VOICE Magazine: November 28, 2025

Community Dividends® Totaling $1.2 Million Granted To Nonprofits

AHEARTFELT THANK YOU FOR THE HOLIDAYS, Montecito Bank & Trust granted 188 local nonprofits a share of $1.2 million at their 23rd Annual Community Dividends® Awards Luncheon on Monday at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachside Resort.

It’s a community gathering that brightens the season by celebrating and supporting nonprofits with the legendary and hallmark philanthropy of Montecito Bank & Trust. The Bank has granted more than $24 million to over 300 nonprofit organizations since the program’s inception in 2003. In 2025, the Bank’s total investment in nonprofit giving, focused on supporting local organizations that serve low-to moderate-income individuals in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, will exceed $1.7 million, with $1.2 million awarded at Monday’s event.

Building stronger communities, together

Janet Garufis, Chairman & CEO, welcomed everyone and expressed gratitude for the nonprofit leaders and their work to make our communities better, noting, “You and your teams are resourceful problem solvers; often the first to see a need and step up to meet it. You respond to crises at hand, work to find long-term solutions and to help empower individuals and families so that they have the tools they need to not just survive but thrive. You feed the hungry, house the homeless and heal the hurting. You bring joy and healing to our communities through music, dance, and performance. You educate us and help us reach our highest potential. You listen to your community, engaging with them to better understand their needs, collaborate with partners to be more effective in how those needs are met, and advocate for changes to enhance the quality of life for all segments of our community. Thank you!”

188 50 $1 MILLION OVER $ 30 MILLION OVER

Donated in 2025

Bank elected to award each of these partners emergency funds with $100,000, for a total of $200,000. Ms. Garufis noted that the decision “demonstrates MB&T’s unwavering commitment to our entire community. Mike always hoped that our philanthropy would ‘model the way’ for others in the community. We believe this is one of those moments where MB&T can make a powerful statement about the urgent need for support.”

Community Dividends

Donated since 1975 Nonprofit Recipients iin 2025 Giving

188 nonprofit leaders from across Santa Barbara and Ventura counties gathered, along with 68 Bank associates, the Bank’s Executive Team, Board of Directors, and Emeritus Director Pete Jordano for a networking hour, followed by a Thanksgiving-style lunch. MB&T associates have volunteered over 5,500 hours throughout 2025 with many of the nonprofits in attendance.

2025 Impact Dividend recipients:

Our annual Community Dividends® event celebrates $1 million in Montecito Bank & Trust donations to local nonprofits. This year, we’re honored to support 188 organizations who strengthen our communities and enrich the lives of those we serve. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to our clients, whose trust makes programs like Community Dividends® possible. When you choose to bank with us, you help drive meaningful, lasting impact in the communities we all call home.

Guests were treated to a surprise performance by the Music Academy of the West’s SING! program, a free afterschool choral program that engages students primarily from Title I schools in Santa Barbara. MB&T is the presenting corporate sponsor of this program. Over 30 local school children eagerly took the stage to perform Shalom Chaverim, a Hebrew folk song and Kuwa Furaha (Be Joy), by Jim Papoulis. A heartwarming moment, it was also a demonstration of the work organizations like MAW are doing each day to make the arts accessible for everyone.

In 2019 the Bank added the Michael Towbes Community Impact Dividend (MTCID) to Community Dividends to honor the legacy of founder, Michael Towbes, whose vision inspired the Bank’s philanthropy. This annual dividend awards a share of at least $100,000 to one or more nonprofits that deliver critical and sustainable services to a large number of the most vulnerable in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

With the increasing need and an everchanging funding landscape this year, the financial stability of many nonprofits is being challenged. Ms. Garufis shared that “identifying one pillar where the need was clearly greatest – food insecurity, mental wellness, housing, and healthcare – proved to be an impossible task.” Seeing opportunity in the work of two wellrespected community foundations, the

Santa Barbara Foundation received $100,000 towards its Critical Needs Response Fund. The fund supports organizations that care for and safeguard the well-being of our community by providing them with critical grant funding to help them deliver essential services and strengthen their capacity to adapt to changing conditions.

Ventura County Community Foundation received $100,000 towards its Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund. The fund provides urgent assistance to families and small business owners through trusted community partners. A special advisory committee of respected local leaders ensures transparent distribution of resources to address critical humanitarian needs, including food, transportation, rental assistance, shelter, and other essential services.

As the luncheon wrapped, Ms. Garufis announced that in honor of the Bank’s 50th anniversary, five golden tickets, representing the five decades of Montecito Bank & Trust, were randomly placed in the Bank’s 2025 Community Impact Report distributed to nonprofit attendees. The five nonprofits that found a golden ticket received an additional surprise $500 donation.

Montecito Bank & Trust is the oldest and largest locally owned community bank in the Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Founded in 1975, the bank celebrated its 50th anniversary on March 17, 2025, and operates 13 branch offices in Santa Maria, Solvang, Goleta, Santa Barbara, Montecito, Carpinteria, Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo and Westlake Village. For more information: Montecito.bank

Janet Garufis, Montecito Bank & Trust; Jackie Carrera, Santa Barbara Foundation; Anne Towbes, Montecito Bank & Trust; Ernesto Paredes, Santa Barbara Foundation; Zohar Zi, Santa Barbara Foundation; and Tammy Sims Johnson, Santa Barbara Foundation

Janet Garufis, Chairman & CEO

Anne Towbes

Music Academy of the West’s SING! students performed

Montecito Bank & Trust Branch Managers: Leo Fortunato, Violeta Cortez, Armando Casillas, Jill Haney, Luke Haga, Vivian Armanious, Evan Scott, Christine Gerochi, Anthony Ocampo, Andy Rodriguez, Steven Medeiros, Jennifer Oakley, and Roland Barrio

Photos courtesy of MB&T

Hospice of Santa Barbara presents

Light Up A Life 2025 A

CHERISHED HOLIDAY TRADITION, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is again opening its arms to the community for their 42nd Annual Light Up a Life ceremonies. The events offer warm, unifying, shared spaces for the communities of Goleta, Santa Barbara, Montecito, and Carpinteria to remember and honor the loved ones whose absence is felt during the holiday season. Ceremonies are free and open to the public.

While the holiday season is often associated with joy, it frequently stirs a complex mix of feelings. For individuals navigating this time while grieving a loss, the emotions can be especially raw. HSB understands that this period requires both remembrance and support, which is why HSB proudly hosts Light Up a Life annually to honor those who are deeply missed.

“This cherished community event gives the community a chance to come together in a shared sacred space to honor those we are missing over the holidays,” shared David Selberg, CEO of Hospice of Santa Barbara.

HSB will host four ceremonies featuring speakers, entertainment, refreshments, and the lighting of a memorial tree. This year, HSB is excited to welcome back Lois Mahalia, John Vale, Dos Pueblos Jazz Choir, and the Laguna Blanca School Choir to certain ceremonies, along with cookies from Robin Himovitz and Aunt Janet’s Cookies, poetry by Perie Longo and George Yatchisin, and other inspiring speakers and guests.

Guests will be able to hang one or more stars in memory of a loved one who has died or in honor of someone living. The Trees of Remembrance will remain lit at each site through the end of the year.

Dates and locations include:

Saturday, December 6th at 5pm - Montecito - The Corner Green @ 1504 E. Valley Road (Program begins 30 minutes later, after star sales and music)

Sunday, December 7th at 5:30pm - Santa Barbara - Lobero Theatre @ 33 E. Canon Perdido (Program begins 30 minutes later, after star sales and music)

Saturday, December 13th at 5pm - Carpinteria - Seal Fountain @ 884 Linden Avenue (Program begins 30 minutes later, after star sales and music)

Sunday, December 14th at 5pm- Goleta - Camino Real Marketplace near Theater @ 7040 Market Place Drive (Program begins 30 minutes later, after star sales and music)

Stars and refreshments will be available at each event.

Those who would like to participate but are unable to attend the inperson ceremonies can dedicate a star to a loved one on HSB’s Virtual Tree of Remembrance. For a suggested donation of $15, individuals can dedicate a digital star(s) with their loved one’s name, photo, and a special message. All events are free. To dedicate a paper or virtual star, or for more information, please visit: www.hospiceofsb.org/lual

Lois Mahalia will perform at Montecito and Santa Barbara events

Photos courtesy of Hospice of Santa Barbara

Wintersong

holiday concert with Michele Brourman and Larry Tuttle

November 30th, 3pm

Marjorie Luke Theatre A benefit for the Center for Successful Aging

“Absolutely incredible.Talent galore. The music, storytelling and a feeling of joy from beginning to end.” -Jelinda Devorzon

“Marvelous, amazingly talented & brilliant! One of the best shows ever!” -Jane Sieberg

“OMG! We were blown away! Singer/storyteller extraordinaire!” -Sharon Hosida Rod Lathim &

SB Neighborhood Clinics Unveils Smile Bus for Kids’ Mobile Dental Care

IN A SIGNIFICANT MOVE TO EXPAND MOBILE

DENTAL CARE for the greater Santa Barbara community, Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics successfully unveiled its new “Smile Bus” Mobile Dental vehicle on November 18th at the Santa Barbara City lot at Leadbetter Beach. The event brought together local officials, SBNC supporters and friends, and SBNC leadership and staff.

SBNC’s Dental Health Outreach Program began operating the Smile Van two years ago within the Santa Barbara Unified School District to provide dental screenings, fluoride varnish applications, and follow-up comprehensive dental care to students who needed treatment. After a successful first year screening all nine of Santa Barbara Unified School

Central Coast Urged to Give Blood

DONORS OF ALL BLOOD TYPES − especially those with types O negative, O positive and B negative blood − are urged to make an appointment to donate blood with the American Red Cross. To incentivize and reward donors, the Red Cross is teaming up with Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. to celebrate the 45th anniversary of PAC-MAN™, the video game icon. All who come to give blood through December 7th will have the chance to score an exclusive pair of Red Cross x PAC-MAN socks as well as a custom Red Cross x PAC-MAN GASHAPON® while supplies last. Register by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS

District’s elementary schools and two of its middle schools, SBNC expanded services to Goleta and began serving Goleta Union School District in the 2024–2025 school year, in addition to SBUSD.

Today, SBNC’s Dental Outreach department provides a combination of dental screenings and comprehensive dental treatments to 18 of Santa Barbara and Goleta’s elementary schools, as well as students of Carpinteria Children’s Project, summer attendees of the United Boys and Girls Club, and residents of Gardens on Hope and Garden Court. To date, SBNC’s Mobile Dental Clinic (Smile Van) has provided services to just over 2,000 students. Additionally, the Dental Outreach Program has provided dental kits and oral hygiene education to over 7,000 students. sbclinics.org

Steve Jacobson, Good Neighbor, Claudia Ramos, Dental Outreach Coordinator, Breanna Montes, Patient Access Navigator (Front Desk), Marbella Mariscal, Eastside Dental Clinic Assistant Manager, Ali Valipour, Board Member, Mahdi Ashrafian, CEO, Delia Ortega, Dental Assistant, Jayme Johnson, Dentist, Christina Mendoza, Dental Director, Martin Villegas, Mobile Dental Clinic & Dental Outreach Manager, Giselle Alvarez, Dental Assistant, Diana Martinez, Dental Operations Manager, Teres Anis, Board Member, Chris Lambert, Board President

Photo by Issac Hernandez

A Transportive, Multicultural Wonderland

DJ Javier’s San Milano Drive

By Daisy Scott / VOICE

HOW DO YOU CAPTURE A LIFE IN ART?

Equal parts playful and profound, local artist DJ Javier’s exhibition San Milano Drive has transformed the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara into a living, interactive scrapbook realized through his unique, kaleidoscopic lens.

Immediately, visitors feel as if they’ve stepped through a looking glass to enter a neon-hued, multicultural wonderland. True to Javier’s local and national career as a muralist, the exhibition’s art is free-roaming and unconfined, covering the museum’s walls and pillars with symbolic, street art flair.

A nipa hut, television screens, karaoke machine, bike, and imitation sari-sari snack stand immerse visitors even further within Javier’s identity as a Filipino-American, surfer, and creative. The effect is at once intimate and revolutionary.

“San Milano Drive is not only the street [in Goleta, CA] that I grew up on, but it represents my Filipino-American story,” states Javier in his artist statement.

“The convergence of culture, perspective, identity, and community. A love letter to all the things that influenced and raised me. San Milano Drive is what it looks like to honor your family’s story, but also write your own.”

Santa Barbara residents will recognize Javier’s style from his wide-reaching local career, recently including his Year of the Dragon mural on the side of Pickle Room. San Milano Drive reflects the full range of his talents, incorporating bright and expressive paintings with innovative multimedia installments.

Playful pops of exposed brick painted directly onto museum walls give the impression that the white gallery barriers are mere facades hiding Javier’s lively world of color underneath. Massive panel paintings, some of which were commissioned by MCASB, alternate between comic, cartoonish figures to moving depictions of religious figures, revolutionaries, and touchstones of Filipino culture.

These images perfectly complement Javier’s multimedia works, including his Videoke Machine, which pairs a handpainted karaoke machine with television screens

showing clips of American cartoons, media, and archival film of the Philippines. The installation sparks nostalgia and discovery as visitors meditate on images they may recognize from their own childhood and clips revealing a historic time and place to which we can never return. Visitors can also try their hand at the karaoke machine or wait for MCASB’s karaoke nights, which will occur throughout the exhibition’s run.

A second deeply personal installation occupies the next room, showcasing dozens of Javier’s graphic screen-printed t-shirts, forcing viewers to continue reconsidering how art permeates the fabric of our lives.

A painted nipa hut, a traditional Filipino gathering place, acts as the exhibition’s visual hearth and gathering space by welcoming visitors with audio clips of birdsong. Additional immersive multimodal elements include Javier’s Tricycle, an adorned vehicle that celebrates the Philippines’ primary mode of transportation, a roadside snack stand, and a faux-storefront that contains MCASB’s gift shop, where visitors can purchase works by Javier and other area artists.

San Milano Drive is free to visit and will run through April 26th, 2026. To learn more and view MCASB’s upcoming community events visit mcasantabarbara.org

DJ Javier’s Nipa Hut reimagines the traditional gathering space with his signature style

Photos by Daisy Scott

Our annual Community Dividends® event celebrates $1 million in Montecito Bank & Trust donations to local nonprofits.

This year, we’re honored to support 188 organizations who strengthen our communities and enrich the

When you choose to bank with us, you help drive meaningful, lasting

Bergseteren

City of SB Seeking Revenue to Meet Deep Deficits

New Tax Measures, RV Campsites, and More Money Talks on Table for Next City Council Meeting

SBy Daisy Scott / VOICE

TARING DOWN A $4.9 MILLION DEFICIT, the City of Santa Barbara will continue brainstorming revenue raising ideas two weeks after giving its City Administrator an almost $40,000 raise. Reviewing a list of 200-plus action items already vetted by the Finance Committee, the City Council will discuss identified priorities including cannabis tax increases, new tax measures, and new RV campsites during its December 2nd meeting.

“We have a hole we need to climb out of and we need to look at everything,” said Finance Committee Chair Eric Friedman while discussing the cannabis tax during the committee’s November 18th meeting.

The city’s financial discussions have turned heads not only for their varied proposals spanning across departments, but for also coinciding with salary raises for select city staff members. Later in the afternoon on November 18th, the City Council voted to give City Administrator Kelly McAdoo an almost $40,000 raise including salary and benefit increases.

McAdoo’s annual base salary was increased by 3.3 percent, raising it from $342,281 to $353,576. The city also approved adding $24,000 annually to a deferred compensation plan that is distinct from the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS).

Four councilmembers (Friedman, Kristen Sneddon, Meagan Harmon, and Oscar Guiterrez) voted in favor of the raise, with Councilmember Wendy Santamaria abstaining from the vote. Mayor Randy Rowse and Councilmember Mike Jordan were absent from the meeting.

“We have a hole we need to climb out of and we need to look at everything.”

- Eric Friedman, Finance Committee Chair

Earlier in the day, the Finance Committee instructed staff to begin polling on potential tax measures to add to the November 2026 ballot. These measures would each generate revenue through tax rate increases for the Real Property Transfer Tax, Transient Occupancy Tax, Utility Users Tax, and a Parcel Tax, which would directly benefit the city’s public libraries.

Several other items, while not a part of the committee’s identified priorities, also remain on the table for full council discussion on December 2nd. These talks could include possible changes to city staff work schedules. One idea is to offer city staff the option to voluntarily cut their work hours (and consequently, their pay) by 20 percent, switching to a 32-hour, four-day work week. Under this structure, employees voluntarily taking the cut would still receive 100 percent of their benefits.

Additional proposals outlined on the city’s list of potential moneygenerating and saving ideas include implementing a four-ten work week schedule that would close city counters on Fridays, enacting a selective hiring freeze for non-public safety positions drawing from the General Fund, and continuing to keep a Police Services Coordinator position vacant for six months.

In October, the Finance Committee expressed interest in these operational changes but did not ultimately identify them as top priorities. They collectively stated that the city must present these options to workers’ unions and receive their input before formally pursuing any changes to employee schedules.

According to one city staff member, who spoke with VOICE anonymously, discussions about introducing voluntary decreases in hours have been circulating city hall in an unofficial capacity for weeks.

Beyond these whispers, one of the top priority items identified by the Finance Committee that will definitely come before the full council is a call to increase the cannabis excise tax up to the 20 percent voter-approved limit. Under current rates, the city budget anticipates to gain $1 million in tax revenue this year from recreational cannabis sales.

“I do have concerns about whether eventually that will reach a tipping point where people will simply want to go and shop at Goleta dispensaries,” said Councilmember Santamaria on the 18th.

Santamaria and Councilmember Eric Friedman also directed staff to look into the feasibility of adding additional licensed dispensaries in city limits to further increase revenue. Councilmember Meagan Harmon opposed this idea.

According to Finance Director Keith DeMartini, the cannabis tax increase, if given the go-ahead by Council on December 2nd, could go into effect in early 2026.

Introducing RV campsites at waterfront, city-owned parking lots was also identified as a priority. DeMartini explained to VOICE that this would take a relatively longer length of time to implement given the need for communications across departments and commissions, assessing infrastructure, and public input.

Currently, the city’s adopted 2026 budget has a $1.6 million deficit for the General Fund. The FY2026 revised budget, which was presented on November 18th along with first quarter FY2026 revenues and expenditures, showed a projected $4.9 million deficit due to changes being proposed in the budget.

The revised FY2026 budget now outlines $209,414,394 in revenues and $214,352,530 in expenditures for the city. To address this issue, the City Council will review action items that the city could take in the short, middle, and long term to help resolve financial shortfalls.

Among these additional highlighted proposals are Sustainability & Resilience allocating up to $600,000 of Measure B creeks revenue for projects, considering a business tax certificate (license) modernization ballot measure, and pursuing building electrification.

Previously, Councilmember Friedman has also spoken in favor of prioritizing a West Beach master plan to maximize the beach’s benefits.

In terms of hard “no” items, the Finance Committee has rejected proposals that would reduce libraries’ hours of operation or increase closure days, as well as to allow short-term vacation rentals throughout Santa Barbara to increase TOT revenue. The committee also declined the option of increasing parking fees in city lots.

The Santa Barbara City Council meets at 2pm on Tuesdays in City Hall. Online attendance and public comment is available via Zoom, and meetings are live-streamed on YouTube. To view the full agenda, submit public comment, or register to attend the meeting online visit: santabarbaraca.gov/government/mayor-city-council/city-council-meetings

The Santa Barbara City Council will discuss the current status of the city’s finances and ways to increase, reallocate, or save funds during its December 2nd meeting.

Photo courtesy of City of Santa Barbara

Let Voters Decide the Future of Paseo Nuevo

November 23, 2025

ON DECEMBER 2ND, the Santa Barbara City Council will consider what may be the most consequential land-use decision of the century: whether to approve a complex 110-page redevelopment agreement for Paseo Nuevo. This proposal would reshape the heart of our downtownphysically, financially, and culturally for decades.

And yet, we are poised to make this decision with a City Council that will soon turn over three seats, without a clear mandate from the community, and without fully addressing the interconnected issues of downtown revitalization, the State Street closure, housing feasibility, and the long-term fiscal health of our city. This is precisely why I believe, firmly and unapologetically, that the future of Paseo Nuevo must be placed on the November 2026 ballot. Let the voters decide.

A City in Transition Deserves a Voice

Santa Barbara is at an inflection point. Over the next year, we will see new leadership, new ideas, and new perspectives join the Council. Decisions of this magnitude - handing over publicly owned land, redefining downtown housing density, and determining the fate of State Street, deserve broad public buy-in, not a rushed approval designed to satisfy an artificial timeline.

Administrator Kelly McAdoo has worked diligently to defend the agreement, but even during her recent interview on Newsmakers, several concerning themes emerged:

• The plan may yield as few as 24 affordable units, despite years of public messaging that promised 80.

• The city would transfer valuable public land to a private investment consortium, effectively giving away tens of millions of dollars of public asset value.

• Historic Landmarks Commissioners and Planning Commissioners have raised serious concerns about bulk, scale, and compliance with the city’s historic identity.

• The Nordstrom building at the other half of the mall, remains completely unaddressed.

• And perhaps most troubling - the repeated statements of “if” and “AB could” from Ms. McAdoo, paired with the idea that we are in a “prisoner’s dilemma.”

When a city’s chief administrator tells us that we are negotiating from a place of weakness, the public should pause. That is not strategic leadership. That is capitulation.

Santa Barbara Does Not Need to “Give Up”

The narrative that “there is no Plan B” is a false choice. It presumes that the only path forward is to surrender leverage, rush approval, and hope for the best. I reject that premise. Santa Barbara is not a city of resignation.

We are a city of innovation, creativity, and thoughtful problem-solving. We do not need to accept

the notion that our downtown is “worthless” or that we must approve a flawed agreement out of fear that Alliance Bernstein will walk away.

If AB wishes to renegotiate, as is implied by Ms. McAdoo’s own statements, then they will renegotiate. Markets shift. Commercial dynamics evolve. Public pressure works. We are not trapped. And frankly, the voters I speak with every day agree: we can do better. Why the Ballot Is the Only Responsible Path

Putting the Paseo Nuevo redevelopment on the 2026 ballot accomplishes several crucial objectives:

1. It aligns with new Council leadership.

Three new members will shape the future of Santa Barbara. They, and the voters who elect them, deserve a say in a decision that will outlast all of us.

2. It reopens the broader conversation about State Street.

The closure of State Street and the future of Paseo Nuevo are inseparable. You cannot plan one without understanding the other.

3. It restores public trust.

Public land decisions must happen with the people, not to them.

4. It provides negotiating strength.

A voter mandate gives the city far more leverage than a rushed agreement built on fear of what AB “could” do.

A Vote Is Not a Delay —

It’s Good Governance

Opponents of a ballot measure argue that waiting until 2026 will kill the deal. But if a project collapses simply because Santa Barbara insists on transparency and public participation, then it was never a good deal to begin with. We are not in a “prisoner’s dilemma.” We are in a moment of opportunity, if we choose to take it.

My Commitment

As your candidate for District 6, I will lead with clarity:

• Santa Barbara should not give away its downtown crown jewel without a public mandate.

• We should not accept shrinking affordable housing commitments.

• We should not approve bulk and height that violate the spirit of our historic identity.

• We should not fear renegotiation with Alliance Bernstein.

• And we must restore a sense of ownership, vision, and confidence in our community.

The voters deserve the final word.

Let’s do the responsible thing. Let’s put Paseo Nuevo on the November 2026 ballot.

Our downtown deserves nothing less.

By Nicholas Sebastian Candidate for Santa Barbara City Council, District 6

A Thanksgiving Dinner at the San Ysidro Ranch

THIS TIME OF YEAR, the San Ysidro Ranch transforms into a winter wonderland with over 60,000 twinkling lights, magical Christmas trees, roaring stone fireplaces, and unique ornaments throughout the property. Guests and locals can enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. The Speakeasy at Plow & Angel adds an extra touch of enchantment, with over 6,000 ornaments hanging from the ceiling, creating a whimsical setting for latenight celebrations.

A Thanksgiving Special Menu will be offered on November 27th from 12pm to 8pm, at the Stonehouse Restaurant, with an elegant multi-course feast beginning with a warm, hearthside welcome. There, guests are greeted with a glass of sparkling wine or hot cider. Start your holiday meal with standout dishes such as Venison Carpaccio with Concord Grape Mostarda, Roasted Winter Squash with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese Espuma, or Bigeye Tuna with Miso and Fuyū Persimmon. For the next course, enjoy refined selections like the Little Gem Salad with Winter Citrus and a Goat Cheese Croquette or Local Chanterelle Agnolotti finished with Shaved White Alba Truffle. Entrée highlights include the Honey-Brined Organic Mary’s Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing, Santa Barbara Spiny Lobster & Caviar with Herb Gnocchi, or the SRF Gold Wagyu Striploin served with Black Truffle Potato Pavé. Conclude the celebration on a sweet note with Traditional Pumpkin Pie, flambéed Ginger Spice Cake, or a warm ApplePear Crisp with 18-Year Macallan Whisky Ice Cream.

Gather with loved ones and savor a Thanksgiving experience infused with seasonal elegance and the signature charm of the Ranch. $290/adult and $115/ child. Reservations required, call the Stonehouse at 805.565.1720 to book.

To have your news included in VOICE Magazine, please email information to News@VoiceSB.com

Housing Trust Names CEO, Collaboration with Coastal Housing Partnership

JON PETERSON is the new Chief Executive Officer of the Housing Trust Fund of Santa Barbara County. He brings a wealth of experience in housing development, nonprofit management, and community engagement. With the HTF, Peterson will initiate a strategic partnership with the Coastal Housing Partnership. The Housing Trust Fund and Coastal Housing Partnership have entered into a joint management structure and collaboration, meaning that they will remain independent agencies while sharing the leadership of Peterson as CEO. As the Executive Director of both CHP and the HTF, Peterson will continue to guide each organization in their mission to deliver more stable, affordable, and long-term housing solutions for local residents. sbhousingtrust.org

County of SB Collecting Toys for Tots Donations Through December 17th

HELP SPREAD HOLIDAY JOY BY DONATING GIFTS TO LOCAL CHILDREN and their families through this season’s Toys for Tots campaign. All community members are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped toys by December 17th to donation boxes. All toys collected will stay local and be distributed to children in need through the Unity Shoppe.

Donation boxes are available in the lobbies of the Santa Barbara County Administration Building (105 E. Anapamu Street) and the Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building (511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria). Collection boxes are also located in front of Santa Barbara County Fire stations.

Santa Barbara County Supervisors will present and donate toys at the Board of Supervisors meeting on December 9th in Santa Barbara. toysfortots.org

Colecta

de juguetes para niños en el Condado de SB Se aceptan donaciones hasta el 17 de diciembre

EL CONDADO DE SANTA BÁRBARA INVITA A LA COMUNIDAD a ayudar a difundir la alegría navideña haciendo una donación a la campaña Toys for Tots (juguetes para niños). Las cajas de donaciones se pueden encontrar en el vestíbulo del Edificio de la Administración del Condado (105 E. Anapamu Street, Santa Bárbara) y en el vestíbulo del Edificio de Administración del Gobierno Joseph Centeno Betteravia (511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa María).

Todos los juguetes recolectados permanecerán locales y se distribuirán a los niños que los necesiten a través de Unity Shoppe. Los Supervisores del Condado de Santa Bárbara se unirán al esfuerzo presentando juguetes en la reunión de la Junta de Supervisores el 9 de diciembre de 2025 en Santa Bárbara. Se alienta a los miembros del condado y al público a donar juguetes nuevos sin envolver hasta el 17 de diciembre de 2025. Las cajas de colecta de donaciones también se encuentran frente a las Estaciones de Bomberos del Condado de Santa Bárbara. toysfortots.org

A Glimpse of Genius

Experience writer Ocean Vuong, winner of a MacArthur “Genius” Grant, as he lands in Santa Barbara to share a fascinating and lyrical conversation

By Isaac Hernández de Lipa / VOICE

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OCEAN VUONG will spend an evening at UCSB Campbell Hall on Wednesday, Decmber 3rd at 7:30pm, conversing about his writing process, his influences, and the themes behind his groundbreaking works of poetry and prose as part of UCSB Arts & Lectures’ Justice for All series.

Born in Saigon, Vietnam, Vuong was raised in Hartford, Connecticut in a working class family of nail salon and factory laborers, before earning a BA in Nineteenth Century American Literature at Brooklyn College. He now teaches Modern Poetry and Poetics in the MFA Program at NYU, where he earned an MFA himself.

His novel On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous won the American Book Award, The Mark Twain Award, and The New England Book Award, selling over a million copies in 40 languages.

Language is like a musical score of the breath and silence. - Ocean Vuong

“Language is like a musical score of the breath and silence,” Vuong explained, on the Arts & Lectures podcast in advance of his visit. “You listen to Chopin, and the pauses in between. You listen to Etta James… those lulls, those valleys. Or Whitney Houston… she starts the song in almost a whisper, and then you know what she’s capable of. And so the anticipation of a positivist result comes out of what Keats called ‘negative capability.’”

His new novel, The Emperor of Gladness, which singer Björk calls a “Huckleberry Finn for the twentyfirst century,” draws on his experience as a young Vietnamese American immigrant, navigating the randomness of service-industry jobs and discovering unexpected connections through work in elder care.

“In Western narratology, standing still is often frowned upon. In cinema, they call it ‘dead time’,” Vuong continues. “But in Eastern narratology, particularly in the films of Kurosawa and Miyazaki, there’s an element of Japanese narrative called ‘Ma’, a kind of pregnant, capacious silence, a lull in the rhythm, an absolute standstill. And in Miyazaki’s work, you can see this in works like My Neighbor Totoro, the bus stop scene. You see a lot of moments of Ma particularly in The Emperor of Gladness, where characters kind of completely stop and the story freezes, and you just see them. And the power of that is that you can feel the characters feeling what came before them. That kind of moment of absolute empathy with the characters is something that I’m still trying to explore.”

Ocean Vuong is also the author of poetry collections Time is a Mother, a finalist for the Griffin prize, and Night Sky with Exit Wounds, winner of the T.S. Eliot Prize, the Whiting Award, and the Thom Gunn Award. The American Poetry Review awarded him the Stanley Kunitz Prize for Younger Poets. Vuong, also a photographer and essayist, and was named one of 100 Leading Global Thinkers by Foreign Policy magazine.

Ocean Vuong appears at Campbell Hall on Wednesday, December 3, at 7:30 pm, as part of the UCSB Arts & Lectures Justice for All series. Ticket holders will receive a pre-signed book at the event, one per family, while supplies last. Tickets and information are available at artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

Jon Peterson

Good September Unemployment Report

“While the economy is growing thanks to AI spending, it’s a K-shaped expansion: People who were already affluent are becoming more so, but the less well-off are under severe pressure.”

Paul Krugman

By Harlan Green, Special to VOICE

THE DELAYED U.S. UNEMPLOYMENT REPORT FOR

SEPTEMBER was good old news. It showed 119,000 nonfarm payroll jobs were created, though the unemployment rate edged up to 4.4%. But that was before the government shutdown.

And the U.S. had already lost -13,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in June and -4,000 jobs in August. The U.S. economy has averaged just 38,600 new jobs per month through September since Trump announced the April 2nd retaliatory tariffs, as employers haven’t been hiring while they wait see what the final tariff rates (and therefore costs) might be.

stated. This is why hiring has stagnated at such a low level since April. Jobs are being created in the lowerpaying service sector, whereas the industrial sector and governments are losing jobs.

Employment in food services and drinking places continued to trend up in September (+37,000). In September, social assistance employment continued to trend up (+14,000), reflecting continued job growth in individual and family services (+20,000).

ECONOMIC VOICE

By Harlan Green

The October employment report has been canceled because of the government shutdown and the November report will come out late, depriving the Federal Reserve of critical information before its next meeting to decide whether to cut interest rates again. Both reports were postponed by the 43-day government shutdown that lasted from October 1st to November 12th.

So the November employment report will be published on December 16th instead of December 5th as originally scheduled, per the BLS. An estimate of employment for October will be included in the November jobs report. It’s thought that up to 100,000 more government jobs may have been lost in October due to firings or attrition.

It is a K-shaped jobs report, as Nobel Laureate Krugman

Community News

Employment in transportation and warehousing declined by 25,000 in September as job losses occurred in warehousing and storage (-11,000) and couriers and messengers (-7,000). Federal government employment continued to decline in September (-3,000) and is down by 97,000 since reaching a peak in January.

That means the more affluent consumers continued to dine out and could afford more health care services, which is now the fastest growing segment of the economy, as I said.

So the economy is k-shaped because just ten percent of American consumers are keeping the economy from contracting, because they now own more than 50 percent of assets, according the latest Federal Reserve data—in housing, pensions, and financial assets. And the stock market is still booming.

But small businesses that employ the most workers aren’t hiring because more than 90 percent of them are dependent on imported goods that Trump has targeted with his higher tariffs. We won’t see its effect on economic growth until the fourth quarter and beyond.

If employers aren’t hiring, what is causing the predictions

Music & Meditation Series to Launch in Santa Barbara

A GUIDED MEDITATION FOLLOWED BY LIVE CLASSICAL MUSIC is the format for a new series of performances called “Music & Meditation Santa Barbara,” which will debut at the Music Academy of the West on December 5th at 2pm.

“Our intention is to offer Santa Barbara a place of clarity and beauty,” shared Antonio Artese, Artistic Director and founder. “With a quiet mind, every note resonates more fully, and the music reveals its most human and profound side.”

Each one-hour event blends guided meditation and a live classical music performance in an intimate format designed to restore balance and deepen listening. The opening program will feature a guided meditation with Jessica Kolbe, one of Santa Barbara’s leading mindfulness instructors and senior trainer with the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi, followed by Antonio Artese, on piano, performing music by J.S. Bach, Edvard Grieg, Alexander Scriabin, and Valentin Silvestrov.

“This series is truly about community,” added Kolbe, co-founder and meditation leader. “People come to pause, breathe, and reconnect. Music helps us remember that harmony begins within ourselves.”

Rooted in Santa Barbara’s rich cultural life, Music & Meditation Santa Barbara aims to grow into a regular series in 2026, hosting collaborations with local and international musicians and wellness practitioners.

Music & Meditation Santa Barbara, begins December 5th at 2pm in Weinman Hall, Music Academy of the West, 1070 Fairway Rd. Tickets ($25), are available at musicandmeditationsb.com, with seating limited to 60 guests.

for four percent GDP growth in Q3? It’s a statistical fluke because imports are deducted from exports and other domestic expenditures to calculate the overall GDP growth rate. And small business importers are buying less at the moment. The Gross Domestic Product measures what is produced domestically, in other words.

This is the k-shaped economy we will have to live with. The New York Times reports that the unemployment rate for 20 to 24 year-olds has risen to 9.2 percent. The hiring slowdown means they are competing with more experienced workers for fewer available jobs, at least until the tariff rates have settled.

Interest rates? The Fed is scheduled to cut rates another -0.25 percent in December but what if inflation doesn’t come down? Trump has signaled he wants to continue to lower interest rates regardless of the consequences.

Harlan Green © 2025 Follow Harlan Green on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HarlanGreen Harlan Green has been the 18-year EditorPublisher 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.

Zip Books Program Returns to Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries

HELPING EXPAND READING ACCESS FOR LOCAL LIBRARY USERS, the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries have received $15,840 in Zip Books Grant funds from the California State Library for the 2025-2026 cycle. The program lets patrons request the library purchase titles or materials not typically available.

Library cardholders of the Goleta, Buellton, and Solvang Libraries, along with visitors to the Bookvan, are eligible to request books that are not available from the Black Gold Cooperative Library System in physical formats (Regular Print, Large Print, and Audiobooks on CD). Library staff will accept requests for books under $50 and Audiobooks on CD under $75, which will be mailed directly to patrons from Amazon. Patrons must return the items to library staff within 90 days to avoid incurring any charges.

Library users are eligible to request up to two titles per month and can receive a maximum of six titles per grant period, or until the funds run out. Patrons can request their Zip Books by contacting library staff at any of the four locations, inperson or by phone, rather than completing a form online. Staff will ensure that the materials meet program requirements before submitting requests.

“We are thrilled to once again provide this avenue to accessibility thanks to the Zip Books Program and the California State Library,” said Goleta City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo. “This grant program helps us meet our library patrons where they are, connecting them directly with invaluable information and resources.” goletavalleylibrary.org/home-library

On the Street with John Palminteri

Photos and Stories by John Palminteri, Special to VOICE

Heavy Rains End Fire Season

HIGH FIRE SEASON HAS ENDED in Santa Barbara County. Normally the shift happens after two to four inches of steady rain, but times have changed. The historic November rain hit 16 inches on San Marcos Pass. That was the knockout blow for sure.

Pascucci, Zoe Bikini Set to Close

PASCUCCI IS CLOSING. The restaurant’s statement reads: “The financial challenges created by this current economy have proven to be too much. We had hoped that our recent move to 1230-A State Street would be the game changer we needed, but sadly it was not. Business has remained inconsistent in our new location, which makes staffing and planning incredibly difficult.” Pascucci is expected to close in midFebruary, giving time to visit over the holidays.

ZOE MAGEE SAYS ZOE BIKINI IS CLOSING at 429 State St. in Santa Barbara at the end of the year and everything is now on sale. It’s a locally owned boutique that local residents always say they want in shopping areas. It also has the one-of-a-kind handmade heart trucker hats and hoodies made from swimsuit fabric. Backstory: The building was sold.

A Big Win for UCSB Men’s Basketball

UC SANTA BARBARA HAD AN IMPRESSIVE NIGHT over Nobel University in the Thunderdome on November 24th with some names and faces of the future getting extra playing time in a big win, the fourth of the year, 84-49.

First Responders Updates

A STRUCTURE FIRE CALL brought out Santa Barbara City and County fire crews to 2021 Santa Barbara St. at 11:36am on Tuesday, November 25th. There was a smell of smoke in the basement and it was handled with a swift response.

A VEHICLE ROLLOVER ended with a Toyota Prius upside down when the driver lost control on La Cumbre at Foothill Road on November 25th at 9:14 am. Santa Barbara Co. Fire, CHP, AMR, and Santa Barbara Police were on it. No serious injuries reported.

Girls Inc, United Boys & Girls Club Serve Up Thanksgiving Meals and Smiles

GIRLS INC. OF GREATER SANTA BARBARA and the United Boys & Girls Club of Santa Barbara County are among the many groups making sure the need is filled for Thanksgiving dinners. Over 1,000 meals were served in advance throughout Santa Barbara County.

New SBIFF Center Announces Name & Campaign Goal

THE NEW SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL CENTER in downtown Santa Barbara, set to open in February, is on its way to a $25 million campaign goal and has announced the official name -The McHurley Film Center. This honors longtime community philanthropists Nora McNeely Hurley and Michael Hurley. Renovations include advanced sound and projection systems, accessibility upgrades, and modern amenities that create an immersive, inclusive, and world-class experience for all.

Busy Farmer’s Market Ahead of Thanksgiving

GROWERS WASHED OFF THE MUD FROM THE RECENT RAINS and served up a bounty in Santa Barbara at a packed Farmers Market on Tuesday, November 25th, downtown. One of the busiest markets of the year. Hundreds of pounds of beans, carrots, avocados, lettuce, and potatoes were among the big sellers.

Downtown Tree Arrives for Lighting Ceremony

THE DOWNTOWN SANTA BARBARA HOLIDAY TREE has just arrived on State Street by the Arlington Theatre. It made its way here from Oregon. The holiday tree will be lit on Friday, December 5th at 6pm.

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

Javier Quezada from Community West Bank was one of the generous servers at the United Boys & Girls Club Thanksgiving dinner in the SB Westside club.

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

Galleries, Museums, & Art Venues

22. Rich Wilkie’s portraits, reflecting sports and the inner life, are on view at Amazon.

15. SB Art Association is hosting a Holiday Show at the Faulkner Gallery all December!

16. SB Art Association’s Gallery 113 will feature members and Artist of the month Lily Sanders.

12. French artist Dora Vital’s Jardin Nocturne will open at Seimandi & Leprieur Gallery

performance.

8. The Knit Shop • 1221 State Street STE 7 • Britain Polk is a selftaught sewer inspired by a “fabric first” approach to creating. All of her garments are created out of secondhand materials that have been given a new life. Britain is currently in her

Sponsor

senior year of college, sewing from the comfort of her dorm room!

9. domecíl • 1223 State Street •

Enjoy the vibrant paintings of local artist Lisa Miller at domecíl. Lisa explores the inner spiritual journey through new paintings that use brilliant colors to express vibrant energy and clarity.

10. Community Environmental Council (CEC) • 1219 State Street •

Celebrate the season sustainably and support Santa Barbara makers at CEC and Beachside Babe Markets’ Green Holiday Market! On December 4 from 4-8pm, drop by CEC’s Environmental Hub to explore eco-friendly vendors, make an upcycled charm necklace, or even get a flash tattoo. Gift wrapping and warm beverages available!

11. 10 West Gallery • 10 W. Anapamu St. • Our seasonal display of gift-sized ceramic pieces made by 18 artists from the artisan village of Mata Ortiz, Mexico, plus our usual display of ten contemporary artists from the Santa Barbara area. Abstract, impressionist and urban landscapes as well as sculpture. Image: Efren Ledezma, from Mata Ortiz, 5” x 5”.

12. Seimandi & Leprieur Gallery • 33 W. Anapamu St. • Opening night of Jardin Nocturne by French artist Dora Vital, curated by Jen Huang Bogan. Her atmospheric paintings explore light and shadow through layered compositions, offering meditative visions where floral forms, shifting darkness, and poetic depth evoke renewal, introspection, and the quiet beauty that emerges from the night.

13. Sullivan Goss, an American Gallery • 11 E. Anapamu St. • Sullivan Goss celebrates its 17th annual 100 Grand exhibition. Featuring over 100 quality works of art for $1,000 or less. It is our most popular exhibition of the year, so get here early. Also on view: Irresistible: Flowers and Their Admirers, and our Winter Salon.

14. 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! Our featured exhibitions The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse and Encore remain ticketed.

15. Santa Barbara Art Association • Faulkner Gallery, 40 E. Anapamu St • Santa Barbara Art Association’s Holiday Show at the Faulkner Gallery runs December 2–December 29. Reception on December 4 from 4–6:30 pm.

16. Gallery 113 • 1114 State Street #8 • Exhibit by members of the Santa Barbara Art Association. Artist of the Month is Lily Sanders. Also featuring Carol Dixon, Suemae Willhite, Robin Deshayes, Nagui Achamallah, Chris Morgenstern, and Carey Appel. There will also be a group exhibit featuring various artists.

17. 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.

18. Ace Rivington • 1100 State St. • Join us for an evening celebrating Watermen and Waterwomen who love fishing and all that our local waters offer. Cito Wraps will be here showing off hand-wrapped fishing rods, we’ve got hand-tied fishing flies by a local celebrity fishing guide, High Seas Mead will be here serving up their sweet juice, and we’ll be jamming to Matterform’s groovy vibes. This is gonna be the banger not to miss.

19. Slice of Light • 9 W. Figueroa St. • Slice of Light Gallery’s Fall Exhibition is up now! We’re displaying

Entertainment

Santa Barbara Trombone Society • 800 Block of State Street, 5 - 6:25pm • The Santa Barbara Trombone Society is an alliance of trombone players from SBCC, UCSB, Westmont College, local high schools, and community members of all ages, whose goals are to entertain and to educate people about the trombone. The 20+ member ensemble plays formal concerts regularly at SBCC, as well as other local venues.

gorgeous photography and art from J.K. Lovelace, Ben Coffman, and Eric States. Stop by to enjoy fine wine and a beautiful array of art and photography.

20. The Yes Store • 1015 State Street • Come celebrate the Holiday Season! Enjoy local arts, music, drinks, and treats! Enter our lottery to win Yes Bucks! Looking for locally handmade gifts or something special for yourself? Look no further than The Yes Store local arts gallery. Gift cards available!

Entertainment

Santa Barbara Revels • 800 Block of State Street, 6:35 - 8pm • Santa Barbara Revels presents a preview of “The Christmas Revels: The Celestial Fools ~ A Magical Winter’s Tale.” Mystical visitors—the Sun, Moon, and Stars—arrive in a European village, sharing vibrant music and stories. Hearts and minds are opened to a new perspective and the light of a New Year is restored.

18. Join Ace Rivington for an evening celebrating Watermen and Waterwomen who love fishing and all that our local waters offer.

1. At VOICE Gallery see work by local artists including this painting by Libby Holland.

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

11. Gift-sized ceramic pieces, such as this by Efren Ledezma, all from from Mata Ortiz, Mexico are on view at 10 West Gallery.

4. Paintings by John Comer like the above Prisoners Harbor at on view at Santa Barbara Fine Art

25. Find sculpture by Jim Martin, metal paintings by Misa Art, and photography by Brian Kuhlman at Arrediamo

17. From Oak Group landscapes to cityscapes and figurative work, visit Waterhouse Gallery.

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

19. Find gorgeous photography by gallery artists at Slice of Light.

5. Susan Bridges’ photography will captivate at Tamsen Gallery.

13. A downtown favorite - stop by Sullivan Goss for 100 pieces at $1,000 or less in the 17th 100 Grand.

21. 3D Studio Gallery • 1011

State Street • Visit the privately owned art gallery by world-renowned 3D Pop Artist Charles Fazzino. Visit 3D Studio Gallery to experience the world of the Master of 3D Pop Art with a close-up look at his collection of intricate 3D masterpieces!

22. Amazon • 1001 State Street • Rich Wilkie paints portraits, he paints sports, and he paints about his inner life. In all of Rich’s work, his goal is to change the way the viewer feels and thinks—in the hopes the viewer learns something about themselves.

23. Finch & Fork | The Kimpton Canary Hotel • 31 W. Carrillo St. • $2 oysters, cocktails, and shop local, all under one roof! Every 1st Thursday the Canary Hotel lobby transforms into a haven for art and music lovers. Join from 5pm–8pm to shop jewelry, clothing, and art from local vendors. Take a seat at the bar and enjoy $2 oysters, cocktails, and bites while DJ Dansauce provides the beats.

24. Maker House Annex • 913

State Street • Maker House Annex brings festive ceramics downtown for its final month. Celebrate the season with art, wine, music, and live

demos. As part of Friends of State Street’s Vacant to Vibrant initiative, explore our holiday gallery and meet the artists that bring the space to life. Photo: Evokra Visuals.

25. Arrediamo – Fine Art & Traditional Rugs Gallery • 911 1/2 State Street • Join us for a curated evening of fine art and fine rugs at Arrediamo’s Gifts of Art & Sound. Experience sculptures by Jim Martin, metal paintings by Misa Art, and photography by Brian Kuhlman— beautifully paired with a soothing sound-bath experience sponsored by Breath & Bloom Yoga SB, along with wine and warm community.

26. Tyler x Lieu Dit • 23 E. Canon Perdido St. • Join us for Thursday burger night at Tyler x Lieu Dit! Starting at 4 PM, we will be serving French-bistro style burgers and opening large-format and library wines alongside local business owner and painter Sean Larkin’s portfolio.

27. Paint at Paseo • Peppermint Parlor, 651 Paseo Nuevo • Join us on Thursday, December 4th for Paint at Paseo with local artist DJ Javier. This is a free guided acrylic painting workshop for all skill levels and ages! Materials provided. RSVP required. DJ Javier is a Filipino American graphic designer and

muralist. His body of work is a vibrant testament to his cultural heritage and the counterculture landscapes of Southern California.

28. Idyll Mercantile • 703 Chapala St. • Time to dust off your holiday sweaters, and come celebrate the season with a sip n’ shop! Alamati will be pouring their local wines, and we will feature local artists in the shop. Can’t wait to see you!

29. Santa Barbara Historical Museum • 136 E. De La Guerra St. • Join the Museum for an evening of holiday fun—music, wine, shopping, and more! All ages welcome! Shop local and enjoy discounts on unique gifts—perfect for everyone on your list, especially the history lover in your family.

30. El Zapato x Santa Barbara Art Glass • 522 Garden Street, El Zapato Red Gate • We’re pleased to announce a special event at the whimsical, color-splashed creation of architect Jeff Shelton. Set amid its curving walls, colorful tile details, and playful architectural flourishes, this celebration will feature a sale of original art glass from Saul’s studio, showcased in the enchanting courtyard of El Zapato. Refreshments will be served, and visitors are encouraged to relax and enjoy the lively, artistic atmosphere that defines both the space and Saul’s work.

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

21. Enter the world of 3D Pop Artist Charles Fazzino to see his collection of intricate 3D masterpieces!

27. Want to try your hand at painting? Stop by Paseo Nuevo!

30. Jeff Shelton’s El Zapato and Santa Barbara Art Glass come together to feature original art glass from Saul’s studio in the enchanting courtyard.

6. Ten artists share holiday landscapes and gifts at Santa Barbara Art Works.

3. Memory, imagination, and light intertwine in Marlyn Daggett’s Inside This Place exhibit at Art & Soul.

7. Step up for everything Jane Austenand a buy one get one deal at Ensemble Theatre Company.

23. Discover $2 oysters, cocktails, local shopping, and more at The Kimpton Canary Hotel’s Finch & Fork.

24. Find festive ceramics at the Maker House Downtown Annex!

26. Find French-bistro style burgers, wine, and art by Sean Larkin at Tyler x Lieu Dit!.

28. Celebrate the season with a sip n’ shop at Idyll Mercantile!

29. Get ready for an evening of holiday fun—music, wine, shopping, and more at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum!

8. The Knit Shop is featuring Britain Polk, a self-taught sewer inspired by a “fabric first” approach to creating.

10. Celebrate the season sustainably and support Santa Barbara makers at CEC and Beachside Babe Markets’ Green Holiday Market!

9. The vibrant paintings of local artist Lisa Miller will be featured at domecíl.

VoiceSB.com

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VOICE Magazine • Community Market • LEGAL NOTICES

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Where to Learn About Local Government Meetings

The Santa Barbara City Council meets most Tuesdays at 2pm • To learn more about the council and other City department meetings, visit www.santabarbaraca.gov

The Goleta City Council meets biweekly on Tuesdays at 5:30pm • To learn more about the council and other City department meetings, visit www.cityofgoleta.org

The Carpinteria City Council meets on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 5:30pm • To learn more about other City departments visit www.carpinteriaca.gov

The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meets most Tuesdays at 9am • To learn more about other County departments visit www.countyofsb.org

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

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Please call for current rates: 805-899-1390

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MONTECITO BANK & TRUST

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SB MORTGAGE GROUP

Simar Gulati, 805-403-9679

U.S. BANK

Please call for current rates: Teri

AN

OF

OF THE

OF SANTA BARBARA AMENDING THE SANTA BARBARA MUNICIPAL CODE (“SBMC”) BY AMENDING SECTION 17.36.010 TO ALLOW PAY-BY-PLATE IN WATERFRONT PARKING LOTS

The above captioned ordinance was adopted at a regular meeting of the Santa Barbara City Council held on November 18, 2025.

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. 6194

STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) )

COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA ) ss. )

CITY OF SANTA BARBARA )

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing ordinance was introduced on October 7, 2025, and adopted by the Council of the City of Santa Barbara at a meeting held on October 14, 2025, by the following roll call vote:

AYES: Councilmembers Eric Friedman, Oscar Gutierrez, Meagan Harmon, Wendy Santamaria, Kristen W. Sneddon.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: Councilmember Mike Jordan, Mayor Randy Rowse.

ABSTENTIONS: None.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Santa Barbara November 18, 2025.

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

I HEREBY APPROVE the foregoing ordinance on November 18, 2025.

/s/ Eric Friedman Mayor Pro Tempore

VOICE Magazine • Community Market • LEGAL

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER: 25CV06568

Petitioner: Elliot Oberlin Murray Osborn filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Elliot Oberlin Murray Osborn to PROPOSED NAME: Elliot Oberlin Murray. 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: January 9, 2025; Time: 10:00 am; Dept.: 4; 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: 11/3/2025 /s/:Donna D. Geck , Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #25CV06568 Pub Dates: November 7, 14, 21, 28, 2025.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER: 25CV06572

Petitioner: Alexander Lyle Murray Osborn filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Alexander Lyle Murray Osborn to PROPOSED NAME: Alexander Lyle Murray. 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: January 12, 2025; Time: 10:00 am; Dept.: 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: 11/3/2025 /s/:Colleen K. Sterne , Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #25CV06572 Pub Dates: November 7, 14, 21, 28, 2025.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER: 25CV06181.

Petitioner: Juana Ramirez Avelino, Antonio Ascencion Victoria filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Camila Ramirez to PROPOSED NAME: Camila Ascencion Ramirez. 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: December 10, 2025; 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: 10/27/2025 /s/:Thomas P. Anderle, Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #25CV06181 Pub Dates: November 7, 14, 21, 28, 2025.

CHRIS AGNOLI

To have your news included in VOICE Magazine, please email information to News@VoiceSB.com

ORDINANCE NO. 6195

AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE WATERFRONT DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE THE FIRST AMENDMENT OF LEASE AGREEMENT NO. 26,842, FOR SANTA BARBARA FUEL DOCK, INC., COMMENCING UPON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE ENABLING ORDINANCE

The above captioned ordinance was adopted at a regular meeting of the Santa Barbara City Council held on November 18, 2025.

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. 6195

STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) )

COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA ) ss. )

CITY OF SANTA BARBARA )

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing ordinance was introduced on October 7, 2025, and adopted by the Council of the City of Santa Barbara at a meeting held on October 14, 2025, by the following roll call vote:

AYES: Councilmembers Eric Friedman, Oscar Gutierrez, Meagan Harmon, Wendy Santamaria, Kristen W. Sneddon.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: Councilmember Mike Jordan, Mayor Randy Rowse.

ABSTENTIONS: None.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Santa Barbara November 18, 2025.

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

I HEREBY APPROVE the foregoing ordinance on November 18, 2025.

/s/ Eric Friedman Mayor Pro Tempore

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT: The following Corporation is doing business as WAKEFIELD CHARITABLE FOUNDATION at 5142 Hollister Ave, #296, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. THE WAKEFIELD BELIEVE BIG CHARITABLE FOUNDATION at 5142 Hollister Ave, #296, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on November 6, 2025. 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. 20250002570. Published November 14, 21, 28, December 5, 2025.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following Individual is doing business as THE AMEZCUA AGENCY at 5266 Hollister Ave, Suite 225, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. JORGE AMEZCUA, JR at 5266 Hollister Ave, Suite 225, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on November 13, 2025. 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. 20250002605. Published November 21, 28, December 5, 12, 2025.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT: The following Limited Liability Company is doing business as POSSIBILITY INVESTOR at 835 E Canon Perdido St, Apt 207, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. CASSANDRA SHEA CONSULTING LLC at 835 E Canon Perdido St A, Apt 207, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on October 31, 2025. 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. 2025-0002527. Published November 28, December 5, 12, 19, 2025.

VOICE Magazine • Community Market • LEGAL NOTICES

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 Planning Commission has set a public hearing for Thursday, December 11, 2025 beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street.

On Thursday, December 4, 2025, an Agenda with all items to be heard on Thursday, December 11, 2025 will be posted on the outdoor bulletin board at City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street, and online at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PC. Agendas, Minutes, and Staff Reports are also accessible online at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PC.

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.

• 1407 E Cabrillo Blvd (Bellosguardo)

Assessor’s Parcel Number: 017-383-002

Zoning Designation: PUD 3.0/S-D-3 (Planned Unit Development/Coastal Overlay)

Application Number: PLN2020-00047 Filing Date: 2/26/2021

Applicant / Owner: Jeremy Lindaman, Bellosguardo Foundation / Bellosguardo Foundation

Project Description: Proposal for guided tours and special events

To place your classified, email advertising@VoiceSB.com

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER: 25CV06952

Petitioner: Jose Elias Garcia filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Jose Elias Garcia to PROPOSED NAME: Eliaz Garcia. 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: January 12, 2026; Time: 10:00 am; Dept.: 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: 11/14/2025 /s/: Colleen K. Sterne , Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #25CV06952 Pub Dates: November 28, December 5, 12, 19, 2025.

To have your news included in VOICE Magazine, please email information to News@VoiceSB.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 1993

Independent Community Journalism

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.

Mail a contribution today to: VOICE Magazine: 217 Sherwood Dr, Santa Barbara CA, 93110

Legal Advertising: Voice Magazine is an adjudicated newspaper of General Circulation (Case #SP 20CV02756 dated: Oct. 27, 2020). We can publish Probate, Trustee, Name Change, Summons, and other notices. Please inquire about our rates: Publisher@voicesb.com

Mark Whitehurst, PhD, Publisher & Editor Publisher@VoiceSB.com

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John Palminteri, Writer, www.facebook.com/john.palminteri.5

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Marlone Dorantes, Calendar Reporter Calendar@VoiceSB.com

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Bookkeeping: Payroll Systems Plus c/o Publisher@VoiceSB.com

Advertising: Advertising@VoiceSB.com

Circulation: Voice Magazine 805-965-6448 / Publisher@VoiceSB.com

All advertising in this publication is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.”

This publication will not knowingly accept any advertising which is in violation of this law.

Memberships:

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, December 10, 2025 beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the David Gebhard Public Meeting Room, 630 Garden Street.

On Thursday, December 4, 2025, an Agenda with all items to be heard on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 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.

• 110-150 S. La Cumbre Road

Assessor’s Parcel Number: 051-032-001 & 992

Zoning Designation: C-G (Commercial General) Application Number: PLN2022-00176

Applicant / Owner: Kent Mixon / Dansk Retail, INC

Project Description: Front Setback Modification for carwash structure to be located 3’-4” into the Front Setback on S. La Cumbre Lane

• 410 Orilla Del Mar Drive

Assessor’s Parcel Number: 017-313-003

Zoning Designation: HRC-1/S-D-3 (Hotel and Related Commerce/Coastal Overlay)

Application Number: PLN2024-00323 Filing Date: 9/5/2024

Applicant / Owner: Roxana Bonderson, Power Planning Services, LLC / Ronald L Macksound, OUR SSI, LLC

Project Description: Open Yard Modification to allow relief from residential open yard standards

• 533 E. Micheltorena

Assessor’s Parcel Number: 027-580-001, 008, 015 and 016

Zoning Designation: R-M (Residential Multi-Unit)

Application Number: PLN2019-00173

Applicant / Owner: Melisa Turner, DesignARC Inc. / Santa Barbara Land Holdings, LLC

Project Description: Seven-Year Time Extension for Tentative Subdivision Map

• 1126 Las Olas Ave

Assessor’s Parcel Number: 045-061-016

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

Application Number: PLN2025-00190; Filing Date: 4/22/2025

Applicant / Owner: Natalie Ochsner / Burney, Sandra S

Project Description: Coastal Development Permit for New Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

• 122 San Clemente

Assessor’s Parcel Number: 045-212-019

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

Application Number: PLN2023-00461 Filing Date: 8/26/2024

Applicant / Owner: William Wolf, Pacific Architects Inc. / Molly Mckenzie Swarts & David Swarts; KKMD, LLC

Project Description: Convert detached garage to Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Santa Barbara will conduct a Public Hearing on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, during the afternoon session of the meeting which begins at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. The hearing is to consider the request of Heidi Jones, Meraki Land Use Consulting, LLC, on behalf of the Music Academy of the West, that the proposed additions to an existing vacant commercial building (PRE202500134) located at 901 State Street (APNs 039-321-015 and -029), be designated as a Community Benefit Project and allocated a total of 2,000 square feet (net) of nonresidential floor area from the Nonresidential Growth Management Program’s Community Benefit Category pursuant to Santa Barbara Municipal Code Section 30.170.020.

You are invited to attend this hearing and address your verbal comments to the City Council. Written comments are also welcome up to the time of the hearing, and should be addressed to the City Council via the City Clerk’s Office by sending them electronically to Clerk@SantaBarbaraCA. gov or by mail to P.O. Box 1990, Santa Barbara, CA 931021990.

On Thursday, December 11, 2025, an Agenda with all items to be heard on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, will be available at City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street, and at the Central Library. Agendas and Staff Reports are also accessible online at www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CAP. The Agenda will include instructions for participation in the meeting. If you wish to participate in the public hearing, please follow the instructions on the posted Agenda.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need auxiliary aids or 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.

(SEAL)

/s/ Sarah P. Gorman, MMC City Clerk Services Manager November 24, 2025

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Wintersong: A Holiday Concert

EXPERIENCE THE LYRICAL STORYTELLING of Golden Globe Award-winning singer/ songwriter Amanda McBroom, when she returns to the Marjorie Luke Theatre at 3pm on Sunday, November 30th to perform Wintersong: A Holiday Concert. Joined by pianist Michele Brourman and bassist Larry Tuttle, the night will serve as a holiday benefit concert for the Center for Successful Aging.

For tickets ($28.50 general / $45 VIP) visit csasb.org, or purchase at the door. Free off-street parking, wheelchair access, and Assistive Listening Loop System available.

Friday 11/28

MUSIC

16th Festival of Trees • benefit for local non-profits at the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center • free admission; raffle $1 • carpinteriaartscenter.org/festival-of-trees • 3-8pm Fri, 11/28.

OUTDOORS

SBC Courthouse Docent Tours

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

Saturday 11/29

CHILDREN

Crafternoon • Fun crafts, ages 5+

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

30th Annual La Arcada Plaza Christmas Walk

LISTEN TO CAROLERS, take photos with Santa, enjoy popcorn and festive treats, and get a start on holiday shopping in a beautiful setting when La Arcada Plaza hosts its free, 30th annual Christmas Walk from 5 to 8pm on Wednesday, December 3rd.

Tis’ the Season to Shop Local!

OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND for those looking to give handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts this holiday season, as makers and artisan markets pop up all over Santa Barbara County! Here are this week’s fun and festive shopping events.

Sevilla Square Holiday Shopping • Discounts, goodies, and treats • Sevilla Square, State St. and Gutierrez St. • All day Sa, 11/29. Mujeres Makers Market • Shop women of color artisans, curators, and more • El Presidio • Free • 10am-4pm Sa, 12/6 & 12/7.

Homespun Makers Market • Shop from 50+ vendors • Community Arts Workshop • Free • 10am-6pm Sa, 12/6.

SBCC School of Extended Learning 2025 Arts & Crafts Fair • Shop handcrafted gifts • SBCC’s Wake Campus • Free • 10am-2pm Sa, 12/6.

Holiday Market • Pottery lessons, cup show, and shopping • Clay Studio, 1351 Holiday Hill Rd. • Free, lessons $20 • makerhouse.org • 11am4pm Sa, 12/6.

Specializing

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

• 10:30–10:45am Sat & Sun.

COMEDY

Stand-Up Comedy • Kiwi Rogers, Matt Donaher, Jay Lamont • smart, clean comedy featuring a trio of crowd-favorite headliners, plus the Alcazar’s high-energy improv team • Alcazar Theatre • $15 • thealcazar.org • 7-9pm Sat, 11/29.

OUTDOORS

Growing Grounds Work Party

• Elings Park • with Your Children’s Trees • tools provided • rain or shine

• free • ElingsPark.org • RSVP to (805) 252-1952 • meet at 1:30pm park admin parking lot • 1:30-4pm Sat, 11/29.

Architectural Walking Tour

• History of buildings in SB • 229 E.

massage, Swedish, Lymphatic, Somatic massage & Life Coaching

v.gabriela@yahoo.com

805-453-1139

www.comefromyourheart.com

Victoria St • $20 • afsb.org • 10am, Sat.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Monster Trucks & Nitro Challenge • 2 shows • Earl Warren Showgrounds • $20 parking; ticket $20-$50 • monstertrucktour.com • 1:30 & 7:30pm Sat, 11/29.

Sunday 11/30

CHILDREN

Skate & Scoot at Elings! • fun & family vibes • roller skates, bikes, wheels • all are welcome • park admin parking lot • parking $6 • elingspark.org • 3-6pm Sat, 11/29.

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

Chaucer’s Book Talk & Signing • With author Claudia Lebenthal, former surfing world champion Shaun Tomson, and

Presidio Neighborhood Holiday Stroll • Enjoy a walking tour of special shopping deals/treats • $60 • sbthp.org/events • 2-5pm Sa, 12/6.

Crimson Holiday • Seasonal pop-up boutique with dozens of local artisans’ handmade works • La Cumbre Plaza (former Talbot’s store) • 10am-7pm Mo-Sat; 11am-6pm Su. Open through 12/31.

director Chris Carter • Surfer Stories:  12 Untold Stories by 12 Writers about 12 of the World’s Greatest Surfers • 4pm Su, 11/30. Empathy Cafe • Practice communication, listening, and speaking skills • Riviera Theatre, upstairs • Free • 11am-1pm Su.

MUSIC

Wintersong • by Amanda McBroom, benefit for Center for Successful Aging presented by Rod Lathim and Stevens & Associates • The Marjorie Luke Theatre • $28.50$45; free for low income seniors •

csasb.org • 3-4:30pm Sun, 11/30. Best of The 805 • new music series showcasing the best talent from the 805! • Alcazar Theatre • $20/25 • thealcazar.org • 4-7pm Sun, 11/30.

OUTDOORS

Sunday Architecture Tour

• Guided stroll through SB’s Architectural charm • Begins at SB Downtown Library • Architectural Foundation of SB • $20 • afsb.org • 10am Sun.

Photo courtesy of La Arcada

Photo courtesy of SBCC Extended Photo courtesy of Mujeres Makers Market

Amanda McBroom

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Los Lobos

JAM OUT TO THE GROOVING MELODIES of Los Lobos, joined by special guests Dave Alvin and the Guilty Ones, when they take on the Lobero Theatre at 7:30pm on Thursday, December 4th. Renowned for infusing their music with their Mexican and Latin American roots, the group is still rocking strong after five decades of community, awards, and heart. For tickets ($65-115) visit lobero.org

• Free-$30 • artsandlectures.ucsb.edu

• 7:30pm We, 12/3.

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

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

MUSIC

Albert Lee • Grammy-winning guitarist album launch party • SOhO • $40 • sohosb.com • 7pm We, 12/3.

An Acoustic Evening with Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs • Songs and stories from Heartbreaker • Arlington Theatre • $54-377 • 7:30pm We, 12/3.

UCSB Ensemble for Contemporary Music • Including student compositions • UCSB Lotte Lehmann Concert Hall • Free-$13.25 • music.ucsb.edu • 7:30pm We, 12/3.

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting

SPECIAL EVENTS

Paseo Nuevo Tree Lighting • Music, Santa, and a night market to welcome the season • Paseo Nuevo, Center Court • Free • Lighting 6pm, festivities 6-8pm Su, 11/30.

Monday 12/1

LECTURES/MEETINGS

The Chumash Village of Saticoy: Salvage Archaeology

• Talk by Anthropology Dept. Assoc. Albert Knight • SB Museum of Natural History, Farrand Aud. • Free • sbnature.org • 7pm Mo, 12/1. 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.

MUSIC

UCSB Chamber Orchestra

• Classical works • UCSB Lotte Lehmann Concert Hall • Free-$13.25 • music.ucsb.edu • 7:30pm Mo, 12/1.

SPECIAL EVENTS

World AIDS Day • Vigil and quilt display to remember those lost • Ventura City Hall • 5:30pm Mo, 12/1.

Roar & Pour • Drinks and fun to support Ojai Youth Entertainers

Studio • Topa Topa Brewery • 4-7pm Mo, 12/1.

Tuesday 12/2

LECTURES/MEETINGS

Storytelling is the Revolution

• Free poetry workshops 18+ • Community Arts Workshop • Free, register: sbcaw.org • 5-7pm Tu & Th, starting 12/2. Through March.

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

MUSIC

A Gift of Music: Giving Tuesday Concert • Local musicians play to support SB Education Fdn. Keep the Beat program • SOhO • $10-20 • sohosb.com • 5:30pm Tu, 12/2.

Wednesday 12/3

DANCE

Fall Dance Concert: Intra- • Performance by UCSB students • UCSB Hatlen Theater • $13-19 • theaterdance.ucsb.edu • 7:30pm We, 12/3, 12/4, & 12/5.

LECTURES/MEETINGS

Ocean Vuong • American Book Award-winning Author and Poet • UCSB Arts & Lectures, Campbell Hall

30th Annual La Arcada Christmas Walk • Carolers, shopping, treats, and more • La Arcada Plaza • Free • 5-8pm We, 12/3.

Thursday 12/4

LECTURES/MEETINGS

Chaucer’s Book Signing •

Author Lorissa Rinehart discusses Winning the Earthquake • Chaucer’s Books • Free • 6pm Th, 12/6.

Weekly Protest • Protesting current gov. and calling for human rights • Women’s March SB • SB County Courthouse • 4-6pm Thu.

MUSIC

Los Lobos • With special guests Dave Alvin and the Guilty Ones • Lobero Theatre • $65-115 • lobero.org • 7:30pm Th, 12/4.

Brainstory and É Arenas • Jazz, funk, R&B, and psychedelic soul, ages 21+ • SOhO • $31.95 • sohosb.com • 9pm Th, 12/4.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Remote Control Car Competition • Annua Westmont Engineering student showcase • Kerrwood Lawn, Westmont College • Free • 1:15pm Th, 12/4.

AIASB Design Awards • Dinner celebrating the best work in the region

• El Paseo Restaurant • $60-170 • aiasb.com • 5:30pm Th, 12/4.

LIGHT UP STATE STREET FOR THE HOLIDAYS at this year’s annual tree lighting ceremony, held in front of the Arlington Theatre from 6 to 8pm on Friday, December 5th. Music, dance performances, and Santa will keep the fun going as the Downtown SB Improvement Association invites the community to celebrate the season.

Friday 12/5

DANCE

Swan Lake • Performed by international ballet stars, presented by Classical Arts Entertainment • Arlington Theatre • $40-111 • arlingtontheatresb.com • 7pm Fr, 12/5.

LECTURES/MEETINGS

Two Cosmic Talks: Sights & Sounds of Space • Talk by SB Astronomical Unit experts • SB Museum of Natural History, Farrand Aud. • Free • sbnature.org • 7:30pm Fr, 12/5.

MUSIC

Music & Meditation • Pianist

Antonio Artese and guided meditation with Jessica Kolbe • Weinman Hall, Music Academy • $25 • musicandmeditationsb.com • 2pm Fr, 12/2.

George Chelini Alumni Concert • Blues artist Kim Wilson plays for United Boys & Girls Clubs

• Carriage and Western Art Museum • $50 • unitedbg.org/events 5pm Fr, 12/5.

UCSB Gospel Choir • Enjoy traditional and contemporary music

• UCSB, Lotte Lehmann Concert Hall • Free-$13.25 • music.ucsb.edu • 7:30pm Fr, 12/5.

We are here to help you find

Leo Marquez

Photo courtesy of DSBIA

Photo courtesy by Piero F Giunti

Swan Lake

WITNESS A CLASSIC STORY OF LOVE AND MAGIC come to life on the Arlington Theatre stage when Classical Arts Entertainment presents Swan Lake, performed by international ballet stars, at 7pm on Friday, December 5th. Featuring Tchaikovsky’s tremendous score, this family-friendly ballet will include 200 custom scenery pieces alongside its dancers to present a visual masterpiece.

For tickets ($40) visit arlingtontheatresb.com

OUTDOORS

Tai Chi at the Garden • Hosted by Master Yun • SB Botanic Garden • $10-15 • sbbotanicgarden.org • 9-10am Fr, 12/5.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Goleta’s Finest 2025 • Honoring local individuals and orgs making a difference • SB South Coast Chamber of Comm. • The Ritz-Carlton Bacara • $175 • sbscchamber.com • 5:30pm Fr, 12/5.

Annual Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting • Welcome the season with music, dance, and Santa • Arlington Theatre • 6pm Fr, 12/5.

Santa Ynez Valley Holiday Lights Festival • Wander through bright artistic displays • Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden • $15-30 • syvholidaylights.com • 5:30-8:30pm Fr, 12/5-12/7; 12/12-12/14; 12/1912/21.

Saturday 12/6

CHILDREN

Winter Gift-Making Workshop Ceramics & Weaving • For ages 6-12 • SB Museum of Art • $170-200 • sbma.net • 9am-3pm Sa, 12/6.

Pathfinders: Finding Feathered Friends • Ages 8-13 learn about birds • SB Botanic Garden

• Free with admission, register: sbbotanicgarden.org • 11am-12:15pm Sa, 12/6.

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

• 10:30–10:45am Sat & Sun.

Crafternoon • Fun crafts, ages 5+

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

DANCE

Rudolph • Classic story by students of State Street Ballet Academy, Cold Spring School Choir, Laudate Choir • Lobero Theatre • $19-32 • lobero.org • 6:30pm Sa, 12/6 & 2pm Su, 12/7.

Elemental Alchemy • Aerial, tango, and other dance presented by Transform Through Arts • Arlington Theatre • $45 • arlingtontheatresb.com • 7:30pm Sa, 12/6.

LECTURES/MEETINGS

Central Coast Regional “Meeting the Moment” Noncooperation Training

• Learn how to participate in coordinated resistance/protests • The Fund for SB • Corwin Pavilion, UCSB • Free • https://tinyurl.com/3ssetjvv • 10am-5pm Sa, 12/6.

In Conversation with Paul Hayes Tucker • Art historian discusses Impressionist movement • SB Museum of Art, Mary Craig Aud. • $10-15 • sbma.net • 12-1:30pm & 3-4:30pm Sa, 12/6.

MUSIC

Westmont Christmas Festival

• Westmont College orchestra and singers celebrate the story of Christ • Granada Theatre • $30 • granadasb.org • 7pm Sa, 12/6 & 3pm Su, 12/7.

OUTDOORS

Winter Pruning and Tool Sharpening Workshop • Taught by UC Master Gardeners • Mesa Harmony Gardens • Free, register: • ucanr.edu/county/santa-barbara-county • 9:30am-12pm Sa, 12/6.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Holiday at the Ranch • Santa, music, open house, and fun! • Rancho La Patera and Stow House • Free • 10am-4pm Sa, 12/6.

Disability Awareness and Cultural Market • Short film by Grace Fisher, youth makers market, and learning • Library Plaza • Free • 10am-2pm Sa, 12/6.

Light Up A Life 2025 • Honor departed loved ones with a ceremony and tree lighting • Hospice SB • Montecito Upper Village Green • $15 suggested donation •

Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade

WAVE TO FRIENDS,

AND

MEMBERS decked out on vibrant floats when the Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade makes its way down Hollister Avenue, between Orange and Kinman Ave., from 6 to 9pm on Saturday, December 6th. Organized by the Greater Goleta SB Lions Club, the night will also determine winners of the Old Town Goleta decor contest!

hospiceofsb.org/lual • 5pm Sa, 12/6.

Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade • Welcome the holiday season with floats and fun • On Hollister Ave. from Orange to Kinman Ave. • Free • 6pm Sa, 12/6.

Sunday 12/7

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

Local Author Talk • Author Macduff Everton and artist Mary Heebner discuss The Book of Santa Barbara • Chaucer’s Books • Free • 4pm Su, 12/7.

MUSIC

Molly Tuttle • Bluegrass concert with guests Kaitlin Butts and Meels • UCSB Arts & Lectures • Arlington Theatre • $25-133 • artsandlectures. ucsb.edu • 7pm Su, 12/7.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Buellton Winter Fest • Santa breakfast, shopping, and concluding tree lighting • Buellton Rec Center and River View Park • Free, breakfast ticketed: discoverbuellton.com • 9am5:30pm (tree lighting), Su, 12/7.

Light Up A Life 2025 • Honor departed loved ones with a ceremony and tree lighting • Hospice SB • Lobero Theatre • $15 suggested donation • hospiceofsb.org/lual • 5:30pm Su, 12/7.

Elverhøj Members & Friends Christmas Party • Danish treats, carolers, and more • Elverhøj Museum of History and Art, Solvang • $10-40 • elverhoj.org • 5:30-8pm Su, 12/7.

To have your events included in VOICE Magazine's calendar or arts listings, please email information to Calendar@ VoiceSB.com by noon the Monday before publication.

Photos courtesy of Goleta SB Lions Club

Photo by We Dance Production, Inc.

Theatre

Disney’s Frozen • Broadway version of animated favorite • PCPA Marian Theatre, Santa Maria • $25+ • pcpa.org • Through 12/21.

Smiling Through It All: An Evening of One Act Plays • Seven one acts performed by Theatre Eclectic and SBCC School of Extended Learning • Free and open to all • Wake Campus Auditorium, (7pm, 12/2 & 12/9); Schott Campus Auditorium (7pm, 12/4 & 12/11); Friendship Manor Senior Community (2pm, 12/6).

Great Expectations • Dickens’ story presented by The Acting Company • Rubicon Theatre • $30-80 • rubicontheatre.org • 7pm Tu, 12/2, through 12/21.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream • Shakespeare’s comedy co-produced with the Acting Company of New York • Rubicon Theatre • $30-60 • rubicontheatre.org •

Dec. 6 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wake Campus | 300 N. Turnpike Rd. SBCC’S SCHOOL OF

Montecito

Photo and Design

CINEMA

TAKE A CINEMATIC TOUR of the American West’s movie theaters when the UCSB CarseyWolf Center screens The Last Picture Shows, a documentary that celebrates the history and community surrounding shared cinema. A free screening and postfilm talk with filmmaker Rustin Thompson and documentary participant/interim director of the Carsey-Wolf Center Ross Melnick will take place at 7pm on Thursday, December 4th. carseywolf.ucsb.edu

CINEMA LISTINGS

Elf • Kicking off four part Holiday Movie Magic • Alcazar Theatre • $5-$7 • thealcazar.org • 3-5pm Fr, 11/28.

Kirk Douglas Film Award Gala • SBIFF honors actor Cynthia Erivo with a black-tie dinner • Ritz-Carlton Bacara • $1,250+ • sbiff.org • 5:30pm Th, 12/4.

Connectivity: The Last Picture Shows • Special preview screening of documentary on small-town theaters, post-film talk by filmmaker Rustin Thompson and documentary participant Ross Melnick • UCSB Carsey-Wolf Center, Pollock Theater • Free, RSVP: carseywolf.ucsb.edu • 7pm Th, 12/4.

Chinese Lantern Tree Koelreuteria bipinnata

By David Gress / Special to VOICE

ROM

SUMMER THROUGH LATE FALL,

the Chinese Lantern Tree provides a spectacular display of color. It begins with spikes of brilliant yellow flowers - and continues as the flowers transform into luminous seed pods that resemble tiny Chinese paper lanterns.

It is no wonder that this decorative ornamental has been planted in Santa Barbara for more than a century and is still quite popular. It was first introduced here (and the United States) in 1911 by one of our pioneering horticulturists, Dr. Francesco Franceschi.

This exceptional tree is particularly suitable for our community, due to its small to medium size and its low-maintenance requirements. Fast growing when young, it forms a broad spreading crown with an ultimate height and spread of 25 to 50 feet. One of its many desirable features: it retains a rather full and symmetrical crownwith little or no pruning.

flower parts.

Pollinated flowers will begin to develop three-lobed, rather puffy, seed capsules (1- to 2-inches long), which quite resemble a lovely Chinese paper lantern. Inside the capsules there are six, hard, spherical, dark brown seeds (each up to 1/4-inch diameter), two on each lobe.

Throughout summer, the canopy will be covered with a striking juxtaposition of the bright yellow flowers and the developing rose-pink seed capsules. As fall progresses, the dominant feature will be the mature seed capsules, which turn a delicious combination of colors – from a salmon pink to a yellowish tan.

This lovely tree is native to southern and eastern China. Locally, its common name is “Chinese Lantern Tree”; elsewhere, it is commonly named either “Chinese Flame Tree” or “Bougainvillea Goldenrain Tree”. It is in the Sapindaceae (Soapwort or Soapberry) plant family. The genus name, Koelreuteria, honors Joseph Gottlieb Koelreuter (17331806), a German professor of natural history and a pioneering plant hybridizer. Its specific epithet, bipinnata, refers to its bipinnately compound leaves.

pests or diseases. An added bonus: its roots are usually deep and non-invasive, so they are not likely to upturn paving or other hardscape.

The Chinese Lantern Tree makes a perfect addition to landscapes of all uses and sizes. In our area, it is frequently planted as a street tree and in commercial locations, especially in parking lots. In small formal or informal gardens, it is wonderful as a single focal point.

After a brief deciduous period in the winter, in spring the crown develops extraordinarily large (11- to 12-inches long and 9- to 16-inches wide) dull dark green leaves, which are bipinnately compound (twice divided) - each leaf bearing up to 50 to 100 oblong drooping leaflets (3-inches long and 1½-inches wide)! When young, the bark is light brownish-gray and almost smooth; at maturity, it turns a darker gray with shallow fissures and breaks into small rectangle plates and scales on trunks and larger stems.

Beginning in June through September, large sprays of upright panicles (18- to 24-inches long and 8- to 18-inches wide) appear. These stand upright above the canopy and bear thousands of small bright yellow flowers. The flowers are considered “perfect,” meaning they have both male and female

Chinese Lantern Tree is easy to grow. It can readily be propagated from seed - and will germinate in several weeks, if the seeds are soaked in water overnight before planting. It prefers locations with full sun - but will do well in partial shade. It will accept most soil types - but does best when planted in a mildly acidic, well-drained, deep sandy loam. It seems to develop best as a singletrunked tree. It requires minimal pruning.

While reasonably drought-tolerant, it will appreciate irrigation in the dry season or in extended droughts. Relatively coldtolerant, it can survive in the coldest of our local microclimates. Happily, it is not known to be affected by any serious insect

There are many mature examples of Chinese Lantern Tree in our community: as street trees, in the 1200 to 1900 blocks of Gillespie Street (mixed with Brachychiton); as street trees, on Kimberly Avenue; as shade trees, on Nathan Road; as shade trees, in the front lawn of Franklin School (Mason Street side); in the front lawn at 227 East Arrellaga Street; in the La Cumbre Plaza Parking lots; and, as specimen trees, in Franceschi Park (between the main house and the cottage).

Tree-of-the-Month articles are sponsored by Santa Barbara Beautiful, whose many missions include the increase of public awareness and appreciation of Santa Barbara’s many outstanding trees and, in a long-time partnership with the City Parks & Recreation Department, the funding and planting of trees along the City’s streets. sbbeautiful.org

MYSTERY BOOK SALE PREVIEW NIGHT

Hosted by the Friends of the Santa Barbara Public Library SANTA BARBARA CENTRAL LIBRARY Friday, December 12 • Reception 5:30-7:30pm • Tickets: $25 (purchase online at friends-sblibrary.org)

Join us for an exclusive first pick at our Mystery Book Sale-an evening filled with great reads, good company, and literary surprises! Your ticket grants early access to a huge selection of mystery novels, from beloved classics to hidden gems, before the public sale opens the following day, Saturday December 13 from 10am to 5pm. Enjoy wine and light refreshments, the Art from the Pages exhibit, and support the Friends of the Library as we raise funds for programs and services that benefit our entire community.

Chinese Lantern Tree bark

Photos by David Gress

Chinese Lantern Tree

Chinese Lantern Tree flower

Chinese Lantern Tree seed pod

December 2nd to 27th, 2025

Sunshine & the Blues

La Cumbre Plaza

1st Thursday Reception December 4th • 5-8pm

3rd Friday Reception December 19th • 5-8pm

By Ellen Yeomans

By Frank DiMarco

By Bruce Berlow

By Jane Mick

By Lauren Kearns

ART VENUES

Ralph Waterhouse

Summer Path Ellwood, Oil (detail)

Waterhouse Gallery

La Arcada at State & Figueroa Santa Barbara • 805-962-8885 www.waterhousegallery.com

10 West Gallery • Festive Fall• Through Dec 7 • 10 W Anapamu

• 11-5 We-Mo • 805-770-7711 • 10westgallery.com

Ann Foxworthy Gallery • Dreams & Revelations by Paulo Lima • through Dec 4 • Alan Hancock College, 800 South College Dr, Bldg L, Santa Maria.

Architectural Fdn Gallery •

Kids Draw Architecture • through Jan 4 • 229 E Victoria • 805-965-6307 • 1–4 some Sa & By Appt • afsb.org

Art & Soul Gallery • Emerging: by Bella DiBernardo • through Nov 30 • 1323 State St • artandsoulsb.com

ART EVENTS

Opening for Brad Nack 100%

Reindeer 2025 • SB Mid-Mod, 223 Anacapa St (1st of 2 exhibits) • Fun art party/holiday event • 6pm Fri, 11/28.

Brad Nack 100% Reindeer Art Show • View festive reindeer paintings • Opening at SB Mid-Mod, 6pm Fr, 12/28 & Pop-up show at Roy, 6pm Fr, 12/5.

STILLPOINT • Annie Mitchell’s exhibition of form & fiber in motion

• Community Arts Workshop • Free • 4-8pm Th, 12/4.

Daniel Landman

LCCCA The Fine Line Gallery La Cumbre PLaza eLmer sCuLPture66@yahoo Com

Art, Design & Architecture Museum, UCSB • Beyond the Object; Mexican Prints: The GarciaCorrea Collection; Environmental Communications: Big Bang Beat LA; Joan Mitchell 100 • through Dec 7 • 12-5 Wed-Sun • museum.ucsb.edu

Art From Scrap • Explore Ecology • exploreecology.org

ArtLabbé Gallery • Hidden Treasures • through Dec 5 • 111 Santa Barbara St, Suite H • artlabbe.org

Atkinson Gallery, SBCC • Fall 2025 Student Show • atkinsongallerysbcc.com

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

SB Art Assn Holiday Show

Opening Reception • View works by local artists • Faulkner Gallery, Central Library • 4-6:30pm Th, 12/4.

Holiday Ceramic Sale • Shop works by artists Francine Kirsch & Jessica Parsons with treats • 276 Valdez Ave, Goleta • 1-5pm Sa, 12/6.

Opening Reception • Deck the Walls • Cypress Gallery • 10am12pm Sa, 12/6.

Open Studio • Meet Alexandra Yakutis and view her works • 100 Los Padres Way Ste. 5, Bulletin • Free • 11am-4pm Sa, 12/6.

Drawing Human Anatomy Workshop • With Rich Wilkie and John Thiering • SB residential

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

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 • 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 • Deck the Walls • Dec 6 through Dec • 119 E Cypress Av, Lompoc • 1-4 Sa & Su • 805-7371129 • lompocart.org

address given on registration • $70 • RichWilkie.com/ workshops-20251206 • 1-5pm Sa, 12/6.

Artist Talks & Reception

• Hear from artists Wrona Gall and Hung Viet Nguyen (1pm), reception follows • Rubenstein Chan Contemporary Art, 410 Palm Ave, Unit B3 • Free • 1pm, 2-5pm Sa, 12/6.

Carpinteria Creative Arts

Market • Local pottery, beach art, cards, jewelry, and sewn articles • 8th St & Linden Av • Free • 2:30-6 Thur.

SB Arts & Crafts Show • Local artists & artisans • Free • 236 E Cabrillo Blvd • 10-5 Sun.

Goleta Photographer Frank DiMarco

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 • 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 • 805730-9109 • Fazzino.com

Gallery 113 • The Square Foot Show • benefit for CARE4Paws through Nov 29 • SB Art Assn • 1114 State St, #8, La Arcada Ct • 805-965-6611 • 11-5 MoSa; 1-4 Su • gallery113sb.com

Gallery Los Olivos • Five O’Clock Shadow: Garrett Speirs through Nov • Daily 10-4pm • 2920 Grand Av • 805688-7517 • 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 • Kellen Meyer’s wild weavings: stories of wonder • through Dec 21 • 12-5 Fri-Sun • 2190 N Refugio Rd, Santa Ynez • 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

www.ruthellenhoag.com @ruthellenhoag 805-689-0858 ~inquire for studio classes~

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 • Celebrating 6 years! • 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 • Blue through Nov 23 • 12-4 Th-Su • 865 Linden • 805-684-7789 • carpinteriaartscenter.org

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

Maker House Annex • A gallery & retail space • through Dec • 913 State St • 805-565-CLAY • Tues: 2-7pm; We, Thu, Sun 12-6pm; Fri/Sat: 12-7pm • makerhouse.org

Marcia Burtt Gallery • Holiday 2025 • through Dec 28 • 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 St • mcasantabarbara.org

Museum of Tibetan Art & Legacy Arts

International • Wed-Sun 12-8pm • 310-8806671 • lamatashinorbu.org / legacyartsb.com

Palm Loft Gallery • A Fine Bunch of Cool Cats: Reflections of the Soul • Through Jan 25 • 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 • 805-252-9659 • 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.com

Rubenstein Chan Contemporary Art • Earth that Remembers: Wrona Gall and Hung Viet Nguyen through Dec 24 • 410 Palm Av, Unit B3, Carpinteria • 805-576-6152: info/appt • RubensteinChan.com

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 • Join the Enlichenment through Dec 7 • 1212 Mission Canyon Rd • 10-5 daily • 805-682-4726 • sbbg.org

Santa Barbara Fine Art • SB landscapes & sculptor Bud Bottoms • 1321 State St • 12-6 Tu-Sa & By Appt • 805-845-4270 • santabarbarafineart.com

Santa Barbara Historical Museum • Ludmilla Pila Welch: Serene Santa Barbara through Mar 26; Pop-Up History through Nov 23; Edward Borein Gallery, and The Story of Santa Barbara ~ ongoing • 136 E De la Guerra • 12-5 We, Fri-Su; 12-7 Th • 805-9661601 • sbhistorical.org

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum • Redwoods of the Sea • through Jan 4 • 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 • The Impressionist Revolution and Encore • Through Jan 25; 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 TriCo 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 • 805-682-4711 • sbnature.org

Santa Barbara Tennis Club - 2nd Fridays Art • Western Edge • through Dec 2 • 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 • 1925

Santa Barbara Earthquake: Stories and Lives Remembered • 316 Castillo St • Tue/Thu 10-4; Sun & 3rd Sat 1-4 • https://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 •

September 11, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Open daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

113 Harbor Way, Ste 190, Santa

seimandileprieur.com

Slice of Light Gallery • Fall 2025; Photography by JK Lovelace • 9 W Figueroa St • Mo-Fr 10-5 • 805-354-5552 • sliceoflight.com

Stewart Fine Art • Early CA Plein Air Paintings + European Fine Art + Antiques • 539 San Ysidro Rd • 11-5:30 Mo-Sa • 805-845-0255

Strange Family Vineyards Tasting room • Gallery Los Olivos artists: Cheers to Art- Framed Prints for the Holidays • Nov & Dec • 2933 Grand Ave, Los Olivos • StrangeFamilyVineyards.com 805 315-3662

Sullivan Goss • Irresistible: Flowers & Their Admirers through Dec 22; Nathan Huff: Within Wilds through Nov 24; Fall Salon: through Nov 24; 100 Grand: Dec 1 through Dec 28 • 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 • 805-6887889 • santaynezmuseum.org

Tamsen Gallery • Inside Heaven’s Gate –Behind the Scenes with Susan Bridges through Dec 31 • 1309 State St • 12-5 We-Su • 805-7052208 • tamsengallery.com

UCSB Library Ocean Gallery • Art of Science through Mar 17; Unyielding Voices: Global Resistance and the Black Radical Tradition

~ drawn from the Cedric J. and Elizabeth P. Robinson Archive 8 • through Jun 12 • library.ucsb.edu

Voice Gallery • Anything Goes by SBAA • through Nov 29 • La Cumbre Plaza H-124 • 105:30 M-F; 1-5 Sa-Su • 805-965-6448

Waterhouse Gallery Montecito • Notable CA & National Artists • 1187 Coast Village Rd • 11-5 Mo-Su • 805-962-8885 • waterhousegallery.com

Waterhouse Gallery SB • Notable CA & National Artists • La Arcada Ct, 1114 State St, #9 • 11-5 Mo-Sa • 805-962-8885 • waterhousegallery.com

Waterlight Studio • Handcrafted ceramics by Suzanne Schwager • 18 W Micheltoreana St #D • Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum Of Art • Between Planes: Prints by Sculptors • Nov 13 through Dec 20 • 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! To find out more, email Publisher@VoiceSB.com

In boom-to-bust industry, two controversial pot operations are now

history

An embattled Carpinteria Valley growing operation and a planned dispensary both fizzle out

By Melinda Burns / Special for the Santa Barbara News-Press 11.26.2025

TWO CANNABIS PROJECTS THAT GENERATED STIFF

NEIGHBORHOOD OPPOSITION in the western Carpinteria Valley

— a “grow” on Foothill Road that was in bankruptcy and a cannabis dispensary that never got off the ground on Santa Claus Lane — were quietly abandoned for good this fall.

Island Breeze Farms, a cannabis greenhouse operation at 3376 Foothill Road, and The Roots pot shop that was planned for 3823 Santa Claus Lane, represent the latest evidence of the boom-to-bust dynamic that has plagued the cannabis industry in Santa Barbara County since its inception, seven years ago.

Amid a glut of cannabis on the market in California — with illegal pot making up more than half of sales — legal growers, who must pay local and state taxes and regulatory costs, have found it harder to survive.

“My observation is that cannabis is not the financial benefit that the various owners undertook to be a part of, because the process that the county established is costly and time consuming,” said county Planning Commissioner Mike Cooney, who represents the valley.

New owner at Island Breeze

On Sept. 30, Island Breeze was sold to Shane Brown, a Montecito businessman who wants nothing to do with pot. He plans to convert the property into a tree nursery.

“I’m very adamant against cannabis in the valley,” Brown said. “I’m not a believer, and it’s deep-seated. I grew up with parents who smoked pot, and that didn’t help me at all in my childhood. My parents were poor and spent their money on pot instead of their kids.”

County records show Brown purchased the Island View Ranch for $6 million; the nine-acre property includes two acres of former Island Breeze greenhouses.

Lois Von Morganroth of Ventura and Robyn Whatley of Thousand Oaks, the previous Island View owners and the owners and operators of Island Breeze, had

declared bankruptcy in December 2024. By then, the “grow” had been shut down for months.

Brown said that instead of cannabis, he plans to sell olive trees that are 50 to 150 years old, along with oak trees, fire pits and other garden materials. In the meantime, he’s looking for a buyer for the industrial equipment that Island Breeze left behind.

Brown owns The Well home and garden stores in Montecito and Summerland, and Big Daddy Antiques in Los Angeles. He said he may name his new business The Well Nursery: it will be similar to The Well stores, he said, but on a larger scale.

“I want to create beauty in the world,” Brown said.

(The Island View Nursery, a former tenant on the property, has moved its succulents, cacti, houseplants, shrubs and garden art to 3675 Foothill, where it is open to the public.)

Roots permit expires

In addition to Island Breeze, the plug has been officially pulled on plans for The Roots pot shop on Santa Claus Lane.

Pat and Maire Radis — in partnership with The Roots, a company that founded a dispensary in Lompoc in 2018 — had applied for a county business license to operate a cannabis storefront in their building on Santa Claus.

It would have been the first dispensary on the beachside business strip. But in spring of this year, they withdrew their application.

The Radises had been granted a zoning permit by the county Board of Supervisors in 2022; and in 2023, the state Coastal Commission green-lighted the project. That zoning permit formally expired Oct. 12 because the business had yet to secure a final occupancy building permit, county officials said.

The Island Breeze cannabis greenhouses in the Carpinteria Valley will be converted to a tree nursery by the new owner.

Photo by Melinda Burns/Special for the News-Press

Story continued on page 33

The zoning permit for a cannabis dispensary planned on Santa Claus Lane expired in October 2025, county officials said.

Photo by Melinda Burns/Special for the News-Press

Story continued from page 33

‘We never gave up’

For years, the homeowners’ association at the Polo Condos, a 130unit luxury complex of about 300 people living across the street from Island Breeze at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, had urged the county to shut down the operation and deny the owners a zoning permit. They said the “skunky” smell of pot was wafting into their homes at all hours, driving them indoors on summer days with the windows closed and triggering migraine headaches, nausea, sore throats and respiratory problems.

Mark Brickley, a former association board member, has lost count of all the calls, community meetings and email exchanges that he and other board members and their neighbors on Foothill had for more than five years with county officials, including former county Supervisor Das Williams, a co-architect of the county’s cannabis ordinance of 2018, begging them to shut down Island Breeze.

Williams, a veteran politician, narrowly lost his seat in 2024, in part because of the opposition to cannabis in Carpinteria, his hometown. As former flower greenhouses were converted to pot, the valley became a mecca for commercial marijuana just outside the boundaries of the small beach town.

“We never gave up!” Brickley said. “Maybe that’s the lesson of our opposition to the county allowing a cannabis grower within 50 feet of our condominium complex. While it was a very frustrating and long process, I’m just really happy there were enough people who stuck with it.”

Residents filed dozens if not scores of odor complaints that the county never addressed, Brickley said, until, out of frustration, people stopped filing altogether. There are two much larger cannabis greenhouses operations on Foothill within a quarter mile of the condos, and it was impossible to prove which of the three operations was to blame for the smell.

Under the county’s rules, growers who signed an affidavit stating that they had been growing medical marijuana before Jan. 16, 2016, were allowed to expand their commercial operations without zoning permits, so long as they applied for them. In this way, Island Breeze and most other cannabis greenhouse operations in the

valley were designated “legal, non-conforming” operations. The Polo Condos board members hired a lawyer to help them contest the Island Breeze affidavit, but that effort went nowhere.

In 2021, in a rare move against a grower, the county sued Island Breeze, alleging that the owners had not “diligently pursued” a permit and were engaging in “unfair competition” by operating without one. Then, in 2023, the director of county Planning & Development issued an over-the counter permit to Island Breeze. The county later withdrew its lawsuit without explanation, after a settlement agreement was reached.

In fall 2024, the condo association successfully appealed to the county Planning Commission to overturn the permit, which would have allowed Island Breeze to expand operations from about five greenhouses to all of its 13 greenhouses, more than doubling past production. Island Breeze appealed to the Board of Supervisors to reverse the decision, but soon filed for bankruptcy.

On Oct. 2, Brown, the new owner, formally withdrew both the Island Breeze zoning permit application and the appeal to the board.

“Of course, we’re happy,” added Robyn Geddes, the association president. “Everybody’s relieved that it’s not going to be one of these hideous industrial operations that’s going to stink up the place. It’s a special section of Carpinteria and we’d like to keep it as rural as possible.”

No pot shop in the valley?

On the South Coast, the cities of Santa Barbara and Goleta allow pot shops, but they are not allowed in the city of Carpinteria.

Unincorporated Isla Vista has a dispensary, and one is pending in the eastern Goleta Valley. In the unincorporated North County, Santa Ynez and Orcutt each have a dispensary, and one is pending in Los Alamos. The City of Lompoc allows pot shops, but Santa Maria does not.

Next on the county’s waiting list for a pot shop in the unincorporated Carpinteria Valley was Haven XV, a company that had proposed to install a storefront at 3825 Santa Claus Lane. But Haven XV has declined to pursue its application, county officials said.

Back in 2022, more than 200 people signed a petition against plans for The Roots on Santa Claus Lane. Steve Kent, president of the Santa Claus Lane property owners’ association, and members of the Padaro Lane, Sandyland and Polo Condos homeowners’ associations, said a dispensary would exacerbate traffic congestion and was incompatible with two nearby surf camps serving children.

Supporters of The Roots proposal said a dispensary would be an “economic shot in the arm” for Santa Claus Lane businesses in the off-season; and would provide a safe and convenient place for customers to buy legal pot, including medical marijuana.

The Board of Supervisors will decide next year whether to reopen the application period for a dispensary in Summerland or the western Carpinteria Valley.

Melinda Burns, a former senior writer for the legacy Santa Barbara News-Press, is an investigative reporter with 40 years of experience covering immigration, water, science and the environment.

Printed with permission of the Santa Barbara News-Press • 11.26.2025 • newspress.com

Residents at the Polo Condos complained for years about the smell of cannabis from the Island Breeze greenhouses, shown here across from the entrance to the complex.

Photo by Melinda Burns/Special for the News-Press

New Student Housing Projects at UCSB Progressing on Schedule

By UCSB Staff / The Current 11.21.2025

THE UC BOARD OF REGENTS HAS APPROVED THE SCOPE, DESIGN AND BUDGET for UC Santa Barbara’s East Campus Student Housing Project, which will provide 1,688 beds (412 replacement beds and 1,276 new beds) on the university’s main campus. Along with the San Benito project that is already under construction, it is a key component of meeting UCSB’s goal to add 3,500 new beds on campus as part of its 2010 Long Range Development Plan (LRDP).

The East Campus project plan will now advance to the California Coastal Commission, with construction anticipated to begin in the summer of 2026.

“These are the largest capital projects UC Santa Barbara has ever undertaken and both will be campus gems.”

- Renée Bahl, Associate Vice Chancellor of Design, Facilities & Safety Services

“After a redesign of the East Campus project to reduce the price tag without reducing the number of beds, we are on schedule with a goal to open this project in the fall of 2028,” said Gene Lucas, co-chair of the project’s building committee.

The East Campus project consists of one residence hall with singles and designed triples to replace Santa Rosa Residence Hall, and three new apartment buildings with two-bedroom, four-person efficiency apartments and studios. The surrounding residence halls will remain occupied during the construction period, and UCSB’s Housing, Dining & Auxiliary Enterprises (HDAE) team is working with students, staff and other campus stakeholders to mitigate the challenges faced during construction.

Also included in the East Campus project is the renovation of Ortega Dining Commons to better serve the increased residential population in this area of campus. Temporary dining takeout facilities are scheduled to open

during construction, so students will continue to have access to this popular dining option.

Meanwhile, work on the San Benito Student Housing Project began in spring 2025 and has continued at a steady pace, led by UCSB Design & Construction Services with project partners. With site demolition, utilities, slabs and foundations successfully completed, the project is moving full steam ahead into concrete pours for building structures.

In alignment with UC Santa Barbara’s Decarbonization Policy, the San Benito project features an all-electric design, including solar thermal collectors for domestic hot water. Additionally, through the incorporation of bioretention basins and the restoration of existing wetlands, the project demonstrates a strong commitment to preserving and enhancing its neighboring protected habitats.

The San Benito project is progressing within the established budget. On-site staffing continues to increase, with a projected peak labor force of approximately 500–600 workers. Off-site fabrication of the exterior façade is underway, with the first panels scheduled to arrive in early January. Prefabricated exterior panels reduce the need for scaffolding, resulting in meaningful cost and schedule savings.

To date, San Benito is approximately 25% completed and is on schedule for an on-time, anticipated occupancy in the fall of 2027.

Following completion of both the San Benito and the East Campus Student Housing projects, the campus will fully meet the LRDP commitment for student beds and support the campus’s established goal to provide housing for all first- and second-year students and an opportunity for a fouryear residential experience that would support a vibrant campus community.

“These are the largest capital projects UC Santa Barbara has ever undertaken and both will be campus gems,” said Renée Bahl, associate vice chancellor of Design, Facilities & Safety Services.

“We know that on-campus living helps students develop intellectually and socially while having easier access to campus resources, research opportunities and classrooms,” added Willie Brown, associate vice chancellor for HDAE. “It’s essential that we plan thoughtfully and remain forwardthinking for the next generation of students who will call our campus home.”

Printed with permission of UCSB Office of Public Affairs and Communications.

Work on the San Benito Student Housing Project began in spring 2025 and is on schedule for anticipated occupancy in the fall of 2027

Photos by Kirsten Brinlee

An artist’s rendering of the East Campus Student Housing Project

Photo courtesy of SOM | Mithun

Wintersong

to feature Amanda McBroom

by

Bette Midler) will return by popular demand to The Marjorie Luke Theatre to perform a holiday benefit concert for the Center for Successful Aging.

Eagles Nest Ocean Views

Santa Barbara’s Premiere Ocean View Apartments

• Every apartment has outstanding ocean views with the very best island and sunset views in town.

“Every song to me is a three-minute movie - a story that needs to be told. It’s the one-on-one experience between me and the audience’s ears,” shared McBroom. “I’m having a conversation, and we are sitting around the fire light like 1,000 years ago. I’m telling you a story.”

• 32 one bedroom apartments, each with granite counter tops and a magnificent view.

• Recently updated on a dead end street with a reserved carport parking spot for each unit.

• Only six blocks to the ocean and on a bluff top with mild ocean breezes year round. All the top floor units have high beamed ceilings and no steps, so easy access for all ages.

• See the best of Santa Barbara from this park-like setting.

The concert, titled Wintersong will take place on Sunday, November 30th at 3pm.

For more information or to schedule an appointment call John at 805-451-4551.

“One of the things that attracts people to Amanda’s artistry is that she connects with an audience in such a beautiful, personal way. She is a mistress of telling stories through song,” commented Rod Lathim, producer for the performance.

John R. WhitehuRst

Property Manager/Owner

805-451-4551 • SBOceanViewRentals.com Home Realty & Investment DRE#01050144

Sustainable Holidays Open House

A “SUSTAINABLE HOLIDAYS OPEN HOUSE” will be held by the City of Santa Barbara’s Sustainability & Resilience Department. The 3rd annual event is free and open to the public and will be held on Thursday, December 4th from 4 to 7pm at 801 Garden Street. The festive event is designed to spread holiday cheer, promote sustainability, and bring our community closer together.

“Sustainable Holidays Open House” activities will include: Cider, hot cocoa, and holiday treats; DIY holiday craft stations that allow you to create ecofriendly holiday ornaments, wrapping paper, and more, and photo opportunities with Santa! You will also be able to meet Sustainability & Resilience Department staff and learn more about their mission and initiatives; and a lot more.

Visit the Sustainability & Resilience Department at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Sustainability

“I have some fun material, and I need to is one

I’ve heard in a long time. Christmas is a time about loss. And God knows, the older we get is one

It resonated with me – there is a melancholy dramatic. My songs are all acting pieces. This

Casa Abierta de Navidad Sostenibles

EL DEPARTAMENTO DE SOSTENIBILIDAD Y RESILIENCIA DE LA CIUDAD DE SANTA BÁRBARA se complace en invitar a la comunidad a unirse a nosotros para una “Casa Abierta de Navidad Sostenibles” el jueves 5 de diciembre de 4:00 a 7:00 en nuestra oficina ubicada en 801 Garden Street. Este evento festivo está diseñado para difundir la alegría navideña y promover la sostenibilidad, al tiempo que acerca a nuestra comunidad. El Casa Abierta de Navidad Sostenibles es un evento gratuito para que todos disfruten y contará con una variedad de actividades y ofertas, incluyendo: Sidra, chocolate caliente y dulces navideños; Puestos de bricolaje para crear adornos navideños ecológicos, papel de regalo y mucho más; Fotos con Santa; Conozca al personal del Departamento de Sostenibilidad y Resiliencia y aprenda más sobre nuestra misión e iniciativas.

Visite del Departamento de Sostenibilidad y Resiliencia en SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Sustainability.

Stuart Malina, Guest Conductor

Madison Claire Parks, Vocalist

MOLLY TUTTLE

THE HIGHWAY KNOWS TOUR

Two-time International Bluegrass Music Association Guitar Player of the Year with special guests

Kaitlin Butts and Meels

Sun, Dec 7 / 7 PM

Arlington Theatre

“Between her expressive, crystalline voice and astounding flat picking guitar skills, Tuttle has made history.”

Rolling Stone