Santa Barbara Coast, CA October 2024

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“Afterglow”
WILL PIERCE

No matter your situation, a new home is the fulfillment of a dream, a new chapter, a possibility yet to unfold. Creating your dream takes time, expertise, and powerful negotiating skills. Lisa offers comprehensive real estate services, always working to go above and beyond her client’s expectations.

The Golden Hour

October has always seemed like Santa Barbara’s love song to its residents.

We relish in the warm weather that stretches well into fall and the bountiful local harvests on full display at the farmer’s markets and restaurant tables.

Everything about October is inspiring and born out of the rich colors that nature shows us in all of her glory. It seemed only fitting that we would high light for October, a local artist who magically captures that Santa Barbara beauty, Will Pierce.

I first met Will four years ago and have admired his work since. From the walls of the Berkshire Hathaway offices in Montecito, to the upper room at Porch in Summerland, Will’s photography perfectly captures the colorful, painterly palette that is uniquely Santa Barbara. One of our missions at Santa Barbara Coast is to introduce you to local artists so you too can be inspired and support the talent in our midst.

From the art on the wall, to a delectable delight on a plate or a colorful can in your hand, we bring this issue to you so we can celebrate the creative, vibrant, and innovative ways Santa Barbara embraces fall. Enjoy!

MELISSA PEDRAZZINI, PUBLISHER

@SANTABARBARACITYLIFESTYLE

October 2024

PUBLISHER

Melissa Pedrazzini | melissa.pedrazzini@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Samantha Durbin | samantha.durbin@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Golden Hour Digital

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Shannon Brooks, Holden Dannelly, Zoe Echternacht, Tristin Tracy

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ian King, Emily Merrill, Will Pierce, Tristin Tracy

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

CUSTOM FURNITURE KEEFRIDER

$5,375,000

2 9 0 S h e f f i e l d | M O N T E C I T O $10,475,000

city scene

1: Chef Keven Lee of CKL Events serving caviar cones at the CA Wine Festival 2: Wine enthusiasts outside the HexClad VIP Pavilion at the CA Wine Festival 3: Upstream performs on the main stage at the CA Wine Festival 4: The crowd at Sta. Rita Hills Wine & Fire event 5: 2024 Vintners of the Year, Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini of Hitching Post Wines 6: Hartley Ostini bottles at Sta. Rita Hills Wine & Fire event 7: Past Vintners of the Year, Bryan Babcock (2021) and Rick Longoria (2022)
BOTTLE BRANDING
LUIS ESPARZA
BOTTLE BRANDING
BOTTLE BRANDING
LUIS ESPARZA
BOTTLE BRANDING
LUIS ESPARZA
8: Hennessey Beltran, Tony Lopez, Chito Elias, and Leif Palme at Dylan Star’s annual fashion show 9: Nicole Cline working the runway 10: Owner Erica Brown with Kelsee Haluszka and Randee Brookins
BRANDON BROWN
BRANDON BROWN
BRANDON BROWN

The first time Will Pierce showed his work to a local art gallery, the owner laughed at him. It was 2012. The owner suggested Will go to Summerland’s Porch to see if they’d be interested since they’d showcased local artists. The home goods store almost turned Will away, until they looked through his little redwood box of photographs. On the spot, they offered him a gallery show where he’d have to fill several large white walls. Will needed large-scale prints of his photos quickly, so he got a credit card to purchase an industrial printer and all the framing supplies to create museum-quality artwork. He built a handful of largescale pieces and hoped for the best.

Maria Schriver was his second customer.

Since then, Will has sold hundreds of pieces to homes worldwide. His large-scale commissions differentiate him from other seascape photographers. But Will offers fine art quality on every level, from an expert eye to atmospheric awe, and delivers a piece of customized framed art tailored for your home. You can see his pieces at Elizabeth Lamont’s gallery in the Pacific Palisades, among others, but the most extensive gallery is Will’s website, where he sells directly.

To see one of Will’s pieces in person is a breathtaking experience, like the serenity you experience after a long journey with that first glimpse of a beautiful ocean, expansive and hypnotizing. Your pulse slows, your body relaxes, and your eyes rest on the view indefinitely.

Much of Will’s work captures our backyard ocean, the Pacific, with a nod to impressionist art. A sailor and surfer, Will has shot from boats, sand, and cliffs, where motion is constant and lighting crucial. Here, Will tells us about his journey from showing in local art galleries to becoming a fine art photographer.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE WORKING WITH ART GALLERIES WHEN YOU WERE STARTING OUT?

The art gallery model was conventional. We had hundreds of canvases stacked up in the gallery, and we’d flip through them for customers, take them to people’s houses, and hold them up on the wall. But then COVID happened, and I transitioned everything to digital.

Before COVID, I would print samples, take them to people’s houses, and tape them up on the wall so they could see them in their space. My digital mockups are better. They’re easier and faster. And we can easily do multiple mockups and tweak the size and color. I started working with interior designers, and it became a way to customize everything to fit the space like people wanted.

Seascapes

FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHER WILL PIERCE CAPTURES THE GRANDNESS OF THE PACIFIC

HOW HAS THE IMPRESSIONIST ART MOVEMENT INFLUENCED YOU?

It was one of the best art movements. This movement was significant because, until then, everything had been figurative, like portraits, landscapes, and still life. It’s exactly the way this person or place looks. Impressionism was about how something makes you feel when you look at it.

WHAT IS YOUR SHOOTING TECHNIQUE?

My favorite technique is making the art impressionistic and painterly. It’s just motion. The camera is moving, and the water is moving. The sharp part is because I’m panning. Imagine a race car and a racetrack. The background is blurry, but the car is in focus. I’m painting the car, but the water is moving everywhere.

WHERE’S SOMEWHERE YOU’D LOVE TO SHOOT?

Salar de Uyuni, the salt flats in Bolivia. It’s the world’s largest salt flat. It’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen, especially for what I do.

TELL ME ABOUT LIGHTING AND YOUR IDEAL TIME TO SHOOT.

Twilight. When the sun goes down, twenty minutes or so after, and everything starts to equalize. Usually, the sky’s bright and the water’s dark, but when the sun goes down, the water lightens up, and the sky darkens down. Everything gets very zen. You don’t have a lot of contrast. There’s a difference between the highlights and the shadows.

Civil twilight is six degrees after the sun, and nautical twilight is another six degrees. This is sailor language, but it helps me when looking for different shots. I also love to shoot the last 30 minutes before sunset. You have the intense, golden sunset lighting, and then it softens.

DESCRIBE YOUR FLOW STATE.

I can shoot for a month, not every day, but what happens a lot is all of my best shots will be from one day in the whole month. And they’ll look different, for whatever reason.

One of the biggest challenges is shooting somewhere that looks the same every day and getting something different. That’s what my flow feels like; I have new ideas, and things just click, and I can feel it and see it afterward.

IF YOU COULD LIVE IN ONE OF YOUR PIECES, WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE?

“Splash.” I took it on the way to Catalina Island.

“One

of the biggest challenges is shooting somewhere that looks the same every day and getting something different.”

ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA DURBIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY MERRILL AND WILL PIERCE

WHAT KIND OF EDITING DO YOU DO TO MAKE A SHOT PRINT-READY?

The only thing I’ll do is overexpose it to make it brighter, which is subjective. The camera has its scientific formula for deciding how bright or dark something should be. I might lighten it up and bring out a little color. If I had to use Photoshop, it would probably not have been a good picture.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE TO CREATE A PIECE FOR A CUSTOMER?

I prepare each piece personally. If I have all the supplies and make everything correctly, it will take a couple of days. But it could be a week or two if those things aren’t in place. Nothing takes longer than mistakes. Rarely do I get to sit down and make a piece and have everything go exactly right the first time.

WHAT KIND OF PAPER DO YOU PRINT ON?

Archival museum quality canvas. The color is a pigment, like in an oil or acrylic painting. The pigment is finely ground and gets embedded in the surface of the canvas. It lasts the same amount of time as a fine art painting. It’s the same pigment, and that’s important. It has an archival UV varnish, and it doesn’t fade.

WHY DO YOU MAKE THE FRAMES YOURSELF?

I can’t buy them because of my larger dimensions. I’ve been looking since I started in 2012 and have never found it for sale anywhere, so I’m still making them myself. I did woodworking as a residential carpenter when I was younger. I start with big slabs of lumber and mill them down. It becomes more like an object when the frame is like this. The frame becomes part of the art of the piece. Especially with the large pieces—a 10-foot piece would be an inch and a half deep. Since they’re photographs, they need to be elevated.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?

I want to make mixed-media silkscreens available for sale on my website. www.piercefineart.com

Will and his family
The shot he’d like to live in: “Splash”

C O RDIALLY INVITES YOU TO:

PASSPORT TO T H E BAYOU

Honoring Rob Fredericks

Saturday, October 5, 2024, Two O’Clock in the Afternoon, Rancho Dos Pueblos

Santa Barbara’s most popular Silent Auction • Dine al fresco, by Lorraine Lim Catering

Please go to sbrm.org/bayou for details and to purchase tickets for this event

All proceeds to bene t the Homeless Guest Services and state-certi ed Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs of the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission

A Local Foodie’s New(ish) Favorites

I RUN THE INSTAGRAM @BITEMESB , A COLLECTION OF FOOD, DRINKS, AND BUSINESSES AROUND TOWN

Gala, Photography: Sara Prince
““The food, service, and European al fresco dining create an ideal dining experience.”

Gala has stolen my stomach since they opened. The food, service, and European al fresco dining create an ideal dining experience. Owners Tara (front of house) and her husband Jaime (chef) have poured their heart and soul into this restaurant. I even visited them for a glass of cava on my wedding day! With shareable Spanish-style tapas and Chilean influences, my go-tos are oysters, squash blossoms, pan con tomate (featuring Oat Bakery bread), and seasonal burrata. They have some of the best cocktails in town using local liquor, seasonal juices, and produce, and their own infusions—I love their turmeric gimlet. They also have a killer happy hour. 705 Anacapa Street, SB @galarestaurantsb

We Want the Funk is everything it promises to be. A Funk Zone newcomer, it’s casual and mostly outdoor, offering bright, seasonal food out of a cherry red food truck (with a wood-fired oven inside).

Owners Ted and Greer are pros and have created a one-of-a-kind space to gather and enjoy good food

We Want the Funk Gala, Photography: Sara Prince

and music. The decor is vibrant with a disco ball and mural by Michael Matheson that pulls in groovy 70s vibes. My go-tos: chopped salads, oysters, flatbreads, fries, and focaccia. Don’t skip the soft serve drizzled with olive oil. They always have something fun planned with live music every weekend. 210 Gray Ave. #A, SB @wewantthefunksb

Rascals Vegan’s egg McMuffin at a pop-up inside a coffee shop was my first taste of Rascals. The texture was spot-on, making me look forward to what they would do next. What started as a pop-up venture has evolved into a cute neighborhood joint on Haley with lots of light and personality. Today, Rascals is a vegan Mexican restaurant catering to a variety of palates. What makes Rascals exciting to me is their bold approach to traditional meat/dairy-dependent items. Their tortas, tacos, and bowls deserve their own moment but musts are the spicy elote and asada crunchwrap. Their food is just fun. 432 E Haley St. Ste A, SB @ rascalsvegan

zoe echternacht

Here are a few spots in my restaurant rotation. Follow me @bitemesb for fresh content, where I share daily about restaurants, events, and non-profits.

Rascals, Photography: Viviana Contreras

HAPPINESS canned

3 4 5

Artful canned cocktails inspired by the coast

1 - BEST COAST BEVERAGES : Best Coast Beverages is a stylish collaboration yielding sparkling wines made with Santa Ynez Valley grapes.

2 - YSIDRO :

Ysidro is a Montecito-based grapefruit sake spritz whose pink can evokes rosy sunset moments.

3 - NIGHT LIZARD BREWING COMPANY : Night Lizard Brewing Company thoughtfully designs their labels showcasing endangered species native to the central coast.

4 - VENTURA SPIRITS : Ventura Spirits Angeleno Spritz is a citrus pop-art riff on the classic Aperol spritz.

5 - MARGERUM WINE COMPANY : Margerum Wine Company Riviera Rose evokes romance with pink roses against stark white.

Photography: Seth Epstein
Photography:
ARTICLE BY SHANNON BROOKS

MOUNTAIN MAMA

Luxury leather goods Ivy Cove + Lompoc distillery Rock 12

1

ingredients: Mountain Mama

• 1.5 oz Rock 12 Apple Brandy

• 0.5 oz Rock 12 Victus Amaro

• 0.5 oz Fresh lemon juice

• 0.25 oz Pomegranate juice

• 0.5 oz Honey

• 1 Dash of Angostura bitters

• Splash of ginger beer

• Garnished with thyme and a lemon twist

instructions:

Add everything except the ginger beer to an Ivy Cove cocktail shaker with ice and vigorously shake. Strain into a fun glass with an oversized ice cube, add a splash of ginger beer, and garnish with a sprig of thyme and a lemon twist.

A seasonal spin on Rock 12’s house cocktail, “Country Roads,” the Mountain Mama is our fall cocktail obsession. Bright and zesty, this cocktail marries spirits crafted in the Sta. Rita hills with pomegranate, fresh lemon, and honey. Round that out with whispers of ginger beer, bitters, and a healthy sprig of thyme. Experience Rock 12’s lineup of smallbatch spirits at their Lompoc tasting room, also available at our local Albertsons.

Styling by The Story

Ivy Cove Luxury leather goods & accessories www.ivycove.com

Rock 12 Distillery Farm-to-glass distillery and tasting room www.rock12distillery.com

Serves

ARTICLE

restaurants EAT OUT: KID-FRIENDLY

WHOLESOME EATS AND DELICIOUS TREATS

Santa Barbara is a beautiful destination for beaches and outdoor activities and a haven for foodies, including families seeking kid-friendly dining options. As a local mom and family photographer, I enjoy sharing my local favorites. Indulge at the best kid-friendly restaurants across the coast.

“Sama Sama Kitchen is a great spot offering a welcoming atmosphere where kids are always welcome.”

Santa Barbara: Upper State Street

Brass Bear: Fantastic for families because parents can enjoy great beer while their kids have a blast in the play area.

Pokewaves: If you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing, Pokewaves is the place to go.

Edomasa: Sushi lovers rejoice—Edomasa serves up delicious and affordable sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi.

The Dutch Garden: This charming restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its European-inspired decor and outdoor patio.

Chicken Ranch: If you’re in the mood for barbecue, Chicken Ranch has you covered.

Santa Barbara: Downtown

Third Window Brewing: This brewery is known for its handcrafted beers, delicious smash burgers, woodfired pizzas, and Texas-style BBQ.

Lucky Penny : Lucky Penny serves amazing pizza that adults and kids love, and they also offer fun activities for children.

Buena Onda: If you’re craving empanadas, this is the place to go for Argentina flare.

Sama Sama Kitchen : Sama Sama Kitchen is a great spot offering a welcoming atmosphere where kids are always welcome.

La Paloma: La Paloma offers upscale dining with a family-friendly twist.

East Beach Tacos: East Beach Tacos is a fantastic spot for the whole family, offering delicious tacos and batting cages for extra fun.

Montecito & Carpinteria

Bettina: Delicious Italian cuisine and wood-fired pizzas made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Reservations recommended.

Padaro Grill: Known for its delicious burgers and kids play area in the sand, it’s a win-win for everyone.

Goleta

Freebirds: Freebirds is a popular spot for families craving Mexican food on the go.

Santa Barbara Fish Market: This seafood market offers a variety of fresh and flavorful seafood options, including fish, shrimp, and shellfish.

Menu Fan Thai: You can customize all entrees according to your preference, whether you prefer mild flavors or Thai fire. Vegetarian or vegan options are available.

Terra: Located in The Steward Hotel, Terra offers a fun breakfast and simple dinner experience for families.

Oat Bakery: Considered one of the best bread bakeries in the area.

Adapted with permission from a story on Tristin’s website: www.tristintracyphotography.com

JUNIOR LEAGUE SANTA BARBARA TURNS 100

Celebrating a centennial of female leadership

BY JLSB

These women are the real deal. From volunteering at over twenty nonprofits to their annual rummage sale, Junior League Santa Barbara members are passionate about helping others. This year, our local chapter celebrates 100 years of service. Read on to hear from members and presidents of JLSB, past and present, who share about their involvement with the League.

“A chapter was started here, one of the first in California, in response to the devastating earthquake of 1924, and it has continued, through the selfless and passionate efforts of women volunteers across a century to address the greatest needs of Santa Barbara. We’ve offered successful solutions in the areas of at-risk youth, fulfilling needs for families and those struggling to make ends meet or children needing educational support. We were the first in the state to open short-term residential therapeutic shelter for minor and transition-age youth survivors of exploitation and human trafficking.” —Kielle Campbell Lindsey, President 2018-2019

“The JLSB has not shied away from tackling tough social issues that affect young women.” —Lisa Knox Burns

“It has been one of the most rewarding and challenging things I have ever done. The nonprofits and survivors that we serve is what inspires me to volunteer everyday. I am grateful that the League is able to help so many, and I truly look forward to the League’s future and where we will be in the next 100 years.” —Jenni-Elise Ramírez, MBA, President 2023-2025

Historian Maxine Crandall

“Friday Night Live/Safe Ride was like Uber before cell phones for intoxicated teens.

But the catch was you could only go home when peers drove you. It ran between 10 pm and 2 am, but we were there many times until 4 am.” —Leslie Pearson Ryan

“Together we have created systemic change in SB County, documenting the increased quality, affordability, and accessibility to young working families over the years. Indeed, my life has been enriched by these connections and I feel gratified to have been well trained while making a difference in our community.” —Jennifer Bergquist

“I think that one of the biggest impacts we can have on young women is to show up for them unconditionally and to continue that support. We show up as volunteers, as peers, and someone who is there to listen and help.” —Jessica Postma

“The League provided me with a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that my efforts were making a positive difference.” —Angela (Bolea) Jevons, President 2013-14

“The most gratifying part of working with the Junior League has been volunteering with the S.A.F.E. House girls. It has been wonderful to spend time with these young ladies and watch them build confidence, pursue new interests and hobbies, and successfully graduate from the program.” —Donatella Lopez, 2024 Membership Council Director

Learn more or donate at: https://www.jlsantabarbara.org

Historial rummage sale
Annual rummage sale

OCTOBER 4TH – 6TH

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

California Avocado Festival

Downtown Carpinteria on Linden Avenue between Carpinteria Avenue and 6th Street | 10:00 AM

Come to Carpinteria for three days full of Peace, Love, and Guacamole. Live music, arts & crafts, delicious food vendors, and over a dozen nonprofits will be on site for you to help support. All proceeds go to the Carpinteria Education Foundation and the Future Farmers of America. Friday-Sunday. @californiaavocadofestival

OCTOBER 11TH – 13TH

NatureTrack Film Festival

Camino Real Cinemas and the Camino Real Marketplace Goleta, CA | 5:00 PM

In 2024 NTFF will celebrate its 6th anniversary and will be held at the Camino Real Cinemas and the Camino Real Marketplace in Goleta, bringing the festival to a wide and inclusive community full of nature enthusiasts and film lovers, as well as a region famous for its world class hospitality. @naturetrackfilm @naturetrack_

OCTOBER 12TH

Junior League Santa Barbara Centennial Gala

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, 8301 Hollister Avenue | 7:00 PM

VIP reception and general cocktail hour, silent auction, and festive fundraising activities. Three-course sit-down meal, and a short program followed by a live auction and paddle raise. A special 100th year honor will be awarded to a special woman, which will be presented by the Mayor. Email gala@JLSantaBarbara.org for more information. @jlsantabarbara

OCTOBER 15TH

Family Paint Party

Island Brewing Company, 5049 6th St, Carpinteria

Learn how to paint a spooky owl. Paintings will be done on 11” x 14” canvas panels and you will be guided through each step of the process. Open to all ages and there is no experience necessary. All paint supplies are provided, so just bring your enthusiasm.  ARTISPASSION-IBC25 for 25% off at checkout. @islandbrewingcompany

OCTOBER 17TH

Winemaker Dinner Series at Hotel Californian’s Blackbird

36 State Street | 6:00 PM

Hotel Californian is hosting a monthly winemaker dinner series at Blackbird. Each month, guests are invited to indulge in a four-course meal from Executive Chef Travis Watson. Featured wines from one of Foley Family Wines & Spirits 23 wineries. @hotelcalifornian

October 17 - FFW Luxury Reds

November 21 - Ferrari-Carano Whites

December 19 - Banshee Wines

OCTOBER 17TH

Full Moon, Full Potential, An Evening Celebrating Girls Inc.

Kimpton Canary Hotel Rooftop, 31 W Carrillo Street | 4:30 PM

Join Girls Inc. for Full Moon, Full Potential, an evening dedicated to celebrating the full and limitless potential in every girl we serve at Girls Inc. of Santa Barbara. Enjoy hors d’ouevres, drinks, live music, and more under a full moon. All proceeds fund equitable access to GIGSB programming. Limited tickets available. @girlsincsb

OCTOBER 18TH – 20TH & 25TH – 27TH

Boo at the Zoo

Santa Barbara Zoo | 5:00 PM

As one of Santa Barbara’s most beloved Halloween happenings, Boo at the Zoo, held on Oct. 18-20 & 25-27, features trick-or-treating, Zoo Train rides, a hay bale maze, creepy-crawly animal encounters, mad science experiments, bounce houses, dancing, and more! Tasty treats and booozy adult beverages are available for purchase.

OCTOBER 19TH

Harbor & Seafood Festival

Santa Barbara Harbor | 10:00 AM

The Harbor & Seafood Festival offers locals and visitors alike an interactive day, reminding us all that Santa Barbara Harbor is a working harbor where more than 100 fishermen land 10 million pounds of seafood each year, bringing $30 million to the local economy and beyond. @sbwaterfront

OCTOBER 19TH

40th Annual Santa Barbara Vintners Festival

Vega Vineyard and Farm | 12:00 PM

Taste wines from 50+ wineries and savor regional cuisine from dozens of restaurants, chefs, and food producers. Meet winemakers and owners and learn first-hand why Santa Barbara County was named 2021 Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Stop by the Bubble Lounge to sample the region’s best sparkling and enjoy live music and culinary and viticulture demonstrations. @santabarbarawinecountry

Over 100 Years Of Automotive Experience

Serving Santa Barbara and the surrounding cities.

• Family owned and operated

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• Great Selection of New and Pre-Owned Vehicles

Coast away in your Chevy today at Coastal Chevrolet.

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