VOICE Magazine: February 6, 2026

VALENTINE’S WEEKEND

Valentine’s weekend brings the sweep of cinema’s most romantic melodies. A concert of love themes, stories, and songs from Hollywood classics: Out of Africa, Dr. Zhivago, Ghost, The Godfather, Casablanca, and more!

The Love Boat: Sailing to Alaska Gala to Honor Ocean Pioneer Jean-Michel Cousteau

By Heather Behrens, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

ETTING A CELEBRATORY COURSE FOR THE NORTH PACIFIC this spring with The Love Boat: Sailing to Alaska, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum’s signature fundraising gala will honor renowned explorer, educator, and conservationist Jean-Michel Cousteau. The event takes place Friday, March 6th, at the Cabrillo Pavilion, beginning at 5pm, and will raise essential support for the museum’s exhibits, education programs, and general operations.

SBMM’s mission is grounded in “creating excellent exhibits and educational experiences that celebrate the Santa Barbara Channel and illuminate our rich connections with the sea.” For SBMM, Jean-Michel Cousteau is a natural honoree — an individual whose life’s work mirrors the museum’s belief that when people connect with the ocean through story, science, and firsthand experience, they become more invested stewards of the sea.

For more than six decades, Jean-Michel Cousteau has carried ocean exploration and conservation into homes, classrooms, and policy conversations worldwide through film, advocacy, and education.

As the founder of Ocean Futures Society, established in 1999 as a “voice for the ocean,” he has helped inspire global audiences to understand the ocean not as a distant wilderness, but as Earth’s life-support system — regulating climate, circulating carbon, and sustaining communities that depend on healthy waters.

2023, the Santa Barbara Channel became the ninth Whale Heritage Area in the world, a designation that highlights responsible ecotourism, conservation, education, and a shared cultural connection to whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Jean-Michel Cousteau and Ocean Futures Society were instrumental partners in the effort, connecting international conservation leadership with a community-based vision for protecting and celebrating cetaceans in the channel.

That same vision shows up daily inside SBMM’s galleries — especially in Whales Are Superheroes!, a family-favorite exhibit that highlights whales’ outsized role in ocean health and climate systems, and encourages visitors of all ages to see whales not only as majestic animals, but as essential allies in a living, interconnected planet. For SBMM educators, whales are also a gateway: a way to spark curiosity, teach science and stewardship, and inspire students to care about their carbon footprint and the future of coastal ecosystems.

Proceeds from The Love Boat: Sailing to Alaska will directly support SBMM’s hands-on education programs, including experiences that bring students face-toface with the ocean and maritime careers. Youth initiatives such as Maritime on the Move, Marine Science, and the Girls in Ocean Science Conference are designed to meet students where they are — on the water, in the harbor, and in their own classrooms — turning the Santa Barbara Channel into a living laboratory and a place of possibility.

His work has also helped shape marine protection at the highest levels. Jean-Michel Cousteau’s documentary Voyage to Kure helped elevate public awareness of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, contributing to momentum that culminated in President George W. Bush’s June 15, 2006 proclamation establishing the region as a marine national monument — then the largest protected marine area of its kind.

While Jean-Michel Cousteau’s reach is global, his impact resonates locally in ways Santa Barbara residents can recognize in their own backyard. In October

The gala itself will feature a festive reception, dinner, a program honoring Jean-Michel Cousteau, and a live auction — an evening intended to celebrate ocean-inspired legacy while funding ocean-inspired futures. To participate is not just an act of philanthropy, but a statement of shared values: that the channel matters, that education changes lives, and that protecting marine habitats is inseparable from protecting our communities.

As Jean-Michel Cousteau has said, “Protect the ocean and you protect yourself”— a reminder that the stories told at a maritime museum are not just about the past, but about the choices that shape what comes next.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for The Love Boat: Sailing to Alaska are now available at sbmm.org/gala.

Individual tickets include an unforgettable evening at the Cabrillo Pavilion with a reception, dinner, program honoring Jean-Michel Cousteau, and a live auction.

Sponsorships offer special recognition and high-visibility exposure to SBMM supporters and community leaders— and are a powerful way to champion ocean education locally by underwriting SBMM’s youth programs, exhibits, and stewardship work.

We are deeply grateful to our 2026 sponsors, including Captain’s Table sponsors Robert and Carolyn Duncan; First Officer’s Club sponsors Lynda Fairly and Richard Finkley, Chuck and Mary Wilson, and George Writer; Cruise Director sponsors Hiroko Benko; John and Bobbie Kinnear; Andy and Mary Jane Cooper; John and Tracie Doordan; Caroline and EJ Fisher; Ann Howard; the Hutton Parker Foundation; and Bill and Marian Nasgovitz; Island Explorer sponsors Arlington Financial Advisors, Randy Franciose and Christy Kelso and Lynn Kirst; plus Print Sponsor JANO Printing & Mailworks and Media Sponsor Noozhawk.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands outreach Jean-Michel Cousteau OFS Ambassadors of the Environment program with community University students.

Photo courtesy of SBMM

Jean-Michel Cousteau with camper Gavin Lohuis at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Family Camp on Catalina Island, 2012. For more than two decades, Jean-Michel has brought families together through these immersive camps—passing on a deep love of the ocean, curiosity for the natural world, and a sense of responsibility to protect it.

Tillie Ferraro and Jean-Michel Cousteau returning from a snorkel at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Family Camp on Catalina Island

SBIFF Honors Michael B. Jordan as Outstanding Performer of the Year

WOWING VIEWERS THE WORLD

OVER with his gripping performance of twins Smoke and Stack in Sinners, history’s most Oscar-nominated film, actor Michael B. Jordan’s career is a streak of cinematic lightning. On Thursday, February 12th, Jordan will visit the Arlington Theatre to discuss his craft and receive the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Outstanding Performer of the Year Award.

“I have been a stalwart Michael B. Jordan fan since his days on The Wire, and now he’s a bonafide box office star giving one of the year’s most intricate performances - make that two - in Sinners,” said SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling. “He does incredibly nuanced work creating two specific characters - the brothers Smoke and Stack - and when they interact with each other, it’s pure alchemy. We’re pleased to honor him with our Outstanding Performer of the Year Award.”

with dynamic, groundbreaking films such as Black Panther and Creed, a sequel companion to the Rocky franchise. For Creed III, Jordan made his directorial debut and the project celebrated the highest-grossing opening ever for a sports film.

Born in Santa Ana, California, Jordan got his start on television with HBO’s The Wire and NBC’s Friday Night Lights. He began working with Sinners director Ryan Coogler in 2013, depicting Oscar Grant, a victim of police brutality, in the biographical drama Fruitvale Station. Its success fueled a creative partnership between Coogler and Jordan, and the director-actor duo have gone on to captivate audiences

Part historical fiction and part horror film, Sinners follows twin brothers who return to their Mississippi hometown to start a juke joint, only to be confronted with racism and a supernatural evil. Sinners broke Academy Award records when it received a whopping 16 nominations last month, including Jordan’s first nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

“It’s really a testament to the film as a whole and all the pieces involved and the people that went to go see this movie and watched this film,” shared Jordan with The Hollywood Reporter

Jordan also has his own production company, Outlier Society. He is currently working on directing, producing, and starring in a reimagining of The Thomas Crown Affair

For tickets to Jordan’s tribute and to learn more visit sbiff.org

Michael B. Jordan as twins Smoke and Stack in Sinners

Michael B. Jordan as Killmonger in Marvel’s Black Panther

Michael B. Jordan in Creed

Film still courtesy of Warner Bros.

Film still courtesy of Warner Bros.

Film still courtesy of Disney

Black History Month:

Celebrating the Richness of Black Culture

BLACK HISTORY MONTH in Santa Barbara kicked off Sunday with a free screening of Taylor Hackford’s Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock ‘N Roll at the Santa Barbara Public Library. The event, hosted by Santa Barbara Black Culture House, is the first of several planned by the organization.

Next up, at 1pm on Sunday, February 15th, is a free panel discussion entitled “100 Years of Black History Month: A Living Legacy,” focused on the work of educator Carter G. Woodson’s efforts to institutionalize “Negro History Week” on February 7, 1926, which was later expanded to “Black History Month” in 1976. There will have a conversation about Woodson’s work, the importance of Black History Month, and what Black History means in the context of open hostility against diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Panelists include James Joyce III, founder of “Coffee With A Black Guy,” former District Director for State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson and one-time candidate for mayor of Santa Barbara; and Aaron Jones, Director of the Educational Opportunity Program at UCSB. A third panelist will be named shortly. Darrell McNeill, co-founder of Santa Barbara Black Culture House will moderate.

The event will be hosted at The Hub in downtown Santa Barbara at 1219 State Street between Victoria and Anapamu Streets (across the street from the Granada). Santa Barbara Black Culture House events are made possible through grants from Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture, The Towbes Performing Arts Fund and sponsorship by the Black Rock Coalition. This event is further made possible through a partnership with TVSB.

Other area events celebrating Black Culture include:

Lois Mahalia jazz performance at JJC.

Jeffrey’s Jazz Coffeehouse at 910 Embarcadero Del Norte in Isla Vista is hosting a free musical event at 5:30pm on Friday, February 6th. Singer Lois Mahalia will be performing a soulful mix of originals and classics. Joining her will be George Friedenthal on keys, Rob Moreno on bass, and Donzell Davis on drums. JJC is a collaboration among artists, musicians, cultural and black studies scholars, and local intellectuals to achieve something broader than creating entertainment spaces in Isla Vista. JJC is presented in conjunction with BLST 14: The History of Jazz, taught by Dr. Jeffrey Stewart.

Special thank you to: former Chancellor Henry Yang, Marilyn Lee Schneider and Sandy Otellini for JJC funding.

Les Ballets Africains: presented by UCSB Arts & Lectures

In a display of a powerful blend of music, dance, and storytelling, the national ensemble of Guinea will offer a vibrant reflection of the country’s rich cultural heritage on Friday, February 6th, at 7:30pm at the Granada Theatre. Founded in 1952, Les Ballets Africains has earned international acclaim for its precision and artistry that transcends mere entertainment. With a legacy that spans continents and decades, their performances highlight traditional rhythms, striking choreography, and the dynamic interplay of movement and sound.

A screening of Selma: at the Alcazar Theatre Set in 1965 Alabama, Selma follows Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and fellow activists as they confront violent resistance during the Selma-to-Montgomery march for equal voting rights, a movement that helped secure the Voting Rights Act. The screening starts at 7pm on Friday, February 20th.

SBIFF Opens the McHurley Film Center

By Robert F. Adams / Special to VOICE

ONSITE FOR A REGAL RIBBONCUTTING CEREMONY, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival unveiled their ambitious remodel of the theatres formerly known as the Fiesta Five on February 2nd, two days before the festival’s opening night.

“Our new film center is a dream and will give our festival a home, guaranteeing a viable future,” emphatically stated Roger Durling, Executive Director of SBIFF, in remarks to the gathered group of community donors, festival staff, and SB City Councilmembers. “Also the theatres will reinvigorate State Street, a beacon that will invite and inspire visitors to State Street. We always have believed that art and film have power to bring people together.”

Under a lease by the City of Santa Barbara, SBIFF’s McHurley Film Center is located at 916 State Street near Canon Perdido, close to Marshall’s and The Lobero Theatre.

The theatres will be an integral part of the festival experience this year. Durling also thanked SB Mayor Randy Rowse and City Councilmembers in attendance, including Kristen Sneddon, Oscar Gutierrez, and Eric Friedman.

Durling also mentioned the late, great festival founder, Phyllis De Piciotto, for paving the way for the festival’s enduring presence. The benefactors for whom the center is named, Nora McNeely Hurley and Michael Hurley, cut the ribbon. They are informally known as “The McHurleys” and were happy to welcome the opening guests and donors and very proud of what the remodeled theaters will offer to the cultural life of Santa Barbara.

“We are honored to support more accessibility for the true discoveries of film storytelling, which may inspire the next generation,” said Nora McNeely Hurley.

The new film center features a spectacular

entry lobby, greatly improved signage, bold red walls, and an exquisite chandelier overhead. An elegant ADA ramp gleaming with tiles and golden handrails has been carved into the structure below a City parking lot, a huge improvement in access. The new walkway was sponsored by Lynda Weinman and Bruce Heavin as part of their ongoing generosity to the festival. SBIFF supporter Nancy C. Caponi may have been the first wheelchair user on the gently sloped ramp, a thrilling moment for accessibility advocates. The main lobby also boasts a large horizontal mural with sketches and drawings from the film La La Land, celebrating movie theatres such as the classic The Rialto in South Pasadena and specifically where the main characters in the film, Mia and Sebastian, go to see Rebel Without a Cause on their first date. The mural encourages an intriguing dialogue between film and art.

Once inside, new glowing red carpets in the main lobby beckon guests. Champagne and popcorn was offered as the donors wandered into the theatres to see clips of classic movies from Indiana Jones to Black Panther in new bright red theatre seats. The sound systems have been upgraded for improved sonic accessibility and the bathrooms were relocated and upgraded, making for an inviting theatrical experience moving forward.

The McHurley Center has five state of the art theatres that will provide a central hub for the film festival as well as offer more than 5,000 screenings of arthouse films alongside the Riviera Theatre’s programming. Fundraising efforts, headed up by SBIFF Development Director Benjamin Bhutani Goedert, have their eye on a 25 million dollar capital campaign. Remarkably, the festival has already received sixty percent of the goal for the project.

Learn more at sbiff.org

Photos courtesy of Donovan Campuzano

SB City Councilmembers Oscar Gutierrez and Eric Friedman, Nora McNeely Hurley and Michael Hurley, SB Mayor Randy Rowse, and SBIFF Development Director Benjamin Bhutani Goedert

SBIFF Exec Director Roger Durling

Courtesy

Photo

SBIFF Tributes and Special Events

Free Film Screenings and Celebrity Talks

CATCH FREE SCREENINGS OF THE YEAR’S TOP-NOMINATED FILMS and hear behind-the-scenes insights from celebrity speakers at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s community events. All events will be held at the Arlington Theatre.

Thursday, February 5th: Little Amélie or The Character of Rain - 11am; F1, followed by a conversation with Producer Jerry Bruckheimer - 2pm

Friday, February 6th: The Secret Agent2pm

Monday, February 9th: One Battle After Another - 10:30am; KPop Demon Hunters, followed by a conversation with Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans - 2pm

Tuesday, February 10th: Marty Supreme10:30am; Sentimental Value - 2pm

Wednesday, February 11th: Bugonia11am; Hamnet, followed by a talk with actor Jessie Buckley - 2pm

Thursday, February 12th: Sinners, followed by a conversation with actor Delroy Lindo - 2pm

Friday, February 13th: Frankenstein10:30am; Train Dreams, followed by a conversation with Writer/Director Clint Bentley and Cinematographer Adolpho Veloso - 2pm

SBIFF Names Outstanding Directors of the Year

HONORING THE FILMMAKERS WHOSE VISION AND COMMAND OF CRAFT have transformed the year’s cinematic conversations, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival will present its Outstanding Directors of the Year Award to four creative powerhouses: Ryan Coogler (Sinners), Josh Safdie (Marty Supreme), Joachim Trier (Sentimental Value) and Chloé Zhao (Hamnet). The honorees will discuss their works with The Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg at the Arlington Theatre on Tuesdsay, February 10th

“Ryan, Josh, Joachim and Chloé represent the wide breadth of contemporary filmmaking,” said SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling. “In their Oscar nominated films, they each demonstrated an extraordinary command of craft and storytelling, creating work that is both deeply personal and globally resonant. At a time when audiences are craving bold voices, these directors have delivered films that challenge, inspire and elevate cinema. We are honored to celebrate their achievements.”

This event joins the ranks of the festival’s numerous other tributes to honor actors, filmmakers, and industry experts who work behind the camera to create legendary cinema. Additional upcoming tributes, all held at the Arlington Theatre include:

American Riviera Award: Ethan Hawke8pm Friday, February 6th

Montecito Award: Stellan

Skarsgård - 8pm Wednesday, February 11th

Outstanding Performer Award: Michael B. Jordan - 8pm Thursday, February 12th

Arlington Artist of the Year Award: Kate Hudson - 8pm Friday, February 13th

Variety Artisans Award: EJAE, Alexandre Desplat, Jack Fisk, Kate Hawley, Mike Hill, Andy Jurgensen, Al Nelson, Eric Saindon, Adolpho Veloso, and Chris Welcker - 8pm Saturday, February 7th

Virtuosos Award: Jacob Elordi, Chase Infiniti, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Amy Madigan, Wunmi Mosaku, Wagner Moura, Sydney Sweeney, and Teyana Taylor - 8pm Sunday, February 8th

Hammond Cinema Vanguard Award: Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro - 8pm Monday, February 9th

Additional Special Events:

Comedy Shorts: 5:20pm Saturday, February 7th (Film Center Aud. 2); 12pm Sunday, February 8th (Riviera Theatre); 9am Monday, February 9th (Film Center Aud. 4)

Animation Shorts: 12pm Monday, February 9th; 3pm Tuesday, February 10th (both screenings in Film Center Aud. 4)

Nature ShortsEnvironment/

Sustainability: 2:20pm Wednesday, February 11th (Film Center Aud. 2); 6pm Thursday, February 12th (Riviera Theatre); 5:40pm Friday, February 13th (Film Center Aud. 3)

Santa Barbara Documentary Shorts: 8:40pm Wednesday, February 11th; 2:40pm Friday, February 13th (both screenings in Film Center Aud. 3)

Santa Barbara Narrative Shorts: 8:40pm Saturday, February 7th; 2:40pm Monday, February 9th (both screenings Film Center Aud. 3)

Youth CineMedia: 12:20pm Saturday, February 14th (Film Center Aud. 5)Free Admission!

10-10-10 Student Shorts: 2pm Saturday, February 14th (Arlington Theatre) - Free Admission! sbiff.org

Ryan Coogler, Josh Safdie, Joachim Trier, and Chloé Zhao

Writer/Director Clint Bentley and Cinematographer Adolpho Veloso will join a screening of Train Dreams on February 13th

Actor Delroy Lindo will speak after a free screening of Sinners on February 12th

Image courtesy of SBIFF

Benecio del Toro, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Sean Penn will receive the Hammond Cinema Vanguard Award

Kate Hudson will be named Arlington Artist of the Year

Image courtesy of Gavin Bond © 2023

Netflix Inc

Ethan Hawke will receive the American Riviera Award

Photo courtesy of SBIFF

Photo by Greg Williams

Stellan Skarsgård will receive the Montecito Award

Photo courtesy of SBIFF

Photo courtesy of SBIFF

Photo courtesy of SBIFF

Photo courtesy of SBIFF

Michael B. Jordan will be honored as Outstanding Performer of the Year

Santa Barbara Filmmakers

World Premiere of The Other Roe Illuminates History of Fight for Reproductive Rights

By Daisy Scott / VOICE

ON THE SAME DAY THE SUPREME COURT DECIDED

ROE V. WADE in 1973, the justices also heard and decided another critical case in the fight for reproductive rights: Doe v. Bolton. Over 50 years later, local filmmaker Wendy Eley Jackson is amplifying this landmark decision through the world premiere of her documentary short film, The Other Roe, at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

“The thing that was the most surprising for me was how many people have never heard of this case,” expressed Jackson, who wrote and directed the film. “Roe could not stand without Doe.”

Currently a professor at Westmont College and UC Santa Barbara, Jackson began working on The Other Roe two years ago, originally hoping to make it a feature film. However, as the Trump administration defunded organizations that would have supported the project, Jackson and her team decided to pivot and create a documentary short.

The film largely focuses on attorney Margie Pitts Hames, who argued the case and helped secure rights for hospitals and healthcare providers, establishing key legal frameworks. Her achievements are expressed through rich interviews with activists, lawyers, and physicians, as well as personal testimony from Hames’ daughter, Donia Hames Robinson, who Jackson actually attended middle school with in Atlanta. Archival footage also shows Hames in action.

“It took a lot to find anything on [Hames] for a woman that was constantly in the press in the ‘70s around this case,” said Jackson. “There are forces that want to turn the clock back, even the ability to research, so I always say we’re living in a time of erasure, watching people take not just civil but human rights away, wanting to not lean into everyone having a say, everyone having a seat at the table... This is just one of the many stories I plan on telling.”

The short also reflects on the overturning of Roe in 2023 and the ongoing fight to reclaim and preserve reproductive rights. For Jackson, who also produced the documentary Maynard, this is just the latest step in using her filmmaking to give a voice to stories that are not as well known or told.

“My father-in-law, Maynard Holbrook Jackson Jr, the first African American mayor of any major southern city, said this: ‘Politics is not perfect, but it’s the best nonviolent means of changing the way that we live,’” said Jackson. “If people want to make change, then we must do it at the ballot box. There’s lots of ways to show your dissent and your consent. Mine is through my films and at the ballot box, and I hope other people will do the same.”

Screenings will take place at 9pm on Tuesday, February 10th and at 11:40am on Wednesday, February 11th at the SBIFF McHurley Film Center.

For tickets and the full SBIFF schedule visit sbiff.org

Three legendary actors. One

The incredible story behind the making

Writer/Director Wendy Eley Jackson

Barbara’s Professional Theatre

BY Ian Shaw AND Joseph Nixon DIRECTED BY Pesha Rudnick

WILL BLOCK asRichard Dreyfuss

ADAM POOLE asRoy Scheider

GILDART JACKSON asRobert Shaw

broken shark.

of JAWS.

Courtesy film poster

Courtesy image

Everything

Coming Up Rosas!

Relatively Normal Promises a Heartfelt, Santa Barbara Family Affair

By Daisy Scott / VOICE

TOUCHING, WITTY LOOK at one girl’s struggle to navigate family dynamics during the COVID-19 lockdown, Relatively Normal emerges this festival season as writer and director Amy Wendel’s “ode to teens.” Starring Chloe Coleman (Dungeons & Dragons, Avatar: The Way of Water) and entirely filmed in Santa Barbara, the film will make its world premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival to audiences who can each relate, in their own ways, to the film’s messages and themes of family, loneliness, and uncertainty.

“It’s the story about a young woman who’s at home, and she knows she will survive COVID, but will she survive her crazy family?” shared Wendel. “It has comedic momements, poignant moments, and moving moments.”

Wendel, who spent quarantine with her three sons (ages 11 to 15 at the time), wrote Relatively Normal after growing increasingly moved and concerned by the pandemic’s impact on young adults and teenagers. After starting the story as a podcast, she pivoted to putting the story on film, teaming up with producers Allison Chase Coleman and Jill Levinson to collaborate and bring the story to life on screen.

“When I saw this script that Amy had written, a light bulb went off,” shared Levinson, adding that she immediately thought of having Allison’s daughter star. “The minute I read the script I thought of Chloe Coleman. That was the first call, is Chloe available and interested?”

Each shot of the film focuses on Chloe, as the story tracks her perspective and personal narrative. Already an established actor for major blockbusters, this marks her first film where she also holds the role of Executive Producer. Rounding out the cast are actors Grant Culling, Pamela Dillman, Troy Blendell, Lilia Buckingham, Grayson Nygren, and Cheri Steinkellner.

The project evolved into a true “family affair,” as Levinson calls it. Shot in just 16 days across two local residences that fell under the creative purview of production designer Kimi Rice, Relatively Normal benefited at every step from Santa Barbara’s filmmaker-friendly environment. From local talent and industry connections to even incorporating teenagers from multiple local high schools, the resulting project feels more authentic as a result of the intimate community behind its creative vision.

“It brings back so many memories,” shared Allison Chase Coleman about the film’s impact on viewers. “That is so rewarding, it feels so good to know it taps into everyone’s relatable experiences because you have the dad, mom, brother, and a little bit for everyone to remember their painful or bizarre experiences.”

Relatively Normal will screen at 12pm on Friday, February 6th at the Riviera Theatre, as well as at 9:20am on Saturday, February 7th and 11:20am on Monday, February 9th at the McHurley Film Center.

Writer/Director Amy Wendel

Producer Allison Chase Coleman

Producer Jill Levinson

Spring Day Douglas Preserve by Ralph Waterhouse

Courtesy film still

Grant Culling, Pamela Dillman, Chloe Coleman, and Cheri Steinkillner in Relatively Normal

Community News

County Approves Reforms to Streamline Planning and Zoning Permits

TO BETTER SUPPORT RESIDENTS, HOMEOWNERS, AND BUSINESSES, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has approved a set of ordinance amendments designed to make the planning and zoning system more efficient, predictable, and user-friendly. Passed on January 27th, the Ordinance Streamlining and Housing Accommodation amendments represent a milestone in the County’s ongoing effort to modernize its permitting processes while continuing to protect community character and environmental resources.

“Today’s action is a practical step toward making our permitting system work better,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Bob Nelson. “It’s not a cure-all, but it moves us in the right direction. We’ll keep working to fix outdated rules and make the process more predictable for families and local businesses.”

The approved changes are part of Phase Two of a three-phase modernization initiative focused on reducing unnecessary complexity, improving transparency, and creating more consistent outcomes for customers navigating the permitting process.

The newly adopted ordinance amendments will take effect in the County Land Use and Development Code and Montecito Land Use Development Code on February 26th, and in the Coastal Zoning Ordinance area following Coastal Commission certification. Improvements include faster approvals for lowerimpact projects such as time extensions, minor modifications, and small development plans by shifting them to streamlined staff-level reviews. There will also be limited appeals for minor projects where decision-making discretion is minimal; standardized procedures for notification requirements and permit expiration dates to make rules easier to understand and apply; and a cleaner zoning code with outdated provisions removed, redundancy reduced, and clearer explanations of when and how regulations apply.

These changes are expected to shorten review times, reduce costs, and improve the customer experience while maintaining environmental protections, and design standards.

The approved amendments also include important updates that support housing goals identified in the County’s recently adopted Housing Element.

For more information visit countyofsb.org/1085/Planning-and-Building-Permit-Application

Registration Open for High School Architectural Design Competition

DO YOU KNOW A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WITH AN INTEREST IN DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE OR ART? The Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara is organizing a free design event for Santa Barbara County high school students, ninth to twelfth grade, with cash prizes awarded to twelve finalists. This year, the competition will be held on Tuesday, February 24th, at two sites: Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara City College in Santa Barbara. Finalists will compete in a Juried Review on Saturday, February 28th at Elverhoj Museum in Solvang.

Registration will remain open until Monday, February 23rd, and interested prize and event sponsors are encouraged to contact AFSB at (805) 965-6307 or info@afsb.org.

To register as a competitor or learn more visit afsb.org/programs/high-school-design-competition

City of Santa Barbara Welcomes New Housing and Homeless Services Manager

CAROLINE “CARRIE” PAINE has been appointed to serve as the new Housing and Homeless Services Manager by the City of Santa Barbara. This position, which was formerly titled Housing and Human Services Manager, reports directly to Deputy City Administrator Anthony Valdez, who leads the City’s Office of Housing and Community Vitality.

Paine most recently served as Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of HAMIC in Santa Maria, where she provided strategic leadership for programs addressing homelessness, addiction recovery, mental health stabilization, and criminal justice re-entry.

In her new role with the City of Santa Barbara, Paine will oversee the City’s Housing and Homeless Services Division, which manages affordable housing programs, homelessness response initiatives, and critical community services. This includes administration of programs such as Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships, and the City’s Housing and Homelessness Action Plan. Paine will also lead efforts to strengthen partnerships, ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, and develop strategies to expand housing opportunities and reduce homelessness in Santa Barbara. She holds an A.A. in Global Studies from SB City College and a B.A. in Peace and Conflict Studies from UC Berkeley.

La Ciudad de

Santa Bárbara da la bienvenida a la nueva Gerente de Vivienda y Servicios para Personas sin Hogar

LA CIUDAD DE SANTA BÁRBARA SE COMPLACE EN ANUNCIAR el nombramiento de Caroline “Carrie” Paine como la nueva Gerente de Vivienda y Servicios para Personas sin Hogar. Este puesto, anteriormente denominado Gerente de Vivienda y Servicios Humanos, refleja el enfoque ampliado de la Ciudad para atender las necesidades de vivienda y la situación de las personas sin hogar en nuestra comunidad. Paine reportará directamente a Anthony Valdez, Subasistente de la Ciudad (Deputy City Administrator), quien dirige la Oficina de Vivienda y Vitalidad Comunitaria de la Ciudad. Más recientemente, se desempeñó como directora ejecutiva y directora de Operaciones de HAMIC en Santa María, donde brindó liderazgo estratégico a programas enfocados en la falta de vivienda, la recuperación de adicciones, la estabilización de la salud mental y la reintegración en la justicia penal. Como Gerente de Vivienda y Servicios para Personas sin Hogar, Paine supervisará la División de Vivienda y Servicios para Personas sin Hogar de la Ciudad, que administra programas de vivienda asequible, iniciativas de respuesta a la falta de vivienda y servicios comunitarios esenciales. Esto incluye la administración de programas como Subvenciones en Bloque para el Desarrollo Comunitario (CDBG), Socios de Inversión HOME y el Plan de Acción de Vivienda y Personas sin Hogar de la Ciudad. Paine también liderará esfuerzos para fortalecer alianzas, garantizar el cumplimiento de regulaciones estatales y federales, y desarrollar estrategias para ampliar las oportunidades de vivienda y reducir la falta de vivienda en Santa Bárbara. Posee un A.A. en Estudios Globales por el Santa Barbara City College y una Licenciatura en Estudios de Paz y Conflictos por la Universidad de California, Berkeley.

United Way Offers Free Tax Services for Qualifying Residents Countywide through April 15th

HOUSEHOLDS MAKING $67,000 OR LESS are invited to visit United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for free tax filing services, with weekly appointments available from February 2nd through April 15th. The program will operate at sites throughout the county, with Spanish interpretation available on limited days. All qualifying local residents must make an appointment online, and can indicate if they will need to speak with a Spanish-speaking representative during registration.

Program volunteers are IRS-certified tax preparers, and can help households prepare and electronically file their tax returns. Volunteers can also assist with Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) applications and renewals. The 2026 tax preparation sites and times are:

Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Ave.): Fridays, 9am-12pm and 1-4pm

United Way of SB County (320 East Gutierrez St.): Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1-4pm

SB Public Library, Eastside (1102 E Montecito St.): Mondays & Fridays, 4-7pm and Saturdays, 9am-1pm

A to be determined UCSB location will also offer services on Saturdays from 10am-3pm.

Visit www.unitedwaysb.org/VITA to make an appointment, for up-to-date site information, required documentation and information to bring, and other program details.

Caroline Paine

John C. Mithun Foundation Donates Full Amount for Goleta Valley Library Children’s Area Renovations

IN A GENEROUS DISPLAY OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT, the John C. Mithun

Foundation has gifted $550,000 to the Goleta Valley Library to fully fund renovations and interior design changes to the library’s children’s area.

“We are deeply grateful for the incredibly generous support of the John C. Mithun Foundation,” said Goleta City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo. “This gift will support generations of children and families who visit the library and will lay the groundwork for lifelong readers to thrive in our community and beyond.”

The donation will fund several new and reimagined elements of the children’s area, including: comfortable and modern seating for all ages and bodies; activity stations and interactive spaces to support early literacy skill development; a designated Teen Area with collaborative seating for reading and gathering; performance space for year-round shows that educate and inspire; upgraded technology for safe and responsible use; updated shelving to foster browsing and promote reading; and much more. The children’s area design strives to make this portion of the library a place where all feel welcome to discover the joys of reading in a safe, accessible community atmosphere.

The Library will launch a capital campaign to raise additional funds needed for improvements to the adult portion of the library, Community Room, lobby, common spaces, service desk area, and staff work spaces.

To learn more visit GoletaValleyLibrary.org/BuildingForward

Library of Congress Adds 25 Films to National Film Registry for Preservation

THE KARATE KID, CLUELESS, INCEPTION, and 22 other films spanning the history of American filmmaking have been added to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. The Library selects films for preservation via the National Film Registry for their significant cultural, aesthetic, or historic value.

Films span Hollywood’s golden age of musicals to more recent blockbusters, including: White Christmas (1954); High Society (1956); The Thing (1982); The Big Chill (1983); The Karate Kid (1984); Glory (1989); Philadelphia (1993); Before Sunrise (1995); Clueless (1995); The Truman Show (1998); Frida (2002); The Hours (2002); The Incredibles (2004); Inception (2010); and The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014).

2026 additions also include six silent films: The Tramp and the Dog (1896); The Oath of the Sword (1914); The Maid of McMillan (1916); The Lady (1925); Sparrows (1926); and Ten Nights in a Barroom (1926). Four documentaries were also added to the registry: Brooklyn Bridge (1981); The Loving Story (2011); Say Amen, Somebody (1982); and The Wrecking Crew (2008). Visit loc.gov

Draft State Street Master Plan includes pedestrians, cars, E-bikes, and retractable bollards

By Joshua Molina Santa Barbara News-Press 1.28.26

STEFANOS POLYZOIDES HAS PUT THE SHINE ON STATE STREET.

The city of Santa Barbara on Wednesday showed the News-Press elements of the draft State Street Master Plan that will go before the City Council in April.

The plan shows a vibrant State Street with options for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Acclaimed architect Polyzoides and his firm created the plan. There’s even early talk about changing the one-way street configurations on Chapala and Anacapa streets.

“I am very excited about what Polyzoides and his team have presented,” said councilwoman Kristen Sneddon. “The plan keeps the promenade feel and improves the experience, while still being flexible for parades and community uses. I am looking forward to hearing community feedback.”

The draft master plan includes two options.

Option 1 includes fast E-bikes and transit in a travel lane and road bikes in a separate bike lane, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The sidewalks on both sides of the street would be 19 feet.

From 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., vehicles and delivery trucks could ride on the travel lane and E-bikes and road bikes on a separate bike lane.

Option 2 is similar, except it places all E-bikes, road bikes and transit vehicles in the same lane from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. In addition, the sidewalks would be 30-feet wide on both sides of State Street.

From 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., vehicles and deliveries and all bikes would share the travel lane.

Both plans, from Gutierrez to Victoria streets, include retractable bollards, that allow for parades and other special events.

“There’s some new momentum here,” said Tess Harris, the city’s State Street Master Planner.

Harris said the full plan will be released in April prior to the council meeting. If the council selects a plan to move forward, Harris said people could see results on at least a couple blocks within six months.

“That doesn’t mean that we are necessarily going to be pouring concrete at that moment, but we might be putting paint on the ground to show where the new delineators are, closing the street to vehicles at certain times, opening the street to vehicles at certain times, and showing what the sidewalks could look like,”

Harris said.

Although it is not formally part of the draft master plan, Harris said Polyzoides has also suggested the possibility of making Anacapa and Chapala streets two-way, instead of the current one-way configuration.

“We are looking at potentially changing Anacapa and Chapala into two-way streets,” Harris said.

She said that was in the “very early stages” of discussion.

“Chapala is very wide,” she said. “There is an opportunity at least on that street.”

Sullivan Israel, founder of Strong Towns SB, said the group prefers Option 2, but opposes opening the street to cars at any time.

“Our goal is to see the city commit to a fully car-free space that balances the needs of those who take transit, cycle, or walk,” Israel said. “Option 2 has wonderfully wide sidewalks with plenty of room for outdoor dining and large numbers of people to pass each other on foot, while keeping cyclists and transit in their own dedicated area—avoiding the confusion of the unconfigured street we have now.”

Israel said narrowing the spaces where bikes are allowed from the current 40 to 20 feet would also significantly help toward reducing Ebike speeds.

“However, we think that despite Option 2’s strengths, there are a few obvious downsides to it,” Israel said. “A finished design with retractable bollards and a tentative agreement to open the street to cars at night has the potential to leave our community with an endless battle over when cars should be allowed.”

Santa Barbara is moving forward with a draft master plan for state Street that includes options for bicyclists to travel in a separate lane

Photo by Joshua Molina/Santa Barbara News-Press

A conceptual rendering of the Goleta Valley Library’s children’s area

The Karate Kid

Wunmi Mosaku and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas to be Honored as SBIFF Virtuosos

TWO MORE EXCITING, POWERHOUSE ACTORS will join the host of breakthrough talent honored at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Virtuosos Awards: Wunmi Mosaku, who wowed audiences in Sinners, and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, of Sentimental Value fame.

The Virtuosos Awards will be presented Sunday, February 8th at the Arlington Theatre. Additional honorees include Jacob Elordi, Chase Infiniti, Amy Madigan, Wagner Moura, Sydney Sweeney, and Teyana Taylor. Turner Classic Movies host Dave Karger will interview honorees about their career and recent performances.

In Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, which has set an Academy Awards record with a whopping 16 nominations, Mosaku stars alongside Michael B. Jordan to deliver a powerful and emotionally layered performance. She has earned critical acclaim as well as her first Academy Award and SAG Actor Award nominations. A BAFTA Award winner known for her work in Lovecraft Country, His House, and Loki, Mosaku continues to build a dynamic career across film and television with complex, resonant roles.

Lilleaas stars opposite Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, and Elle Fanning in the intimate drama Sentimental Value. Director Joachim Trier’s latest, the film explores memory, family, and the weight of personal history. Lilleass’ nuanced performance has introduced her to international audiences and earned her first Academy Award nomination. She has additionally been nominated for BAFTA, Golden Globe, Critics Choice, and Gotham Awards. She also won the Best Supporting Actress Award from the National Board of Review. For tickets and more information visit sbiff.org

SBIFF Announces Industry Panelists

MANY OF THE YEAR’S OSCAR-NOMINATED FILMMAKERS and industry experts will share their insights and experiences during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s panel series. All panels will be held at the Arlington Theatre and welcome moderators to lead attendees in in-depth conversations. Panels include: Women’s Panel, Saturday, February 7th at 11am. Moderated by Madelyn Hammond, President of Madelyn Hammond & Associates. Panelists: Miyako Bellizzi, Costume Designer (Marty Supreme), Laia Casanovas, Sound Team (Sirat); Yvett Merino, Producer (Zootopia 2), Natalie Musteata, Director (Two People Exchanging Saliva), Alisa Payne, Producer (The Perfect Neighbor), and Ashley Schlaifer, Producer (Train Dreams).

Casting Directors Panel, Saturday, February 7th at 2pm. Moderated by Debra Birnbaum, Gold Derby. Panelists: Gabriel Domingues (The Secret Agent), Nina Gold (Hamnet), Cassandra Kulukundis (One Battle After Another), Francine Maisler (Sinners), and Jennifer Venditti (Marty Supreme).

Producers Panel, Sunday, February 8th at 11am. Moderated by Nicole Sperling, The New York Times. Panelists: Ronald Bronstein (Marty Supreme), Jerry Bruckheimer (F1), J. Miles Dale (Frankenstein), Maria Ekerhovd (Sentimental Value), Nicolas Gonda (Hamnet), Ed Guiney (Bugonia), Emilie Lesclaux (The Secret Agent), Marissa McMahon (Train Dreams), Sara Murphy (One Battle After Another), and Sev Ohanian (Sinners).

International Directors Panel, Sunday, February 8th at 2pm. Moderated by SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling. Panelists: Kaouther Ben Hania (The Voice of Hind Rajab), Oliver Laxe (Sirat), Kleber Mendonça Filho (The Secret Agent), Jafar Panahi (It Was Just an Accident), and Joachim Trier (Sentimental Value).

Writers Panel, Saturday, February 14th at 11am. Moderated by Anne Thompson, indieWire. Panelists: Clint Bentley (Train Dreams), Ronald Bronstein (Marty Supreme), Guillermo del Toro (Frankenstein),Jafar Panahi (It Was Just an Accident), Will Tracy (Bugonia), and Eskil Vogt (Sentimental Value).

Delroy Lindo and Jerry Bruckheimer to Attend Sinners and F1 Screenings

SURPRISE APPEARANCES FROM ACTOR DELROY LINDO AND PRODUCER JERRY BRUCKHEIMER have been announced for screenings of Sinners and F1, two of this year’s popular Academy Award-nominated films, at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

Lindo, who earned his first Oscar nomination for his powerful role as the blues musician Delta Slim in Sinners, will attend a screening of the film at 2pm on Thursday, February 12th at the Arlington Theatre. He will discuss his role and career, which has included Malcolm X, Da 5 Bloods, and The Harder They Fall Academy Award-nominated producer Jerry Bruckheimer will also share his insights with SBIFF attendees during a screening of F1 at 2pm on Thursday, February 5th at the Arlington Theatre. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, this highspeed drama stars Brad Pitt alongside Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, and Javier Bardem, and follows a veteran Formula 1 driver who returns to the sport to mentor a rising talent and revive a struggling team. One of the most successful producers in Hollywood, Bruckheimer’s work has spanned Top Gun, Beverly Hills Cop, Pirates of the Caribbean, Armageddon, and Black Hawk Down sbiff.org

UCSB Alum Honored with Academy Award Nomination for Zootopia 2

Yvett Merino

THREE CHEERS FOR UC SANTA BARBARA ALUM AND FILM PRODUCER YVETT MERINO (‘94), who has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for Zootopia 2 This nomination arrives after Merino’s Oscar win in 2022 for her work on the hit animated musical Encanto. The accomplishment made Academy Awards history, as Merino became the first Latina to receive the Best Animated Feature award. She has also received UCSB’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Merino’s new film, Zootopia 2, will screen during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival as a part of its educational Mike’s FieldTrip to the Movies programming.

SBIFF’s Mike’s FieldTrip to the Movies to Bring Thousands of Students to Arlington

SPARKING A LOVE OF CINEMA AMONG MANY OF OUR COMMUNITY’S YOUNGEST VIEWERS, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Mike’s FieldTrip to the Movies program will bring over 4,000 local fourth to sixth grade students to the Arlington Theatre for special screenings of two Academy Award-nominated animated films, Zootopia 2 and Elio. Both screenings will be followed by Q&As featuring members of the films’ creative teams.

Named for nature cinematographer Mike deGruy, Mike’s FieldTrip to the Movies aims to use filmmaking to nurture creative, confident, and culturally aware thinkers. All participating students are from Title I schools countywide. Visit sbiff.org/education/mikes-fieldtrip

Photo courtesy of SBIFF

Photo courtesy of UCSB Magazine

Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas

Wunmi Mosaku

Community News

WHALE TAIL® Grant Funds Watershed

Education for Local Students

THANKS TO A $47,512, TWO YEAR WHALE TAIL® GRANT from the California Coastal Commission, over 400 fifth grade students from Title I schools in the Goleta and Santa Barbara Unified School Districts have participated in Explore Ecology’s Flows to the Ocean Program (FTO). This opportunity has included immersive learning experiences at sea, such as whale watching trips aboard the Condor Express.

“We’re so grateful to the California Coastal Commission for this grant. Santa Barbara County students have learned so much through Flows to the Ocean. For many of them, it was the first time they’ve ever been on a boat, and seeing wildlife firsthand has a profound impact. Students feel much more connected to nature and the ocean after watching a humpback whale breach or a pod of dolphins surfing the wake of the boat,” said Lindsay Johnson, Executive Director at Explore Ecology. “We also thank the Condor Express team and crew for making the boat trips into the Channel possible.”

SB

Symphony To Be Broadcast On Classical California’s SoCal Saturday Night

FOUR SANTA BARBARA SYMPHONY CONCERTS WILL BE AIRED IN THEIR ENTIRETY on SoCal Saturday Night, as part of the music network’s Classical California’s programming. The broadcasts will air weekly on Saturdays from 7 to 9pm from February 7th to the 28th.

“Classical California is proud to share the artistry of the Santa Barbara Symphony with listeners across our state and beyond, ” said James A. Muhammad, President of Classical California. “By working together with our partners in the arts, we’re deepening our shared mission to make everyday life more harmonious.”

Classes that participate in FTO work on a student-led action project that focuses on educating others, raising environmental awareness, and creating change on their campus or in their community. Last year’s projects included seven campus wide cleanups at Monroe Elementary, as well as PowerPoint presentations, assemblage art made of collected trash, comic books, videos, watershed models, and rock art with environmental messages at Brandon Elementary. ExploreEcology.org

JJ McLeod Appointed ZANE Board Chair

JJ McLeod

JJ MCLEOD has been appointed the Board Chair of ZANE: Zoos & Aquariums for a Neurodiverse Ecosystem (ZANE). Currently working as the Director of Education at the Santa Barbara Zoo, McLeod has over a decade of experience in conservation education, inclusion, and systems-level change. At the Zoo, she has overseen the development and implementation of Early Explorers Preschool, the first licensed outdoor preschool in the state of California, as well as led the implementation of the Zoo’s Autism Center Certification. This summer, the Zoo will once again offer Autism Safari Nights in partnership with the UCSB Koegel Autism Center. In her new role with ZANE, McLeod will help the organization through its next phase of growth and mission to advance neurodiversity-affirming practices at zoos and aquariums. sbzoo.org

SB Maritime Museum Announces 2026 Volunteer Training Program

DO YOU LOVE THE OCEAN, LOCAL HISTORY, OR CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE? The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is seeking volunteers for its 2026 docent training class, which will begin March 17th at 9am at the museum. The program includes an introduction to Santa Barbara Channel maritime history, behind-the-scenes exhibit interpretation, and hands-on training in guest services, education support, and special events. Once trained, volunteers help welcome guests, interpret exhibits, support school field trips, assist at special events, and share Santa Barbara Channel maritime stories. Apply online at www.sbmm.org/volunteer or contact Nova Jesswein, Youth Education and Volunteer Manager, at njesswein@sbmm.org or (805) 456-8748.

The four broadcasts will feature complete concert performances from The Symphony’s 2024/25 Season, all conducted by Music & Artistic Director Nir Kabaretti, and offering listeners a taste of the orchestra’s artistic range.

“Over the past five years, our local community has signaled that Maestro Kabaretti’s programming connects and resonates, and we’re seeing that connection reflected in both growing attendance and donor support,” said Kathryn R. Martin, President and CEO of the Santa Barbara Symphony.

SoCal Saturday Night, showcases performances from leading Southern California venues, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Pacific Symphony, and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, placing the Santa Barbara Symphony among an elite group of ensembles regularly featured on the program.

To listen to the broadcasts tune in on 93.7 FM or on kusc.org and kdfc.com

Fran Finney Honored by ALS Network

FRAN FINNEY, a local resident and member of the ALS Network’s Community Research Committee (CRC), has been awarded the 2026 Essey Commitment to Cures Award for her outstanding contributions to the ALS community and aiding the ALS Network to advance its global research program. Finney was recognized at the Champions for Cures and Care Gala in Pasadena in late January.

“It is becoming clear that ALS is a very complex disease. As a medical professional, a scientist, and a caregiver for my life partner, I have intimately experienced how ALS impacts the lives of its victims and their families. And I passionately want to conquer it,” said Finney in a statement. alsnetwork.org

Nonprofits Encouraged to Apply for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Goleta City Grant Program

THE APPLICATION PERIOD CLOSES AT 5PM ON FEBRUARY 6TH for the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Goleta City Grant Program, which provides funding to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies that offer programs, services, and activities benefiting Goleta residents. The grant period applies to July 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2027, with grant amounts between $1,000 to $10,000. A total amount of $250,000 in funding is available.

To learn more or apply visit

cityofgoleta.org/grants

Photo by Nik Blaskovich

Students abord the Condor Express

Fran Finney

Filmmakers

Imbalance to Offer a Sexy Exploration of Mind and Heart at SBIFF

By Daisy Scott / VOICE

POWER DYNAMICS, FORBIDDEN ROMANCE, AND PHILOSOPHICAL DEBATES drive the heartbeat of Imbalance. Written, directed, and produced by longtime local resident Dale Griffiths Stamos, and shot entirely in Santa Barbara, Imbalance explores the complexities and consequences that emerge when a philosophy professor grows attracted to her teaching assistant and advisee.

Writer/Director/Producer

Dale Griffiths Stamos

With Emmy-nominated actress Sharon Lawrence in the leading role of Professor Elizabeth Drewer and actor Nicholas Gonzalez (The Good Doctor, Resurrection Blvd.) as her TA-turned-lover, Imbalance uses its campus setting to incorporate philosophy and explore the balance between rationality and emotionality. The film will have its world premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

“I don’t talk down to my audiences. I stimulate them, and I mean that in both senses of the word, mind and heart,” said Griffiths Stamos. “Almost everything I’ve written has those two elements of mind and heart, that’s what interests me. And so I would say, if you want an adult, romantic, sexy, but also an intellectually challenging drama? This is it.”

Griffiths Stamos wrote first what would become Imbalance as a play in 2006. Titled Dialectics of the Heart, it also starred both Lawrence and Gonzalez in the leading roles. Recognizing the play’s greater relevance in the wake of the #MeToo movement and stricter Title IX guidelines on college campuses, Griffiths Stamos adapted the play into a screenplay, changing the title to Imbalance to reflect the inherently disproportionate power dynamics in workplace romances.

She also aged her characters up to be about 60 and 40 years old, respectively, so that she could continue working with Lawrence and Gonzalez. The result is a film that still focuses on a forbidden relationship in a university setting, but explores more complexities and nuances given its 2026 setting and the fact that both individuals are full adults with established careers.

“While I absolutely believe that there needs to be regulations around this, and I’m a huge advocate of the #MeToo movement, I also wanted to explore what I call the gray zones, that some of these issues are not as black and white as we now kind of look at them,” explained Griffiths Stamos.

Filmed in just 13 days across Santa Barbara, local audiences will be delighted by Imbalance’s shots of familiar sights, including Riviera Park, which acts as the film’s college campus, and The Black Sheep Restaurant. Additionally, two Central Coast actors, Karin delaPeña Collison and James Morrison, round out the film’s supporting cast, which also includes actors Paul Witten and Megan Elizabeth Barker.

Screenings will be held at the SBIFF McHurley Film Center at 8:20pm on Tuesday, February 10th and at 9:20am on Thursday, February 12th.

For more info about the film visit imbalancethefilm.com; For tickets visit sbiff.org

Stand By, Mother Transports Viewers to a Children’s Wonderland

By Daisy Scott / VOICE

ADREAMY,

CHILDREN’S FANTASY WORLD

rooted in activism and artistic expression awaits viewers of the world premiere of Stand By, Mother at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Written and directed by Santa Barbara creative Kerrilee Gore, the play-turned-film features 23 local children performing across modes of artistic expression, including dance and aerial choreography, to explore how we can protect and celebrate our planet.

“What I would love for the SBIFF audiences to walk away with is the authenticity of these children, who are just children being children, and they are also passionate about what their characters are trying to portray,” said Gore, adding that she hopes the “whimsical fantasy adventure” helps viewers remember what it was like to “see the world through the eyes of a child.”

Drawing inspiration from classic, imaginative children’s stories such as The NeverEnding Story, Stand By, Mother centers on a little boy who receives a book from a mysterious adult. As he reads the book, each character comes to life and enters the scene through a magical portal door, imparting artistic performances and sharing how we can help heal the planet. Lessons range from concrete actions such as recycling to lessons in personal growth, such as empathy and putting aside technology to connect with nature.

Gore came up with Stand By, Mother with her two daughters, aged eight and nine years old. Originally motivated to write about endangered animals, the story evolved into a larger environmental play as Gore wrote more parts for local children, performing it through her local underground theater, The Black Box. All proceeds from the play’s run were donated to local non-profits the Community Environmental Council and the Glimmers Foundation.

Dozens of locals pitched in to make the film version, including actor Dakota Lotus (Disney’s Coop & Cami Ask the World), film composer Bobby Tahouri, and Martin Gore, a Depeche Mode founding member who wrote some of the film’s music. The film also introduces nine year-old actor Emmet Long in the starring role and 22 other children in their first film performances.

“The kids are so excited to share their work and talents with their community and are sure to pack a large theatre with the support of all of their families, close friends, and teachers,” said Gore.

Gore will also screen a second film, an experimental short titled The Memory Experiment, as a part of SBIFF’s Santa Barbara Narrative Shorts spotlight. Based on Gore’s

real life experience of being kidnapped and carjacked with a friend 22 years ago, the short explores how memory changes and varies depending on the person. To create the film, she reconnected with her friend for the first time in 21 years to discuss their shared trauma and see how their memories differed.

Screenings of Stand By, Mother will take place at 12pm on Tuesday, February 10th and at 9pm on Friday, February 13th at the McHurly Film Center. Memory Experiment and other SB Narrative Shorts will be screened at 8:40pm on Saturday, February 7th and at 2:40pm on Monday, February 9th at the McHurly Film Center.

To learn more about the film visit shimmyshimmyproductions.com; For tickets visit sbiff.org

Sharon Lawrence and Nicholas Gonzalez star in Imbalance

Courtesy film still

Director Kerrilee Gore

Courtesy film still

Dakota Lotus and Emmett Long star in Stand By, Mother

NOTICE OF ELECTION

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A VOTE-BY-MAIL STATEWIDE DIRECT PRIMARY ELECTION WILL BE HELD IN THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA ON TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026, FOR THE FOLLOWING MEASURE:

2022-2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)

To All Interested Persons, Groups and Agencies

CITY OF SANTA BARBARA CHARTER AMENDMENT MEASURE __-2026

The City of Santa Barbara is seeking public comment on the 2022-2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The CAPER evaluates the City’s performance on the 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan (AAP), which listed activities that would be performed during the year to achieve the performance measures outlined in the City’s 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan (CP). The CP is a 5year planning document which primarily determines the City’s housing and community development needs, issues, and resources. The CP helps the City determine strategies to address those identified needs using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds.

NOTIFICACIÓN DE LA ELECCIÓN

PUBLIC NOTICE

POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO DE QUE SE HABRÁ DE LLEVAR A CABO UNA ELECCIÓN PRIMARIA DIRECTA ESTATAL EN LA CIUDAD DE SANTA BARBARA EL MARTES, 2 DE JUNIO, DE 2026, PARA LA SIGUIENTE MEDIDA:

2022-2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)

To All Interested Persons, Groups and Agencies

The City of Santa Barbara is seeking public comment on the 2022-2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The CAPER evaluates City’s performance on the 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan (AAP), which list activities that would be performed during the year to achieve the performance measures outlined in the City’s 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan (CP). The CP is a year planning document which primarily determines the City’s housing and community development needs, issues, and resources. The CP helps the City determine strategies to address those identified needs using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds.

MEDIDA DE REFORMA DE LOS ESTATUTOS DE LA CIUDAD DE SANTA BÁRBARA __-2026

Shall the proposed measure to modernize City Charter Section 521 allowing flexibility related to terms and conditions of contracts and leases of City property be adopted?

The Draft CAPER will be available online at www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov on September 11th, 2023. Comments must be received by September 26th, 2023. For more information, contact the Community Development Department, Housing and Human Services Division, at (805) 564-5461 or e-mail to: HHS@SantaBarbaraCA.gov

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to Article 4, Chapter 3, Division 9 of the Elections Code of the State of California, the legislative body of the City, or any member or members thereof authorized by the body, or any individual voter or bona fide association of citizens, or any combination of voters and associations, may file a written argument, not to exceed 300 words in length, accompanied by the printed name(s) and signature(s) of the author(s) submitting it, or if submitted on behalf of an organization, the name of the organization, and the printed name and signature of at least one of its principal officers who is the author of the argument for or against the City measure.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that, based upon the time reasonably necessary to prepare and print the arguments and sample ballots for the election, the City Clerk has fixed February 26, 2026, during normal office hours, as posted, as the date after which no arguments for or against the City measure may be submitted to the City Clerk for printing and distribution to the voters as provided in Article 4. Arguments shall be submitted to the City Clerk, City of Santa Barbara City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101, accompanied by the printed name(s) and signature(s) of the author(s) submitting it, or if submitted on behalf of an organization, the name of the organization, and the printed name and signature of at least one of its principal officers who is the author of the argument. Arguments may be changed or withdrawn until and including the date fixed by the City Clerk.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the City Council had determined that rebuttal arguments, not to exceed 250 words in length, as submitted by the authors of the opposing direct arguments, may be filed with the City Clerk, accompanied by the printed name(s) and signature(s) of the author(s) submitting it, or if submitted on behalf of an organization, the name of the organization, and the printed name and signature of at least one of its principal officers who is the author of the argument. Such rebuttal arguments shall be filed by March 9, 2026, during normal office hours, as posted.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that any ordinance, impartial analysis, or direct argument filed under the authority of the Elections Code will be available for public examination in the Clerk’s Office for not less than 10 calendar days from the deadline for the filing of the arguments and analyses. Any rebuttal argument filed under the authority of the Elections Code will be available for public examination in the City Clerk’s Office for not less than 10 calendar days from the deadline for filing rebuttal arguments.

Dated this 4th day of February, 2026.

/s/ Sarah P. Gorman, MMC City Clerk Services Manager

¿Debería adoptarse la medida propuesta para modernizar la sección 521 de los Estatutos de la Ciudad que permite flexibilidad en relación con los términos y condiciones de los contratos y arrendamientos de propiedades de la Ciudad?

The Draft CAPER will be available online at www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov September 11th, 2023. Comments must be received by September 26th, 2023. For more information, contact the Community Development Department, Housing and Human Services Division, at (805) 564-5461 or e-mail to: HHS@SantaBarbaraCA.gov

ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que en conformidad con el Artículo 4, Capítulo 3, División 9 del Código Electoral del Estado de California, el cuerpo legislativo de la Ciudad, o cualquier miembro o miembros del mismo autorizados por el cuerpo, o todo votante individual o asociación genuina de ciudadanos, o toda combinación de votantes y asociaciones, pueden presentar un argumento escrito a favor o en contra de la medida municipal, el cual no puede exceder las 300 palabras, acompañado por el nombre o nombres impresos, y firma(s) de él(los) autor(es) que lo presenten, o si es presentado en el nombre de una organización, el nombre de la organización, y el nombre impreso y la firma de por lo menos uno de sus funcionarios principales, quien es el autor del argumento a favor o en contra de la medida Municipal.

ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que, basada en el tiempo razonablemente necesario para preparar e imprimir los argumentos y boletas electorales de muestra para la elección, la Secretaria Municipal ha fijado el 26 de febrero de 2026, durante el horario normal de trabajo, según ha sido anunciado, como la fecha después de la cual no se podrá presentar a la secretaria municipal ningún argumento a favor o en contra de la medida municipal para su impresión y distribución a los votantes según lo dispuesto en el Artículo 4. Los argumentos deberán ser presentados a la Secretaria Municipal, acompañados por el nombre o nombres impresos y firma(s) de él(los) autor(es) que los presenten, o si son presentados en el nombre de una organización, el nombre de la organización, y el nombre impreso y la firma de por lo menos uno de sus funcionarios principales, quien es el autor del argumento, en el Ayuntamiento en la Alcaldía de la Ciudad de Sánta Barbara, 735 Anacapa Street, California 93101. Los argumentos pueden ser cambiados o retirados hasta e incluyendo la fecha fijada por la Secretaria Municipal.

ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que el Consejo Municipal ha determinado que los argumentos de refutación, que no excedan más de 250 palabras, como sean presentados por los autores del argumento opositor directo, pueden ser registrados con la Secretaria Municipal, acompañados por el nombre o nombres impresos y firma(s) de él(los) autor(es) que los presenten, o si son presentados en el nombre de una organización, el nombre de la organización, y el nombre impreso y la firma de por lo menos uno de sus funcionarios principales. Dichos argumentos de refutación se presentarán antes del 9 de marzo de 2026, durante el horario normal de oficina, según lo publicado.

ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que toda ordenanza, análisis imparcial, o argumento directo que sea presentado bajo la autoridad del Código Electoral estará a disposición del público para que lo examine en la oficina de la secretaria por un período que no podrá ser menor a los 10 días calendario de la fecha límite para la presentación de los argumentos y análisis.

Todo argumento de refutación registrado bajo la autoridad del Código Electoral estará disponible para examen público en las oficinas de la Secretaria Municipal durante no menos de 10 días calendarios de la fecha límite para el registro de los argumentos de refutación.

Fechada este día 4 de febrero de 2026.

/s/ Sarah P. Gorman, MMC Gerente de Servicios de la Secretaria Municipal

Economic Growth For Whom?

“Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 4.4 percent in the third quarter of 2025 (July, August, and September)," according to the updated estimate released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. "In the second quarter, real GDP increased 3.8 percent.”

By Harlan Green, Special to VOICE

January 28, 2026

THE U.S. ECONOMY IS GROWING AGAIN. Why, when polls show that a majority of Americans are unhappy with the economy and their standard of living? Because this measure of growth doesn’t answer what every day Americans want and need.

The U.S. standard measure for overall economic health, Real Domestic Product (GDP), grew in the second and third quarter of 2025, despite the inflation surge from President Trump’s tariffs. In fact, rising inflation is probably boosting growth at the top for major corporations because higher prices usually mean higher profits for businesses, (but not consumers).

(PCE) index, also rose to a yearly rate of 2.8 percent in November, said the Bureau of Economic Analysis. That was up from 2.7 percent in October with the 12-month rate of core inflation up to 2.8 percent in November from 2.7 percent.

ECONOMIC VOICE

So will consumers continue to spend as much going into the New Year? We already know that most consumers are in a very sour mood. The Conference Board’s latest Consumer Confidence survey headline said it best: Confidence collapsed to lowest point since 2014, surpassing pandemic depths.

By Harlan Green

Q3 GDP growth increased in part because consumers could continue to spend. Spending was up 3.5 percent. This is despite the higher tariffs on almost all imports entering the U.S., which caused the GDP measure of overall inflation to rise 3.4 percent, which is too high.

GDP growth is soaring at the moment for a chosen few, in other words. But most Americans are unhappy with the high prices and inflation tied to tariffs. They no longer believe Trump’s fiction that exporters or Americans will eat the cost of the price hikes from the tariff taxes.

The Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, known as the Personal Consumption Expenditures

“Confidence collapsed in January, as consumer concerns about both the present situation and expectations for the future deepened,” said Dana M Peterson, Chief Economist, The Conference Board. “All five components of the Index deteriorated, driving the overall Index to its lowest level since May 2014 (82.2)— surpassing its COVID-19 pandemic depths.”

That is alarming, needless to say. Year 2014 was when confidence was lower than even the COVID-19 deaths because it was during the Republican’s “no compromise” government shutdown that was meant to oppose President Obama’s agenda of improving ordinary American lives via such programs as Obamacare. That shutdown was for more than 30 days— what was then the longest shut down in

Santa Barbara Mortgage Interest Rates

Contact your local loan agent or mortgage broker for current rates:

DRAPER & KRAMER MORTGAGE CORP.

Please call for current rates: Russell Story, 805-895-8831

PARAGON MORTGAGE GROUP

Please call for current rates: 805-899-1390

HOMEBRIDGE FINANCIAL SERVICES

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MONTECITO BANK & TRUST

Please call for current rates: 805-963-7511 • Coastal Housing Partnership Member

SB MORTGAGE GROUP

Simar Gulati, 805-403-9679

U.S. BANK

Please call for current rates: Teri Gauthier, 805-565-4571 • Coastal Housing

history.

Will there be a repeat performance should congress not agree on a new budget before the end of February?

Exports also helped to boost growth because they have been increasing as well. This might be because of higher labor productivity, i.e., fewer workers are producing more. Amazon has announced it is planning to lay off 30,000 corporate employees, for instance. AI is already replacing workers in industrial and transportation industries, hence the low hire rate being seen after last October’s government shut down. All eyes will be on the labor market in upcoming months.

With only 50,000 new payroll jobs in November, Americans are frustrated by the difficulty in finding jobs. Some also mentioned more costly healthcare and insurance as well in the Confidence Board survey.

And now the blatant lies of President Trump in his attempt to cover up the murders of American citizens by ICE in Minneapolis is sowing even more chaos. No country can continue to grow for long amid such uncertainty.

The high GDP growth numbers and record Wall Street stock indexes won’t convince most Americans that all is well when they see the opposite with their own eyes. That is not the way to run a country, as I’ve been saying.

Harlan Green © 2026 Follow Harlan Green on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HarlanGreen Harlan Green has been the 18-year Editor-Publisher of PopularEconomics.com, a weekly syndicated financial wire service. He writes a Popular Economics Weekly Blog. He is an economic forecaster and teacher of real estate finance with 30-years experience as a banker and mortgage broker. To reach Harlan call 805-452-7696 or email editor@populareconomics.com.

CASA Santa Barbara, Inc.

Mailing Address: 217 Sherwood Dr Santa Barbara, CA 93110

Office Address: La Cumbre Plaza, 110 S. Hope Ave, H-124, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 (805) 965-6448

Established in 1993

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Our mission is to provide accessible news for everyone along with a broad and inclusive perspective on our local community in both our FREE digital and print editions. If everyone who reads VOICE Magazine supports it, our future will be made secure.

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VOICE Magazine • Community Market • LEGAL NOTICES

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER: 25CV08075

Petitioner: Azul Cielo Vasquez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Azul Cielo Vasquez to PROPOSED NAME: Azul Cielo Vasquez Cruz. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: March 11, 2026; Time: 10:00 am; Dept.: 3; ROOM: [ ] other (specify): at the: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the courts website. To find your courts website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm.) 3 a. [X] A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation: [x] (for resident of this county) printed in this county: VOICE MAGAZINE. Date: 01/21/2026 /s/: Thomas P. Anderle, Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #25CV08075 Pub Dates: January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 2026.

Insertion Date: Print: 2.6.26 Norma Welche, City Admin Digital included 2.4.26 8.7”x2 col; $83.17 • 2.6.26 ORDINANCE NO. 2026-6204

Norma Welche

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-6204

AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE DECLARATION OF RESTRICTIONS ESTABLISHED BY CITY OF SANTA BARBARA CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RESOLUTION 008-09; AND APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE THE SECOND AMENDED RESTRICTED USE COVENANT IMPOSED ON REAL PROPERTY FOR THE OPERATION OF A HOMELESS SHELTER AND RELATED SERVICES.

The above captioned ordinance was adopted at a regular meeting of the Santa Barbara City Council held on January 13, 2026.

The publication of this ordinance is made pursuant to the provisions of Section 512 of the Santa Barbara City Charter as amended, and the original ordinance in its entirety may be obtained at the City Clerk’s Office, City Hall, Santa Barbara, California.

(SEAL)

/s/ Sarah P. Gorman, MMC City Clerk Services Manager

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-6204

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER : 25CV07622. Petitioner: Clark Warren Benlan filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Clark Warren Benlan to PROPOSED NAME: Zander Zephyr Fox. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: February 18, 2026; Time: 10:00 am; Dept.: 3; ROOM: [ ] other (specify): at the: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the courts website. To find your courts website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm.) 3 a. [X] A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation: [x] (for resident of this county) printed in this county: VOICE MAGAZINE. Date: 12/22/2025 /s/: Thomas P. Anderle, Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #25CV07622 Pub Dates: January 16, 23, 30, February 6, 2026.

AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER: 25CV06160 . Petitioner: Virgina Helen Valencia filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Virgina Helen Valencia to PROPOSED NAME: Helen Virgina Valencia. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: March 16, 2026; Time: 10:00 am; Dept.: SB 5; ROOM: [ ] other (specify): at the: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the courts website. To find your courts website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm.) 3 a. [X] A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation: [x] (for resident of this county) printed in this county: VOICE MAGAZINE. Date: 01/16/2026 /s/: Colleen K. Sterne, Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #25CV06160 Pub Dates: February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2026.

STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) )

COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA ) ss. )

CITY OF SANTA BARBARA )

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing ordinance was introduced on December 16, 2025, and adopted by the Council of the City of Santa Barbara at a meeting held on January 13, 2026, by the following roll call vote:

AYES: Councilmembers Eric Friedman, Oscar Gutierrez, Meagan Harmon, Mike Jordan, Wendy Santamaria, Kristen W. Sneddon, Mayor Randy Rowse.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTENTIONS: None.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Santa Barbara on January 13, 2026.

/s/ Sarah P. Gorman, MMC

City Clerk Services Manager

I HEREBY APPROVE the foregoing ordinance on January 13, 2026.

/s/ Randy Rowse

Mayor

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Order for Publication Order and Request to Reschedule Hearing

Request for Order for Publication

PARTY WITHOUT ATTORNEY or ATTORNEY Kristina Yoshiko McLaughlin, 200 W. Canon Perdido Apt. C, Santa Barbara CA 93101; TELEPHONE NO.: (805) 971-0804; ATTORNEY FOR (Name): Kristina Yoshiko Mclaughlin. SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF Santa Barbara, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara 93121-1107: : Anacapa Division. PETITIONER: Kristina Yoshiko

Mclaughlin. RESPONDENT: William Alfredo Roman Saldana

Filed: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF Santa Barbara: 12/01/25; Darrel E. Parker, Executive Officer; by Calderon, Naylea, Deputy Clerk

CASE NUMBER: 25FL00643 Amended

Request for Order: Child Custody; Visitation; Child Last Name Change to McLaughlin

2. Child Custody; Visitation (Parenting Time) a. I request that the court make orders about the following children: Celia Alejandra Roman, Date of birth: 01/03/2022. Legal Custody to: Kristina Yoshiko McLaughlin. Physical Custody to: Kristina Yoshiko McLaughlin. b. The orders I request for visitation are as follows: (2) No visitation to Respondent. He has not been involved in her life. c. The orders that I request are in the best interest of the children. See attached declaration. 7. Other Orders Requested: According to the FC section 7638, my daughters last name be changed to: Celia Alejandra McLaughlin.

Order on Request to Reschedule Hearing

PARTY WITHOUT ATTORNEY or ATTORNEY Kristina Yoshiko McLaughlin, 200 W. Canon Perdido Apt. C, Santa Barbara CA 93101; TELEPHONE NO.: (805) 971-0804; ATTORNEY FOR (Name): Kristina Yoshiko Mclaughlin. SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF Santa Barbara, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara 93101: Anacapa Division. PETITIONER: Kristina Yoshiko McLaughlin RESPONDENT: William Alfredo Roman Saldana

Filed: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF Santa Barbara: 12/26/25; Darrel E. Parker, Executive Officer; by Calderon, Naylea, Deputy Clerk

CASE NUMBER: 25FL00643

The hearing is currently scheduled for 01/07/2026. Kristina Yoshiko McLaughlin filed the Request for Order asking to reschedule the hearing. The request does not include temporary emergency (ex parte) orders previously issued. 6. Order granting request to reschedule hearing and notice of new hearing. a. The court hearing is rescheduled to the 3/18/26 at 1:30 pm Dept.: #3. Court address same as above.

7. Reason for rescheduling: a (4) Other good cause as stated: Court granted publication but did not have enough time to publish in the news paper before the hearing on 01/07/2026. 9. Service of order. b. The documents listed in item 10 must be served: (1) as required by rule 5.92. 10. Documents for service: None listed.

Date: 12/26/2025 /s/: Thomas P. Anderle, Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #25FL00643 Pub Dates: January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 2026.

chris@suncoastrealestate.com www.chrisagnoli.com Experience you can count on!

CHRIS AGNOLI

(805) 682-4304

Insertion Date: Print: 2.6.26/ Digital included 2.5.26 8.74” times 3 columns = $125.33 • 2.6.26 SHO Legal.hearing 2.18.26 Kira Esparza. RE: 201 Cooper Road, 1222 Shoreline Dr

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following Married Couple is doing business as VANDYGEAR at 1505 W Pine Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436. ROSALVA RAZO and RUDY RAZO at 1505 W Pine Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on January 20, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000130. Published January 23, 30, February 6, 13, 2026.

NOTICE OF PUBLICATIONS ON APPLICATIONS REGARDING PROVISIONS OF TITLE 28 AND/OR 30 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA (SBMC)

The Secretary of the Staff Hearing Officer has set a public hearing for Wednesday, February 18, 2026 beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the David Gebhard Public Meeting Room, 630 Garden Street.

On Thursday, February 12, 2026, an Agenda with all items to be heard on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 will be available online at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/SHO. Agendas, Minutes, and Staff Reports are also accessible online at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/SHO.

TELEVISION COVERAGE: This meeting will be broadcast live on City TV-Channel 18 and online at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CityTV. See SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CityTVProgramGuide for a rebroadcast schedule. An archived video of this meeting will be available at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PCVideos.

WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT: Public comments may be submitted via email to PCSecretary@SantaBarbaraCA.gov before the beginning of the Meeting. All public comments submitted via email will be provided to the Commission and will become part of the public record. You may also submit written correspondence via US Postal Service (USPS) addressed to PC Secretary, PO Box 1990, Santa Barbara, CA 93102-1990. However, please be advised, correspondence sent via USPS may not be received in time to process prior to the meeting and email submissions are highly encouraged. Please note that the Commission may not have time to review written comments received after 4:30 p.m. the Tuesday before the meeting.

All public comment that is received before 4:30 p.m. the Tuesday before the meeting will be published on the City’s website at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PC. Comments provided via USPS or e-mail will be converted to a PDF before being posted on the City’s website. Note: comments will be published online the way they are received and without redaction of personal identifying information; including but not limited to phone number, home address, and email address. Only submit information that you wish to make available publicly.

APPEALS: Decisions of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council. For further information and guidelines on how to appeal a decision to City Council, please contact the City Clerk’s office at Clerk@SantaBarbaraCA.gov as soon as possible. Appeals may be filed in person at the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or in writing via email to Clerk@SantaBarbaraCA.gov and by first class mail postage prepaid within 10 calendar days of the meeting at which the Commission took action or rendered its decision.  Appeals and associated fee postmarked after the 10th calendar day will not be accepted.

NOTE TO INTERESTED PARTIES: Only those persons who participate through public comment either orally or in writing on an item on this Agenda have standing to appeal the decision. Grounds for appeal are limited to those issues raised either orally or in written correspondence delivered to the review body at, or prior to, the public hearing.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT:  If you need services or staff assistance to attend or participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator’s Office at (805) 5645305. If possible, notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will usually enable the City to make reasonable arrangements. Specialized services, such as sign language interpretation or documents in Braille, may require additional lead time to arrange.

• 201 Cooper Road

Assessor’s Parcel Number: 041-341-003

Zoning Designation: E-3/S-D-3 (One-Family Residence/Coastal Overlay)

Application Number: PLN2025-00423

Applicant / Owner: Matt Hepner, Matt Hepner Design / Zemer Family Trust

Project Description: Residential addition and remodel requiring front and interior setback modifications

• 1222 Shoreline Dr

Assessor’s Parcel Number: 045-214-021

Zoning Designation: E-3/S-D-3 (One-Family Residence/Coastal Overlay)

Application Number: PLN2025-00342

Applicant / Owner: Kevin Cappon, Salt Architecture / Kopf, Janice & Robert 2001 Trust

Project Description: Residential addition requiring an Open Yard Modification

2nd to 28th, 2026

February

Love is a Journey

Also: Selected works from The Art of Resistance

La Cumbre Plaza 110 S. Hope #H124 • M-F 10-5:30; Sa & Su 1-4

1st Thursday Reception Thursday, February 5th • 5-8pm La Cumbre 3rd Friday Reception February 20th • 5-7:30pm

Concert for a Rose by Paulo Lima

Ode to the Inner Child by Patricia Post

Three Boys at Crown Fountain, Millenium Park by Bruce Berlow

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Love that Jazz!

JEFFREY’S JAZZ COFFEEHOUSE, 910 Embarcadero Del Norte, Isla Vista will present Legendary Singer Lois Mahalia, performing a soulful mix of originals as well as other classics. Joining her will be George Friedenthal on keys, Rob Moreno on bass, and Donzell Davis on drums at 5:30pm Friday, February 6th.

Friday 2/6

CHILDREN

Read with a Dog • Children practice reading to a furry friend • Central Library • Free • 3:30-4:30pm Fr.

DANCE

Les Ballets Africains • The national ensemble of Guinea’s display of music, dance, and storytelling • UCSB Arts & Lectures • Granada Theatre • $9 • granadasb.org • 7:30pm Fr, 2/6.

Line Dancing Lessons • Maverick Saloon • $10 • 6-8pm Sat.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Dark Matter Under the Gravitational Lens • Talk by UCSB Physics graduate student Joaquin Becerra Espinoza • SB Museum of Natural History • Free • sbnature.org • 7:30pm Fr, 2/6.

Intro to Printmaking • Handson workshop designed for artists of all levels • EE Makerspace • $30 • exploreecology.org • 6pm Fr, 2/6.

Research Focus Group

Roundtable • Lana Tatour discusses her recent co-edited volume (with Ronit Lentin), Race and the Question of Palestine • Buchanan Hall • Free • ihc.ucsb.edu • 3pm Fr, 2/6.

MUSIC

Jeffrey’s Jazz Coffeehouse

• Lois Mahalia performs soulful originals • 910 Embarcadero Del Norte, Isla Vista • 5:30pm Fr, 2/6.

Don McLean • Grammy-winning folk rock singer-songwriter • Lobero Theatre • $65-130 • lobero.org • 7:30pm Fr, 2/6.

Spring Faculty Recital •

Deane Chapel, Westmont College • westmont.edu • 7pm Fr, 2/6.

War • American rock band • Chumash Casino Resort • $50-70 • chumashcasino.com • 8pm Fr, 2/6.

Red Piano • Rotating pianists play requests • Red Piano • Every night.

OUTDOORS

SBC Courthouse Docent Tours

• Free • www.sbcourthouse.org • 10:30am Mon-Fri & 2pm daily.

Saturday 2/7

CHILDREN

Crafternoon • Fun crafts, ages 5+

• Explore Ecology Makerspace • $8 • exploreecology.org • 10am-12pm, Sat.

Storytime @ the Sea Center • All ages • Free w/ admission • SBNature.org

• 10:30–10:45am Sat & Sun.

DANCE

Colors of Love • 12th annual multicultural dance show featuring Tango, Belly Dance, Latin, Flamenco, and more • Transform Through Arts

• Center Stage Theater • $27-37, free students K-12 • centerstagetheater.org

• 7:30pm Sa, 2/7.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Adult Studio Workshop

Collage and Mixed Media • Enjoy mimosas, donuts, and coffee while crafting collage cards • SBMA, Art Learning Lab • $80-90 • sbma.net

• 10am Sa, 2/7.

Artist Talk: Chenhung Chen & Clara Berta • Rubenstein Chan • Free, RSVP recomended • rubensteinchan.com • 1pm Sa, 2/7.

Book Signing • Max Talley in conversation with D.J. Palladino about their recent books, Peace, Love & Haight, and Nothing That Is Ours • Tecolote Book Shop • 3pm Sa, 2/7.

Hands-On Workshop • Learn how to maintain good soil health with hands on training • Mesa Harmony Gardens • Registration required • ucanr.edu • 10am Sa, 2/7.

SAT/ACT Study Session • Central Library, Faulkner Gallery East

• Free, registration required • library. santabarbaraca.gov • 11am Sa, 2/7.

Santa Barbara Go Club • All levels welcome to learn this ancient game • Free • Mosaic Locale, 1131 State St • 805-448-5335 • 11am-3pm Sa.

MUSIC

Juan Diego Flórez • Bel canto tenor Flórez performs with Vincenzo Scalera on piano • Lobero Theatre • $67-132 • lobero.org • 7pm Sa, 2/7. Bobby, Finn, and Dave (BFD)

• Classic rock performance • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • 1:30pm Sa, 2/7

SB Drum Circle • Free, all welcome • Chase Palm Park • 3-6pm Sa.

Jackson Gillies • Full cover show of John Mayer’s Where The Light Is • MSpecial Downtown • Free • 6-10pm Sa, 2/7.

OUTDOORS

Community Planting Event

• Help beautify the Garden • Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Behind the Maze • Free, reservation recommended • sbbotanicgarden.org

• 10:30am Sa, 2/7.

Ellwood Mesa Volunteer Day • Care for the landscape that supports monarchs • Ellwood Mesa • Sign up: bucketbrigade.volunteerhub.com • 9am-1pm Sa, 2/7.

Architectural Walking Tour • History of buildings in SB • 229 E. Victoria St • $20 • afsb.org • 10am, Sat.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Max the Great Horned Owl • Celebration of life and legacy of this Eyes in the Sky icon • Fleischmann Auditorium, SBMNH • Free • sbnature.org • 3pm Sa, 2/7.

SBMAL Open House • See treasures from the SBMAL collection and get a tour of the archive-library

• Santa Bárbara Mission ArchiveLibrary • 9:30 am Sa, 2/7.

211 Community Day Celebration • Featuring more than 50 booths from community organizations • Dick DeWees Community Center • Free • www.211SBCO.org • 11am Sa, 2/7.

Sunday 2/8

CHILDREN

Chaucer’s Storytime • Bruce Giffin and Dean Noble read A Bobcat’s Tail with kids activities; 10% to Elings Park • Chaucer’s Books • Free • 3pm Su, 2/8. Storytime @ the Sea Center • All ages • Free w/admission • SBNature.org

• 10:30–10:45am Sat & Sun.

Sundays at the Ranch • Fun for the family. Enjoy barn animals and tractor rides • Stow House, 304 N Los Carneros Rd • Free • goletahistory.org

• 11am-2pm Sun.

CINEMA LISTINGS

Surf’s Up • Animated mockumentary about the annual Penguin World Surfing Championship

• Alcazar Theatre • $7-10 • thealcazar.org • 3pm Su, 2/8.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Belle Burden • Presents her memoir Strangers • Godmothers Bookstore • $23 • godmothers.com • 6pm Su, 2/8.

The Godmother Within • Dina Cantin’s workshop offering a guided, heart-centered practice • Godmothers Bookstore • $125 • godmothers.com • 1pm Su, 2/8.

Empathy Cafe • Practice communication and listening skills • Riviera Theatre, upstairs • Free • 11am-1pm Su.

MUSIC

Adam Moezinia & The Folk Element Trio • Jazz guitarist, composer, and educator Moezinia with the Folk Element Trio • Santa Barbara Jazz Society • SOhO • $10-25 • sohosb.com • 1pm Su, 2/8.

Kelly’s Lot • Blues, rock, Latin groves, Irish melodies and more • Cold Spring Tavern • 1:30pm Su, 2/8.

OUTDOORS

Beach Cleanup • Join Explore Ecology for a cleanup • Arroyo Burro Beach • 10am Su, 2/8.

Sunday Architecture Tour • Guided stroll • Begins at SB Downtown Library • Architectural Foundation of SB • $20 • afsb.org • 10am Sun.

Monday 2/9

CHILDREN

Baby & Me • Develop your baby’s preliteracy skills, 0-14 months • Central Library • Free • 11-11:30am Mo.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

AI in Action Speaker Series • Event launch & reception.Presentations by Tobias Fischer, Ben Halpern, & Rebecca Vega Thurber • UCSB Library • Free • library.ucsb.edu • 4pm Mo, 2/9.

Gabriela Radu, CMT

Specializing in injuries, Sports massage, Swedish, Lymphatic, Somatic massage & Life Coaching v.gabriela@yahoo.com 805-453-1139 www.comefromyourheart.com

Courtesy Photo

Theatre

The Shark is Broken

DIVE INTO THE DEPTHS of the making of one of Hollywood’s most gripping thrillers, Jaws, when the Ensemble Theatre Company presents The Shark is Broken at The New Vic. Opening night is Saturday, February 8th, with performances running through the 22nd.

For tickets ($25-78) visit etcsb.org

Educating Rita • Hairdresser

Rita forms an unlikely bond with a cynical professor • Ojai Art Center Theater • $20-25 • ojaiact.org • 7:30 pm Fr, 2/6 through 2/15.

The Shark is Broken • The chaotic behind the scenes of the making of Jaws • Ensemble Theatre Company • $25-78 • etcsb. org • Opening night 8pm Sa, 2/7; through 2/22.

Fire

• Play by local students following four teenagers as they navigate modern life and the climate crisis • Student Voices • Center Stage Theater • $19 • centerstagetheater.org • 6pm Fr, 2/6. Footloose: The Musical • Staged adaptation of beloved ‘80s flick • UCSB Lotte Lehmann

Faculty Research Lecture • Alan Liu discusses ‘good’ knowledge in the age of AI • Corwin Pavilion • news.ucsb.edu • 4pm Mo, 2/9.

Science Pub: California’s Amphibian Waterpark • Emily Taylor, Ph.D. gives a presenation on frogs and salamanders • Dargan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant • Free • sbnature. org • 6:30pm Mo, 2/9.

Concert Hall • $13-19 • shrunkenheadsproductions.org • 7pm Fr, 2/6; 12pm & 7pm Sa, 2/7; 12pm Su, 2/8.

Shane • Adapted from Jack Schaefer’s novel about a gunslinger in a Wyoming frontier town • Marian Theatre • $25-57 • pcpa.org • 7pm Th, 2/12 through 3/1.

The 39 Steps • A high speed chase across the Scottish countryside, based on the Alfred Hitchcock Film • Rubicon Theatre • $30-90 • rubicontheatre.org • 7pm We, 2/11 through 3/1.

Winter One Acts • A collection of five UCSB student-directed one acts • Studio Theater • Free • theaterdance.ucsb.edu • 2pm Sa, 2/14 & Su, 2/15.

Poetry Reading • Local poets

Enid Osborn and Daniel Thomas read their latest works • Chaucer’s Books • 6pm Mo, 2/9.

Profs at the Pub: The Fascinating Science of Resilience • Dr. Joan Dudney discusses how climate change is reshaping the natural world • M Special Brewing • Free to register •

mspecialbrewco.com • 6:30pm Mo, 2/9.

Creative Cluster • Sarah Emma Ruth’s 12 week exploration of Julia Cameron’s Artist Way • Community Arts Workshop • $25-49 • sbcaw.org • 5:30 Mo, 2/9 through 4/20.

Scrabble Club • Louise Lowry Davis Center • All levels/ English/ Spanish • Free • 1-4pm Mon.

Parliamo • Italian conversation, all levels • Natural Cafe, 361 Hitchcock Way • Free • parliamo.yolasite.com • 5-6:30pm Mon.

SB Bridge Club • Play bridge, meets daily • 2255 Las Positas Rd • Schedule and RSVP: bridgewebs.com/sbbc542

MUSIC

Take it to the Limit • An Eagles tribute concert • Lobero Theatre • $65-82 • lobero.org • 7:30pm Mo, 2/9.

Tuesday 2/10

COMEDY

Nick Offerman: Big Woodchuck • Comedy performance • Lobero Theatre • $55125 • lobero.org • 7:30pm Tu, 2/10. Carpinteria Improv Drop-In Class • Learn or practice skills • Alcazar Theatre • $10 • 7pm Tu.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Handing Off Your Heirlooms

• Public webinar exploring the best practices for transferring non-titled property • Zoom • Free, registration required • sbnature.org • 12pm Tu, 2/10.

Roots and Routes • Dr. Daina Sanchez explores the idea of home and belonging among indigenous migrants • UCSB Multicultural Center Lounge • Free • mcc.sa.ucsb.edu • 5pm Tu, 2/10.

CEC Climate Stewards Course

• Explore climate solutions through lessons and field trips • Over Zoom with in person field trips • $360 • cecsb.org • 8:30pm Tu, 2/10 through Tu, 3/17

Alan Liu ponders ‘good’ knowledge in the age of AI

Distinguished Professor Emeritus Alan Liu will share his thoughts resulting from a lifetime of exploration in a free and open to the public talk titled “AI Virtue: What’s ‘Good’ Knowledge in the Age of Artificial Intelligence?” at the Corwin Pavilion at UCSB on February 9th from 4 to 6pm.

Storytelling is the Revolution • Free poetry workshops for 18+ • Community Arts Workshop • Free, register: sbcaw.org • 5-7pm Tu & Th, through March.

Chess Club • Louise Lowry Davis Center • All levels/ English/Spanish • Free • 1-4pm Tue.

MUSIC

Israel Nebeker and Dan Mangan • Indie-folk show • SOhO • $28-32 • sohosb.com • 7pm Tu, 2/10.

Music and Mindfulness for Our Times • Ani Aznavoorian, cello with Antonio Artese, piano • Weinman Hall • $30 • musicandmeditationsb. com • 2pm Tu, 2/10.

Wednesday 2/11

CHILDREN

Creator’s Club • Bilingual, weekly STEAM activity • Eastside Library • Free • 2-3pm We.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/

WORKSHOPS

Book Talk & Signing • Robert Landau discusses his novel Art Deco Los Angeles • Chaucer’s Books • 5:30pm We, 2/11.

BIG CHANGES COMING in 2026

Photo by Jason Niedle/TETHOS

Photo by Matt Perko, Courtesy of The UCSB Current

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

California Native Plant Landscaper Certification Program • On zoom and in person at SB Botanic Garden • $375 • sbbotanicgarden.org • 10am We, 2/11 through 3/7.

Finding Our Way Back to Nature • Dr. Lena Dicken and Dr. David White discuss how humans became disconnected from nature • Rosewood Miramar Beach • $39 • godmothers.com • 4pm We, 2/11.

Indian Art Meets American Arts & Crafts • Professor John E. Cort discusses Lockwood de Forest and Jain Home Shrines in American museums • SBMA Mary Craig Auditorium • Free-$15 • sbma.net • 5:30pm We, 2/11.

Zimele’s Dream • Art exhibit reception with Dr. Tara Jones, aka Zimele • UCSB Multicultural Center Lounge • Free • mcc.sa.ucsb.edu • 5pm We, 2/11.

Adult Ceramics for Beginners

• Learn to throw and glaze small Chinese tea bowls • SBMA Ceramics Studio • $200-240 • sbma.net • 6pm We, 2/11 through We, 2/25.

Knitting & Crochet Club • Louise Lowry Davis Ctr • All levels/English/ Spanish • Free • 9-11:30am Wed.

Le Cercle Français • Free French conversation, all levels • The Natural Cafe • https://tinyurl.com/5ejbd9ye • 5-6:30pm Wed.

MUSIC

San Marcos Jazz Band • Benefit concert and silent auction prsented by The San Marcos High School Royal Band Boosters • Lobero Theatre • $2040 • lobero.org • 5:30pm We, 2/11.

Open Jam • At Revolver Pizza. Jam with musicians • 1429 San Andres St • Free • revolversb.com • 6-9pm Wed.

SPECIAL EVENTS

FestForums 2026 • Celebrating women in the Festival Industry • Mar Monte Hotel • $499-799 • festforums. com • 12pm We, 2/11 through 2/13.

Thursday 2/12

CINEMA LISTINGS

Night at the Museum • A security guard at the Natural History Museum discovers the exhibits come to life at night • Alcazar Theatre • $7-10 • thealcazar.org • 7pm Th, 2/12.

DANCE

Cinderella • Presented by World Ballet Company with music by Johann Strauss II • Granada Theatre • $54-129 • granadasb.org • 7pm Th, 2/12.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Introduction to Embroidery

• Beginner-friendly workshop • EE Makerspace • $30 • exploreecology.org • 6pm Th, 2/12.

Humanities Decanted:

Suzanne Jill Levine • Discusses her new book Unfaithful: A Translator’s Memoir • McCune Conference Room • ihc.ucsb.edu • 4pm Th, 2/12.

Using AI to Enhance Learning

• Interactive workshop exploring AI platforms and the science of learning • MCC Lounge • Free, space limited • mcc.sa.ucsb.edu • 12pm Th, 2/12.

Word and Life • Discuss Ecological Spirituality by Diarmuid O’Murchuover Zoom • $80 • Register: wordandlife.us • Meets 10-11:30am Th, through 3/19.

Knit ‘n’ Needle • Fiber arts club • Montecito Library • Free • 2pm Th.

MUSIC

Numbskull and Good Medicine

Presents: Steve Poltz • Eccentric musical storytelling • SOhO • $31 • sohosb.com • 8pm Th, 2/12.

Masterclass: Bruce Liu, piano

• Featuring UC Santa Barbara Piano

Happy Valentine’s Day!

WHETHER IT BE WITH A ROMANTIC PARTNER or a group of your closest friends, Santa Barbara offers an abundance of activities to celebrate the season of love! From craft events and musical performances to curated three-course meals and more, heres your guide to Valentine’s Day.

Love & Lace Cabaret • Valentine’s Day burlesque variety show • Wildcat Lounge • $28 • tinyurl.com/lovelacecabaret • 6pm Th, 2/12.

Valentine’s Dance for all Abilities • Live DJ, refreshments, raffle, and dancing for folks of all abilities • City of SB • Carrillo Ballroom • $10 • 7-9pm Fr, 2/13.

Santa Barbara Symphony’s Romantic Hollywood • Enjoy cinema’s most romantic melodies and love songs • • $45-198 • 7:30pm Sat, 2/14 & 3pm Sun, 2/15. Beyond Laurel Canyon • Stewert Sher’s tribute band performance featuring love songs of the 60s and 70s • Alcazar Theatre • $20-30 • thealcazar.org • 7pm Sa, 2/14.

Romantic Hollywood • A concert of love themes, stories, and songs from Hollywood films presented by Santa Barbara Symphony • Granada Theatre • $45-198 • granadasb.org • 7:30pm Fr, 2/14 & 3pm Sa, 2/15.

Paper Marbling Party • With valentine dessert & sparkling wine • EE Makerspace • $40 • exploreecology.org • 3pm Sa,

students Chika Nobumori, Alex Cao, and Armon Amirazizi • UCSB Arts & Lectures • Geiringer Hall • Free • music.ucsb.edu • 12:30pm Th, 2/12. Bruce Liu, piano • works from Ligeti to Beethoven • UCSB Arts & Lectures • Campbell Hall • $15-68 • artsandlectures.ucsb.edu • 7pm Th, 2/12. The Wailin’ Jennys • Bluegrass Folk performance • Lobero Theatre • $50-107 • lobero.org • 7:30pm Th, 2/12.

2/14.

Valentines Day Sip and Stroll • Promenade with champagne and live music • Ganna Walska Lotusland • $35-95 • lotusland.org • 9am, 12pm & 3pm Sa, 2/14.

High Tea for Valentines Day • With Pastries, sandwiches and champagne • Andersen’s Danish Bakery • $65 • andersenssantabarbara.com • 2pm Su, 2/6 through 2/15.

Valentine’s Day Pre Fixe

Dinner • Three-course dinner crafted by Chef John Vasquez • Finch & Fork • $132-172 • finchandforkrestaurant.com • 5pm Sa, 2/14.

Valentine’s Day Sunset Dinner • A candlelit chef-curated three-course dinner and sunset views • Glen Annie Golf Club • $160 per couple • glenanniegolf.com • 5pm Sa, 2/14.

Santa Barbara Music Club

Valentine’s Day Concert • St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church • Free • 3pm Sa, 2/14.

Love is in the Air: Rosé Release Party • Live music and a new vintage • La Lieff Wines • 3-6pm Sa, 2/14.

Galentine’s Day Paint & Sip • Watercolor painting with drinks and food (sold separately) • Margrum SB Tasting Room • $35 • Register: tinyurl.com/mryuszke • 5pm Su, 2/15.

Valentine’s Day at the Stonehouse Restaurant • Premiere fine dining options for both brunch (10am-1:30pm) and dinner (5-9pm) • San Ysidro Ranch • $275-425 • Reservations: sanysidroranch.com

Love is in the Air • Indulge in luxury cocktails and music all month long • The Speakeasy at Plow & Angel, San Ysidro Ranch • Through 2/28, visit sanysidroranch.com

Friday 2/13

CINEMA LISTINGS

10 Things I Hate About You • 90s teen romance comedy based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew • Alcazar Theatre • $7-10 • thealcazar. org • 7pm Fr, 2/13.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Douglass Day Community Event • Learn to transform digitized

Colored Conventions documents into legible text • UCSB Multicultural Center Lounge • Free • mcc.sa.ucsb. edu • 11am Fr, 2/13.

MUSIC

Marco Florez y la #1 Banda Jerez + Banda Z • Chumash Casino Resort • $60-80 • chumashcasino.com • 8pm Fr, 2/13.

Enjoy a Valentine’s high tea at Andersen’s February 6th through the 15th

Photo courtesy of Andersen’s Bakery

Experience cheerful melodies from the SB Music Club, featuring Violist Valerie Malvinni at St. Andrew’s February 14th

Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Music Club

Take a romantic stroll through the lush gardens of Lotusland on February 14th

Photo courtesy of Ganna Walska Lotusland

SPECIAL EVENTS

Youth Arts Alive • 10th Anniversary Fiesta, with food, drinks and student pormances • Santa Maria Veterans’ Memorial Center • info@youthartsalive.org • 6pm Fr, 2/13.

Saturday 2/14

CHILDREN

Crafternoon • Fun crafts, ages 5+

• Explore Ecology Makerspace • $8 • exploreecology.org • 10am-12pm, Sat.

Storytime @ the Sea Center

• All ages, free w/admission • SBNature.org • 10:30–10:45am Sat & Sun.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/ WORKSHOPS

Adult Ceramics for Beginners

• Beginner throwing class inspired by Chinese tea bowls • SBMA’s Ceramics Studio at The Downtown Club • $200-240 • sbma.net • 10:30am Sa, 2/14 through 3/7.

Figure Drawing Workshop

The Strangers: Chapter 3*: Fri-Thur: 5:30, 8:20.

Song Sung Blue (PG13): Fri, Mon-Thur: 4:45. Sat/Sun: 1:40. Hamnet (R): Fri-Wed: 7:05. Thur: 4:35. Goat* (PG): Thur

Iron Lung (R): Fri: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 10:00. Sat/Sun: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00. Mon-Wed: 4:40, 7:45. Thur: 5:30.

Mercy (R): Fri-Sun: 2:40, 5:20, 7:50. Mon-Thur: 5:20, 7:50. Marty Supreme (R): Fri-Sun: 1:20, 4:50, 8:10. Mon-Thur: 4:50, 8:10. Avatar: Fire & Ash (PG13): Fri-Sun: 12:50, 4:20, 7:40. Mon-Thur: 4:20, 7:40. The Strangers: Chapter 3*: Thur: 8:30.

Iron Lung (R): Fri-Wed: 5:10, 8:10. Thur: 8:10.

The Housemaid (R): Fri-Wed: 7:45. Thur: 5:10. Crime 101 Livestream Q&A* (R): Mon 5:00. Crime 101* (R): Thur: 4:40, 7:45.

The Wailin’ Jenny

The Wailin’ Jenny will bring their Bluegrass Folk to the intimate Lobero stage at 7:30pm Thursday, February 12th. A renowned folk trio they are composed of founding members Ruth Moody, Nicky Mehta, and Taos-based Heather Masse. For tickets ($50-107) visit lobero.org

Marty Supreme (R): Fri-Wed: 8:00.

Wuthering Heights* (R): Thur: 4:50, 7:20. Goat* (PG): Thur

• Community Art Worshop • $60 • ericsaintgeorges.com • 9am Sa, 2/14.

Sketching in the Galleries • Sketch from original works of art in current exhibitions • SB Museum of Art • Free with Museum admission • sbma.net • 11:15am Sa, 2/14.

We Heart Democracy: Youth Civic Engagement • Community forum for League of Women Voters of SB • Free • Girls Inc., 4973 Hollister Ave • 2-4pm Sa, 2/14.

MUSIC

SB Symphony’s Romantic Hollywood • Cinema’s romantic favorites • The Granada • Thesymphony.org • $45-198 • 7:30pm Sat, 2/14 & 3pm Sun, 2/15.

Barry McGuire • Folk-rock guitarist • Cold Spring Tavern • 1:30pm Sa, 2/14.

Suzanne Vega • Career spanning performace with songs from her newest album Flying with Angels • Lobero Theatre • lobero.org • $49-195 • 7:30pm Sa, 2/14.

OUTDOORS

Elings Park Transformation Project • Volunteer opportunity presented by Santa Barbara Botanic Garden • Elings Park • 9am Sa, 2/14.

Mediative Walk with PALMA Colectiva • Elings Park and the Garden • Free • sbbotanicgarden.org • 9am Sa, 2/14.

Native Plant Meetups • Elings Park • Free • bbotanicgarden.org • 9am Sa, 2/14.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Star Party • Stargazing through SB Museum of Natrual History’s 20-inch telescope • Palmer Observatory • Free • sbnature.org • 7:30pm Sa, 2/14.

Sunday 2/15

CHILDREN

Storytime @ the Sea Center • All ages • Free w/ admission • SBNature. org • 10:30–10:45am Sat & Sun.

Sundays at the Ranch • Fun for the family. Enjoy barn animals and tractor rides • Stow House, 304 N Los Carneros Rd • Free • goletahistory. org • 11am-2pm Sun.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/ WORKSHOPS

Storytime Event • Leslie Bains reads and signs her book Birds, Monarch Butterflies, and Short Hikes in the Santa Barbara Area • Chaucer’s Books • 3pm Su, 2/15.

Swing Dance Social Fundraiser • Swing dance lessons presented by West Coast Swing with instructors Jay Byam and Tin Le • Center Stage Theater • $30 • centerstagetheater.org • 5pm Su, 2/15.

MUSIC

Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan • Guitar and harmonica blues • Cold Spring Tavern • 1:30pm Su, 2/15. Everything’s Coming Up Rosas! • Benefit performance by pianist and entertainer Gil Rosas • Marjorie Luke Theatre • $28-45 • luketheatre.org • 3pm Su, 2/15. Leo Kottke • Solo acoustic guitar performace of blues, folk, and jazz music • Lobero Theatre • lobero.org • $45-112 • 7pm Su, 2/15.

OUTDOORS

Beach Cleanup • East Beach behind Skater’s Point skate park • RSVP required • sbnature.org • 10am Su, 2/15.

Sunday Architecture Tour

• Guided stroll • Begins at SB Downtown Library • Architectural Fdn of SB • $20 • afsb.org • 10am Sun.

Photo

AMY MADIGAN WEAPONS

JACOB ELORDI FRANKENSTEIN

TEYANA TAYLOR ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER

SYDNEY SWEENEY CHRISTY

ETHAN HAWKE BLUE MOON

MICHAEL B. JORDAN SINNERS

LEONARDO DICAPRIO ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER

STELLAN SKARSGÅRD SENTIMENTAL VALUE ADAM SANDLER JAY KELLY

BENICIO DEL TORO ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER

KATE HUDSON SONG SUNG BLUE

WUNMI MOSAKU SINNERS

INGA IBSDOTTER LILLEAAS SENTIMENTAL VALUE

On the Street with John Palminteri

Photos and Stories by John Palminteri, Special to VOICE

Cachuma Adds Trout for Fishing

CACHUMA LAKE in Santa Barbara County has just received 5,000 pounds of rainbow trout. The fish were delivered from Mt. Lassen Trout Farms in Paynes Creek, California. They range in size from half pound “catchables” to eightpounders. Fishing from shore in the recreation area or from a boat is open year-round with a valid fishing license. Boat rentals and personal vessel launching are both open after the strong early winter rains.

Free Rori’s for SB Library Patrons

DO YOU HAVE A LIBRARY CARD? It comes with many benefits, including Rori’s ice cream. Visit the library and get a card if you don’t have one, and see all that your local library has to offer. Then enjoy a scoop at Rori’s this month!

First Responders Updates

THE BODY OF A GOLETA MOTHER, Kaylynn Herrera, was discovered in the Santa Clara River near Saticoy in late January. The Ventura County Coroner’s office is investigating and the family has started a GoFundMe page.

ALL THREE SUSPECTS IN A GUN INCIDENT last week on Bath St. and Figueroa St. have been caught by Santa Barbara Police. A firearm was recovered. Jose Suastegui, from Santa Barbara, was the last one caught on Saturday and booked for assault with a deadly weapon and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES arrested a Carpinteria man on Tuesday during a barricade situation inside a fitness room at the Birnam Wood Golf Club in Montecito. Several weapons were also found. Chris Wiedmann was arrested on felony obstruction charges, along with brandishing a weapon, battery on a peace officer, possession of a baton, trespassing, and carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle. Details on what brought him to that location have not been released.

A FULLY ENGULFED VEHICLE FIRE brought out firefighters to the high fire intersection of Paradise Rd and Highway 154 off San Marcos Pass in Santa Barbara County on February 3rd. It was contained, but it remains an area of concern.

Protests, Economic Blackout Oppose ICE

STUDENTS JOINED A RALLY with local politicians and Santa Barbara residents on Friday, January 30th at the SB County Courthouse to express their feelings about the recent ICE actions in Santa Barbara. It was one of many demonstrations that took place throughout the day.

Many local businesses also closed on January 30th as part of a nationwide economic protest against ICE activities. Notices went out on social media.

ABOUT 200 RESIDENTS gathered on Saturday, January 31st in Solvang to oppose the U.S. taking over Greenland as proposed by the White House.

King Tides Return to SB Harbor

KING TIDES along the Santa Barbara waterfront, combined with a morning ocean swell, created some minor tidal overflow and hard hits along the breakwater wall at the Harbor on Tuesday. All this under sunny skies and a forecasted high of 77 degrees.

Vacant Window Beautification Efforts Downtown

VACANT STOREFRONTS IN SANTA BARBARA are going to look a little more beautiful until new tenants come in. New artwork is covering the windows. It’s a collaboration between the Santa Barbara Downtown Business Improvement District, the Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative, and the Department of Arts and Culture. The art will disguise empty locations that can have a negative look in the downtown area.

Tri-County Produce Investors Acquire Housing Interest

THE NEW INVESTORS IN TRI-COUNTY PRODUCE, Wendy Schmidt and her husband Eric, have acquired a controlling interest in the 2.43-acre Milpas St. parcel where housing will be developed along with an upgrade to the long-standing Santa Barbara market. The Schmidts will work with developers Austin Herlihy and Chris Parker of Hot Springs Capital, who purchased the site four years ago to build housing adjacent to the market. The Schmidts became partners last year to preserve TriCounty Produce and enable two longtime employees to run and ultimately own the business. The Schmidts have been active philanthropists since 2006, when they started the Schmidt Family Foundation to support clean renewable energy, healthy food systems, healthy oceans, and the protection of human rights. Here you see co-owners Jaimie Desales and Jaimie Desales Jr. with me during the Unity Telethon in December.

John Palminteri is a veteran news reporter and anchor for Newschannel 3-12 TV and both KJEE and KCLU radio in Santa Barbara/Santa Maria/Ventura. Off the air, he’s often bringing his smile and positive energy to the microphone at fundraisers and civic events. John’s social media presence has one of the largest followings in Santa Barbara, and this page has the weekly highlights. Twitter: @JohnPalminteri • Instagram: @JohnPalminteriNews www.facebook.com/john.palminteri.5

Photo courtesy of SB County

Photo courtesy of KEYT

ART VENUES

RUTH ELLEN HOAG www.ruthellenhoag.com @ruthellenhoag 805-689-0858

10 West Gallery • Fresh • through Mar 15 • 10 W Anapamu • 11-5 We-Mo • 805-770-7711 • 10westgallery.com

Architectural Fdn Gallery • People and Places • through Mar 14 • 229 E Victoria • 805-965-6307 • 1–4 some Sa & By Appt • afsb.org

Art & Soul Gallery • Rod Lathim: LIT: Love, Illumination, Transcendence • through Mar 1 • 1323 State St • artandsoulsb.com

Art, Design & Architecture Museum, UCSB • Tiffany Chung: indelible traces • through Apr 26 • 12-5 Wed-Sun • museum.ucsb.edu

Art From Scrap • Explore Ecology • exploreecology.org

ArtLabbé Gallery • free art, music, & exercise classes to our individuals with special needs & family members • Tu, We, Th, Sun 12-5:30; Fr 12-5 • 111 Santa Barbara St, #H • artlabbe.org

Atkinson Gallery • SBCC atkinsongallerysbcc.com

Bella Rosa Galleries • 1103-A State St • 11-5 daily • 805-966-1707

The Carriage and Western Art Museum • Old Spanish Days Trophy Saddles; Victoria Stables Wagon • Ongoing • Free • 129 Castillo St • 805-962-2353 • 9-3 Mo-Fr • carriagemuseum.org

California Nature Art Museum • Lulu Hyggelig: California’s First Thomas Dambo Troll • ongoing • Wild in California • Through Feb 23 • 1511 B Mission Dr, Solvang • 11-4 Mo, Th, Fr; 11-5 Sa & Su • calnatureartmuseum.org

Casa de La Guerra • Santa Barbara 1925 – 2025: A Portrait in Maps; Once a Don, Always a Don • ongoing • $5/ Free • 15 East De la Guerra St • 12-4 Th-Su • sbthp.org/casadelaguerra

ART EVENTS

Casa Dolores • Bandera Ware / traditional outfits ~ ongoing • 1023 Bath St • 12-4 Tu-Sa • 805-963-1032

Casa del Herrero • Gardens & House • by reservation • 1387 East Valley Rd • tours 10 & 2 We & Sa • 805-565-5653 • casadelherrero.com

Channing Peake Gallery • Form and Frame: Abstraction, Community, and the Language of Art • through Spring 26 • 8-5 M-F • 105 E Anapamu St, 1st fl • 805-568-3994

Colette Cosentino Atelier + Gallery • 11 W Anapamu St • By Appt • colettecosentino.com

Community Arts Workshop • 631 Garden St • 10-6pm Fri & By Appt. • sbcaw.org

Corridan Gallery • Glorious California • 125 N Milpas • 11-5 We-Sa • 805-966-7939 • corridan-gallery.com

Cypress Gallery • The Art of Renewal - through Feb 22 • 119 E Cypress Av, Lompoc • 1-4 Sa & Su • 805-737-1129 • lompocart.org

El Presidio De Santa Bárbara • Nihonmachi Revisited; Memorias y Facturas - ongoing • 123 E Canon Perdido St • 10:30-4:30 Daily • sbthp.org

Elverhøj Museum • Snapshots: Traveling with H.C. Andersen • Through Mar 22 • history & Danish culture of Solvang • 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang • 805-686-1211 • 11-5 Th-Mo • elverhoj.org

Faulkner Gallery • 40 E Anapamu St • 10-7 Mo-Th; 10-5 Fri, Sa; 12-5 Sun • 805-962-7653.

Fazzino 3-D Studio Gallery • 3-D original fine art • 1011 State St • 805-730-9109 • Fazzino.com

Gallery 113 • Members of the SB Art Assn • 1114 State St, #8, La Arcada Ct • 805-965-6611 • 11-5 Mo-Sa; 1-4 Su • gallery113sb.com

Gallery Los Olivos • New Perspectives through Feb • Daily 104pm • 2920 Grand Av • 805-688-7517 • gallerylosolivos.com

Ganna Walska Lotusland • Gardens • by reservation • 695 Ashley Rd • 805-969-9990 • lotusland.org

Grace Fisher Fdn • Inclusive Arts

Clubhouse • Paintings by Grace Fisher • 121 S Hope, La Cumbre Plaza • WeSu 11-5pm • gracefisherfoundation.org

Indah Gallery • reopens Mar 12 • maxgleason.com/indah-gallery

James Main Fine Art • 19th & 20th

Century Fine art & antiques • 27 E

De La Guerra St • 12-5 Tu-Sa • Appt Suggested • 805-962-8347

Jewish Federation of Greater SB • Portraits of Survival interactive ~ Ongoing • 9-4pm Mo-Fr • 524 Chapala St • 805-957-1115 ext. 114

Karpeles Manuscript Library

Museum • a million+ historical documents • 21-23 W Anapamu • 10-4 Tu-Su • 805-962-5322 • karpeles.com

Kathryne Designs • Local Artists

• 1225 Coast Village Rd, A • 10-5 Mo-Sa; 11-5 Su • 805-565-4700 • kathrynedesigns.com

La Cumbre Center For Creative Arts • Fine Line Gallery; Elevate Gallery; Illuminations Gallery • Multi-Artist Studio/Gallery Spaces • La Cumbre Plaza • 12-5 Tu-Su • lcccasb.com

Lompoc Library Grossman Gallery

• 501 E North Av, Lompoc • 805-588-3459

Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center • Classic Rincon • Through Mar 1 • 12-4 Th-Su • 865 Linden • 805-6847789 • carpinteriaartscenter.org

Maker House • A Gesture Repeated • 1351 Holiday Hill Rd • 805-565-CLAY • 10-4 Daily • makerhouse.org

Marcia Burtt Gallery • Field Studies and focus on Ann Lofquist• Landscape paintings, prints, & books • 517 Laguna St • 1-5 Th-Su • 805-9625588 • artlacuna.com

Mate Gallery • beach images alongside vintage oils, gifts • 1014 Coast Village Rd • 805-895-6283 • mategallery.com

MOXI, The Wolf Museum• of Exploration + Innovation • 10-5 Daily • 125 State St • 805-770-5000 • moxi.org

Museum of Contemporary Art

Santa Barbara • San Milano Drive: DJ Javier • 11-6pm Tu-Sun • 653 Paseo Nuevo • mcasantabarbara.org

MCASB Satellite @ the Riviera Beach House • Makahiya: I Wanted You to Feel the Same by Godofredo Astudillo • through Apr 12 • 9-9pm Daily • 121 State • mcasantabarbara.org

Museum of Tibetan Art & Legacy Arts International • Wed-Sun 12-8pm • 310-880-6671 • lamatashinorbu.org / legacyartsb.com

Palm Loft Gallery • A Garland of Groovy Gifted Goddesses through Mar 22 • 410 Palm Av, Loft A1, Carpinteria • 1-6 Fr-Su & By Appt • 805-684-9700 • palmloft.com

Patricia Clarke Studio • An American Girl project; Primal Wild; Correspondences, Erasing Lines, and Facing Ourselves • 410 Palm Av, Carpinteria • By Appt • 805-452-7739 • patriciaclarkestudio.com

Peregrine Galleries • Early CA & American paintings; fine vintage jewelry • 1133 Coast Village Rd • 805252-9659 • peregrine.shop

Peter Horjus Design • Studio • 11 W Figueroa St • peterhorjus.com

Portico Gallery • Jordan Pope & Gallery Artists • Open Daily • 1235 Coast Village Rd • 805-729-8454 • porticofinearts.comPublic Market

• Local artists Melinda Mettler & Anna Stump • 38 W Victorica • 8am9pm Su-We; 8am-10pm Thu-Sat • sbpublicmarket.com

Rubenstein Chan Contemporary Art • Held in Motion: art of Clara Berta and Chenhung Chen • through Mar 1 • 410 Palm Av, Unit B3, Carpinteria • 805-576-6152: weekends & by appt • RubensteinChan.com

Photographs by Jeff Bridges at Tamsen Gallery

MOVIE MAKING MAGIC CAPTURED BY PHOTOGRAPHER AND ACTOR JEFF BRIDGES is on exhibit at Tamsen Gallery, in Santa Barbara. Bridges is a local Oscar-winning actor, author, and acclaimed photographer. The exhibition, which is on display through April 30th, is titled Jeff Bridges: Pictures.

Bridges has been a photographer for more than 30 years. His central focus has been the movie industry and film sets, which provide a candid look into the making of films and Hollywood.

Bridges used his Widelux camera, given to him by wife Susan, to take behind-the-scenes pictures of actors, crews, and locations. He then compiled his black-and-white images into books which he later presented to everyone involved in these projects. In recent years, Bridges has published portions of that work in two photography books, Pictures, Volume One and Two. Proceeds from these books go to the Motion Picture & Television Fund, a charitable organization offering assistance and care to people with limited resources in the Southern California movie and television industries.

ART VENUES

Santa Barbara Art Works • Arts

Education for All • 28 E Victoria St

• 805-260-6705 • M-F 8:30-4:30 • sbartworks.org

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden • 1212 Mission Canyon Rd • 10-5 daily • 805-682-4726 • sbbg.org

Santa Barbara Fine Art • Paintings from Across the Channel: John Comer • SB landscapes & sculptor Bud Bottoms

• 1321 State St • 12-6 Tu-Sa & By Appt • 805-845-4270 • santabarbarafineart.com

Santa Barbara Historical Museum • The Gift; Ludmilla Pila Welch: Serene Santa Barbara through Mar 26; Edward Borein Gallery, and The Story of Santa Barbara ~ ongoing • 136 E De la Guerra • 12-5 We, Fri-Su; 12-7 Th • 805-966-1601 • sbhistorical.org

HELD IN MOTION

Artist Talk: Clara Berta and Chenhung Chen

February 7, 1:00 p.m. • Reception to follow Rubenstein Chan 410 Palm Ave., B3, Caprinteria, CA 805-576-6152

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

• Where Mountains Meet the Sea • through Mar 29 • The Chumash, Whaling, Commercial Diving, Surfing, Shipwrecks, First Order Fresnel Lens, and SB Lighthouse Women Keepers ~ Ongoing • 113 Harbor Wy, Ste 190 • 10-5 Daily • 805-962-8404 • SBMM.org

Santa Barbara Museum Of Art • By Achilles’ Tomb: Elliott Hundley and Antiquity @ SBMA through Feb 22 • 1130 State St • 11-5 Tu-Su; 5-8 1st Th free; 2nd Sun free Tri-Co residents • 805-963-4364 • sbma.net

Santa Barbara Museum Of Natural History • The Living Print through May 30; Drawn from Nature through Mar 26 • 2559 Puesta del Sol • 10-5 We-Mo • sbnature.org

Santa Barbara Sea Center • Dive In: Our Changing Channel ~ Ongoing • 211 Stearns Wharf • 10-5 Daily • 805682-4711 • sbnature.org

Santa Barbara Tennis Club - 2nd Fridays Art • Abstract 9+1 • through Mar 3 • 2375 Foothill Rd • 10-6 Daily • 805-682-4722 • 2ndfridaysart.com

Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum • 3596 Sagunto St • 12-4pm Wed-Sun • santaynezmuseum.org.

Sahyun Genealogical Library

• welcoming everyone who is researching their family history • 316 Castillo St • Tue/Thu 10-4; Sun & 3rd Sat 1-4 • SBGen.org

Seimandi & Leprieur • Jardin Nocturne by Dora Vital, curated by Jen Huang Bogan • 33 W Anapamu St. • Wed-Sat 11-6 • 805-610-1203 • seimandileprieur.com

Slice of Light Gallery • Photography by JK Lovelace • 9 W Figueroa St • Mo-Fr 10-5 • 805-3545552 • sliceoflight.com

Stewart Fine Art • Early CA Plein Air Paintings + European Fine Art + Antiques • 539 San Ysidro Rd • 115:30 Mo-Sa • 805-845-0255

Sullivan Goss • Oskar Fischinger: A Deeper Look; The Winter Salon; Future Imperfect: Alvaro Maestro, Austin Mccormick, Chris Peters • Through Feb 23 • 11 E Anapamu St • 10-5:30 daily • 805-730-1460 • sullivangoss.com

Susan Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Museum • 122 W Canon Perdido • 11-4 Fr-Sa; Su-Th by appt • quinlanmuseum.com • 805-687-4623

SYV Historical Museum & Carriage House • Art of The Western Saddle • ongoing • 3596 Sagunto St, SY • 12-4 Sa, Su • 805688-7889 • santaynezmuseum.org

Tamsen Gallery • Jeff Bridges: Pictures • through Apr 30 • 1309 State St • 12-5 We-Su • 805-705-2208 • tamsengallery.com

UCSB Library Ocean Gallery • Art of Science through Mar 17; Unyielding Voices: Global Resistance and the Black Radical Tradition • through Jun 12 • library.ucsb.edu

Voice Gallery • Begin • Love is a Journey • through Feb 28 • La Cumbre Plaza H-124 • 10-5:30 M-F; 1-5 Sa-Su • 805-965-6448

Waterhouse Gallery Montecito • Notable CA & National Artists • 1187 Coast Village Rd • 11-5 Mo-Su • 805962-8885 • waterhousegallery.com

Waterhouse Gallery SB • Notable CA & National Artists • La Arcada Ct, 1114 State St, #9 • 11-5 Mo-Sa • 805962-8885 • waterhousegallery.com

Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum Of Art • Beyond the Wilderness: Ansel Adams in 1940s Los Angeles • Jan 15 • Weekdays 10-4, Sat 11-5 • westmont.edu/museum

The Yes Store • Art by Local Artists • 1015 State St • M-F: 11am-6pm; Sa:10:30am-6pm; Su: 10:30am-5pm • theyesstore.com

Artists: See your work here! Join Voice Magazine’s Print & Virtual Gallery! Email Publisher@VoiceSB.com

Seabiscuit by Jeff Bridges

The Big Lebowski by Jeff Bridges

Tucker by Jeff Bridges

Tamsen Gallery is a contemporary fine art gallery located downtown Santa Barbara at 1309 State Street.

Santa Barbara’s Cultural Night Out

ST THURSDAY is an evening of art and culture in downtown Santa Barbara that takes place on the first Thursday of each month. Participating art venues offer free access to art in a fun and social environment from 5-8pm. 1st Thursday venues also provide additional attractions, such as live music, artist receptions, lectures, wine tastings, and hands-on activities. State St also comes alive on 1st Thursday with performances and interactive activities.

February 5th • 5 to 8pm

Galleries, Museums, & Art Venues

1. Voice Gallery • La Cumbre Plaza, 110 S. Hope Avenue, unit H-124 • Love is a Journey, the VOICE February exhibition, features fun, accessible, and finely created 3D and 2D artworks ranging in style from figurative to abstract - all by area artists. Also enjoy music and sing-along with Harold Kono, and tasty sips and bites.

2. Art & Soul • 1323 State Street • LIT: Love, Illumination, Transcendence opens 1st Thursday at Art & Soul, just in time for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. In his solo exhibition, Rod Lathim draws on the ethereal qualities of light and music, creating immersive works that translate repurposed vintage instruments and found objects into luminous, contemplative sculptural experiences.

6. Seimandi & Leprieur Gallery • 33 W. Anapamu St. • Jardin Nocturne presents new paintings by Dora Vital, where lush nocturnal gardens unfold through layered color and light. Blending classical floral motifs with a contemporary sensibility, the exhibition invites quiet contemplation and sensory immersion. On view through February 21st at Seimandi & Leprieur Gallery.

7. Sullivan Goss • 11 E. Anapamu St. • Sullivan Goss celebrates the opening reception for visionary landscape painter Phoebe Brunner’s 6th solo show at the gallery. Also on view, Oskar Fischinger: A Deeper Look; and Future Imperfect: Alvaro Maestro, Austin McCormick, and Chris Peters.

3. Ensemble Theatre Company • 33 W. Victoria St, 805-965-5400 • Ensemble Theatre Company invites you to 1st Thursday at The West Coast Premiere of The Shark Is Broken. A razorsharp, behind-the-scenes look at the making of one of the greatest films of all time. 1st Thursday participants can stop by our ticket office for buy one get one free tickets to our February 5th 7:30pm performance.

4. domecíl • 1223 State Street • Domecíl is excited to host the work of artist Seyburn Zorthian whose contemporary gestural watercolors explore color, presence, and abstraction.

5. 10 West Gallery • 10 W. Anapamu St. • Abstract and contemporary art from the Santa Barbara area. Introducing three new artists to the gallery: Kathleen Yorba, Stephanie Hubbard and Duane Dammeyer, showing their work in a group show with Sophie Cooper, Sophia Beccue, Patrick McGinnis, Rick Doehring, Madeline Garrett, Jo Merit, Pamela Grau and Karen Zazon.

8. Santa Barbara Museum of Art • 1130 State Street • Join us for 1st Thursday at SBMA; our main galleries are free and open from 5 – 8 pm! Explore our diverse galleries, see new photography and collage exhibitions, and drop by the Art Learning Lab for a hands-on art activity related to our exhibitions!

9. Gallery 113 • 1114 State Street #8 • Exhibit by members of the Santa Barbara Art Association. Artist of the month is Gary Jensen. Also featuring

6. Jardin Nocturne presents new paintings by Dora Vital, is on view at Seimandi & Leprieur Gallery

7. Sullivan Goss is hosting a sixth solo show for Phoebe Brunner and more...

1. Find photography by Deborah Kalas and a range of work around the theme of Love is a Journey at VOICE.

Andie Adler, Carey Appel, Robin Deshayes and Nagui Achamallah. There will also be a group exhibit featuring various artists.

10. Waterhouse Gallery • 1114 State Street #9 • The Gallery features figurative works, interiors, and cityscapes, by some of today’s finest nationally known local and Oak Group artists. Enjoy works by Ray Hunter, Derek Harrison. Wyllis Heaton, Camille Dellar, Ann Sanders, Thomas Van Stein, Nancy Davidson, Rick Garcia, Ellie Freudenstein, and Ralph Waterhouse.

11. Ace Rivington • 1100 State St. • Join us in celebrating the launch of our newest creative campaign, Ace Rivington “Real People - Real Jeans.” This show shines a light on the art of denim and how its fit, fabric, and attitude both influence and define style. Many local personalities have modeled for this campaign and will be present to help celebrate,

accompanied by live flamenco guitar and the best wine, beer, and sparkling water that Trader Joe’s has to offer.

12. The Yes Store - Local Arts Gallery • 1015 State Street • Come celebrate winter! Enjoy local arts, music, drinks, and treats! View the work of all our talented local artists. FYI-We have great gifts for Valentine’s Day! Can’t decide, get a gift card. Whether you’re looking for a gift or something special for yourself. Look no further than The Yes Store local arts gallery.

yourself!).

14. Presidio by Candlelight • 123 E. Canon Perdido • Join us for an enchanting candlelit evening of history and culture at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park. Listen to Chumash stories, visit our Nihonmachi Revisited exhibit about Santa Barbara’s Japantown, and experience live music and dances from 1800s California. Free event & refreshments; all ages welcome.

13. Finch & Fork | The Kimpton Canary Hotel • 31 W. Carrillo St. • Join us for 1st Thursday Pop-Up Makers Market in the Kimpton Canary Hotel lobby, a monthly celebration of local creativity with a fresh theme each time! We’re kicking things off in February with a Valentine’sinspired market, featuring unique gifts and artisan goods perfect for someone special (or

17. Santa Barbara Historical Museum • 136 East De La Guerra St. • Join the Museum for wine and live music by Tony Ybarra. Enjoy our latest exhibitions, The Gift: Recent Additions to Our Story and Ludmilla

Welch:

Santa

along with our permanent galleries. All ages welcome.

15. Paint at Paseo • Peppermint Parlor, 651 Paseo Nuevo • Join us for a Make Your Own Lowrider workshop with interdisciplinary artist Jaqueline Valenzuela whose practice reflects the deep roots she’s planted in the lowrider community by bridging the gap between fine art and this underrepresented culture. This workshop is free for all ages. RSVP encouraged.

16. Soul Sucker • 814 State Street STE 38 • Sip, shop and mingle with Santa Barbara Ceramic Artists Hannah Crowshaw and Isaih Porter and shop their new work. Soul Sucker features ceramics and art from the region. LouBud Wines will be pouring, DJ will be spinning. Soul Sucker Anniversary and Lunar New Year Giveaways for first 50 guests!

18. Idyll Mercantile • 703 Chapala St. • Idyll Mercantile is turning five, and we’re celebrating the only way that feels right. With a 1st Thursday Pickle Party. Join us at the shop for an after hours celebration with live music DJ Donnybru and a smattering of pickles and briny snacks, good drinks, and good company. Thanks for preserving our shop for five beautiful years. Everyone is welcome.

real people

Entertainment

LIVE on the 800 Block • 800 Block of State Street • Enjoy live local music on the 800 block of State Street! Each month features a different band, audience seating, and great vibes— perfect for relaxing between venues or before heading to the Entertainment District. Grab a bite from nearby Paseo Nuevo and make a night of it!

Pilat

Serene

Barbara

1. Explore Love, Illumination, and Transcendence in Rod Lathim’s LIT opening at Art & Soul.

12. Enjoy local arts, music, drinks, and treats while perusing locally handmade gifts at The Yes Store!

8 See photography and collage exhibitions, and enjoy the Art Learning Lab at SBMA!

3. Take in the West Coast Premiere of The Shark Is Broken - a razor sharp comedy opening at the Ensemble Theatre Co.

13. Shop local vendors at The Kimpton Canary Hotel’s Pop-Up market!

4. See abstract watercolors by Seyburn Zorthian at domecíl.

17. The Presidio will glow in the light of candles at Presidio by Candlelight, an

10. Discover landscapes, cityscapes, portraits and more at Waterhouse Gallery.

16. Soul Sucker will be featuring ceramics by Hannah Crowshaw and Isaih Porter

- real jeans

11. Suzanne Schwager’s ceramics are featured at WaterLight Studio.

5. Discover three new gallery artists at 10 West Gallery, including Kathleen Yorba, Stephanie Hubbard, and Duane Dammayer.

18. Celebrate Idyll Mercantile’s 5th anniversary when they throw a Pickle Party!

15. Make Your Own Lowrider in this workshop with Jaqueline Valenzuela

9. Work by SB Art Association members, including Artist of the month Gary Jensen will be on view at Gallery 113.

17. In addition to music and wine, the SB Historical Museum exhibits The Gift and Ludmilla Pilat Welch: Serene Santa Barbara will draw folks in.

6pm • FCA #4

Mockbuster • A struggling filmmaker’s chance at redemption collides with chaos and compromise as he navigates the eccentric world of notorious production house, The Asylum. It’s a comedic, behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of B-grade smash The Land That Time Forgot, unabashedly celebrating trash cinema.

• Directed by Anthony Frith • Written by Anthony Frith, Sandy Cameron • US Premiere • Australia, United States • Films on Film • 90 min

6:20pm • FCA #5

Maysoon • Nearly a decade after the Arab Spring, young Egyptian archaeologist Maysoon lives in Berlin with her German boyfriend and their two children. When personal struggles begin to destabilize her life, Maysoon fears she could once again lose everything— family, love, and freedom.

• Written/ Directed by Nancy Biniadaki • Stars

Sabrina Amali, Florian Stetter, Maya Ghazal, Elias Sououd • US Premiere • Germany, Greece • Jeffrey C. Barbakow Int’l Cinema • 120 min • Subtitled

8pm • Arlington Adam Sandler, Maltin Modern Master Award

8pm • FCA #1

Steal Away • Fanny is a sheltered teenager, whose knowledge of the world barely extends beyond her mother Florence’s stately manor house. Into her life comes Cécile, a charismatic visitor and one of countless people seeking asylum from the conflicts ravaging this alternate and highly stylized reality. • Directed by Clement Virgo • Written by Tamara Faith Berger, Clement Virgo • Stars Angourie Rice, Mallori Johnson, Lauren Lee Smith • US Premiere • Canada, Belgium • N Amer Indep Cinema • 113 min • Subtitled

8:20pm • FCA #2

Little Lorraine • Set in 1986

Cape Breton, following three friends left jobless after a devastating mining explosion. Desperate to provide for their families, they take a job on a lobster boat run by a questionable relative—only to discover it’s a front for an international cocaine smuggling operation. Inspired

by true events. • Directed by Andy Hines

• Written by Andy Hines, Adam Baldwin • Stars Stephen Amell, Stephen McHattie, Auden Thornton • US Premiere • Canada

• N Amer Indep Cinema • 115 min

8:40pm • FCA #3

If These Walls Could Rock

• tells the untold story of the Sunset Marquis—the legendary West Hollywood hideaway where rock stars checked in, passed out, and made history. Featuring a Hall of Fame lineup including Ringo Starr, Slash, Cyndi Lauper, Morrissey, and Dave Grohl, diving deep into the debauchery, the music, and the magic.

• Directed by Tyler Measom, Craig A. Williams • Stars Ringo Starr, Slash, Cyndi Lauper, Morrissey, Dave Grohl • United States • Cinematic Overture/Performing Arts • 90 min

9pm • Riviera

I Swear • Based on the life story of Tourette’s Syndrome campaigner John Davidson, MBE. Set in 1980s Britain, the story follows him throughout his troubled teens and early adulthood, exploring this little-known and widely misunderstood condition and charting his struggle to live a “normal” life against formidable odds.

• Written/Directed by Kirk Jones • Stars Robert Aramayo, Maxine Peake, Shirley Henderson • United Kingdom • Festival Circuit Favorites • 120 min

9pm • FCA #4

No Mercy • A radical cinematic manifesto, told through the voices of the fiercest women in filmmaking— unflinching, unapologetic, and with no mercy. • Directed by Isa Willinger • Stars Céline Sciamma, Ana Lily Amirpour, Nina Menkes • Germany, Austria • Films on Film • 105 min • Subtitled

9:20pm • FCA #5

Rising Through the Fray • Uniting from across continents to bring representation to the sport they love, Indigenous Rising laces up their skates to claim their space on the roller derby track. Indigenous Rising is the first team in roller derby history to break the barriers of representing a single country at the Roller Derby World Cup. • Written and Directed by Courtney Montour • US Premiere • Canada • Reel Life • 88 min

Friday, Feb. 6th

8am • FCA #1

I Swear • 120 min

8:20am • FCA #2

The Incredible Snow Woman (L’ Incroyable femme des neiges) • Fired from her job, dumped by her boyfriend, and in failing health, 46-year-old explorer and Arctic specialist Coline Morel sees her life unravel before her eyes. Caught in a whirlwind of torments, Coline—popularly known as “The Incredible Snow Woman”— attempts a final comeback. • Written/ Directed by Sébastien Betbeder • Stars Blanche Gardin, Philippe Katerine, Bastien Bouillon • US Premiere • France

• Contemp. World Cinema • 111 min • Subtitled

8:40am • FCA #3

Sanatorium • 90 min • Subtitled

2/6/2026 9:00:00 • Riviera

Ablaze (Les Braises) • Karine and Jimmy, a deeply connected couple, face a pivotal moment in their relationship when Karine’s fervent political activism begins to tear at the fabric of their life together. • Directed by Thomas Kruithof • Written by Thomas Kruithof, JeanBaptiste Delafon • Stars Virginie Efira, Arieh Worthalter • US Premiere • France

• Contemp. World Cinema • 102 min • Subtitled

9am • FCA #4

Holy Days • Contemp. World Cinema • 101 min

9:20am • FCA #5

Adam’s Sake (L’intérêt d’Adam) • Jeffrey C. Barbakow Int’l Cinema • 75 min • Subtitled

11am • FCA #1

Mockbuster • Films on Film • 90 min

11am • Music Academy of the West Topic and Panelists TBA

11:20am • FCA #2

Cuba & Alaska • Doc Competition • 93 min • Subtitled

11:40am • FCA #3

Fri, Feb 6., 8:20am • FCA #2

The Incredible Snow Woman (L’ Incroyable femme des neiges) • Fired from her job, dumped by her boyfriend, and in failing health, 46-year-old explorer and Arctic specialist Coline Morel sees her life unravel before her eyes. Caught in a whirlwind of torments, Coline—popularly known as “The Incredible Snow Woman”—attempts a final comeback.

The Heart is a Muscle • When Ryan’s five-year-old son briefly goes missing at a barbeque, his violent reaction to the scare triggers a chain of events that unearth long-buried secrets and set him on a journey of selfdiscovery and forgiveness. • Written/ Directed by Imran Hamdulay • Stars Keenan Arrison, Melissa de Vries, Dean Marais • US Premiere • South Africa, Saudi Arabia • Jeffrey C. Barbakow Int’l

Cinema • 86 min • Subtitled

12pm • FCA #4

Maysoon • Jeffrey C. Barbakow Int’l

Cinema • 120 min • Subtitled

12pm • Riviera

Relatively Normal • Life during

11am Thursday, February 5 • FCA #1

Nomad Shadow (Thal Badaoui) • Mariam, a rebellious young woman, is deported back to Western Sahara after ten years in Spain. When tragedy strikes, Mariam finds herself adrift at sea, discovering the true meaning of belonging.

lockdown sucks, especially for teens— but for Hannah, the real problem isn’t the virus. With her parents at war and her brother a one-man disaster, Hannah retreats to the only safe space she can find: her closet. • Written/Directed by Amy Wendel • Stars Chloe Coleman, Grant Culling, Troy Blendell • World Premiere • United States • Santa Barbara Features • 93 min

12pm • FCA #5

Sweet Störy • Meg Ray takes a sabbatical from her San Francisco pâtisserie empire for a journey of selfdiscovery and community-building on the remote Swedish island of Rödlöga, a four-hour ferry ride from Stockholm in the Baltic Sea. There, she helps rescue the enchanted Café Truten, learns the art of baking bread, and empowers a generation of young islander women. • Written/Directed by Sarah Justine Kerruish, Matt Maude • Stars Meg Ray • Sweden, United States • Reel Life • 73 min • Subtitled

2pm • FCA #1

Aki • US Premiere • Canada • Doc Competition • 86 min

2pm • Arlington

2/6/2026 14:20:00 • FCA #2

Little Lorraine • US Premiere • Canada • N Amer Indep Cinema • 115 min

2:40pm • FCA #3

Toitū: Visual Sovereignty • Following curator Nigel Borell as he navigates the constraints between institutional authority and Māori selfdetermination. Borell’s curatorial vision is clear: Māori art must be authored, not merely advocated for. But as the scale of the exhibition grows, so does institutional resistance • Directed by Chelsea Winstanley • Stars Nigel Borell • US Premiere • New Zealand • Doc Competition • 101 min

3pm • FCA #4

A Life Illuminated • following legendary marine biologist and deep-sea explorer Dr. Edie Widder as she descends 3,300 feet into the ocean’s darkest depths in search of light. After capturing the first-ever footage of the elusive giant squid she embarks to document a bioluminescent phenomenon that could change how we understand life on Earth. • Directed by

Tasha Van Zandt • United States • Great Outdoors • 89 min

3pm • Riviera

The Yellow Tie • The true story of Sergiu Celibidache—from his childhood in Romania under the rule of a disciplinarian father, through exile in pursuit of a musical career, struggle for survival in wartime Germany, and an unimaginable rise, fall, and resurgence spanning seven decades and all four corners of the globe. • Directed by Serge Ioan Celebidachi • Written by Serge Ioan Celebidachi, James Olivier • Stars John Malkovich, Sean Bean, Ben Schnetzer • US Premiere • Romania • Contemp. World Cinema • 145 min • Subtitled 3:20pm • FCA #5

Steal Away • US Premiere • Canada, Belgium • N Amer Indep Cinema • 113 min • Subtitled 5pm • FCA #1

The Diving Bell And Butterfly • Jean-Dominique Bauby (Mathieu Amalric), editor-in-chief of French fashion bible Elle magazine, has a devastating stroke at age 43. The damage to his brain stem results in locked-in syndrome, with which he is almost completely paralyzed and only able to communicate by blinking an eye. Bauby painstakingly dictates his memoir via the only means of expression left to him. • Directed by Julian Schnabel • Written by Ronald Harwood, JeanDominique Bauby • Stars Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, MarieJosée Croze • France, United States • Julian Schnabel Retrospective • 112 min 5:20pm • FCA #2

Dear Lara • A deeply personal documentary exposing decades of sexual abuse and institutional complicity in classical music. After acclaimed violinist Lara St. John speaks out about her childhood assault at an elite music school, survivors from around the world contact her. Blending testimony, investigation, and an original score, the film is both an insider’s reckoning and a call for change. • Directed by Lara St. John • World Premiere • Canada, United States • Doc Competition • 94 min 5:40pm • FCA #3

A Pale View of Hills • UK, 1982. A young Japanese-British writer explores her mother Etsuko’s postwar memories of Nagasaki. Haunted by the death

People Have the Power

By Mahil Senathirajah / Special to VOICE

IN 1988, LEGENDARY PUNK POET

PATTI SMITH wrote the protest anthem People Have the Power containing the lyric, “People have the power to redeem the work of fools.” Once again, The Fund for Santa Barbara is sponsoring the Social Justice Film Series at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, which presents films that “engage community and galvanize change to advance economic, environmental, political, racial or social justice.”

This year’s impressive slate features five films that showcase the ability of individual action to catalyze profound change. By coincidence, all five films feature courageous, self-determined women ranging from two young Ukrainian medics to the impressively energetic Jane Fonda.

This year, The Fund for Santa Barbara chose Steal This Story, Please! as the winner of the Social Justice Award. The film profiles Amy Goodman’s pioneering, DIY combination of journalism and activism, and seeking truth from power. Steal This Story, Please! is particularly relevant at a time when crowdsourced video from activists is holding those in power accountable for their actions. The film is also a beautifully rendered

of her eldest daughter, Etsuko begins recounting her life in 1952, starting with her encounter with Sachiko, a hopeful young woman planning a new life abroad with her daughter Mariko. A • Written/ Directed by Kei Ishikawa • Stars Suzu Hirose, Fumi Nikaidô, Yoh Yoshida, Camilla Aiko • US Premiere • Japan, United Kingdom, Poland • Contemp. World Cinema • 123 min • Subtitled 6pm • FCA #4

Tow

personal portrait and a rousing recounting of 40 years of social justice battles that provides grounding context for the challenges we face now. There is hope in Amy Goodman’s history.

Amy Goodman will be in town for a post-screening Q&A and will be a guest at The Fund for Santa Barbara’s Social Justice Award reception on Saturday, February 7th. Check the Fund’s calendar page for more information as the event is finalized at: fundforsantabarbara.org/communitycalendar

The five films in the Social Justice Film series include:

1. Steal This Story, Please! - Winner - From the front lines of global conflict to the organized chaos of her daily news program Democracy

Now!, Amy Goodman amplifies stories and voices which are routinely silenced by commercial media.

Basin of Texas to the LNG facilities on the coast, meeting the people who are exposing the fossil fuel industry’s lies. These are the stories of the self-described “reluctant activists” who have come together across political and cultural spectrums in the defense of their communities and coastlines.

Feb 5: 3 – 4:51pm, SBIFF Riviera

Feb 8: 11:40am – 1:31pm, SBIFF Film Ctr, Aud 3

Feb 10: 8 – 9:51am, SBIFF Film Ctr, Aud 1

Feb 6: 8:20pm – 9:46pm, SBIFF Film Ctr, Aud 2

Feb 7: 11:40am – 1:20pm, SBIFF Film Ctr, Aud 3

2. Gaslit (US):  Activist Jane Fonda follows the flow of oil and gas from the giant Permian

3. Cuba & Alaska (Ukraine, France, Belgium): Cuba and Alaska’s bracing juxtaposition of front line war carnage and regular young women’s pursuits back home is unlike any documentary you have seen before. The two wisecracking Ukrainian medics grapple with existential questions including, “with war so deeply rooted in them, can the two friends go back to the life they knew?”

Feb 5: 5:20 – 6:52pm, SBIFF Film Ctr, Aud 2

Feb 6: 11:20am – 12:53pm, SBIFF Film Ctr, Aud 2

4. Saving Etting Street (US): In this riveting documentary, master carpenter Shelley Halstead trains three young Black women in carpentry, electrical work and plumbing. Together, cheered on by long-time residents, they transform a block of abandoned row houses in Baltimore into a community of Black women first-time homeowners.

Feb 5: 8:20 – 9:27am, SBIFF Film Ctr, Aud 2

Feb 10: 3:20 – 4:27pm, SBIFF Film Ctr, Aud 5

5. What We Carry (Canadian): In 1964, a restless Jennifer Notley leaves England to teach at the Desmarais Indian Residential School in remote Northern Alberta, Canada. In 2022, her daughter Katrinka and granddaughter Bracken return to the community to explore the history of abuse that occurred their legacy of complicity. What We Carry is a heart-rending and heart-filling story of generational trauma and restorative justice.

Feb 12: 11:40am – 1:08pm, SBIFF Film Ctr, Aud 3

Feb 13: 5 – 6:28pm, SBIFF Film Ctr, Aud 1

Thurs, Feb 6, 11:20am & Fri, Feb 7, 9pm • FCA #2

Maturity (L’Âge mûr) • Ludovic, a successful 40-yearold architect, begins a romance with Nathalie, a mother of two young girls. As their love unfolds, he grows close to the girls, forming an unexpected bond of complicity.

6pm • Riviera You Had to Be There • An intimate, funny, and emotional documentary about the legendary Canadian production that changed entertainment forever.

• Directed by Nick Davis • Stars Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Victor Garber, Jayne Eastwood • US Premiere • United States • Doc Competition • 100 min

Films, Calendar, & Special Events

• Jeffrey C. Barbakow Int’l Cinema • 82 min • Subtitled

8pm • Arlington Honoree TBA

8pm • FCA #1

Space Cadet • US Premiere • Canada • N Amer Indep Cinema • 86 min

8:20pm • FCA #2

Steal This Story, Please! •

• Directed by Sara Joe Wolansky • United States • Reel Life • 88 min

9pm • FCA #4

Undeterred by armed soldiers, smoothtalking politicians, and riot police, journalist Amy Goodman has reported some of the most consequential stories of our time. Steal This Story, Please! is a gripping portrait of the trailblazer whose unwavering commitment to truth-telling spans three decades of turbulent history.

• Charting the true story of a homeless Seattle woman who fought her way out of tow-company hell to reclaim her life and the car that held it all together after receiving a staggering tow bill.

6:20pm • FCA #5 Nomad Shadow (Thal Badaoui) • US Premiere • United States, Spain, France

• Directed by Stephanie Laing

• Written by Jonathan Keasey, Brant Noivin, Annie Weisman • Stars Rose Byrne, Dominic Sessa, Demi Lovato, Ariana DeBose, Octavia Spencer • United States • Festival Circuit Favorites

• 105 min

SBIFF.org

• Directed by Tia Lessin, Carl Deal • Stars Amy Goodman, Juan González, Jeremy Scahill, Sharif Abdel Kouddous, Nermeen Shaikh, Dave Isay • United States • Reel Life • 101 min • Subtitled

8:40pm • FCA #3

The Big Cheese • A cheesemonger is like a sommelier for cheese—a craft often underappreciated in America.

Adam “Mr. Moo” Moskowitz hopes to change that by coaching a U.S. team for the Mondial du Fromage – the “Olympics of Cheese” – which they have never won.

Maturity (L’Âge mûr) • US Premiere • Belgium • Contemp. World Cinema • 84 min • Subtitled 9pm • Riviera

Mortician • I US Premiere • Canada • N Amer Indep Cinema • 94 min • Subtitled

9:20pm • FCA #5

Notes of a True Criminal (Zapiski nastoyashego prestupnika) • Fourth-generation filmmaker Alexander Rodnyansky portrays the decades-long struggle of Ukrainians against aggression, using images and footage from his family’s past and present that connect historical events to the fight unfolding today. • Directed by Alexander Rodnyansky, Andriy Alferov • US Premiere • Ukraine, United States • Reel Life • 117 min • Subtitled

Film still from Amy Goodman’s Steal This Story, Please!

Film still from Gaslit with Jane Fonda.

February 5 - March 1

Wednesday, Feb. 4th Opening Night!

8pm • Arlington Theatre

A Mosquito in the Ear • follows Andrew and Daniela as they travel to Goa, India, to bring home their newly adopted four-year-old daughter, Sarvari. But their world begins to unravel when Sarvari refuses to leave the orphanage she calls home. • Directed by Nicola Rinciari • Written by Nicola Rinciari, Emily Dillard • Stars Jake Lacy, Nazanin Boniadi, Ruhi Pal • World Premiere • India, Italy, United States • N Amer Indep Cinema • 90 min

Thursday, Feb. 5th

8am • FCA #1

Let Me Paint My World for You (Ich male dir meine Welt) • A documentary featuring seven autistic artists from Germany, Switzerland, and the UK. Their art reveals inner worlds and builds bridges to the outside. Directed by Andrea Christina Furrer • World Premiere • Germany, Switzerland • Doc Competition • 94 min • Subtitled

8:20am • FCA #2

Saving Etting Street • Riveting documentary. Master carpenter Shelley Halstead trains three young Black women in carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing. Together, cheered on by longtime residents, they transform a block of abandoned row houses in Baltimore into a community of Black women first-time homeowners. • Directed by Dena Fisher, Amy Scott • United States • Reel Life • 67 min

8:40am • FCA #3

The Ozu Diaries • A cinematic journey that explores the inner world of Japanese master filmmaker Yasujirō Ozu, drawing from his private diaries, wartime notebooks, letters, interviews, photographs, and never-before-seen home movies. The film traces how he transformed personal loss and wartime trauma into enduring masterpieces such as Early Summer, Tokyo Story, and An Autumn Afternoon. • Written/Directed by Daniel Raim • Stars Wim Wenders, Kyōko Kagawa, Kiyoshi Kurosawa • United States • Films on Film • 140 min • Subtitled

9am • Riviera

Aki • This community-engaged documentary explores storytelling through a non-verbal, visual approach in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, an Ojibway community in Northern Ontario, Canada. Grounded in the natural world, the film weaves environmental sounds, an original score, contemporary movement, and an art-based aesthetic

Films, Calendar, & Special Events

Belgium • Contemp. World Cinema • 84 min • Subtitled

11:40am • FCA #3

The Gas Station Attendant • A daughter pieces together her father’s life—weaving the story of his remarkable journey from the streets of India with the realities of life in the United States. • Directed by Karla Murthy • United States

• Reel Life • 83 min

12pm • Riviera

into its narrative. • Written/ Directed by Darlene Naponse • US Premiere • Canada • Doc Competition • 86 min

9am • FCA #4

Saipan • On the eve of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the Irish captain Roy Keane forfeits his place in the squad at the team’s preparation base in Saipan, following a heated disagreement with the Irish manager Mick McCarthy. • Directed by Lisa Barros D’Sa, Glenn Leyburn • Written by Paul Fraser • Stars Éanna Hardwicke, Steve Coogan, Peter McDonald, Alice Lowe, Jamie Beamish • Ireland • Contemp. World Cinema • 90 min

9:20am • FCA #5

Diya • Dane, a driver for an NGO in the capital, tragically runs over a schoolboy. His pregnant wife rushes to help pay the hospital bills, but it’s too late—the child succumbs to his injuries. The boy’s family summons Dane, demanding diya, the traditional blood debt—an exorbitant sum Dane cannot afford. • Written/ Directed by Achille Ronaimou • Stars Ferdinand Mbaissané, Moussa Zakaria Ibet, Youssouf Djaoro • Chad • Contemp. World Cinema • 96 min • Subtitled

11am • FCA #1

Nomad Shadow (Thal Badaoui) • Mariam, a rebellious young woman, is deported back to Western Sahara after ten years in Spain. When tragedy strikes, Mariam finds herself adrift at sea, discovering the true meaning of belonging. • Written/ Directed by Eimi Imanishi • Stars

Nadhira Mohamed, Suleiman Filali • US Premiere • United States, Spain, France

• Jeffrey C. Barbakow Int’l Cinema • 82 min • Subtitled

11am • Music Academy of the West Topic and Panelists TBA

11:20am • FCA #2

Maturity (L’Âge mûr) • Ludovic, a successful 40-year-old architect, begins a romance with Nathalie, a mother of two young girls. As their love unfolds, he grows close to the girls, forming an unexpected bond of complicity. •

Directed by Jean-Benoît Ugeux • Written by Jean-Benoît Ugeux, Julie Debiton • Stars Jean-Benoît Ugeux, Ruth Becquart, Laurent Capelluto • US Premiere •

dissident artist and single mother, struggles to build a stable life for her daughter Julia, a gifted young pianist. • Written/Directed by Alexandra Makarová • Stars Rebeka Poláková, Simon Schwarz, Carmen Diego • US Premiere • Austria, Slovakia • Jeffrey C. Barbakow Int’l Cinema • 110 min • Subtitled 2:40pm • FCA #3

Adam’s Sake (L’intérêt d’Adam) • Lucy works in an understaffed pediatric ward. When fouryear-old Adam is placed in her care, Lucy is confronted with his mother Rebecca’s refusal to leave his side, despite a judge’s restriction against her. For the sake of Adam, Lucy will do everything in her power to help this mother in distress.

• Written/Directed by Laura Wandel • Stars Léa Drucker, Anamaria Vartolomei, Jules Delsart • US Premiere • Belgium, France • Jeffrey C. Barbakow Int’l Cinema • 75 min • Subtitled

12pm • FCA #4

Sophia • Against her father’s wishes, Emily travels from London to Tunisia, hoping to reconnect her daughter, Sophia, with her estranged husband. But Sophia disappears, and lies and deceit quickly ensnare the broken family.

• Written/Directed by Dhafer L’Abidine

• Stars Sophie Lipsey • US Premiere • Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom • Contemp. World Cinema • 110 min • Subtitled 12:20pm • FCA #5

Blood Lines • A tender, distinctive story about love, identity, and cultural reconnection. Set in a close-knit Métis community, Beatrice’s world shifts when she meets and falls in love with Chani, who is searching for her biological family. Guided by The Grannies, a lively group of elders, Beatrice must confront her mother, Léonore. • Written/Directed by Gail Maurice • Stars Dana Solomon, Derica Lafrance, Mélanie Bray • US Premiere • Canada • N Amer Indep Cinema • 89 min • Subtitled 2pm • FCA #1

Wrong Husband (Uiksaringitara) • Igloolik, Nunavut, 2000 BCE. Kaujak and Sapa were promised to each other at birth. After the sudden death of Kaujak’s father, her mother marries a man from another camp, tearing the young lovers apart. • Directed by Zacharias Kunuk • Written by Zacharias Kunuk, Samuel CohnCousineau • Stars Theresia Kappianaq, Haiden Angutimarik, Leah Panimera • US Premiere • Canada • N Amer Indep Cinema • 100 min • Subtitled

2:20pm • FCA #2

Perla • In 1980s Vienna, Perla, a

The Luminous Life (A Vida Luminosa) • At 24, Nicolau feels lost—his dream of becoming a musician fading, his heart still tied to the past. But as spring blooms, it carries a quiet promise: it’s not too late to start again.

• Written/Directed by João Rosas • Stars Francisco Melo, Cécile Matignon, Margarida Dias • US Premiere • Portugal, France • Spanish & Latin Amer Cinema • 99 min • Subtitled 3pm • Riviera

Gaslit • As the world teeters on the brink of irreversible climate disaster, actor and activist Jane Fonda ventures deep into oil and gas country, meeting the people who are exposing the fossil fuel industry’s lies. These are the stories of the shrimpers, cattle ranchers, former oil workers, families, faith leaders, community organizers, and self-described “reluctant activists” who have come together across political and cultural spectrums in defense of the communities and coastlines they love.

• Directed by Katie Camosy • Stars Jane Fonda, Maggie Rogers, Connie Britton • World Premiere • United States • Great Outdoors, Doc Competition • 111 min 3pm • FCA #4

Sanatorium • On the shores of Odesa in southern Ukraine lies the imposing Kuyalnik Sanatorium, a crumbling Soviet-era health facility long past its prime. Over a summer season, its ever-dwindling guests come for rejuvenating mud treatments and strange electroshock therapies while seeking love, healing, and happiness.

• Directed by Gar O’Rourke • US Premiere • Ireland, Ukraine • Doc Competition • 90 min • Subtitled 15:20:00 • FCA #5

Mortician • In Canada, Mojtaba, an Iranian mortician, meets Jana, a defiant protest singer in hiding. As their bond grows, secrets emerge—drawing him into a chilling act. Inspired by real events, Mortician exposes the reach of the Iranian regime beyond its borders. Brought to life through one-man cinema, this story demanded to be told without compromise. • Written/Directed by Abdolreza Kahani • Stars Nima Sadr, Gola • US Premiere • Canada • N Amer Indep Cinema • 94 min •

Subtitled

5pm • FCA #1

Space Cadet • When young astronaut Celeste launches into space on her first solo mission, the guardian robot that has accompanied her throughout her childhood is left alone to wonder: what now? • Directed by Kid Koala • Written by Mylène Chollet • US Premiere • Canada • N Amer Indep Cinema • 86 min

5:20pm • FCA #2

Cuba & Alaska • Best friends

“Cuba” and “Alaska,” wisecracking medics on Ukraine’s frontline, live the same battlefield story as all soldiers: the longer they fight for Ukraine, the more they lose touch with friends, family, and their former lives. • Written/Directed by Yegor Troyanovsky • Stars Olha Bregman, Christian Popp, Hanne Phlypo • US Premiere • Ukraine, France, Belgium • Doc Competition • 93 min • Subtitled 5:40pm • FCA #3

A Cowboy in London • A rare, unfiltered portrait of country musician Charley Crockett on the cusp of global stardom. Shot in verité style, the film follows Crockett through a whirlwind London run as he wrestles with the state of America, the rise of AI in music, and the pressures of the industry. • Directed by Jared L. Christopher • Stars Charley Crockett, Taylor Grace, Joe Walters • World Premiere • United States • Doc Competition • 88 min

6pm • Riviera

Holy Days • Young Brian is on a heartwarming quest to retrieve his late mother from heaven before his father’s new girlfriend takes her place. Guided only by the clue that she is on a snowy mountain, Brian teams up with three elderly nuns. • Written/Directed by Nathalie Boltt • Stars Jacki Weaver, Judy Davis, Miriam Margolyes, Nathalie Boltt • World Premiere • Canada, New Zealand • Contemp. World Cinema • 101 min

Thursday, Feb. 5 • 5:20pm • FCA #2

Cuba & Alaska • Best friends “Cuba” and “Alaska,” wisecracking medics on Ukraine’s frontline, live the same battlefield story as all soldiers: the longer they fight for Ukraine, the more they lose touch with friends, family, and their former lives.

Local Companies United for the Power of Partnership 5K

THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP 5K WAS DESIGNED TO BRING TOGETHER SANTA BARBARA’S BUSINESS COMMUNITY in the spirit of giving, by both Integrated Procurement Technologies (IPT) and Montecito Bank & Trust (MB&T). The run took place Tuesday, January 20th, along Cabrillo Boulevard.

The second annual Power of Partnership 5K expanded this year and featured over 150 participants from the two companies. Runners and walkers took to the 5K course for some invigorating morning exercise, friendly competition, team building, and corporate philanthropy. In the shared spirit of giving back, the participants’ finish times were used to determine how much each company would contribute to four nonprofits selected for this year’s event — Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County, Food Bank of Santa Barbara County, Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, and Wounded Warrior Project. In total, $105,000 was raised.

work alongside people who share these values, making our company’s acts of ‘giving back’ a joyful and unifying experience.”

The partnership between IPT and MB&T came to light over a casual group dinner last fall. While chatting, Ken Krutenat, President of IPT, and Janet Garufis, Chairman and CEO of MB&T, realized that corporate giving runs deep within their respective company cultures and that there was something potentially powerful in partnering to create a greater impact. IPT’s previous experience conducting a 5K event for charity aligned well with MB&T’s passion for giving and gave way to the 2nd annual Power of Partnership 5K.

Ken Krutenat states, “At IPT, we view our success as a blessing, an opportunity, and a responsibility. We have been fortunate to build on a strong foundation, supported by great people, strong partnerships, and tremendous opportunity. Giving back is at the core of who we are, helping others as we help ourselves. I feel truly blessed to

Similarly, Janet, a runner herself, celebrated the event and partnership noting, “Our companies’ shared values brought us together for a beautiful and meaningful morning. It was wonderful to see MB&T and IPT associates unite around a shared purpose and make a collective difference in our community at a time when we know the need is heightened. Ken and I hope this is just the beginning. Making a difference is in the DNA of Santa Barbara residents and businesses and we look forward to potentially expanding this event and seeing what more we can do together.”

Tuesday’s race event highlighted the beauty of Santa Barbara’s waterfront while bringing visibility to the importance of community partnerships. Representatives from this year’s selected nonprofits were also onsite to discuss their organization’s work with the participants. The top-3 men’s and women’s finishers earned the opportunity to donate larger sums to their organization of choice.

Anyssa Escalante of MB&T finished 1st for the Women’s category

The Power of Partnership 5K had over 150 participants

Santa Barbara’s East Beach was bright and sunny for the participants

IPT’s Carl Parker, Gareth Richard, and Ben Bandettini, were the top three finishers for Men’s categories

The Power of Partnership 5K gets under way

The fastest finishers received tokens worth a higher donation to the nonprofit of their choosing

Ben Bandettini of IPT finishing in third place and receiving his donation token

Bruce Stevens, MB&T’s CFO & CAO, completes the 5K

Janet Garufis, MB&T’s Chairman & CEO, and Ken Krutenat, IPT’s President

Adam Sandler to Receive Maltin Modern Master Award

By Daisy Scott / VOICE

IN THE LATEST FILM TO SHOWCASE ADAM SANDLER’S SERIOUS

DRAMATIC ACTING CHOPS, Jay Kelly, Sandler’s character shares that he tirelessly works as the manager of a Hollywood superstar because he is “supporting a great artist who shares with other human beings what it is to be a human being.”

Yet this line really best applies to Sandler himself.

For over 35 years, Sandler has made countless audiences laugh, cry, and reflect on personal priorities with his impressive range for slapstick comedy, insightful drama, and feel-good films.

For his most recent triumph in Jay Kelly and varied career, Sandler will be named the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Maltin Modern Master Award on Thursday, February 5th at the Arlington Theatre.

“He’s playing the manager, not the movie star,” shared Jay Kelly director and co-writer Noah Baumbach with The Hollywood Reporter. “But Ron [Sandler’s character] shares so many of the qualities of the Adam I know: warm, generous, loyal, devoted. And he works harder than anyone. It’s a way for Adam to play himself in disguise.”

name, including Billy Madison and Happy Gilmore (which finally got its sequel last year and broke Netflix viewing records on opening weekend). Through The Wedding Singer, The Waterboy, 50 First Dates, and Spanglish, Sandler consistently balanced his childish jokester attitude with genuine heart.

It was this emotional depth that motivated director Paul Thomas Anderson to write a part for Sandler in his wacky romantic comedy Punch-Drunk Love in 2002. Rife with absurdist humor and drama, the film was the first to demonstrate Sandler’s full potential as a nuanced actor with incredible range.

In the 20 years since, Sandler has rounded out his filmography with more drama along with his signature humor, both on film and with comedy albums, which have won three Grammy Awards and gone multi-platinum. Since 1998, Sandler has co-produced many of his films with his studio Happy Madison Productions, including Grown Ups, Murder Mystery, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, and animated works such as Eight Crazy Nights and Leo

The Safdie Brother’s 2019 crime thriller Uncut Gems once again shone the spotlight on Sandler’s skill for nailbiting tension, earning him an Independent Spirit Awards and nominations for the Critics’ Choice and Gotham Awards.

SBIFF will present the Maltin Modern Master Award to Sandler with a tribute and interview hosted by the award’s namesake, film critic and historian Leonard Maltin.

“Adam Sandler won me over when he sang The Hanukkah Song on SNL, then amassed a huge following in tailor-made movies like The Waterboy and The Wedding Singer,” shared Maltin in a SBIFF statement. “I love that he’s left his comfort zone and delivered potent performances in Uncut Gems and Jay Kelly. I can’t wait to share the stage with him in Santa Barbara.”

After gaining traction on Saturday Night Live in the early ‘90s for his witty and musical humor, Sandler’s acting career launched with a series of films that secured his status as a household

Jay Kelly builds on Sandler’s momentum in drama, casting him as Ron, the dedicated and emotionally conflicted manager of Jay, an aging filmstar (George Clooney) who finds himself desperate to make up for lost time with his family. As Jay reckons with the sacrifices he made for fame, Ron also struggles to reconcile his priorities as a husband and father. The film has received critical acclaim for its contemplative, meta evaluations of Hollywood and the life of not only actors, but those who make their exciting lives easier (and frankly, possible).

“I know many Rons,” Sandler shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “I’ve met a lot of people over the years who put parts of their own lives aside to make sure mine ran smoothly.”

Baumbach reportedly created the character Ron with Sandler in mind. The two previously made The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) together in 2017. Sandler’s resulting performance is powerful, as he layers each line with subtle physical cues such as slight tremors in his voice or fast-fading expressions that breathe real humanity into his performance.

For tickets and a complete schedule of SBIFF events visit sbiff.org

Photo courtesy of Netflix

Happy Gilmore

Punch-Drunk Love

The Wedding Singer

Adam Sandler has gained critical praise for his performance in his newest film, Jay Kelly

Uncut Gems

Actions of solidarity for friends and allies outside Minnesota

For our non-Minnesotan friends, thank you for your outreach and outpouring of support. Here are tangible ways you can be in solidarity with the people of Minnesota: www.minnesotanonprofits.org /ally-solidarity.

MCN also compiled a list of nonprofit-specific resources, including free legal ser vices, to help organizations navigate: www.minnesotanonprofits.org / ice-resources#nonprofit-guidance.

Support local organizations and mutual aid

Many groups are scrambling to support innocent detainees released without phones and IDs, are tr ying to get food to families too afraid to leave their homes, and are providing rent assistance as people are unable to work. MCN has curated a list of organizations seeking donations for immediate needs: www.minnesotanonprofits.org/ice-resources#donate.

Be grounded in truth

While lack of transparency makes accountability difficult, get your information from trusted news sources and independent journalists Local Minnesota journalists, community leaders, and elected leaders are the best source of real-time information. Curated list of local news (many that are nonprofits) and independent journalists: www standwithminnesota com/stay-informed

The Minnesota Department of Corrections has set up a DHS misinformation web page to combat false narratives: www mn gov/doc/about/news/combatting-dhsmisinformation/.

This is not just a Minnesota issue, this is an American issue. These escalator y, brutal, and violent tactics have no place anywhere We must all be organizing and raising our collective voices. Join our movement

Defend our democracy

The U.S. Senate is voting this week on a funding bill that would authorize an additional $10 billion dollars for ICE. We know that H.R. 1, which cut core basic needs programs, also significantly increased funding for immigration enforcement. We have an opportunity to tell Congress not to spend a dollar more on Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Call your Congressional Representatives and demand that the actions occurring in Minnesota and across the countr y stop: (202) 224-3121.

Share our stories

Please amplify what you are hearing and seeing about Minnesota across social media, but also to your networks, friends, and family offline In addition to trusted news sources, here is a list of Minnesota testimonials you can share: www.standwithminnesota.com/testimonies.

Know that this could be you; prepare

Funders must fund rapid response, operational needs, and long-term movement work of nonprofits. Nonprofits must be ready to shift operations, support their workers, learn how to legally advocate and share community stories. MCN has compiled a list of nonprofit resources to help navigate uncertainty that are applicable in any state: www minnesotanonprofits org /resources-to-navigateuncertainty.

Nonprofits are a force for good. We’re here to help.

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) joins nonprofits across interest areas to advance issues that are important to the sector through relevant workshops & conferences, timely nonprofit data & research, impactful state & federal advocacy, and a strong member network & benefits Visit our website to see how MCN can support your nonprofit: www.minnesotanonprofits.org.

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