and networking. There will be seminars, speakers, and parties. But access is now easier than ever before, as this year SBWC introduces for the first time options for attending the conference at any level – from the full six-day experience to participation in five, four, three, two and even single-day admissions. And if all you want to do is meet authors and hear them talk about their work, the speaker events are open to the public at nominal admission charges. Speaker events this year include conference owner Monte Schulz, plus five female writers, including former Santa Barbara Poet Laureate Sojourner Kincaid Rolle and four nationally known figures. Visit www. sbwriters.com for details.

Bruce Luyendyk speaks about his geological adventures at Chaucer’s on June 7

Steven Libowitz has covered a plethora of topics for the Journal since 1997, and now leads our extensive arts and entertainment coverage

for children with cancer and their families.” She introduced Executive Director Dr. Corey Pahanish who talked about the services the TBF provides, and that the cost for families who have a child with cancer is estimated at $800,000, “We are not only critical, we are necessary. Many people who are served by our program come back to process the trauma by volunteering.”

Iliana Lozano talked about her experience with her son Ayden who was diagnosed with a rare leukemia at age two. She detailed his chemo, relapse, and the difficult times she had, both financially and emotionally. Ayden was not allowed to go to school or public parks due to treatment, so she made his life as normal a childhood as was possible. She thanked TBCF for creating activities for children, and zoom meetings that allowed connection with other parents in the TBCF program. Lozano: “The Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation even got me an IV pole to feed my son at home and Christmas decorations for his room when he was in the hospital, and even found a bone marrow transplant donor via its Be a Match Program. Thank you for your support of this organization that helped me.”

Donation opportunities at the event were a Wine Pull, Jewelry Pull, Opportunity Drawing, the live auction (which raised $4000), envelopes on the tables, and sports tournaments. Donations can be made online.

411: www.teddybearcancerfoundation.org

Your Westmont Offering a Certificate in Theological Leadership

by Scott Craig

Westmont launches a new program to cultivate wisdom in Christian leaders and offers a post-baccalaureate Certificate in Theological Leadership. The initiative begins January 2024 with an inaugural cohort of 25 students. It’s designed for ministry professionals, laypeople eager to grow spiritually, and recent college graduates considering seminary. For more information, please visit westmont.edu/theo-leadership.

President Gayle D. Beebe and Westmont’s world-class faculty teach the classes. Participants take eight classes and earn 24 credits during a two-year period with some sessions in person and others online.

“For 85 years, Westmont has offered its excellent residential, undergraduate, Christian liberal arts education to prepare Christian leaders to serve the church and every sector of society,” Beebe says. “This program opens new doors to strengthen our ties with churches and leading seminaries. Whether students pursue the certificate only or apply it to graduate education at seminaries throughout the country, the program will enrich their leadership and theological capacity in their life and work. We’re thrilled to position Westmont’s certificate as a pathway to expand theological insight and advanced theological education.”

The curriculum focuses on theological principles and foundations for leadership, helping students develop a deeper understanding of the Bible and become more culturally astute and self-aware. This knowledge will help them be more effective and energized in their professional and personal lives. The small cohorts promote a strong, cohesive community among students and professors.

The structure makes it convenient for Californians who live outside Santa Barbara to earn a certificate. Taking just one course at a time helps students balance their studies with their work and family. The hybrid approach, blending time spent in person with online sessions, allows people throughout the state to participate. Each semester begins with a three-day academic and spiritual retreat in Santa Barbara, so students connect with their professors and each other.

Significant scholarships for qualified students make the program affordable for ministry professionals as well as recent graduates exploring a call to ministry.

Westmont’s new building – in downtown Santa Barbara at 29 West Anapamu Street – will house the in-person sessions. Investments in this facility, including initial renovations, will enhance the program. Innovative initiatives such as the certificate program help Westmont strengthen community and church relationships, develop

a pattern for future academic innovation, and increase revenue.

Event Honors ‘Mixed Up’ Artists

Rae Dunn, a popular Bay Area artist and juror of this year’s annual TriCounty Juried Exhibition, handed out cash awards to local artists on May 18 at the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art. Mixed Up celebrates the multitude of talented artists in our local region. Dunn reviewed several hundred submissions from area artists for the exhibition, ultimately choosing 50 works by 45 artists for the exhibition, which is free and open to the public through June 17.

Caroline Kapp’s toned cyanotypes, Terminal Basins No. 1, won Best in Show. Ralph Corners’ I Don’t Know 1, an acrylic, watercolor, oil pastel, pencil on board, won 1st Honorable Mention. Tom Pazderka’s The Hike won 2nd Honorable Mention. David Dixon’s oil painting, Summer Evening in Savannah, won 3rd Honorable Mention.

Iliana Lozano with photo of her son Ayden (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

Joanne A. Calitri is a professional international photographer and journalist. Contact her at: artraks@yahoo.com

Board Chair Nathan Rogers (center) with Event Co-Chairs: Board Vice Chair Sofie Langhorne (left) and Deborah Stanley, Board Member (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

Caroline Kapp’s Terminal Basins No. 1 claimed top honors

Westmont offers a new Certificate in Theological Leadership (Photo by Brad Elliott)

Scott Craig is manager of media relations at Westmont College

2805

ACTIVE LISTING

Modern new construction w/ 360° views, the main residence, guest house and infinity pool/spa are a work of art.

LISTED AT $8,750,000

100

W. VALERIO STREET

ACTIVE LISTING

740 ARCADY ROAD

ACTIVE LISTING

Charming 3bd/3ba single-level home on 0.50-acre in Cold Spring district. Adjacent vacant lot avail for purchase.

401 CHAPALA STREET #405

NEW LISTING

Rare luxury 2-bed/2-bath top-floor unit in sought-after Sevilla Building w/ large wraparound terrace w/ mountain views.

2685 MEMORY LANE

ACTIVE LISTING

Custom designed and built 4-bed/2.5bath Craftsman home on 1 acre with incredible ocean & city views.

REAL ESTATE GROUP

2570 LILLIE AVENUE

NEW LISTING

Incredibly charming 2-bed/2.5-bath townhome in Summerland with bonus room and large porch w/ ocean views.

LISTED AT $1,395,000

SPYGLASS RIDGE ROAD

LISTED AT $3,275,000

LISTED AT $3,300,000

LISTED AT $3,375,000

Curious Traveler

Los Angeles in Three Great Houses: Part 3

by Jerry Camarillo Dunn, Jr.

“Los Angeles in Three Great Houses” continues from last week. This final installment looks at the futuristic house of the city’s most colorful octogenarian:

The Sheats-Goldstein House

It’s the most famous bachelor pad in Los Angeles, a futuristic man cave of concrete and glass tucked into a slope above Beverly Hills. At the push of a button in the master bedroom, sunshades and glass walls slide away to reveal an openair view stretching from downtown to the ocean. The swimming pool glows at night, and an infinity tennis court appears to hang from the hillside free of gravity, its edge meeting empty space. The property’s private nightclub (yeah, baby!) is a European-style discotheque with pulsing video screens and dance areas and the illuminated city spread out below. Here Rihanna celebrated her birthday with glitterati guests such as Mick Jagger

Owner James Goldstein is an 81-yearold investor and fashion devotee who favors Galliano and Versace outfits and python-skin hats atop his long white hair. A basketball superfan, he attends 100 Lakers and Clippers games each season, spending $500,000 on tickets and sitting courtside with young models. His house is booked regularly for fashion shoots.

It’s hard to believe that this bachelor hideaway was originally built for a family with children.

In the early 1960s, UCLA professor Paul Sheats and his artist wife Helen commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright disciple John Lautner to design a modern house. By the time Goldstein purchased it in 1972 for $182,000, it needed help (goodbye green shag carpeting!) and reconfiguring to suit its new owner.

Considering his flashy public image, Goldstein is unexpectedly soft-spoken and mannerly in person. He explains that he searched two years until he found a house with notable modern design, a big city view, and room for his dog to run. “The house was in horrible condition and built very cheaply, but the architecture was there. As soon as I walked in, I knew this was it!”

One novel feature was the living room roof. Helen Sheats had told Lautner she loved

the feeling of walking through a forest with light coming through the trees. So the architect inserted 750 highball glasses in holes in the concrete roof, and they cast a dancing light, just like she wanted.

Goldstein didn’t make changes right away. “I was young and didn’t really have any money to start improvements.” After seven years, using a fortune reportedly derived from mobile home parks, he brought back John Lautner and started work to improve the house. Goldstein’s first idea was removing the steel dividers between the living room windows because they obstructed the view. “After that, I never stopped,” he says. “Work has been going on here for forty years!”

He also wanted to expand the sense of indoor-outdoor living that’s characteristic of modern architecture. Originally the property had only native brush and a single tree. Today lush tropical foliage covers the hillside. It looks like a jungle, missing only a toucan to hoot a soundtrack.

Goldstein loves the creative process of improving the house. “John Lautner never volunteered suggestions,” he notes. “He always waited to hear from me. Then he’d do some sketches, and we’d go from there.” Their biggest project was the master bedroom, which took four years to redo by combining children’s rooms and a painting studio used by Helen Sheats. Three windows look into the swimming pool; they were originally put in so Helen could keep an eye on the children.

The master bath includes an outdoor shower, a typical Lautner touch. The sink formerly faced a wall, so Goldstein wanted to move it by a window to give him a city view while he brushed his teeth. “I was just envisioning glass above it. Then John said he’d always wanted to do a glass sink!” The result looks like a modern sculpture, pure form and transparency.

Later Goldstein would add the four-acre property’s tennis court, lap pool, nightclub, and a James Turrell “Skyspace” light installation. He sums up the decades of work simply: “It has been an exercise in perfection.” Goldstein has made arrangements to bequeath his house, considered a masterpiece of contemporary architecture, to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Visiting

Sheats-Goldstein House: jamesfgoldstein.com; private residence, LACMA may offer occasional tours.

Jerry Camarillo Dunn, Jr. worked with the National Geographic Society for 35 years. The author of 11 books and 600+ magazine and newspaper pieces, he has won three Lowell Thomas Awards, the “Oscars” of the field, from the Society of American Travel Writers. His “Curious Traveler” column in the Montecito Journal received the SATW gold medal.

Concrete and glass come together in this iconic home that has been used in fashion shoots and movies (photo by Graham Dunn)

One of the many iconic views found around the Sheats-Goldstein House (photo by Graham Dunn)

A masterpiece of modern architecture, the Sheats-Goldstein House will be bequeathed to LACMA (photo by Graham Dunn)

TO: Santa Barbara County Animal Lovers

FROM: Santa Barbara Humane

Building on our 136-Year Legacy

OUR OVERALL IMPACT

While adoption is at our core, we do so much more at Santa Barbara Humane. In 2022…

• 1,666 animals were adopted into loving homes

• 622 animals were transferred to Santa Barbara Humane from overcrowded shelters

• 973 animals were surrendered to Santa Barbara Humane by their owners

• 1,031 learned impor tant behavioral skills through free or low-cost humane behavior training

• 20,426 animals received affordable or free expert veterinary care

• 46,552 services like spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchips, blood work, flea treatment, and medical exams were provided

SAFETY-NET PROGRAMS FOR THE COMMUNITY

Safety-net programs aim to keep loving owners and their pets together. Sometimes, as much as we love our pets, circumstances may cause deep frustration and even desperation. Santa Barbara Humane offers services such as behavior advice, medical care, pet food or supplies, temporary emergency boarding, and more. Many of which are free or low cost.

OUR VETERINARY SERVICES BY THE NUMBERS

Last year alone we saw a 78% increase in financial support to families who could not afford veterinary care

The donor-supported TLC medical program made a difference in the lives of more than 3,945 families who could not afford care for their pets, totaling $301,054.65 in financial assistance.

CELEBRATING AND ENHANCING THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND

Animal welfare is about pet connections and keeping animals in loving homes, supporting the human-animal bond.

• CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT: Animals increase emotional expression and help decrease stress in children

• MENTAL HEALTH: A pet can be an important source of support for the long-term management of many mental health challenges

• HEALTHY AGING: Strong attachments with a pet is associated with lower depression in older adults

Thank you!

As a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, Santa Barbara Humane, a Socially Conscious Shelter, is the oldest animal welfare agency in Santa Barbara County, serving the community for over 135 years. The organization’s two campuses in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria provide low-cost veterinary care, affordable dog training, adoptions, and more for animals whether they are with a loving family or at the shelter waiting for a home of their own. Because Santa Barbara Humane does not receive federal funding, it relies on donor support to help thousands of animals and families each year in Santa Barbara County. *Bilingual staff available.

Library Mojo Summertime, and the Readin’ Is Easy…

Annual Kickoff at Alameda Park

Join us by Kids World playground at Alameda Park to kick off your summer reading adventure, Saturday, June 10th from 11 am to 1 pm!

Kids can sign up for summer reading, pick out a free book to keep, and celebrate the start of summer. Take pictures and dance with a real Wild Thing, complete a scavenger hunt around the park, build and create at our maker and craft stations, and enjoy a Kona Ice while supplies last. The Library on the Go Van will be there with all the library books you need to get started on your summer reading goals!

How To Read Now with Elaine Castillo

Adults, join us for our big kickoff event, an author talk with Elaine Castillo, whose recent collection of essays, How to Read Now, “explores the politics and ethics of reading, and insists that we are capable of something better: a more engaged relationship not just with our fiction and our art, but with our buried and entangled histories.”

by Kim Crail

We invite all ages to join us for our Summer Reading Challenge, to get you reading up a storm and enjoying programs that bring our community together.

For our youngest patrons, we will have early literacy classes all summer. School age kids are encouraged to keep up their reading habits by getting a free book, talking to library staff about what they’re reading, and attending special events, all for free! Teens and adults have programs curated just for them, as well as receiving a free journal, bingo card, and an opportunity to make their own reading goal to enter our prize drawing.

Read & Shine

Our Summer Reading theme this year is Read & Shine!

School age kids – Set goals on a reading game board and keep track of what you read. Come back to the Library and share your excitement for the books that made it onto your game board this summer. When you talk with us, you will get to pick out a fancy bead to remember each book. We want to hear all about what you’re reading! Once you finish your goal, come back to the library to collect your prize packet.

Castillo wrote the widely acclaimed debut novel, America is Not the Heart (Viking, 2018), named one of the best books of the year by NPR, Kirkus Reviews, and the New York Public Library. In August 2022, Viking published her first work of nonfiction, How to Read Now, on the politics and ethics of our reading culture.

This discussion with Elaine Castillo will take place in the Faulkner Gallery at Central Library, Friday, June 16th from 6-7:30 pm.

June Events:

Stay & Play – Tuesdays, Drop in anytime 9-10:30 am

Knit ‘n’ Needle – Thursdays, 2-3:30 pm

Summer Reading Program Kickoff at Alameda Park – Sat, 6/10, 11 am-1pm

Author Talk with Elaine Castillo at Central Library – Fri, 6/16, 6-7:30 pm

Montecito Book Club: Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler –

Tues, 6/27, 12-1 pm

Maker Hour: Sand Art in a Bottle – Fri, 6/30, 10:30-11:30 am

Summer Reading Program runs June 10th - August 31st

See you at the library!

Montecito

“Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”

— Martin Luther King Jr.

This year’s Summer Reading theme is “Read and Shine”

Elaine Castillo will be giving a talk in the Faulkner Gallery at Central Library, Friday, June 16th (Courtesy photo) Kids! Join the Montecito Library for a game of reading Bingo!

gestation period on record,” says Janet. “It has been 20 years in the making, now finally a reality! Our mission to expand Adderley’s outreach to under-resourced children is my most fervent focus in the months and years to come.

“Providing world class performance and training opportunities for students on state-of-the-art stages with live musicians, professional sets, and exceptional guest Broadway directors and choreographers is an essential component of what Adderley has to offer children, and can only be achieved through the work of our foundation.”

A paddle raise kicked off the fund raising garnering $50,000 for the new foundation. Stephen Sherrill, former chairman of the Second Stage Theatre in New York, is matching donations up to $100,000 in honor of the three-decade anniversary.

Honorary hosts of the boffo bash included Tony, Grammy and Emmy winner Ben Platt, Tony winner Debra Martin Chase , and Jack Dylan Grazer, nephew of top Hollywood producer Brian Grazer, whose Imagine Entertainment partnership with actor Ron Howard, has grossed more than $15 billion in movie box office. Jack has starred in the films It and Shazam!

Philanthropist Anne Towbes, who was attending the show with her grandchildren, spoke of the Adderley School’s impact on the community, and there were also videotaped congratulatory messages from Goleta record producer Alan Parsons, Emmy nominated filmmaker John Alexander, and Bryan Blatt, who co-starred with Janet in the Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical Starlight Express in 1987.

I saw the show, about an old steam train competing with more contemporary counterparts, around the same time at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre.

All in all, an adderley delightful evening with Janet, pretty in pink, and her daughter/co-artistic director Alana joining the performers on stage for the energized finale of “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from Hairspray

Reining In the Support

It was a very in-tents occasion when Santa Barbara’s Polo Training Center hosted its sixth annual dinner for 120 guests at the Carpinteria venue, raising around $100,000.

Each year, the 11-year-old organization makes $10,000 grants to UCSB and Westmont polo team members to cover expenses at the Santa Barbara Polo Club’s polo academy. In addition to funding costs, the PTC runs four youth polo tournaments each summer.

President Rhys Williams emceed the sunset soirée held in a giant marquee next to the historic clubhouse with food from the nearby Fieldside restaurant and volunteers from Westmont College and UCSB polo teams.

Matt Walker – son of former club president, banker Daniel Walker – conducted the auction which included a threeday Santa Ynez private ranch getaway, a private box for four to watch rockers Tears for Fears at the Hollywood Bowl, a pair of Lucchese riding boots, a golf tournament foursome at the Montecito Club, and a Ben Soleimani performance rug. Supporters turning out for the horsey

hoedown included Chris and Mindy Denson, Jeff Scheraga, Gretchen Lieff, Thomasine Richards, Claudia Uretz, Dan and Linda Walker, Wes Ru and Victoria Firestone, Jeep Holden, Xorin Balbes and Truman Davies , Paige Marshall, Andrew and Anza Bossom, Justin Klentner, and David Sigman Long may they rein...

Onstage Finale

The venerable Granada hosted its third and final Onstage at the G, sponsored by uber philanthropists Roger and Sarah Chrisman, with the string picking duo of former Westmont student Phil Claypool, guitarist, and Paraguayan Carlos Reyes on violin.

More than 80 guests caught the inti-

mate show. Theater executive Tracy Dunn described it “a great success.”

“People are used to seeing the stage from the orchestra, but being on it is a whole new experience, particularly with delightful canapés and good libations.”

Among the music fans turning out were Dan Burnham , Greg Gorga , Caren Rager , Gary and Susan Gulbransen , Palmer and Susan Jackson , Peter and Kathryn Martin , Brendon Twigden , Joann Younger , and Chuck and Missy Sheldon

Empowering the Dream

Petal power reigned supreme when the Dream Foundation hosted its 12th

Montecito

“It is absolutely still possible to make a difference.” — Michelle Obama

Adderley Conservatory Ensemble Members (photo by Priscilla)

Wes Ru and Victoria Firestone, Rhys Williams, UCSB Polo Captain Marci Winter, Mindy Denson, Matthew Walker, and Linda and Daniel Walker

(photo by Priscilla)

Miscellany Page 344

Ben and Gimena Soleimani, Claire Kennedy, Maren Cukor, and David Sigman (photo by Priscilla)

Kevin Mokarow, Amza Bossom, Grant Palmer, and Andrew Bossom (photo by Pricilla)

Carlos Reyes and Philip Claypool (photo by Baron Spafford)

Karen Knight, Joann Younger, and Sharon Morrow (photo by Baron Spafford)

Foraging Thyme Broccolini

by Melissa Petitto

Broccolini – a gorgeous green hybrid blend of traditional Asian vegetable gai lan and broccoli – was created in Japan in 1993. What once was hard to come by is now a staple in the United States, and loved for its tender and sweet flavor. The long succulent stems of broccolini, along with its sweet and slightly peppery flavor profile, make it a super versatile and delightful vegetable.

Like its fellow cruciferous vegetables, broccolini is a high fiber wonder. Including it in your diet has been shown to keep you feeling full and satisfied, prevent constipation, and help keep your blood sugar stable. Broccolini is loaded with Vitamins A and D; a must for immune health, eye health, and glowing skin. Broccolini is also high in calcium and magnesium, helping to keep your blood pressure regulated. My favorite health benefit, though, is an antioxidant known as sulforaphane. This antioxidant has been shown to reduce inflammation, protect against DNA mutations that can lead to cancer, neutralize toxins in the body, and help to slow cancerous tumor growth. Talk about incredible health benefits! If that wasn’t enough, broccolini releases a cancer fighting enzyme called myrosinase when you eat this mighty vegetable.

I love broccolini in most ways, but giving it a char on the outside is one of my favorites. When it is finally grilling season here – come on May gray! – I love to throw broccolini on the grill for a perfectly balanced flavor. Until then, you can try it in a hot pan for a similar flavor punch. I have added a gremolata to the top, this one mixed with crushed pistachios, Ojai pixie tangerine zest, and garlic…it’s divine! I hope you enjoy!

Charred Broccolini with Pistachio-Orange Zest Gremolata

Yield: 6 Servings

1.75 pound broccolini

¼ cup olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Gremolata:

½ cup shelled salted pistachios

2 teaspoons Ojai pixie tangerine, zested

5 each garlic cloves, smashed

Directions:

1. Trim woody ends off of broccolini and half lengthwise any thickly stemmed

broccolini. Wash and drain.

2. Heat a large sauté pan and add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil.

3. Once hot, add half of the broccolini to the pan and char on all sides. Season with some salt and then transfer the cooked broccolini to a sheet pan. Repeat with remaining oil, broccolini, and salt. Keep warm.

4. In the bowl of a food processor, finely chop the pistachios. Mix together with the zest and garlic.

5. To serve, arrange the charred broccolini on a platter and top with the gremolata. This dish is great hot, or at room temperature.

Broccolini is a blend between gai lan, a traditional Asian vegetable, and broccoli (photo by Agriffin)

Melissa Petitto, R.D., is an executive chef and co-founder at Thymeless My Chef SB, was a celebrity personal chef for 16 years, just finished her 10th cookbook, and is an expert on nutrition and wellness.

Reading Matters

Sec 106, Row C, Seat 5: Jana Brody’s Mother and the Crusade for Safer Baseball

uttered a public word on the matter. “The reactions I kept getting from people – it was like ‘Whaaat?! How come I didn’t hear about this?’”

In Major League Baseball’s 150-year history, Linda Goldbloom is only the third fatality resulting from a baseball blasting into the stands. The last time it happened was in 1970, when 14-year-old Alan Fish was struck by a batter’s foul slammed just outside the first base line. Less rarefied is the ball-related injury in the stands. A Cambridge University Press study put that figure at a hair-raising ~1,750 incidents a year. However severe the injury, something called The Baseball Rule has, since 1913, effectively indemnified MLB and ballpark operators against legal harm when someone in the stands gets clobbered by a baseball.

Part of American case law (though increasingly challenged), The Baseball Rule essentially holds that a baseball team can’t be held liable for errant ball-related spectator injuries as long as the team (or in amateur baseball, the game’s sponsoring organization) has offered some protected seating in those areas where foul balls would most predictably cause an injury. That is, in tort law, stadium netting amounts to an indemnifying gesture of goodwill. The Baseball Rule is summarized in the disclaimer you see on the back of your game ticket. Because MLB netting has never protected every seat in a ballpark, the tenor – and indeed the result – of the disclaimer is this: “If you choose to sit in an unprotected spot in the stands and you get hit, that’s on you.”

When it became clear to Brody that the manner of her mother’s death was not, and would likely never become, public knowledge – and that people would continue to remain largely in the dark about the danger posed by wayward foul balls – she reached out by email to ESPN reporter William Weinbaum. As she writes in her book, “The simplicity of my plea was rewarded with a quick response. The reporter explained he was on a cruise abroad, and had remarked to his vacationing wife that this sad and important note should not wait until he was back in the office. I was thrilled someone wanted to listen. At last.”

by Jeff Wing

On a sultry August evening in 2018, Linda Goldbloom was struck in the head by a line drive foul ball at Dodger Stadium. She died four days later. Seated next to her husband Erwin in the loge section of the storied ball field some 200 feet behind and above home plate, she never saw it coming. At the top of the ninth inning, the San Diego Padres batter had swung low, fouling the pitch. The ball skipped off the bat at an estimated 93mph, rocketing over the protective netting of the seating below to find Linda in Sec 106, Row C, Seat 5 – one of around 40,000 spectators in the stands that evening. In the immediate wake of her being struck, someone nearby said “Are you okay?” The reply was reportedly pure Linda; mildly, amusingly acerbic. “No, I am not okay.” It was the last full sentence Linda Goldbloom would speak in this life – 107 miles away in Santa Barbara, Jana Brody took a late-night phone call.

“We were out late,” says Goldbloom’s daughter, Jana. “We got home and around midnight the phone rang. The name showed it was my sister calling, so I knew something must be up. She just said, ‘Mom’s in the hospital, dad’s with her in the ICU (Intensive Care). They went to the ball game tonight and she got hit with a ball.’” Brody pauses. “I was… I was in shock.”

This coming Saturday, June 10 at 3 pm, at Tecolote Bookshop in Montecito’s Upper Village, Jana Brody will be discussing her mom’s untimely and arguably preventable death – and her own cautionary memoir – the aptly-titled Sit Behind the Nets! The book’s strikingly prosaic title speaks to its being both personal account of family tragedy and activist blueprint. When it occurred to Brody that the terrible accident put her mother in a woeful historic category, wheels started turning. To our common benefit.

“You’re going through this awful thing, and you’re bumping into friends and have to keep telling people what happened. And the reaction is “OMG! I’m so sorry! Is that a thing?!” Walking through the fog of her own and her family’s numbing shock, endlessly explaining the accident, it was some weeks before it began to dawn on Brody; how odd that the extremely rare manner of her mom’s passing hadn’t drifted into the public arena. Linda Goldbloom had been killed by a line drive at Dodger Stadium, and absolutely nobody had heard anything about it. The Dodgers organization hadn’t

Once the story broke, so did the journalistic dam. Brody was deluged with interview requests, and in the full daylight of that publicity soon parlayed her family’s devastation into a reformist steamroller, making public the danger to MLB fans not sitting behind safety netting, and haranguing MLB to better their fan safety record. Following some foot-dragging – and predictably insensitive potshots lobbed at Brody from tone-deaf and net-hating baseball fans – Major League Baseball began glacially expanding the protective reach of their netting.

Brody’s book is a rare hybrid – part paean to her vibrant, wisecracking mom, part ad hoc guide to forcing needed change on hesitant institutions. Thanks to Brody’s naturally buoyant life perspective, the book is never dour. “Since Linda’s death was caused by a ‘blunt force injury to her head,’ her body would now need a coroner’s report to rule out foul play – or in this specific case, to rule it in.”

Public safety is not always top of mind in the frankly transactional world of professional sports. Brody doesn’t just see a silver lining in the terrible accident that befell her mother; Brody helped install the silver lining. Hey, baseball fans – Jana Brody has helped make it safer to watch your beloved team from the stands.

Jana Brody will discuss and sign her book Sit Behind the Nets! on Saturday, June 10, 3pm at Tecolote Bookshop, 1470 E. Valley Rd. Call (805) 969-4977 for more information. Sit Behind the Nets! is also available online at Amazon Books and BarnesandNoble.com

The central figure in Sit Behind the Nets!, Linda Goldbloom (courtesy of Erwin Goldbloom)

Jeff Wing is a journalist, raconteur, autodidact, and polysyllable enthusiast who sees the Village as a dazzling kaleidoscope of stories—some of them a little nutty. Jeff can be reached at Jeff@montecitojournal.net

fellow TV business associate, Don Gotschall, among others, when it opened in 1963, The Magic Castle would go on to become renowned as “the most unusual private club in the world.”

A longtime Montecito resident with his wife Arlene – a successful costume designer who had worked with Milt for years before they married in 1989 – the dynamic duo were a beloved sight at local gatherings. The two had more recently set out to craft The Magic Castle Cabaret at the former Café del Sol site near the Andree Clark Bird Refuge before the pandemic and permitting issues clouded the plans, closing the doors in 2022. We will have a larger feature on Milt in an upcoming issue, but for now, our deepest condolences to his wife Arlene, his family and loved ones, and the magical world he left behind.

Corrections & Omissions

In last week’s Village Beat, we reported on expansion plans for the Coast Village Walk retail center on Coast Village Road. A rep for the property reports that while the original plans called for an expansion of the outdoor areas along the entire complex, new plans have been scaled back, and only include expansion in front of Sakana and the future Drybar space. We’ll have more on the expansion as the plans progress.

Houseplants proven to eliminate surprising quantity of carcinogenic toxins

Move over, high-tech air-cleaning devices. While we are already aware that plants help cleanse the air we breathe, research from a team of academics from Australia’s University of Technology Sydney – along with the plant experts at leading plantscaping solutions company Ambius – has revealed more about the extent to which plants effectively absorb toxins.

Ambius’ Johan Hodgson exclaims, “We know that indoor air quality is frequently significantly more polluted than outdoor air, which impacts mental and physical health, but the good news is that this study found that something as basic as having plants indoors can make a significant effect.”

Gasoline vapor is a huge nuisance when polluting our indoor environments. It contains the ‘big four’ volatile organic compound villains: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene, abbreviated BTEX. These nefarious substances are highly poisonous, carcinogenic, and well-known for causing respiratory problems and wreaking havoc on our neurological system. Surprisingly, gas stations can influence BTEX concentrations at schools hundreds of feet away.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Ray Walker Design, 519 W. Quinto St, Apt A, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. Stitch House LLC, 2636 Woodstock Rd, Upper Arlington, OH, 43221. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on May 17, 2023. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2023-0001294.

Published May 31, June 7, 14, 21, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Utopia Technology; Montecito Security Systems, 27 W. Anapamu St, Suite 316, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. James Budow, 27 W. Anapamu St, Suite 316, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on May 18, 2023. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk.

I hereby certify that this is a correct

copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2023-0001304.

Published May 31, June 7, 14, 21, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Premier Roofing, 4888 Kodiak Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. Tony Haro, 4888 Kodiak Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on May 16, 2023. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2023-0001279.

Published May 24, 31, June 7, 14, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SPLURGEVINTAGE,

127 1st St, Solvang, CA 93463. Susan A Otten,

127 1st St, Solvang, CA 93463. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on May 5, 2023. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby cer-

tify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 20230001188. Published May 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: CASE No. 23CV01714. To all interested parties: Petitioner Tatiana Esmeralda Morales-Rodriguez filed a petition with Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara, for a decree changing name to Tatiana Esmeralda Bonilla. The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Filed May 25, 2023 by Narzralli Baksh.

Hearing date: July 19, 2023 at 10 am in Dept. 3, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Published May 31, June 7, 14, 21, 2023.

Ambius and the researchers collaborated to build a Small Live Green Wall (SLGW) utilizing plant species known for their phytoremediation properties. What exactly is phytoremediation? It’s simply a fancy way of saying that plants are used to clean up contaminated soil, air, and water. The SLGWs were outfitted with devil’s ivy, arrowhead vine, and spider plant, while the control group held only potting mixture and no plant life.

The SLGWs were then sealed in Perspex chambers and subjected to volatile organic chemicals before being tested using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Their findings revealed high clearance rates for a variety of compounds. Alkanes had the most effective elimination, with a remarkable 97.9 percent reduction. Benzene derivatives, including the notorious BTEX chemicals, exhibited an astounding 85.96 percent drop, while cyclopentane saw an 88.18 percent reduction. These substances are known to have significant effects on our health, which makes the plants’ performance even more impressive.

Plants not only remove the majority of pollutants from the air in a matter of hours, but they also eliminate the most dangerous gasoline-related contaminants with outstanding efficiency.

The discovery of plants’ extraordinary pollutant-fighting abilities allows for a whole new universe of possibilities. We may build settings that are not only affordable and aesthetically beautiful, but beneficial to our health by utilizing their natural properties. So, let us embrace this plant-powered solution and benefit from its outstanding efficiency and effectiveness in cleansing our indoor air.

Kelly Mahan Herrick, also a licensed realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, has been editor at large for the Journal since 2007, reporting on news in Montecito and beyond.

Devil’s Ivy (Public Domain)

Milt and his wife Arlene at their home

annual Flower Empower lunch at the Rockwood Woman’s Club, with a record 225 guests raising around $250,000 for the popular charity.

Last year the scheme handed out 8,400 bouquets of flowers with volunteers putting in more than 4,900 hours, says Valerie Banks, coordinator. Since its inception in 1994, the program has delivered more than 125,000 bouquets, homemade cookies from longtime supporter Robin Himovitz, and artisanal chocolates from Chocolats du CaliBressan.

Margaret Lloyd was named Florist of the Year, while Stella Crawford , a San Marcos High student, and Charlie Weddle of Santa Barbara High, won Youth Volunteers of the Year. Kathy

Henry , Betty Dominguez , and Sidonia Slaff – with 60 years of help between them – were named Volunteers of the Year.

A new trophy, the Legacy Award of Excellence, went to the late Ann Smithcors, a retired nurse who started volunteering in 1996 and spent an unprecedented 6,000 hours making and delivering bouquets.

Former KEYT-TV weatherman Alan Rose , now with KOAA in Denver, Colorado, flew in to emcee the floral bash for the second consecutive year with Kira Duffy , a past youth volunteer winner, with Greta Krieger and Sheri Smith speaking of their experiences as volunteers.

The ubiquitous Andrew Firestone conducted the auction with the help of his daughter, Anja. Lots included a stay at the Four Seasons in Maui, a ten day

cruise from Quebec to New York, and a Hollywood Icons package including a stay at the historic California Club (a favorite hostelry of mine), tickets to a private box at the Hollywood Bowl, and tea for four at the Rose Garden at the Huntington Library in Pasadena.

Among the supporters were CEO Kisa Heyer, Penny Bianchi, Janet Garufis, Ella Brittingham , Kate Coppola , Jeff and Sharon Jordan, Kenny and Elizabeth Slaught, David Selberg, and Kimi J. Matar.

A blooming good fundraiser...

Help in the Kitchen

Montecito chef Dario Furlati, who owns the Ca’Dario chain of Italian eateries, has been helping out with the Ensemble Theatre Company’s latest production Seared, directed by departing artistic director Jonathan Fox

“The play takes place in a small restaurant kitchen that suddenly gets acclaim in New York Magazine and is absolutely overwhelmed with customers,” says Jonathan. “Matters get more hectic when a consultant comes on the scene.

“Dario has been invaluable in giving us an insight into the chef’s culture and kitchen geography; how to look professional on-stage cooking salmon, short ribs, lamb, gnocchi and scallops; and, more importantly, how to prepare onions without chopping off your fingers!”

Having been an editor on New York Magazine in the 80s I know all too well what a positive review from the late Gael Greene could do for a Manhattan eatery’s business prospects....

Security Concerns

Prince Harry has suffered a major defeat in the British courts and now faces a hefty $620,000 legal bill.

The Riven Rock resident sought a judicial review over a Home Office decision that he should not be allowed to pay U.K. police for his personal protection.

The Duke of Sussex, 38, was stripped of police protection when he and his former actress wife Meghan Markle stepped down as working royals and moved to the U.S. in 2020.

Now a top judge has declared the Home Office acted rationally when it rejected the offer from King Charles III ’s youngest son to pay for his own security.

Justice Martin Chamberlain rejected Harry’s second challenge to the government ruling, saying “a limited number” of highly trained officers “should not be made available for payment, particularly as bodyguards for VIPs.”

It came after Metropolitan Police chiefs told the court their officers were not “guards for hire” by the rich and famous, claiming allowing Harry to pay for protection officers, particularly armed ones, would set an “unacceptable precedent.”

This comes a week after the alleged 70 miles per hour paparazzi chase in Manhattan, which the prince’s PR people described as “near catastrophic,” which was completely debunked in a NYPD report of the incident.

Scholarly Support

The 61-year-old Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara has awarded a total of $148 million in grants to students, with nearly $7.2 million this year to 1,864 recipients, retiring board chairman Matt Rowe told 200 guests at the annual dinner at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.

The scheme started humbly six decades ago with the awarding of nine $100 book awards and is now the biggest provider of college scholarships in

“Graduation is not the end; it’s the beginning.” — Senator Orrin Hatch

Mark and Alixe Mattingly, Matt and Karen Yonally, with Palmer Jackson, Jr. (photo by Baron Spafford)

Event Sponsor Kate Coppola (photo by Kiel Rucker, Head & Heart Photography)

Volunteers of the Year: Kathy Henry, Betty Dominguez, and Sidonia Slaff (photo by Kiel Rucker, Head & Heart Photography)

Flower Empower Luncheon Committee with Dream Foundation Staff (photo by Kiel Rucker, Head & Heart Photography)

Chef Dario Furlati giving advice to the actors in the new ETC show Seared (photo by Jonathan Fox)

Christie Glanville and Kathy O’Leary (photo by Isaac Hernandez)

the U.S. with more than 60,000 students receiving awards since 1962.

Interim president and CEO Mary Dwyer welcomed her new board chair Danna McGrew, with three students Maddie Benson, a graduate of UCLA, Andy Nguyen and Chloe Stanley, both attending UCSB, recounting their experiences with the organization.

Among the supporters were Roger and Sarah Chrisman , Nancy Ransohoff , John Glanville , Peter and Kathryn Martin , George and Laurie Leis , Teresa McWilliams , Geoff Green , and Carole Halsted

Leaving the Show?

The rumor mill is churning that Santa Barbara warbler Katy Perry is planning to quit her $25 million a year judgeship on the hit ABC TV show American Idol , where she has appeared for the past six years alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan .

According to London’s Daily Mail , the former Dos Pueblos High student, 38, has faced a slew of controversy and scandal this season, and has grown tired of dealing with the backlash from reviewers. The breaking point came when she was booed for dishing out criticism to contestants.

Although Katy has faced criticism in the past, this season has been particularly tough on her following remarks that erupted into a mom-shaming scandal that prompted some contestants to quit.

“Katy feels like the producers threw her under the bus,” according to one source. “She feels like her comments could have been removed.

“Getting booed recently really upset her. She was trying to stay in her lane, do her job, and go home. She went into it thinking she was going to foster young talent. For her good intentions to be misconstrued is not what she wanted.”

Senate Considerations?

Could former TV talk show titan Oprah Winfrey be having political aspirations?

The longtime resident of our rarefied enclave is being touted as a possible replacement for longtime senator Dianne Feinstein in the event the 89-year-old lawmaker retires before the end of her term next year.

Feinstein, who has just returned to Washington after a ten-week bout of shingles, has pledged to retire at the end of her current term.

The Associated Press reports that several names have been thrown into the mix should the California Democrat step aside early. One of them is reportedly Oprah, 69. Stay tuned...

Gifts That Keep on Giving

Montecito actress Gwyneth Paltrow has some controversial recommendations for Father’s Day presents.

The 50-year-old Oscar winner not only suggests a $64,000 per person trip to the Arctic Circle as a possible gift, but also a male sex toy!

The Iron Man star first launched her lifestyle brand Goop in 2008, with suggestions becoming more extroverted over the years.

A $219 hands-free prostate stimulator from the brand Hugo that delivers “satisfactory vibrations to the perineum” is one of the more unusual gifts, with more mundane items including a $790 wine carrier by Metier and a $17 jar of cocktail cherries.

Gwynnie is leaving us shaken and stirred...

The Grief Period

Actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus has revealed how she dealt with the “grief period” that overcame the Montecito

resident after the end of her iconic sitcom Seinfeld.

Julia, 62, who now stars in the new movie comedy You Hurt My Feelings, is featured on the latest cover of People magazine and recounts the difficulties she had saying goodbye to Seinfeld after its controversial season finale.

“The ending of that show was so sad because we all loved each other so much,” she admits. “There was definitely a grief period when the show ended that was both real and felt.”

Julia, who went on to equally successful roles in Veep and The New Adventures of Old Christine, adds: “I do remember wanting and thinking that I need to keep working. I wanted to keep working. I wanted to keep doing this thing called acting, which I’ve been able to do, which is great.”

A delightful lady....

Bridges Back to Health

Montecito actor Jeff Bridges says his health is “mostly back” after his cancerous tumor shrank to “the size of a marble.”

The 73-year-old Oscar winner, in an interview with AARP: The Magazine , reveals the mass in his stomach when he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in March 2020 originally measured a whopping nine by 12 inches.

After utilizing multiple types of therapy, as well as working with a trainer to film the second season of his FX show The Old Man and walking his daughter down the aisle at her 2021 wedding, the tumor has almost disappeared.

Bridges says meditation and positive thinking have been “absolutely essential” in keeping him alive and getting up to face every day.

Good news indeed....

Tina Turner Remembered

On a personal note, I remember the Queen of Rock n’ Roll Tina Turner, who has died at her home in Switzerland at the age of 83.

We first met by chance in London when I was attending a performance of Phantom

Real Estate

of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre with the original cast of Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman in 1986. It was the hottest ticket in town, so I was surprised to be sitting next to an empty seat.

As the lights dimmed for the show to start Turner whisked into the row to sit by my side. A charming encounter.

I last saw her perform at New York’s Radio City Music Hall with the support act of singer Chris Isaak in 1993 during her What’s Love? Tour giving an energized performance in vertiginous heels, a barely there dress, and a trademark wig.

An amazing half century of highs and lows. From a troubled violent marriage with Ike Turner to the peak of the rock stratosphere in 1984 with the release of her album Private Dancer, which sold five million copies and garnered her three Grammy awards.

From adversity to mega stardom as a worldwide phenomenon selling an astounding 180 million albums. An extraordinary trajectory, an extraordinary woman.

Sightings

Jim Cramer of CNBC’s Squawk Box at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara... TV host Jane Lynch noshing at Tre Lune... Oprah Winfrey at the Louis Vuitton cruise show in Italy.

Pip! Pip!

From musings on the Royals to celebrity real estate deals, Richard Mineards is our man on the society scene and has been for more than 15 years

Greg Bartholomew, Kelly Knight, and George Leis (photo by Isaac Hernandez)

Maddie Benson, Andy Nguyen, and Chloe Stanley (photo by Isaac Hernandez)

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Calendar of Events

by Steven Libowitz

FRIDAY, JUNE 2

David on the Double Dolphin – The Santa Barbara Sailing Center’s Music on the Water Sunset Cruise series returned just last week, with concerts aboard the Double Dolphin set for every Friday evening through October. Roots-rock and soul singer-songwriter David Segall, who has been singing professionally in Santa Barbara since he turned 17, might channel both his mellow vibe and danceable beats to keep the 50-ft cruising catamaran stable as it caresses the swells in the Santa Barbara channel and provides unparalleled views of the sunset, the Santa Barbara coastline and the American Riviera. Wine, beer, champagne, water, sodas and gourmet snacks are available for purchase. Chris Fossek, Justin Claveria, Konrad Kono, and John Lyle are among the other local stalwarts set for the series before it sunsets on October 27.

WHEN: 6:30 pm

THURSDAY, JUNE 1

1st Thursday – Here’s one way to make the most of May Gray moving into June Gloom as the combination of fog, clouds, and marine layer continues to make manifest one of the few drawbacks to south coast living. A foray downtown to the monthly 1st Thursday provides a chance to meaningfully meander between no fewer than 25 venues that stay open late to display artwork, culture, music, and more. Don’t let the fact that the title of Robin Gowen’s 12th solo exhibition over her 27-year partnership with Sullivan Goss (11 E. Anapamu)

– Last Shadow & First Light – reminds us of how rarely we’re even seeing the sun this season. The show covers Gowen’s regular visit to unpeopled places where her paintings serve as meditations on vast expanses of rolling hills dotted with native oak and sycamore trees, full of peaks and valleys, and branches and shadows… The artists represented in Summer Saturation a block away at 10 West Gallery (10 W. Anapamu) similarly explore the depth of color in the natural world, encompassing the immersive effect of art on the human mind, soul, and spirit… The emerging warm weather season is also the focus of the first exhibition at Riviera Beach House (121 State), where the opening of Riviera Summer also represents the debut of the art gallery… Speaking of warm things, channel your inner hippie-hottub happiness for one last visit of Memories of Mountain Drive, the Santa Barbara Historical Museum’s (136 E. de la Guerra) multimedia exploration of Montecito’s erstwhile bohemian community… In perhaps a modern mini version of Mountain Drive, Idyll Mercantile (703 Chapala) hosts Cat Craig, an Ojai-based painter, illustrator, and digital artist whose inspiration comes from “long road trips, hard climbs, classic vinyl, and other indescribable moments”... Palma Colectiva (1221 State, Suite 224) features Tasya van Ree in an evening of art and oracle readings from The Untamed Elemental.... In the pure performance arena, the recently reopened MCASB (Paseo Nuevo Upper Arts Terrace) hosts an evening of California poetry and music featuring the Poets Laureate of Santa Barbara (Melinda Palacio) and California State (Lee Herrick), plus the Ladies Strumming Social Club; Tony Ybarra’s power-packed jazz jam trio returns to the Blue Owl (5 W. Canon Perdido); singer-songwriter Dan Lower provides the tunes at the Yes Store (1100 State); and Jacob Marquez and the Good Vibes Band hold down the 1st Thursday featured spot in the 800 block of State.

WHEN: 5-8 pm

WHERE: Lower State Street and side streets

COST: free

INFO: (805) 962-2098 or www.downtownsb.org/events/1st-thursday

THURSDAY, JUNE 1

Plumbing Presidential Plunders – In White House Plumbers, Woody Harrelson and Justin Theroux star as E. Howard Hunt and G. Gordon Liddy – two members of President Richard Nixon’s secretive team tasked with plugging press leaks and carrying out the administration’s dirty work, including the break-in at Washington D.C.’s Watergate Hotel that led to Nixon’s resignation in 1974. The five-part HBO limited series is a biting political satire executive produced and directed by former Veep showrunner David Mandel White House Plumbers flips the script of the typical Watergate narrative, transforming it from a serious affair to a story of the bizarre and buffoonish characters who helped upend American politics. Following a screening of the first episode at UCSB’s Pollock Theater, Mandel will talk about the art of political storytelling with Carsey-Wolf Center’s Patrice Petro

WHEN: 7 pm

WHERE: Pollock Theater, UCSB campus

COST: free (reservations recommended)

INFO: (805) 893-5903 or www.carseywolf.ucsb.edu/pollock

WHERE: Sailing Center, 302 W Cabrillo Blvd.

COST: $85

INFO: (805) 962-2826 or https://sbsail.com/double-dolphin-public-cruises/ music-on-the-water

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

Scholarship Winners Signal Season’s End – The annual Santa Barbara Music Club Scholarship concerts have mushroomed to two successive Saturdays in order to accommodate appearances by each of the deserving instrumental and vocal music students from Santa Barbara County who have earned support from the organization. The roster of performers for the 2023 class wasn’t available at press time, although we can expect to hear the remarkably talented taking on timeless pieces of classical music in piano, violin, cello, and much more.

WHEN: 3 pm today & June 10

WHERE: First United Methodist Church, 305 East Anapamu (at Garden)

COST: free

INFO: www.sbmusicclub.org

What in ‘TÁR’-nation? – Pollock Theater’s presentation of TÁR isn’t just a free screening of the riveting Todd Field film that, despite being named the year’s best by more critics than any other movie of 2022, failed to win any of its six Oscar nominations. Not only will director Field will join moderator Tyler Morgenstern for a virtual post-screening discussion of the movie; he will also talk about the involvement of Xapiri Ground — a non-profit organization dedicated to grassroots work with the indigenous people of the Amazon rainforest — as well as that of photographer David Díaz Gonzales, who created a key image for the film. To set even more context, some of Díaz’s photography will be exhibited in the lobby of the theater prior to the screening, an extra bonus for the end of the academic season.

WHEN: 2 pm

WHERE: Pollock Theater, UCSB campus

COST: free (reservations recommended)

INFO: (805) 893-5903 or www.carseywolf.ucsb.edu/pollock

Original Oratorio on State Street – Vocal Affinity Choir and Orchestra collaborates with UCSB’s Lumina Choir and Singing Gauchos – conductor David Lozano Torres serves as artistic director of all three – to present Rob Gardner’s oratorio Lamb of God tonight at the city’s most glorious indoor venue, the Granada Theatre. Lamb of God, which Gardner – a former missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – originally wrote and recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra in 2010, is the composer’s take on the Passion story told entirely through music. The dramatic musical portrayal of the

Montecito JOURNAL

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” — Arthur Ashe

Zoo Brew is Back – Animals and Alcohol: an ill-advised mix? Fortunately, we won’t need to find out as the Santa Barbara Zoo’s annual fundraiser reserves the beers for humans, albeit likely animal lovers who are actually all about protecting the Zoo’s inhabitants. Spend a few hours sipping suds on the Zoo’s heavenly hilltop grounds while checking out some wildlife of both animal and human type, as many of the exhibits will be open – the creatures at a healthy remove to discourage any sharing of libations. Homo sapien visitors can taste beer, cider, hard seltzer, and even wine from a whole herd of beverage makers and interact with the local brewers and vintners who crafted them, as more than 30 are expected to be pouring. The Zoo’s selection of pub food and merchandise will be available for sale, or you can enjoy appetizers and animal encounters as well as early entrance with VIP tickets. Either way, everyone can enjoy the Brew-tiful view of the ocean and Montecito in the hilltop haven while helping to provide healthy homes and habitat for the non-human critters.

WHEN: 4-7 pm (VIP entrance 3 pm)

WHERE: Santa Barbara Zoo, 500 Ninos Drive

COST: $75 general, $110 VIP

INFO: (805) 962-5339 or www.sbzoo.org

final days of the life of Jesus is told through the perspective of his contemporaries Peter, John, Thomas, Mary and Martha of Bethany, Mary Magdalene, and Jesus’ Mother, Mary. The work has been produced in places as far-reaching as the Netherlands, Romania, and Buenos Aires, and now makes its Santa Barbara debut for a single performance.

WHEN: 7:30 pm

WHERE: Granada Theatre, 1214 State Street

COST: $10-$30

INFO: (805) 899-2222 or www.granadasb.org

TUESDAY, JUNE 6

Maritime Migrates to Airport –Well-launched by his education at the renowned Brooks Institute of Photography, Bob Evans spent the years 1974-1981 aboard a 35-ft research vessel, happily exhausting nearly every photographic opportunity offered by his beloved California Channel Islands. When his partner Andrew J. McMullen suggested taking a look at the offshore oil platforms dotting the sea, Evans eagerly pivoted. Given carte blanche access to the area, the photographer ended up spending the next seven years documenting the “massive jungle gyms blanketed with marine life and schooling fish,” logging some 850 dives photo-documenting life below the surface. Today, Evans’ collection includes thousands of 35mm Ektachrome and Kodachrome slides and 7,000 feet of 8mm and 16mm film. Twenty-six of those images were exhibited at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum back in 2017-18. Now a smaller remounting of Marine Megatropolis 1974-1981 has been installed in the main lobby at the Santa Barbara Airport, and features 16 breathtaking full-color images just beyond the main entrance to the terminal. The exhibit represents the spirit of community-building between the Maritime Museum and the airport, while providing a uniquely striking visual experience to visitors from all over the world. The collaboration also serves to remind locals of the incredible beauty and bounty beneath the sea only a few miles from shore. Today’s official opening reception will feature Evans, SBMM Executive Director Greg Gorga, airport officials, and city dignitaries.

WHEN: Reception 4:30-5:30 pm today, exhibit runs through December 31

WHERE: Santa Barbara Airport, 500 James Fowler Rd.

COST: free

INFO: (805) 962-8404 or www.sbmm.org

ESTATE/SENIOR SERVICES

MOVING MISS DAISY

PHYSICAL TRAINING & THERAPY

Stillwell Fitness of Santa Barbara

In Home Personal Training Sessions for 65+

Help with: Strength, Flexibility, Balance, Motivation, and Consistency

John Stillwell, CPT, Specialist in Senior Fitness 805-705-2014 StillwellFitness.com

REVERSE MORTGAGES

ATTENTION SENIORS!!!

• Access the equity in your home today

• No monthly mortgage payments

• You retain title to your home

• Contact me for more information

• All inquiries are strictly confidential Gayle Nagy

805-448-9224

Gayle@dmfsb.com

ITEMS FOR SALE

For sale!! Priceless Lao tzu 7’x4’ Brian805smith@gmail.com

Full Service SAFE Senior Relocation and Estate Liquidation Services Including: Packing and Unpacking, Estate Sales, Online Auctions and our own Consignment Shop! We are Licensed, Bonded, Liability Insured, Workers Comped, Certified by The National Assoc Of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) and The American Society of Estate Liquidators (ASEL).

Glenn Novack, Owner. 805-770-7715 info@movingmissdaisy.com MovingMissDaisy.com Consignments@MovingMissDaisy.hibid.com

TRESOR

We Buy, Sell and Broker Important Estate Jewelry. Located in the upper village of Montecito. Graduate Gemologists with 30 years of experience. We do free evaluations and private consultation.

1470 East Valley Rd Suite V. 805 969-0888

POSITION WANTED

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Organize receipts for taxes, pay bills, write checks, reservations, scheduling. Confidential. Semi-retired professional. Excellent references. Sandra (805) 636-3089

Trusted, Experienced Caregiver, CA State registered and background checked. Vaccinated. Loving and caring provides transportation, medications, etc. Lina 650-281-6492

CAREGIVERS NEEDED - PROVIDE ONE ON ONE CARE TO SENIOR IN THE COMFORT OF HER HOME WHILE ASSISTING WITH DAILY LIVING ACTIVITIES.

Requirements – A kind, patient, caring heart & driver.

Pay: $25-30 per hr & 5 days a Week

Email me at (andyctrangegrading@gmail. com) for more details about the job.

Dedicated and dependable home and pet sitting services available long or short term. Currently residing in Santa Barbara PLEASE CALL OR TEXT 562-725-6217 EMAIL estmgr@outlook.com

Experienced personal assistant with over 10 years in a private and professional capacity. Self managing personality, keen eye for detail, passionate about serving and assisting people. Good troubleshooting and adept in managing personal and administrative duties as well as home services. Twenty years in the pet care world. Owned and operated my own pet care business in Marin county. Mature female. In a committed relationship. Vaccinated, Valid DL and passport. Have my own health insurance. Free to travel.

GOT OSTEOPOROSIS? WE CAN HELP

At OsteoStrong our proven non-drug protocol takes just ten minutes once a week to improve your bone density and aid in more energy, strength, balance and agility. Please call for a complimentary session! Call Now (805) 453-6086

CONSULTING / RETREATS

NEW LIVE VIRTUAL DOLPHIN RETREATS! Special 6 Weeks Online Course Lead By Animal Talker & Explorer, Dove Joans Wake Up Joy + 3 Brains + Reduce Stress www.dolphingirl.org/ 805-637-8086

PERSONAL SERVICE

Tell Your Story

How did you get to be where you are today? What were your challenges? What is your Love Story? I can help you tell your story in an unforgettable way – with a book that will live on for many generations. The books I write are as thorough and entertaining as acclaimed biographies you’ve read. I also assist with books you write –planning, editing and publishing.

David Wilk Great references.

(805) 455-5980

www.BiographyDavidWilk.com

TUTORING SERVICE

Need help with your homework? Having trouble in Computer Science, Spanish or Math? Math (Elementary school to College Algebra), Spanish conversation. Software consultant since 2000 for Truven Health Analytics, an IBM company in Santa Barbara, CA. Proud parent of graduate students of Laguna Blanca, CATE School, Stanford University.

Jesús Álvarez | 805-453-5516

mytutor29@hotmail.com

NMLS # 251258 / Company NMLS # 12007

Direct Mortgage Funding

Santa Barbara

Equal Housing Lender

Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lending

HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS

Are you enrolled in the right Health Insurance Plan? When it comes to Medicare-related plans, one size does not fit all. I’m here to help you find a health insurance plan that fits your needs and budget. Call me for a free needs assessment at 818.802.2557. email: marcelloinlax@gmail.com. Marcello Ibanez. Licensed Health Insurance Agent. NPN # 18295646.CA Lic. # 0L51847.

AVAILABLE FOR RENT

Montecito, Santa Barbara, Ca

Furnished home for rent $30,000.00 per mo. with a 5yr. lease, 4bd+4ba, nanny quarters, & guest hse + pool Bob 310-472-0870

Luxury Montecito Oceanview condo. 2 bedroom 2.5 bath Bonnymede walking distance to Butterfly Beach, The Biltmore, Coral Casino, Rosewood Miramar Beach and all the shops, dining amenities that Coast Village Road has to offer. Pool, spa, tennis court. Short/Long Term Lease. Text 805-276-9292

Furnished $10,500 Monthly.

Montecito Oceanview Furnished Apartment. Walking distance Rosewood. 2 bedroom + 2 bath furnished. Short/Long Lease considered. $7,500 includes utilities & parking. Text (805)276-9292

REAL ESTATE WANTED TO BUY

Local Fixer Upper Wanted!! Priv. Pty. wants rough single home or up to 4 units NOW! via lease @ option or seller will finan. Great credit! No Agents 805-455-1420

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Architectural Design & Planning

Residential & Commercial

21 Years 805.641.3531

Complimentary Consultation

$10 MINIMUM TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD

It’s Simple. Charge is $3 per line, each line with 31 characters. Minimum is $10 per issue. Photo/logo/visual is an additional $20 per issue. Email Classified Ad to frontdesk@montecitojournal.net or call (805) 565-1860. All ads must be finalized by Friday at 2:00PM the week prior to printing. We accept Visa/MasterCard/Amex (3% surcharge)

Desk for sale 75”x30”x30”h gray wash “Livingston” desk from Pottery Barn Excellent condition, like new $1500.00 (650)743-5919 please leave message w/ number

FINE ART SALE

Paintings by Santa Barbara artists from an important Montecito estate offered privately for sale. Hank Pitcher; Howard Warshaw, Joan Tanner, Marge Dunlap, etc. Serious inquiries only.

www.auctionliaison.com; Call or text Leslie Westbrook (805) 565-3726

BURIAL PLOT FOR SALE

Santa Barbara Cemetery-3 Plots! Rare opportunity to purchase Interment Rights for up to 3 side-by-side grave sites in the Vista De La Cumbre Block A; plots 241, 242, and/or 243. Beautiful area overlooking the Montecito Club. $15,000/plot; price negotiable. Remaining plots at cemetery are selling for $40,000 each! Transfer fee of $500/plot to be paid by new owner. The 1979 Certificate of Ownership allows for private transfer of rights through the cemetery. Contact Shirley at JTSTNH@myfairpoint.net

AUTOMOBILES WANTED

We buy Classic Cars Running or not. Foreign/Domestic, Porsche/Mercedes Etc. We come to you.

Call Steven - 805-699-0684

Website - Avantiauto.group

KNIFE SHARPENING SERVICES

EDC Mobile Sharpening is a locally owned and operated in Santa Barbara. We specialize in (No-Entry) House Calls, Businesses and Special Events. Call 805-696-0525 to schedule an appointment.

TILE RESTORATION

Local tile setter of 35 years is now doing small jobs only. Services include grout cleaning and repair, caulking, sealing, replacing damaged tiles and basic plumbing needs.

Call Doug Watts at 805-729-3211 for a free estimate.

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© 2023 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. 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.

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR TODAY at bhhscalifornia.com

Nancy Kogevinas, 805.450.6233

01209514

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999 ROMERO CANYON RD, MONTECITO 5BD/6½BA • $17,450,000 Cristal Clarke, 805.886.9378 LIC# 00968247

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LIC#

1190 DULZURA DR, SANTA BARBARA 5BD/4BA; ±0.91 acre • $4,950,000 Josiah Hamilton, 805.284.8835 LIC# 01415235

1439 IRVINE LN, SANTA BARBARA 4BD/6½BA • $11,250,000 Cristal Clarke, 805.886.9378 LIC# 00968247

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8 CEDAR LN, SANTA BARBARA 3BD/2BA • $2,350,000 Anderson / Hurst / B. Ashley, 805.618.8747 LIC# 01903215 / 00826530 / 01027187

645+675 OLIVE RD, MONTECITO 6BD/9BA • $14,990,000 Nancy Kogevinas, 805.450.6233 LIC# 01209514

1138 HILL RD, SANTA BARBARA 4BD/4BA • $8,500,000 Daniel Encell / Bill Gough, 805.565.4896 / 805.455.3030 LIC# 00976141 / 01047947

2025 CREEKSIDE RD, SANTA BARBARA ±2.49 acres • $3,450,000 Jill Nelsen / Nancy Kogevinas, 805.453.2848 LIC# 02050427 / 01209514