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Masterclasses and More

The Fellows are flying in… the virtuosos are visiting…and table saws are spinning (huh?)… the Music Academy’s Summer Festival is in full swing, page 21

The Magic of Maui

In

Advice for what matters most, when you need it most

Congratulations to Donna Weidl for being named to the Forbes “Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” 2024 list, published on February 8, 2024. Rankings based on data as of September 30, 2023.

The JJD Group

Donna Weidl

Senior Vice President

Wealth Management Advisor Portfolio Manager

805.963.6308 donna.weidl@ml.com

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

805.963.6302 fa.ml.com/jjdgroup

2024 Forbes “Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” list. Opinions provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC and are based on in-person, virtual and telephone due-diligence meetings 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). 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 should not be considered an endorsement of the advisor. Compensation was not received from anyone for the 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.

The Bull Symbol and Merrill are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. A Portfolio Manager can help clients pursue their objectives by managing on a discretionary basis her own Personalized or Defined Strategies, which may incorporate individual stocks and bonds, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies.

© 2024 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

5 Beings & Doings – Miki Dora – foundational surf enigma and cat burglar – left the U.S. and his fallen ‘Bu. When he came home to Montecito it was to die.

6 Meeting at MA – The Weiser Agency and HUB International explain in detail the current status and future of homeowners’ insurance

8 Montecito Miscellany – A&L announces their new season, TVSB’s birthday bash, a special estate enters the market, and more miscellany 10 Letters to the Editor – The Montecito Hot Springs are bubbling up again after a group tries to dismantle the pools Tide Guide

The Giving List – Hospice of Santa Barbara is turning 50, and with its care and legacy comes a Compassion Campaign

Our Town – Photos and moments from the Cold Spring School Sixth Grade, Laguna Blanca Lower School, and El Montecito Early School graduations

Society Invites – The Environmental Defense Center hosts its annual Green & Blue event with special honors going to Hillary Hauser

16 The Way It Was – The Montecito Hot Springs have been in the news again and this reprint of an old article reveals that they have long been a hot topic in the area

18 Brilliant Thoughts – Hurry up and head over to the column to hear Ashleigh’s musings on speed, steps, and everything in between

20 Robert’s Big Questions – Is tribalism good or bad or somewhere in between? Well, it depends.

21 This Week at MAW – Percussion Fest takes a visit to the hardware store, plus masterclasses, string quartets, and more are on the way

22

On Entertainment – The PCPA Theaterfest returns for its 60th year, Bloomsday celebrates James Joyce at the James Joyce, and other literary happenings 24

Montecito Health Coach – The loss of a parent can be life changing – here are some suggestions for processing it

25 Elizabeth’s Appraisals – A yard sale find tells of the history of stuffed animals, technology, and of course – Teddy Roosevelt

26 An Independent Mind – California has some new regulations on minimum wage and deepfakes, and Jeffrey has some thoughts on their impact

27 Your Westmont – Senior engineering projects are a hit, admissions conference draws more than 400, and alumna offers art exhibition

28

Travel Buzz – After its devastating fires, Maui is still going strong – both in community and ambiance

33 The Optimist Daily – Hemp is building up in popularity as a construction material and the research proves its benefits

40 Calendar of Events – Measurements and more at MOXI, Alan Parsons at the Samala Showroom, Juneteenth, and more happenings

42 Classifieds – Our own “Craigslist” of classified ads, in which sellers offer everything from summer rentals to estate sales

43 Mini Meta Crossword Puzzles

Local Business Directory – Smart business owners place business cards here so readers know where to look when they need what those businesses offer

Beings & Doings

Miki Dora Was Here

by Jeff Wing

Troubled Surf legend Miki Dora – the Dark Prince of Malibu – remains a cipher. His lifelong desire to live in the moment has made him a mythic figure in the surf pantheon; a stature that in his lifetime royally pissed him off. Pop culture shorthand has reduced Dora to a James Dean for the surf set, the London Times once even calling him “Kerouac in board shorts.” Dora’s elaborate efforts to dodge the norms and traps he saw at every turn only magnified his reputation as a mercurial outlier, a smoldering surf pioneer of few words. All he wanted – all Miki Dora ever wanted – was to be left alone. The desperate lengths he went to in pursuit of that grail would put him into the cage he’d spent his youth fleeing.

A surf god and unwilling totem, Dora lived simply to surf. What sounds plainly childlike would occasion a lifetime of petty thievery, scamming, and double-dealings, all in the name of unfettered days and nights. His ‘70s-era disappearance would make him a globe-hopping enigma one step ahead of the law, his legend (to his own profound annoyance) only amplified once he left the surf scene. By the time the little boy lost finally came to ground, he would be a 67-year-old man falling into the arms of his father, living out his final days in Montecito.

Beach Blanket Budapest

This most American of icons, Miklos Dora III was born in Budapest in 1934. His mother, a Los Angeleno named Ramona Stancliff, had met his father in Hungary while traveling the world with her eccentric mother and sister. Miklos Sr., a Royal Calvary officer, was smitten. He and Ramona married in Hungary, but the young family moved in short order to LA, where the former cavalryman opened a restaurant called Little Hungary.

Miki was six when Ramona and Miklos Sr. split and she married charismatic legendin-the-making Gard Chapin. Tall, blond, muscular, and angry, Chapin was a striking early longboarder whose mastery of the unwieldy 90 lb., ten-foot redwood plank made him a kingpin, and he raised Miki to similarly walk on water. Miklos Sr. had already introduced young Miki to surfing at San Onofre, and with his stepfather Gard’s guidance, Dora would become a preternatural longboard surfer. Dora’s profoundly relaxed style – walking gracefully around the longboard as it slipped down the front of the wave – would earn him a nickname; “Da Cat.”

At home, Chapin was a ruthless disciplinarian, and a sometime terror for his stepson, Miki. Neither was Chapin much liked on the beach, his surly sense of claiming or owning a wave new to the scene that often saw several pals sharing a ride into shore, laughing, and goofing. It’s been said that the indefinable Miki Dora absorbed old world gentility from his Hungarian father, and both his revulsion for norms and his angry loner persona from Chapin. In any case, Dora’s two fathers effectively informed the surfer’s fractured personality throughout this life.

Curtain Fall and Dora’s Escape

By the mid-fifties, Dora, Dewey Weber, Mike Doyle, and Mickey Muñoz were tanned royalty on the mellow sands of Malibu, and were inadvertently helping to manufacture, in their language and lives and habits, what would

Da Cat in his element

Meeting at MA

Homeowners’ Insurance on the Mind and Agenda

by Joanne A Calitri

The Montecito Association (MA) held its monthly board meeting on June 11 in person at the Montecito Community Hall. The agenda was Homeowners Insurance Availability and Solutions. The presenters were Kelly Weiser from The Weiser Agency and Grace Neumann, Managing Director of HUB International. In lieu of a formal presentation, MA Executive Director Houghton Hyatt, opened a Q&A with MA questions, and then took inquiries from the board and public.

MA. How does Hub International help clients with insurance?

There are two ways to write insurance in California, the admitted carriers, and the non-admitted carriers – which a lot of businesses are going toward in Montecito.

We do everything we can to make this challenging market easier for our clients – the different types of carriers we have access to, and the ways carriers are doing things now.

Priorities – decide what you want covered and paid for – structure, contents…

Choosing different deductibles – e.g. choosing to have a $1 million wildfire deductible and $250,000 general deductible costs $60,000 less for insurance than the standard $20,000 deductible.

Carriers are now layering policies: One company may take the first $3 million and the next company take the next $2 million. [This is] more common on home insurance in the last two to three years.

MA. What factors are crucial to assess a property’s insurability?

Fire risk – What is the fire line score of the property, tree limbs, fire protection or flammables around the house itself? Cypress trees on the property and bark mulch within five feet serve to blacklist the property as not insurable.

Market saturation – How many homes are insured on the same road/block? How wide is the street for a fire truck access?

Condos are more difficult to insure than homes today.

Occupancy of the property – rentals are harder to insure than private or second homes.

MA. Solutions and strategies for property insurance?

When we go to the underwriters and close, we want to make sure we have the best picture of the property – e.g. there are alarms, there are water and gas shutoffs, backup generator – so we have an in-depth discussion with the client first.

It’s important to have everything upfront so you do not have to go back to the underwriters.

Insurance companies red light people who go price-shopping brokers – they will decline coverage.

Be mindful that most of the time if you receive a renewal offer it is likely better than new options available today. After we review it, we make recommendations to work with their existing broker to lower the premium.

MJ. A property insured for over 25 years goes on the market and the new buyer can’t get it insured…?

It is true, once they sell the house it is brand new underwriting for any carrier. We are back to the same strategies as a new policy.

The insurance carrier does not renew it for the new buyer because they do not want to write new business in California – they are limiting their exposure. If it’s good exposure they may stay on it, like the perfect house in the middle of the town; but if there’s any chance they can get off of it, that’s their opportunity to do so. The carrier, though, has to list a reason they will not insure it.

MJ. Do you suggest people have à la carte policies for their property?

It depends. If the property is super high value, has no fire or flood issues, it’s a

UP TO 30% OFF ALL DINING SETS

Montecito Miscellany A&L Launch Party

by Richard Mineards

U CSB

’s popular Arts & Lectures program is celebrating its 65th anniversary in grand style with more than 47 events in the entertaining lineup for 2024-2025 featuring world-renowned artists, forward thinking speakers, and impressive ensembles.

to reflect on the organization’s stories past and celebrate with our friends and supporters. It’s also time to look ahead and imagine what the next 65 years can bring.

“We have learned so much, not only from the fabulous, star-studded array of performers, creators, Nobel Prize winners and civic leaders who have graced our stages, but also from the community that has come together around our programming and the heroes who have stepped up and contributed to support our efforts.

“We see evidence of the program’s impact everywhere we look ... The image of our impact shines bright.”

Performance highlights include legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma, the Wynton Marsalis Ensemble, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, violinist Itzhak Perlman, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Twyla Tharp Dance with an A&L co-commission, a new tap interpretation of the “Nutcracker Suite” by Dorrance Dance, and two programs featuring soprano Julia Bullock. Lecture and special event highlights include Salman Khan’s “Brave New Words,” Yotam Ottolenghi, Jennifer Doudna, Anne Lamott’s “Somehow Thoughts on Love,” and Pico Iyer in conversation with Yung Pueblo, Richard Powers, and Marina Abramović

Among the 200 supporters at the Montecito Club listening to the new program outlined by Celesta, Charles Donelan , Caitlin O’Hara and Meghan Bush were KEYT reporter John Palminteri , Congressman Salud Carbajal, Marianne Partridge, Henry and Dilling Yang, Gretchen Lieff, Margo Cohen Feinberg, Mark Whitehurst, and Kerry Methner

The program’s longtime Miller McCune Executive Director Celesta Billeci says the new anniversary season “includes an exciting mix of old friends, rising stars, and new discoveries.”

“It’s more than a milestone. It’s a time

The new season kicks off Oct. 1 with Snarky Puppy, described as “Jazz, Funk and More from North Texas with a rabid fan base and a blithely unplaceable style” at the Arlington Theatre, with other venues including the Granada, the Lobero,

Miscellany Page 344

Congressman Salud Carbajal, Celesta Billeci, and John Hajda (photo by Priscilla)

Caitlin O’Hara, Celesta Billeci, Dorothy Largay, Meghan Bush, and Charles Donelan (photo by Priscilla)

Letters to the Editor

Residents Attempt to Destroy Montecito Hot Springs Pools

On the early morning of May 27, 2024, a group of local homeowners/residents escorted a demolition crew carrying picks and shovels to destroy the Montecito Hot Springs pools. About eight people in all, dressed in black. This event was captured on a video taken by a hiker, a young man, who was en route to the hot springs. When confronted by this hiker the crew ran away with their black masks and hoods pulled over their faces. The video captures one resident engaging in a confrontation with the hiker. In it, she claims the pools are illegal. Both parties asked the other if they have a permit. Humans have been appreciating the healing nature of these hot spring pools for thousands of years, dating back to Chumash times. California has many wilderness hot springs. Has a permit ever been required at any of these springs to construct a pool using surrounding rocks? The pools are grandfathered in due to long-standing usage. Andrew Madsen, Public Information Officer for Los Padres National Forest told Noozhawk the Forest Service doesn’t plan on removing the pools (see Noozhawk PM Report June 4, 2024). He said: “The Montecito hot springs have been used by the public as well as the native inhabitants in this area since long before Los Padres National Forest came into being.” Maybe the hot springs can be

dedicated to the Chumash people.

Seeing rocks placed in streams to form pools is common throughout California. Sometimes pools are made by children. One doesn’t see the government destroying these pools, but Mother Nature sometimes does.

Why didn’t the residents apply for a permit to take down the pools, instead of taking the law into their own hands? Since the pools are on public land and not designated as a monument it would appear the residents have as much right to take down the pools as someone has to create them.

But why do so? Why rob people the opportunity to enjoy the healing waters. Many low-income persons visit the hot springs. The springs offer equity to low-income people, since all can afford to enjoy them. The people who want to destroy the springs could make up for the loss of equity from doing so by donating money for low-income people to enjoy local spas, which are not equitable right now. It would be a different story if the hot springs weren’t being taken care of. But that’s not the case. Local volunteers keep the area clean and know the importance of doing so to preserve the free springs. Yes, there may be some litter from time to time, but it gets picked up.

The good news is that the majority of people who visit the springs are responsi-

ble. They appreciate Mother Nature and are good stewards of the land. Montecito residents go there. I met a volunteer with the Montecito Trails Foundation enjoying the hot water.

Concern has been expressed that water is being diverted from the creek. For most of the year the hot springs are the beginning of the creek, and the water stays in the creek. So no diversion. No harm to wildlife, either.

Real water diversion is a serious matter, harming wildlife, and Montecito Creek Water Company has been engaging in this practice for many years. In fact, prior to the acquisition of the land for the public, the water feeding the present-day hot spring pools was siphoned off for estates, robbing the creek of much needed water. The Fish and Game Department put a stop to this practice.

The water company is still siphoning the water from hot springs in the next canyon over – Cliff and Barn Hot Springs. The traditional pools in those locations are no more. This taking of water from our public lands is legal but unethical.

Members of the public who are seeking peace and healing should be left alone. A couple of years ago the MJ published an interview with a Sheriff’s Department representative concerning the cameras placed at the hot springs and nearby. He described a meeting at the trailhead parking lot. At the meeting a resident who lived nearby mentioned how people were jumping over a fence erected during the closure of the Los Padres National Forest. This resident asked if it was okay to install cameras. A law enforcement officer from the U.S. Forest Service approved of doing this. Subsequently, a well-known local elite installed a camera, including one pointed directly at a hot spring pool that had naked people in it.

A permit was never acquired to place the cameras which had false tags stating they belonged to Public Works. An investigation by the Sheriff’s department was supposed to occur, but we never heard

MONTECITO TIDE GUIDE

any more about this from local media. If an ordinary citizen had placed the cameras, he or she would be in big trouble. But because the operation was approved and executed by elites, there are no consequences for anyone. Another example of the double standard in justice. If local media weren’t trying to protect elites, it could engage in a serious investigation, and help bring equity to justice. What will local homeowners and residents think of next? If there are no consequences to a camera aimed at naked bathers, or rocks placed to block hikers from parking on the public right of way, they are likely to be emboldened. Bryan Rosen

Executive Editor/CEO | Gwyn Lurie gwyn@montecitojournal.net

President/COO | Timothy Lennon Buckley tim@montecitojournal.net

Managing Editor | Zach Rosen zach@montecitojournal.net

MoJo Contributing Editor | Christopher Matteo Connor

Art/Production Director | Trent Watanabe

Graphic Design/Layout | Stevie Acuña

Administration | Jessikah Fechner

Administrative Assistant | Kassidy Craner VP, Sales & Marketing | Leanne Wood leanne@montecitojournal.net

Account Managers | Sue Brooks, Tanis Nelson, Elizabeth Scott, Natasha Kucherenko

Contributing Editor | Kelly Mahan Herrick

Copy Editor | Lily Buckley Harbin

Proofreading | Helen Buckley Arts and Entertainment | Steven Libowitz

Contributors | Scott Craig, Ashleigh Brilliant, Kim Crail, Tom Farr, Chuck Graham, Stella Haffner, Mark Ashton Hunt, Dalina Michaels, Robert Bernstein, Christina Atchison, Leslie Zemeckis, Sigrid Toye, Elizabeth Stewart, Amélie Dieux, Houghton Hyatt, Jeff Wing

Gossip | Richard Mineards

History | Hattie Beresford

Humor | Ernie Witham

Our Town/Society | Joanne A Calitri

Travel | Jerry Dunn, Leslie Westbrook Food & Wine | Melissa Petitto, Gabe Saglie, Jamie Knee

Published by:

Montecito Journal Media Group, LLC

Montecito Journal is compiled, compounded, calibrated, cogitated over, and coughed up every Wednesday by an exacting agglomeration of excitable (and often exemplary) expert edifiers at 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite G, Montecito, CA 93108.

How to reach us: (805) 565-1860; FAX: (805) 969-6654; Montecito Journal, 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite G, Montecito, CA 93108; EMAIL: tim@montecitojournal.net

The Giving List

Hospice of Santa Barbara

by Steven Libowitz

hen Hospice of Santa Barbara officially opened its doors back in 1974, only one other hospice organization existed in the entire United States, making HSB just the country’s second nonprofit that focused on the nonmedical care, comfort and quality of life of a person with a serious illness who is approaching the end of life. Now, as HSB is marking its 50th anniversary of meeting the needs of people and families struggling with life-threatening illness or grieving the death of a loved one, the nonprofit is launching its Legacy of Compassion Campaign, an effort at both much-needed fundraising and increasing awareness of its services to the community.

Hospice offers a vast array of services that are all provided free of charge to literally thousands of local children, families, and seniors. Patient Care Services provides wraparound care and support to individuals and families when they receive the terrible news of a life-threatening diag-

nosis, with HSB’s caring team of staff and volunteers helping families navigate the medical system, provide emotional support and offer practical solutions to real world challenges facing patients and families. Hospice’s Adult Bereavement Services provide caring support to many seniors and other adults who have lost spouses, friends or, tragically, even children. And HSB’s Children’s Bereavement Services work closely with 17 local schools to provide compassionate counseling to children struggling through the loss of a parent, grandparent, or friend.

“Even as we celebrate that history of serving so many thousands of families, we know that there are lots of people who don’t even know who we are, let alone what it is we do,” said Charles Caldwell, HSB’s Director of Strategic Advancement. “So we’re utilizing this 50th anniversary year as an opportunity to increase awareness, and make sure that new people know that we’re here when you need us.”

Our Town Cold Spring School Graduation

by Joanne A Calitri

TThe 2024 Cold Spring School grads with CSS Principal Amy M. Alzina, teachers, and Board (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

osity, creativity, and kindness firsthand. Their ability to explore the world with empathy and innovation has been truly inspiring. This year, the students have embraced challenges with a creative mindset, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. They have applied the principles of the Leader in Me 7 Habits in their daily lives, proving themselves to be not just students, but leaders capable of making a positive impact in the world. Their commitment to being proactive, setting goals, and collaborating is commendable. As they move forward to new adventures, I encourage them to continue exploring, innovating, and leading with empathy. The skills they have honed at Cold Spring School will undoubtedly guide them in creating a brighter future for themselves and others. I wish the sixth-grade class all the best in their journey ahead. May they continue to shine, dream, and make the world a better place.”

Student Body President Luke Wooten gave the commencement speech. He recapped their teachers and top experience in each grade and extracurricular studies, and thanked the teachers, staff, Alzina and parents.

6th Grade Awards were presented as follows:

Alyssa Smelley Citizenship Award: Morgan Haas

Outstanding Athletes: Luke Wooten and Alanna Moreno Pena Grit Award: Grace Pattison

he Cold Spring School Sixth Grade 2024 Graduation – “Go Dolphins!” – was held on Thursday, June 6, at 8:30 am in the school’s auditorium. Students processioned to the stage and sang, “Time of Your Life” by Green Day, accompanied by Music Specialist Sara DiSalvo, on piano.

CSS Superintendent and Principal Amy M. Alzina EdD opened the ceremonies with her welcome and thanks to the parents, faculty, and staff. She acknowledged parents who have had their child or children in the school, bringing them on stage to receive a flower.

For the graduation class she said, “I will try to not cry but this class is very special, not only for their outstanding scholastic achievements and STEAM, but also the love they have. The Cold Spring School sixth grade class is a remarkable group of young individuals who have shown exceptional growth and resilience throughout their journey.

“As their Superintendent/Principal, I have had the privilege of witnessing their curi-

Our Town Page

CSS Kindergarten Teacher Lisa Ishikawa received an award for her years at the school (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

Play. Learn. Discover.

Society Invites

EDC’s Annual Green & Blue: A Coastal Celebration Honors Hillary Hauser

by Joanne A Calitri

The Environmental Defense Center held its annual event titled, Green & Blue: A Coastal Celebration, on Sunday, June 9, in the lush green gardens at Rancho La Patera & Stow House in Goleta.

The 500 attendees of supporters, friends, families, fans, and politicians from the tri-county region and beyond came together to celebrate the organization’s successes of coastal and climate issues. During the reception, Silent Auction items went fast while guests dined on hors d’oeuvres and dessert from Duo Catering, beer from Rincon Brewery, and wine from the Ojai Vineyard.

The EDC honored the various Chumash and Tongva communities, who provided the original names of the Channel Islands for use as the names of the sponsorship levels, such as Limuw, the name for Santa Cruz Island, and Wi’Ma for Santa Rosa Island. EDC staff stating, “We are using these names to acknowledge that the places we are working to protect are unceded Indigenous lands.”

The program opened with the Land Acknowledgment by Mia Lopez who taught and advised that it is important and respectful to honor the correct Chumash tribe name for each land area and not group it just under the name Chumash. She encouraged people to reach out for guidance.

EDC Board President Rob Tadlock and EDC Board VP Lauren Trujillo provided the welcome remarks and acknowledged present elected officials, Chumash elders, the EDC Board of Treasurer David Powdrell, Gerardo Ayala, Richard Francis, Vijaya Jammalamadaka, Jim Salzman, Leanne Schlinger and Sabrina Venskus; and EDC staff of Executive Director Alex Katz, Assistant Director Betsy Weber, Senior Analyst/

Society Page 324

Front: Lee Heller, State Senator Monique Limón, Congressman Salud Carbajal, Linda Krop, Eleanor Gartner, and Andi Garcia; Back: Stephanie Roberson, Geordie Scully, Hannah Atkinson, Goleta

Councilmember James Kyriaco, and Alex Katz (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

HTO from left Noah Boland, Randi and Harry Rabin, Hillary Hauser, Branden Ayoran, Jasmin Tupy, Curt, and Valerie Ayoran (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

The Way It Was

Montecito’s Hot Springs Canyon

Revised from MJ Vol. 17 Issue 19

by Hattie Beresford

By 1880, Montecito’s Hot Springs were so ancient that the Morning Press felt compelled to write their history. The hot springs, the article said,

had been used by the Chumash since time immemorial. After the coming of the Europeans, the springs, though belonging first to the Pueblo and then to the City of Santa Barbara, “were preserved for the use of the citizens who chose to take benefit of their healing properties, or

for thrifty washerwomen.” In fact, whole families used to camp near the springs for several days while the women pounded the dirt out of that season’s laundry and laid the items over accommodating bushes to dry.

When Pvt. Walter Murray arrived in Santa Barbara as a member of Company F of the 1st New York Volunteers in April 1847, he was placed on garrison duty and had plenty of free time to explore the area. In his memoir he wrote, “One of our favorite resorts was the ‘Sulphur’ or hot springs.” After negotiating the overgrown trail, he and his companions found “three or four springs of differing temperatures and different ingredients, if one may judge by the color; one of

J O I N U S ! J U N E 1 3 - 2 3

them being a bright pinkish hue, another green, another indistinguishable from ordinary water.”

In later years, studies revealed some 20-plus springs ranging in temperature from 60 degrees to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The medicinal properties of these springs were believed to be of great value in treating a multitude of diseases. Medical scientists of the time asserted that rheumatism, gout, Bright’s disease, liver troubles, and bladder irritation were sure to disappear with daily treatments of the spa waters. The antacid quality of the water benefited dyspepsia and conditions of the blood and urine. In addition,

Stereopticon (3D of the 1880s) of Montecito’s Hot Springs Resort in its heyday (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

A burro-drawn cart hauls an invalid to her cottage room (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

HOME IS OUR FAVORITE DESTINATION

Brilliant Thoughts

Keeping in Step

by Ashleigh Brilliant

You have probably heard about the restaurant customer who says to the waiter “Bring me a scrambled egg – and step on it!” I can almost guarantee that that joke did not originate before 1900. Why? Because it was only the coming of the automobile (which started happening about then) that brought to public consciousness a pedal called the “accelerator,” which the driver stepped on to get more speed. And so “step on it” became a metaphor for “do it fast.”

Of course, there were other, earlier, expressions for “go fast” in what we might call the Pre-Automotive Age. One, as a sort of cliché, was “Home, James – and don’t spare the horses!” The poor horses had nobody to speak on their behalf – at least, not until 1824, with the founding in England of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Measurements of human speed, as you probably know, go back much farther than that. One milestone (so to speak) supposedly occurred in 490 B.C., when a Greek runner raced from a battlefield at a place called Marathon to the capital in Athens to report a Greek victory over invading Persians. This story was not related until about 500 years later, by the Greek historian Plutarch, who included the touching detail that, after giving his news, the runner dropped dead.

And, with the revival of the (originally Greek) Olympic Games in the 1890s, the idea of staging footraces over that same original distance of about 26 miles has acquired vast and enduring popularity. And the very word “marathon” has come to be applied to all kinds of competitive activities, from cooking to ballroom dancing. Some of these events were really endurance contests. In 1969 a movie was made about the dancing version of the ordeal. It was called, They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? It graphically depicted what some people were willing to go through, back in the Depression

Era of the 1930s, for the sake of big cash prizes. Of course, these exhausting tourneys had strict rules. Between the brief and widely spaced rest periods, the couples had to remain on their feet, and moving in some sort of perceptible pattern, although, in the last stages, they were in effect holding each other up.

But that was only one kind of torment suffered in the name of Marathon. We also have “read-a-thon,” “eat-athon,” “walk-a-thon,” – and, in the world of advertising, where they love to play with words for commercial purposes, we naturally have the “sale-a-thon,” “comput-athon,”“drink-a-thon,” and “swap-a-thon.”

And the little Greek town of Marathon is still there, deriving whatever benefit it can from visiting tourists, scholars, and archaeologists who drop in to partake of its historic reputation and ancient ruins.

The great English poet, George Gordon – Lord Byron – who died in Greece in 1824, had taken up the cause of freeing that land from the rule of the Ottoman Turks, who had controlled it for hundreds of years. In a famous stanza, he wrote:

The mountains look on Marathon –

And Marathon looks on the sea;

And musing there an hour alone, I dream’d that Greece might still be free; For standing on the Persians’ grave, I could not deem myself a slave.

In case you were wondering, the name Marathon is also (in Greek) that of an edible herb which we call Fennel, which grows around the Mediterranean.

ON STAGE MAY 30-JUNE 16

The true story of the secret romance between the real-life Alice and Prince Leopold the great-grand-uncle of Prince Harry.

Since the development of very accurate timepieces, measurements of human speed have become a matter of fractions of a second. I can remember a time when nobody had yet run a 4-minute mile, and it was considered an almost impossible record to reach. I was still living in England on May 6, 1954, when that record was broken by an Englishman, Roger Bannister. His time was 3 minutes, 59.4 seconds. Of course, he made his country very proud (although the record didn’t stay his for long). But he was a doctor, a neurologist – and he always said that he considered his achievements in Medicine more important than his track record.

Another hero of running was Jim Fixx, who in 1977 published The Complete Book of Running, which started what was almost a craze for that activity. Overnight, it seemed, the sight of someone jogging in the street was no longer a rarity. It was, of course, supposed to promote better health – but unfortunately, in 1984, Jim Fixx himself died while running. It was a sudden heart attack – and he was only 52.

Ashleigh Brilliant born England 1933, came to California in 1955, to Santa Barbara in 1973, to the Montecito Journal in 2016. Best-known for his illustrated epigrams, called “Pot-Shots,” now a series of 10,000. email: ashleigh@west. net. web: www.ash leighbrilliant.com.

BY Mark Saltzman DIRECTED BY Jim Fall

Margie Mays and Sam O’Byrne Photo: Zach Mendez

Robert’s Big Questions Tribalism:

Good, Bad, Ugly?

by Robert Bernstein

IFind out for yourself at our OPEN HOUSE AND RESIDENT ART SHOW

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recently had lunch with a former coworker friend. He doesn’t like talking politics, but I had to know if he was still a Republican after Trump . He agreed with most of my positions on most issues. And he agreed that Trump was not a good president. But he could not ever imagine voting for Biden

Soon after, I had lunch with another friend who had also worked with us. She had a simple explanation that we hear often now: Pure tribalism.

In many countries the politics have always been tribal. In my wife’s homeland, people vote for the president who supports their part of the country for development. They don’t have the equivalent of the issues like taxes and abortion that traditionally divide Americans.

But in 2020 the Republican Party platform was to have no platform at all. Instead of being the party of a strong military and reduced government spending (yes, a contradiction), they were just the party of whatever Trump says. Which meant that no amount of arguing over substantive issues could sway a devoted Republican from their tribe.

The same political tribalism occurred with Reagan. Polls showed overwhelming opposition to his policies of torture and murder in Central America. His antiChoice policy. His nuclear brinkmanship with the USSR. His dismantling of sustainable energy programs. But they voted for him anyway.

But is tribalism always bad? How do you decide how to vote? Most elections have many seats to be filled and many propositions to vote on. Most of us seek out the opinions of trusted friends. Or the endorsements of trusted organizations. Or we vote with our political party tribe. Have you ever considered voting outside your tribe?

Our family moved to Maryland when I was in elementary school. If you were liberal, you had to vote for (later disgraced) Republican Spiro Agnew for governor. Because the Democratic candidate George Mahoney was a segregationist. There are essentially no liberal Republicans left now, but at least I know what it was like to vote outside your tribe.

Americans often claim they are “independent” thinkers and voters. But what does that mean? You have to have some principles. Where do those come from?

As I noted in my recent “Protest What?” article, there is a vast universe of issues to care about. How do we decide which ones are important?

Even the smartest person thinking alone may not be as smart as a group of moderately intelligent people pooling their thoughts. That’s why science has peer review. Even the smartest person can miss a flaw in reasoning or may miss a vital fact that others may catch or know about.

The problem is not necessarily being in a tribe. It is more about picking a tribe with smart people who are open to new information. A tribe that shares your best values. And you should be willing to check out what other tribes are thinking and doing. You might learn something from them. If you are not willing to do that, how can you expect others to be open to your tribe?

Here’s another way tribalism can be good: Native American tribes do not seek to convert people to their tribe. The same holds for certain religions. Jews do not try to convert people to their religion any more than Navajos try to convert Cherokees to join their tribe.

Some religions have it as their core mission never to rest until every person is converted to their religion. I would claim that is more dangerous than people happily living in their own tribe.

One more point about religions as tribes: Do we believe the theology of our tribe? Do American Muslims think thieves should have their hands cut off? Or is it more about familiar rituals, foods and celebrations? Writer Eliot Schrefer said, “Traditions are just peer pressure from dead people.”

I still feel connected to my ancestral Jewish tribe, but reject almost all its theology. I found a new tribe, the Humanist Society, which actually shares my values and beliefs. Perhaps you want to find a better tribe that fits your actual values and beliefs?

Robert Bernstein holds degrees from Physics departments of MIT and UCSB. His passion to understand the Big Questions of life, the universe and to be a good citizen of the planet. Visit facebook. com/questionbig

This Week at MAW

Playing with Percussion

by Steven Libowitz

Maybe the Music Academy of the West had some unanticipated smarts in scheduling the annual Percussion Fest for the first Saturday of the season, just four days into the 2024 Summer Festival. With the fellows flying in from San Francisco, Cleveland, Houston, and New York and driving up from L.A. they’d all have to arrive on campus early in order to create the kind of cohesiveness a percussion concert obliges. Not that the MAW fellows don’t normally exhibit exemplary forms of fellowship, but the timing called for quick camaraderie by necessity.

“We got in a few extra rehearsals last week,” said Michael Werner, a 1990 MAW alum and longtime faculty percussionist who is principal at the Seattle Symphony during the rest of the year.

“But the tricky thing is all the different setups and the assortment of instruments the fellows can’t access at home… And unlike with a string quartet or a brass ensemble, many of the pieces we perform have the musicians sharing an instrument at the same time. There’s a lot of coordination.”

Indeed, the June 15 Percussion Fest at Hahn Hall encompasses everything but the kitchen sink – Werner actually previously programmed a piece with that item involved – over the course of eight compositions, with nary a Steve Reich or John Cage among them. The concert kicks off with “The Infantryman” by Shaun Tilburg, the Phoenix Symphony principal who was actually a MAW fellow during Werner’s second year as a teaching artist.

“It’s like a rudimental, groove-oriented snare drum solo, something very traditional,” Werner said. “But all three of the players share a bass drum, which gives it a twist.”

A very non-traditional piece follows in Viet Cuong’s “Sandbox,” which as the title suggests, involves a plywood box and sandpaper.

“There’s a bunch of two-by-fours cut and tuned to specific pitches, and the players use a traditional mallet in one hand and sandpaper in the other,” he said, adding that he just finished cutting the boards earlier in the day.

“Everything that they’re playing came from Home Depot or Ace Hardware. The way [the composer] is able to take something that you would never think of as a percussion instrument and make such a smart, creative, and clever piece is just great.”

Werner called Ivan Trevino’s mid-program “Seesaw” – written for a guitar laid flat and played with fingers and chopsticks

by two percussionists facing each other – “a palate cleanser” because of the instrument.

Space precludes details about the other five works on the program, but suffice it to say they’ll provide both aural and visual pleasure for the audience.

Both Werner and the five percussion fellows will be heard on chamber music concerts as well orchestral performances later in the summer – particularly in the challenging symphonies by Mahler (No. 6) and Stravinsky (Rite of Spring).

But when the summer ends, Paul Matthews, the studio’s only returning fellow for 2024, has an even more exciting endeavor to embark on come the fall, as in late May he won the audition to be principal percussionist of the Omaha Symphony in the city where he grew up.

“It’s really something to be going back to my hometown to play in the symphony,” Matthews said. “My parents are very happy.”

Thursday, June 13: Baritone Navasard Hakobyan and vocal pianist Brian Cho, who claimed 2023’s Marilyn Horne 2023 Song Competition, re-team for their recital, with a world premiere, art songs, and Armenian folk songs on the program. See last week’s issue for an interview with Hakobyan. (7:30 pm; Hahn Hall; $40)

Friday, June 14: The first piano masterclass of the summer is led by none other than the masterful performer and pedagog Jeremy Denk, who will be one of the principal players in a series of the season’s special events. Catch his

Week at MAW Page 394

Michael Werner is gearing up for Percussion Fest – AKA cutting 2x4’s (courtesy photo)

On Entertainment Sizzling Season 60 in Solvang

by Steven Libowitz

I’ve been singing the Solvang Festival Theater’s praises for decades, and the little amphitheater downtown in the Danish-themed village – call it the Santa Ynez Valley’s scaled-down version of the Santa Barbara Bowl – has only burnished that bountiful reputation with the recent renovations. While concerts and other events now also take place on the stage under the starlit skies, PCPA Theaterfest is still the primary producer of entertainment during the summer, and this year’s celebratory 60th season of repertory theater offers lots to anticipate.

The cult classic musical Little Shop of Horrors launches the summer June 13 through July 7, as Audrey, the carnivorous, blood-craving plant, helps to save Seymour’s struggling flower shop on Skid Row in the laugh-outloud musical spoof of B-movies from Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. Side-splitting humor also subsumes the stage July 12-28 in The Play That Goes Wrong, an award-winning comedy about a decidedly amateur theater company attempting to put on a 1920s murder mystery, and trying to cope when just about anything that can derail a production does, with results even worse, and funnier, than the title suggest.

Humor takes a breather for the summer’s centerpiece, the Kander & Ebb musical Cabaret , running August 2-25. The iconic work – set in Berlin almost a century ago, when the free-wheeling 1920s days of excess were stomped on by the emerging Third Reich – still resonates in our modern world. The serious and timely note continues for the season-closer in The Agitators , running August 29-September 8, Mat Smart ’s historical play of rebellion, revolution, passion and sacrifice that depicts the relationship between the young abolitionists Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony in upstate New York in the 1840s.

Visit www.pcpa.org or call (805) 9228313 for information and tickets, and enjoy a rare opportunity to see top-flight theater outdoors.

Book ‘em: Juicy Joyce, and Chaucer’s choices

Turning from the stage to the page, it took a full century for Santa Barbara to buddy up to Bloomsday, the annual

celebration of the life and work of Irish writer James Joyce every June 16; the day his 1922 novel Ulysses takes place in 1904, and named after its protagonist Leopold Bloom. Dublin’s been doing it up for 30 years, and other celebrations began back in 1924. Santa Barbara’s Bloomsday dives deep at downtown’s James Joyce pub – where else? – starting at 5 pm, when choice Joyce selections will be read by local actors, writers and other famous folks, including Michael Katz, Lark Batteau, and Roger Durling, to name a few. The readings, imbibing, and munching on Joyce-themed snacks will be followed by an Irish music concert by The Waymarkers, with donations at the door and a raffle benefiting the Santa Barbara Library Foundation.

The library itself sponsors the Adult Summer Reading Kickoff in another watering hole, backing up the concept that books are for big kids, too, at Fox Wine Co. in the Funk Zone 5-7:30 pm on June 13. Adults can pick up SBPL Summer Book Bingo cards to keep track of books they read this season, get started by borrowing a few at The Library on the Go van, and create their own summer reading bookmark with provided collage-making materials.

Fresh off leading her popular “The Way of Story” workshop at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference, actressturned-award-winning author Catherine Ann Jones talks about her new book East & West: Stories of India at Chaucer’s Books on June 18. The work examines contrasting and complementary aspects of Indian culture through stories of seekers, ordinary Indians, and heroes, frauds and victims. Chaucer’s also hosts local author Amanda Darcy on June 17 for a reading and singing of her debut novel Of Love & Beer, a romance novel that serves as a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Info at (805) 6826787 or www.chaucersbooks.com.

Cult classic Little Shop of Horrors launches the PCPA Theaterfest (photo by Luis Escobar)

Mavis

Julia Bullock,

Montecito Health Coach

When Your Parents Die: Becoming an Adult Orphan

by Deann Zampelli

Shortly after I got married, my 64-year-old mother lost her battle with breast cancer. Seven years later my father joined her. The loss isn’t any less painful just because you are a grown-up.

I was 39 and an orphan.

It sounds strange to say it that way, but that was how it felt. “Untethered,” was how I described it to my husband. And even though I was sharing this

Puppy, Eating, Sadness, Move to a City I had only Visited Once, Crying, Take business trips in a fugue state, and Lethargy. Repeat, except for the moving part, I am still there after 18 years.

through that, incorporating the loss into your life and beginning to heal.”

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experience with my incredible older brother and sister, this profound loss made me feel uniquely alone.

Now in my 50s, I am witnessing many of my friends nursing their elderly parents and then supporting them through the grief and ultimate loss. I never thought there would be an upside to losing my own parents so young, but since they are already gone, I suppose it wouldn’t be disrespectful to make lemonade out of death and premature loss. So here it goes.

I will never have to experience the mental and physical decline of their prolonged illness or painful aging process. I won’t be faced with their financial difficulties from long-term care which so often bankrupts our elders during the last stage of their life. I won’t watch their hearts break as they realize that they are losing their faculties, their independence, and their voice.

But loss is still loss at any age, and while I am sure that some derive comfort from a parent dying at 99 after a full and healthy life, the loss is still significant. Be they young or old, losing a parent is one of life’s milestones that isn’t spoken of enough in these terms.

Parents help shape the very fibers that make us who we are. For better or for worse, we hear them in our decision-making, our mistakes, our insecurities, our strengths, our victories, and our failures.

For some, the loss of a parent can be a relief or a release. If the relationship was abusive or complicated, the death, while still painful, might eventually bring solace.

But for those of us who are in the “my world was just turned sideways, what day of the week is it, and why did I just start crying in the produce aisle of the grocery store (again)” camp, things are a bit more complicated.

Many don’t realize that grief isn’t linear. We don’t go through a neat little phase, checking off each stage as we complete it.

The famous (and somewhat debunked) five stages of grief introduced by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in the 1960s (Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance) were from a study she did on the emotional states of patients who were dying. It was their stages she was referencing, not ours.

For those of us left behind though, we are forced to create our own checklist, on the fly. The grieving process seemed never-ending for me. My stages were more like: Crying, Despair, Eating, Memory Loss, Crying, Behavior Swings, Get a

Many years after my dad died, I came to a frightening realization. After the initial stages of my grief had subsided (see above), it suddenly dawned on me that my siblings and I were next in line to kick it. It’s not that we still don’t have a few older relatives around but with our parents out of the picture – WE were the elders, the next gen.

Wait, how is that possible? We are just kids. Ok, well not exactly kids, per se. But still. They were our buffer between here and the great beyond. Our SPF against mortality. Our Captain America shield shoved in the face of the Grim Reaper. Take that! And they were gone. Now our kids needed us to be the buffer, the SPF, the shield. That’s a lot of pressure. Not to mention, the loss of our parents highlights our own mortality Sorry, it just does.

Learning how to grieve can be trickier for some than for others. In western society, we don’t often discuss, let alone celebrate death as other cultures do, and therefore, when it greets us, we aren’t acclimatized. We don’t have rituals in place. We often need to create them as we go.

Some of the more common and effective tools for navigating the Tsunami of Grief are:

1. Self-care. Be kind to yourself. Allow yourself to grieve. Give yourself permission to be a shit show for a while. Take walks and eat healthy and delicious foods. Be communicative about what you need from those around you. Grieving is different for everyone.

2. Be aware . Grief isn’t just emotional. It can manifest physically and psychologically, sleep disturbance, loss of appetite. And according to Harvard Health Publishing , “It may be difficult to muster much interest in the life going on around you. You may experience restlessness, memory impairment, or difficulty concentrating…” and the list goes on.

3. Having a ritual or a place where you can commune with your loved one can be cathartic. This doesn’t always mean a traditional grave site. The act of mourning is a cultural death ritual we have unknowingly participated in for millennia. According to Dr. Lucy Selman , an associate professor in end-of-life care at the University of Bristol and the founding director of Good Grief Festival, “Mourning plays an important role in bereavement because it’s a way of externalizing the emotions and thoughts of grief and,

Even lighting a candle and thinking of your loved one can offer comfort and peace. It is all a way to connect with the one you lost and find a way to feel their presence.

4. Reach out. Find a support group or friends who understand what you are going through. Sometimes you don’t need an answer. You just need to get the words out.

5. Here’s a big one. Don’t feel bad for not feeling worse . If someone was an asshole in life and then dies, it doesn’t mean they were any less of an asshole. But that doesn’t mean you still won’t grieve the loss. It just might be more complicated . The key is to not berate yourself for holding these two thoughts simultaneously; your parent was an asshole AND you are still experiencing a profound loss. It’s your grief. Experience it how you need to. Which brings me to #6.

6. Don’t let anyone tell you how to grieve. Or make it about them. Or their grief. Sharing common experiences can be very therapeutic as it forms a bond of trust and mutual understanding. But when you have someone who tends to make it all about them, stay clear. This needs to be about you, and your loved ones, and that you all need to get through this in the healthiest way possible. Don’t be afraid to draw the line or withdraw when you have had enough.

Above all, let your experience be your own. Truly, none of us know what this will mean, or how it will manifest until it does. It wasn’t until both of my parents died that I really felt that I understood who they were. Their absence made my clarity stronger. I can’t really explain it, but there it was.

There is so much more to be said on this, but for now, I will close with one final thought. If possible, say your peace, ask your questions, and get some answers, before it is too late.

Grief is complicated enough without adding a dash or two of regret. Not all of us have the luxury of time, to say and do what we need to before we lose a parent. But if you do, try to use the time to heal. Or to help. Or to love. Or to query. Because regret is the biggest reaper of them all. Trained at Duke Integrative Medicine, Deann Zampelli owns Montecito Coaching & Nutrition and has a broad range of clients working on everything from nutrition to improving their marathon pace. She also has a Masters in Clinical Psychology and has been a resident of Montecito since 2006.

Elizabeth’s Appraisals

Steiff Stuffies

by Elizabeth Stewart

In a little Midwestern red brick two-bedroom house in 1960s Deerfield, Illinois, there came a burly gentleman who didn’t speak English. He had a four-foot-long walrus under his massive ruddy arm with a blue bow around its neck. That stranger was my mom’s cousin from Germany, and the walrus was a Steiff, a famous German maker of mohair animals. I still have the walrus and many more Steiff animals, as most of my mother’s relatives came over from Germany to our tiny house bearing gifts for me made by Steiff. Passing a yard sale this past Memorial Day, I saw a much-loved recumbent 60s-era Steiff ‘Leo’ Lion in mohair. At 36” long, this Leo had a long tan and brown mohair mane and tail, embroidered nose, mouth, and paws. He had two Steiff friends with him; a 15” long recumbent lion and a 24” striped (airbrushed) tiger. Of course I bought all three. One of my grandchildren will have the whole collection of mine foisted upon them soon!

The founder in 1877 of the Steiff Company was a female entrepreneur, Margarete Steiff, whose motto was “Freedom is believing in yourself.” On the company website “Die Welt von Steiff” (‘the world of,’ or ‘according to,’ Steiff), her history is elucidated. Born in 1847, at 18 months she developed polio which dogged her for her entire life. In 1877 she opened a felt clothing shop and made small felt elephant (Elefante) pincushions, which became a popular kid’s toy. She hired 10 seamstresses and made small monkeys, donkeys, horses, camels, pigs, mice, dogs, cats, rabbits, and giraffes. All these soft felt toys became sought after, thus in 1893 the Leipzig Toy Fair asked her to show her ‘Filzspielwarenfabrik’ goods. Harrods in London noticed her work and commissioned felt toys in 1895 from her.

Slink surrounded by his new Steiff friends

German icon of fashion, Karl Lagerfeld, was commissioned to design a line of stuffed toys all wearing his signature dark sunglasses. A high-priced Louis Vuitton bear was designed in Paris. Finally, in 2020, Margarete, who would have been 140, was inducted into the Toy Industry’s Hall of Fame as the Steiff bear turned 120 years old.

My newly adopted lions and one tiger are worth $300 for the set; if the condition of the mohair were better, they would be worth far more. Of course, Steiff toys – like other toys – are scarce in excellent or original condition because kids played with them. The highest price ever paid for a bear was 213,720 Euros in 2000 by a Korean collector. The highest auction sale was for a 1912 bear at Christie’s for 150,212 Euros.

As she was getting older and better known, her favorite creative nephew joined her company in 1897 after studying design at the School of Applied Arts in England. Richard Steiff is credited with the design that made Steiff Toys famous: the cuddly bear, in 1902, with movable arms and legs, made of mohair. The fabric had been discovered at the Leipzig Toy Fair on another dealer’s bear. Richard jointed the arms and legs at first with string, then rods, and in 1905, he invented disk joints, still used today. An American company noticed the Steiff bear and ordered 3,000 on the spot. Since Richard had “borrowed’ the idea of a mohair bear body, he made a metal button for each toy labelled “Steiff” as a protection against such “borrowing” from his own efforts.

The bear became the Teddy Bear when, in 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear on a leash during a hunt. When the newspapers carried the story and the illustration, Steiff bears flew off shelves branded as Teddy Bears.

Three years after the Teddy Bear boom began, Margarete died of pneumonia. She had witnessed incredible success, which continued under her nephew, who in 1931 formed a partnership with Walt Disney. Cartoon characters entered the Steiff oeuvre, created by a staff of 2,000 workers in ultra-modern Bauhaus style glass factories.

If you had German relatives like I did in the 1960s you might have been gifted a Hedgehog “Mecki,” synonymous with German-ness in his Lederhosen and hunter cap. Another famous “animal” for Steiff!

In 1980, commemorating the 100th year of Steiff history, a Steiff Museum opened in Germany producing limited edition stuffed toys. The museum also featured a Disney-style theme park with a gigantic snake slide, a petting zoo, and a children’s ride on life sized Steiff tigers, elephants, camels, and gorillas. The

Elizabeth Stewart, PhD is a veteran appraiser of fine art, furniture, glass, and other collectibles, and a cert. member of the AAA and an accr. member of the ASA. Please send any objects to be appraised to Elizabethappraisals@ gmail.com

An Independent Mind

California

Dreaming Again

by Jeffrey Harding

ince I criticize the great state of California for their policies that don’t work, I thought I would catch up on some recent news that caught my attention.

Minimum Wage

California fast food restaurant chains now have to pay their employees $20 per hour. My criticism of these new minimum wage laws said that they are set too high and will cause unemployment and business failures. This is the result if you raise wages higher than what an employee produces.

California’s Rubio’s Coastal Grill filed for bankruptcy the other day, just two months after the new minimum wage law went into effect (April 1). They just closed 48 “underperforming” restaurants in California and now they are down to 86. They blamed the rising cost of doing business here. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that they folded mainly due to higher labor costs.

Rubio’s is not alone. Businesses in the fast food end of the restaurant business just can’t arbitrarily raise prices to offset labor costs, especially when food costs and insurance costs here are also high. Huge chains like Chipotle can still thrive because they have 3,381 restaurants all over the country and can better offset costs and prices on a national basis. Small California chains like Rubio’s can’t compete with that.

Deepfake Regulation

I’m sure you have heard of deepfakes, the use of artificial intelligence to manipulate images, text, and videos that aren’t made with the consent of the person or institution

depicted in the images. With the right technology a clever programmer can use AI to make anyone say anything. Imagine me extolling the virtues of socialism.

Our legislators in Sacramento think we need protection from deepfakes. They proposed the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act (SB 1047) which authorizes the government to create the “Frontier Model Division,” that has vast power over those who run AI technologies. The purpose of this legislation is to allow the government to shut down AI systems if they have “hazardous capabilities.”

This gets kind of complicated. The AI programs you have heard about, such as ChatGPT, are systems that gobble all the data that it can process from the internet and then are trained by technicians and certain algorithms on how to apply this data in a way that appears to have been done intelligently. These are called “large language models.”

If you have used ChatGPT you are probably amazed at how it can respond to your inquiries and requests in a way that mimics human responses. It can analyze raw data, write reports, compose poetry, and even create unique images. It is being widely used by companies who adapt it to their specific business models.

Just so you know, I write all my own stuff but I occasionally use it for research. I carefully review it to verify such content.

I asked ChatGPT to analyze SB 1047. What I was after was a summary and analysis of the legislation and the danger of censorship of content.

Here is a summary of its summary:

SB 1047 is aimed at ensuring that the development and deployment of advanced AI models in California are conducted in a secure, transparent, and ethical manner. It introduces regulatory measures to manage the risks associated with AI, mandates public reporting, and establishes oversight mechanisms to enforce compliance. The bill reflects a proactive approach to balancing innovation with safety and public interest.

Sounds sort of reasonable, but it creates a legal framework to regulate the development of AI programs to assure that they are designed in ways that “benefit society” by “aligning with the public welfare” and don’t negatively impact things like privacy, security, and “social equity.”

The bill requires annual reports from AI developers certifying that their programs do not have “hazardous capability.” Certifications would need to be signed under penalty of perjury, a potential crime if the certifications are determined to be misleading or false.

They say they’ll make sure it doesn’t inhibit innovation. And they are pretty sure it won’t lead to censorship. The way ChatGTP put it: “SB 1047 may aim to protect against the harmful effects of misinformation without necessarily censoring legitimate speech.” But even ChatGPT was not so naïve to understand that: “Critics of SB 1047 might argue that it could set a precedent for broader content regulation beyond just deepfakes, potentially infringing on free speech rights.”

I would take ChatGPT one step further. It is censorship. Who decides what’s a deepfake? What if Biden ’s campaign creates a video speech approved by Biden that is fake in that Joe delivers his speech smoothly, confidently, without pauses, and his usual flubs. All videos of Joe ’s famous imperfections could be processed to give the impression that the guy is on top of things, hiding his flops and faux pas. Is that a deepfake?

Someone has to decide what is “harmful” fake content and what isn’t. In a political system there is too great an opportunity for misuse. I also think it will inhibit innovation by allowing government to dictate how AI will be used. Slippery slope, that. I don’t trust them and history is on my side.

Your Westmont Senior Engineers Drop Final Project

by Scott Craig, photos by Brad Elliott

“Dropping in three, two, one.”

Then a drone, flying 150 feet high, released a plastic, hexagonal safety pod housing a blinking computer chip, amusing dozens of people gathered to watch one of two final presentations by the engineering design team on Lovik Field at Westmont.

The craft, trailed by a parachute, hit the grass, and a piece of the outer pod wall appeared to break off.

Westmont student Caleb Wilcox, a member of the engineering team sponsored by Northrop Grumman, retrieved the safety pod. “The Arduino computer chip attached to the spring panel still works perfectly well,” Elijah Cicileo announced to cheers. “The little LED is still blinking, so it was a perfect success.”

Wilcox explained that the team dropped a lighter version of their final project. “With only one pod inside, no top crumple zone and a reduced inner chamber, the revised weight met the drone’s lift capacity,” he said.

Daniel Jensen, director of engineering at Westmont, says companies favor installing instruments on weather balloon

packages because they’re inexpensive and difficult to detect. “Sometimes when these instruments and the data they’ve recorded fall to the ground, the parachute isn’t working right – and the instruments and the data can be very important,” he says. “This design allows us to salvage the instruments and data even if the parachute doesn’t work. Additionally, they designed it to withstand extremely cold temperatures at 100,000 feet.”

Prior to the drop, fellow Edge of Space team members Chase Goddard, Ethan Ha, and Mark Szekrenyi explained their goal of directing the crash’s energy to the right places during the impact.

“Car manufacturers are great at making sure the energy goes around the passenger compartment during accidents,” Jensen said. “The students have done the same thing here, except the instruments are the passengers we’re protecting. It’s actually good to see pieces break from the craft because it means the energy is going into causing that damage while saving the instruments.”

Northrop Grumman sponsored the high altitude, thermally protected, compartmentalized, impact-resistant drop vessel, and they’ve committed to funding next year’s senior projects.

The Air Force Research Group sponsored the second senior project, “Nerve

Stimulation Device for Enhanced Human Performance,” and will also support a project next year.

Team members Maria Judy, Tasha Loh, Jonah Swanson, Becca Hudson, and Jacob Bailey noted that emerging technology about peripheral nerve stimulation, proven to reduce fatigue and improve cognition, could help soldiers. The technology focuses on the cranial nerves that originate from the brain stem and extend down through the neck.

The second team set out to design a user-friendly interface for devices that could keep soldiers awake and alert without the downsides of caffeine or other addictive substances. They created three different prototypes – neckband, ear-wrap, and wristband – and laid out circuitry for each before choosing a head-wrap design with an attached stimulation arm.

“I love the process of taking a design and seeing how it’s weak and how we can improve it by going back and iterating on it, especially after getting feedback from stakeholders and users,” Swanson said.

“You guys did an incredible job talking to users and stakeholders to figure out what made sense and then building it,” said John McIntire, a research analyst based in the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Sensors Directorate, who mentored the team. “The amount of

engineering you guys did in nine months was incredible.”

The team announced it would seek a patent for its new creation they named Stimulife.

College Hosts Admissions Conference

Westmont hosted 450 attendees for the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACAAP) Conference June 3-5.

Team Edge of Space: Caleb Wilcox, Mark Szekrenyi, Ethan Ha, Elijah Cicileo and Chase Goddard

Tasha Loh and Becca Hudson show off the Stimulife prototype

Westmonster tamers Tucker Howard (’25) and Senzo Zola Sokhela (’24) (photo by Raymond Valencia)

Breakfast, Brunch, and Dinner! Including our famous Eggs Benedict Napoleons, Omelettes, Sausage and Eggs, French Toast & VIKING MIMOSAS! 1106 State Street 805-962-5085 AndersensSantaBarbara.com

Travel Buzz Magical Maui Rising from the Ashes: Let’s support our Maui Strong! Hawaiian Island friends

by Leslie Westbrook

Friday, Saturday & Sunday 8:00AM - 11:30AM Lunch & Dinner 12:00PM - 9:00PM 805.969.2646

SUNDAY THRU THURSDAY 7:30 AM - 10:00 PM FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM MONTECITO’S BEST BREAKFAST

y cosmic arrival, after a short flight from Honolulu, on the scarred and traumatized island of Maui, began auspiciously with my Uber driver Giuliano and his purple unicorn. A lanky, charming lad, the yoga instructor/wellness coach said he was “into shamanic sounds healings.” Giuliano and his talisman (along with a crystal heart dangling from his rearview mirror) made for the perfect companions on Unicorn Day (who knew?) to whisk me from the tiny airport to my lodging for the next two nights, the highly touted Hotel Wailea. The ride was too short, and conversation condensed, but we covered a lot of ground, physically and metaphysically, on the 25-minute drive to the Hotel Wailea from Kahului airport. I would also unexpectedly encounter a talented clairvoyant, Lisa Huscher and her sweet husband Brien, at the hotel swimming pool the next day.

A warm welcome and purple orchid lei draped over my neck; I was transported by golf cart to my gorgeous suite at the verdant Relais & Châteaux South Maui resort. The second-story, open floor plan living room/kitchen with a spacious bedroom and luxurious bath was accented with native Koa wood doors and tables, framed tapa cloth and super comfortable furnishings. A lovely lanai, with a settee large enough to curl up on, offered views across a gently rolling lawn to the Pacific as well as to the majestic West Maui mountains in the distance. The stocked kitchenette – fridge drawers filled with complimentary cold sodas and mineral waters; a basket of super yummy complimentary, locally made treats included taro chips, Maui potato chips, Ohana Nui Mocha chip macadamia butter cookies and Manoa chocolates, was much appreciated.

SUNDAY THRU THURSDAY AM - PM 7:0010:00 FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AM7:0012:00AM

The hotel’s 22 suites are scattered in two-story buildings surrounded by 15 lush acres with romantic places to stroll past waterfalls and ponds. I unpacked and plopped onto my comfy bed – the wind rustling through palm tree leaves, as a pair of birds tussled while others sang contentedly. Should I head to the pool for a swim or take a stroll and explore the grounds? I did both.

Enjoying a shaded pool cabana, I spent a good amount of time in and around the pool – my fingers turning prune-like one long and languishing afternoon. Floating and chatting with Brien and Lisa, an awesome couple from Orange County, I soon discovered that Lisa is a gifted clairvoyant/clairaudient/clairsentient who intuits messages for her clients to interpret and integrate into their lives. I scheduled a reading and Lisa was spot on, especially regarding my family and travel. What she picked up on regarding my love life remains to be seen.

I also spotted and/or chatted with several couples on “babymoons,” lots of NorCal/ Marin County visitors, one couple on their 15th visit to the resort and a retired Canadian cellist from the Toronto Symphony, staying for two weeks with her husband.

A UCSB grad joined me for a complimentary stretch and tone class (I skipped aerial yoga), where our fitness instructor, after class, enlightened me about greedy landlords’ price-gouging and taking advantage of the post-fire situation.

Support Maui in its recovery with an enticing stay at Hotel Wailea (courtesy photo)

Most come to Hotel Wailea to de-stress, but there’s plenty to do on the island, like shopping and exploring other restaurants and resorts. Historic Lahaina town, which burned to the ground, is off limits. I treaded softly while expressing my condolences to locals and native staff at the hotel, as the wounds from the devasting fires last year were still fresh. This is something we Santa Barbarians know all too well, with the ravages of the Thomas Fire and debris flow in our own not-so-distinct rearview mirrors. Some locals that I chatted with were understandably “pissed off” that Mayor Bissen was “missing in action” during the largest wildfire in the last century that took 101 souls, as well as thousands of buildings. Others were hopeful for much-needed tourism to return to support the island people.

Let’s Eat!

The Birdcage and The Restaurant

True to its name, “The Birdcage” is the hotel’s open-air pavilion restaurant and bar where birds nest in the eaves. The menu spotlights sushi/Asian style flavors. I enjoyed a hamachi handroll, Farms of Maui salad, Kauai shrimp and pork bao buns and a glass of wine from the excellent wine list. I didn’t much care for the pounding music, and I was not alone in this sentiment. Those who follow my musings know this is a lightning rod for me. I felt the same disappointment about the “music” pumped around the pool—and the Canadian cellist agreed. Fortunately, my dinner the next night, at the resort’s upscaled dining venue, “The Restaurant” was both excellent and slightly quieter. The three-course, prix fixe menu was a “winner-winner, Maui chicken dinner.” I don’t usually order chicken, but this was great comfort food: crispy well-seasoned skin with mashed potatoes. The starter, tortellini stuffed with lobster and three cheeses was tasty, albeit a tad al dente. The terrific pastry chef also deserves kudos for his creamy chocolate concoction. Still, this self-proclaimed sound police had to laugh and give in a bit when I heard “Werewolves of London,” co-written by my old pal Roy Marinelli (RIP) with former Montecito resident/crooner Warren Zevon along with other 1970s tunes played over the sound system as I consumed my fabulous meal.

Breakfast the next morning was a delicious eggs benedict with mushrooms and homemade croissants and the livin’ was easy— and ever so sweetly filled with much appreciated birdsong.

Nearby Explorations

Complimentary trips to nearby shopping and dining are available and I told my charming shuttle driver, Gustavo, a married father of three, that I really wanted to support the locals, especially small businesses. We set out for a new place in nearby Kihei called 808 Sugar Hi. I savored a coconut-lilikoi popsicle ($7) made by 808 Pops. Hawaii Gelato is also sold here, sourced from Roxy Brandel, who lost her Lahaina Front Street business, but not her commercial kitchen, in the fire. Mission accomplished.

Rest assured, sweet Maui, that little by little, the wounds will heal and Lahaina, in some form, will rise from the ashes. Lahaina’s historic Banyan tree, the oldest in Hawaii, survived and has been a talisman of hope to the community and the world.

Besides the resounding chorus that Maui needs tourism dollars, my new friend Gustavo’s parting words of wisdom to visitors were these: “Be sensitive and compassionate.”

And the message from my swimming pool buddy/clairvoyant? Lisa sent me a sweet message/reminder:

“The Hawaiian people are deeply connected to one other in a deep, positive way. They consider everyone family and when united the strength is tenfold. Things will grow more quickly because of this. We could learn from them. Love is the highest vibration.”

Leslie A. Westbrook is a Lowell Thomas Award-winning travel writer and journalist who loves exploring the globe. A 3rd generation Californian., Leslie also assists clients sell fine art, antiques, and collectibles via auction. www.auctionliaison.com

How to Support Maui and Its Residents

Here & There

Maui Strong – check out the website for volunteer opportunities and more. Visit www.mauinuistrong.info/resource-categories/donate-services

Support Maui hotels, resorts and buy local. Visit open air markets to buy artisan crafts and food products.

Tip Generously – The minimum hourly wage in Maui is $14 ($1 less for tipped employees); living wage is $29.29. A single working parent with two children needs $65.51 an hour to make it here. You do the math.

Shopping + Sweet Treats

The Shops at Wailea – High-end, open air shopping mall has comfy places to chill. Check out gorgeous Niihau shell necklaces (from the forbidden island) and fine wood carving (bowls, oars, etc.) at Maui Hands, which only sells pieces made by Maui artisans and artists.

805 Sugar Hi – 2511 South Kihei Road, Kihei

Peace Love Shave Ice: Azeka Shopping Center, 1280 South Kihei Road, Kihei

Where to Stay

Hotel Wailea – Voted top romantic getaway resort on Maui. Seemingly the only solo traveler during my stay, the staff and other guests were warm and welcoming. www.hotelwailea.com

The “Other World” – Clairvoyant Lisa Huscher. Thirty-minute readings start at $35.00. www.thesoulsgifts.com

Getting There

International tourism from Japan remains low due to the yen, but not from the mainland. Fortunately for us, great deals abound on flights out of LAX on Hawaiian Airlines, United, Southwest and other carriers. I arrived on the island via a short Hawaiian Airlines flight from Honolulu – I departed on an early morning ferry to my next stop: Lanai.

Fresh fish and so much more are on the menu at the hotel (courtesy photo)

What would a trip to Maui be without plenty of sun and time by the water (courtesy photo)

A peek at one of Hotel Wailea’s sweet suites (courtesy photo)

syphilitic and scrofulous contaminations and chronic skin diseases greatly benefited from bathing in the salubrious liquids.

Murray reported that each spring flowed into a natural basin in which he and his friends would often immerse themselves. “These springs,” he wrote, “would make the fortune of any town in the United States but here are left alone and deserted, visited alone by the native sick or the American sojourner in Santa Barbara.”

Development

In 1855, Wilbur Curtiss, whose health was broken after years of mining, was shown the springs, which worked a miracle on his ailments. As his health improved, he envisioned a lucrative future for himself as owner and operator of a thriving health resort. Much to the dismay of the 1880s

reporter, who bemoaned the loss of public ownership of the springs, Curtiss made a pre-emption claim and set about making improvements. He started with tents, then huts, then cottages and then a hotel. He also built an access road to the resort.

Curtiss’s health may have improved by his association with the springs, but his fortune certainly didn’t. The road was subject to washouts in heavy rains, and in 1861-62 one of the men living in a canvas shanty at the springs was killed by a landslide. Realizing the difficulty and perils of operating a resort in such a remote and precarious site, he decided to interest investors in the construction of a hotel at the mouth of the canyon to which he planned to pipe spring waters. His prospectus promoted a lodge with 46 bedrooms, many with private bathrooms and sitting rooms. Unfortunately, investors failed to materialize.

In 1871, wildfire destroyed all of Curtiss’s buildings in the canyon. It took years to rebuild, and he went into debt. In 1877, his property was sold in a foreclosure sale, after which a succession of owners and managers tried their hands at running the enterprise. In 1886, at the height of the California land boom, Edwin H. Sawyer bought the resort and its attendant 320 acres. When the boom went bust the following year, he tried to interest others to manage or buy the resort, but somehow the property always ended up back in his possession.

Testimonial

In 1885, Katie Payne was visiting friends in Santa Barbara who introduced her to handsome young lawyer Will Taggart (James William Taggart, one of the first justices appointed to the California Court of Appeals). Will introduced her to the Hot Springs where together with her friend Lillie Calkins, they lunched, bathed, and hiked to the popular Lookout Point. The following June, Katie suffered from headaches and, perhaps, pining for Will. Her doctor prescribed several weeks of treatments at the Sulphur Springs Resort in Montecito. After a morning sulphur bath and hike, Katie was treated to mud packs, arsenic drinks, and arsenic baths in the afternoon. In the evenings, guests gathered in the parlor where Katie joined in the entertainment by playing guitar. On the 4th of July, the guests marched to the halfway house accompanied by Katie’s patriotic tunes played on paper and comb. Later they watched the fireworks and rockets sent skyward from the city below.

During this time, Katie renewed her acquaintance with Will Taggart. The hot springs did their work; Katie’s ailments

disappeared and the two married in 1887. Years later, when their daughter was ill, they obtained permission to take her to the then closed Hot Springs Resort. Taking their own supplies for the sixweek stay, they found the hotel occupied by a colony of rats. Each night Victor the caretaker sat in the rafters spearing rodents, bagging 40-50 each night. At the end of their stay, however, their young daughter, who had somehow survived drinking a multitude of glasses of sulphur and arsenic water, was proclaimed well.

Canyon Dangers

Fire and rain were constant threats to the resort. In 1889, for instance, heavy rains sent a boulder tumbling that demolished three sides of a bathhouse occupied only moments before by the children of Reverend P.S. Thatcher. Mountain lions and coyotes decimated hotel livestock, and downstream riparian owners objected to people with “scrofulous complaints” bathing in their drinking water.

In 1905, Edwin Sawyer was finally relieved of his “white elephant” when a group of investors bought the property. Once again talk of a hotel at the mouth of the canyon surfaced. Once again, nothing came of it. In 1910, W.H. Bartlett and S.P. Calef bought the Hot Springs lands of now 480 acres, and in 1914 organized the Hot Springs Club, “for the enjoyment of the waters of said springs.” Initially the exclusive club was comprised of only 15 members. In 1921, fire destroyed the old hotel, and a new clubhouse was built on its stone foundations. Eventually falling into disuse, the property was acquired by Kenneth Hunter, Sr. between 1958 and 1962 when he completed purchasing the shares of all the Club owners. Hunter repaired the building and made improvements only to have the devastating Coyote Fire of 1964 turn his enterprise to ashes. In 1986, Hunter sold his shares of the land to McCaslin Properties who planned to develop the acreage.

Hiking the Trail

Hikers have been using the Hot Springs trail for centuries. In his memoir of 1847, Murray describes the overgrown trail that led to the enchantingly sequestered springs in the canyon. Rides to the hot springs were a favorite excursion for residents and visitors alike in the 1880s. The 1904 “Guide to Rides and Drives in Santa Barbara and Vicinity” promoted the springs and the view from Lookout Point. The Hikers, a club founded in 1913, held its inaugural outing on January 11, 1914, with a hike up Cold Spring Trail and down Hot Springs Trail. Nevertheless, despite its popularity, ever

Katie Payne Taggart was cured of headaches and lovesickness in 1886 at Montecito’s Hot Springs (courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

The Montecito Sulphur Springs Hotel complex included a hotel, cottages, privies and bathhouses (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

since Curtiss filed his homestead claim, hikers and bathers had been trespassing on private property.

Owners of the hotel, restaurant and spa in the 1880s had complained about picknickers who used the land and spent no money. A hundred years later, the tolerance of the property owners dried up when trespassers broke the pipelines of the Montecito Creek Water Company to fill makeshift tarp-lined spas and built campfires in the fire-prone canyon. One man went so far as to dam the creek, build a cement-and-tile spa, and hand out business cards with a toll-free number!

When the owners of the now 462-acre canyon property wanted to sell, the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County launched a successful capital campaign and purchased it in 2012. The Trust then spent another 19 months working with government agencies, utility companies, and neighboring owners before being able to transfer the deed to the U.S. Forest Service, thereby returning Montecito’s Hot Springs Trail to public ownership.

Now, twelve years later, the hot springs are in the news again as the increasing popularity of the trail and the springs has brought both locals and out-of-towners to the site. The conflicts are many and range from parking spaces to the use of the pools themselves to the fear of fire. In 1860, the population of Santa Barbara was 2,351 people. The impact on Santa Barbara trails and the hot springs was miniscule. Today, the local population of Montecito, Santa Barbara and Goleta tops 127,000. Add an outof-town element lured by social media and advertising, the pressure on the trail

and surrounding area is tremendous. There are also concerns about the status and condition of the access easement. Tempers have flared. It would be well to remember who has the say on the use, if any, of the hot springs and the trail. As part of the Los Padres National Forest, one could assume that the governing body of what happens with the springs is the Forestry Service. As far as the rights to the water, that is a question, I believe, for the Montecito Water District, the Montecito Creek Water Company, and the Forestry Service, as well.

(Sources not mentioned in text: articles by Stella Haverland Rouse; Mineral Spring and Health Resort of California, 1892; vertical file of the Santa Barbara Historical Museum; historic maps; “The Montecito Hot Springs Experience” by Klara Spinks Fleming, Noticias, Spring 1980; News-Press 26 December 1989; Southworth’s “Santa Barbara and Montecito,” 1920; Myrick’s “Montecito and Santa Barbara”; city directories, U.S. Census, contemporary news sources.)

Hattie Beresford has been writing a local history column for the Montecito Journal for more than a decade and is the author of several books on Santa Barbara’s historic past

After fire destroyed the second hotel building in 1921, the Hot Springs Club was rebuilt on its foundations. The Coyote Fire of 1964 reduced this building to ashes as well. (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

Watershed Program Director Brian Trautwein, Marine Conservation Program

Associate Azsha Hudson, Chief Counsel Linda Krop, Deputy Chief Counsel Maggie Hall, Staff Attorney/EJ Program Outreach Coordinator Matthew Campa, Staff Attorney Jeremy Frankel, and Staff Attorney Rachel Kondor. Katz talked about EDC’s mission, top accomplishments, and future goals. He said, “We honor the victories we have accomplished such as preserving historic ranch land, protecting Santa Maria River steelhead trout by increasing water access for the fish via the Twitchell damn, and stopping Exxon from trucking oil through the communities and restarting the oil platform rigs off the Gaviota Coast. I hear they decided to leave the area as well. Our strategic plan is our mission to protect the environment, stopping Naples on the Gaviota coast, protecting the Chumash Marine Sanctuary and our ocean, advance environmental justice to protect the Cat Canyon Aquifer for drinking water and agriculture, protect the climate and stop oil companies from turning on equipment that had been turned off for the past 20 years.”

The live auction was a serious mic drop after securing over $110,000 via the energetic and humorous skills of professional auctioneer Jim Nye.

Trujillo introduced the 2024 Environmental Hero, Founder, President and Executive Director of Heal the Ocean, Hillary Hauser. She stated the top historic facts about Hauser’s 26 years of work in the environment, along with personal accomplishments in diving, surfing, photojournalism, author, music (piano), and that she has a Wikipedia page. She presented Hauser a round shaped hand-carved wood award inlaid with a dolphin.

Hauser was lively, animated, and made both humorous and serious statements in her acceptance speech, a tone she is well-known for in her advocacy work. She had at the podium with her, attorney Jeff Young, with whom she founded Heal the Ocean in August 1998. She talked about how the organization came about, retracing Santa Barbara history, her journalism work at the SB News-Press of a 26-page manuscript about the bacteria pollutants in the ocean, the rioting surfers holding signs reading our ocean or a toilet, and First District Supervisor Naomi Schwartz advising Hauser that she needed to have an organization to request the legislation she wanted. Hauser came up with the name Heal the Ocean while taking an ocean swim to decide her course of action after meeting with Schwartz. From there, the rest is HTO history, from becoming a nonprofit under the Jean-Michel Cousteau organization, being the first to DNA test the ocean for contaminants, establishing the South Coast Beach Communities Septic-to-Sewer project, to present day work on oil well capping. She acknowledged all the HTO staff from start to present. In closing Hauser quoted American anthropologist Margaret Mead by saying, “Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world, in fact it is the only thing that ever has.”

Hauser will be retiring at some point this year. Along with her retirement, HTO’s serious wingman, Program Director Harry Rabin will step down and be a consultant while still working on the data and oil project with Marine Science Institute researcher Ira Leifer.

With the theme “Mi Casa, Su Casa,” the Montecito college led by Ceili Norling, admissions and marketing coordinator, rolled out the welcome mat, offering keynote talks and worship sessions with alumnus Dean Wilson (’97), Turner Foundation president and CEO; Marcus “Goodie” Goodloe, college trustee and Martin Luther King Jr. scholar; and President Gayle D. Beebe. DegreeSight sponsored the conference, which included more than 65 professional development sessions on various topics.

A team from Taylor University of Indiana won the Santa Barbara scavenger hunt, posing for pictures at city landmarks and answering trivia questions about the city’s history. The representatives of Trinity Western of British Columbia came in second place.

The following morning, Caleb De Jong, a graduate enrollment adviser at Trinity Western and former cross country and track-and-field standout, breezed to an easy win in the NACAAP conference’s Westmonster 5K race. About 100 brave souls challenged the hilly, fog-shrouded

racecourse that climbs 284 feet, weaves through the wooded campus and ends in cheers on Thorrington Field.

Admissions counselors Drew Cummins and Steven Herrera of Calvary Baptist University in Riverside beat Lily Castor and Cat Spach of Concordia University Irvine 15-5, 15-5 in the $1,000 championship pickleball match, sponsored by Halda. “It was so much fun. We had great competitors, which helped us put up a good fight in beautiful Santa Barbara,” Herrera said.

Exhibition Offers Room for Reflection

Westmont alumna Ella Jennings (’23), education and outreach coordinator at the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art, shares her paintings of luminous interiors in an exhibition, Abide with Me, at the Fireside Gallery at Trinity Lutheran Evangelical Church, 909 N. La Cumbre, open from 10 am – 2 pm on weekdays.

“The everyday buildings we frequent are often imbued with nostalgia, memories, and emotional states based on our experiences in those places,” she says. Jennings, who draws inspiration from American realism and the geometry of precisionism, brings subtle references to spirituality in each painting.

A Calitri is a professional international photographer and journalist. Contact her at:

The steep climb was no problem for Winnipeg native Caleb De Jong (photo by Raymond Valencia)

Artist Ella Jennings

Scott Craig is manager of media relations at Westmont College

Mia Lopez, Congressman Salud Carbajal, Linda Krop, and Alex Katz (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

Joanne

primary residence and they fit the mold really well – we can still get them coverage through Farmers, or another admitted carrier. For a rebuild value of $15 million or above, clients can prefer different policies for the structure, liability, and personal property.

MJ. Is a separate policy for the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)/rental required?

Many times, the ADU can be covered under the same policy if the address is the same as the main property.

MA. What’s the distinction between the California Fair Plan (CFP) Insurance vs. Other insurance?

CFP max insured is $3 million that will pay the dwelling, other structures, loss of use, very basic fire policy – smoke, lightning, fire. They have $300 billion exposure in CA and $200 million in the bank, so it’s very risky. In addition, you need a Difference in Conditions Policy to cover what the CFP does not – liability, water, and theft.

It can be a good plan depending on the client’s risk tolerance and the reconstruction value of the property. Not ideal for Montecito. Some clients protect their property in other ways and will augment with the CFP. We recommend working with a broker, not with CFP directly. There are layers you can add to the CFP, in increments of a million dollars. Lloyds of London and non-admitted companies will write those layers.

We recommend going with an admitted company like Farmers, and can’t with confidence recommend the CFP.

MA. Are insurance companies coming back to California?

Non-admitted carriers are coming back. AIG now has a private select group and is starting to come back. Admitted carriers are trying to figure out what part of the risk they are willing to take on. Admitted carriers are regulated by the State of CA and if they become insolvent, they still have to pay out the claims. Nonadmitted can charge whatever price they want, and if they go bankrupt, they are not obligated to pay the clients back – check AM Best and Standard & Poor’s insurance ratings.

MA. How are condos insured?

Condos are more difficult to insure now; we have to use the non-admitted companies in those cases. It is still affordable. HOAs are struggling to get the condo structures insured, because many carriers decided they are less interested in those policies. Ask the HOA about their insurance policies before you buy a condo. State Farm is cancelling 43,000 HOA structures in CA in the next year.

MA. How would you describe the future of insurance coverage?

Some carriers will only insure structures $10 million and above. Movement and trends, particularly for high-end homes in Montecito, are very cyclical. There is lots of political pressure on the Dept. of Insurance. Realistically, no positive changes should be expected in the next year, though Montecito is better positioned than most to have access to the solutions as they become available.

411: www.montecitoassociation.org

Switching Out Timber for Hemp in Sustainable Low-Carbon Construction

In the search for sustainable building materials, hemp appears as a strong candidate providing numerous environmental benefits. Similar to timber, hemp is a biogenic material, cultivated from plants. What distinguishes hemp is its amazing growth rate, which can reach up to four meters in four months, exceeding typical timber sources. Dr. Maria Martinez, a leading researcher in sustainable construction, emphasizes, “Hemp grows much faster than trees, giving it a greater capacity to absorb CO2 per hectare of farmed land compared to any forest or commercial crop.”

The versatile nature of hemp extends to its use in construction, where it can be processed into a wide range of building materials. Raw hemp fiber serves as the cornerstone for panels and mats used in thermal and acoustic insulation. According to Dr. Martinez, “By mixing raw fibers with mortar and molding it into blocks, hemp-lime can be used as a substitute for concrete blocks in load-bearing walls.”

Additionally, hemp-based materials have a smaller embodied carbon footprint than fossil fuel-derived alternatives, making them a sustainable option for environmentally conscious builders. Dr. Martinez’s research on thermal insulation shows that hemp insulation panels emit substantially less CO2 than synthetic competitors like polyisocyanurate.

Beyond its use in construction, hemp growing provides other environmental benefits. Dr. Martinez points out, “Hemp crops contribute to soil health by enhancing microbial activity and preventing erosion through its deep root system.” Also, hemp’s phytoremediation characteristics allow it to detoxify damaged soil by absorbing toxins, which improves its environmental stewardship.

Despite its numerous benefits, hemp faces challenges on its path to mainstream use in construction. Regulatory obstacles, along with the greater initial cost of hemp-based building goods, provide considerable challenges. However, as production increases and legislative restrictions are overcome, hemp has enormous potential to transform sustainable construction techniques.

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MONTECITO WATER DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON WATER AVAILABILITY CHARGE

TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2024, 9:30 A.M. 583 SAN YSIDRO ROAD* SANTA BARBARA, CA 93108

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors of the Montecito Water District (District) to be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 9:30 A.M., the Board will hold a public hearing to consider the adoption of Resolution 2275 to continue an existing Water Availability Charge for the purpose of funding water distribution system improvements. A written report, detailing the description of each parcel of real property and the amount of the charge for each parcel for the year, is on file and available for public review at Montecito Water District’s Office located at 583 San Ysidro Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. For information on a specific parcel’s acreage and proposed charge, owners may call 805.969.2271 or email info@montecitowater.com

The District is proposing to continue the existing charge as it was established in July 1996 and with such exceptions as have previously been granted by the Board, with no increase in the charge or change in the methodology by which it is calculated. The District will continue to collect such charge on the tax rolls, as in previous years.

At the Public Hearing on June 25, 2024 the Board of Directors will hear and consider objections and protests to the written report and application of the charge. Any objection or protest must be presented to the District on or before the close of the June 25, 2024 Public Hearing or be precluded from consideration for the 2024-2025 tax year.

*The public meeting will be conducted in person at the District office location referenced above. Remote participation information will be available on the meeting agenda posted at the District office, on the website www.montecitowater.com, and by calling 805-969-2271.

Campbell Hall, and the Music Academy of the West’s Hahn Hall.

It should be a helluva cultural ride!

A TVSB Birthday

TV Santa Barbara celebrated its 49th birthday with a socially gridlocked reception and awards gala, featuring a performance by Sir Elton John’s lyricist Bernie Taupin’s daughter, Georgey, last year’s junior Spirit of Fiesta, and guitarist and lyricist Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket and The New Vibe.

The boffo bash, chaired by the ubiquitous Rebecca Brand, was held at the station’s new State Street satellite office and media center opposite the venerable Granada, with 150 guests raising around $30,000, according to executive officer Erik Davis.

The Media Whig Award went to Harvey Emerald, presented by Hollie Collins and Justin Gunn, the Media Access Advocate Award to Bob Lovgren, and the Nonprofit Champion Award to Cynder Sinclair presented by Greg Gorga

Auction items included a three-night stay as Casa de Azul Y Oro at the Brander Vineyard in Los Olivos, a VIP package at Fiesta Pequeña, and the Fiesta parade, and a Summer Solstice VIP package.

Supporters turning out included David Bolton, Oscar Gutierrez, Dacia and Jack Harwood, Earl Minnis, Musette Profant, Drew Wakefield, Keith and Mary Hudson, Donna Reeves, Maitland Ward, and Lisa Osborn.

Estate Visit

Montecito designer, developer, and author Xorin Balbes used his latest project in our rarefied enclave to raise monies for the local charity, United Way. 80 guests descended on Monte Arroyo, a most impressive Hot Springs Road estate, built in 1910.

Xorin and his floral curator husband Truman Davies live a tiara’s toss or two down the road in the former home of philanthropist Leslie Ridley-Tree, which she and her husband Paul purchased

in 1980. After living there for 35 years Leslie gifted the property to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and moved to Birnam Wood.

Xorin acquired it from the museum and lost no time in completely renovating the property, where he threw another United Way fundraiser three years ago.

He tells me he spent a year working on Monte Arroyo – a 13,560 square foot, seven bedroom, ten bathroom home – with architect Paul Ashley and contractor Rick Ladavverog, There is also a one bed, one bath, 847 square foot guesthouse situated on four acres of landscaped gardens described as “a botanical wonderland” with a three car

garage and further parking for 30-plus cars on the 450 foot driveway, as well as a lily pond and pickleball court.

Uber realtor Nancy Kogevinas is selling the historic estate for $52 million. Among those losing no time checking it out were Belle Hahn, Rebecca Anderson, Marni Blau, and Susan Josephson

Lending a Helping Hand

Former TV talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has generously been playing mortgage lender to family members to get them on the property ladder.

The 66-year-old serial real estate flipper, with her former actress wife Portia de Rossi, has been dishing out home loans to relatives wanting to get a property, according to the London Daily Mail, my former employer.

Mortgage documents and deeds accessed by the newspaper reveal DeGeneres and de Rossi, 51, have lent millions to their respective brothers –comedian-actor Vance DeGeneres, 69, and Michael Rogers – to buy listed homes in California.

Vance and wife Joanne purchased a three bedroom, four bath house in Sherman Oaks for $1,439,000 in 2015, taking out a loan for the full amount.

And records reveal the dynamic duo have been even more generous to Portia’s brother Michael Rogers, who purchased a stunning four bedroom, four bath home in our Eden by the Beach, complete with a pool, for $4.9 million in May 2014.

Rogers and his wife Casey took out a

Fred Brander, Irene Robles, Cinder Sinclair, and Greg Gorga (photo by Priscilla)

Justin Gunn, Rebecca Brand, Meighann Helene, Erik Davis, and Gary Dobbins (photo by Priscilla)

Joey Bothwell, Drew Wakefield, and Dori Belmonte (photo by Priscilla)

Charlotte Mueller, Olivia Ruest, Nancy Kogevinas, Xorin Balbes, Bella Fredericks, and Pam and Barry Balbes (photo by Priscilla)

Belle Hahn, Berkshire Hathaway’s Richard Scibird, and Lily Hahn (photo by Priscilla)

Truman Davies, Xorin Balbes, and Steve Ortiz with “Yoshi” and “Konzo” (photo by Priscilla)

loan with Ellen and Portia for the same amount – $4,905,420 at the same time.

A Tall Farewell

Santa Barbara warbler Katy Perry certainly knows how to make a statement!

The former Dos Pueblos High student, who has left the hit ABC TV show

American Idol after seven seasons as a judge, took to the stage in a towering 20-foot-tall dress featuring the faces of every top 24 contestant that appeared on the show during her tenure.

The fun frock ultimately featured a total of 168 faces on it and was so elaborate it took a team of seven people to transport it around the set.

“It was a fun surprise because I was ris-

ing up and you just saw more and more contestants,” Katy told Entertainment Tonight.

‘The Voice’ Revisited

Montecito rocker Adam Levine is returning to the TV show The Voice for the first time since departing NBC’s long running competition show in 2010.

The Maroon 5 frontman will return as a coach for season 27 next year alongside John Legend, Michael Bublé, and newcomer Kelsea Ballerini.

Adam, who left The Voice after 16 seasons in 2019, is the second longest serving coach other than Blake Shelton, who exited the show last year.

The Payphone hitmaker won the show’s

(Condensed Notice for Publication)

NOTICE INVITING SEALED BIDS

PROTECTIVE MEASURES OF DISTRICT FACILTIES (JANUARY 2023 STORM)

BID NO. 2024-01

MONTECITO SANITARY DISTRICT

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Montecito Sanitary District (“District”) will receive sealed bids, electronically, for its BID NO. 2024-01, Protective Measures of District Facilities (January 2023 Storm) (“Project”), by or before Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. through its PlanetBids portal. All associated documents, including bonding information, shall be submitted with the bid. Bidders must be registered on the District’s PlanetBids™ portal in order to submit a Bid Proposal and to receive addendum notifications. Each bidder is responsible for making certain that their Bid Proposal is actually submitted/uploaded with sufficient time to be received by PlanetBids prior to the bid opening date and time. Large files may take more time to be submitted/uploaded to PlanetBids so plan accordingly. The receiving time on PlanetBids’ server will be the governing time for acceptability of bids. Telegraphic, telephonic, electronic, and facsimile bids will not be accepted. Bidders are responsible for obtaining all addenda from the District’s PlanetBids portal. If any Addendum issued by the District is not acknowledged online by the Bidder, the PlanetBids system may prevent the Bidder from submitting a Bid Proposal.

Project Description: The Project entails protecting district facilities at multiple locations and varying extents with angular boulders. The Project has been subdivided into four different projects, each with their own location and bid schedules. All project locations are within the Montecito Sanitary District Boundary and the County of Santa Barbara, California. The projects numbers, associated primary asset, and locations are as follows:

Project 1 – Manhole 616-4D: 2845 Sycamore Canyon Rd along Montecito Creek and just northwest of 1250 Pepper Lane

Project 2 – Manhole 638-4C: 204 Olive Mill Road along Montecito Creek, north of 188 Santa Elena Lane

Project 3 – Pipe L333-7: Along San Ysidro Creek within the Ennisbrook Owners’ Association, north of Ennisbrook Drive

Project 4 – Pipe L380-5: Near a private bridge over Hot Springs Creek, a tributary to Montecito Creek, along Meadow Lane, within the Riven Rock community

Engineer’s Estimate: $1,100,000

Project documents for the work are available to prospective bidders through the District’s PlanetBids Portal website at www.montsan.org/bids.

In accordance with the provisions of California Public Contract Code § 3300, and Business and Professions Code § 7028.15(e), the contractor and any subcontractors shall be licensed by the contractors’ state licensing board and registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations at the time the contract is awarded. Failure to possess the specified license shall render a bidder’s bid as non-responsive and shall bar award of the contract to any bidder not possessing the specified license at the time of the award.

Pursuant to California Civil Code § 9550, a payment bond is required to be submitted for all projects estimated in excess of $25,000.00.

The proposed project is a public works project subject to the provisions of Labor Code § 1720 thereby requiring the Contractor to pay the prevailing wage rates for all work performed under the Contract. In addition, the Contractor shall be responsible for compliance with the requirements of Section 1777.5 of the California Labor Code relating to apprentice public works contracts.

The District reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

There will be a mandatory pre-bid conference on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Montecito Sanitary District Board Room, 1042 Monte Cristo Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Bidders must attend this pre-bid conference as a requirement for submittal of a bid proposal.

If you have any questions, please contact the District’s Engineer for this project, Carrie Poytress at carrie.poytress@stantec.com and CC the District’s Engineering Manager, Bryce Swetek, P.E., at bswetek@montsan.org

MONTECITO SANITARY DISTRICT John Weigold General Manager

Voice (photo by gashleygoh via Wikimedia Commons)

inaugural season in 2011 with Javier Coulson, then again with Tessanne Chin in season five, lastly with Jordan Smith in season nine.

At the time, he reportedly walked away from an annual $30 million to stay with the show.

House on the Market

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow is selling her home in Brentwood.

The Oscar winner, 51, has put her 8,000 square foot Los Angeles mansion up for sale as her son Moses, 18, heads off to college.

The estate, which features a guest house complete with a movie theater and extensive wine cellar, is up for grabs for $29.99 million, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The Goop founder purchased the home with her ex-husband Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, 47, in 2012 for $9.95 million. The former pair have son Moses, as well as daughter Apple, 20, together.

The house, built in 1950 and renovated in 2009, is situated on one third of an acre in Mandeville Canyon. It has eight bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, including a one-bedroom apartment above the house’s garage.

Backyard Nuptials

CBS anchor Gayle King’s son, William Bumpus Jr., 37, and his fiancé Elise

Smith tied the knot at Oprah Winfrey’s Montecito estate at the weekend.

Oprah, 70, was also involved in planning the activities and arranged for fireworks to go off as the bride and groom made their exit after the lavish East Valley Road event.

King said on the am network show “the color of the day was blue,” but Smith wore a white strapless Amsale wedding gown to walk down the aisle.

Local Couple has Birthday Party for their Children

Prince Harry and his actress wife Meghan Markle kicked off the third birthday celebrations for their daughter, Princess Lilibet, early with a pre-birthday bash at their $14 million Riven Rock estate.

Among the guests at the fun fête were close friends and family, and some of Lilibet’s friends.

Harry, 39 and Meghan, 42, have adopted the titles of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as the last name of their children.

Using their titles as the children’s last names follows the tradition historically used by members of the Royal Family.

Sightings

Katy Perry and British actor fiancé Orlando Bloom at neighbor Ellen DeGeneres’ new comedy show at Largo in L.A... Gwyneth Paltrow, her actress mother Blythe Danner, Katy Perry, and her daughter Daisy Dove at Lotusland... Actor Rob Lowe picking up smoothies at Pierre LaFond.

Pip! Pip!

From musings on the Royals to celebrity real estate deals, Richard Mineards is our man on the society scene and has been for more than 15 years

PUBLISHED:

Adam Levine rejoins The

MONTECITO WATER DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2024, 9:30 A.M.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Directors of the Montecito Water District (District) will conduct a public hearing (“Public Hearing”) on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. at 583 San Ysidro Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108* to consider adopting increases to the District’s water rates and charges. The proposed increases are the result of a detailed budget analysis and the findings of the District’s May 1, 2024 Water Rate Study (“Rate Study”) prepared by Raftelis, an independent financial consulting firm specializing in cost of service analyses and rate setting, to determine appropriateness of the amounts and a fair and equitable cost allocation among water customer categories. The net impact of the proposed changes in the water rates and charges for customers varies based upon customer class, actual water consumption and meter size.

Pursuant to California law, a notice for the Public Hearing was mailed at least 45 days prior to the Public Hearing and included information about the proposed rates and charges, the reasons for their adoption, and the date, time and location of the Public Hearing

At the Public Hearing on June 25, 2024, oral and written presentations may be made concerning the Water Rate Study and the proposed water rates and charges, but only written protests will be counted. Written protests concerning the increases to the water rates and charges by the customer of record or owner of record must be received prior to the conclusion of the public comment portion of the Public Hearing to be counted. Submittal of written protests is governed by District Resolution No. 2274.

*The Public Hearing will be conducted in person at the District office (location referenced above) Remote participation information will be available on the meeting agenda posted at the District office, on its website www.montecitowater.com, and by calling 805-969-2271.

Run, MJ Public/legal notices section, June 5 & 12, 2024

MONTECITO SANITARY DISTRICT

NOTICE OF A HEARING TO CONTINUE THE PRACTICE OF COLLECTING MONTECITO SANITARY DISTRICT SEWER SERVICE CHARGES ON THE COUNTY TAX ROLL

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at 12:00 p.m. on the 19th day of June 2024, a hearing will be held to enable the MONTECITO SANITARY DISTRICT Governing Board to hear any objections to the collection of annual sewer service charges by use of the County Tax roll rather than billing monthly or quarterly. This meeting will be held at the District office located at 1042 Monte Cristo Lane, Santa Barbara, California as well as available remotely via Zoom meetings (Meeting ID 861 1897 5917). Information for joining the meeting will also be posted at the District office 72 hours prior to the meeting time and on the District’s website at www.montsan.org/meetings

A report, which will be available at the time of the hearing in the Office of the MONTECITO SANITARY DISTRICT, contains a description of each parcel (APN) of real property within the MONTECITO SANITARY DISTRICT to which sewer service is presently being rendered, and for which an application for service has been made to the District on or before June 30, 2024. The report also sets forth the charge to be made for sewer services to each of said parcels for the Fiscal Year 2024-25.

The District has elected to collect sewer service charges by use of the County Tax Roll in previous fiscal years and is proposing to use the same procedure for collection in Fiscal Year 2024-25 Sewer service charges, which are placed on the County Tax Roll for collection will be due and payable in the same manner, and the same time, as general taxes appearing on the County Tax Roll.

As set forth by Resolution No. 2024-974

Adopted by the Governing Board at its meeting on May 15, 2024

Published June 5 & June 12, 2024

Montecito Journal

MONTECITO WATER DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2024 9:30 A.M.*

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors of the Montecito Water District to be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 9:30 A.M. the Board will hold a public meeting to consider the adoption of the following Resolutions:

1. Resolution No. 2279: Resolution of the Board of Directors of Montecito Water District Adopting an Updated Schedule of Miscellaneous Fees and Charges.

2. Resolution No. 2280: Resolution of the Board of Directors of Montecito Water District Rescinding Resolution No. 2260 and Establishing Capital Cost Recovery Fees and Connection Fees Effective July 1, 2024.

Resolution No. 2279 pertains to Miscellaneous Fees and Charges that are imposed by the District for specific services in order to recover the District’s costs for providing those services.

Resolution No. 2280 pertains to fees paid to become a customer of the District and includes: (a) the actual costs of physically connecting to the District water system (Connection Fees) and (b) charges to fund a proportionate share of the District’s facilities (Capital Cost Recovery Fees). Information concerning the fees and charges, is available for public review at https://www.montecitowater.com/

At the public meeting oral and written presentations may be made and/or heard concerning the fees and charges established under Resolution No. 2279 and Resolution No. 2280.

*The public meeting will be conducted in person at the District office located at 583 San Ysidro Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Remote participation information will be available on the meeting agenda posted at the District office, on the website www.montecitowater.com, and by calling 805969-2271.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS SUMMARY

Proposals due at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 5, 2024 for:

INDEFINITE DELIVERY-INDEFINITE QUANTITY “AS NEEDED” CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

– 3 YEAR CONTRACT TERM WITH COUNTY OPTION TO EXTEND ADDITIONAL 2 YEARS

Project Number(s): VARIOUS

General work description: CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING SERVICES (CIVIL ENGINEERING)

Funding Source(s): Federal, State, Local

The RFP is available at https://pbsystem.planetbids.com/portal/43874/portal-home

The DBE Contract Goal is 13%.

All RFP questions are due Friday, 6/28/2024 by 2:00 PM and must be submitted via PlanetBids Confirmation of receipt will be provided. RFP questions and answers will be posted on the County PlanetBids website.

The cumulative total pages for the proposal must not exceed 30 pages (minimum 12 font size, single-spaced). Page count limit is exclusive of cover letter, blank pages or tabs, and required forms (i.e. Attachment A Agreement Cover Sheet, Attachment B Contractor Information Sheet, Resumes, etc.).

Proposals must be submitted electronically through PlanetBids by the deadline above.

The County hereby notifies all proposers that it will affirmatively insure that in any agreement entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) will be afforded full opportunity to submit proposals in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, or disability in consideration for an award. You are encouraged to employ craftsmen and other workers from the local labor market whenever possible to do so. Local labor market is defined as the labor market within the geographical confines of the County of Santa Barbara, State of California.

This project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the California DIR. Prevailing wages are required on this Proposal. The State DIR Director determines the general prevailing wage rates which can be obtained at the DIR website at https://www.dir.ca.gov/

Federal minimum wage rates for federally funded task orders under this Contract are determined by the United States Secretary of Labor and are available at https://www.wdol.gov/. Copies are also available at the office of the Department of Public Works – Engineering Division, 123 E Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

If minimum wage rates as determined by the United States Secretary of Labor differs from the general prevailing wage rates determined by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations for similar classifications of labor, the Contractor and subcontractors must not pay less than the higher wage rate.

All times are 2:00 PM unless otherwise noted. Proposals must be received prior to or on the date due. Proposals received after the due date and time or received at the wrong location are considered nonresponsive and shall be rejected.

Published June 12 and June 19, 2024 Montecito Journal

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: The Light Zone, 19 E Mission Street, Suite C, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Light Zone LLC, 360 El Sueno Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93110. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on May 30, 2024. 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. 20240001313. Published June 12, 19, 26, July 3, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Safina Design, 1187 Coast Village Rd, STE 1494, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Gwynne M Thomas, 1187 Coast Village Rd, STE 1494, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on June 5, 2024. 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. 20240001356. Published June 12, 19, 26, July 3, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Smart Ride Vehicles, 2917 De La Vina Street STE D, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. Edgar Blas, 2917 De La Vina Street STE D, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on April 2, 2024. 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. 20240000836. Published May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Supreme Landscape & Maintenance, 1512 North B Ct, Lompoc, CA 93436. Alexis G Garcia, 1512 North B Ct, Lompoc, CA 93436. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on May 15, 2024. 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. 20240001205. Published May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: RV 2024 Maverick Class, 819 Roberto Ave, Santa Barbara, CA, 93109. Ryan W Muzzy, 819 Roberto Ave, Santa Barbara, CA, 93109. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on May 20, 2024. 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. 20240001223. Published May 22, 29, June 5, 12, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Cherval Studio, 726 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101. Perecotte, INC, 726 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on May 7, 2024. 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. 20240001137. Published May 22, 29, June 5, 12, 2024

June 5 & 12, 2024

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Santa Barbara Glow, 2729 Puesta Del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. Santa Barbara Glow LLC, 2729 Puesta Del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on May 10, 2024. 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. 2024-0001161. Published May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 2024

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: The Liquor & Wine Grotto, 1271 Coast Village Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108-2739. Jason E Herrick, 1271 Coast Village Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Brian Brunello, 1271 Coast Village Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on May 13, 2024. 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. 20240001187. Published May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Lafayette Development Company, 1525 State St STE 203, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101. The Lafayette Corporation, 1525 State St STE 203, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on May 9, 2024. 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. Dean C. Logan, County Clerk of Los Angeles County, CA (SEAL). FBN No. 2024-100732. Published May 22, 29, June 5, 12, 2024

Drama Award: Fernando Plascencia, Talon McToldridge, and Ax Liebowitz Taigman

Music Award: Alexis Moore and Amelia Kane

Rap Inspiration Award: Levi Hicks

Art Award: Grace Pattison and Maisie Claffey

STEAM Award: Kazimir Graham-Szopa, Brixton Bailey, and Summer Robinson

Math Award: Morgan Haas and Teddy Marino

Writing Award: Beck Bergakker and Shane Kerwood

Alzina presented the Principal’s Award to Alexis Moore and Ax Liebowitz Taigman

A special award and acknowledgment went to CSS Kindergarten Teacher, Lisa Ishikawa, who is said to be retiring. She gave a brief speech and presented engraved bracelets to each graduate, some of whom started at the school in her class.

Next, Alzina presented each graduate, for the first time in graduation history, with a surprise gift, a Cold Spring School t-shirt, which she asked them to put on. The shirts had “Team Cold Spring” written on the front.

She then introduced the CSS Board: Michael Marino, Trevor Pattison, Gabrielle Haas, Jennifer Miller, and Elke Kane. Together, with the sixth-grade teachers, presented the diplomas, and the traditional reading of each student’s best memory at CSS and what they want to be in 10 years. The 6th grade Instructional Aide is Melissa van Bebber. Closing remarks were by Alzina, followed by huge applause for the graduates and the annual MJ photo by yours truly.

The Cold Spring School 2024 6th grade graduates are: Brixton Bailey, Beck Bergakker, Maisie Claffey, Kazimir Graham-Szopa, Morgan Haas, Levi Hicks, Amelia Kane, Shane Kerwood, Ax Liebowitz Taigman, Teddy Marino, Talon McToldridge, Alexis Moore, Alanna Moreno Pena, Grace Pattison, Fernando Plascencia, Summer Robinson, and Luke Wooten

Laguna Blanca Lower School Graduation

The Laguna Blanca Lower School 2024 Graduation – “Go Owls!” – was held on Thursday June 6 at 9 am, outside at the Lower Campus Pavilion. The graduates processed in to “Little Prelude in E minor” by Bach.

Head of the Lower School, Brooke Green provided her welcoming remarks saying, “We are so proud of this group of learners. The 20 students who graduated today embody Laguna Blanca School’s core values of Scholarship, Character, Balance, and Community. Each student contributed to our school community by serving on the student council. They helped launch our new playground and thematic social-emotional learning by sharing tips and participating in skits in our weekly assemblies, and they continued the tradition of honoring community members at our Fourth Grade Citizenship Breakfast. Through their contributions, these students modeled traits such as responsibility, compassion, gratitude, leadership, and courage to our younger students. Congratulations to our fourth grade graduating class. We thank you for the impact each of you made on our school, and we can’t wait to see how you continue to grow and thrive in Middle School and beyond.” Ron Cino, Head of Laguna Blanca School also made a few remarks.

The grads sang their class songs, “Unwritten,” “For Good,” and “Long Live,” directed by Music Instructor Molly Markstrum. Their fourth-grade instructor Susanne Richter read vignettes about each student. Green and Richter did the Presentation of Certificates and the school’s owl necklace to the graduates. Parents received a gerbera daisy flower. In closing, the grads performed the traditional parachute dance to the song, “Better When I’m Dancing” with Coach Ray Robitaille

The Laguna Blanca Fourth Grade 2024 graduates are: Judah Black, Tucker Delwiche, Rosie Farrell, Grace Green, Jack Helson, Grant Holderness, Hunter Jackson, Matthew Loncki, Mark Lutchyn, Rivi Markstrum, Sawyer McCullough, Catherine Milne, Shane Moore, Quincy Niksto, Jack Petersen, Savannah Powers, Chloe Sharma, Elin Thorsen, Alice Van Quathem Wagner, and Annabelle Zhang

El Montecito Early School Graduation

The El Montecito Early School 2024 Pre-K graduation was held on Friday, June 7, at 10 am in the El Montecito Presbyterian Church.

Director of the school, Christine Hale, welcomed everyone and shared thanks saying, “It’s been a privilege to be a part of your children’s first learning experience. ELMO is a very special place, and it has been such a joy to watch your children grow. Each day before school the teachers pray for your children. Now they are ready for their next adventure. Let’s join in prayer.”

The children processioned to the sanctuary with their teachers Karina Van Bogelen and Adrianna Beltran where they sang three hymns including “The Hymn of Grateful Praise.” They followed the songs with their recitation of a Bible Verse that corresponded with each letter of the alphabet, starting with “A = As for me and my house we will serve the Lord; B = Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God…”

From there they sat in the front pews and waited for their name to be called to receive their diploma and a long stem white rose from their teachers. For each child, the teacher read a prayer, said the attributes the child has, and the child said what they want to be when they grow up. After all the certificates were given, the graduates gathered in the Sanctuary to sing “The Lord is My Shepard” and posed with their teachers and Hale for photographs. All were invited for lunch at the Padaro Grill.

The graduates received a Children’s Bible, a stuffed Ollie the Owl (the Chapel Mascot), a black and white glossy portrait photograph of themselves, and a developmental portfolio that the teachers compiled into a binder since the student attended the school.

The El Montecito Early School staff are Assistant Director is Sara Leggieri, Lisa Salgado, Jenny Thompson, Sierra Palladino, Sally Brown, Kit Boone, and Hadley Price, the Music Teacher is Emily Sommermann. Hale recognizes the El Montecito Presbyterian Church Staff – Pastor Dr. Tom Haugen, Assistant Pastor to Families Rev. Lauri Haugen, and their Office Administrator Ashley Olsen

The El Montecito Early School Pre-K 2024 graduates are: Easten Blair Becker, Jack Eamonn Wolfe Bogart, Lilla Brooke Costello, Ivanna Herrera-Gonzalez, Henry Francis Page Haan, Emme Parker Hade, Ella Starr Jensen, Benjamin Frano Jonck, Charlotte Olivia Maria Jordan, August Landon-Morris, Peyton Rose Muller, Perry Bradford Newman, Merris Grey Parton, Jack Saint Theimer, James Conrad Voog, and Jack Wildman Woods

The ELMO Early School 2024 grads with Director Christine Hale and teachers (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

The Laguna Blanca Lower School 2024 4th grade graduates (photo by Brad Elliott)

The ELMO Early School grads gifts (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

become a branded American totem –the California surfer. When surfing drifted onto the commodifying pop culture radar, the machine reached in with its Midas mitts and began selling it wholesale. So began the cataclysm. Dora, already a churlish and difficult figure in Malibu, railed in earnest as the beaches began filling up with arrivistes. He craved only alone time on the water. In the wake of surfing’s discovery by the untanned suburbs, the crowds would steal from Miki the only thing that actually mattered to him.

When fledgling songwriter Brian Wilson wondered aloud what he should write about, little brother Dennis (the only Beach Boy who actually surfed) suggested writing a song about the newish youth craze then beginning to redefine the beach. Sandra Dee’s breakout

film Gidget of ’59 (based on real-life surf waif Kathy Kohner as memorialized by her novelist father) was likewise an early accelerant of surf-life’s OG endgame. In an extraordinary turn, Dora acceded to working on the Gidget set as a stand-in for James Darren’s character “Moondoggie,” Miki reportedly taking the opportunity to taunt and hector the film crew and otherwise all but sabotage the project with mild subterfuge.

Having charmed and scammed his way to a life enviably lacking a 9 to 5, Dora briefly saw the movies as a possible new means to finance his broader search for solitude and the perfect undiscovered shoreline. His “surf-flick extra” credits include Bikini Beach (1964), Beach Blanket Bingo (1965), and the classic How to Stuff a Wild Bikini (1965). Ultimately, Dora’s utter inability to play the game would close that door and nail it shut. He reportedly met with studio heads on exactly one occasion to discuss a career in the burgeoning popcorn-surf canon, but within a couple minutes his scorn got the better of him and the meeting came to a quick conclusion.

As the curtain continued to fall, Dora signed up to compete in the 1967 Malibu Invitational surf contest, just the thing he abhorred. People in the know wondered at the change in him. In the event, he slid masterfully down the front of a wave, dropped his trunks and mooned the judges. It was an early farewell.

On the Lam

Dora’s endless search for non-trad, lifestyle-funding income would lead him to extremes – initially manifesting at the various ‘60s parties to which he would invite himself. Reportedly keep -

ing several species of party garb and an ice bucket in his car, Dora would pull up in front of a place, scope out the dress code, brazenly don party-appropriate duds right there on the street, drop some cubes into a highball glass and walk in with his empty hoisted in greeting. Powerfully charming when he wanted to be (and a passable Cary Grant-type when cleaned up and suitably attired), he would dance and drink and gab, slipping away at the go-go height of the melee to rummage through the coats, wallets, and purses typically piled in a shadowy back bedroom. Years later, in the throes of misbegotten legend, Dora would tell an interviewer he had no real talent but living the way he wanted. In practice this bumpy inertia would have consequences Miki Dora would not ultimately outrun.

In 1973 Dora was busted for buying ski equipment with a bad check. Over the following year and a half, the wheels of justice would turn without Dora’s explicit participation. As the court’s officers pored over the charges, Dora skipped bail, his probation officer, the case, and the country.

From New Zealand, to Australia, to Biarritz, France, Dora kept moving – extracting funds from passersby, altering credit cards, and gaming the system as needed. In ’81 the French caught up with him and threw him in jail. At the end of the line, Dora agreed to return to the States to face the music, and once home his serial indiscretions would aggregate into jail time in L.A. County, Mono County, and in Lompoc’s federal prison.

The reckoning stripped from Malibu’s once and future king the last vestiges of his magnetic energy. When he was finally free of his obligation to remain in California, a spent Miki Dora headed back to Guethary, France where, despite an abrupt diagnosis of inoperable cancer, the great Miki Dora continued to hit the waves, but with increasing difficulty. In time, he was offered a first-class ticket home and fell into the arms of his father.

In 1949, the 15-year-old longboard wonder with the mischievous gaptoothed smile had everyone talking at San Onofre. Miki later made a fiefdom of Malibu before scrambling abroad to desperately seek his place in the world. When Miki Dora finally found his place, it was at his dad’s home in Montecito, where Dora passed in 2002.

A photo in the house of a four-yearold Miki and his young émigré dad, taken some 63 years before, reportedly showed the two standing on a beach together, squinting in sunlight, the future yet to be written.

ON THE SIDE

Big Kitchen Window Brightens Housewife’s Day

In the May 14,1958 issue of the Montecito Ledger, we find this enlightened interior design tip. “A window over the busiest work area in the kitchen – the sink – is as important as any window in the house. It gives her a wide view of the children at play, brings in plenty of light and air, and takes away the trapped feeling many women experience after long days of preparing meals and snacks and cleaning up.”

Whew! Now that’s a window.

On Horses & Suitcases

This Saturday, June 15 at Tecolote Bookshop, John Holman will be discussing his immersive memoir A Horse in my Suitcase, which details his village upbringing in the tiny bucolic hamlet of West Grinstead in the UK. As described in the book and elaborated on in an article in the current Montecito Journal Magazine, Holman’s uncle Tony was the Royal Steeplechase Jockey astride Princess Elizabeth and the Queen Mother’s horse, Monaveen. See you there!

Saturday, June 15, 2024 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Tecolote Bookshop 1470 East Valley Road

Jeff Wing is a journalist, raconteur, autodidact, and polysyllable enthusiast. He has been writing about Montecito and environs since before some people were born. He can be reached at jeff@ montecitojournal.net

Dora moons the judges at the 1967 Malibu Invitational

Miki Dora’s hand-drawn graph depicting the rise and demise of all he loved.

coaching style with a couple of talented fellows (3:30 pm; Hahn Hall; $10)... The Takács Quartet, the string quartet in residence who are on the cusp of their 50th season, kick off the guest/ teaching artists performances with the first of their two concerts this week. The formidable foursome will perform quartets by Haydn and Ravel sandwiched around Nokuthula Ngwenyama ’s “Flow,” commissioned by the Takács for their just-concluded 49th season. (7:30 pm; Lobero Theatre; $65)

Monday, June 17: Just one event on the calendar today, the Collaborative Piano masterclass, where veteran faculty member Jonathan Feldman focuses on the piano fellows who provide accompaniment for soloists on sonatas and other recital repertoire. (3:30 pm; Hahn Hall; $10).

Tuesday, June 18: The daytime brings masterclass kickoffs from longtime MAW teaching artists in clarinet (Richie Hawley), viola (Karen Dreyfus) and horn (Julie Landsman) at both Lehmann and Weinman Halls (1:30 & 3:30 pm; $10)... It’s still the fellows performing in the evening, too, as the participants in this summer’s String Quartet seminar (coached by the Takács) display the acumen in the annual showcase. The fellows-fired foursomes will play movements from some well-known works (Beethoven’s “Razumovsky” and Quartet No. 15; Schubert’s “Death and the Maiden”) as well as Carlos Simon’s “Warmth from Other Suns” and a few from further off the beaten path in Gabriella Smith’s “Carrot Revolution” and Gabriela Lena Frank’s “Quijotadas.” (7:30 pm; Hahn Hall; $40).

Wednesday, June 19: We normally wouldn’t devote much space to a masterclass, but today’s flute coaching/performance session prior to MAW stalwart Timothy Day’s arrival is led by Jim Walker, the flutist with exceptional experience vast and wide. Walker won the principal flute position in the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 1977, but stayed only seven years after which he focused on

The masterclasses are in full swing and harmony with Paul Merkelo and more giving the Fellows their insight and suggestions (courtesy photo)

On the other hand, the increased attention of Hospice through the organization’s expanded services during the Thomas Fire, Montecito debris flow and Covid pandemic crises, has actually put a strain on its ability to fulfill its mission and “Promise”: To care for anyone experiencing the impact of serious illness or grieving the death of a loved one.

“A lot of people also don’t know that everything we do is provided at no cost, and we’re supported completely by the community,” Caldwell said. “So one of the challenges that has come up as we’ve developed, and we don’t really trumpet this, is that we now have a waitlist for our bereavement services for adults … When people are in grief, and by the time they reach out, they really need help right away because that’s when they’re vulnerable but ready for help. So for us to get a referral for help when we are at capacity is very frustrating for everyone.”

the jazz quartet Free Flight in the 1980s, studio recording in the 1990s (in addition to hundreds of soundtracks, Walker collaborated with everyone from John Williams and Leonard Bernstein to Paul McCartney), and teaching – he’s a professor at both Colburn Conservatory and USC Thornton. The fellows – and you –are in for a fine time. (1:30 pm; Weinman Hall; $10). The afternoon also offers season-first masterclasses with MAW veterans Alan Stepansky (cello) and Paul Merkelo (trumpet)... Tonight brings the first Denkdriven special event of the summer as the MacArthur Fellow celebrates Charles Ives’ 150th birthday with a performance and discussion of one of the composer’s most highly regarded works, the “‘Concord’ Piano Sonata No. 2.” (7:30 pm; Lehmann Hall; $65 [sold out]).

Steven Libowitz has covered a plethora of topics for the Journal since 1997, and now leads our extensive arts and entertainment coverage

Even more challenging is the anticipated increase in demand for HSB’s services as the aging of the population soars in the so-called Silver Tsunami, Caldwell explained.

“We are expecting a massive growth in the senior population, as projections are that the numbers of people who are 65 and older are going to be basically doubling in the next 15 to 20 years, and triple for those over 85. On top of that, there’s the rise in mental health challenges impacting our youth, and often there’s a grief incident that’s at the bottom of those struggles that never got addressed. So we’re expecting and have experienced the demand for those services to keep on growing faster than we can grow to meet it. On top of that, the medical world has grown so complex that helping its clients understand the diagnoses and navigate options has also become more complicated.”

Which is where the Legacy of Compassion Campaign comes in.

The $1 million effort is one HSB hopes to achieve through both its annual Heroes of Hospice gala slated for September 15 at the Rosewood Miramar Beach and by increased private and foundation donations. The campaign is aimed at addressing concerns both occurring today and anticipated in days ahead.

“The idea is to increase our resources so that we can better meet current demands as well as build a foundation towards the future,” Caldwell said. “There’s going to be a lot more demand for our services and we need to start now so we can be prepared.”

The funds are also earmarked for launching or improving initiatives from HSB that include working with the juvenile justice system to help youth who have unprocessed grief at the root of their issues, increased bereavement counseling for firefighters to help cope with the complicated trauma and grief that many of them experience, and amping up the No One Dies Alone program, which focuses on providing volunteers at the bedsides of those who are dying who may not have friends or family to be with them.

A comparatively modest $1 million goal isn’t going to provide complete solutions to surfing the Silver Tsunami or handling unanticipated needs, Caldwell admitted, but it will better help HSB address the changing landscape.

“It’s not going to take care of all those future needs in one fell swoop, but it can serve as a building block to continue to grow upon and increase capacity as well as, frankly, to continue to share the story with the community about what’s coming down the pipeline.”

Jeremy Denk hosts his first masterclass this Friday with his Ives deep dive next Wednesday (photo by Shervin Lainez)

Hospice of Santa Barbara helps all family members with the bereaving process (courtesy photo)

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Calendar of Events

by Steven Libowitz

ONGOING

Downtown disco – Concerts in the Park (Chase Palm Park) and Music at the Ranch (Stow House), two of the summer’s most popular and longest-running free, family-friendly outdoor series, don’t get underway until late this month and the middle of July. But the Downtown Organization already launched its summer sounds series on State Street at the beginning of June. Dine at a nearby restaurant, get takeout or bring a box supper to munch on after you set up your chair on a block that’s part of the still car-free State Street, where you can join family and friends to listen and dance to a variety of local bands while soaking in the summer vibes. This week’s band for the 2024 Downtown Santa Barbara Live Music Series is Mark & The Logistics, with Hot Club of Santa Barbara due July 3.

WHEN: 5:30-7:30 pm

WHERE: 700 block of State

COST: free

INFO: (805) 962-2098 or www.downtownsb.org/events

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

Hall & Elvis – For those of us of a certain generation – let’s say the mid-to-late Baby Boomers – there almost assuredly won’t be a more appealing pop-oriented singer-songwriter concert all summer (year? decade?) than this Santa Barbara Bowl date co-headlined by Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Elvis Costello and Daryl Hall, who have teamed up for a tour and perhaps more. Costello is the London-born rock craftsman who stunned critics and consumers with his snarling but literate 1977 debut My Aim is True and has only deepened his musical literacy over the ensuing 47 years. Costello will play with The Imposters, his longtime companions featuring drummer Pete Thomas, pianist Steve Nieve, and bassist Davey Faragher, with the terrific Texas singer-songwriter-guitarist Charlie Sexton sitting in. The vocally-blessed Hall – whose split from lifelong partner John Oates in the most successful pop duo of all time seems more permanent after recent squabbles over their song catalog – recently revived his Live from Daryl’s House

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

Eyes in the Sky – Anyone who’s ever visited the Chumash Casino Resort is aware that, just as in every other such gambling establishment in the land, there are zillions of cameras overhead tracking every movement of players, dealers, croupiers and more. But tonight, “Eye in the Sky” will be an occasion to whoop and holler with almost as much fervor as being on the receiving end of a slot machine jackpot, as the legendary music producer turned Grammy Award winner songwriter/ band-leader Alan Parsons heads up the hill from his Santa Barbara home for a concert at the Samala Showroom. Parsons has been virtually omnipresent at area venues in recent years as he’s been one of the generous supporters to appear at every One805 benefit concerts since the nonprofit started. He was also feted at his 75th birthday party with a tribute concert at the Lobero last December. But this will be the first time to enjoy a full set from the engineer (The Beatles’ Abbey Road and Let It Be, plus Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon) who created the Alan Parsons Project and put out a bunch of singles and albums that got Grammy nods and spots on the charts.

WHEN: 8 pm

WHERE: 3400 E. Hwy. 246, Santa Ynez

COST: $49-$79

INFO: (800) CHUMASH (248-6274) or www.chumashcasino.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

Juneteenth Block Party – Joy for the People is the theme for the sixth annual local celebration, a gathering in the Funk Zone, to mark the Juneteenth National Independence Day – the (finally) federal holiday commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. The family-friendly event features a number of activities for kids including art, books, and library services plus competitions in double dutch jump roping and basketball shooting; dancing in the street to music from Black bands and singers; a curated Black Artisan Market boasting more than creative wares from 20 plus Black artisans, a number of tables sponsored by local community organizations, food trucks, and even onsite voter registration. Last year’s event drew more than 3,000 people.

WHEN: 11 am-6 pm

WHERE: 100 Gray Ave.

COST: free

INFO: https://juneteenthsb.org

series (viewable on YouTube), where he shares his home studio-stage with important artists across genres – legends and newcomers alike.

WHEN: 6 pm

WHERE: 1122 N. Milpas St.

COST: $55-$165

INFO: (805) 962-7411 or www.sbbowl.com

Drumbeat of Humanity – The new show from Transform Through Arts, producers of the annual Colors of Love extravaganza surrounding Valentine’s Day, turns to an uplifting family-oriented cultural experience. The evening is mounted as a magical montage of drumming and dances from all over the world, creating a celebration of the power of rhythmic sound and movement to help heal, communicate, and bring people everywhere into oneness. The cultural celebration starts with a screening of Yulia Maluta’s new short documentary film Drumbeat of Humanity – a journey of unifying power of drums and dance in ethnic cultures such as Gaucho (Argentine Tango), Flamenco, Aztec, Hawaiian, Taiko, Middle Eastern and Afro Cuban – followed by the live dance performances plus a panel discussion. Proceeds benefit nonprofit Transform Through Arts cultural programs. WHEN: 7:30 pm

WHERE: Center Stage Theatre, 751 Paseo Nuevo, second floor

COST: $25 general in advance, $30 at the door; $20 college students, free for youth grades K-12 ($60 VIP tickets include seating in first two rows) INFO: (805) 963-0408 or https://centerstagetheater.org

SBIFF’s animated AM fun – Sure, you can stay home and watch every one of these classic Pixar animated films via streaming or, to date myself, on DVD. But isn’t summer the perfect time to pack the kids in the car and head out to the cineplex – or in this case, the recently radically refurbished Riviera Theatre, owned and operated by SBIFF? The film festival folks are screening a generous selection of Pixar’s best every Saturday morning for 10 weeks as part of its Applebox program, and they’re also serving complimentary popcorn and drinks for the whole family. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and each film will be presented with Spanish-language subtitles. It all starts today with Inside Out, the 2015 film that represented a new level of depth in the Pixar presentations, diving into the inner life of emotions as its heroine struggles to adjust to life in a new city, house, and school. The formula proved enough of a success that the studio has just released a sequel. Coming attractions: Ratatouille, Coco, Toy Story, The Incredibles, Soul, Finding Nemo, Wall-E, Monsters, Inc. and Up.

WHEN: 10 am Saturdays, today through August 17

WHERE: Riviera Theatre, 2044 Alameda Padre Serra

COST: free

INFO: (805) 963-0023 or www.sbiff.org

Measurement Rules! – How many chickens do you weigh? How tall are you in apples or pennies as well as inches? Can you use your own foot as a ruler? The answers to these and similar questions can be explored at Measurement Rules, the new interactive exhibit at MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation. MOXI’s first large-scale traveling exhibit installation takes over the museum’s second floor through the summer, transforming the space into a playground for mathematical fun where guests can explore concepts of length, time, volume and weight in a variety of ways. The interactive exhibit introduces visitors to various units of measurement where they can master the basics and then compare, classify and categorize different ways to measure using traditional and other tools including balancing scales, odometers, calipers, 3-D imaging, and counting “Mississippi’s.”

WHEN: Today-September 22

WHERE: 125 State St.

COST: free with regular admission (free-$20)

INFO: (805) 770-5000 or https://moxi.org

THURSDAY, JUNE 20

Moody Master’s Voice – For more than half a century, Justin Hayward’s distinctive vocals have soared over the hits and deep cuts by The Moody Blues, the British band that began back in the original British Invasion whose music has endured through all the ensuing eras. Also one of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group’s chief composers, Hayward penned the classics “Nights in White Satin,” “Question,” and “Your Wildest Dreams,” the latter an unexpected massive hit in 1986. Now a solo artist, Hayward’s latest release was the “Living for Love” single released in 2022, which was featured on his sell-out co-headlining USA tour with former Santa Barbara resident Christopher Cross Mike Dawes, the English fingerstyle guitarist who made his name composing, arranging, and performing multiple parts simultaneously on his instrument, opens the show. WHEN: 8 pm

WHERE: Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.

COST: $85 & $115 ($195 VIP tickets includes premier seating and a pre-show reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres)

INFO: (805) 963-0761 or www.lobero.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 20

Fiesta Ranchera – We haven’t seen the sun in a sustained way since, maybe, the beginning of spring, but somehow the calendar still says it’s Fiesta season. The annual celebration marks its 100th anniversary this year, and commemorates the city’s heritage of the Spanish, Mexican, and North American pioneers who first settled here. Fiesta kicks off with Fiesta Ranchera, an evening at the grounds of the beautiful Stow House and Rancho La Patera. Attractions include generous samples of sumptuous appetizers from area restaurants and caterers, wine and beer from local vintners and breweries, performances by the 2024 Spirit of Fiesta and Junior Spirit, music for sunset by guitarist Tony Ybarra, and funky tunes from Area 51 for dancing under the stars till way after dark. Proceeds from the only night-time event all year at the ranch benefit the Goleta Valley Historical Society and Old Spanish Days.

WHEN: 5-10 pm

WHERE: 304 North Los Carneros Rd.

COST: $100

INFO: (805) 681-7216 or www.goletahistory.org

Photo by Kim Reierson

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It’s simple. Charge is $3 per line, each line with 31 characters. Minimum is $10 per issue. Photo/logo/visual is an additional $20 per issue. Email Classified Ad to frontdesk@montecitojournal.net or call (805) 565-1860. All ads must be finalized by Friday at 2pm the week prior to printing. We accept Visa/MasterCard/Amex (3% surcharge) SB SHOE & HAT

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— ELIZABETH SLAUGHT

Please contact Dream Foundation by phone at 805-539-2208 or email plaza@dreamfoundation.org.

“MY FATHER INSPIRED ME to live life with a generous heart. His was one made of gold. Having a stone dedicated to him for a cause near and dear to his heart makes me feel so happy. My father loved his leisurely strolls down State Street and now a part of his spirit will always be there for us all to feel.” — Elizabeth Slaught Dream Foundation is

Dedicate a stone at our Dream Plaza at Hotel Californian and give life to final Dreams. Choose from four sizes of stone to be elegantly engraved in this one-of-a-kind gift opportunity. Every stone purchased is eligible for a tax-deductible contribution.