Project State Street

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STATE STREET SCRIBE P.6 • MAN ABOUT TOWN P.19 • SYV SNAPSHOT P.30

PRO•JECT STATE STREET AS THE CITY CONTINUES TO SEARCH FOR ANSWERS TO DOWNTOWN’S STRUGGLING RETAIL ECONOMY, A COMMUNITY OF CREATIVE MINDS IS WORKING TO TRANSFORM THE AREA INTO AN INTERACTIVE ART DESTINATION, AND ULTIMATELY, MAKE SANTA BARBARA A PLACE FOR ART. (STORY BEGINS ON PAGE 5)

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Home For The Holidays!

Coast 2 Coast Collection Holiday Gifts ~ Luxury Dinnerware ~ Unique Jewelry ~ Wedding Registry La Arcada Courtyard ~ 1114 State Street, Suite 10 ~ Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 845-7888 Holiday Hours ~ Monday: 11am - 5pm / Tues-Sat: 11am - 6pm / Sunday: Noon - 5pm www.Coast2CoastCollection.com

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S a n ta B a r b a r a Av i at i on

Content

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ASPEN MAMMOTH SUN VALLEY TAHOE

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S tate Street Scribe – Given that your cosmic interdimensional heartlight can be extinguished by a miswired toaster, aspirated cocktail onion, or sinkhole, Jeff Wing suggests a spiritual program of self-deprecation Made in SB – Megan Waldrep highlights Dylan Star’s unique approach to selling clothes and accessories: hosting a guy’s night, complete with beer and whiskey – and wish lists from wives and girlfriends

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PARK CITY

C reative Characters – After a successful Experiment Weekend, a group of artists and city officials have some exciting plans to transform lower State Street into a destination for interactive art

P R I VAT E J E T C H A R T E R FOR BUSINESS OR PLEASURE

Beer Guy – A timely guide to holiday beer books, complete with ideal beer pairings for each read

The Fortnight – Forever Plaid at the Rubicon, a Celtic Christmas at the Marjorie Luke Theatre, plus Irish hoofing, Celtic choir music, and more

S a n ta Ba r b a r a Av i at i on . c o m 805.967.9000 B A S E D I N S A N TA B A R B A R A S I N C E 1 9 9 9

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Bud Guy – Our roving correspondent tours a pair of Santa Barbara County’s cutting-edge cannabis farms to witness the evolution of weed from plant to packaged product

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What’s Hanging – Ted Mills highlights the best art happenings to help avoid apocalyptic thoughts as we ring out the end of the decade

Man About Town – Software engineer and fireworks enthusiast Mark Bessey joins psychology professor and therapist Jonathan Young for Personal Tales Holiday Memories at Center Stage

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On Art – After four decades honing his skills, John LaPointe of LaPointe Pottery takes his Arts & Crafts revival style pottery to the Yes Store in Paseo Nuevo Mall

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Plan B – From bare midriffs and invisible shorts to Snapchat, Briana Westmacott’s holiday wish list has some unusual requests for Santa Claus

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I Heart SB – After experiencing a string of seemingly random slights, Elizabeth Rose wonders if there’s a pattern and asks whatever happened to simple, old-fashioned manners

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Santa Ynez Valley Snapshot – Solvang Julefest, Skål Wine, and Stein Stroll are among the activities you won’t want to miss; meanwhile Santa Ynez welcomes a new hot yoga studio

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CREATIVE CHARACTERS A PLACE FOR ART: A GLIMPSE AT A POSSIBLE FUTURE, AND SOLUTION, TO STATE STREET

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he splendor of Santa Barbara is expressed by more than just the beauty of its landscape. The historical

by Zach Rosen

buildings and downtown area define the local community while drawing in tourism on an international scale that

helps support our local economy and make Santa Barbara a city celebrated worldwide.

However, the city is facing many of the same challenges that are affecting traditional brick-and-mortar establishments in downtown spaces around the country. With notable vacancies along State Street, many in our community are searching for

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solutions to revitalize our public spaces. As traditional retailers continue to struggle in the internet age, cities around the world are redefining how they use the public and empty spaces in their town, with many turning to artists for solutions.

Computers and emerging technologies are creating new mediums for art. Projectors can be digitally mapped to the surface of a building, following the architecture of the structure while transforming its entire appearance without even touching the building. Sensors and microcontrollers are allowing artists to craft art pieces that interact directly with the viewer, responding to the person’s behavior to create an impact that personally speaks to the individual.

These immersive art pieces are interactive and can be designed to play with a single person or an entire crowd.

They can be a temporary installation, creating a full environment for only a moment, or become permanent structures that continue to serve their community. While they may differ from traditional public art mediums like sculpture, these immersive art installations are dynamic and effective, ...continued p.15

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STATE STREET SCRIBE

by Jeff Wing

Jeff is a journalist, raconteur, autodidact, and polysyllable enthusiast. A long-time resident of SB, he takes great delight in chronicling the lesser known facets of this gaudy jewel by the sea. Jeff can be reached at jeffwingg@gmail.com.

December Song (A Healthy Search for Sanctity)

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n the evening of November 25 I stood in our condo complex driveway and stared like a CroMagnon dimwit at the fire sweeping the nearby mountains. I live near enough to the foothills in Santa Barbara that the quickly spreading conflagration looked from my vantage like a dazzling and not terribly convincing special effect.

In the upper reaches, near the peaks, I could see twisting towers of flame that had to be hundreds of feet high, like the articulated dervishes of fire that gyrate along the surface of the sun.

A small crowd was gathered there in the driveway, watching avidly but without visible panic – Pompeiians lackadaisically regarding the umpteenth nuisance-eruption of Vesuvius. But this conflagration was a particular affront – it was as if the fire didn’t know what

fast in a bewildering tabletop reliquary.

News reporters in Bethlehem were keen to get the locals on record, one of whom – 32-year-old Sandy Shahin Hijazeen – spoke frankly of being let down. “It’s a small piece. We thought it would be a bigger piece,” she complained.

SACRÉ BLEU Our earthly intuitions about sanctity can only disappoint, ultimately.

We misapprehend the true and undiminished gravity of daily living by taking a glamorized long view, our hopes pinned to the numinous. Magic infants, many-armed blue people with elephant snouts, that fat smiling guy in the Sumo thong – this nutty cohort is telling us something important, and we mistakenly think it’s in code. Yes, there is likely some spark-throwing

This is not a realm of zero-sum amazement. Immerse yourself in the “o’erhanging firmament, this majestical roof fretted with golden fire” while enjoying a lukewarm chili dog

month it was, and what convivial joy and peace and mistletoe mischief could be ours if we just weren’t obliterated in an annihilating spasm of flame. At one point a woman appeared out of the firelit shadows to stand beside me and coo with teary alarm. “It’ll be okay,” I murmured, like someone in a lazily written movie.

In other news, a report on the radio today described a relic being returned to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, amid much ecumenical fanfare.

The little chunk of wood, said to be a sliver of Christ’s cradle from the Bethlehem manger where He was born, was returning home after a thousandyear residence in the well-meaning but architecturally mismatched Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, in Rome.

It seems St. Sophronius, 7th century Patriarch of Jerusalem, had gifted the whole of Christ’s cradle to Pope Theodore I in that day. What Rome returned to Bethlehem a millennium later was not the entire cradle – which at the 11th hour was deemed too fragile to transport – but a tiny, lavishly ensconced sliver of sacred wood, held

dynamo at the swirling, anthropic, Technicolor center of All This® – but whatever swaggering space siren strung those amino acids into that impossibly energizing sequence billions of years ago, She surely doesn’t endorse the garden rake levering up to smash our foolish teeth as we stroll through the garden, eyes lifted in vacant praise. This is not a realm of zero-sum amazement.

Immerse yourself in the “o’erhanging firmament, this majestical roof fretted with golden fire” while enjoying a lukewarm chili dog. I’m telling you, that is a chakra-shuffling double header you can take to the bank. Lower your eyes in praise and get in on some of the magic down here on the ground. I mean, look around you. A cloud of gnats dancing by firelight, Elon Musk’s “pickup truck”… there is wonder.

SANCTIHARMONIOUS Is life sacred? Um... maybe. Those who defend its jurisdictional sanctity on the one hand while packing heat with the other have divined a Confucian peace we can but envy from afar. And anyway, we’re not compelled by the

MADEINSB

A BFF SHOPPING EXPERIENCE WITH DYLAN STAR

by Megan Waldrep

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ou just agreed to a lastminute date, but you can’t leave of the office in time to go home and change. No worries. Erica Brown has you covered. Located under the same roof as Salon U, Brown’s slice of retail therapy, Dylan Star, has everything you need to change from boss to babe in minutes flat.

The former hairdresser of ten years always wanted to be a buyer, but without formal training, the dream seemed farfetched. That is, until she opened her own shop. Shoes and accessories plus a combination of new separates and styles are available to create an ensemble to fit your personality. “I’ve always felt that when you put an outfit on or you take a little extra time for what you’re wearing it can increase your joy, an interview, or how you feel Erica Brown, owner of Dylan Star, just celebrated her one-year retail anniversary in September about yourself.”

She has the guys in mind, too. On Thursday, December 19th from 6 pm to 8:30 pm, Dylan Star is hosting a “guys night” with beer, whiskey, and wish lists from girlfriends, daughters, mothers, or grandmothers on hand. All week, women can drop by and register their favorite pieces and, once beers are opened and whiskey poured, the gentlemen will have a list of names, sizes, prices, and description of the desired items to purchase with ease. As a bonus, Erica’s husband will be in attendance to help the bros if needed.

A third generation Santa Barbaran, Erica’s main goal is to empower people to get outside of the box to try something new. “Women deserve to feel good about themselves and for so long, we’ve been taught that size matters,” she argues. “I don’t think it should be like that. You wear something that fits, that makes you feel good, and it improves everything.”

Dylan Star is located at 1719 State Street, Santa Barbara (805) 452-4061.

Open Tuesday through Friday 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday 10 am to 5 pm.

Instagram @dylanstar.sb. www.dylanstar.com. empirical evidence of Life’s sacred status. As a matter of record, your cosmic interdimensional heartlight can be extinguished by a miswired toaster, aspirated cocktail onion, or sinkhole. A startled pet dog of the proper size and temperament will snatch away your inner radiance and fling it over the River Styx like a mauled Frisbee™. Okay? If we are sanctified Beings of Light in this universe, how are the ordinary lunkheads faring? One shudders to think.

But yeah – another December. People haul trees into their homes, carolers in rented Victoriana sing and wave hangover-tormenting holiday bells with hellish abandon, and soot-covered Dick Van Dyke-types jitterbug alarmingly across the rooftops. If this be the month

you venerate the Unknowable, please remember to tip the Knowable while you’re at it. No, Life is not sacred – but people are ringingly so. When that frightened little parabola of heat timidly leaps between us, one to another, the Newtonian machinery is minutely affected. This can’t help but be true.

Sometime this December, look across the room at someone else. That’s all.

When they look back at you, no matter the intent or expression, the majestical roof will be fretted with golden fire like nobody’s business. Isn’t that what we all want? For where two or three are gathered and exchanging wordless glances and arched eyebrows, sanctity is with thee – and it is of your making.

Believe.

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AAA Travel Expo!

Sun. Jan. 5th, 2020 11 am - 1:30 pm Where Are You Traveling In 2020?

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The Automobile Club of Southern California acts as an agent for the various travel providers featured at the show and is a motor club with a principal place of business at 3333 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. CTR #1016202-80. Copyright © 2019-2020 Automobile Club of Southern California. All Rights Reserved.

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by Zach Rosen

Find obscure beer tidbits and historic images in the reprint of this 1889 book, The Curiosities of Ale and Beer

Enjoy a Beer and Book this Winter Sierra Nevada Celebration

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ith winter finally upon us, the days are getting both shorter and colder. This potent combination causes us to stay indoors watching movies or reading a book.

Even in the mild winter climate of Santa Barbara, the weather demands warm blankets or a nice fire on the hearth.

Naturally, holiday-themed beers make a perfect fit for cold weather reading.

Winter Warmers are not as popular as they once were. These strong, often spiced, beers have been drowned out, like so many other styles, by the waves of IPAs filling craft beer lists these days.

There are still a few winter classics being produced and these rich, warming beers make for the perfect accompaniment to a long read on a slumbery winter day.

LOOKING BACK AT BEER Books like The Oxford Companion to Beer and Randy Mosher’s classic Tasting Beer: An Insider’s Guide to the World’s Greatest Drink remain staples of any beer book collection. But for the beer geek who has every book, try A History of Beer and Brewing by Ian S. Hornsey. This 700-plus page tome will provide more historical details than any beer geek can remember. With chapters like “From the Norman Conquest to the End of the Tudors,” this book goes into exhaustive detail of grain-based beverages through the entire history of the world. It begins with the origins of beer, by looking at the beer culture and industry around Egypt and Mesopotamia. It then moves through the history of different ancient sites like Thrace before focusing on the British Isles and the evolution of

Zach Rosen is a Certified Cicerone® and beer educator living in Santa Barbara. He uses his background in chemical engineering and the arts to seek out abstract expressions of beer and discover how beer pairs with life.

ale. The book finishes with the rise of lager and the industrialization of the brewing industry that occurred during the past few hundred years. Sure, new archaeological sites and historical sources have been discovered, but still this book remains as one of the most complete and well researched books on the subject of beer history. It is perfect for any “beerdoe” who wants to have a good overall understanding of the entire history of beer.

For a real glimpse into history, there are actually several reprints of historical beer texts. Two in particular stand out and are often referenced by beer historians. Origin and History of Beer and Brewing by John P. Arnold was originally published in 1911. This covers a similar range of topics as Hornsey’s text (which was published in 2004) and it is interesting to compare the two. At around 400 pages, Arnold’s book is not as thorough but offers an interesting viewpoint since it is 100 years old.

A personal favorite is The Curiosities of Ale and Beer: An Entertaining History

by John Bickerdyke. This book was originally printed in London in 1889 and provides a unique look into English beer and ale culture. The history portion of the book focuses more on the origin and evolution of ale into beer. At the time of publishing, the distinction between the two was made between whether the brew had hops (beer) or did not have hops (ale), often using a variety of herbs or botanicals instead. The emphasis on hops came from mainland Europe and England was hesitant to adopt the practice, so

this book offers a unique perspective of a time when these changes had taken place, but the sentiments could still be remembered. The illustrations are spectacular and have been re-used in modern beer graphics for key topics like alewives countless times. This book goes beyond history though and covers a range of entertaining topics like ancient drinking customs or old bar ballads.

Try both of these historical reads alongside Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale. Originally brewed in 1981, this beer celebrates the fall hop harvest each

Publisher/Editor • Tim Buckley Design/Production • Trent Watanabe Editor-at-large • Lily Buckley Harbin

Columnists Man About Town • Mark Léisuré Plan B • Briana Westmacott | Food File • Christina Enoch On Art • Margaret Landreau | The Weekly Capitalist • Jeff Harding The Beer Guy • Zach Rosen | E's Note • Elliana Westmacott SYV Snapshot • Eva Van Prooyen | What’s Hanging • Ted Mills I Heart SB • Elizabeth Rose | Fortnight • Steven Libowitz State Street Scribe • Jeff Wing | Holistic Deliberation • Allison Antoinette Made in SB • Chantal Peterson | Behind The Vine • Hana-Lee Sedgwick

Advertising / Sales Tanis Nelson • 805.689.0304 • tanis@santabarbarasentinel.com Sue Brooks • 805.455.9116 • sue@santabarbarasentinel.com Judson Bardwell • 619.379.1506 • judson@santabarbarasentinel.com Published by SB Sentinel, LLC PRINTED BY NPCP INC., SANTA BARBARA, CA Santa Barbara Sentinel is compiled every other Friday 133 EAST DE LA GUERRA STREET, #182, Santa Barbara 93101 How to reach us: 805.845.1673 • E-MAIL: tim@santabarbarasentinel.com

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year with a freshly hopped, coppercolored IPA. The beer has a gripping hop bitterness and a decent dose of alcohol.

Smooth caramel malts and an aroma of mulled oranges and holiday wreaths give the beer a soothing freshness that can sustain these detailed reads.

A MORE GRAPHIC LOOK AT BEER Reading hundreds of pages of historical data is not always the most gripping experience. Sometimes you just want to look at fun pictures. The Comic Book Story of Beer: The World’s Favorite Beverage from 7000 BC to Today’s Craft Brewing Revolution by Jonathan Hennessey, Mike Smith, and Aaron McConnell is a good way to start. Through vibrant illustrations and whimsical storytelling, this graphic novel paints a pretty picture of the story of beer. Another good visual book is the National Geographic Atlas of Beer: A Globe-Trotting Journey Through the World of Beer by Nancy Hoalst-Pullen and Mark W. Patterson. This wellrounded journey through beer gives glimpses of different regions with facts and interesting snippets dotted throughout the book. Informative illustrations surround engaging text and the meaningful photographs National

Winter time is perfect for reading about and drinking beer

Geographic is known for.

Try either of these books alongside Delirium Noël for a bubbly experience.

This strong winter brew is a special holiday edition from the classic Delirium Tremens line by Brouwerij Huyghe. The eccentric label features their iconic pink elephants driving Santa’s sleigh. It has a deep auburn

color with a spiced caramel flavor and effervescent body. The Belgian yeast adds an apple pie and cherry filling fruitiness that accents the spices and gives the beer a joyful aroma. At 10% ABV, this beer can keep up with the silly illustrations of the comic book or encourage wonder when reading National Geographic’s beer atlas.

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GIVE HOMEBREWED BEER THIS YEAR Many homebrewers receive their first homebrew kit as a holiday gift. Homebrew makes great holiday gifts, and whether it is an experienced homebrewer or a fledgling beer geek, homebrew equipment and beer kits or ingredients always make a good holiday gift or simple stocking stuffer.

BYOB! Brew Your Own Beverage on upper State Street has shoppers covered with a range of homebrew items and holiday specials. If someone has been extra good this year, treat them to the Grainfather All Grain Brewing System.

This holiday season BYOB is offering up to $200 off the complete set. They are also featuring a 50% off select hops sale that will continue through the holidays. If you are looking to expand your know-how, they are offering a 2-for-1 deal on their brew workshops as well. If you cannot make it to their shop on upper State Street, they are promoting their new online store with 20% off for first time orders of over $50. Just enter NEWBREW at checkout to receive the discount. The website shows a live inventory and allows for local free pickup or delivery so you can shop local while skipping lines and taking advantage of the convenience of online shopping.

Visit Byobsb.com to see their new onlineaz store.

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theFortnight DECEMBER | 2019

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by Steven Libowitz

I’ll be ‘Plaid’ for Christmas

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hirty years ago, Forever Plaid became a never-ending regional hit after a winning run as an off-Broadway musical about the members of a ‘60s quartet whose close-harmony singing – think The Four Aces, The Four Freshmen – had them bound for stardom, except for the fact that the clean-cut high school lads died in 1964 after crashing into a bus full of Catholic schoolgirls on their way to see the Beatles’ American debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. The original musical’s concept is that, once in a while, the powers-that-be allow the young men to return to earth to perform the concert they never got to play. Great old songs are delivered, wildly out of date costumes are worn, corny jokes are told, and the audience laps it up.

But for many years, creator Stuart Ross resisted offers to come up with a holiday sequel, believing that sequels were for tent-pole movies. But after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Pasadena Playhouse asked him to create a holiday edition of Forever Plaid to replace a play they canceled due to its political content. Ross relented, embracing, in his words, “the opportunity to lift all of our spirits with a little cozy holiday joy.”

Plaid Tidings has now become a perennial Christmastime favorite around the country, and Ross himself is bringing a new production to Rubicon Theatre Company in Ventura. The “heavenly holiday hit” (sorry, it’s in the press release) tells the story of the lovable, nerdy “guy group” returning one more time to the planet to deliver a special holiday concert, albeit decades later. So even before the actors start singing favorites such as “Cool Yule,” “Let it Snow,” and “Joy to the World,” they preempt the crowd’s murmuring about their maturity by looking around the theater and telling the audience that they look older.

At least that’s what happened in New York back in 2015. Ross is updating the show for each production he helms, so there will likely be some timely and topical changes, although we’re told the fun includes a speed-date version of The Ed Sullivan Show featuring the Rockettes, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and The Vienna Boys Choir, and more memorable hits from the era, like “ShBoom,” “Fever,” and “Hey There.”

The quartet in the cast – Sean

Bell, Adolpho Blaire, Joshua David Cavanaugh, and Zachary Edwards – are all making their Rubicon Theatre debuts. So, at the very least, there are some new faces to enjoy, although all the reviews from elsewhere have been very upbeat.

Rubicon’s production runs Wednesdays through Sundays December 11-29 at its theater at 1006 East Main Street in Ventura. Visit www.rubicontheatre.org or call 805-667-2900.

Celtic Christmas

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lso touring through town for the 2019 holiday season are the “World’s Most Recorded Piper” Eric Rigler, whose playing was all over the soundtracks of Titanic, Outlander, and Braveheart, and multi-talented musician/producer Dirk Freymuth, a member of The Baroque Orchestra of Ireland. The pair team-up to create a soundscape of Celtic holiday cheer, featuring traditional Celtic music, themes from Rigler’s soundtracks, and songs of the Christmas tradition from the British Isles. Joining them at the Marjorie Luke Theatre on Wednesday, December 11, are Nuala Kennedy (Celtic Connections, Oirialla) on vocals and flute and Stephanie Bennett (Adele, Paul McCartney, Outlander) on Celtic harp. Info at (612) 670-1304 or https://luketheatre.org/event/celticchristmas.

Hoofing it for an Irish Christmas

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iverdance principal Caterina Coyne, World Champion dancer Tyler Schwartz, and Connor Reider (principal dancer Celtic Wings, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, The Chieftains) are joined by members of the Kerry Dance Troupe, The Kerry Voice Squad, and the Kerry Traditional Orchestra – helmed by percussionist Mark Alfred, Musical Director Riverdance/Heartbeat of Home – for a journey through Christmas in Ireland full of dancing, singing and Irish traditional music. Of course, we’ll also hear such Christmas carols as “Silent Night,” “Twelve Days of Christmas,” and “Carol of the Bells” in a Sunday, December 8, event at the Lobero meant to showcase Ireland at its seasonal best. Info at (805) 9630761 or www.lobero.com.

Tell us all about your art opening, performance, dance party, book signing, sale of something we can’t live without, or event of any other kind by emailing fortnight@santabarbarasentinel.com. If our readers can go to it, look at it, eat it, or buy it, we want to know about it and will consider it for inclusion here.

Special consideration will be given to interesting, exploratory, unfamiliar, and unusual items. We give calendar preference to those who take the time to submit a picture along with their listing.

Luminaries Light up the Season

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uire of Voyces, the astonishingly good ensemble Nathan Kreitzer founded in 1993 to explore sacred a cappella choral music of the Renaissance and the modern age, heads to its home base of St. Anthony’s Chapel at the Garden Street Academy to present “A Baltic Christmas” December 21-22. The 25-singer choir, still led by Kreitzer, will be singing beautiful a cappella works from the unique area of the world in the unparalleled acoustics of the chapel prior to its upcoming Baltic Tour next summer with visits to Helsinki and Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, all countries known for their long traditions of choral singing. Call 805-965-5935 or visit http://quireofvoyces.org.

Santa Barbara pianist Bryan Tari is gathering up some friends for a special “Christmas and Classics” variety show for the family on December 23 at the Lobero. The piano man and composer will play Christmas favorites and classic and popular showpieces, amply aided by the still-teenage SB Piano Boys, soloist and emcee Doug Giordani, 2018 Teen Star finalist McKenna Gemberling, singer-songwriters Carlyle Rose and her grandfather Rolland Jacks with his two original Christmas songs, and, we’re told, Santa on drums (hey, your guess is as good as mine, but I’m wondering if the old man’s beard wouldn’t get tangled up in the hi hat). Details and tickets at (805) 963-0761 or www.lobero.com.

Get the Nack: Antlers Away

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here was some thought that Brad Nack might bring his annual 100% Reindeer Art Show to a close last year, which marked two decades of the Santa Barbara legacy artist creating, exhibiting, and selling several dozen original, framed oil paintings of reindeer to friends,

family, and lovers of whimsical art every December. The brightly colored, multilayered expressionist mini masterpieces (as in often as small as 4” x 6”) come from Nack’s imaginative vision of the critters as commentary on contemporary times as well as his own mood. The unveiling party blends art show with a Christmas party, as guests rush to put red stickers on a favorite item before turning back to proffer hugs. Now comes the news that this year’s show features both an expansion and a contraction.

There are two local unveilings – Friday, December 6, at the Good Bar in Goleta, and next Saturday, December 14, at his usual stomping grounds of Restaurant Roy, where Nack still sometimes serves as a waiter. Each show features its own slate of rambunctious, raunchy, or reticent reindeer. But then, we’re told, it’s over.

These are the final entries in the 21-year tradition as the tiny ‘deer are giving way to the massive mural on an outer wall at MichaelKate Interiors in the Funk Zone, where Nack also exhibits some of his larger work amid the contemporary tasteful furniture. Or so we’re told.

“I’m taking at least a year off,” the artist explained during November’s Funk Zone Art Walk after the mural was unveiled.

But who knows when the critters will come calling, and Nack will find himself back in the saddle again?

It’s Beginning to Sound a lot like Christmas

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f course, there are still the usual suspects that show up for season year in and year out. That includes the Alcazar’s A Christmas Carol featuring local Carpinteria players, slated for December 12-15, although we’re told it’s the last year that Asa Olsson will be directing and producing; Shawn Thies’ annual Christmas Concert at Unity of Santa Barbara, featuring a who’s who of Santa Barbara studio-session-touring wizards; and the Ugly Sweater Party at SOhO, this time around boasting ‘80s tunes from The Molly Ringwald Project and DJ Darla Bea, both on December 13. Finally the Santa Barbara Choral Society 7th annual Hallelujah Project featuring its trademark blend of holiday classics and seasonal favorites takes place on December 14-15 at the Lobero, and of course, the cast of the dueling ‘Crackers, although Festival Ballet stages its massive mounting of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker featuring stars from New York at the Arlington on December 1415, a week before State Street Ballet offers its take in collaboration with Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra, the students of Gustafson Dance, and the Matilija Junior Chamber Choir on December 21-22 across the street at The Granada.

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DECEMBER | 2019 |

Gaviota Coast Conservancy Thanks Santa Barbara!

You made Coastal Legacy 2019 a Huge Success

Your support and participation brought Gaviota Coast Conservancy to the forefront of environmental issues, and resolutions, here on the coast.

As we move forward in 2020, we deeply thank Jack and Laura Dangermond and Michael Bell, Director of the Dangermond Preserve, The Nature Conservancy, our Sponsors, Donors and Partners, Volunteers, Media Outlets, Special Guests and all of you who choose to attend, for making this possible.

Yours for the Coast, Joyce Macias, Event Coordinator & Doug Kern, Executive Director

Special Thanks:

The Sentinel

Kuya'mu Park Association

McFadden & McFadden PR – Outstanding dedication and hard work by “Mo”!

Montecito Journal

Law Office of Marc Chytilo

Noozhawk.com

Montecito Bank & Trust

California 101 Guide

Naples Ranch

KZSB AM

Nic Guddal

Daniella Manini, Legacy Guest Artist

Voice Magazine

Patricia Van Every

Sierra Club

Richard and Nina Hunt

Music Academy of the West

KEYT/KKFX

Riviera Towel Co.

Season’s Catering

LifeBitesNews.com

Oreana Winery

BeatlesRadioShow.com

Santa Barbara Audubon Society

Sponsors, Donors and Partners:

SeaVees

Monique Martinez, Graphic Design

MSpecial Brewing Ventura Rentals Coast Carts Jack Johnson John Densmore, The Doors Michael McDonald Chris Potter Kristen Weiss & Buttercup Ken Pfeiffer Kenji Fukidome Jeanette Nadeau

Alegria Oceanfront Inn and Cottages, Café Beaujolais, Kayak Mendocino and My Chic Farmhouse American Silkscreen Belmond El Encanto Brown and Wilmanns Environmental Candace White, Hostess Chair Casa Dorinda Association

Scott Bull, Sustainable Wine Tours

The Fund for Santa Barbara The Nature Conservancy Trust for Public Land Vicky Blum and David Lebell

Elected Officials:

Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson

Figueroa Law Group

U.S. Congressman Salud Carbajal

The Independent

John Densmore, The Doors

KTYD-FM/Rincon Broadcasting

Kathryn Washburn

Santa Barbara News Press

Joan Hartmann, County Supervisor Monique Limon, SB Assemblyperson Das Williams, County Supervisor

To purchase a signed and numbered Coastal Legacy 2019 Poster, visit Daniella Manini's website: daniellamanini.com $20 of every purchase goes back to GCC!

James Kyriaco, Goleta City Council Mayor Paula Perotte, Goleta Kyle Richards, Goleta City Council

and Noozhawk/Rochelle Rose

El Capitan Canyon

Kristin Kirby and Kevin Whalen

Megan Harmon, SB City Council

Suzanne Elledge Planning & Permitting Services, Inc.

Former U.S. Representative Lois Capps

Jim and Susan Deacon

Eric Friedman, SB City Council

Photo Credit: Kenji Fukidome

Compass Realty

Jack Johnson

Jason Dominguez, SB City Council

Steve and Mary Forsell

Coastal Legacy 2019 thanks the following Media Outlets and Reporters for their support and amazing coverage.

Hi Tec Enterprises

Mayor Cathy Murrillo, Santa Barbara

gaviotacoastconservancy.org

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DECEMBER | 2019

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THEBUDGUY

FROM BABY TO BUD: HOW CANNABIS IS GROWN

by Zach Rosen

The Autumn Brands pre-rolls are packaged on site

Autumn Brands is co-owned by a multi-generational flower farming family

W

hile recreational and medical cannabis has made the plant more familiar to the general public, the growing process still remains elusive to most. I recently toured Autumn Brands and Glass House Farms in Carpinteria to get a closer look at the cannabis growing process.

The name Autumn Brands is a mashup of the owners’ names, combining Autumn Shelton and the last name of the Brands family. At the head of this 6th generation farming family is Hans Brands, who helps run the company along with his son, Johnny, and cofounder and daughter, Hanna. Autumn Brands is a family-led operation; when we met, Autumn was nearing the end of her pregnancy, about to welcome a new baby daughter. Hanna noted that the consistent cycles of cannabis cultivation is easier to manage for their family life.

She remembered when her family was farming other flowers there would be the different stressful crunch periods throughout the year of supplying demand during popular flower holidays like Valentine’s Day. While today they are still trying to keep up with demand, being in over 140 dispensaries, the more regular schedule that cannabis follows makes it easier for these two families to balance their personal and work lives.

MOTHERS, CLONES, & CYCLES Cannabis has both male and female forms. In the industry, only the female form of the plant is grown. Each new

batch of an individual cannabis strain begins from a single plant, called a “mother.” From yield to pest resistance, there is a variety of factors that go into selecting a proper mother. As is often done in gardening, the mother can then be used to produce new plants from cuttings. These cuttings are all genetically alike to the mother and are called “clones.” This is similar to how hop varietals are propagated in the beer industry. A single clone will go into its own bucket to be raised alongside its clone brethren. Once the clones are placed in a plot, they will stay there until they’re ready to be harvested.

Founder of Glass House, Graham Farrar, mentioned that farmers often talk about a three-month growth cycle with a mother to finished product taking about six months.

Cannabis is a “short-day plant” meaning that it normally requires a longer dark period. If it receives over 12 hours of light the plant portion will grow, under that amount of light, it thinks that it is later in the year. The cannabis plant will then begin to flower and produce buds. Indoor farmers use black-out curtains in sections and control the light cycle to trick the plant into growing then flowering under a controlled setting. As the plant grows from a baby to teenager to an adult, the farmers will tend to each plant, trimming it accordingly to control the physical growth of the plant.

Both Autumn Brands and Glass

House are part of the CARP Growers organization, which has standards on growing practices like being pesticidefree and having odor abatement systems.

During our tour, Autumn mentioned that organic does not always mean pesticide-free, which often surprises people. Both farms have pesticide-free practices, using a range of beneficial bugs to combat pests. As she explained this, a butterfly fluttered above our heads. Ladybugs could be seen zipping between the rows of green. These are the more visible of the beneficial bugs carrying out a microscopic battle against various threats, with spider mites and aphids being common culprits. At Glass House, Graham pointed out little packets attached to each plant. These provide nutrients for the range of good guys on the plant.

The beneficial bugs do their job so well that there is often not enough aphids and other pests to provide them with sufficient food.

Being pesticide-free also means they’re trying to reduce the amount of pesticides entering through outside sources. From the water used to just the bottom of your shoes, there are a range of ways that trace amounts of pesticides can enter a closed system like a greenhouse.

Hand sanitizer and a small water basin to wash your shoes sits near the inner door of each structure at Glass House.

Both farms use well water sourced on the property. Heating tubes keep the plants at their intended temperature and can be used to control humidity in the room. Water reclamation and heat preservation systems ensure that they minimize waste and their impact on the surroundings.

At Glass House, Graham pointed out their carbon dioxide capturing system on the water heater that pumps this collected gas back into the greenhouses, helping the plants to breathe. Walking

through Autumn Brands, ducting can be seen along the walls of each greenhouse.

This piping controls all the air flow in and out of the greenhouses. The range of ducting feeds into a waterless vapor system that uses a terpene solution to bind to the terpenes, responsible for the notable smell of cannabis, found in the greenhouse air. These two terpene compounds form a new one, neutralizing the smell.

Plant material like stems and leaves are also reused. Trim, i.e. the leaves clipped off from around the buds as they are prepped, is sent off to extract companies that pull out the remaining cannabinoids. Walking through Glass House, you can see the cannabinoidcontaining trichomes glistening like glass on the leaves and stems. These parts of the plant still contain a lot of beneficial compounds and these companies extract the last little bits of them. The fibrous stems have other uses. Autumn Brands sends theirs to a company that turns it into packaging materials. The used soil is picked up by a local composter.

These farms bring medical precision to their operations with an eye for cleanliness, order and systematics.

Bundles of wires and control stations can be seen snaking around the plots of Glass House. A whole range of factors like temperature and humidity feeds into this control system. This data driven approach hints at Graham’s tech background. In the processing facilities, brisk white lab coats and immaculate surfaces give the rooms a lab-like feel.

HARVEST AND HANG When it is time to harvest, the plant is cut at the bottom. Glass House does a “whole plant hang” dry, which is more labor-intensive, but Graham ...continued p.27

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DECEMBER | 2019 |

Strawberry Banana cultivated by Autumn Brands in Santa Barbara County

Local Supporting Local

MAKE A DIFFERENCE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Buy any of these local brands between now and the end of the year and The Farmacy SB will donate 5% of the sale price to the Freedom Warming Centers.

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Supporting Our First Responders

Š Photos by Priscilla

The One805 Advisory Council comprised of representatives from each Santa Barbara City and County Fire, Police and Sheriff Departments

We Need Your Help Our First Responders need support from their community, just as they are always here for us!

Much of the high-tech and safety equipment needed is beyond their budgets, as are services provided by the At Ease counseling program. One805 is now offering membership programs so that individuals and businesses can become ongoing supporters.

Your involvement will help all three Fire, Police and Sheriff departments within Santa Barbara County. Please consider joining One805 to help with funding emergency equipment, counseling services and community preparedness and educational programs.

To learn about the upcoming One805 Live! Benefit Concert and how to support One805, visit www.one805.org and follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @One805SB and Facebook at @One805 to see the ways you can help.

One805 is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving Santa Barbara County’s First Responders.

What began with the Kick Ash Bash... has grown into The One805 Live! Benefit Concert Visit www.one805.org and become a member today!

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...continued from p.5

with the ability to attract an audience, deliver a message, and even possibly offer a solution to our city.

EXPERIMENT WEEKEND Earlier this year the Santa Barbara Experiment Weekend explored a possible solution to the state of State Street. This city-sponsored event transformed a portion of lower State Street into a pedestrian promenade with art installations, live music, and outdoor dining. During the three-day event, the street was open to pop-up shops and games, while at night the freeway underpass featured light installations and interactive art pieces. The project was led by Nina Johnson, Senior Assistant to the City Administrator, who has been a key figure in the city’s search for solutions.

Johnson and I discussed the flow of the downtown area and the need to connect the different pedestrian regions. One of these areas is the State Street underpass which connects the Funk Zone with the 300 block of lower State. The Experiment Weekend used projections and light installations as a way of creating a more inviting environment in this normally drawl corridor. During our conversation she posed one of the challenges faced by the city. “How do

we balance the historic charm of our city with more contemporary art elements?” she asked. “That should be our goal.”

The challenges facing Santa Barbara are not unique and many cities around the world are discovering their own solutions. “European cities have really shown such a good balance between preserving history and incorporating more contemporary elements,” Johnson argued. “Many cities have tackled this design challenge. So, we have many examples to learn from, and protecting our history, the historical character of this city, doesn’t need to come at the expense of trying new things and incorporating more modern elements.”

The Experiment Weekend was considered a huge success. The initial metrics show that the public responded very favorably to the concept. Retailers in the area also reported notable increases in business over the weekend.

Out of the over 400 surveys the city received from attendees, over 80 percent rated the event a 4 or 5 out of 5 (31 percent and 51.6 percent respectively).

In addition, 65 percent listed the event as the primary reason they had come downtown with another 15 percent noting that it was a motivating factor.

And while the city did find some resistance initially to having the underpass closed, from the post-

What a Great Gift ~

event surveys, 94.8 percent felt it was important to have the event area closed to traffic. The survey also asked about how various activities contributed to their enjoyment with live music, art installations, and outdoor dining topping the list. The Experiment Weekend provided a good glimpse into one possible option. For now, the city is still looking for creative solutions.

“We’re encouraging creative partnerships to come together and do our part to help them get approvals to move forward and make it happen,” Johnson says. “By planning our own event, I think we sent a strong signal to the community that we’re open to ideas

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DECEMBER | 2019 |

Feb 11th thru 20th, 2020 ~ 6-10 pm At Rockwood, 670 Mission Canyon Rd, Santa Barbara Call for tickets: 1-800-838-3006 Live Operators!

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and creative proposals. And we want to try new things. So, come to us with what you’re interested in doing.”

And this seems to be happening.

“Every month we are starting to see more proposals come together and people trying to test different concepts,” Johnson continues. “So I think we’re going to see a lot more activities being planned.” Right now, the underpass project is in a moment of reflection as the city considers its options. With the underpass renovation project to take place in 2021, the goal for the city is to decide on a concept that can be integrated into the design of the ...continued p.23

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WHAT’SHANGING? with Ted Mills Ted Mills is a local writer, filmmaker, artist, and podcaster on the arts. You can listen to him at www.funkzonepodcast.com. He currently has a seismically dubious stack of books by his bed. Have an upcoming show you’d like us to know about? Please email: tedmills@gmail.com

END TIMES

I

t’s a sign of our disturbed times that we are just a few months away from a new decade and I’m seeing very little desire to look back on it, apart from a general mix of “just let it be over” and “what kind of dystopian hellworld will next year bring?” Well, I’m here to bah on your humbug, mister! Artists are just as stressed as you and me, but they also tend to be big picture peeps, or are too busy getting in the zone to create. They don’t have time for that business. As friend-of-thecolumn Dan Levin likes to say, being above ground is preferable to being below it. Let’s appreciate this final month in the ‘teens – we’ve got some familiar favorite shows, as well as a selection of holiday pop-ups for you all. Remember, nobody got crushed underfoot by crowds racing to buy art.

all go. It’s festive art madness and they make for perfect gifts. Nack and Roy are both SB institutions that I’m saying y’all better appreciate while they exist.

See you there!

GRAND DESIGN

THE FINAL MEAL

Also, before we start, let’s pour one out for Breakfast Social Club, the coffee house that over three and a half years put on some terrific art shows and featured some up-and-coming young creators, including DJ Javier, who unknowingly became their final artist on show. Breakfast *sold art* better than a lot of galleries, and I have no idea where new artists are going to be given their break. That’s at 2020 problem. But for right now, cheers to Breakfast! We’ll miss you, and we hope your baristas have found work.

REINDEER GAMES

Let’s talk about tradition: Brad Nack’s reindeer show is back, and up at Roy (7 West Carrillo) as usual for one night only: Saturday, December 14, 6-9 pm. If you don’t know the drill, here ‘tis: Nack paints reindeer, and he keeps painting them until he hits 100 mini canvases or so. Then he sells them. And they usually

Rivera is back with her Holiday Popup at Community Arts Workshop (613 Garden Street) on Sunday, December 15, 11 am-5 pm. Like last year’s, this is a fun ‘n’ funky assortment of art, crafts, jewelry, clothes, soaps, and who knows what else, all curated by Rivera. Also for your radar: The Omitted Pop-up Art Market at Casa de la Guerra, 15 East De la Guerra Street on Saturday, December 14, 2-6 pm. This is a chance to support local artists of color, queer, and underrepresented artists, as well as groove to DJ sets by Valmar Records. Get on it! There are also two weekends of a holiday marketplace at Armada Wines (1129A State Street), Wednesdays and Thursdays, December 11 and 12, 18 and 19, 5-9 pm.

And there’s a Handcrafted Holiday Marketplace at Art from Scrap (302 East Cota) on Saturday, Dec 14, 11 am-3 pm. And while it isn’t technically a pop-up, the La Cumbre Center for the Creative Arts (in the heart of La Cumbre Plaza) is having an open house similar to the one they threw last month. On Tuesday, December 17, 3-5 pm, come and meet the artists in the three repurposed stores in the mall, and then from 5-7 pm, enjoy the open house. Kenji Fukubome, Marlyn Dagget, Sol Hill, and dozens of others

will be there plying their trade. Surely you can get all your major shopping done by then!

TAKE FLIGHT

Susan Tibbles closes out the year at the Santa Barbara Tennis Club Gallery (2375 Foothill Road) with the Wings and Things Annual Jury Competition.

This year the awards juror is none other than Ruth Ellen Hoag, who among other things created the familiar-facefilled mural in the Funk Zone, as well as the owner/resident artist of Gray Space Gallery (also in the FZ). This is always one of the Club’s biggest shows and attracts a lot of our best artists, so be there! Reception: Friday, December 13, 5:30-7:30 pm. Runs through January 3.

HIDDEN FIGURES

Finally, the SB Museum of Art (1130 State Street) opens a very cool exhibit of Japanese artist Tatsuo Miyajima this December 22. Miyajima has explored the potential of LED lights, numbers, and sculpture over his career, and his first U.S. museum solo show in two decades is here to amaze and delight a whole new audience. This looks like one you’re gonna want to check out several times. Thru April 5.

Another tradition, slightly late: In a similar vein, Sullivan Goss hosts their 100 Grand show. That’s 100 works of art for $1,000 or less, and it also acts as a pretty representational survey of Santa Barbara’s art scene. Like Nack’s show, this is a festive night of impulse buying, as it can be the one chance to grab a collectible artist for (comparatively) cheap. Bad news, however: The opening was last week. Good news: It’s up through January 27.

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with Mark Léisuré

Mark spends much of his time wandering Santa Barbara and environs, enjoying the simple things that come his way.

A show here, a benefit there, he is generally out and about and typically has a good time. He says that he writes “when he feels the urge” and doesn’t want his identity known for fear of an experience that is “less than authentic.” So he remains at large, roaming the town, having fun. Be warned.

Getting Personal on Thanksgiving

O

n cetain occasions, your intrepid correspondent will deign to abandon downtown nightclubs, concert halls, and theaters to venture to other parts of our fair city. In this case high above State Street, all the way almost to the top of Mission Canyon and a house at the end of a private drive, which is where he celebrated Thanksgiving dinner with friends. Alas, work itself forgot to stay home, in fact following him right into the house where at least he was offered a cocktail before getting down to brass tacks. That was because among the souls sharing the repast of sous-vide ribs, salmon with leeks, grilled root veggies, pecan pie, and lots more (much, too much, more) were two people who are slated to also share tales from their past at Center Stage Theater for Speaking of Stories’ Personal Stories special annual Holiday Memories edition.

Interviewing both of them simultaneously not only left more time for a leisurely soak in the backyard hot tub to soothe getting schooled in pool, it also somehow seemed appropriate since Mark Bessey and Jonathan Young are, alphabetically at least, bookending the two different slates of local performers, ten on each night, taking place in repertory December 9-12. (And yes, they were strategically located with Mark on my left and Jonathan on my right, even after screaming kids forced us to move from the dining room to the edge of the kitchen – where someone almost incinerated the place by putting a silver-lined plate into the microwave, but that’s a story for a different time.) Plus, after a spell they just started talking together, while I nodded silently and made sure the recording was still going.

Bessey, a software engineer, will deliver “The Loudest Sound I Ever Heard,” about his teenage caper with fireworks, while Young, a psychology professor and therapist, will share “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” which recalls the joy and learning from a gift he received as a young child. In between, the 18 other writeractor-tellers will cover topics traversing the trail from toucans to turkey, and angels and monkeys (don’t ask). If it sounds a bit silly, it is. But, as always, the tales are also touching, joyful, melancholy and, almost always, moving. As Young put it, “There’s something special about seeing the people who lived it get up and tell their story.

An authentic emotion comes through.

You know the person saying these words actually had that experience.”

Q. Tell me a bit about your stories.

Jonathan Young: I come from a family of colorful characters. When I was six, I was the bad boy, and they said bad boys didn’t get presents. So, I honestly didn’t think I would be getting anything.

But I got an amazing present that was startlingly dazzling. The discrepancy between my expectations which were cosmically low, and the truly terrific toy was quite a philosophical moment.

How could this be? The juxtaposition of the joy of that gift against the careening emotional mess of a family provides a lot of counterpoint.

Mark Bessey: It’s about how I got into and out of the home fireworks business. Here’s a hint: I went out with a boom… It’s from a book I’m writing with all these stories that I tell that they don’t believe are true because they’re crazy. It’s a funny story about the Fourth of July. In the book it’s a turning point between parts of my life. As a stand-alone story it’s about who I was at the age of 16 which was a guy who was always interested in chemistry and science thought that I could use all my knowledge to make things happen in the world, in this case an explosion.

JY: Personally, I’m amazed that any of us make it through adolescence.

What makes your stories relatable, interesting to audiences?

MB: Everybody can relate to the child of wonder, and that idea of wanting to make a dent in the world. We’re all born scientists; we just get it beaten out of us. So, the point of the story is that I survived this ridiculous thing I did. But it’s always been the way I lived my life.

I look around a room and think, “What can I do with this stuff?” That’s just how I see things: The world is made of things that I can turn into whatever purpose I want.

JY: As a therapist I’m aware that holidays are complicated. They’re wonderful but also confusing. These shows are very revealing; people are very open about what they present, and many are from a young point of view, as is mine. We’re all recovering children anyway, right?

Performing a story on stage is very different from writing it, alone at your desk with your thoughts. And here you probably know half the audience. It seems the stakes are even higher.

MB: I have had extreme stage fright that goes back to an experience I had when I was 21 and thought I was giving a talk to a small audience, but there turned out to be thousands of people and bright lights. I gave up on the idea of public speaking for decades.

I even took a class, but I’m still not over it. I’m comfortable telling stories to friends, but I still get physically ill every time I perform in public…

Stepping on stage is like stepping off a cliff. So, I’m doing it because it’s hard.

It’s therapy. I want to challenge myself and I know I’ll feel better for having done it.

JY: I’m almost the opposite. As a college professor I tell a lot of stories in my lectures, but they’re not my stories.

I teach mythology, and ancient stories are great to tell in class. But it feels more fragile to share something of my own experience, especially something like this that was an upsetting experience.

I’m really putting it out there, so in truth I am sweating bricks, feeling quite exposed. I’ve heard half of the other

DECEMBER | 2019 |

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stories and they feel vulnerable too.

I think it makes it memorable for the audience, but the readers are having a dramatic experience.

MB: It seems like a dramatic shift, because teaching is very familiar, but not personal.

JY: Right. I can tell the story of the wars of the Olympians all day long and it doesn’t upset me. It wasn’t my father who was in the battle. But I did have some battles with my father, and it’s a lot different telling those stories. I can see the mythic pattern, but it still feels very vulnerable.

MB: Well, you might actually get to see me vomit on stage, although I’m more likely to faint.

Hmmm. I hope they both skip the extra slice of pie before going on stage. (OK, I didn’t actually say this at the time.)

(Personal Tales Holiday Memories takes place at 7:30 pm December 9-12 at Center Stage, with the two bills alternating nights. Admission is $25 general, $18 students and military.

The evenings end outside on Paseo Nuevo’s patio to toast the actors with free cookies and milk. Visit www. centerstagetheater.org.)

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ON ART

W W W. S A N TA B A R B A R A S E N T I N E L .CO M

by Margaret Landreau

In the last 18 years, Margaret Landreau has accumulated 13 years of serving on the Board of Directors of Santa Barbara County arts-related nonprofits and has worked as a freelance arts writer for 10 years. She creates her own art in her Carpinteria studio.

JOHN LAPOINTE

I

f you really love well-crafted ceramics, you don’t want to miss the Arts & Crafts Revival style creations from John LaPointe of LaPointe Pottery. He makes both decorative and functional porcelain pottery, and they are top quality collectible art pieces.

First introduced to ceramics in high school by his best friend, he began “waking up starry eyed, looking forward to ceramics class” he told me. LaPointe and his wife set up their studio in Lompoc over 40 years ago and began selling at local events like the Lemon Festival and the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show. His work became even more rewarding when his creations began to come out of the kiln the way he visualized them.

He is talented enough to combine his artistic eye with skilled craftsmanship to produce the graceful forms and spends as much time applying the decoration as creating the form. As his business evolved, he managed the financial aspects of it to allow structuring their lives around raising their son and daughter. Part of his satisfaction with his work comes from learning to love what comes out of the kiln.

“Making pots is elemental and always fun,” LaPointe says. “I do what I do because I love it. When I’m decorating a pot nothing else is important, and it’s very mentally therapeutic. It’s not just artistic, it’s a very physical process, too. I stretch and warm up before I sit down to work… If I keep doing it, eventually the physical toll will stop me; it’s inevitable.

I see myself making ceramics until I have exhausted all possibilities and that’s not any time soon.”

LaPointe is grateful to have been a part

of the Yes Store family for so many years, describing it as “an ongoing miracle – through the years we were never certain of our next location, yet always pulled it off gracefully. The returning artists and customers created a warm fuzzy feeling and the artists helping each other is significantly cool.”

A talented musician, LaPointe began playing guitar and singing at 15 years old. He has played in clubs since the ‘80s. He frequently performs at “Sort This Out Cellars” in Solvang with Robert Starr.

LaPointe happily shares his life philosophy. “My family is a huge part of my world and making time to have fun as much as possible,” he says. “I’m not trying to redefine people’s ideas of art – I just want to make what’s beautiful to me.”

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Come view La Pointe’s pottery in the Yes Store in Paseo Nuevo Mall (651 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara) during the month of December, every Sunday along Cabrillo Beach at the Santa Barbara Artwalk, and on his web page, www.lapointepottery.com.

Emanuel Lutheran Church 3721 Modoc Road, Santa Barbara, CA 805-687-3734 www.EmanuelLutheranSB.org

Join us during December: Sundays at 9:30 am for Worship Wednesdays at 12:30 pm for Advent Worship Blue Christmas Service ~ December 14 ~ 6:00 pm Christmas Eve Worship ~ December 24 ~ 7:00 pm Christmas Day Worship ~ December 25 ~ 10:00 am

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PLANB by Briana Westmacott

Look at what happens to be in my neighborhood.

Express delivery!

When Briana isn’t lecturing for her writing courses at UCSB and SBCC, she contributes to The Santa Barbara Skinny, Wake & Wander and Flutter Magazine. Along with her passion for writing and all things Santa Barbara, much of her time is spent multitasking through her days as a mother, wife, sister, want-to-be chef and travel junky.

Writing is an outlet that ensures mental stability... usually.

DEAR SANTA,

F

ull disclosure, I am well aware that I had some moments of naughtiness this year. There is absolutely no way to parent teenagers whilst remaining entirely nice. I am doing my best with two teen girls under my roof. This leads to my Christmas list; I have a few little requests that I feel will make my household run more smoothly: • 1. Can you please remove all of the crop tops from Instagram, clothing stores, and my daughters’ closets? To be clear, this trend is ruining my life. Somehow in this past year, all of the teenage shirts have morphed into bra-like, chopped up rags that continue to creep higher away from their navels. Since I have refused to buy these atrocities for my daughters, my fourteen-year-old has taken to secretly cutting all of her t-shirts (and some of mine)! The scissors are constantly missing, shirt shreds line the floor, and bellies are barren. I can’t win until this fad goes away and the midriff section goes back to being covered.

• 2. While we are discussing taking things away, is it possible to delete Snapchat from existence? Come on, work that magic Santa, because this phone app is the worst! Whoever decided to invent a chat system that automatically deletes the message within a minute clearly does not have teenagers. I know, I

know, I should take away the phone and delete it myself. The thing is, I waited so long before finally letting my oldest girl get the damn Snapchat feature (she delivered a convincing PowerPoint presentation with all of the reasons why she needs to Snap) that we are now stuck with it. And ever since I let the Snapping start, I have lost all control.

So, Santa, maybe some sort of virus can worm its way into cyberspace this Christmas and forever delete Snapchat from all phones? While you’re at it, let’s wipe VSCO and TikTok too. If you are curious as to why, Google “VSCO girl.”

That will explain it all.

• 3. Now, I don’t think this request is too much of a stretch, can you please bring some sort of kid Uber to town?

I spend more than half of my daily waking hours shuttling teens around.

I know some cities have put this Uber feature into place, so simply add Santa Barbara to that list – Stat!

• 4. Oh shoot, Santa: I almost forgot about the “pants-less” trend. Can we address this one too? You see, when my daughter does wear a real shirt it is so large and long that when worn over a pair of shorts, she appears to have no pants underneath. Maybe your magical ways can simply bring back regular sized tops for teens? Not too big and not

too small. Our household dress code situation needs a Christmas miracle.

• 5. Gosh, I may be getting selfish now, but I was thinking it would be wonderful if we could get a special pill to give to my Golden Retriever George so he won’t shed anymore. Of course, it would not affect his health but it would make those crazy furballs that gather all around the house disappear. This would play a significant role in my everyday cleaning ritual.

• 6. Ok, this is the final wish on my list; I promise. As much as I love the holiday season, it can be extremely exhausting (I’m referring to the gatherings, giftgetting, decorating, cooking, baking, wrapping, and cleanup – of course).

Maybe this year, Santa, you can post an early delivery to our family with four plane tickets to Gili Meno Island in Indonesia? If we depart by midDecember, we could skip out on all of the aforementioned stressors.

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Well, I think that covers my list for 2019. I promise to be kind and spread holiday cheer (especially on Gili Island).

Warmly, B P.S. If the Indo trip doesn’t work out, I could use a new pair of PJs, a nice bottle of pinot noir, and world peace. Thanks, Santa!

BRIANA’S BEST BET: Shop local! I discovered a sweet company (operated by a mother/ daughter team no less) that has made it their mission to gather a variety of gift items crafted in the Santa Barbara area. The Santa Barbara Company specializes in local, artisan gifts. You can visit their shop or order online. From books to bath to art to food, The Santa Barbara Company has got it covered. www.santabarbaracompany.com.

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renovated underpass. At the moment, Nina is “just talking to different people about different ideas right now and looking at larger ways to fund a project. That’s where my focus is.” And until then, expect to see some more experiments as the city continues to explore solutions.

For now, the solution remains to be seen. Johnson feels that the Experiment Weekend was a chance to try out some options. “We don’t really have a vocabulary oftentimes to explain exactly what we would like to see,” she explains. “And for many of us, if we saw it and experienced it, we would know it.” While solutions will need the support of the city, it will also require the creative community to come together and provide their collective skills. “When you pull a lot of creative people together, that really results in a project that the community is so proud of. It is something that you feel good about. It takes you to another place. It is memorable.”

ENTANGLING ARTISTS While interactive art installations have the ability to draw in a wide range of demographics, the immersive quality of these art pieces give them a potent ability to convey a message to the audience they’ve gathered. “The underlying

tone of that one is that actually we are looking at global warming; looking at climate change,” explains projection artist Jonathan Smith as we sit discussing the Experiment Weekend. “If you look at the map of Santa Barbara, that underpass will be underwater if we are not careful.”

Smith designed a range of the projections featured in the underpass during that weekend. He pulled from his library of ocean imagery including footage of a kelp forest and other underwater scenes to bring attention to the audience’s physical location and how it can be impacted by global warming.

This message had hints of a previous project that Smith provided projections for, Entangled Waters, which took place in April of 2018 at the Santa Barbara Courthouse.

Of the immersive art installations that have occurred over the past few years, Entangled Waters remains a shining example of the impact that these projects can have in our community.

Using evocative imagery and creative projection mapping, the Santa Barbara Courthouse was transformed into an environment that struck awe in all who witnessed it while delivering a powerful message about our oceans and the impact of global warming.

The idea for Entangled Waters was sparked when dance choreographer

Robin Bisio witnessed some footage that Jonathan and cinematographer Ethan Turpin had shot of plastic floating in water for another project.

Along with the assistance of the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture, Bisio and Turpin worked with Lamara Heartwell of the Inspiratia Foundation, who helped fund the project in addition to performing in it.

They knew early on that the courthouse was the perfect fit for the project. It is an active courthouse and at the time there were several pieces of legislation concerning the environment being considered.

With the project, they hoped to bring attention to the amount of plastic found in the ocean by using footage of performers dancing underwater within a floating sea of plastic. Bisio used the imagery of the Sistine Chapel and “The Flood” by Michelangelo as inspiration for the choreography.

Heartwell, along with performers Kaita Mrazek, Erick Alvarez, and Kweisi Petillo, comprised the dance element with Turpin even jumping in for part of the performance. Turpin and an assistant, Carter Sisney, oversaw the camera operations during the grueling underwater shoots.

During the evening of Entangled Waters, the imagery in different areas blurred realism and the abstract

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with metaphor. The video content drifted between oil and water textures surrounding performers dancing underwater in a sea of plastic. Two female dancers in pink and white dresses designed by Anaya Cullen moved through the material, bringing an almost sea animal- or goddess-like presence to the scene. The sprawling gowns floating around their forms with the grace of a sea anemone. Their organic elegance was in stark contrast to the two male dancers, dressed in regular attire. Looking from the street one could see a fifth performer (Turpin) swimming up and down the clock tower, adjusting the ticking clock. The imagery found its intended balance between beauty and horror.

While the installation was awe inspiring in itself, the mood of the audience was charming in its own right. During the two-night experience, visiting groups would stand together, whispering among themselves as they pointed at different parts of the scene.

Others brought picnics and blankets, sitting underneath the arch and making an evening of it. Quiet couples would gaze up, their silence broken by the abstract sounds of Jim Connolly from The Piano Kitchen playing an eclectic array of instruments. He would strum ...continued p.24

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along with the twirls of plastic, plucking through the ambient noise with each kick and thrash of a limb on the projection.

The message of the piece was potent yet subtle. “My whole point is to place the audience within a landscape that they are free to experience from their own viewpoint,” Bisio says. “It is more like nature itself. We each experience it in our own way.”

This understated approach added to the mystique of the event. A single message was projected on a nearby building with a call-to-action and number for collecting donations that Heartwell had helped set up. When they first began, Entangled Waters focused on plastics. However, during their postproduction work, the horrific Thomas Fire and ensuing Montecito mudslide occurred. After those disturbing events, the focus of the project transformed into a greater message about climate change.

Unlike traditional visual arts one finds in a gallery, these installations are site specific, multidisciplinary art forms that often require a team of collaborators from a range of different backgrounds.

Each of the minds behind Entangled Waters has an extensive body of work in the area. Bisio’s choreography and award-winning dance videos have been celebrated worldwide.

Turpin and Smith’s collaborations have been seen throughout the institutes of Santa Barbara. Their “Bee Cell” was presented at both Ganna Walska Lotusland and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Turpin’s “Burn Cycle” series is another natureinspired work and funded by a grant for the visualization of fire data. He has spent years working with the US Forest Service and firemen to collect footage

(photo by Ethan Turpin)

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of wildfires using special cameras that can withstand the extreme conditions of these settings. This work has been displayed in several art installations including “Entering Wildfire” which was commissioned by Bren School of Environmental Science and Management to be presented at UCSB. With the help of Smith and architect Justin Harmon, this installation placed the viewer in the heart of a wildfire, surrounding them with this powerful force of nature.

Smith, along with his partner Kym Cochran, form The Environment Makers. Last year they presented “1918: A Remembrance” at El Presidio that marked the 100-year anniversary of the armistice that ended World War One. Videos of war footage and propaganda splashed across the Presidio as red poppies, the symbol of remembrance for the war, flowed like a river across the pathways, almost giving the impression of moving blood cells. Photographs with bios of local soldiers who lost their lives in the war brought the message home.

The cross streets of their Santa Barbara houses gave these forgotten figures life and tied them into our modern understanding of the area.

Site specificity is often discussed in art. How does the piece engage with its surroundings and use the context of the environment to inform its intended message and impact on the viewer? This becomes critical in these immersive spaces. As Smith puts it, “You actually have to be there. You cannot take a photograph of it. You cannot make a movie of it to give it the actual sense of what is really going on. It is the equivalent of a national park.”

These installations use technology and creative design to celebrate these historic locations, adding new depth

and meaning to the buildings while crafting a current message. And both these messages and applications of technology have far reaching implications. As Cochran sees it, “It is about what you are teaching and that is the creative thinking. The problem solving. It is everything that expands into every aspect of business. One of the things I’ve also noticed is the push of science, going back into technology with arts. The fact that you’re using arts and video to mimic surgery. People are now using it for emergency response.

They’re now using it to actually assimilate and they’re using virtual reality.”

PROVIDING A HOME FOR ART When discussing “site specificity” in Santa Barbara, there is one site that specifically comes to mind. The Santa Barbara Center for Art, Science & Technology (SBCAST) has created an open canvas and paved the way for a new generation of artists. As I sit across from Alan Macy, founder and visionary behind SBCAST, he discusses technology and art in a similar way. “There is a component of SBCAST that is very interested in this idea of human sensory perception and reach,” Macy says. “In particular, if you think of any technology. Technology can be defined as the ability to either extend one’s physical reach into the environment or extend one’s ability to perceive the environment… One of the things that SBCAST has become aware of, is how this idea connects to the idea of art in general.”

Since opening in 2016, SBCAST has become a hub of art and culture in the area. The workspace has provided semipermanent and temporary studios at affordable rates for artists on a local and

international level. The exhibition spaces and onsite resources push the boundaries of technology and art, providing a limitless toolbox for artists to use.

When crafting the concept for SBCAST, Macy took inspiration from the many artist workspaces found around the world. As he traveled over the years, Macy had the opportunity to visit and spend time with art collaboratives like Eyebeam out of New York, the Studio for Electro-Instrumental Music (STEIM) in Amsterdam, which just celebrated its 50th anniversary, or even the more local Working Artists Ventura (WAV).

“They’re all of the similar ilk,” Macy argues. “That is, that you have a number of people that are present.

There is a kind of semi-permanent aspect where some people stay longer, and a more ephemeral aspect where some people don’t stay very long at all. There’s a tremendous mixing of ideas, resources, and talent. Other commonalities would include things like shared working spaces, and very often, an exhibition component which will allow the construct to interface and interact with the community at large, through the offices of exhibition.”

Each of these international influences added to, and were included in, the design and intent of SBCAST. Walking up the driveway, one first gets the impression of entering into a longestablished institution, despite its young age. The two front buildings, connected by a bridge, tower over the viewer. Plants hang down from the rooftops and rusted iron gates detail the building. The driveway enters into a courtyard and parking lot where the clean, modern lines of Bauhaus design surround the area. The architecture and materials perfectly balance the modern yet established feel of the space.

The building was designed to serve a wide range of needs and it hides its diverse functionality like an unopened Swiss Army knife. Some of the functional pieces are subtle architectural features. Three steel rings on an overhang are used for aerial dancing rigs on one event and hold a twenty-or-so foot projection screen for another event.

The distance between the screen and back wall where the projector resides is perfectly calculated for the aspect ratio of the setup.

LED spotlights can be turned on with the flip of a switch, splashing color onto the courtyard and buildings during events. The lighting system designed and installed by a past resident. Steel cabinets line the parking lot, keeping everything from staging and lighting to tables and chairs neatly tucked away until they are needed. ...continued p.26

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Perched on nearly .42 acre, you’ll smell the ocean air as you enjoy stunning views of Elings Park from the backyard, surrounded by fruit trees, roses, and tropical landscaping. An expansive tile deck is the perfect place to entertain friends after a day at the beach, from the ideal Santa Barbara beach home.

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While SBCAST interfaces with the public more during events, on a dayto-day basis it serves as a workspace for a range of artists and creatives. A shop in the back houses work areas and tools like a laser cutter and 3D-printers.

Some of the exhibition areas are more experimental spaces like the Human IO Lab, a series of projects including a custom haptic room equipped with sixteen subwoofers that moves the

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floors at frequencies that can be felt by the human body rather than just heard.

These experimental areas reveal Macy’s extensive career as a biomedical electrical engineer. He is currently the Research and Development Director, past President, and cofounder of BIOPAC Systems, Inc. out of Goleta. His work over the past few decades has focused on biometric data collection, even incorporating

these technologies into interactive art pieces. At the Experiment Weekend, “The Breathing Chair” used some of Macy’s technical work to read the heartbeat of the individual and project it as an expanding and contracting 3D model.

Macy describes SBCAST as a kind of “watering hole” that forms a “spring” of collaboration and chance encounters. “As a current Artistin-Residence of SBCAST, I can

personally speak to the blending that occurs in the space,” he says. “From music theorists to DNA physicists, you will encounter a wide range of creative minds and learn about the incredible talent that is attracted to the area. I have been drawn into other artist’s projects and have collaborated with others on my own work.”

After our interview, Macy had to head back to SBCAST to help oversee a new bamboo installation being built

on site that has echoes of James Turrell.

Working with Gerard Minakawa, founder of Bamboo DNA, they were recording the biometric data of the build crew for a study on the biomechanics of bamboo architecture that Minakawa will be writing a book about. Their findings will be presented at the World Bamboo Congress next year in Taiwan.

Bisio, Macy, and Cochran have begun working on a new project that will use footage from Mono Lake. Whether it is the experimental works of SBCAST that fuse art and science, or the mesmerizing immersive installations from the Entangled Water collaborators, each one of these works has the ability to attract a crowd while communicating with the individual. And as the city continues to search for answers, it is reassuring to know that there is a community of creative minds that are working to heighten the artistic dialogue of the area, and ultimately, make Santa Barbara a place for art.

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feels that this has a better effect on the finished quality of the buds. Flowers being used to produce their extracts goes through a different freeze-dried method. The curing process will last 7-10 days, removing moisture so the plant does not rot. Different crops might go through additional curing after processing based on the variety. Graham notes it all depends on the finished qualities they’re going for. Temperature and humidity are controlled in each processing room to maintain the proper conditions.

In addition, Graham says they use negative pressure in the rooms so that aromas are not released. Air leaving the rooms is then filtered.

Once the flower has been separated from the plant, the buds can then be packaged. Glass House does packaging off-site, however Autumn Brands has their processing and packaging facilities attached to the farms. As the plants are trimmed down, larger, more aesthetically pleasing buds will be packaged as free form flower.

Smaller buds are ground up and used for pre-rolls. The pre-roll stations are a mesmerizing operation of hands quickly forming the symmetric rows of perfect cones. Autumn also emphasized their focus on worker morale and

health. Along with communal meals and birthday parties, they have their staff do a range of exercises that help avoid repetitive stress injuries from the tedious work. Music playing in each section also sets a certain mood.

We entered one room to the much fitting tunes of Snoop Dogg blasting as workers toiled away.

From clone to package, every step of the process is monitored to an excruciating extent. Blue tags on each plant mark the state’s monitoring system. These small tags are attached to each plant and they track its every detail. As the plant becomes separated into its buds, stems, and leaves, the plants are then tracked as batches.

With each processing step, every piece of material is measured down to the gram. Once shipped each batch is quarantined until testing can be performed and verified. These tests check for over 60 different pesticides among other standard concerns like E. coli. Similar to the three-tier system with alcohol, cannabis manufacturers can’t sell directly to a retailer. They first have to sell the flower to a distributor who then sells them to the dispensary.

From farm to testing to dispensary, this process may take about a week. But it is worth the wait once you get to try the finished flower.

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Trimming is an ongoing process

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I Heart SB

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18+ only

By Elizabeth Rose Since 2015, I Heart SB has followed Elizabeth Rose through dating in Santa Barbara and falling in love, a long-distance relationship, living on a 34’ sailboat then sailing from Washington to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The couple is now engaged, back on dry land, living in an Airstream in Carpinteria. Comments welcome at ihearterose@ gmail.com. For more stories, visit www.ihearterose.com.

SANTA BARBARA: FRIEND OR FOE?

“T

he people here are a little strange. Not very friendly,” the customer said at the shop I was working in at the time. I was three months into living in California and I didn’t understand what she meant. Everyone has been pretty nice to me, I said. I enjoy being here. She smiled sympathetically then shook her head.

“One day, you’ll see what I mean.”

I tried not to see what she meant. I tried really hard, actually. But it wasn’t until she brought it to my attention that I started to notice. It began with the man who let the post office door swing into my face. Next, with the woman who stared at me like I was an alien when I said hello while passing her on the street. Again, with the man who looked like I insulted his mother when I asked about his day.

Unfortunately, these experiences happened more often than not. Was it true? Were people in Santa Barbara just not that friendly? I pushed it out of my mind. Maybe it was just a few bad apples. I had faith in the rest of the bunch.

When Jason and I began dating, he mentioned he wouldn’t move back “because of the people.” Pretty harsh, I thought. He’s a third generation Santa Barbaran.

Maybe he just needed to get out of town. So, I did a little digging and asked my California friends if they noticed this as much as I do. It turned out to be 80-20, the majority wondering the same as me.

Was it true? Were people in Santa Barbara just not that friendly?

One of my dear friends, who is a native Californian, thinks it’s Seasonal Affective Disorder in reverse: Instead of becoming depressed due to lack of sunshine, people are actually too distracted by the beauty to acknowledge each other. Sounds convincing, but then I remembered Hawaii – a truly idyllic place – is famous for the “aloha spirit.” I’ve often wondered if manners were dropped during the Gold Rush, that somewhere around the Rockies, as people were struggling to stay alive, they threw polite society into the wind as an act of rebellion against our British forefathers. It became about the gold, only in it for themselves. And that attitude seeped into the soil and into the food we eat.

The word “kindness” is the new buzzword. Mugs and hats with the word emblazoned on it are seen in social media posts on the regular. We sit around dinner tables and discuss the world’s problems, boiling down to a solution to just be kind to one another. But the concern seems to linger among the empty dinner plates and wine-stained tablecloths. When we’re actually faced with social interaction – on a hiking trail, at the grocery store, at the local coffee shop – where does the kindness go? Whatever happened to saying, “Hi” or simply responding back?

Ok, yes. I’m from the South where manners are as important to a child’s upbringing as learning to brush their teeth. Yes, ma’ams and sirs slip through our lips as easily as the air we breathe. But get this: manners are just kindness in a nicer outfit. Manners equal being kind. It’s a “black tie” version of communicating with others. I’m not saying we need a round of finishing school, though I’d happily indulge because I’m old school that way. I’m just loathe to believe that Santa Barbarans are too self-absorbed to connect with one another. Though T-shirts and spiritual teachings remind us to be kind, what does it actually mean? Is it reserved for only work or family gatherings, holding back what you truly feel by biting your tongue?

I don’t want this to come off as a slam, because I love Santa Barbara. She’s been very good to me. I’ve wondered if I should even share this with you for fear of offending. The thing is, with all that’s going on in the world, and all the resources and privileges we have in our community, it confuses me that we lack the fundamental quality we need as a human race to survive side-by-side.

Since our unofficial motto in Santa Barbara has become, “We live in paradise,” we can be nice in paradise, too. You’re wonderful and so is your smile. Just nod, wave, or greet a stranger on the street. And if that person fails to do the same, let’s keep spreading our light rather than let it bring us down. Our mamas taught us better than that.

two santa barbara locations

4135 State St. 805-967-8282

223 Anacapa St. 805-963-9922

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SYVSNAPSHOT

by Eva Van Prooyen Keeping a finger on the pulse of the Santa Ynez Valley: what to eat, where to go, who to meet, and what to drink. Pretty much everything and anything situated between the Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains that could tickle one’s interest.

PARTY ON, TREE BURN, AND HOT YOGA

S

olvang Julefest is well underway with a lineup of holiday cheer and events ongoing through January 3. “It’s always festive here, but even more so during the holiday season, and the Julefest events are an ideal way to explore all that Solvang has to offer – both the old, and the new,” says Solvang Mayor Ryan Toussaint.

Evening candlelight tours, free visits with Santa in Solvang Park, wine and beer walks, and a Christmas parade top the annual list of holiday happenings with some new additions including the celebration of Saint Lucia Day, a Christmas Drone Show, a daytime countdown to the Danish New Year with a simulcast of the party happening in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, and a new play area in the form of “Santa’s Lade” (Santa’s Barn), a children’s winter wonderland featuring snow and live animals. Dog-friendly and ideal for kids, Solvang Julefest promotes family fun and adventure through traditional holiday activities, adult-oriented, wine country entertainment and an indulgent holiday shopping scene. For more information visit www.solvangjulefest.org.

Stroll, guests will also judge tasting venues as they uncork their respective takes on a traditional Gløgg (mulled red wine) for the holidays. When: Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15 from 11 am to 4 pm. Where: All throughout Solvang.

Cost: $45 per person form the two-day passport or $25 per person for a one day tasting pass (21+ only).

CHRISTMAS DRONE SHOW nighttime light spectacular, the new Christmas Drone Show will be viewable five miles in all directions from the fields of Old Mission Santa Inés. Limited VIP grandstand viewing will be available for purchase. When: Saturday, December 21. Where: Old Mission Santa Inés, 1760 Mission Drive, Solvang.

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COUNTDOWN TO DANISH NEW YEAR IN SOLVANG PARK family-friendly, daytime New Year’s Eve celebration. Join the party as the crowds count down to the Danish New Year (3 pm Pacific), while enjoying a simulcast of the New Year’s Eve events taking place in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens.

When: Tuesday, December 31.

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ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE BURN AND FIRE SAFETY DEMONSTRATION ight up the New Year in true Solvang style. Held in the fields of Old Mission Santa Inés, supervised by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, and coordinated by Solvang Parks and Recreation, the Tree Burn is one of the largest fire safety demos and community gatherings on California’s Central Coast. Tree Burn will include free, live entertainment and refreshments for purchase. When: Friday, January 3 from 5 to 7 pm. Where: Old Mission Santa Inés, 1760 Mission Drive, Solvang.

SKÅL WINE & STEIN STROLL signature event, the Skål Wine and Stein Stroll features tastings at more than a dozen wine and beer tasting rooms throughout the village. As part of the

NEW HOT YOGA STUDIO ocated down a long country drive on a private estate with a small vineyard is Santa Ynez Valley’s newest yoga studio, Olde Oak Meadow Yoga. The studio opened on July 15, 2019 and was founded and created by Kaitlin Breuninger and Jonah Frisch. After moving to Santa Ynez, they noticed a need for a hot yoga studio in the area capable of reaching traditional temperatures over 100 degrees.

CELEBRATION OF SAINT LUCIA ew to Solvang Julefest for 2019, the celebration of Saint Lucia Day will include a lighted, evening children’s parade through town, led by the symbolic “Saint Lucia,” a young woman chosen to portray the 3rd century martyr known for bringing food and aid to Christians in hiding in catacombs during the Diocletianic Persecution. Illuminated floats and parade entries will follow. When: Friday, December 13 at 6:30 pm

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Olde Oak Meadow Yoga Studio is beautifully located on a private estate with a small vineyard in Santa Ynez

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DECEMBER | 2019 |

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SPECIAL

$ 4 9 M ON T H LY S E RV I C E G e n e r a l Pe s t S e r v i c e O n ly. G o p h e r s & R o d e n t s N o t I n c l u d e d .

O n e Ye a r Te r m M i n i mu m . O f fe r E x p i re s M a rc h 1 5 , 2 0 2 0 .

Look for the ANT on the Door

FREE ESTIMATES on GOPHERS & RODENTS

ECO SMART PRODUCTS Santa Barbara: 687-6644 • Goleta: 964-7744

www.oconnorpest.com

Co-Owner and Yoga Instructor Kaitlin Breuninger welcomes yogis of all levels to her new Olde Oak Meadow Yoga Studio

Breuninger has been practicing yoga for over 14 years and says, “I grew up in Santa Cruz, where I trained as a competitive gymnast and then later taught for over seven years. I have always been interested in movement and passionate about living an active, healthy lifestyle.” As a yoga teacher, Breuninger says her hope is to challenge her students with every class while inspiring progression in their own journey.

“Jonah founded Visionary Group, an award-winning experiential marketing firm based in L.A. and New York, back in 2007,” she says. “Some of the firm’s clients have included Hulu, Nickelodeon, Microsoft, Skype, YouTube, Samsung, Amazon, eBay, and Google.” She explains it is her love for the practice combined with Frisch’s creative background in design and production has resulted in the first infrared heated luxury yoga studio in the Santa Ynez Valley. “Our studio offers members a retreat-like escape with every class.”

Olde Oak Meadow Yoga offers a weekly schedule of yoga as well as private yoga classes for individuals, groups, bachelor, bachelorette, and birthday parties, weddings, and other occasions in the Valley and surrounding areas. “You have the option of coming to the studio or having one of our experienced instructors visit your location,” Breuninger says. “We also offer personalized mini retreats of yoga and wine with wine made from grapes grown on the property right outside the studio.”

The setting is serene with community picnic tables right outside the studio on the private ranch. The studio itself is 700 square feet, fully infrared heated, and can accommodate up to 30 yogis. (Infrared heat is widely credited with various health benefits including detoxification, pain relief, reduction of muscle tension, relaxation, improved circulation, lowered side effects of diabetes, boosting of the immune system, and lowering of blood pressure.) “From personal experience, I also believe they offer a more comfortable experience than the standard heating systems used in most studios. They don’t use forced air and they don’t make noise,” Breuninger says.

Top certified instructors lead a variety of yoga classes suitable for all levels of experience including Heated Power Vinyasa (heated 100 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit), Hot 75 (heated to 110 degrees), Yin Yoga (not heated), and Mellow Flow (85 to 90 degrees). Memberships are available, drop-ins are welcome, and pre-registration is required for all classes.

Gift certificates are available for purchase online. For more information visit www.oldeoakmeadowyoga.com.

Fine sterling silver jewelry and western collectibles.

Thursday - Saturday: 10:30 - 5:30 • Sunday - Monday: 11:00 - 4:00

3551 Sagunto St. • Santa Ynez, CA (805) 688-0016 • info@CharlottesSY.com @CharlottesSY

FEATURED PROPERTY

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410 W MICHELTORENA ST

1350 PLAZA PACIFICA

Attorney Trained Realtors® 4555 HOLLISTER AVE DOWNTOWN SANTA BARBARA Recently updated 12+ unit apartment building. Great investment, 12,014 sq ft bldg w/ 16 covered parking spaces, coin-op laundry, convenient location and generates great income.

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202 OLIVE MILL RD

1029 ARBOLADO RD

SANTA BARBARA Multi-unit property w/ additional development opportunity on this 1.1 acre lot. Now zoned DR-20.

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SANTA BARBARA Enjoy ocean/island/city views from nearly every room of this completely renovated 4BD/3BA home.

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SANTA BARBARA Pristine luxury ocean living! This large, completely remodeled South facing OceanView 2 BD(dual masters)/2BA single story, ground floor Bonnymede unit is spotless, move-in ready, and architecturally designed (Ferguson Ettinger).

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350 CHAPALA ST #D

2414 ANACAPA ST

1810 HILLSIDE RD

2110 RED ROSE WAY

711 W. VALERIO ST

SANTA BARBARA Chapala Lofts offers a ground floor, 2200 sq ft commercial space for sale. High end finishes, 2 BA, kitchenette.

Marcus Boyle (805) 452-0440 GTprop.com/350Chapala#D $1,875,000

SANTA BARBARA 3BD/3BA home is setup for dual living with separate entrance. Spacious bedrooms have their own en-suite bathrooms.

Kevin Goodwin (805) 448-2200 GTprop.com/2414Anacapa $1,630,000

SANTA BARBARA Updated 3BD/2BA 1,800+ sq ft home with upstairs and downstairs which allows possibility for dual living.

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SANTA BARBARA Mesa home, 1054 sq. ft, 3BD/2BA ocean view home in turnkey condition and updated backyard w/ hot tub.

Anthony Bordin (805) 729-0527 GTprop.com/2110Red Rose $957,543

SANTA BARBARA 3BD/1BA home, single level w/ large kitchen, separate dining area & large living area. Lot is big enough to add more units.Anthony Bordin (805) 729-0527 GTprop.com/711WValerio $935,000

814 WELDON RD

123 BATH ST UNIT A5

1220 COAST VILLAGE RD #308

817 E. ANAPAMU ST #3

753 AVENIDA PEQUENA

SANTA BARBARA MESA Over 1700 sq. ft, 3BD/2.5BA w/ 2 fireplaces and a bonus area attached to 2 car garage.

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SANTA BARBARA Ideally situated harbor court, Spanish style, south facing end unit in west beach, 1BD/1.5BA. PJ Williams (805) 403-0585 GTprop.com/123BathA5 $869,000

MONTECITO Wide ocean views from spacious top floor 2BD/2BA condo in one of Montecito’s premier condos Marcus Boyle (805) 452-0440 GTprop.com/1220CoastVillage#308 $887,500

SANTA BARBARA Townhouse in Rivera neighborhood, 2 master bedrooms/2.5 baths. End unit with ocean & mountain views Kevin Goodwin (805)448-2200 GTprop.com/817EAnapamu3 $849,000

SANTA BARBARA Single story ground, end floor unit 2BD/2BA w/ fireplace and back yard.

Community pool, tennis courts and orchard.

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4694 TAJO DR

301 S CARRILLO RD

175 N KELLOGG AVE A

221 Valerie Street

2920 JUNIPER AVE

SANTA BARBARA Perfect condo alternative or starter home. Quaint 1,000+ sq. ft, 2BD/1BA on end of cul-de-sac.

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OJAI Great potential for this single story 5BD/ 2BA home with over 1,773 sq ft of living space.

Outside deck off living room, with private yard.

Anthony Bordin (805) 729-0527 GTprop.com/301SCarrillo $560,000

SANTA BARBARA Clean & updated end-unit, 2BD/1.5BA townhome privately located in the rear of the complex.

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SANTA MARIA Great potential for this single level, 4BD/2BA home located near all conveniences. 2 car garage and large rear yard.

Anthony Bordin (805) 729-0527 GTprop.com/221Valerie $365,000

MORRO BAY Build your dream home on the Central Coast. Entitled land use permit for 3600+ sq ft home 4BD/4.5BA + 3 car garage.

Kevin Goodwin (805) 448-2200 GTprop.com/2920JuniperAvenue $299,000

FEATURED PROPERTY 532 STATE ST

FEATURED PROPERTY

Wishing you and yours Happy Holidays!

385 MATHILDA DR

“I recently worked with Goodwin & Thyne Properties to sell my property in Santa Barbara.

They were very professional and knowledgeable. They made sure I was always up to date and were always quickly accessible by phone, email, or in person. I highly recommend using Goodwin & Thyne Properties.” – Tyler K. SANTA BARBARA Downtown State Street commercial building w/ commercial kitchen, office, courtyard, ext deck and balcony. 2 Stories, ADA bathrooms, upstairs service bar and dumb waiter.

John Thyne (805)895-7309 GTprop.com/532State $2,495,000

“Goodwin & Thyne Properties sold my house with the first open house after it had been on the market without selling for 10 months with another real estate company! They were very professional, savvy, knowledgeable, and on top of getting the deal done. They were very experienced when it came to the negotiations. Great customer service overall. I highly recommend choosing them for your real estate needs.” – Megan R.

Season’s Greetings

GOLETA Investment property, 4-plex or conversion to single family home, Main house 4bd/2ba, upstairs units 2 units w/ 2bd/1ba and 1 studio unit. Plenty of off street parking and large backyard.

Olesya Thyne (805) 708-1917 GTprop.com/385Mathilda $1,625,000

www.GTprop.com • 2000 State Street, Santa Barbara • (805) 899-1100 DRE# 01477382