188_blueline by Santa Barbara Magazine

MOSAÏQUE SURFACE

COMING

SOON TO SANTA BARBARA

HARDWOOD FLOORING LUMBER ARCHITECTURAL MILLWORK MOULDINGS DECKING & CLADDING

Homer

Sotheby’s Dusty Baker

Tabalipa Wine Co

M ARSHA KOTLYA R

ESTATE GROUP

8105 BUENA FORTUNA, RINCON POINT

8096 PUESTA DEL SOL, RINCON POINT

3599 PADARO LANE, CARPINTERIA

Coastal Properties - Goldberg

A rare opportunity to own a premier equestrian property in Los Olivos, spanning over 190± acres across four parcels. The estate features a stunning 5,000± sq ft Main House, a charming Casita, a spacious Guest House, and world-class equestrian amenities. Designed with the serious horse enthusiast in mind, the facilities include a mare’s barn, stallion barn, foaling barn, two additional barns, multiple offices and manager’s quarters, employee apartments, a covered arena, presentation arena with viewing area, fertile farmland with vineyard potential or polo fields, multiple wells, and so much more. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance to acquire an unparalleled equestrian compound.

COAST SUPPLY CO.

CARPINTERIA

SANTA BARBARA

Iconic and timeless—a 3-acre compound with private beach access and unrivaled views.

4295 Marina Drive, Hope Ranch

PRICE UPON REQUEST

6 BEDROOMS | 5.5 BATHROOMS | 3.3 ACRE LOT

CONTRIBU TORS

LIVE LE T TER

50 people, places, and must-haves we’re loving right now

New Discoveries Await!

Jennifer Smith

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Gina Tolleson

CREATIVE CONSULTANT

James Timmins

MANAGING EDITOR

Sarah Rutledge

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

Lesley McKenzie

SENIOR DESIGNER

Charlotte Bryant Medina

Moxi / Masthead

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Anna Ferguson-Sparks

Amelia Fleetwood

Jennifer Blaise Kramer

Lorie Dewhirst Porter

Jessica Ritz

Gabe Saglie

Hana-Lee Sedgwick

Katherine Stewart

Joan Tapper

Caitlin White

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ingrid Bostrom

Blake Bronstad

Sam Frost

Blue Gabor

Tierney Gearon

Michael Haber

Gray Malin

Elizabeth Messina

Dewey Nicks

Victoria Pearson

Sara Prince

Jessica Sample

Mariana Schulze

Trevor Tondro

Sotheby’s McDermut

LIFE’S NEXT ADVENTURE.

Maravilla / Masthead

TO OUR READERS

Santa Barbara Magazine invites you to share with us your reactions to our latest stories. Letters are not for publication, but please include your address in case we need to contact you. By mail: Reader Response Department, Santa Barbara Magazine, 2064 Alameda Padre Serra, Ste. 120, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. By e-mail: editorial@sbmag.com.

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ADVERTISERS

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TEdit Letter

Jennifer Smith

ON THE COVER: Illustration by D.J. Javier.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S ULTIMATE SHOPPING DESTINATION

JOHN CONNELLY

“I loved DJ’s Javier’s solo exhibition, Sari Sari, at Indoek gallery in Ventura last summer and was super impressed by its raw energy and ambitious spirit,” says the Santa Barbara resident who profiled the artist in “Bayan Surf Club” (page 94). SB MUST DOS The mini botanic garden at Seaside Gardens in Carpinteria ● A screening at the SBIFF Riviera Theatre Cinema Society ● Bar Le Côte in Los Olivos.

KERRY WHEELER

“Santa Barbara was the first place I ever took a professional photo. It was by accident and it was long before I ever knew I would become a photographer, but the point is, that SB was never the focus of my photography—until more recently,” says the shutterbug who trains his lens on his hometown in “Life Style” (page 118). SB MUST DOS The Speakeasy at San Ysidro Ranch ● Jeannine’s Bakery ● Miramar Beach.

Contributors

WILL ADLER

“Surf Turf” (page 128) showcases images from the lensman who has had a profound influence on the evolution of surf photography over the past 50 years, with a unique perspective and distinctive visual style. His action shots, combined with intimate lifestyle vignettes, reflect his immersion in the culture and showcase an insider point of view. SB MUST DOS Mollusk Surf Shop ● Helena Ave Bakery for lunch ● SeaVees for casual shoes.

LINDSEY ROSS

The photographer behind our feature on polo, “Game Day” (page 104), is a California-based artist who works with large-format photography and wet-plate collodion, a 19th-century process. Her forthcoming exhibition at Photography West Gallery in Carmel will feature rare vintage supercars. SB MUST DOS Yoga classes at Core Power Yoga ● Runs on the Jesusita and Aliso Trails ● Shows at the Santa Barbara Bowl.

Touchstone of Taste

Santa

Barbara icon

Wendy Foster, the local brand that’s always in style

WRITTEN BY JENN THORNTON

Capturing the essence of the Santa Barbara lifestyle, WENDY FOSTER is a local institution, a legacy lifestyle brand with an impeccable reputation as an arbiter of good taste and a collection of urbane local stores under one vibrant umbrella. From sumptuous clothing boutiques to the artisanal provisions and worldly treasures of Pierre Lafond, this local success story has faithfully— and fashionably—served the coastal community for over 50 years.

Wendy Foster

Foremost a story of connoisseurs and kinship, Wendy Foster is the product of the creative and collaborative synergy of brand namesake Wendy Foster and her partnership—in business and in life— with late entrepreneur Pierre Lafond.

“He was operations, I was beauty,” Wendy says of an alliance that began in the 1960s, when the forward-thinking Pierre, at the time the proprietor of a small liquor store, invited Wendy, a printer with her own graphic design business, to lend her eye to an already established clothing store.

Remarkably, the undisputed doyenne of Santa Barbara style remembers her first fashion buying trip as something of a disaster, confronted as she was by a sea of uninspiring polyester. Sobbing, Wendy rang Pierre from downtown L.A. to say that she simply couldn’t continue.

“It was just too hideous,” she recalls telling him.

The woman behind a legacy of style—Wendy Foster’s enduring influence is woven into the fabric of Santa Barbara.

Saved by her talent for “looking into the corners” and sourcing fabulous finds, Wendy found her raison d’être in retail, and at every subsequent Wendy Foster location—in Santa Barbara, Montecito, and Los Olivos—she built buying teams to “bring the best back to Santa Barbara.”

the brand’s personalized customer experience, “That’s the core of the brand—it’s everything,” Wendy says. “We carry the best styles for the season, but service is what we have to offer.”

Wendy Foster

The defining Wendy Foster brand aesthetic—sophisticated, understated, chic—reflects Wendy Foster herself. A child of both coasts, she was born in New York and raised in Santa Barbara. Growing up with a mother and grandmother who loved clothing and shopping, Wendy says, “I was immersed in style.” She also enjoyed a vibrant and creative cultural education, including formative experiences as an anthropology student in Mexico, working at UNESCO in Paris, and living on a kibbutz in Israel.

Naturally, this woman of the world brings the breadth of the experiences that helped influence her fine eye and meticulous touch to the brand that bears her name. Drawing her “soft and strong” aesthetic from the subtle hues, natural textiles, and artful trinkets that characterize wares she finds at the world’s finest trade shows, and in the hidden pockets, galleries, and independent pop-ups of places like Paris and other cosmopolitan outposts, she describes Wendy Foster as “not couture, not fashion, not trendy” but “innate style.” A taste that cannot be taught but which spans across all Wendy Foster and Pierre Lafond enterprises. As for

Decades after embarking on her first emporium with Pierre, Wendy Foster is still minding her business. An adventurist to this day, she continues traveling in search of exquisite treasures and muses on a dream trip to Peru, but also dedicates time and attention to her beloved garden, to reading, and to piano. As the years tick by, Wendy Foster’s philosophy endures. “Never fashion, always style.”

CLOCKWISE FROM

TOP: Condos line the beach of this laid-back coastal community; outdoor activities abound; the area’s natural landscapes attract wildlife; home of the “world’s safest beach”; the small town sits at the southern tip of Santa Barbara County.

Carp Still Shines

The relaxed vibe remains

Live - Carpinteria

Unlike some coastal California towns, Carpinteria has managed to keep a low profile, quietly holding on to its relaxed surf culture and unhurried, small-town feel. Much of its easygoing character remains—and a few longtime spots have stood the test of time—but a wave of new hotels and community gathering spots are subtly elevating the scene, bringing an air of modernity to Carpinteria’s seaside turf.

Tk.

WILL ADLER

“Carpinteria has always been about the ocean and the mountains— that’s the heartbeat of this place. Even with all the change in recent years, the spirit of Carp stays the same—wild, sacred, beautiful.”

—Matt Moore

Live - Carpinteria

Earlier this year Carpinteria native Matt Moore shuttered RINCON DESIGNS. A fixture for nearly 45 years, the popular surf shop was born out of Moore’s early passion for riding waves. What began as a tween’s hobby shaping surfboards grew into a full-fledged business that became synonymous with Carpinteria’s surf culture. Although Rincon Designs no longer has a storefront, Moore continues crafting boards in his Carpinteria studio, keeping the spirit of his youth alive.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Surfing is a huge part of Carp’s culture; old-school vibes; Moore’s Rincon Designs was a longtime staple on Linden Avenue.

WILL ADLER

While some local landmarks have closed their doors, a few proudly continue their legacy—like THE SPOT. Since 1955 this hamburger stand has lured surfers, families, and tourists from the nearby beach for oceanside fare. With burgers, chili cheese fries, milkshakes, and tacos on the menu, The Spot keeps it classic and approachable—a lasting tribute to Carpinteria’s roots. 389 Linden Ave., FACEBOOK.COM/THESPOTCARPINTERIA.

An institution for nearly 65 years, ESAU’S CAFE opened in Santa Barbara in 1961 before settling into its Carpinteria location in 2003. As the area’s oldest continuously operating breakfast spot, it’s known for its legendary buttermilk pancakes—perfected by original owner Tom Esau—and classic breakfast and lunch fare, from scrambles and omeletes to Mexican-inspired favorites. Run by the Stanley family since 1978, Esau’s remains a much-loved diner rooted in tradition and quality. 507 Linden Ave., ESAUSCAFE.COM.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The Spot’s familiar signage; family-owned Robitaille’s Fine Candies recently shuttered after 36 years; old-school dining at Clementine’s Steakhouse; breakfast takes center stage at Esau’s Cafe; The Spot’s menu keeps it classic.

Live - Carpinteria

A new chapter is underway at THE PALMS. Built in 1912 as a hotel, it later became The Palms, a beloved steakhouse known for its cook-your-ownsteak concept. New owners Mark Armenante and Young Sohn, along with their nephew and partner Ryan Sohn—all part of the team behind One White Street in New York City—are restoring the historic property as a 17-room hotel, breathing new life into this local legend. The on-site restaurant and bar will be led by partner and executive chef Daniel Kim, former sous chef at The Restaurant at Meadowood in the Napa Valley. Kim will also oversee the culinary offerings at their RINCON HILL MARKET, opening this fall in the former Oaxaca Fresh space next door. The marketplace will feature grab-and-go items, freshly baked breads, and made-to-order sandwiches, as well as a selection of organically grown produce from nearby Rincon Hill Farm. 701 & 721 Linden Ave., @RINCONHILLFARM.

Live - Carpinteria

Ones to Watch

Husband-and-wife Justin Klentner and Amanda Masters bring their expertise—his in property development, hers in interior design—to their latest project: THE POLO ROOMS. Set to open in 2026, it will include six short-stay rentals along Carpinteria Avenue, close to shops, restaurants, and the polo grounds. “It’s a new kind of stay in Carpinteria—a refined alternative to the typical hotel or short-term getaway,” Masters says. “The idea is to celebrate the rhythm of the California coast through a more traditional lens. I want it to feel like staying in the guest room of a friend’s English country cottage.” Blending subtle luxury with privacy and ease, the

five studios and one-bedroom suite will showcase elegant polo-inspired decor in soft hues and thoughtful amenities.

Slated to debut in 2027, THE SURFLINER INN will transform the corner where the railroad tracks meet Linden Avenue downtown. The 36-room property will feature a bright, airy design across two floors, capturing the casual, coastal vibe that has defined Carpinteria for decades. A café, a rooftop deck, and ample parking will add to the experience. “The city has been working diligently to bring this project to life for the last 10 years, and we’re honored to play a role in making it happen,” says Whitt Hollis, developer and partner of 499 Linden Managers. “The hotel will not only provide a meaningful boost to the local economy but also enhance the overall experience of visiting Carpinteria. Being able to travel here by train and stay just steps from the downtown and beach makes it all more accessible and relaxed.” THESURFLINERINN.COM.

THE PALMS, WILL ADLER

FROM LEFT:

rendering of the forthcoming Surfliner Inn; a vacant hotel along Carpinteria Avenue will become chic short-stay rentals; The Palms will reopen as a hotel and restaurant.

Organic, textural, effortless California style with a strong sense of place.

Live - Carpinteria

A New Hub

Fresh energy downtown

Situated in the heart of town, LINDEN SQUARE has quickly become Carpinteria’s newest dining and shopping hub. Formerly a retail shop, a metal farm building, and Hickey’s General Store—owned by the Hickey family for nearly 130 years—the site has been reimagined as a sleek open-air destination for eating, drinking, working, shopping, and gathering.

“We took an adaptive reuse approach to the design, peeling back tired facades to expose each building’s original bones, celebrating what they were, then carefully and creatively breathing new life into each,” says Matt LaBrie, the cofounder and developer of the property. With exposed steel, clean lines, and open walls surrounding a sunny courtyard, the complex seamlessly weaves a modern aesthetic into its

Live - Carpinteria

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Linden Square’s sun-drenched courtyard; counter service and open seating at Tina’s; designer Jodi G used plants and organic textures to add natural beauty; shellcovered surfboards from Forest Moon Art; local art plays a starring role throughout each space; colorful murals by Ben Anderson line the exterior walls; playful accents add personality to lounge areas.

indoor-outdoor flow. Original artwork, such as murals by artist Ben Anderson, and thoughtful elements by Jodi Goldberg of Jodi G Designs add color and character. “The goal was to create a space that felt like a luxury resort while staying true to Carpinteria’s laid-back, beach-town spirit,” Goldberg says. “That vision became the heart of the design: organic, textural, effortless California style with a strong sense of place.”

Showcasing a mix of familiar names and exciting newcomers—including Corazón Cocina, Third Window Brewing, Tina’s Pizza (Bettina’s little sister), Channel Islands Surfboards, The Shopkeepers, Dart Coffee, Olada, and Macher—Linden Square aims to bring locals together any time of day. “Our vision was to honor Carpinteria’s history and community, so we approached this project with a true local’s perspective,” says cofounder and developer Terry Huggins. “We set out to create something we’d love, of course, but more important, something the people of Carpinteria would embrace wholeheartedly.” 700 Linden Ave., LINDEN-SQUARE.COM. HANA-LEE SEDGWICK

The New Wave

Everyone loves being at the beach. But actually getting to the beach? Not so much. THE RIVIERA BEACH CLUB team has expanded its offerings with a full-service drop-off and pickup option at fully equipped setups on East Beach and West Beach. Packages organized in partnership with Riviera Beach House (and more hotels to come) include food and beverage menus and games, plus owner Brett Hunter and head of operations Neil Erickson organize seamless oceanfront bespoke events. “We can do anything from a ceremony to a Sunday brunch,” Hunter says. From $100 per person. BOOKSANTABARBARA.COM/ RIVIERA BEACH CLUB; @THERIVIERABEACHCLUB. JESSICA RITZ

Bag It

Style

Artist DAVID HORVITZ continues to champion public access to California’s environmental resources with projects such as his communityfocused experimental garden space in L.A. and the Nobody Owns the Beach message, which celebrates its tenth anniversary with a merchandise collection available at MCASB. SHOP.MCASANTABARBARA.ORG. J.R.

Nobody Owns the Beach tote bag, $45.

Trunk Show

The Coral Casino makes a different type of splash thanks to British brand ORLEBAR BROWN’S GRAY MALIN collection, also available emblazoned with Malin’s imagery of Côte d’Azur and East Hampton. $395. ORLEBARBROWN.COM. J.R.

The Riviera Beach Club setups, featuring the brand’s pink-and-white stripes.

Organic Synchronicity

“It was a beautiful coincidental synergy,” says MERLETTE founder Marina Cortbawi about selecting Montecito-raised Atherton Johnson to represent the brand for its Collection 21 campaign. “Her beauty is timeless, and that’s what we look for in our muses. As we were shooting on different beaches and places, she was recalling her memories.” Fittingly, Johnson channels the connection between the area’s beauty and Cortbawi’s sustainably minded designs, expressed through sophisticated casual silhouettes. The images deepen the Brooklyn-founded company’s commitment to Montecito, as Merlette transitions from a pop-up to a permanent brick-and-mortar boutique at The Post. The shop is stocked with lightweight pieces from the pre-fall collection, with more knitwear and denim to come, since “it’s all about layering,” Cortbawi adds. “Natural fibers seem to be very important to people here. I love how much that’s appreciated.” 1805 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Ste. 14, Santa Barbara, MERLETTENYC.COM. J.R.

Style

One to Watch

To artist and philanthropist Belle Hahn, TILLY MILLS’ debut collection effortlessly evokes “a garden party. You can twirl in these skirts,” she observes with delight about the edited assortment of the Santa Barbara native’s sustainably made, easy and elegant linen pieces in foundational solid colors. BYTILLYMILLS.COM. J.R.

We Love...

With its rounded volume that’s just the right amount of roomy for your summer essentials, CLARE V’s Pot de Miel bag crafted from woven natural fiber topped with a bamboo handle is perfectly earthy and sweet for summer. The honey pot-inspired piece is available in four colors. $245 CLAREV.COM. J.R.

Tilly Mills Meraki dress, $475.

Atherton Johnson wears the Kaede dress, $595, from Merlette.

Hat Trick

Stripe a Pose

Artist LULU DE KWIATKOWSKI (AKA Lulu DK) and designer NATALIE MARTIN have finally merged their respective talents. The duo’s collaborative debut builds upon Lulu DK’s Martin Stripe motif in four joyful colorways transformed into light, breezy cotton and silk pieces, perfect for sun-soaked Santa Barbara summers. “Like building a personally expressive gallery wall with Lulu’s prints, the Natalie Martin customer can customize a look all their own—as bold and playful as their imagination takes them,” Martin says. LULUDK.COM; NATALIEMARTIN.COM; DIANIBOUTIQUE.COM. J.R.

Style

$287.

“The Montecito store is a reflection of the textures and tones that inspire our work—earthy, warm, grounded in nature,” says hat revivalist JANESSA LEONÉ about her second physical outpost, located at Montecito’s The Post. In addition to a rotating selection of her signature and seasonal hats, shoppers will find new sculptural bags, knits, and accessories. “This new space allows us to share timeless California ease with our loyal Montecito and Santa Barbara clients, many of whom have been with us since the beginning,” she says. JANESSALEONE.COM. J.R.

Janessa Leoné Waverly hat,

CLOCKWISE: Lulu de Kwiatkowski (left) and Natalie Martin; a selection of fabric swatches; Lulu DK x Natalie Martin Alex dress, $190.

Owner, Lori Runnfeldt

KELLY FAJACK

“An immediate favorite of the staff, this camp shirt has a lovely texture and the most amazing embroidery. The perfect gift for Dad.” Ralph Lauren Double RL nautical-embroidered piqué camp shirt, $295.

“Culled from the recently out-of-printbook Lifeguard on Duty, this Nantucket guard’s image evokes a classic summer mood.” Peter, original photograph by Matt Albiani, from $1,300.

American Beauty

Style

Ralph Lauren Double RL is right at home among other East Coast-based heritage brands at MATE GALLERY. Global polo ambassadors Nacho Figueras and Delfina Blaquier hosted the kickoff party this past spring at the Montecito Country Mart, where shop founders Matt Albiani and Ron Brand bring an Atlantic-informed sensibility to the West Coast. Here is what catches Albiani’s eye among the eclectic treasures in store for summer. MATEGALLERY.COM. J.R.

“Very old-school Montecito, and the perfect gift companion to our candle.” Vintage Miramar Hotel matchbooks, $45.

“JAWS turns 50 this year, and this three-ply cashmere sweater pays homage to the iconic movie poster—perfect for evening beach dinners.” Shark cashmere sweater, $425.

Rope-wrapped surfboard, $1,500.

Beach Bonds

“Now that I’m a lady who goes on vacation to resorts with my girlfriends, I like to bring full looks, including matching with my swimwear. We’re not just surfing anymore. We have prints for swimwear this season, including a batik and

Designer HEIDI MERRICK is a true daughter of the California coast. The Carpinteria native’s parents met in Summerland, mere blocks from where she maintains her studio and by-appointment shoppable showroom of styles that tap into the soul of SoCal relaxed chic. HEIDIMERRICK .COM. J.R.

Homer Montecito rucksack, $1,100.

Style

“There was a picture of my mom in the 1970s when she was a bathing suit model, so I designed the Terry swimsuit with a tied silhouette based on that. It’s the smallest bikini I’ve made in a while.” $125 (each piece).

“We have fog sunglasses because it’s still foggy in June. They don’t look like you’re wearing blue-light computer frames.” Summerland frame, $225.

Must Haves

Laid-back luxury for the sand

Balenciaga x Scholl clog mule, $700.

Phoebe Philo towel, $800.

Cartagena-raised, Naples-educated MAYGEL CORONEL has a creative perspective on seaside living influenced by the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. “My brand has a Colombian soul and an Italian heart,” she says. The swimwear business she founded in 2017 expanded to include sleek, figure-conscious wear, ideal for pool or beachfront lounging. Her Montecito boutique marks Coronel’s first retail venture outside Colombia. MAYGELCORONEL.COM.

L.A. fashion and interior designer JAMIE HALLER offers her complete wearable line, from cult-following loafers to linen pants, along with a personal curation of art and decor that reflects her holistic and multidisciplinary ethos. “It’s a very experimental space for me,” she says. SHOP-JAMIEHALLER.COM. J.R.

Coast Garde

The

Post in Montecito emerges as a hub of female-led businesses that are evolving contemporary seaside style

THE GREAT has revealed another sensory-rich opportunity at The Post to discover their collections and eclectic personal picks. “Our hope is that each visit feels personal and inspiring—an invitation to style yourself in pieces that reflect our love of vintage charm and American craftsmanship,” says founders Emily Current and Meritt Elliott, who reunited with star talent Brigette Romanek of Romanek Design Studio to transform the 1,200-square-foot interior. THISISTHEGREAT.COM.

Style

FROM LEFT: Inside Maygel Coronel; the brand’s Onassis swimsuit, $198.

The Great boutique.

Jamie Haller

Double Buckle slide, $525.

Drawn from Nature

OPEN NOW

Rare and beautiful images of plants and animals from the Museum’s antique print collection are on view in this 30th anniversary exhibit.

Illustrations have served as crucial tools for scientific understanding for the past 400 years. See how artists and naturalists pictured nature.

Maximus Gallery

2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara 805-682-4711 • sbnature.org

SB Museum of Natural History

Beachy Keen

Come summer, umbrellas sprouting from the sand and rows of lounges with attendants ready to greet beachgoers are a welcome sight. THE BARBARA BEACH CLUB, founded by Brian Jones of Bliss Beach in partnership with the City of Santa Barbara is bringing this much-needed service to the American Riviera—specifically East Beach. Dip in for an hour or two and enjoy fundamentals like umbrellas, club chairs, and towels, plus more options to enhance your oceanfront experience, or host up to 40 with the Anacapa Cabana full-day deluxe buyout package. Rates from $15. THEBARBARA.CO; @THEBARBARABEACHCLUB. J.R.

Sea Sells

Boards, baubles, and bubbles by the shore

Style

Lulu DK Seashell I surfboard, $1,300.

Jennifer Behr Andrano collar, $1,148.

Saltist Sea Shell cocktail glass, $53.

Caption Tk.

ESCAPE IN A MOMENT

Deeply rooted in the region’s fresh, ﬂavorful bounty, Ojai Valley Inn’s masterful chefs and seven original dining outlets have earned our beloved resort a stellar reputation for culinary excellence. From signature Italian-California ﬁne dining at Olivella to our oneof-a-kind epicurean experience, The Farmhouse, we invite you to escape in a moment you’ll savor always.

“They represent an effortless and elegant way to dress, providing an endless summer of chic for the wearer from day to night.”

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: La Double

J, $1,150; Figue, $1,298; Missoni,

Let it Flow

Style

Whether in West Palm Beach or on Waikiki, a caftan just makes a certain imact. Vintage style expert Cameron Silver takes readers on a visual adventure exploring expressions of the iconic flowing garment with his new book, CAFTANS: FROM CLASSICAL TO CAMP (Vendome Press, $75). “Caftans are for everyone and have been rotating in wardrobes in various incarnations since we first began donning clothes,” Silver says. “Today, they represent an effortless and elegant way to dress, providing an endless summer of chic for the wearer from day to night.” J.R.

Vintage Vibes

Come time to discover bold summer caftans, swimwear, and accessories, look no further than Lisa Solis-Westley’s assortment of treasures at FUNK ZONE VINTAGE. “We’re trying to bring the fun back to vintage,” Solis-Westley says. “You’ll always find something fresh because we’re very seasonal.” Then pick your analog summer soundtrack a few steps away at Funk Zone Records, her husband Duncan Westley’s adjacent vinyl shop. 123 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara, @FUNKZONEVINTAGE. J.R.

26,280,000 minutes

438,000 hours

18,263 days

600 months

Montecito Bank & Trust

50 years ago...

...we started our journey of creating meaningful, lasting impact with and across the Central Coast.

Solar Power

Style

“I feel like I’m in a daily trance with the mountains, trees, springs, creeks, ocean, and dark night skies,” wellness maven and Moon Juice founder AMANDA CHANTAL BACON says about her move from L.A. to Montecito with her husband and their two children. “I am so grateful to be able to raise my family here, weave deeper into the community, and drive 18 miles an hour on country roads.” Follow her summer beauty regimen for a high-impact, low-maintenance strategy. MOONJUICE.COM. J.R.

Clean Living

Santa Barbara attorney Karen Bloom’s health journey inspired her to launch NATURAL HAVEN, a consulting service that offers a personalized road map aimed at removing toxins and creating healthier home environments. Clients can access her expertise either virtually or in-person. “You can do a lot to lower your exposure quickly and easily,” she says. “Some changes make a big difference.” From $300. NATURALHAVENSB.COM. J.R.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Roz Milk Hair Serum, $52; Moon Juice Milk Cleanse, $32; Activist Mānuka Honey Lip Balm, $35; KS&CO Sheer Tinted Brow Gel, $36; Moon Juice Plump Jelly, $58.

Try mixing 1 tsp Moon Juice Mini Dew, pomelo flavor, $44, with 1 tsp matcha powder, 4 oz lemonade, 4 oz sparkling water, and ice.

The artsy enclave brims with character and community spirit

Tucked at the base of the Topatopa Mountains, just 15 miles north of Ventura, lies Ojai, home to myriad bohemian artists, wellness seekers, locavore foodies, and creative free spirits. Although it’s one of Ventura County’s smallest cities, Ojai brims with character, charm, and its own distinct culture. Whether dining on seasonal fare, browsing independently owned boutiques, hiking scenic trails, or unwinding with a libation, visitors will find a place where life moves more slowly, creativity runs deep, and the vibe is equal parts rustic and refined.

Hotel El Roblar is the newest iteration of Ojai’s oldest hotel.

Furniture Gallery

After an extensive renovation to revive Ojai’s longest-standing hotel, HOTEL EL ROBLAR is reemerging as a contemporary lodging destination. Built in 1919, the property has been thoughtfully revamped by Eric Goode, Ramin Shamshiri, Jeremy McBride, and Warner Ebbink—blending timeless appeal with modern comforts. The result is a space that feels nostalgic yet current, with 31 beautifully appointed guest rooms, 11 bungalows with private courtyards, and eight rooms designed with a more minimalist touch. A stylish lobby bar, modern Mexican restaurant, serene pool, European-style breakfast, and complimentary bicycles round out the guest experience. 122 E. Ojai Ave., THEROBLAR.COM.

Live - Ojai

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP

LEFT: Ojai’s creative spirit is evident on every corner; the entrance to Hotel El Roblar; the European-esque facade of Rory’s Other Place; tinned fish on display at Rory’s Other Place; the popular Buffalo-Milk Matcha Affogato.

Building on the success of their beloved Ojai restaurant, Rory’s Place, sisters Rory and Meave McAuliffe opened RORY’S OTHER PLACE last year. Located next door to their dinner spot, the quaint café and market has become a daytime hub for locals, blending the charm of an Italian coffee shop with the allure of a Parisian wine bar. Culinary delights include homemade pastries, quiche, sandwiches, and a Niçoise salad, plus a standout buffalo-milk soft serve ice cream, which is available in a cone, as a sundae, or as an affogato. A small but thoughtful selection of grocery goods—including salad dressings, granola, wine, and olive oils—round out the offerings. 133 E. Ojai Ave., RORYSPLACEOJAI.COM.

SARA PRINCE

Live - Ojai

Founded by Shiny Chan, INYUN COLLECTIVE showcases a thoughtfully curated mix of timeless apparel, vintage furniture, art, handmade ceramics, and design-forward pieces—each chosen for its “function, beauty, and soul,” Chan says. She collaborated with designer Blair Moritz to imbue the space with a calm and welcoming aesthetic that’s rooted in simplicity and intentional living. It’s “like stepping into a quiet, lived-in moment,” Chan says. “There’s a clarity to Ojai that encourages presence and connection, both of which we try to reflect through the objects we carry.” 105 S. Montgomery St., Unit A, INYUNCOLLECTIVE.COM.

Since opening its doors in 2019, OJAI RÔTIE has become a staple for locals and visitors alike, known for its French-Lebanese-inspired picnic fare, rotisserie chicken, and freshly baked sourdough bread. The fast-casual spot has a relaxed, unfussy vibe that perfectly complements what owner Lorenzo Nicola describes as “upscale affordable” cuisine, which highlights “local ingredients and family recipes.” Enhancing the food is a beverage menu of nonalcoholic drinks, local craft beers, and wines predominantly sourced within 100 miles. 469 E. Ojai Ave., OJAIROTIE.COM.

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FROM TOP LEFT: Distinctive art and housewares line

the shelves of Inyun Collective; Inyun’s airy interior; freshly baked goods at Ojai Rôtie.

Shelter Social Club knows a thing or two about reimagining roadside lodging, as is evident in their popular Ojai Rancho Inn and Alamo Motel. Their latest project, the 31-room HUMMINGBIRD INN, has been thoughtfully refreshed, bringing a modern sensibility to its Spanish cottage-style charm. “The inn didn’t have a clear identity before,” says Shelter Social Club cofounder Kenny Osehan. “Now it feels like it’s always been this way—thanks to local artisans like Ren Ceramics, Rebekah Miles, and the Epoch Collective, who helped bring the vision to life.” Located on a quiet edge of town, this effortlessly cool escape features a swimming pool, a communal firepit, and cozy bungalow rooms— perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. 1208 E. Ojai Ave., HUMMINGBIRDINNOJAI.COM.

Live - Ojai

One to Watch

Designer Emily Hirsch brings her signature cool-girl aesthetic to Ojai with TALON JEWELRY, her showroom and shop. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and ancient iconography, Hirsch creates whimsical, wearable art—from zodiac pendants and skull studs to turquoise cuffs and gemstone rings. The space features a collection of ready-to-wear pieces, with the option to book custom consultations with Hirsch herself. 423 E. Ojai Ave., Ste. 103, TALONJEWELRY.COM.

Emily Hirsch in Talon’s Ojai showroom; her designs draw on zodiac symbolism.

Before opening its brick-and-mortar space in OJAI ROOTS had already established a local presence, offering produce from its regenerative farm to restaurants and residents. Today the shop is stocked with seasonal vegetables, olive oil, and wine—all from the farm—along with kitchen provisions and housewares. At night the place transitions into an inviting wine bar, featuring a rotating selection of vintages that can be enjoyed indoors or outside in the garden, a tranquil setting that invites conversation and leisurely sips. “There’s been so much change in Ojai in recent years,” says chef and partner Peter Marcus. “As Ojai natives, we felt it was important to our small team to create a space that feels welcoming and accessible—somewhere people can stop by day or night, pick up fresh produce, enjoy good wine and snacks, or celebrate something special.” 315 N. Montgomery St., OJAIROOTS.COM.

Live - Ojai

For years, the OJAI VALLEY INN has been a fixture in the community, drawing people from near and far to enjoy its pristine grounds, 31,000-square-foot spa, leisure-focused amenities, and Spanish Colonial–inspired design. A variety of room types ensures a comfortable stay, while curated experiences encourage guests to savor the best of Ojai. Summertime brings a vibrant lineup of activities—think guided hikes, s’mores by the fire, chef-led dinners, aerial yoga, Jeep tours, and Linus bike and picnic outings—each designed to spark relaxation, inspiration, or adventure. Beyond the programming, “there are so many secret spots throughout the property

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A collection of artisanal goods for the home and kitchen at Ojai Roots; Ojai Valley Inn guests can grab a picnic to-go from Libbey’s Market before biking into town; a perfect wine-and-cheese moment at Ojai Roots.

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Best Picture

for guests to discover, unwind, explore, and connect with nature,” says Brynne Dorsey, marketing specialist for the Ojai Valley Inn, who adds that catching Ojai’s “pink moment” at sunset is a seasonal must. 905 Country Club Rd., OJAIVALLEYINN.COM.

Kat Turner, a recent Top Chef contestant, brings her culinary chops to Ojai with HIGHLY LIKELY, which opened this spring. With two successful L.A. outposts in their portfolio, partners Chelsea Matthews, Alex Matthews, and Cary Mosier have created a space that celebrates Turner’s approachable, globally inspired comfort food, always with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Housed in the former Beacon Coffee space, this sleek all-day eatery serves a wide selection of breakfast and lunch items, from chilaquiles to falafel bowls, alongside teas and bold coffee drinks. In the evening, wine, cocktails, and heartier dishes take center stage. 211 W. Ojai Ave., ITSHIGHLYLIKELY.COM.

Live - Ojai

Despite recent growth, Ojai—with its slow pace, locavore values, creative energy, and peaceful setting—maintains the kind of charm that feels familiar yet deeply rooted in community. “Ojai is small but mighty, attracting a level of creativity that’s both impactful and essential to its authenticity,” says Kenny Osehan. Adds Shiny Chan, “My husband, daughters, and I moved here seven years ago. But even before that, Ojai felt like home. We’re constantly inspired by the people who make up this community—artists, growers, healers, and thinkers—and the way their work is rooted in care and intention.” H.L.S.

Ojai possesses one of the best art house movie theaters anywhere—the OJAI PLAYHOUSE —thanks to its generous owner, David Berger, who spent $10 million and four years restoring and renovating the historic downtown theater, which has been an integral part of the community since the silent-movie era. Robert Kupiec of Kupiec Architects PC headed the theater’s revitalization, upgrading audience amenities to include custom theater seats made in Spain, an outdoor garden, a microcinema, a green room, and a café and bar. The programming is a curated mix featuring first-run art-house films, nostalgic classics, Oscar contenders, and midnight movies, with some screenings free of charge. 145 E. Ojai Ave., OJAIPLAYHOUSE.COM. LORIE DEWHIRST PORTER

Likely’s warm, minimalist interior; the restaurant specializes in comforting dishes from chef Kat Turner.

Cone or Cup?

CREAMINAL’s incredibly inventive flavors and bold colors have helped them live up to their cheeky name. Husband-and-wife duo Piti Sukavivatanachai and Kathy Dao were helping out in their family’s restaurant when an ice creammaking lesson led to more experimentation with Thai and Asian flavors. Their classic coconut ice cream started it all, but other offerings now include Basil Mint Chip, Thai Tea Oreo, and Vietnamese Mud Pie. If you can’t make it to the original brick-and-mortar location, inside Your Choice Thai Restaurant on State Street, check for their sweets at The Sando Truck. Vegan options are also available. EATCREAMINAL.COM. CAITLIN WHITE

The weekly ice cream social No Sad Sundaes at Creaminal includes wild combinations like the Matcha Strawberry Shorty, with pale green ice cream, strawberry shortcake crumble, and a dollop of strawberry jam.

Hand Held

Honey of a Drink

HIGH SEAS MEAD is a passion project from Austin Corrigan, who single-handedly brews it locally in Santa Barbara. What is mead, you ask? For Corrigan, it’s an “homage to the West Coast way of life that’s equal parts crisp, clean, and crushable.” The mead is made with honey and is both organic and gluten free. He does cider, too. A dedicated tasting room in the Funk Zone near Milpas Street is now open for those interested in a new way of drinking. 210 Gray Ave., Santa Barbara, HIGHSEASMEAD.COM. C.W.

Along with sister brand, Single Fin Cider, Austin Corrigan and his wife Anne run the tasting room and all the production for their clean, crushable drink High Seas Mead. Comfy seating and a playful mural set the tone at their laid-back space.

Taste

Fried and crispy Mary’s chicken or pork tonkatsu with a healthy serving of katsu sauce make up the main offerings at THE SANDO TRUCK. Inspired by a visit to Japan, chef Nick Gillio uses impossibly soft, fluffy white shokupan milk bread for his traditional-style sandwiches. The menu includes vegetarian options with potato salad or egg salad, making this food truck a welcome staple in the Funk Zone and at special pop-up events. 210 State St., Santa Barbara, THESANDOTRUCK.COM. C.W.

The milk bread and fried chicken (or pork) sandwiches from Nick Gillio are the perfect quick bite before an afternoon wine tasting or make for a wonderful late night snack.

Pasta at The Post

Taste

Acclaimed chef Jackson Kalb’s American-Italian kitchen OSPI just opened its doors at The Post in Montecito. A stint on Top Chef helped catapult Kalb’s profile in Southern California, where he now runs multiple restaurants, including three other locations of Ospi. At this newest venue, Kalb and company did their homework; the design subtly nods to Santa Barbara style. In the main dining room, a classic horseshoe bar in turquoise, cream, and gold dominates the room, which is lined with booths accented by ocean blue banquettes and dazzling old world chandeliers. Outside, a long patio sports crosshatch brick underfoot and white-and-orange striped umbrellas overhead.

What’s on the plate is just as carefully created, with standouts like spicy Japanese eggplant and wood-grilled Neapolitan meatballs—complete with pork, beef, and pine nuts— kicking things off. Pastas and pizzas are the main event here, with the signature spicy vodka rigatoni and a raschiatelli (cavatelli) with pork sparerib sugo as the must-order pastas. That same vodka sauce on a pizza, slightly spicy and dotted with stracciatella and pickled Fresno chiles is another standout. Like the pastas and pizzas, any of the heartier secondi courses are great for sharing. So is dessert—a solitary layer of tiramisu, not too soggy, topped with cream and a dusting of cinnamon and nutmeg. Understated, excellent, and classic— with a contemporary twist. That’s Kalb’s signature style from snout to tail. 1801 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Ste. F, Santa Barbara, OSPI.COM/MONTECITO. C.W.

Alhough cookbook author and master gardener Valerie Rice has had plenty of success in the food world on her own, chairing an event that felt like a celebration of all the women who inspire her in the industry was a recent career high point. Dinner in the Garden honoring Alice Waters was a chance for the central coast culinary community to rally around Waters one last time to honor her as the recipient of the Julia Child Award before it was awarded to the next candidate. “It honestly gave me goosebumps to be involved in something so uniquely Santa Barbara,” Rice says. “It was truly a magical blend of my cherished mentors and passions, creating an experience that felt like a joyful celebration of everything I love.” Hosted at the Lath House at the Bellosguardo Foundation, an Italianate villa built back in 1902 that has been converted into a museum and is now open to the public, Rice chaired the event that featured organic produce from Rincon Hill Farm and exquisite wines by Rajat Parr, along with more cooking by local legends like Suzanne Goin, Daisy Ryan, and more. “It was both a joy and an honor to have my dear friend Suzanne Goin, who wrote the introduction to my cookbook, join us in bringing this meal to life,” Rice said. “The entire team of chefs worked harmoniously,

Taste

JACK DAHLIA

Taste

making collaboration effortless as we shared a common vision. I’m still dreaming of the salad she made in Alice’s honor.”Along with Waters, the ongoing legacy of Julia Child had a considerable impact on the event. “As a kid, I was a devotee of Julia Child’s PBS show alongside Jacques Pépin, which truly ignited my passion for cooking,” Rice said. “I cherish the memories of spotting her around town in the very early 2000s at her favorite restaurants and the farmers market. She was a beacon of positivity and inspiration in the kitchen.” In conjunction with Santa Barbara Culinary Experience, the event also featured generous contributions from Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Field + Fort, Luretík and Presqu’ile. C.W.

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JACK DAHLIA

SBIFF’S FILM CENTER PRIORITIES:

• thoughtful programming

• the revitalization of downtown

• an art gallery with film-themed exhibits

• increased accessibility and ADA compliance

• plush seating

• state-of-the-art sound and projection

• modern plumbing, electric and HVAC

• local healthy artisanal snacks

Few settings incarnate the artistic ethos of Santa Barbara better than the Meridian Studios, a complex of colorfully patinaed 1830s adobe buildings on De La Guerra Street, making it the ideal locale to celebrate the magazine’s Spring issue. To toast the occasion, Anna and Bion Rice, owners of ARTISTE WINERY in Santa Ynez, poured glasses of The Palm Façade Rosé with Joffrey’s cover art of the same name on the label. Artiste, known for its wines with specially designed labels, will release for sale three additional wines bearing Santa Barbara Magazine cover images by local artists during 2025. Noted chef and cookbook author Pascale Beale provided an edible still-life of garden vegetables and dips to accompany The Palm Façade Rosé. ARTISTE.COM. L.D.P.

Taste

Must Have

Our 50th anniversary celebration continues with “Under The Sun,” 2024 White Wine Blend, Santa Barbara County from our collaboration with Artiste Winery and our cover artist DJ Javier. ARTISTE.COM.

FROM TOP: Chef and author Pascale Beale’s bountiful spread; Artiste’s Palm Façade Rosé, featuring label art by Olivia Joffrey.

Organized.indd 1 5/23/25 11:09 AM

Truly Organized / Merril Lynch

Advice for what matters most, when you need it most

Congratulations to The JJD Group for being named to the Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” 2025 list, published on January 9, 2025. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2024.

The JJD Group

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 1424 State Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101

805.963.6302 fa.ml.com/jjdgroup

2025 Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” list. Opinions provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone duediligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management and Firm-generated revenue (investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerance vary). SHOOK’s rankings are available for client evaluation only, are not indicative of future performance and do not represent any one client’s experience and available for investor help in evaluating the right financial advisor and not an endorsement of the advisor. Compensation was not received from anyone for the rankings study. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Details available at the SHOOK Research website. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S) is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, and Member SIPC. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC and MLPF&S are wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation. © 2025 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. MAP5911614 | AD-02-25-0016.B | 472538PM-0124 | 02/2025

FROM TOP: Tk.

Taste

Ocean Bounty

Ever since the landmark Beachside Bar-Café at Goleta Beach closed its doors after 36 years back in 2021, locals have been waiting with bated breath for a new concept to claim the prime, county-owned oceanfront restaurant. Now Omar Khashen’s passion project, THE ELLWOOD, is finally open, and it’s quite a transformation from the relaxed homey vibes of the old venue. Bright wallpaper, marble tabletops, navy banquettes, and lots of sunlight define the new style, while seafood appetizers like ultrafresh snow-crab claws and refreshingly light calamari tie back into the panoramic ocean views. “The Ellwood is more than another restaurant project to me,” Khashen says. “It was about creating something lasting in Goleta that the community can be proud of. This project represents years of vision, sacrifice, and the deep desire to build a place that truly belongs to Santa Barbara County.” Khashen tapped local chef Craig Riker to bring fine-dining expertise to the dinner service, which features a colorful array of seasonal Californian ingredients with Italian and Asian influences. At dinner, order the calamari as a steak, making it the base of a chicken parmesan-style plate with red sauce and mozzarella. Or go a little lighter with salmon poke punctuated by miso tahini. Brunch is also served on Saturdays and Sundays, which tend to be the busiest days at the beach. 5905 Sandspit Rd., Goleta, THEELLWOOD.COM C.W.

Tables in the Sand

Chef Massimo Falsini’s background in fine dining long preceded his time at CARUSO’S, Montecito’s premier oceanfront restaurant, and he has now infused Santa Barbara’s essence into the upper culinary echelon, earning both a Michelin star and a green Michelin star for sustainability. At Caruso’s the effortless service and delicate presentation create a dining experience that’s completely unparalleled in the region. 1759 S. Jameson Ln., Montecito, ROSEWOODHOTELS.COM/EN/MIRAMAR-BEACH-MONTECITO/ DINING/CARUSOS.

For more than 20 years SHORELINE BEACH CAFE, under the ownership of Oliver Pihlar since February, has been offering grilled and fried classics like fish and chips, salmon, and seared ahi tuna, and steaming hot clam chowder for the gray days. The delicious secrets on the menu are the seafood tacos and burritos, rotating with the fish of the day and served with cabbage, salsa fresca, and tomatillo salsa. 801 Shoreline Dr., Santa Barbara, SHORELINEBEACHCAFE.COM.

In Carpinteria, the beachfront PADARO BEACH GRILL is the perfect laid-back stop on the way in or out of town. A mix of burgers, salads, sandwiches, and fresh-caught seafood ensures that the classic menu here has something for every mood and hunger level. Splurge on the shakes, floats, and sundaes for a sweet treat before getting 3765 Santa Claus Ln., Carpinteria, C.W.

Channel Island halibut with delta asparagus, fermented rhubarb and Vin Santo Burro Fuso at Caruso’s.

DJ Javier, photographed in his vibrant Funk Zone studio surrounded by his colorful graphic paintings, prints, and sculptures with zines, stickers, and works in progress for his upcoming solo exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara in fall 2025.

hhe graphic designer, artist, and muralist DJ Javier is a true hometown success story, a Santa Barbara phenomenon whose work combines the immediacy of street art with a colorful beach-centric surf vibe that has its own specific bold language, palette, and character. His infectious collection of cartoonish figures, bright colors, and catchy phrasing project a vibrant realness that also communicates an unapologetic embrace of his Filipino legacy and first-generation status. This winning combination of Southern California coastal cool and earnest, raw energy has led to major brand collaborations with big names like Adobe, Shake Shack, Netflix, and the Los Angeles Rams. His colorful Funk Zone studio is steps from the beach and filled with posters, art books, and product collaborations, such as a Star Wars line of socks with the apparel company Stance and custom sneakers by shoe manufacturer Vans. Bayan Surf Club is the name of this multidisciplinary studio, which intentionally blurs the lines of art and design. For Javier, it’s where “graphic designer meets semipro doodler, meets art director, meets surf rat.”

You can find Javier’s artwork and murals scattered throughout Santa Barbara at local businesses like Lighthouse Skate Shop, Your Choice Thai Restaurant, Dune Coffee Roasters, and Haven Barber & Shop, and he credits growing up in this city and his father’s work ethic for his success.

Feature - DJ Javier

“My father’s story leads to my story,” Javier says. It was his dad, Oliver, who first brought the family to Santa Barbara, after a seven-year stint working in construction in Saudi Arabia where he would see his family only once a year. A subsequent job offer in the United States led to a brief stop in Florida and then a transfer to Santa Barbara, where he started his own construction business and never looked back. Javier says both he and his father are very stubborn. Oliver had a persistent drive to succeed with his family in the U.S., and Javier had no Plan B when he decided to forge ahead with his career as a designer and artist. He had tried drafting as a student at Dos Pueblos High School, but his lack of passion for the subject led to his embrace of design and an eventual degree in the subject from Azusa Pacific University in 2015. He claims he got where he is as a result of his work ethic, which he learned from my father: “Nothing will be given to you; you will have to earn it,” says Oliver.

Ten years later, with numerous projects, exhibitions, and collaborations under his belt, Javier has planned his most ambitious exhibition

Bayan Surf Club, a multidisciplinary studio steps from East Beach, is filled with posters, artbooks, apparel, and products. The studio has worked on major collaborations with big names like Adobe, Stance, Shake Shack, Vans, Netflix, and the Los Angeles Rams.

to date, a solo show at the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB). The title, San Milano Drive, refers to the El Encanto Heights/Goleta family home where Javier grew up with his four brothers and sisters, and which embodies his Filipino-American success story. The place represents a convergence of cultural perspectives and the intersection of traditional Filipino cultural practices and core values of camaraderie, hospitality, and faith with a strong emphasis on family bonds and community (known as Bayanihan in the Philippines).

Javier is a self-described rap music aficionado, and San Milano Drive is also where he first heard Fifty Cent, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre, whose music influenced his personal and creative style. Javier also cites Saturday morning cartoons and skate and surf culture as

inspirations, as well as artists David Flores, Cody Hudson, and Barry McGee. It was McGee’s 2018 solo exhibition at MCASB that spurred the young artist to move beyond thinking such an opportunity might never be within his reach.

At MCASB, Javier will be unveiling four new large-scale sculptural works, a mini-survey of paintings, and a retrospective of his numerous T-shirt collaborations. One of the focal points of the show will be a custom “Nipa Hut”—a communal gathering space for family and friends found in most homes in the Philippines—that references the Bayanihan custom of helping neighbors relocate, and “The San Milano Sari Sari,” Javier’s take on the ubiquitous tiny Filipino neighborhood market. It will feature local artists and creative friends in his network, along with his personal brands and

Feature - DJ Javier

In his short career, Javier has fought against the lack of diversity, affordability, and accessibility in surf and ocean culture.

special MCASB collaborative merchandise. Other exhibition highlights will be a tricked-out, customized tricycle, a popular form of public transportation in the Philippines, designed and fabricated by Alex Guerena of the Boom Boom Bike Room, and the “Videoke Machine,” a reimagined karaoke machine funded by the David Bermant Foundation. A series of new, dynamic murals will tie everything together.

Feature - DJ Javier

In his short career, Javier has fought against the lack of diversity, affordability, and accessibility in surf and ocean culture, and he actively supports local nonprofits like the Sea League, which encourages youth from all backgrounds to engage in ocean stewardship. He himself came to surfing relatively late, only learning to swim at 17 and to surf at 18. “I never had interest in surfing growing up,” he says, “because I didn’t see many people who looked like me or had the same interests or style as me in the lineup.” But the sport’s influence on him and his work is indelible.

While Javier now works with major national brands and has public projects across the country, it is the local connections that provide special satisfactions. Javier truly believes in empowering his community: “My goal is to create work and embody the person/artist/ surfer that I wanted to see growing up, hopefully inspiring the young version of me out there to get in the water and do the same.” •

DJ Javier with his father, Oliver, as a boy outside his childhood home on San Milano Drive in Goleta, which inspired the title of his upcoming solo museum show.

“My goal is to create work, and embody the person/artist/ surfer that I wanted to see growing up, hopefully inspiring the young version of me out there to get in the water and do the same.”

DJ Javier preparing for his first solo museum exhibition at The Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara, October 5, 2025, through April 26, 2026.

GAME DAY

WRITTEN

GINA TOLLESON

Polo Dek tk

PHOTOGRAPHS BY LINDSEY ROSS

Pull Quote Tk.

Feature - Polo

LIFE STYLE

Photographer Kerry Wheeler takes us from the mountains to the sea in his cinematic hometown

“Santa Barbara has this rare thing—it’s laid-back but elevated. You’ll be driving a vintage car through the mountains with ocean views, and later you’re eating a hamburger at the beach or oysters at Brophy’s.”

Beach Break: The walk from the Miramar to Hammond’s is amazing. We take every guest down that little hedged trail, across the little bridge. And the second they hit the sand, they fall in love with this place. I think it’s the best sunset you can find in California.

Dog Days: There’s still a small-town feel to it. You go out for coffee and see someone you know. You talk about the years, instead of the days. And it’s still a town that’s incredibly comfortable and familiar, even as you watch it change right in front of you.

Knowlwood has always had a soft spot in my heart. It is serious about tennis without trying to impress anybody. They’ve still got the same coaches who taught me when I was a boy. That’s what I love about it: 20 years later, they’ll still ask how your forehand is.

“When you grow up in a place, there’s a kind of quiet intimacy you want to protect, like a secret between you two that you’ve always known.”

This place isn’t one thing. It’s layered, familiar, private. It’s a collection of memories and versions, different for everyone. These photos are just a few of those moments I happened to notice, on the rare days I had the nerve to walk through my hometown and really pay attention. And when you walk around this town with a camera, you can’t help but stop and notice how wonderful it truly is. For more of Kerry Wheeler’s photography, visit @worldofkerry.

for

Ready

inspection: Al Merrick shows off the sleek shape of one of his twin-fin creations.

How Al Merrick, Tom Curren, and Jimmy Metyko ’s compelling imagery created an epic era in Santa Barbara surfing

Feature - Al Merrick

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JIMMY

METYKO

Surf T urf

Feature - Al Merrick

Santa Barbara was hardly in the surfing spotlight in 1979 when Texas native Jimmy Metyko came to study at Brooks Institute of Photography. A surfer himself, Metyko pointed his lens at young Tommy Curren, a future pro champion who was riding innovative Channel Islands surfboards designed and shaped by local Al Merrick. To accommodate Curren’s competitive ascent, Merrick began adapting the highly maneuverable boards being ridden by top pros to fit Curren’s innate ability to seamlessly link maneuvers at high speed, resulting in more refined version of the contemporary performance surfboard. From 1980 to 1983, Metyko’s images appeared in Surfing and Surfer magazines, introducing the local wave scene and the tri-hex Channel Islands

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Al Merrick with students Tommy Hassenbien, Billy Deardorff, and Alexis Usher; Metyko’s book cover; a fully logoed, squash-tail thruster, one of many ridden by Tom Curren in 1983. OPPOSITE: Curren in the tube on a Channel Island board.

In 1981,

Tom Curren contemplates the latest shape of a new Merrick board with airbrush art by Bernie Tsao. OPPOSITE: Al Merrick smooths a new creation in the confines of his Channel Islands shaping room.

Feature - Al Merrick

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: There is no mistaking the shop behind the work; Curren and Merrick in a pre-heat strategy talk in 1980; at the highway above Rincon; a freespirited “wave van”; the parking lot at Rincon carries a stenciled warning to interlopers; Shaun Tomson (holding the board) encourages Merrick to pull up his wet suit and get out on the waves at Rincon; Curren close-ups; Russ Short checks out the big-wave drama at Rincon Cove; a marked-up photographic slide.

“When I first moved to Santa Barbara, the best advice I received about the Sandspit was, ‘It’s too inconsistent to wait for. Go about your life, and when it happens, it will happen.’”

—Jimmy Metyko

Sandspit spectacular: Surfers welcome the wave action around the west-toeast-oriented breakwater in

during the stormy 1983 El

Santa Barbara’s harbor

Niño year.

An Affair

to Remember

No one captures the color-drenched vibe of the Santa Barbara coast better than local painter HANK PITCHER . Growing up in Isla Vista, he was a star fullback at San Marcos High School. He went on to study art and literature at UCSB’s College of Creative Studies, where he has been a core faculty member since 1971. His fearless approach and masterful technique have remained consistent over five decades. Yellow Umbrella, 2024 was the undisputed

star of Pitcher’s solo exhibition at Sullivan Goss—An American Gallery titled Hank Pitcher: The Miramar Affair, which featured 20 paintings depicting the sandy enclave of Miramar Beach. The title refers to Pitcher’s youthful romantic adventure with “a sophisticated New Yorker from the Upper East Side” who agreed to move in with him “if I got us a house on Miramar Beach.” He got the house. As for Susan, the New Yorker, he married her. L.D.P.

Hank Pitcher, Yellow Umbrella, 2024