A Rabbi's Spiritual Trek

JOURNAL

C.A.R.E4Paws

8 – 15 MAY 2025 | VOL 31 ISS 19 www.montecitojournal.net

Voice of theV illage

SERVING MONTECITO AND SOUTHERN SANTA BARBARA

The Aloha State – Mischief, adventurism, love.

And Muammar Gaddafi. Aloha Wing wasted very little time, P.6

Find the Fish – I wonder where that fish has gone.

You did love it so. You looked after it like a son. And it went wherever I did go, P.28

It’s Happy Tails at the organization’s annual fundraiser, page 14

Talking Bonsai – Ernie is getting ready for the annual bonsai show and needs to have a talk with his trees. But will they listen? P.34

A Rabbi’s Spiritual Trek

Ballet ‘Brilliance’

State Street Ballet preps its grand 30th season finale – a program of stirring, iconic choreography juxtaposed with a modern master’s world premiere, page 16

Faith, Service, and Community: On the cusp of retirement, CBB’s Rabbi Steve Cohen looks back, and forward (Story starts on p.5)

Ospi-tality

Vodka rigatoni… Crispy provolone… Fluffy cannoli… It’s not an Italian fever dream… it’s The Post’s newest eatery from Chef Jackson and Melissa Kalb, page 32

san rls night out! i g grab your girls and enjoy live music bold cocktails and divine dishes in a fabulous setting the speakeasy open at 5pm nightly

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8 – 15 May 2025

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8 – 15 May 2025

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The riskiest financial move is doing nothing.

The Burford Group at Morgan Stanley Jeanine J. Burford Jerrad Burford

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Brilliant Thoughts – It is all about disputed Petite Wine Traveler – Get a taste of la Editorial – MJ’s Gwyn Lurie sits down with 32 dolce 5 Rabbi vita at The Post’s newest eatery – Ospi Steve Cohen before he retires in June to talk 18 notoriety and some glory when perusing the about faith, life, and his lasting legacy

annals of fame

from culinary masterminds Chef Jackson and Melissa Kalb

Travel Buzz – Leslie’s trip doesn’t go quite as Beings and Doings – “I can’t give you anything 20 planned, 6 but but she’s at least in good hands at the love, baby…”

34 Ernie’s World – The annual SB Bonsai Club ontecito Miscellany – Polo season kicks off, 8 a Mnew vision at the Historical Museum, Blue in Bloom, and more miscellany

Community Voices – Jeff Giordano chats with 10 Director of County Health Dr. Mouhanad

Hammami News Bytes – Annual bonsai show moves to MUS, Mothers’ Helpers drive at Montecito Fire and other Mother’s Day events and community happenings Tide Guide

Lafayette

Elizabeth’s Appraisals – Understanding the 24 world Your Westmont – Graduates urged to keep of fine art prints… does my childhood 37 learning, growing and using phones for good, mall-quality Tupac poster count? not just for scrolling

Stories Matter – Haunted pasts, historical 26 trials, Calendar of Events – I Married a Golem!, and harrowed royalty are all covered in 44 singing “Fight & Flight,” Wonders of the Wolf, this month’s book selections Celebrating Land – This fairy tale has fins, fire, 28 and new beginnings in a mystical land called Gaviota

Society Invites – C.A.R.E4Paws hosts Happy Crime in the ‘Cito 14 Tails Celebration and the Channel Islands Y 30 Robert’s Big Questions – Who are the Elites? celebrates the 25th Anniversary of its annual fundraiser

And who has the real political power?

Spirituality Matters – Awakened Nature at Bodhi Entertainment – A bounty of ballet coming 31 16 to Ontown, Path, happiness at Mahakankala, plus subtle senses young playwrights at the New Vic, and other amusing events

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Montecito JOURNAL

show is coming up and Ernie’s trees have a lot to say on the subject

and meditative research at District House

“It’s not easy being a mom. If it were easy, fathers would do it.” – Betty White

Downtown SB LIVE Art & Wine Tour, and more happenings

– Our own “Craigslist” of classified 46 Cads,lassifieds in which sellers offer everything from summer rentals to estate sales

Meta Crossword Puzzles 47 Mini Local Business Directory – Smart business

owners place business cards here so readers know where to look when they need what those businesses offer

8 – 15 May 2025

Editorial

A Chat with Retiring Rabbi Steve Cohen

by Gwyn Lurie

I

’ve had many rabbis in my life – people who have given me spiritual counsel, friends, family members, and yes, clergy, who have been there with me and for me in life’s big and small moments – people whose wisdom I depend on when mine is hard to find. Rabbi Steve Cohen is the senior congregational rabbi at Congregation B’nai B’rith in Santa Barbara. Before that he was the Rabbi and Executive Director at UCSB’s Hillel Foundation.

He’s also one of my own most cherished rabbis. And while he’s set to retire in June, after 21 years of service at CBB and 19 before that at Hillel, I’m hoping he will continue on in that role for me.

Upon the occasion of his retirement, I wanted to talk to Rabbi Cohen about his journey as the religious and moral Carrying the Torah Scroll at Santa Barbara Hillel leader of a large Jewish congregation (courtesy photo) during a uniquely challenging moment where its members are, in many ways, as divided as the rest of our country.

After spending an hour or so with Rabbi Cohen in his study at CBB, reflecting with him on his decades of service, I’m reminded of why this religious leader and cherished community treasure is someone I proudly call my friend.

Here is our conversation: Gwyn Lurie (GL). I wanted to talk with you about your impending retirement, which is a big deal.

Rabbi Steve Cohen (RC). It’s a big life transition.

GL. It’s a big life transition for you, and it’s a big life transition for the community.

So let’s start with a big question, which is: What have you learned over your 21 years as CBB’s rabbi – about leadership, about faith, and about yourself?

RC. These are great questions, and of course... they’re big. I would say in the realm of leadership, the first thing that I’ve learned is the importance of really investing in people and my relationship with people. A leader at a different synagogue once told me, “We go the extra mile for our members and so they go the extra mile for us.” I have really learned that if people have a sense that I care about them and their families, that when I ask them to do something for the community they’re very likely to say yes.

Connected to that is my having learned the importance of asking for help and not feeling like I needed to do it all, and in fact realizing that I could not do everything that needed to be done and that it was actually a sign of strength to be able to ask for help. This plays out in many different ways, but for me to understand that when I’m asking somebody to opt to bring their time, their skills, their money, whatever it is, I’m not asking for myself. I’m asking for the collective, and that that’s probably my biggest role as a leader is to invite people to bring their gifts to the community.

Gwyn Lurie is CEO and Executive Editor of the Montecito Journal Media Group

(805) 966 - 6401 | GIFFINANDCR ANE .COM DESIGN BY TOM MEANEY ARCHITECT

LICENSE 611341

Stonehouse e h T t a h c n u br Let’s do s named one of the it wa ots” in the U.S.A p S h c n u r B 0 0 “Top 1 before e n g a p m a h C ve a h n ca we ere’s ocean views h t d n a . . . n o no

GL. What have you learned about faith?

RC. Faith is such an interesting and complex and fluid word. But for me, I do think of faith as being bound up with courage, and thoughtful, realistic optimism. During the pandemic, I came to see that my most important

805.504.1964

Editorial Page 364 364 8 – 15 May 2025

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Montecito JOURNAL

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Beings and Doings The Aloha State

by Jeff Wing

M

y parents met at a serviceman’s dance in 1942. I’m grateful for having been born to a couple whose generation continues to suffuse me like gentle lamplight through drawn rayon curtains. Theirs was a world of scotch-and-soda, weekend bridge with the neighbors, dancing at the Officer’s Club, service to country, and music.

We had one of those bulky mid-century living room stereos that doubled as a piece of furniture – a token little turntable and muffled speakers built into an ornate wooden cabinet the size and heft of a supine phone booth. My mom loved Mantovani records and in my memory our home was permeated with that music. Today I love all those ‘50s-era pop orchestras that feature more violins than there are hairs on a human head.

I’ve hauled an overstuffed emotional Samsonite from my parents’ world into my own. I can’t hear Mantovani’s “Charmaine” at dusk without entering a minor fugue state, and I’m made misty by pianist Roger Williams’ recording of The High and the Mighty theme. Percy Faith’s arrangement of “Shenandoah” (Across the Wide Missouri) sends me into a nearly paralyzing reverie. By such things are we tethered to family, and to a yesterday that otherwise can feel like a dream.

My mom departed this variously gorgeous and splintered world in 2014.

A crazily bemedaled Senior Olympics swimmer in her ‘70s, she’d been in gradually failing health for a very little while when, at 91, she had a sudden stroke. I took the call in my car and drove like a madman to Cottage Hospital, where she was sitting up in bed with a placid expression. She wouldn’t look at me but was fixated on something over my left shoulder, staring in brow-furrowing earnest as if she saw something there that puzzled her.

Sisters Jeanette and Aloha Gist

As long as I can remember, she had always sung and whistled around the house, and that was how she left me, singing the line “I can’t give you anything but love, baby;” over and over and over. This is a true story. It was as if the stroke had done us both the structural kindness of allowing a loving little aperture through which she could this short but voluminous final message. It was really, really something.

My mom is hard to explain (as is yours, surely), so here’s a story that sums her up.

Mom and the MPs My mom’s name is Aloha. She was born in Hawaii but is not Hawaiian. She entered the world at Schofield Barracks, the Army post that 17 years later would be strafed by nervous Japanese pilots following the ill-advised orders that would ultimately unplug their empire. Her father, my grandfather, was an Army Colonel who had long venerated Hawaii – in literature and in fact – and had secured his dream posting. In the full flush of his island fever, he and my probably-less-enthusiastic grandmother nearly named my mother after the last sovereign queen of Hawaii – Lili`uokalani – which is pronounced pretty much the way it’s spelled. It was a close call.

Preteen Aloha was an industrious mischief-maker, routinely climbing out of her bedroom window in the wee small hours (as Sinatra would’ve described them) and roaming the various Army bases she called home. No army-issue bedroom window could hold her. Her return would usually be in the company of a base MP (Military Police) most of whom knew her by name within a few months of her family having arrived for the new assignment. In one familiar

Aloha and Bob Wing at the Officer’s Club, Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico

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Montecito JOURNAL

“A mother’s love liberates.” – Maya Angelou

Beings & Doings Page 394 394 8 – 15 May 2025

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Montecito Miscellany Riveting Divots

by Richard Mineards

S

anta Barbara Polo and Racquet Club opened its 114th season on Sunday, kicking off an actionpacked schedule with exciting tournaments and events that will showcase some of the world’s most talented equestrians.

With a record number of teams and players participating, including a Number Ten rider – the top accolade in the sport – this season will be one of the most memorable in the club’s history.

Although nothing is currently scheduled, Prince Harry may well be galloping on the hallowed Holden Field as he was three years ago in the team with his good friend Ralph Lauren Polo model Nacho Figueras.

when in the U.K. – putting him on the hook for nearly $2 million in costs.

Harry was told his “grievance” over security was not enough to successfully change the decision.

The Riven Rock resident believes he’s been “singled out” and “badly treated” since leaving the royal family five years ago.

Harry’s barrister argued the removal of armed bodyguards when he is in the U.K. left the royal’s life “at stake.”

He had fought the dismissal at the High Court claim against the Home Office over the decision by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures that he should receive a different degree of protection when he is in the country.

Afterwards Harry, in an interview with the BBC, said he was “devastated” by the decision and his father King Charles, 76, had not been speaking to him.

Harry said he would like to reconcile because life is precious, and because the monarch’s cancer diagnosis calls into question how much longer his father has to live.

Stay tuned...

“Santa Barbara is a coveted locale where players from around the globe come to play top tier competition, and you can’t beat the beauty and the venue,” says manager David Sigman.

And for the 18th year I have been asked to judge the mélange of magnificent millinery for the annual Hat Contest in July with a torrent of tony tête toppers in the stands to choose from.

Long may they rein....

Courtly Decisions The Duke of Sussex, 40, lost his battle for taxpayer funded police bodyguards

Historical ‘Vision’ Artemio Figueras (Nacho’s youngest son) and Agustin Bottaro (photo by Carlos Ojeda)

Artemio Figueras hitting the ball real good (photo by Carlos Ojeda)

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PROGRAM: DEBUSSY: Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune (Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun) BARTÓK: Piano Concerto No. 3, Sz. 119, BB 127 (1945) BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 3 in E-fl at Major, Op. 55, “Eroica” Principal Sponsors: Bitsy & Denny Bacon and The Becton Family Foundation • Mosher Foundation Sponsors: Beth Gates Warren & Bob Boghosian • Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts, a field of interest fund of the Santa Barbara Foundation Co-Sponsors: Christine & Robert Emmons • Rosalind A. Fendon & Ronald D. Fendon • Sally & George Messerlian • John & Ellen Pillsbury • Patricia & Nicolas Weber • Beth & George Wood • Nancy & Byron K. Wood

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Miscellany Page 424 424

MUSICAL BRIDGES:

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THIS FRIDAY NIGHT!—May 9, 7:30 PM

English-born artist Don Louis Perceval is the focus of the latest exhibition at

Winners Hilario Figueras, Artemio Figueras, Santino Magrini, and patron/owner Alecia Seidler (photo by Carlos Ojeda)

ALL-CHOPIN PROGRAM Since his historic triumph at the 1970 Chopin Piano Competition, Garrick Ohlsson has established himself worldwide as one of the greatest living interpreters of Chopin’s music.

PROGRAM: Nocturnes Op. 15:1 and Op. 9:3; Barcarolle Op. 60; Fantasy Op. 49; Scherzo No. 3, Op. 39; Impromptu Op. 36; and the Piano Sonata No. 3, Op. 58 Principal Sponsor: Robert Castle Sponsors: Alison & Jan Bowlus Co-Sponsors: Nancy & Byron K. Wood Concert Partners: Beth Gates Warren & Bob Boghosian • Maureen & Les Shapiro

Tickets at the Lobero Theatre Box Office (805) 963-0761 ⫽ lobero.org

COMMUNITY ARTS MUSIC ASSOCIATION OF SANTA BARBARA • camasb.org

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Montecito JOURNAL

8 – 15 May 2025

1050 Cold Springs Road / Montecito / 93108 Offered At $44,500,000

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Enter the private gates of this grand and wholly reimagined 6.2-acre ocean view coastal estate that is Montecito’s beloved and historic ‘’Ca di Sopra’’ (House Above the Clouds) first built in 1914 by famous architect Guy Lowell and completely redesigned in recent days. The owner spared no expense to fundamentally transform and elevate this 7-bedroom, 8-bathroom Italian Villa’s classical architecture to today’s most rigorous standards and top design. From the meticulous landscaping surrounding the prominent half-moon pool beset by Greek Ionic columns, to the temperature-controlled wine cellar/tasting room, multiple entertainment balconies overlooking the Pacific Ocean, home theater, two gracious family rooms, gourmet kitchen, formal dining room, large gym, and a truly impressive primary suite featuring an enviable indoor/outdoor bathroom, walk-in closet, and sweeping sitting areas opening to the stone terraces, there is no shortage of awe-inspiring venues throughout the property. Lending to the versatility and functionality of this compound is a modern two-bedroom guest house above the three-car garage and a carriage house with a bathroom that could be a perfect artist retreat. This rare opportunity is reserved for the most selective buyers.

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Montecito JOURNAL

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Community Voices

News Bytes

From Syria to Santa Barbara: Coffee with our Director of County Health

A

t the recent Budget Workshops, County Health presented their 2025-2026 budget that included $119M in spending and 539 full-time employees. Given the scale, I thought I would sit with Director, Dr. Mouhanad Hammami to learn a bit more about what they do.

Dr. Hammami’s urbane charm and dapper style – he really is the best dressed man in Santa Barbara – were very much on display. He was born in Aleppo, Syria, ran Michigan’s Wayne County $700M Health Department and in 2022 was selected to be Director of what was then “Public Health.” This is someone you would love to have at your next dinner party (I was dying to talk Syria following al-Assad… But I digress).

This is complicated stuff and I wish someone with a broader public platform (e.g., Jerry Roberts or an interview with Gwyn Lurie) could talk more expansively about the myriad services – not just for the “underserved” – that County Health provides. Certainly, their six Health Care Centers that stretch from Carpinteria to Santa Maria are a big part of what they do – and account for $62M of their budget, an expenditure that is ENTIRELY covered by fee-for-service revenue. But their broad mandate also includes Disease Prevention, Childcare, Emergency Medical Services and Animal Services where we spend $7M annually for our three shelters and innovative programs.

As it relates to the Health Centers, however, there is a need for expansion and perhaps even 24/7 Urgent Care, things that fit into the Doctor’s vision but require funding (more on this later).

Fun Fact: At the Budget Workshop, eight of the 10 public speakers discussed animals not people – my Hugo would have been gratified.

Anyway, these Centers provide a much-needed place of treatment for those low-income residents with MediCal because unlike private clinics, our Centers receive a much greater federal reimbursement, i.e., they welcome these patients. An accomplishment that Dr. Hammami is proud of is a change in our treatment culture, one that takes a more holistic care approach that CalAIM financially encourages. This state program incentivizes our Centers to develop a thorough understanding not just of

10 Montecito JOURNAL

Rose Story Farm Pop-up at Hudson Grace Montecito

by MJ Staff

the patient, but of their family and circumstances, as well. This approach enhances both care and revenue.

Since 2002, the Santa Barbara Animal Care Foundation has been doing great not-for-profit work supporting Animal Health and our four-legged friends.

That said, we should NEVER forget that our County has a whopping 17% poverty rate, the second highest in our 58-county State. These ~ 70,000 residents need help too, which is why the Doctor would like to establish a similar 501(c)3 that focuses on bipeds: Calling all philanthropists!

In the end, I admired the Doctor’s deep sector knowledge (the acronyms were flowing like water) and his nod to finance, where he pointed out that just 9% of his funding was provided by the General Fund (on average, operational departments draw 36% of their “revenue” from the Fund). Indeed, one of his goals is to accept private insurance at the Centers which would further offset costs and drive revenue. It should be noted that because our Centers are “Federally Qualified” they must accept all patients, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status.

This year is County Health’s 100year anniversary, hence their new name and refreshed brand – congratulations! Now, this is not my area of expertise, but just an hour with Dr. Hammami left me knowing that this department is in capable hands because experience and context matters, and the Doctor has an abun dance of both. Good luck!

Jeff Giordano, SB County Resident

M

Rose Story Farm is doing a flower bouquet pop-up at Hudson Grace Montecito on Thursday, May 8, at 10 am and on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, at 6 pm.

No excuses for not getting those flowers!

others’ Helpers, a local nonprofit serving low-income families with infants, will host a Mother’s Day Drive at Montecito Fire Department.

Community members are invited to drop off new or gently used baby items from 11 am to 1 pm on May 10. Items most needed include infant and convertible car seats, strollers, pack ‘n’ plays, bassinets, baby carriers, diaper bags, diapers & wipes.

“Over the years, we’ve touched countless lives, thanks to the steadfast support of our community,” said Michelle Erickson, Executive Director of Mothers’ Helpers. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Montecito Fire Department for helping us expand our reach and serve even more families in need.”

As part of their Mother’s Day Appeal to raise $5,000 in support of local families, the organization invites you to make a meaningful impact. Tax-deductible donations can be made to Sponsor a Family or contribute to our general fund.

News Bytes Page 124 124 JOURNAL

by Jeff Giordano

Help Mothers this Mother’s Day

newspaper

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 Administrative Assistant | Kassidy Craner VP, Sales & Marketing | Leanne Wood leanne@montecitojournal.net Account Managers | Sue Brooks, Tanis Nelson, Elizabeth Scott, Jessica Sutherland, Joe DeMello Contributing Editor | Kelly Mahan Herrick Proofreading | Helen Buckley Arts and Entertainment | Steven Libowitz Contributors | Scott Craig, Ashleigh Brilliant, Chuck Graham, Mark Ashton Hunt, Dalina Michaels, Robert Bernstein, Christina Atchison, Leslie Zemeckis, Sigrid Toye, Elizabeth Stewart, Beatrice Tolan, Leana Orsua, Jeffrey Harding, Tiana Molony, Houghton Hyatt, Jeff Wing Gossip | Richard Mineards History | Hattie Beresford Humor | Ernie Witham Our Town/Society | Joanne A Calitri Health/Wellness | Ann Brode, Deann Zampelli 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

To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit www. mothershelpers.org or email Executive Director Michelle Erickson at michelle@mothershelpers.org

Hudson Grace Montecito Presents Chef Loria Stern Hudson Grace is hosting Loria Stern, chef and artist to present her book, Eat Your Flowers, A Cookbook, on Friday, May 9, from 4-6 pm, just in time for Mother’s Day. Stern started her culinary edible flowers innovations, a bakery, and catering brand in Montecito. She has presented her work in Vogue, the NY Times and Harper’s Bazaar.

RSVP suggested.

411: Phone: 805-565-9600

Montecito Tide Guide Day Thurs, May 8 Fri, May 9 Sat, May 10 Sun, May 11 Mon, May 12 Tues, May 13 Wed, May 14 Thurs, May 15 Fri, May 16

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“A mother’s arms are made of tenderness, and children sleep soundly in them.” – Victor Hugo

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8 – 15 May 2025

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8 – 15 May 2025

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Montecito JOURNAL

11

News Bytes (Continued from 10 10)) History Day, on Saturday, May 10, from 11 am to 2 pm, at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park. They have participated in this event since 2022, which celebrates Santa Barbara’s diversity and multicultural history, with hands-on learning stations, arts & crafts tables, activity tables led by local organizations, historical walking tours and interactive exhibit experiences that highlight the layered histories of Santa Barbara’s Presidio Neighborhood over time.

Helena Simon Brooches Event at Emily Joubert Montecito Visit Emily Joubert to discover the beauty of Helena Simon fine floral brooches.

Shop the stunning collection, perfect for spring and Mother’s Day. Event is on Friday, May 9, at 10 am and on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, at 6 pm.

Montecito Country Mart Mother’s Day Events: The Montecito Country Mart invites locals to stop by on Saturday, May 10, from 12-3 pm to plant a posey and create a card for a mother in your life! Free and RSVP not required.

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411: www.sbthp.org/chd

66th Annual Carpinteria Community Awards The 66th annual Carpinteria Community Awards Banquet was held on Saturday night, April 26th in Carpinteria. The event, hosted by the Carpinteria Community Association, treated 250 people to a wonderful dinner provided by Events by Rincon and an evening of awards and recognition for many local folks. Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s gymnasium was converted into an elegant room where 18 local service organizations and nonprofits gathered to honor stellar volunteerism with a Merit Award.

Robitaille’s Fine Candies was honored for their 36 years in business, and a Spotlight on Local Business Award was presented to both the Ballat and Mascari families. Each family is the owner of three local businesses.

John Palminteri was presented with a special Community Media Award.

Two local teachers were recognized as Educator(s) of the Year. Rene Mireles and Elizabeth Poulin were honored for their perseverance and dedication in teaching Carpinteria’s students. At this event, a Junior Carpinterian of the Year is selected following a rigorous application and interview process. Both Evelyn Calkins and Daisy Gemberling were named as finalists and the Junior Carpinterian of the Year was Valeria Zamora Susano.

Twenty-three former Carpinterians of the Year were introduced, followed by the announcement of the 2024 Carpinterian of the Year,

Lynda Fairly.

Bonsai Show Finds New Home at MUS The Bonsai Club of Santa Barbara, the oldest bonsai club in California, invites you to its 48th Annual Bonsai Show & Sale on Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18, from 10 am to 4 pm at Montecito Union Elementary School, 385 San Ysidro Rd. Admission is free and open to all who want to explore the world of bonsai. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just curious about this ancient living art form, come and connect with a welcoming community of bonsai lovers to learn, create, or just admire some amazing, centuries old, sculpted trees.

Superintendent and bonsai enthusiast Anthony Ranii added, “Montecito Union School (MUS) is thrilled to be the new home of the Bonsai Club of Santa Barbara’s Annual Bonsai Show. MUS treasures art, community, and nature, so this new partnership is a perfect fit. Our newly renovated MUS auditorium will be a perfect place to showcase these truly spectacular trees cultivated by inspired artists. As a member of the Bonsai Club, I hope to see you there!”

SB Black Culture House at Community History Day Darrell and Sally McNeill announced they are joining in the SB Trust for Historic Preservation’s Community

WE DELIVER! SCAN THE QR CODE TO SUBSCRIBE. www.montecitojournal.net/subscribe

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“The best place to cry is in a mother’s arms.” – Jodi Picoult

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• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

13

Society Invites

C.A.R.E4Paws Happy Tails Celebration and Fundraiser Event Julia Black-Devre, Kathryn Courain, Chris Harris, Laura Sanders, Cindy Whelan, Cam Gittler, and Erica Valdes (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

by Joanne A Calitri

T

he C.A.R.E4Paws organization held a “Happy Tails Celebration and Fundraiser” event on Sunday, May 4, at the Cabrillo Pavilion. The event focused on celebrating the organization’s establishment 16 years ago this May, its mission, and the work it does for pets and their owners on the Central Coast.

Starting with a silent auction during a wine and beer reception, the C.A.R.E4Paws board and staff mingled with guests and posed for photo ops at the step and repeat banner.

The event hosts were Executive Director and Cofounder Isabelle Gullö; Happy Trails Event Coordinator Erica Valdes; Director of Clinic Operations Patrick Antone; Assistant Manager Libby Williams-Cabral; Marketing and Safe Haven Manager Julia Black-Devre; Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator Priscilla Hernandez; Board President Chris Harris, Treasurer Kathryn Courain; Secretary Cindy Whelan; and Board of Directors Cam Gittler, Kyle Kennedy, Don Conner, Dr. Alex Gomes and Laura Sanders.

Also seen at the event were Tara Zanecki and John Palminteri, Peggy and Gary Finefrock, Lisa and John Stevens, Eryn and Craig Shugart, Deborah Steffen and Patricia Ryan.

Keynote sponsors were Beth Climo and Bob Bourgoin, Andrew and Kendra Feshbach, Bill and Kathy Borgers, Greta Hansen, John and Karen Jostes, and Ron and Betty Ziegler.

Gullö and Harris gave brief speeches of welcome, with thank yous to the sponsors, donors, attendees, their board, and staff.

Gullö, “We were founded 16 years ago this May and remain a grassroots organization in the community to make sure pets stay with their families. Our mission continues to be to reduce the pet population, keep pets out of shelters, and provide pet care services. We work with many local organi-

14 Montecito JOURNAL

“In the end, mothers are always right. No one else tells the truth.” – Randy Susan Meyers

Board Member Laura Sanders and Executive Director/Cofounder Isabelle Gullö (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

zations and provide services. Fundraising here supports our mission and our new shelter center, the Creekside Pet Boarding, in Arroyo Grande.” Accompanying their speeches were videos of the work the organization is doing.

Sought after live auction items at the event included a stay at the HillsNek Safari Camp – Amakhala Game Reserve in South Africa, donated by its cofounder Chantelle Cook and facilitated by marketing guru Leigh-Anne Anderson; and a week stay in historic Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris.

The auction was led by Los Angeles professional auctioneer Jim Nye, who raised approximately $98,900 between the live auction items and the Ask, along with getting attendees to cheer all the bidders and winners. The raised funds are a definite help in C.A.R.E4Paws’ 2025 estimated budget of $2.4 million.

Vegan dinner and appetizers were by Whiskey ‘N Rye and dessert by Bodega Bake Shop.

411: https://care4paws.org/

Society Page 334 334

8 – 15 May 2025

Happy Nurses Week Saluting the inspirational, the compassionate, the dedicated nurses who step forward every day to care.

Thank you to all the nurses in our community.

Read the latest issue of Nursing Excellence at: cottagehealth.org/nursing-excellence

Jason De León Uncovering the Stories at the U.S.-Mexico Border Thu, May 15 / 7:30 PM UCSB Campbell Hall FREE copies of De León’s new book, Soldiers and Kings, will be available while supplies last (pick up at event, one per household)

An internationally recognized anthropologist and the National Book Award-winning author of Soldiers and Kings, Jason De León examines the human cost and potential solutions to the crisis of global border enforcement.

(805) 893-3535 www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu 8 – 15 May 2025

• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

15

On Entertainment

fresh. Our dancers have been getting a ton out of the process of learning the choreography and in rehearsals in terms of artistic growth. It’s incredibly challenging, which is also true of the Arpino piece, but in a very different style. It’s almost like watching an Olympic sport where you’re a little bit on edge in the breathtaking moments that you’re not quite sure if they’re going to pull off – the big dives and the gymnastics.

Thirty Years of ‘Brilliance’ with State Street Ballet

by Steven Libowitz

S

tate Street Ballet closes out its 30th season with The Brilliance Program: Balanchine, Arpino, and Beyond, a title meant to characterize the works featured on the May 9-10 performances at the Lobero Theatre – but also apropos for the company’s spectacular season, the first full one under the leadership of Artistic Director Megan Phillips and Executive Director Cecily MacDougall. The shows reach back in time to classical ballet and peer into the future with the premiere of a very modern piece that breaks ground on the creativity of modern movement. Pieces by two of ballet’s most influential choreographers – George Balanchine’s Who Cares? with music by Gershwin, and Gerald Arpino’s Birthday Variations, set to a score by Verdi – are capped off by Kassandra Taylor Newberry’s brand new very contemporary piece called “To Do Less With a Certainty.”

We caught up with MacDougall a few days before the premiere.

Q. Why now for this decision to perform works by Balanchine and Arpino – classic works by famous choreographers – for the first time as a company?

A. One of our broader goals is to bring in outside choreographers both classic and contemporary. So putting pieces by these well-known choreographers on our schedule, along with a world premiere we commissioned, shows that we want to continue to be an incubator for new voices propelling the art form forward. It’s a really big deal for us, a huge step in the direction of growing from a regional company to something more nationally renowned. Our audiences will get a lot out of seeing choreography that is so timeless – Who Cares? is 55 years old, but it still feels

How do these works fit together?

What they have in common is that they really do represent the highest standards of artistic excellence. We’re See some of State Street Ballet’s Brilliance this opening with Birthday Variations, week (photo by Heidi Bergseteren) which is not only really beautiful, but a natural fit to close out our own 30th anniversary with something very classy to remind our audiences just how breathtaking ballet can be. Who Cares? is one of Balanchine’s most iconic pieces, neoclassical ballet but with a twist of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, which will give the audience a really different feel. We love the juxtaposition of these two different decades of ballet history that are still so impressive to watch. We’re closing out with a brand new very contemporary piece from Kassandra Taylor Newbury, one of the hottest voices in dance creation today. It features sound excerpts, including spoken word, that have been mixed together, and features as well all of our company members plus two of our professional track dancers.

It’s a lot of bodies on stage, and they’re doing a very specific movement comprised of patterns that create different shapes. It gives a little insight into where the art form is going, and shows how we’re pushing the limits as the dancers go from pointe shoes to bare feet, and from lifts to very grounded – and even doing back flips. It’s a good visual of the dynamics of our company and what these dancers are able to do.

Entertainment Page 224 224

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8 – 15 May 2025

SAVE HEAD

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The federal government’s proposed budget eliminates Head Start, ending quality childcare, early education, nutrition, and healthcare screenings for Santa Barbara County’s preschoolers living below the poverty line. Educating our children keeps our region competitive.

Without affordable childcare, parents may not be able to work, impacting our local economy. Act now. Help save Head Start.

SaveHeadStartSB.com 805.964.8857 xt 3 8 – 15 May 2025

Montecito Journal Apr25 • Voice of theVillage • - Ad 02 Full page: Trim: 9.75” W x 12.02 H

Montecito JOURNAL

17

Brilliant Thoughts Celebrity

by Ashleigh Brilliant

I

used to call myself a sort of minor-league celebrity. Different people, I have found, have different standards for what they consider fame or notoriety. To some, in the old days of print media, it was a matter of how widely you or your photographed image appeared – nationally or internationally – in newspapers, magazines, or books.

It made a big difference if you were “syndicated,” meaning that whatever you wrote or drew could be seen or read in numerous publications at the same time. It all made you more of a celebrity. In some people’s minds, to that extent, you were famous.

But, with the advent of radio, and then of television, what mattered was having your own, widely and regularly heard and seen, “program” or “show.” And the Internet has again changed everything. Theoretically, we all have equal access, and the important thing is getting more people to be aware of what you have “uploaded.”

Ultimately what makes the difference here is money – and large corporations can afford to dominate the ether. Of course, they can also maintain huge mailing lists – and you sometimes have to make a special request to be taken off their list before they’ll allow you stop hearing from them.

In my own case, just appearing in the local daily newspaper – when there was one – was a big feather in my cap. And my writings still appear weekly in another local Journal. Of course, getting paid for it can also matter – but, in this country at least, how much people earn is still generally regarded as confidential information.

I still have a small business based on my illustrated epigrams, which began on postcards back in 1967. These sometimes brought me “fan mail,” and I started keeping a file I called “Celebrities” of letters received from people I considered notable. (It was in pre-computer times, so they were mostly on paper.) Ultimately, they were so few in number that I lost interest in that whole idea.

However, for the sake of this article I dug that file out. One of the most recent letters in it was dated June 20, 1990. And you’ll never guess who it was from:

For Thine is the Kingdom, The Power and the Glory If the Glory is God’s, how can anyone else lay claim to any of it? And yet the idea of military glory goes back thousands of years. The Romans made a big deal out of what they called “triumphs.” Victorious troops would parade through the streets, accompanied (probably not very willingly) by whatever warriors they had conquered. We still echo that kind of celebration with big election winners or sports heroes. And church services, especially of the more “spiritually enthusiastic” kind, are redolent with cries of “Glory!”

In the last two centuries, and in various parts of the world, particularly in the U.S., the concept has emerged of recognizing distinctive achievements architecturally – and so we now have hundreds of “Halls of Fame,” “Walks of Fame,” and even “Walls of Fame.” Of course, some of them are more famous than others. In the U.S., the best-known Walk of Fame is probably the one on Hollywood Boulevard, in which no Ashleigh Brilliant born fewer than 2,800 large stars are set England 1933, came to into the pavement, each one bearing California in 1955, to Santa the name of someone associated with Barbara in 1973, to the “Show Business.” I’m not sure if any Montecito Journal in 2016. disgrace could lead to a star being Best-known for his illustrated removed, or at least the inscription epigrams, called “Pot-Shots,” changed. But all this reminds me of now a series of 10,000. email: ashleigh@west. that old quote usually attributed to net. web: www.ash Jimmy Durante; “Everybody wants to leighbrilliant.com.

get into the act.”

BY Lauren Gunderson DIRECTED BY Jenny Sullivan

JUNE 5-22

None other than DONALD TRUMP. My Publishers, Woodbridge Press, had sent him a copy of one of my books (#4, WE’VE BEEN THROUGH SO MUCH TOGETHER – And Most of it Was Your Fault) and his comment was: “It is delightful and very amusing. There are many truisms, and I find it all very entertaining.”

Very few other names in the file are ones most people would recognize today.

But why is fame so commonly linked with fortune? I would think that the best kind of fortune would be as little known as possible. From what I’ve heard about lottery winners, sudden wealth that you haven’t earned is hardly a guarantee of happiness – even less so if your identity becomes widely known.

And what about glory? The very concept of being in any way glorious implies a high order of merit. The most widely known personal message to God is called The Lord’s Prayer, and its concluding words include these:

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18 Montecito JOURNAL

“Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.” – Oprah Winfrey

8 – 15 May 2025

A Silent Film with Live Musical Performance

by Wynton Marsalis and Cecile Licad Sat, May 17 / 7:30 PM / Arlington Theatre Wynton Marsalis leads an all-star 13-piece ensemble in live accompaniment to the 2010 silent film LOUIS, a vivid reimagining of the adventures of a young Louis Armstrong shot in the style of early Charlie Chaplin movies.

The film is rated “R” – Restricted (Some Sexual Content)

Tessa Lark, violin Amy Yang, piano

Tue, May 20 / 7 PM / Hahn Hall “Tessa Lark embodies joy in music making.”

– John Corigliano, composer At once a classical violin virtuoso and a blazing bluegrass fiddler from Kentucky, Tessa Lark performs a program exploring all sides of her prolific career, from Bartók to bluegrass and beyond.

Isata Kanneh-Mason, piano Sheku Kanneh-Mason, cello Thu, May 29 / 7 PM / UCSB Campbell Hall Sibling duo Isata and Sheku Kanneh-Mason will put their intuitive understanding and remarkable rapport on full display in this richly evocative recital exploring the legacy of late Romantic and modern chamber music.

(805) 893-3535 | www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu Arlington event tickets can also be purchased from

8 – 15 May 2025

• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

19

Travel Buzz

Built for years, not seasons

The Best Laid Plans: A Trippy “Trip” at Lafayette Hotel and Club

by Leslie Andrea Westbrook

Esquire magazine deemed this recently revamped vintage lodging “San Diego’s best new hotel!”

I Happy as a dog on the beach in Olympic National Park, Washington.

Photo: Christine La

Locally owned and operated for over 42 years 14 State Street | 962-0049 | Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5 mountainairsports.com

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t wasn’t exactly what we’d planned for. My high school friend Annie joined me to celebrate our mutual June birthdays. We planned a trip to San Diego and Valle De Guadalupe, Baja. She took Amtrak from Union Station to Oceanside; I picked her up at the train station and we sped down to the recently refurbished Lafayette Hotel and Club on El Cajon Boulevard in the University-North Park neighborhood of San Diego.

I knew the original Lafayette Hotel well – having stayed here a few times over the decades. I even had Easter brunch here on the morning my father (who lived nearby) had passed away at the VA hospital in La Jolla.

I was anxious to see the re-do and find out why Esquire magazine deemed the Lafayette Hotel and Club San Diego’s “Best New Hotel.”

To begin with, the Lafayette appeals to a certain clientele which includes hipsters of all generations. Second, there is NO shortage of amusing design elements to discover here – from decorative brass cobra lamps to wallpaper I would not recommend staring at if you are on anything minimally close to a psychedelic drug. In fact, we learned that one guest departed before they checked in – frightened off by the snake handles on the entrance doors. There’s a lot of whimsy for grown-ups and kids who wonder at the magic of it all.

No design thought was left unturned – the hotel has morphed into a grand experiment in maximalism and obvious Instagram-able vignettes. I wondered who was behind this madhouse? A bar called “Quixote” was so dark you could barely make out the details – even when eyeballs adjusted to the lack of light. Here at the bar, we shared a tasty spicy tuna tostada while waiting for our room to be ready.

We checked in just in time to see the pool and various indoor and outdoor dining venues packed to the gills.

The pool, patio, vintage-style diner, and indoor restaurant space and bar off the lobby, these are all serviced by one

Who’s ready for a drink? (photo by Leslie Andrea Westbrook)

Travel Buzz Page 334 334

ENROLL TODAY

ciymca.org/childcare SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION A big pool and plenty of décor at Lafayette Hotel (photo by Leslie Andrea Westbrook)

20 Montecito JOURNAL

“A mother’s arms are more comforting than anyone else’s.” – Princess Diana

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• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

21

Entertainment (Continued from 16 16)) Opera Santa Barbara Orchestra, conducted by artistic director Kostis Protopapas, will be playing the scores live. They’re the fourth different musical ensemble of the season.

What was the thinking there?

When we received the special funding for the season for the orchestras, we wanted to maximize the impact by spreading it out. We’ve hired a couple hundred different musicians between these different orchestras over the season, which helps to build partnerships and collaborations, and expose our dancers and the community to these different orchestras. The opera has hired us for a few of their shows before, so it’s great to have to go both ways.

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These performances mark the end of your and Megan’s first full season running State Street Ballet. How happy are you with what you have accomplished?

It feels really good. Almost all of our dancers are coming back next season, which is a great sign. Ticket sales are up, and we received amazing feedback on this season. Our board is growing and there’s a lot of great energy there. And we’re really excited about what we have planned for next season: more collaborations, a couple new commissions and some other name choreographers whose work we have never performed before. It’s been a huge learning experience for both Megan and I, but we’re both so thankful for the support of this community. It feels like we’re at a really great launching point.

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In a strange situation for an often ballet-starved town, the Arlington Theatre is also hosting a prime example of the art form this week – for the first time since the local Festival Ballet’s annual performances of The Nutcracker last December – as the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine presents Sleeping Beauty on May 13.

The enchanting tale of Princess Aurora – cursed to a century-long slumber by the evil fairy Carabosse until awakened by a handsome prince – features lavish sets, hand-painted scenery, exquisitely designed costumes and, of course, Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. A cast of world-class dancers unveil their artistry in the original and revised choreography

by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov from the late 1800s. State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine’s production of this classical ballet masterpiece is family-friendly and suitable for ages 3 and up.

Actors Luke Kirby and Gideon Glick join the You can also enjoy ballet on screen SBIFF to discuss the first two episodes of their when on Thursday, May 8, SBIFF new ballet comedy-drama (courtesy photo) shows the first two episodes of Étoile.

The new Amazon Prime comedy-drama concerns the dancers and artistic staff of two world-renowned ballet companies who embark on an ambitious gambit to save their storied institutions by swapping their most talented stars. A Q&A with the actors Luke Kirby and Gideon Glick follows the screening at the Riviera Theatre.

Young Playwrights Festival at ETC Think of the Young Playwrights Festival as a reverse Launch Pad. The springtime program at Ensemble Theatre Company’s New Vic Theater gives aspiring playwrights ages 14-19 the opportunity to create a play that is produced and staged with professional directors and actors, and then presented as a staged reading at the theater. The Young Playwrights Festival this year is led by Michael Bernard, the four-month journey asking participants to craft a short one-act with weekly sessions that cover playwriting fundamentals, the evolution of American theater, and drama’s key principles. The budding writers then receive personalized mentorship from professional playwrights to assist them through the revision process.

They then engage in casting, followed by rehearsals and the single performance, set for May 10 at 7 pm.

This year’s festival features only three new works, the smallest cadre yet under ETC

Entertainment Page 424 424

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• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

23

Elizabeth’s Appraisals Investing in Fine Art Prints

by Elizabeth Stewart

are late 18th century or earlier in the Western tradition; think Albrecht Dürer, Rembrandt, and Francisco Goya.

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a budding Gen Z art afficionado, asked if the fine art print market is a good investment. A great question, and the answer is “YES!” for some types of prints created in select eras in certain styles (for example Pop Art is strong today). Let’s look at the world of prints, often called “multiples,” and see what sells NOW, as last month we saw top attendance and top dollars spent at three major print fairs.

Printmaking comes in many forms and is often a collaborative process between the artist and the printer. When printed in a sequence of the same image, this is called an edition (a numbered and limited series); most connoisseurs consider a limited-edition print an original work of art. Look for a fraction: 1/10 is the first strike in a series of 10, for example, and this is often handwritten in the margin. Look also for an original signature, not just a signature that is part of the image located “in the plate.”

An “open” edition, on the other hand, is not a limited number of prints, and is not “numbered,” and is therefore never as valuable as a numbered limited-edition print. These open editions are not usually signed by hand. Here are the artworld’s classic methods/mediums of printmaking: A. Etching, engraving, woodcut, dry point, aquatint and mezzotint are “intaglio” prints, meaning an image/ drawing/composition is incised in a surface (in copper for example), ink is applied directly to the incised surface, and the plate is pressed onto paper.

The sunken deep lines “hold” the ink and with pressure create the image. An engraving/etching and a woodcut are typically an older style of printmaking associated with Old Master prints which

B. Lithograph: A drawing made on a stone using a special ink; the stone is then washed with acid, which penetrates the areas not drawn upon. Rolling with printing ink, the ink “sticks” to the drawn parts, over which paper is pressed. David Hockney uses lithography extensively.

C. Screenprint or Serigraph: A reproduction of an image via a stencil (for example, a photograph such as those portraits made by Warhol). The “screen” is a screened frame that bears the reversed image. Serigraph is a lesser valued version of this process, used by Peter Max, for example.

Elizabeth’s lucky print purchase… a Chagall lithograph

with total sales of $501 million. After Warhol, top artists in this category are Picasso, Banksy, and Jeff Koons, as well as the big bold iconic images by Lichtenstein and the colorfully accessible work of David Hockney.

BL, if money were no object, I would look into Lichtenstein’s “Nude” series (1994) and Warhol’s “Endangered Species” Series (1983). Another name to purchase? George Condo. His surreal work will put you in mind of Salvador Dali and his cubist works in mind of Picasso. Condo is capitalizing on icons, as only a true Pop artist would.

Finally, BL; to purchase affordably, check out museum fundraisers, notable museums often commission a printmaker to create an edition, sold to raise funds. These prints are typically works by important mid-career living artists, benefitting the museum and their reputation at the same time. Note that a limited “run” (a small edition of under,

say 250) will increase in value.

The fine art print market is growing among younger buyers. Record attendance last month at NY’s International Fine Print Dealers Association Print Fair (21,000 visitors) occurred at the same time as the new Brooklyn and traditional Paris Fine Art Print Fairs. Auction houses saw younger buyers springing for affordable prints (especially in the Pop Art style) in online bidding. 20 to 40-year-old buyers are not only buying ultra-contemporary works but classic prints by Modern Masters (artists working 1920-1970s) such as Miró, Baldessari, and Hockney. My first print fair in the mid-1980s was almost exclusively showing Old Master etchings and engravings; now Old Master prints capture only 25% of the market.

One dealer at the New York Print Fair reported that a Gen Z buyer had admired his great aunt’s classic Miró collection as a teen, vowing to buy his own Miro when he came of age. Modern Master prints are the best sellers across the market (the classics: Miro, Picasso, Hockney). Second best sellers are contemporary prints (meaning the works of the last 40 years), and the lesser sellers are Old Master prints, except Rembrandts, which have retained their strength in the market. The top selling artist in the print category? Andy Warhol, from 2015-24,

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

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• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

25

Stories Matter

‘One Death at a Time’

ing justice to a victim who throughout the trial and subsequent retellings has been repeatedly victimized.

Bloody May Books

‘The Rebel Romanov’

by Leslie Zemeckis to a glamorous French Riviera, Robie chasing criminals and attempting to win back the aloof Francie (Grace Kelly in the film). This is an action-packed caper which has the reader rooting for a rekindled romance to start between the glamorous Francie and the debonair John.

‘Story of a Murder’

I

f a crime could ever be called delightful, Abbi Waxman is its likely author. Her latest One Death at a Time will have readers laughing all the way to the final page. Julia is a former actress newly arrested for the murder of her sworn enemy who, most inconveniently, was found floating in her pool with a bullet in his back. Julia has a slight problem with alcohol and doesn’t remember the events leading to the murder, though she knows she is perfectly capable of having committed it. She spent 15 years in jail, you see, for killing her ex-husband. Is history repeating itself? Natasha is Julia’s sponsor at AA, determined to help her kick booze and discover if Julia did the killing. This is a whirlwind of a story set in Hollywood with a dynamic duo – often at odds – who I hope Waxman brings back for a sequel.

A

that liminal period between the world wars, haunted both by ghosts of the past and a foreshadowing of what is to come.

‘To Catch a Spy’

H

‘The Eights’

T

he Eights by Joanna Miller is historical fiction at its best. Set in 1920 Oxford, when women were first officially admitted to the hallowed institution, Miller’s story follows four women who forge a tight friendship during their tough first year. In trying to convince the institution’s males that they are their equals as students, the women end up working twice as hard. Miller captures

ny lover of Russian history will thrill with The Rebel Romanov: Julie of SaxeCoburg, the Empress Russia Never Had. Helen Rappaport is back with another epic Romanov tragedy. In 1795 Julie of Saxe-Coburg (Queen Victoria’s aunt through marriage to her beloved Albert) set off on the arduous journey from a duchy in the German Empire – where she was living in genteel poverty – to Catherine the Great’s St. Petersburg. It is in that teeming and majestic capital of the Russian Empire that Saxe-Coburg married Catherine’s volatile and troubled grandson.

The marriage didn’t last. Rumors of affairs and illegitimate children prevailed, interwoven with shadowy intrigue and family machinations in a tumultuous Russia her self going through painful growth.

W

ho didn’t love Cary Grant in to Catch a Thief? Well, now John Robie is back in To Catch a Spy, written

by Mark ONeill, who was given permission from the estate of David Dodge.

ONeill seamlessly returns the reader

allie Rubenhold dives deep in her Story of a Murder investigating the infamous Crippen case. Full disclosure; I knew nothing about this murderous doctor, but was quickly invested in the extensive and well-researched case of the man, his wives, and a mistress in disguise – a criminal episode that shocked England and America during the explicit trial in 1910. Dr. Crippen by all accounts is a kind man, never mind that his first wife died under mysterious circumstances, or that he is engaged in a series of sketchy “medical” practices, or that he has managed to fool a young typist willing to overlook the problem of his current wife. Rubenhold is a historian of the first order, return-

Leslie Zemeckis is an awardwinning documentarian, bestselling author, and actor. The creator of “Stories Matter,” professional female authors mentoring the next generation of female storytellers, co-sponsored by SBIFF.

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8 – 15 May 2025

• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

27

Celebrating Land

A Fish Story That’s No Fish Story

by Hattie Beresford

O

nce upon a time, and for thousands of years, steelhead trout gamboled and bred in the dancing creek of Arroyo Hondo on the Gaviota Coast. By 1919, a tall train trestle and a beautiful open-spandrel arch bridge rose high above the stream bed near the ocean. Below these towering roadways, the trout continued traveling merrily to the sea and back again.

Then, in 1949, a gigantic earthen berm, punctured by a large culvert, was built to carry four lanes of an improved Highway 101. The poor trout faltered.

They had trouble swimming up the culvert and their numbers declined. Their frantic efforts to reach their spawning pools were foiled by the slick base of the long culvert.

In 2002 a shoal of fairy godparents, made of up of state and local agencies, raised money to build a series of baffles through the culvert. When these fish baffles were completed ten years later, the steelhead trout returned and once

In 1900 a train trestle was built and in 1919 a highway bridge. Seen here in 1927, neither interfered with the steelhead trout. (photo courtesy of CalTrans)

Among the charred skeletons of the brushfire, regrowth of the landscape at Arroyo Hondo begins in March 2022 (photo by Hattie Beresford)

again frolicked in the creek running through the sylvan landscape of Arroyo Hondo Preserve.

But then, on the afternoon of October 11, 2021, a terrible fire erupted on the mountain ridge behind the Preserve.

Fueled by strong winds, it hungrily consumed chaparral, grasslands and entire trees in a mad dash to the sea, which it reached in just three hours. At Arroyo Hondo, the Ortega Adobe and the barns were saved by the fire fighters, but the landscape was devastated by the fire called Alisal. With the riparian plants destroyed and the creek bed altered by subsequent debris flows, the trout were not able to return.

In a few months, a miracle of rebirth began in the canyon. Though altered, the creek settled down, and shoots of trees, chaparral, wildflowers, and grasslands

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at the Fillmore Hatchery. It was clear, however, that these migrants could not stay. But where could they go?

Eighty miles away, along the Gaviota Coast, lay a stream that was lonesome for its own vanished trout. It had many pools and a fish ladder, but no fish.

Could this be the answer for the Topanga refugees? Again, a shoal of fairy godparents convened and transferred over 200 steelhead trout to Arroyo Hondo Preserve on February 10. A delicate bucket brigade carried them high up the creek into various pristine pools. And then – they held their collective breath.

Was this going to work?

February turned to March. Rains came. March turned to April and lush wildflowers and grasses enlivened the Preserve. And in the pools the fish now gambol joyfully as hatchlings frolic in the cool waters and a tentative new generation begins. And the hope is, that

made their welcome appearance among the black skeletons of their ancestors.

The trout, however, with their numbers already depleted due to environmental conditions worldwide, did not return.

And then on January 7, 2025, in a land not too far away, a devastating wildfire burst forth in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles County.

By the time it was contained 24 days later, close to 7,000 structures had been destroyed and the landscape lay blighted and charred. The steelhead trout in Topanga Canyon survived the fire and huddled together in the ash-filled pools like desperate refugees of a war-torn country. They were alive, but they could not survive the upcoming mudflows and loss of riparian habitat.

Two heroes raced to the rescue, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Resources Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains.

They removed the fragile fish from the canyon and provided a temporary home

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Arroyo Hondo a month after the Alisal Fire shows signs of rebirth through the hatching of meadow grasses – but also the ruinous flow of mud (photo by Hattie Beresford)

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• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

29

M

CRIME IN THE ‘CITO Sheriff’s Blotter 93108 . . . .

Arrest / 3700 block Santa Claus Lane Sunday, April 20, at 16:39 hours Deputies initiated a traffic stop. The driver refused to identify himself. The driver resisted arrest and attempted to pull away. The driver was taken to ground and handcuffed, and transported without further incident.

Stolen Check / US Post Office Montecito Monday, April 21, at 14:57 hours A $2,000.00 check was stolen after being securely placed in the blue Montecito post office mailbox. The check was later fraudulently signed and cashed in Los Angeles.

Warrant and Meth / 2285 Lillie Fuel Depot Monday, April 21, at 02:18 hours Suspicious vehicle was at the gas pumps for approximately 30 mins. Contact was made with the occupant and he was found to have an outstanding misdemeanor warrant. Subject was arrested and booked into SBJ for the warrant and for possession of a bindle of meth. He could not provide the name of the owner of the vehicle who he claimed was a friend of his. Oxnard PD was requested to visit Registered Owner’s (RO) address; officers were unable to make contact with RO to determine if arrested subject should be in possession of the vehicle. Due to blocking the gas pumps, vehicle was towed. Later in the morning, RO reported his vehicle stolen to Oxnard PD after realizing it was gone. Oxnard PD took the report & let him know they had recovered the vehicle. Additional charges were added to subject.

Intoxication / 1500 block East Mountain Road Wednesday, April 23, at 20:15 hours Deputies responded to reports of subject arriving at his friend’s house with his face covered in blood. Upon arrival it was determined that subject was very intoxicated and fell down when he exited his vehicle, thus sustained a large cut over his left eye. When Medics attempted to transport subject to the hospital he refused to go and became aggressive and combative. Subject was eventually arrested for violations 647(f)PC (Drunk in Public) and 148(a)(1)PC (Resisting Arrest). When he refused to exit the patrol vehicle at Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital, subject had to be bodily lifted by Deputies and placed in a wheelchair.

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30 Montecito JOURNAL

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Robert’s Big Questions Who Are the Elites?

by Robert Bernstein

who cannot drink. And forgetting that he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and his few attempts at work ended in utter failure. Americans have some idea that they want a “regular” guy running things.

Would they apply the same standard to their surgeon or even to their barber? Don’t we usually want the one who is most skilled for the job? Why is it different when it comes to electing our most powerful officials?

One big problem with our American system of governance is that it costs an absurd amount of money to get elected. A typical U.S. senator must raise about $16,000 every day. That does not come from small donations. It comes from choosing a special interest for funding. The choice might be between the fossil fuel industry and a Wall Street hedge fund. Neither represents the public interest.

We were lucky a few times in history. Leaders like Roosevelt or Kennedy came from an economic elite, yet they used their wealth and power to help the public interest.

In the case of Trump, we are at the far opposite extreme. Every decision for him is about increasing his personal wealth and power. Yet he has successfully fooled tens of millions of followers into thinking that he is the one who will fight the elites.

He finds “red meat” issues like abortion and trans rights to enrage his evangelical Christian followers. He talks of bringing back jobs in coal because those are “manly” jobs.

Americans need to wake up and realize who are their allies. Our side can help by not provoking people unnecessarily with fringe issues. But in the end, it is up to voters to understand: Our side is every person who must go to work each day and who currently has no actual political power. We must demand political power. And use it not to destroy government. But to have government invest in a better future

for the 99%.

W

ho do you think of when you hear the word “elites”?

The term has come to mean “educated.” But 100 years ago, it was about economic power. And most people understood which party stood for the economic elites.

Franklin Roosevelt made this point very clearly in his 1936 acceptance speech for the Democratic Party nomination: “These economic royalists complain that we seek to overthrow the institutions of America. What they really complain of is that we seek to take away their power. Our allegiance to American institutions requires the overthrow of this kind of power.”

This idea of the economic elites was revived in 2011 by Occupy Wall Street. With the still brilliant slogan “We Are the 99%.” Unfortunately, Occupy sabotaged themselves as a movement for two reasons: They refused to engage in electoral politics. And they used an inefficient and undemocratic meeting process.

So how did the wealthy and powerful turn the term “elite” to their advantage? By using it to refer to people who had a post-high school education. By one definition, the divide is between people who shower before work and people who shower after work. Thereby creating a wedge between people like truck drivers and people like research scientists.

It is true that having a college education increases income. But not nearly enough to make any political power impact.

Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Interest Groups, and Average Citizens was the title of a 2014 paper

by Martin Gilens and Benjamin I. Page that showed who really has power. It turns out that there is zero correlation between what the public wants and how Congress votes. Zero.

Congressional voting is entirely correlated with the wishes of the 1% and the even more economically rarefied.

Meaning that a college educated professional earning at the 80% level (about $150,000 a year) has no more political influence than a truck driver. Basically, if you work for a living you don’t count. It is only the class who makes money from money who counts.

George W. Bush won support based on the idea that he would be a fun guy to have a beer with. Forgetting about the fact that he is a recovering alcoholic

“We are born of love; love is our mother.” – Rumi

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

8 – 15 May 2025

Spirituality Matters Bountiful Buddha Courses

by Steven Libowitz

T

he Santa Barbara Bodhi Path Buddhist Center has been offering a high-quality curriculum of instruction in Buddhist meditation practice and philosophy ever since its founding in 1997 at the direction of Shamar Rinpoche. Generations of students have come to learn and practice in a modern, non-sectarian environment focused on authentic Buddhist teachings taught and practiced by experienced leaders.

Dawa Tarchin Phillips, the center’s longtime resident teacher, studied and trained as an ordained monk with the late Tibetan Buddhist meditation master Gendün Rinpoche, and later completed two three-year meditation retreats at Dhagpo Kundreul Ling Hermitage in France. Now a lay meditation teacher, author, and social entrepreneur, Phillips, whose Tibetan name of “Dawa Tarchin” means “Accomplished Moon,” is also a researcher in UCSB’s Department of Psychology. His research focuses on the benefits of meditation in school children, and is conducted through his nonprofit The Institute of Compassionate Awareness – which provides secular meditation training to school children and youth.

Bodhi Path’s diverse community of practitioners encompasses all ages and levels, offering an array of ongoing and periodic programs for dharma study and practice, including weekly gathering and periodic weekend programs.

The center’s multi-year curriculum is designed to offer western lay students a comprehensive foundation for dharma study and practice.

Next up on the schedule is the Buddha Nature weekend course on May 10-11 on Awakened Nature, a timeless subject of scientific exploration, philosophical examination, and spiritual contemplation. Participants will explore and discover how awakened nature works and why following a path to awakening with sincerity and commitment is the most effective way of reducing suffering and accessing one’s potential for happiness and freedom.

Buddha Nature will also be the topic for Dawa’s Thursday May 15 session, both as a review for weekend curriculum class participants and an invitation for all to deepen engagement with the path of awakening and connect with the supportive community.

On May 22 and 29, visiting teacher Khenpo Tsering offers a teaching that explores the profound wisdom and transformative practices of the 8 – 15 May 2025

Samantabhadra Prayer that outlines the Bodhisattva’s Path through its 10 great aspirations. Through understanding and embodying these aspirations – reverence, offering, confession, rejoicing, requesting teachings, beseeching buddhas to remain, following their example, dedicating merit, and transferring merit to all beings – practitioners can cultivate boundless compassion and wisdom on their journey toward awakening.

Every Tuesday, Bodhi Path’s trained member meditation facilitators conduct multiple short sessions of meditation led at the Center from 6-7 pm, both in person and online. After years at 22 W. Mission Street, the Santa Barbara Bodhi Path Buddhist Center has relocated to 3815 State Street, Suite G129, directly across from Pottery Barn in La Cumbre Plaza.

Call (805) 284-2704 or visit https://bodhipath. org/centers/sb

Meditation at Mahakankala The Mahakankala Kadampa Buddhist Center, which also recently relocated from Brinkerhoff Ave. to 1825 State Street, Suite 202 – offers a variety of introductory meditation classes that are designed to give a broad introduction to Buddhist meditation, ideas and practice. Each class combines guided meditation with practical advice that can be applied immediately as a method for solving the stress and problems of modern life.

The classes are particularly valuable for beginners or for those who are able to attend only occasionally, as well as for those who want to follow a systematic series of classes. The classes are designed both as a series and as independent classes, so you can attend any of the intro classes, even if the series has already started.

The Mahakankala Center was founded in 1995 by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche while he was doing a writing retreat in Santa Barbara – the center’s Sanskrit name translates as “great compassion.” Mahakankala offers ongoing hour-long weekly meditation sessions on Sunday mornings, Monday and Wednesday evenings, and at lunchtime on Tuesdays. Heart Jewel Prayers, Powa Prayers, Guided Lamrim Meditation and Wishfulfilling Jewel Prayers are also among the regular offerings at The Mahakankala Center.

A new weekly class called “The Happiness Habit,” which began in mid-March, grows out of the concept

that our thoughts are paths that lead us places, meaning that good habits of mind can create mental paths that lead us to happiness. If we learn to recognize our own bad habits of mind and stop following their paths, we can transform our life. Each class begins with a guided breathing meditation and Dharma talk, and culminates with a second meditation based upon the evening’s topic.

The Mahakankala Center is also readying a special summertime Dharma for Kids Series offered as an enriching experience for families with children during the month of July. The Tuesday afternoon classes, led by Kadampa teacher Mindy Thomas, serve as a gathering to explore our inner-peace and happiness, and to investigate the loving kindness and great treasures of Buddhism through guided meditation, stories, arts and crafts. All ages are welcome, although a parent or guardian must be present.

Visit https://meditationinsantabarbara.org or call (805) 563-6000

The Lowdown at LoDo: Diving in at District House District216, located at Lodo Studios across from Office Max in downtown Santa Barbara, is a membership-based “psychedelic social club,” where the aim is to further the normalizing and legalizing of psychedelics use in our daily lives. But for the next two weekly District House Events, the use of mind-altering substances is only tangential to the topic.

On May 14, “A Journey to Awaken the Subtle Senses” – led by Hannah Jo, District House’s hosts, and a Sexuality & Embodiment Coach – is an immersive experience aimed at awakening your subtle senses and expanding your capacity to connect beyond the

physical. It’s designed for those seeking to heighten their sensitivity to subtle energy and engage in nervous system-friendly partner practices that encourage attunement and deep listening to one’s intuition and desires.

The practices honor the intelligence of the body, inviting touch to arise from an authentic place of curiosity and connection, rather than habit or expectation. Participants will journey through the layers of the subtle body, beginning with energetic connection in the causal body and gradually progressing to explore platonic touch. Whether attending with a partner or solo, you are invited to participate at the level that aligns with your physical and energetic preferences.

While the experience can be useful for those integrating psychedelic experiences, the workshop is also an opportunity to explore similar realms without substances – essentially a “sober psychedelic” journey that accesses the same states of expanded connection, embodiment, and intuitive flow, but through somatic and relational practice.

The District House has also booked Jeremy Bieber to run a music meditation study on May 21. The L.A.-based guitarist, composer and music producer – who has recorded and/or performed with Macy Gray, The Lettermen and Jeff Chang, among others – is currently pursuing a PhD in transpersonal psychology at Sofia University. The study is research for his doctoral dissertation.

The session consists of two 15-minute meditations, the first in silence, the second with gentle music playing in the background. A set of questionnaires will be completed after each meditation.

Participants must have maintained a regular meditation practice for at least

two years.

Visit www.district216.com/events

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by Jamie Knee ontecito just got a little more delicious. The latest gem to grace the neighborhood is Ospi – a California-Italian restaurant with a bold Brooklyn soul and an unmistakable Westside edge. It’s not just another opening, it’s an invitation to live la dolce vita, one forkful of rigatoni alla vodka at a time, which by the way was outstanding!

Ospi restaurants, founded by Chef Jackson Kalb and his wife and partner Melissa Kalb, are known for their Southern Italian inspired cuisine with a California twist. Their menu is a masterful blend of the classic and the contemporary: house-made pastas, thincrust pizza tonda romana, crispy provolone, seasonal vegetables, and a curated selection of craft cocktails and Southern Italian wines. Their philosophy is simple but transformative – elevate the comfort food you crave and serve it in a space that feels like the most fabulous dinner party you’ve ever attended.

With thriving locations in Venice, Brentwood, and Costa Mesa, the Kalbs are now bringing Ospi to Montecito and locals are in for a treat. The concept behind Ospi, short for ospitante, or “host” in Italian, echoes throughout the space.

More than just a restaurant, Ospi is a welcoming, multi-faceted experience: a cozy trattoria for lunch, a familial gathering spot for dinner, and the go-to recovery brunch destination on weekends. In Montecito, this spirit is amplified with a touch of European elegance that feels tailor-made for the community.

Step inside and you’ll be struck by the aesthetic harmony: green piping leather barstools pop against warm wood tones, intricate Spanish tile underfoot, a stunning centerpiece glass bar, and an open kitchen that pulls guests into the energy of the culinary action. It’s casual yet elevated, with layers of style and com-

Take a seat at Ospi’s elegant bar (courtesy photo)

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Ospi Montecito Brings Italian Elegance to the American Riviera

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32 Montecito JOURNAL

The delectable rigatoni alla vodka (courtesy photo)

“When you are looking at your mother, you are looking at the purest love you will ever know.” – Charley Benetto

fort that feel distinctly European, but with the easy sophistication only Santa Barbara County can offer.

The menu reflects the same balance of refinement and approachability. Signature dishes like branzino and rigatoni alla vodka are executed with impeccable technique, while pizzas come thin, crisp, and made for sharing. The crispy provolone, kissed with Calabrian chili honey, is already a cult favorite. And let’s not forget the cannoli, a hug from Italy on a plate.

Complementing the food is a thoughtful beverage program, boasting Southern Italian wines, California standouts (especially from Santa Barbara wine country), a rotating selection of craft beers, and effortlessly elegant cocktails. Whether you’re craving an Aperol Spritz at golden hour or a post-dinner amaro, Ospi delivers the goods and the vibe.

At the helm is Chef Jackson Kalb, whose culinary vision combines the nostalgia of red sauce with the freshness and vibrancy of the California coast. With Melissa Kalb shaping the guest experience, the result is a restaurant that feels both stylish and soul-soothing. Every element – from the playlist to the plating – has been designed to make guests feel like they’ve stumbled into an effortlessly chic dinner party.

I think Ospi is exactly what Montecito needed. A place that feels celebratory yet familiar, where locals gather, glasses clink, and every dish is both a comfort and a revelation. With its lush design, vibrant energy, and thoughtful menu, Ospi Montecito is not just a restaurant, it’s a lifestyle.

So pull up a green leather barstool, order a glass of Franciacorta, and toast to la dolce vita. The sweet life officially arrives on the American Riviera – and its

name is Ospi.

8 – 15 May 2025

Travel Buzz (Continued from 20 20))

Society (Continued from 14 14))

kitchen – quel miracle! We salivated at Caesar salads with salmon that floated by as we made our way to our upstairs “pool room” with a patio and view of all the pool action.

En route, the bellman and I had to navigate around a small circle of bathing beauties, dining picnic-style on the concrete pool deck and blocking passage to the stairway up to our room. Seeing our struggle, a buff tattooed dude jumped out of Service and shakes with a smile the pool and offered to help with (photo by Leslie Andrea Westbrook) the luggage. This was a first!

A few minutes later, my friend Annie arrived and we both marveled at all the decorative touches in the twin Queen room: beaded lamp shades, bedside water carafes and glasses, very cool stationery, a “mini bar” – that was more “maxi” with its vast array of unique liquor choices and cocktail recipes.

Aperol Spritz anyone? Striped canopies adorned our beds; there was even a curtain, to be drawn like a Punch and Judy puppet show, hiding the television.

I went down to fetch the car from valet parking while Annie unpacked her suitcase. The gaggles of gals had departed from their poolside party spot – but unbeknownst to me a plastic Melmac plate had been left behind. Yours truly went flying through the air - and not with the greatest of ease – landing hard and twisted like a pretzel on my knee on the tiled pool surround. I seem to remember spinning like the flying teacups at a certain theme park. Wheeee… not.

Poolside dwellers rushed over to help, someone kindly assisted me to the lobby, where I asked for ice and the name of the nearest Urgent Care. Annie drove me for an X-ray – we went back to the hotel, my knee in a brace (thankfully not fractured), and the staff, including fantastic GM Steve Slack, took excellent care of us.

Due to my mishap, we were moved to a quieter room with elevator access versus a stairway. Steve and staff, including lovely Niki Pugh, brought up a dining table and chairs for room service (their first!) after my “trip” to Urgent Care. We were famished! The salmon with baked potato and classic Caesar salad were delicious and paired with a lovely glass of white wine (I chose this over the pain med, per the nurse practitioner’s firm suggestion of “one or the other”). I was starved and grateful to have dinner in bed, while icing my bruised and swollen knee and tweaked back.

The next evening, Anne found a back passageway where I could hobble with my cane (brought by a friend) to Lou Lou’s, the hotel’s very cool supper club.

We ordered drinks and had a delicious dinner – Wagyu beef for her, gnocchi for me – as the band played on.

Lou Lou’s is a study in pink and posh and more whimsical design, with great live music. Hardworking waiters deliver drinks and balance dinner orders. Beloved locals perform here – like trumpet player and Young Lions Jazz Conservatory founder/teacher Gilbert Castellanos, fine bass player Rob Thorsen, his wife/ singer Steph Johnson and other great sidemen-and-women. I had come to hear friends perform – and it was a great distraction from my fall the day before.

The next morning, I hobbled down to a fantastic goodbye breakfast of avocado eggs benedict with hash browns in the 24-hour “Beginner’s Diner.” My dear San Diego friend Sam Hueso came by to visit (since I could not drive) with his three children who couldn’t believe the magical setting.

“This place is rich!” said beautiful 13-year-old Celeste to her dad. “It’s like Disneyland for YOU!” Sam ordered the same tasty breakfast as me. His kids had eaten at home, so they ordered – what else? – orange juice served in colorful glasses and delicious milkshakes! (Those over 21 can order these spiked with booze!)

These were served with a smile and red striped paper straws.

I never did make it into the pool (and lost my fave bathing suit, which was drying on the deck during our room change!) but I did make the best of the situation to enjoy the magic of this whimsical resort.

The Lafayette Hotel and Club is not only a hotel for the ages, but provided new memories to add to those I accumulated during several prior, meaningful visits.

Thank you, Hotel Lafayette and staff, you will always hold a place in my heart. I

look forward to returning – and gently slipping into the pool…

The Lafayette Hotel and Club 2223 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego; www.lafayettehotelsd.com Reservations@Lafayettehotelsd.com Don’t bother trying to phone, chances are pretty good you won’t reach a human. But in case you want to hear the amusing recording, call: (619) 296-2101 8 – 15 May 2025

David Edelman, Amy Tovias, Steve Lyons, Carolyn Williams, and Jennifer HeinenStiffler (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

Channel Islands YMCA’s 25th Annual Reaching for Stars Event Youth and Family Services division of the YMCA celebrated the 25th Anniversary of its annual fundraiser, Reaching for Stars, on Thursday, May 1, at the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club at Rockwood. The event was attended and supported by many locals. Noted were Marilyn and Steven Gutsche, Steve Lyons, Bob and Patty Bryant, Lynn and Roger Karlson, Wendy Scott, Wendy and Harry Atterbury, with special thanks to Montecito Bank and Trust, the Montecito Journal, and Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation.

The event followed the reception-silent auction with dinner and live auction programming, and concluded with dancing. The Event Committee chair was Marsha Roberson with her event committee Dawn Bokman, Joaquin Gonzales, Victoria and Brent Lindstrom, Susan Morris, Adrienne Schuele, Wendy Scott, Amber Stevens, Amy Tovias, and Carolyn Williams.

Chief Operations Officer Jennifer Heinen-Stiffler welcomed the guests, and thanked the event sponsors, donors, and her team. She introduced Honorary Chair Roy Lee; SBC First District Supervisor, and longtime YMCA member since his youth. His speech was succinct, “I went to the Y when I was a youth and it provided many benefits for me, as it still provides for the youth of today. I still go to the Y in Montecito to work out.

Let’s support tonight the work they do.”

Keynote speaker was Barbara Andersen, Senior Assistant to the Santa Barbara City Administrator, who was recognized for her leadership in homelessness and community initiatives. She said, “We will be forever grateful to you, Roy Lee, for your support. My speech is an opportunity to say thank you to the Youth and Family Services organization. The City of Santa Barbara relies on you and so does the community.

• Voice of theVillage •

Thank you to Steve Lyons for making the Lyon’s House possible. We are a community that gives abundantly. Most of us came from a family that gave us a safe space with basic necessities. What would it be like if kids didn’t have that?

This is a beautiful city with dark edges.

In Santa Barbara we have 120 unhoused kids that we can count but there may be others we don’t know about, and one in five kids lives in poverty. The Youth and Family Services staff meets these kids where they are. They have provided over 1,300 drop-in services and answered over 1,000 calls for youth in need.”

There was a brief speech from a youth graduate of the program who talked about her experiences before and after the support from the Youth and Family Services organization.

Guest Auctioneer Andrew Firestone began his pitch for paddle raises by saying, “The Y’s outcomes – that’s why I’m here.” He raised approximately $33,500.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Youth & Family Services YMCA programs, including Noah’s Anchorage Youth Crisis Shelter, My Home, The Lyons House, and the Haley Street Navigation Center. These programs provide critical services such as crisis intervention, housing, shelter, youth and family counseling, employment assistance, and basic needs support to at-risk and homeless youth in

Santa Barbara County.

411: www.ciymca.org

Joe Sullivan, John Nelson, and Dave Adornetto (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

Montecito JOURNAL

33

Ernie’s World

Celebrating Land (Continued from 28 28))

A Tree-People Weekend

by Ernie Witham

M

any years ago, in a land far, far away (New Hampshire), one of my neighbors told me that the reason his yard was so healthy was that he talked to his plants every day. I laughed. “Do they talk back?” I asked. “Ayup,” he said.

I went home, locked the front door, and said to my ficus, laughingly, “feel like a little confab?”

“No,” it said, “but I could really use a drink.” That was the day I gave up prescription nasal spray.

But then, thousands of miles and thousands of weeks later, I took a class through Adult Ed called “The Art of Bonsai.” And at one point when I was having trouble trying to picture the unruly bush on my table becoming anything even remotely resembling art, someone in the class quoted John Naka, the father of American bonsai, who once said: “Listen to the tree, it tells you where it wants to go.”

That’s when I knew I had given up nasal spray for nothing.

Today I have 75 bonsai trees. Every now and then, when someone visits they will ask, “They look so healthy, do you talk to them every day?” I just smile and tell them tales of fertilizers I have known. When they leave, the comments begin. “She was nice.”

“She smelled good, too.” “If you say so.” “Oh, look, the rosemary is jealous.” “I could never be jealous of a pine, you smell like a car air freshener.” “Oh yeah!”

“Shh, you guys.” Sometimes I miss the dormant season.

But, now it’s spring, a really busy time in the bonsai garden.

Everyone is pushing out new growth.

“Ummm.” “Ahhhh.” “Umph.” And it’s also repotting season. Time to pry them out of their old pots. “I can breathe, I can breathe!” Trim off a bunch of roots. “Cut, cut, cut, cut!”

Give them new soil. “Finally!” And place them into new pots that I have spent a small fortune on.

“Whataya think?” I ask each tree when I’m done.

“Blue pot? Seriously? And it’s way too big? I’m swimming in this thing.” Maples can be so persnickety sometimes.

“Big pot? Lucky you. Look at this thing he squeezed me into. Plus, it’s round. Who wants to live in a round pot? You just know he’ll keep turning me around backwards. Jeez!”

34 Montecito JOURNAL

Sigh. “So, how about you? Are you happy in your new palace?”

“Máng rén mò xiàng!” I had to look this up. It roughly translated into “you are like a blind man touching an elephant and trying to figure out what part of it that was.”

Ancient Chinese elms can be way too proverby.

The other reason May is such an important month is that it’s time for the Bonsai Club of Santa Barbara’s two-day annual show. That’s when club members pick out trees to display and/or place on the works-inprogress table. “Pick me! Pick me!”

“Over here! I’m ready for the big show.” “Just look at this profile.”

Many of us also pick out a few trees to sell. “Wait, what? You’re dumping me? After one bad season… It was the aphids I tell ya!”

It takes weeks of preparation to put on a show. First, we have to find a location. Last year the place we chose decided to dig up their parking lot a week before the show and repave the walking paths. “Slow and easy, huh? I’ve seen you trip and fall a dozen times.” “Yeah, where’s that big guy, I’d feel much better if he was carrying us.” “Wait, is that nasal spray in your pocket?”

But this year, we lucked out.

Anthony Ranii joined our club and offered us Montecito Union School for our show. “Montecito! Coolio, you think Oprah might come? Or Harry and Megan?” “What do you care, you won’t be there” “Will so!” “Will not!”

“Will so!”

Besides the great location, we also have arranged for some long-time professionals to give demos and a couple of vendors who will be selling trees, pots, and other bonsai-related stuff. “Vendors? Is that why you’re dumping me, to buy a new tree? Look, I’m defoliating. Try and sell me now.”

Hope a lot of you can stop by. I promise the trees will be on their

best behavior.

Ernie Witham has been writing humor for more than 25 years. He is the author of three humor books and is the humor workshop leader at the prestigious Santa Barbara Writers Conference.

The fish baffles completed in 2012 allowed the steelhead to return to Arroyo Hondo Creek (photo by Hattie Beresford)

Volunteers had to wade up the creek to reach the pools that have become the new homes for the Topanga trout (photo by Vanessa Brooks)

Volunteers unload the tank filled with steelhead trout from Topanga Canyon and place them in buckets with aerators (photo by Vanessa Brooks)

through purchase and conservation easements. Their efforts protect farmland and open space, provide educational programs, and offer free guided hikes, among other things. The Land Trust relies on public support to continue its work.

For a list of ways to contribute, go to www.sblandtrust.org/ways-to-give The beautiful Arroyo Hondo Preserve and its trail system is open on a reservation basis on the first and third weekends of each month. Visitors are asked to assist all preservation efforts by staying on the trails, out of the creek, and not bothering the animals.

The host of fairy godparents that have rescued the endangered steelhead trout includes the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, Watershed Stewards Program, NOAA, and the Land Trust for Santa

Barbara County.

Refugee fish in a bucket with aerator (photo by Sally Isaacson)

someday, the trout of Arroyo Hondo will have thrived and multiplied so that a portion can be returned to their ancestral homes in Topanga Canyon to live happily-ever-after. The End. The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, which owns and operates Arroyo Hondo Preserve, together with a host of interconnected agencies dedicated to preservation of the environment and the denizens that inhabit it, has played an instrumental role in the rescue of the Topanga Canyon steelhead trout.

Founded in 1885, the Land Trust has preserved over 57,304 acres of landscape

“A mother’s love endures through all.” – Washington Irving

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

8 – 15 May 2025

THANKS TO YOU we raised over $278,000 at the Hope Awards! We can do so much more for Santa Barbara's students because of you! We are humbled by your generosity and excited for the future we are able to give our students.

SPONSORS

It’s not too late! Visit our website at SantaBarbaraEducation.org to donate.

8 – 15 May 2025

• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

35

Editorial (Continued from 5)

shared, the gratitude for the family that you have created together, gratitude for your marriage. I do think that gratitude is intimately bound up with faith. Like faith, gratitude is not something that you can just make yourself have. You can’t just make yourself be grateful, but somehow there is a way that we can cultivate gratitude within ourselves, and I do think that then spills over into everything about how we relate.

GL. What have you learned about yourself?

RC. I would start with the fact that I’ve learned that I’m not perfect. And that I don’t need to be perfect.

GL. Did you think you were perfect?

RC. I grew up being the firstborn in my family, being good at school.

GL. You went to Harvard?

RC. Yes. And I grew up with a strong sense of expectation. Lots of pats on the back, and a lot of confusion about what I should expect of myself and what other people expected of me. And so, I have learned really through a lot of painful experience that I am not a perfect son, I’m not a perfect husband, I’m not a perfect rabbi, I’m not a perfect father, and that that’s okay.

Torah Study with Hillel Students, circa 2003 (courtesy photo)

role as the rabbi was to dig deep within myself to find a sense of hopefulness about the future, and to be able to convey that in a way that was true for me and could be true for people to look into the future and not be frightened or despairing. To me, that is deeply related to faith. It’s not something that one can make a rational argument for – an optimistic view of the future. It has to be rooted in some sense of faith.

GL. It’s a leap.

RC. It is a leap, right. It’s a decision, and it’s complicated because you can’t just force yourself to have that kind of optimism, and so it’s more about finding strategies for myself. My strategies for combating my own sort of pessimism, my own despair.

My strategies range from prayer, to hiking – going out into nature – to listening to music, to immersing myself in Torah study. These are all really powerful strategies for me for grounding and centering, and eventually coming to a feeling of hope, that the world and I, and we, are going to be okay.

GL. So finding optimism in the face of all sorts of evidence to the contrary is really hard, and I think that describes precisely where so many of us are in this moment. History is filled with all sorts of examples, the Holocaust being one of them, which is what I always think about when people say everything happens for a reason, and I always go, “Really?

I’m not so sure that everything happens for a reason.”

RC. Right. That’s not my sense of what faith is for me. I don’t believe that everything happens for a reason if that means that everything is ultimately for the best. I don’t feel that. I don’t believe that. But I do believe that we human beings can be a source of strength and encouragement and support for each other. So for me, faith – to a large extent – boils down to a belief in our connectedness to each other.

GL. Are you in a way saying that there’s a power in the way we think about things in impacting the outcomes of things?

RC. Yes. I would say that I believe that. My own sense of hope in the future emerges from my relationships with people… my relationships with people in my inner circle, my family, my friends, but also my relationship with nature, and my relationship with greater humanity. For example, music gives me a sense of connection to people who lived a long time ago or people in different parts of the world. So by looking for those opportunities to feel connected, I become braver and stronger and more courageous.

GL. I remember a conversation between Anderson Cooper and Stephen Colbert on faith. The context of the conversation was Anderson Cooper culling through the remains of reliving these memories, and it was on grief; the whole thing was on grief. At one point Stephen Colbert talks about how as a boy, his father and his older brothers died in a plane crash. Which was obviously very traumatic. And they were talking about faith, and Stephen Colbert says that he’s grateful for it all, and Anderson Cooper said, “Really?

You’re grateful for it all? And Colbert said, “I’m not happy my brothers died. But I believe that if you’re grateful for life, you have to be grateful for it all, because life comes with the good and the bad, and all of that makes us who we are.” What do you think of that?

RC. It’s reminding me of a moment in this office when I was sitting with a young woman whose husband was dying, and she was asking just for whatever I might have to offer. It was a very scary moment for me as a rabbi. And what came to me was maybe to start with gratitude, gratitude for the love that you have

36 Montecito JOURNAL

GL. Did your view of yourself as imperfect help you in your job?

RC. I think it really has helped a lot because it means that, first of all, I don’t have to have all of the answers. That is something that often as a rabbi I feel. I go into a hospital room where somebody’s really sick or I’m with a family and somebody has just died, and it feels at first like everybody’s looking to me for the answer. When I was first starting out, I was really tormented by that and how am I going to possibly know the answer? But what I’ve come to realize is that that’s not what people are really wanting or needing from me. What they really want is just for me to be there with them.

GL. It’s a good lesson in parenting too, isn’t it?

RC. Yeah. And everything.

GL. What have you learned about this community, meaning Santa Barbara?

RC. I’ve learned that it’s an extraordinary community on the one hand, just by virtue of the fact that people have come from all over the world to live here; and I’ve also learned that like every community, there’s a lot of suffering here at every level of the economic, socioeconomic stratum. Learning that has really given me a lot of compassion for all of us. I have certainly discovered how generous this community can be, but I’ve also discovered how protected and sort of frightened people in this community can be also. I just feel Santa Barbara is unique and different in some ways, but also exactly like every other place.

GL. Why – of anything you could have done – did you want to be a rabbi?

RC. I became a rabbi when I came to realize when I was in college that being Jewish was the most central piece of my identity, and in part I went to rabbinic school because I wanted to explore that side of myself and my past – my heritage – as

Editorial Page 384 384

Rabbi Cohen blessing the Shabbat challah at Family Camp (courtesy photo)

“You can feel when your mom’s proud of you. You can feel the love.” – Jimmy Fallon

8 – 15 May 2025

Your Westmont

Grads Urged to Use Phones for Good

Student Speaker Miles Ozorio

Student award winners Levi Wicks, Claire Bassett, David Shiang, Zach Yates and Abigail Hundley

by Scott Craig, photos by Brad Elliott

L

ed by bagpipes under overcast skies, about 340 graduates made their Last March from Kerrwood Hall down to Thorrington Field where they walked across the stage to receive their diplomas on May 3.

Retiring professor and Commencement speaker Jim Taylor (’78) encouraged the graduates to do something unexpected – to pull out and use their cell phones.

“I know what I’m asking you to do flies in the face of wise advice,” he said.

“We spend way too much time on our phones. We’re addicted to them. They’re malforming us.”

But he said that if they were going to use their phones, they might as well do so for good, to reflect on their Westmont days, to stay connected and to continue learning and growing.

He suggested using the photo app to preserve memories, the music app to recall chapel experiences, the fitness app to remember athletic activities, the messages app to maintain contact with friends and professors, and the browser to continue learning.

“Westmont encourages lifelong learning,” he said. “The classes you took here are only the beginning. Keep learning and growing, intellectually, morally and spiritually. Westmont has equipped you with resources for ongoing development.

Keep making use of them.”

John Davies, CEO and chairman of Davies Public Affairs, accepted the Westmont Medal, reflecting on his long association with the college and its impact on his career and personal life. “Westmont’s leadership and staff have always modeled the best,” he said. “Those I worked with here modeled Christian leadership, no matter what. In a crowd or in a quiet, closed door room, they were always the same. In fact, just watching those leaders helped lead me back to my faith.”

Graduates Miles Ozorio and Claire Bassett offered student reflections, drawing 8 – 15 May 2025

on the class of 2025 verse from Job 12:13: “With God are wisdom and strength, he has counsel and understanding.”

Ozorio expressed gratitude for the community’s support, particularly during challenging times like the death of a family member. “Not every season was summer,” he said. “There were winters, too, where we dealt with losses, with breakups and tough decisions. God used the people to your left and your right to encourage you, to mold you, to love you, but to ultimately point you toward him.”

Bassett shared about her transformative experience studying abroad in Cairo, Istanbul, and Jerusalem, which broadened her understanding of Christian worship and the complexities of the conflict in Israel and Palestine. “There is rarely one evil enemy and one faultless hero,” she said. “Life is more nuanced than that. This experience didn’t lead me to choose a side. Instead, it gave me compassion and empathy to see there’s more than what meets the eye in any given situation.”

Angela D’Amour, interim vice president for student life, gave Abigail Hundley and Zach Yates the Dean’s Award, recognizing the outstanding male and female graduates who have displayed excellence in the classroom, made superior contributions to an intercollegiate athletic team, and demonstrated a deep faith in Christ.

David Shiang won the Dave Dolan Award, which recognizes the outstand-

Commencement Speaker Jim Taylor

ing graduate whose campus leadership has made significant contributions in our awareness and response to the social and spiritual needs of the community, the nation and the world.

Claire Bassett and Levi Wicks won Kenneth Monroe Awards, given to the outstanding male and female graduates who have demonstrated superior academic achievement in the classroom, excelled as leaders on campus, and shaped other students’ lives through their integrity, character, and faithfulness.

Provost Kim Denu recognized nine First Seniors, who finished their Westmont education with a perfect 4.0 GPA: Meredith Araujo (Kinesiology), Andrew Bradshaw (Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship), Johanna Gilbert (Sociology), Gracie Hagemeister (Liberal Studies), Joshua Jang (Biology, Biochemistry, Kinesiology), Kiersten Patzia (Liberal Studies), Sarah Remland (Psychology), Anna Thomas (Chemistry), and Christine Venzor (Liberal Studies).

She offered Bruce and Adaline Bare Outstanding Teacher Awards to Nathan Huff, associate professor of art, Lisa DeBoer, professor of art, and Tim Van Haitsma, associate professor of kinesiology.

In his final charge to the graduates, President Gayle D. Beebe drew from the book of Job and the recently released Global Flourishing Study, in which

Gayle D. Beebe gives John Davies the Westmont Medal

Westmont professor Blake Victor Kent participated.

The study examines flourishing in six domains: happiness and life satisfaction; meaning and purpose; character and virtue; close social relationships; financial and material stability; and mental and physical health and well-being. Early reports of the results indicate that those who identify as spiritual and religious score statistically higher on average than those who consider themselves neither spiritual nor religious. Additionally, people who say religion is an important part of their daily life report an even greater sense of overall flourishing.

“What I’d like to suggest to you, which I think is the concluding message of the book of Job, is that anchoring our life to God may not change the circumstances of our life, but it will change our outlook and our ability to deal with our

life circumstances,” Beebe said.

Scott Craig is manager of media relations at Westmont College

The class of 2025 celebrates with a traditional mortarboard toss

• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

37

Editorial (Continued from 36 36))

sitting across the table from me, who seems to have a completely different worldview from me and yet is also a human being. And so, there’s a faith in the other person and in the possibility of real communication and real relationship, even in the face of difference. That to me is the faith that is necessary. So it’s less faith in God, and more faith in our ability to connect with each other. And maybe that is the same thing as faith in God at the end of the day. When you talk about faith sometimes being the villain, I think that faith does become the villain when our faith, whatever it happens to be, becomes a barrier between us and another person.

But another effort that I/we made was after the Unite the Right march in Charlottesville, when it suddenly felt urgent to try to reach out to other religious communities and reach out beyond our Jewish community and find other human beings in our community – those that we were perhaps not in communication with – and get to know them. So, this idea of the human family, that was another project that I’ve put a lot of time and energy into, trying to break down the barriers that sometimes exist between different religious groups.

deeply as I could.

I also came to see that a rabbi gets to be close to people at very profound moments in their life: death, marriage, bar mitzvah, the birth of a child, or just in a counseling in a pastoral setting, and I was very drawn to being able to get close to people in those profound moments. I also liked the variety. I was really drawn to the wide range of roles a rabbi has. I’m a teacher, I’m a counselor, I’m an administrator, I’m a community leader, and I’ve always had a lot of interests and have liked the opportunity to kind of exercise all of these different muscles, sometimes in the course of a single day.

GL. There are so many moments where you are expected to be there for so many people. How did that impact your personal life? Were you able to show up for Rabbi Steve Cohen is set to retire after 21 years of the people you love the most in a way that service at CBB and 19 before that at Hillel you feel good about, or did it impair that? (courtesy photo) RC. On the one hand, I have really tried to prioritize my marriage and my family and not allow my work to prevent me from being a good husband and father and son and brother. On the other hand, I’m very aware that I haven’t succeeded all the time. And I worry about whether I have shortchanged any of those relationships.

I don’t think I have, but I worry about it.

“Faith is such an interesting and complex and fluid word.

But for me, I do think of faith as being bound up with courage, and thoughtful, realistic optimism.”

– Rabbi Cohen GL. So, the other part of yours being a challenging job is that you’ve led a large congregation during a very challenging moment in history, including from a discourse perspective. I suspect this impacts clergy in every faith, and you’ve led the CCB congregation at a moment when everything has become political. It used to be much easier to separate out the religious aspects of our lives from the political aspects of our lives, and church and synagogue is where people talk about life and suddenly it’s all political. How have you managed a congregation that in many ways is a microcosm of the world with such deep divisions it’s difficult, if not impossible, to build consensus and therefore community?

RC. With difficulty, for sure. I’ve tried to lean into personal relationships as the way to stay connected even in a time of division, and have worked with members of the congregation on a number of different projects over the course of the past 10+ years; projects that were attempting to bring together people with different points of view to learn, to learn to listen, and to share with each other without bitterness and divisiveness. Those efforts have felt very important, and they’ve also felt very incomplete. It’s been very difficult to get people to show up for that work.

So, I’ve tried leaning into personal relationships. I’ve tried learning from national programs. I’ve also tried so hard from the pulpit to be a voice of reason and of listening to multiple points of view, but I also do have my own perspective. I’ve really struggled with finding the right balance of when should I express my own point of view clearly and strongly and stand up for the principles that I hold so deeply, and when is it my job to step back and try to make room for a diversity of views. It’s been a very difficult season, and one of the few comforts that I take is that I don’t think I’m alone in struggling with this.

GL. Sometimes I feel like faith is both a villain and it holds the possibility of being an important tool. Does that speak to you at all?

RC. What I think of is the importance of having faith in the other person

38 Montecito JOURNAL

GL. In this community you have played an important leadership role in interfaith efforts. What is your takeaway from that?

RC. First of all, I’ve learned how profoundly important religious upbringing and religious communities are to people. I’ve come to see that religion is not something that is going away at all. It’s as potent a force as ever, and I know that it has the potential to lead to a kind of tribalism, and people fall into thinking about the world in terms of us and them, and religion often plays into that. I’ve come to believe that religious leaders have a huge responsibility to help people overcome those impulses to sort of separate into their own communities, and to lead people toward a sense that it’s possible to both be a proud and active and committed member of their own religious community, and at the same time to be curious and connected to people in other religious communities.

GL. You’re ending your formal rabbinical career at B’nai B’rith but you started your career at UCSB’s Hillel. I suspect that your having had that experience gives you some insight into what’s going on with young people at this moment on college campuses. What is your 10-mile-high observation of what’s going on with college campuses?

RC. Well, first of all, I’m really glad I’m not working on a college campus right now.

What I loved about working on a college campus was the idealism and the youthfulness, the insistence on authenticity. There was no way that I could succeed as a rabbi on campus without being completely just myself and authentic and real. I think that that was what made it so fun to be a rabbi when I was young, that I was working with young people who demanded that I be real and that I engage with their idealism and their intensity.

I think that part of what we’re seeing right now is sort of the flip side of that. This sense to be young … this sense that I think many students – both non-Jewish and also some Jewish – feel that this moment calls for activism and for an energetic fight

Editorial Page 414 414

Rabbi Cohen reading Make Way for Ducklings to preschoolers (courtesy photo)

“There is no influence so powerful as that of the mother.” – Sarah Josepha Hale

8 – 15 May 2025

Just another shrinking violet…

story she creeps out of her parents’ Army quarters late one night and slinks by moonlight to the base movie theater where the scandalous Carole Lombard film No Man of her Own is playing.

Twenty minutes into the movie the MP’s familiar flashlight beam plays down the darkened aisle beside her.

She looks up to see a resigned-looking gentleman in a white helmet. ”C’mon, Aloha,” he reportedly sighs. “Let’s get you home.”

Aloha and Stephanie Moving Company® vs Muammar Gaddafi By 1969 we lived on Wheelus AFB, just outside Tripoli, Libya; my father, my mother, my little brother, my big sister, and me. We’d been there a scant year and-a-half when Colonel Gaddafi rudely moved his belongings into the Royal Palace during one of kindly King Idris’ clueless junkets abroad.

Shortly thereafter the Americans of Wheelus were ordered to leave the country. In the heated confusion that followed, many people were never seen again. Many of these were my family’s friends in Tripoli, including Omran – the tall Stetson-wearing, Americaloving Libyan with a heart of gold, cowboy boots, and a pitiable swagger that tried unsuccessfully for John Wayne.

Omrans’ dream was to live in the States or even see the U.S. in a flyover – but he disappeared in the purge that followed the coup.

Soon enough Gaddafi’s thugs began to round up Jews with a familiar gusto. Mr. 8 – 15 May 2025

Dan de Carlo, the principal of the base High School, would have none of it, and was apprehended in a botched attempt to spirit a Jewish Libyan friend out of the country in a piano crate bound for Malta; a plot foiled on the tarmac of the Maltese airport.

I don’t know that in the years following, I ever learned as much from an educator about the precious innate value of doing what you know is right. It’s worth mentioning that Principal de Carlo’s failed rescue handily played into Aloha’s predisposition for adventure.

Extremely displeased with de Carlo’s foiled scheme, the Gaddafi regime complained to the American command structure, and in the placating atmosphere of those fraught months, our Base Commander agreed to Gaddafi’s terms of reprisal; house arrest of de Carlo’s wife, Genevieve – an unbowed French academic and our next-door neighbor. The de Carlos were to be relieved of all their personal belongings, and Genevieve deported to join her exiled husband in Japan.

In the event, Aloha and her mischief-making pal, another grown troublemaker named Stephanie Lyle, contrived to incrementally smuggle Genevieve’s entire household out of Libya, piece by piece, in defiance of Gaddafi’s sour intent. The success of the Aloha and Stephanie Moving Company® reportedly involved shameless flirting with the young, bashful, and easily distracted Libyan guards.

When Genevieve was finally allowed to join her exiled husband in Okinawa, it was found that nearly everything they owned had been sent on ahead by Aloha and Steph. This stunt typifies Aloha’s middle age.

ful epoch that favored the high-spirited.

It was a time of intense feeling and color and hearts abrading their calcium cages. Judy Garland and Mussolini were a couple of the players, for instance.

It’s true that much of the intense color was ordnance blossoming brilliantly in the saddened skies over torn-up Pacific islands and smoldering European capitals. But these terrible conflagrations seize and enlarge the bruised human heart. It was, as a great Victorian artist with a poorly executed comb-over once remarked of another era, both the best and worst of times.

At 90, Aloha was still possessed of her dark hair, her teeth and her attitude. She couldn’t pass the full-length mirror in her apartment without stopping to strike a Dorothy Lamour ‘ready for my close up’ pose; one hand on her hip, the other perched uncertainly atop her 90-year-old head. My humor is hers; antiquated and often indecipherable.

There were moments I thought my mom was going to literally laugh herself to death. I expressed this concern once. We’d really got each other going – she was crying with laughter. Finally, she couldn’t breathe, couldn’t catch her breath. She raised her hand to her chest, trying to draw air. I panicked. ”Hey! Hey! HEY!! MOM!! MOM!!

MOM!!”

“What,” she coughed, waving me away.

“I thought you were going to leave us there for a minute!” I put my arm across her diminished little shoulder.

She wiped her eyes and sighed through a rattling chuckle.

“Wouldn’t have been so bad,” she said.

Aloha Means Hello Aloha was very fortunate to have entered the world in a complex, color-

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

ON THE SIDE Items from the Montecito Ledger, May 7, 1958…

Native Daughter

T

omorrow will be a mighty special day in the life of Mrs. Evarista M. Romero of 557 Santa Rosa Lane, Montecito. She will be 102 years young. Mrs. Romero was born March 8, 1856, where the San Ysidro Ranch is now located. In that century-plus she has witnessed the growth and development of the entire South Coast area. Six of her 13 children are still living: Remijio P. Romero of Montecito; Mrs. Anita M. Juarez of Montecito; Mrs. Linore Bennett of Santa Barbara; Mrs. Josie Hartman of Goleta; Stephen H. Romero of Carpinteria; and M.T. (Sam) Romero of the Trout Club in the San Marcos pass area.

Beaus & Belles

by Ellen Haldeman Dear Ellen: What do you think about the sack dress for junior high girls? –– Thirteen

D

ear Thirteen: I have not seen one such dress on a junior high girl yet that didn’t resemble a bag more than a dress. Why? Because most 12, 13, and fourteen-year-olds are just not curvaceous enough for the dress to drape properly. If you want to try the new fashion, wear a chemise which is very complimentary to the young figure. The middle style, the blouse on, and semi-belt are for you, but leave the sack dress to the old bags.

ss Never Mi An Issue!

JOURNAL

Beings & Doings (Continued from 6)

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Jeff and mom in ’73, Boulder, CO

• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

39

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Bids open at 2:00 PM on Thursday, May 29, 2025 for: MODOC MULTI-USE PATH PHASE II COUNTY PROJECT NO. 862416 IN THE 2ND SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT COUNTY PROJECT No. 862416 General project work description: Multi-Use path, Curb Ramps, Retaining Walls, Soldier Pile Retainig Wall, Traffic Control The Plans, Specifications, and Bid Book are available at https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43874.

The Contractor must have either a Class A license or any combination of the following Class C licenses which constitutes a majority of the work: A, B, C-8, C-12, C-50, C-51 Submit sealed bids to the web address below. Bids will be opened and available at the web address below immediately following the submittal deadline.

PlanetBids https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43874 Complete the project work within 120 Workings Days.

The estimated cost of the project is $ 5,420,000 A optional pre-bid meeting is scheduled for this project on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 10:00 AM at MODOC RD AND ENCORE DR (WEST). This project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).

A contractor or subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal, subject to the requirements of PCC Section 4104, or engage in the performance of any contract for public work, as defined in this chapter, unless currently registered and qualified to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code (LAB) Section 1725.5. It is not a violation of this section for an unregistered contractor to submit a bid that is authorized by Business and Professions Code (BPC) Section 7029.1 or by PCC Section 10164 or 20103.5 provided the contractor is registered to perform public work pursuant to LAB Section 1725.5 at the time the contract is awarded.

Prevailing wages are required on this Contract. The Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations determines the general prevailing wage rates. Obtain the wage rates at the DIR website https://www.dir.ca.gov/.

Inquiries or questions based on alleged patent ambiguity of the plans, specifications, or estimate must be submitted as a bidder inquiry by 2:00 PM on 05/23/2025. Submittals after this date will not be addressed. Questions pertaining to this Project prior to Award of the Contract must be submitted via PlanetBids Q&A tab.

Bidders (Plan Holders of Record) will be notified by electronic mail if addendums are issued. The addendums, if issued, will only be available on the County’s PlanetBids website, https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43874 By order of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Barbara this project was authorized to be advertised on 11/22/2022.

Christopher Sneddon Director of Public Works Published May 8, 2025 Montecito Journal

MONTECITO GROUNDWATER BASIN GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY AGENCY NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025 9:00 A.M.* NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, at a special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Montecito Groundwater Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (Agency) to be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 9:00 A.M.*, the Board will hold a public meeting to consider the adoption of the following Resolution: 1.

Resolution No. 19: Resolution of the Montecito Groundwater Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency Continuing a Groundwater Sustainability Fee for Fiscal Year 2026.

The Agency is proposing to continue the existing parcel fee as it was established by Resolution No. 4 in June 2020, with no increase in the fee or change in the methodology by which the fee is calculated. The Agency will continue to collect the fee on the property tax rolls, as in previous years.

The purpose of the fee is to fund the costs of the Agency’s groundwater sustainability program, including the implementation of a Groundwater Sustainability Plan adopted under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. Information concerning the fee is available for public review at www.montecitogsa.com.

At the public meeting oral and written presentations may be made and/or heard concerning the fee. *The public meeting will be conducted in person at the Agency office located at 583 San Ysidro Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Remote participation information will be available on the meeting agenda posted at the Agency office, on the website www.montecitogsa.com, and by calling 805805.324.4207. ### Run, MJ Public/legal notices section, May 7 & 14, 2025

Public Notice The City of Santa Barbara, Department of Public Works hereby gives notice of the City’s intent to revise the flood hazard information, generally located between Carrillo St and Cabrillo Blvd to the north/south and Castillo St and Garden St to the west/east. Specifically, the flood hazard information will be revised along Mission Creek from the Pacific Ocean to a point approximately 6,500 feet upstream at the Carrillo St bridge.

As a result of the revision, the 1-percent-annual-chance water-surface elevations shall alter, both increasing in some areas and decreasing in other areas, and the 1-percentannual-chance floodplain will alter, both widening in some areas and narrowing in other areas within the overall area of revision.

Maps and detailed analysis of the revision can be reviewed at the City of Santa Barbara Public Works office at 630 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93102. Interested persons may call Eric Goodall, PE at (805) 897-2615 for additional information from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Published May 8, 2025 Montecito Journal

40 Montecito JOURNAL

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: West Property Management, 552 Ricardo Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. West Property Services, INC, 552 Ricardo Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on April 11, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN

“Most mothers are instinctive philosophers.” – Harriet Beecher Stowe

No. 2025-0000960. Published May 1, 8, 15, 22, 2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Solum Global; Topas Custom Upholstery, 416 Bryant Cir STE A, Ojai, CA 93023. Selan M. Reda, 416 Bryant Cir STE A, Ojai, CA 93023. This statement was filed with the Ventura County Clerk-Recorder on April 3, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Michelle Ascencion, County Clerk-Recorder (SEAL). FBN No. 2025100003871. Published April 24, May 1, 8, 15, 2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Santa Barbara Vinyl Masters, 27 W Anapamu St 162, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Robert Appelgate, 27 W Anapamu St 162, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on April 8, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.

Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2025-0000920. Published April 24, May 1, 8, 15, 2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/ are doing business as: Survey Risk Solutions, 121 East Mason Street, A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

All County Surevy Risk Solutions, 121 East Mason Street, A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on March 20, 2025.

This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.

Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2025-0000761. Published April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 2025

PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME: CASE No. 25CV02106. To all interested parties: Petitioner Caroline Byera Bwenge filed a petition with Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara, for a decree changing name of child from Ty Kariuki to Ty Kariuki-Bwenge.

The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Filed April 8, 2025 by Gabriel Moreno. Published April 24, May 1, 8, 15, 2025 SECOND AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: CASE No. 24CV06442. To all interested parties: Petitioner Rosario Rossano filed a petition with Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara, for a decree changing name to Nova Pierce.

The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Filed April 18, 2025 by Preston Frye. Hearing date: June 4, 2025 at 10 am in Dept. 3, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Published April 24, May 1, 8, 15, 2025

8 – 15 May 2025

Editorial (Continued from 38 38)) against the evils of the world, and what’s so frightening for me and I think for many of us as Jews, is a sense that Israel and we have been sort of lumped together in the basket of the evils of the world.

GL. Certainly, we’ve seen in this moment on college campuses this black and white view of things. But that’s true in our world generally, and clearly social media has played a big role in that. Do you see a path forward?

RC. Well, our job is to create the path. Probably the thing that I was proudest of when I was working at Hillel was that on Friday night in Isla Vista, a party town, we had between one and 200 students choosing to come to services, come to Shabbat dinner, and that felt to me very counter-cultural and deeply meaningful.

We were creating, together with the students, an oasis of beauty and meaning in the midst of this sort of crazy town of Isla Vista. And I think that that’s what the university potentially can be. It potentially can be a place where the most profound human values find expression in a way that they don’t necessarily do in the broader society. So I hope that a place like UCSB, and all of our universities, can find a way back to being places where students can, first of all, meet people from very different backgrounds from their own. That’s one of the unique things about the university. You’re meeting people from very different backgrounds in a way that becomes harder as we go on in life. But at the university you’re sitting in class with people from very different points of view. I think that there’s a responsibility on professors to create a vision of the university as a place for real human interaction and a place for community rather than a place for anger and division. A place for teaching in its highest sense.

GL. If you could prescribe one thing for our society right now, what would it be?

RC. At least one day a week screen free would be a big thing.

GL. That’s a big thing in your life.

RC. It’s a big thing in my life, right, Shabbat, but you don’t need to be Jewish at all. For everyone, access to nature and going out into nature and even the wilderness; those would be big things for me. I really believe that wilderness and nature is healing. It allows us to return to our bodies, our animal nature, the sources of our health – air and water and earth.

GL. Any regrets?

RC. That’s a good question. Really none. But there were kind of two roads not taken for me, both of which represent questions. One is the possibility of moving to Israel which – when I was a rabbinic student, in my mid- and late-twenties – I was seriously thinking about settling in Israel, and my college roommate made that choice. He raised his family in Jerusalem. And so part of me does wish that I had made the decision to raise my family in that Jewish place as opposed to in this place of exile. I made the decision to settle in the States and to live in Santa Barbara for good reasons, but that’s one road not taken.

And then the other is to live in a small Jewish community, even though, yes, I think we have a vibrant Jewish community. It’s not like being in Los Angeles or New York or Chicago, Boston, or any of those large Jewish communities,. And so I have kind of made my career on a much smaller stage which I do think has allowed me to have more of a family life. But it does mean that I have not had the kind of impact on a national level that I might’ve had if I had been the rabbi of a congregation in a big city.

GL. What would you like the broader community here to know about CBB and about the Jewish community here in Santa Barbara?

RC. Well, first of all, I would like them to know how deeply committed we are as a congregation to freedom of thought and freedom of speech and to questions more than answers. I really do feel like I and we have to some extent succeeded in creating a community that is committed to exploration and to learning. I would love for everybody to understand that about our Jewish community, that this is a place of openness and commitment to caring and relationships. The other thing that I would like especially non-practicing Jews to know is that it’s a place that is just as much for people who don’t see themselves as religious, that actually the majority of our members are not regular worshipers, for example, and are not regular attendees at Torah study; but that it’s a place that is really organized around community and culture. Those are things that I think are often not understood.

GL. What are you going to do next?

RC. Well, I always think of my teacher and friend, Rabbi David Ellenson, who had been the president of Hebrew Union College when he was asked, “What are you going to do after you retire?” And he said, “The dishes.” So part of the answer is I’m 8 – 15 May 2025

going to take a break and take some time for myself and for my marriage and for my family. I’m going to explore sides of myself that I haven’t had a chance to – maybe do some art, some music, but definitely more hiking. And then also, I have a book in mind, and I hope to do some writing.

GL. Is there anything I am not asking you that you would want as a capstone to this moment?

RC. I think the one thing that occurs to me that is both challenging and also wonderful about this job is the opportunity and the need to relate to people from age two to 100 or over. I talked earlier about loving the diversity of the job, and that diversity really has challenged me, and also really deeply fed me, the need to be one moment with preschoolers and then the next moment with teenagers and then the next moment with seniors. That’s another aspect of the work that I just feel very grateful for.

GL. Do you worry about the next generation of Jewish people?

RC. I definitely worry about our Judaism fading away. I’m not worried about the ultra-Orthodox. They’re going strong and they’re having lots of babies, and so I know they’ll be around. But I do worry about the more liberal, open-minded Judaism that I received from my parents, and that I’ve tried to transmit to the next generation here. I worry about the power of assimilation… But that’s another way of understanding what my mission has been for past 40 years – to try to be a force for not only preservation

but renewal and continuity in the face of the forces of assimilation.

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2 k b SHO y po W pul S, ar d ecre e

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Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” SAT 5/24 & SUN 5/25 3 PM Tickets at Elingspark.org

“

Elings Park is... perfect for performances of the Bard’s best. ~ Montecito Journal

• Voice of theVillage •

”

40

YEARS OF FUN

Summer Shakespeare at Elings Park is supported by Carrie Towbes and John Lewis.

Montecito JOURNAL

41

Entertainment (Continued from 22 22))

Miscellany (Continued from 8)

Education Director Brian McDonald, who created the Young Playwrights Festival during his tenure in a similar position at Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre before bringing it to Santa Barbara. Fewer works means each piece was able to expand beyond the typical 10 minutes, perhaps twice as long, offering more opportunity for the playwrights to develop their respective voices.

“It’s a great process for them to write something on their own and then see how people respond, when they often realize that there’s something else there that they themselves didn’t even see,” he said. “That’s when these kids learn how to listen and respond to criticism, and to hear – as writers – how well what they have in their heads gets articulated on the page, so that the director and the actors and other artists who bring it to life know what to do with that. They really get to see the continuing evolution of what an actual new play goes through.”

The trilogy of new work delves into the hidden anxieties and unspoken truths that define a generation grappling with unprecedented challenges. Society, written by returning YPF participant Zev Vitanza and directed by Matt Tavianini, sees a seemingly innocent school festival become the battleground for power, manipulation and a shocking act of violence, pulling back the curtain on the dark side of academia, where unchecked ambition and ruthless manipulation can have deadly consequences.

In Fennel Higley’s Captive, directed by Brian Harwell, a picture-perfect wedding day becomes the stage for a family drama after a shocking revelation forces the brideto-be to confront her parents’ fractured marriage, her fiancé’s cold pragmatism, and the unsettling possibility that she’s walking into a gilded cage. Naomi Farkas’s The Outtakes, directed by Paul Canter, explores the toxic legacy of child stardom and the desperate measures people take to escape their past, in a gripping and provocative thriller about the price of fame, the long shadow of trauma, and the twisted bonds that tie us together.

A Q&A with the playwright, director and audience follows each piece, McDonald said.

“That way it’s fresh in everybody’s minds, so the audience can give constructive feedback about the piece and find out a little bit about the playwright and what their inspiration was.”

Admission to the festival is free, with no tickets required.

True Blue: CAMA’s Philharmonic Concert is Also a Farewell This year’s annual Santa Barbara visit by the Los Angeles Philharmonic on Friday, May 9, at the Granada not only closes out CAMA’s orchestral International Series for 2025-26, but also serves as the penultimate concert in president Mark Trueblood’s CAMA career after 27 years at the helm. It’s rather appropriate, as the LA Phil was the reason CAMA was created, which evolved into a more than century-long endeavor to bring major orchestras to a town much smaller than the municipalities these touring companies usually visit.

In another nice touch of timing, the ensemble’s esteemed Conductor Laureate EsaPekka Salonen returns for his 16th CAMA appearance over the past three decades, including a dozen past performances with the LA Phil and three with London’s Philharmonia Orchestra, both of whom will be back next season, post-Trueblood.

Pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard serves as soloist for Bartok’s “Piano Concerto No. 3, Sz. 119, BB 127,” the middle work of a program that also includes Debussy’s “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun” and Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 55, ‘Eroica.’”

Book ‘em: Gay’s ‘Delights’ and a Panda’s Predicament Ross Gay’s The Book of Delights, UCSB Reads’ 2025 selection, is a New York Times bestselling collection of essays – written daily over the course of a year – celebrating small, ordinary wonders. Gay’s humorous, poetic and philosophical essays cover a wide range of topics, with vignettes that include such luminous oddities as sharing a high five with a stranger, and cradling a tomato seedling aboard an airplane. In the book as well as in his free appearance at Campbell Hall on May 8, Gay shares how staking out a space for joy can bring us closer together – something of a remedy for our troubled times.

Santa Barbara-based writer Mike Bender – author of the No. 1 New York Times bestseller Awkward Family Photos as well as the Junior Library Guild Selection The Book About Nothing and (of course) kids favorite The Most Serious Fart – heads back to Chaucer’s Books on May 10 for a reading and signing of his latest children’s book Bored Panda. The tech-loving title character is forlorn when the electricity goes out, but his depressing no-screens day turns into a joyful experience in the great outdoors,

full of fun and surprises no screen could provide.

42 Montecito JOURNAL

Curator Marlene Miller with sponsors Sybil Rosen and Ingrid Cali (photo by Isaac Hernandez)

Checking out the abundant art were David Bolton, Robert Adams, Oscar Gutierrez, Sybil Rosen, and museum director Dacia Harwood.

Self-Discovery The Riven Rock resident, Meghan Markle, 43 – who launched her lifestyle series With Love, Meghan – says the eight-part series has helped her to “find herself ” again.

Speaking to People magazine, Prince Harry’s actress wife says she prefers to be known as a “female founder” and “entrepreneur,” rather than as an “influencer.”

“If the brand ends up being influential, that’s great.”

Curator Marlene Miller welcoming guests and the exhibit (courtesy photo)

Good Persons

Director of Education Emily Alessio with lender Susan Bingham (photo by Isaac Hernandez)

It was all very in-tents. The Hilton rotunda was socially gridlocked and covered in a marquee when licensed psychologist Dr. Carrie Towbes, and lifelong conservationist George Burtness were selected as the 82nd Persons of the Year, with the Santa Barbara Foundation as the organizing sponsor – and legacy the occasion’s unspoken theme. Burtness’ father was a previous honoree, and both of Carrie Towbes’ parents were onetime recipients of the honor.

Carrie was introduced by Dr. Gabriella Garcia, executive director of Storyteller, while George’s introduction was by Ron Werft, president emeritus of Cottage Heath. George Burtness volunteered more than 4,600 hours at Cottage Hospital.

“Both awardees this year truly embody what it means to show up for the community, to spend years dedicating time and expertise to advance well-being in Santa Barbara, and to enrich life and increase opportunities for all of us,” Jackie Carrera, president and CEO of the foundation explained.

Among the many supporters were Janet Garufis, mayor Randy Rowse, Peter Schuyler, David Selberg, Sigrid Wright, Penny Jenkins, Palmer Jackson Jr., Greg Gorga, Geoff Green, Mindy Denson, John Daly,

the Santa Barbara Historical Museum with His Vision of the West, which runs through August 17.

Curated by Marlene Miller, Perceval’s interests were mainly the colorful people and cultures native to the desert realms. Perceval made Montecito his home for the last 20 years of his life until his death in 1979.

The Hopi and Navajo in their environment became a major part of his oeuvre. His illustrations appeared more than 50 publications and he became a leading expert in cattle brands and the history of branding in general.

“Men are what their mothers made them.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

8 – 15 May 2025

Cottage Hospital’s Scott Wester with one of the MBT tables (photo by Priscilla)

Caren Rager, Laura Capps, Scott Reed, Kathryn Martin, and Bob Bryant.

United in Bloom The Amazons were out in force at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum for Women United’s Blue in Bloom lunch co-chaired by Alice Hampton and Julie Heider-Gray.

The fun fest, which raised more than $20,000 for United Way, featured two keynote speakers Dr. Melissa Drake, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist in Santa Barbara, and Diana Rigby, superintendent of the Carpinteria United School District.

At the height of her private practice Drake was seeing almost 30 patients daily and delivering almost 40 babies a month.

Among the supporters were Val Montgomery, Anne Towbes, Paul Didier, Steve Ortiz, Ursula Nesbitt, Erin May, Amber Ortiz, Berfu Butler, Holly Onak, and Vanessa Ringel.

Raise a paddle for hope (courtesy photo)

Project, which has been igniting imaginations and transforming lives through the power of the arts.

Guests included Brianna Aguilar, Salud and Gina Carbajal, Marybeth Carty, David Edelman, Nina Dunbar, Gregg Hart, Oscar Gutierrez, Leslie Schipper, Cecily MacDougall, and Frank and Marika Tabar.

Sightings

There’s Hope Yet

Josh Brolin at Pierre Lafond...

Kevin Costner checking out Lucky’s...

Cameron Diaz noshing at RH.

The museum was in full bloom for the luncheon (photo by Isaac Hernandez)

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Santa Barbara Foundation hosted its annual Hope Awards at the historical museum, where a record 232 guests raised more than $120,000, a figure then matched by a local foundation.

One honoree was the late Margie Yahyavi, who as executive director of the foundation from 2010 to 2022 transformed it from a small nonprofit with a $300,000 budget into a thriving force for local schools. Under Yahyavi’s watch, SB Foundation oversaw ten signature programs, and 14 fiscally spon-

sored initiatives with a $2.5 million annual budget.

Also recognized with honors was the half century-old Children’s Creative

Zahra Salisbury from sponsor Next/Health speaking to the audience (photo by Isaac Hernandez)

Honoree Dr. Melissa Drake (photo by Isaac Hernandez)

Warren B. Ritter II expressing a moment of gratitude (courtesy photo)

8 – 15 May 2025

Pip! Pip!

Nina Dunbar speaking at the audience (courtesy photo)

• Voice of theVillage •

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 18 years

Montecito JOURNAL

43

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Calendar of Events

TUESDAY, MAY 13

by Steven Libowitz SATURDAY, MAY 10 & SUNDAY, MAY 11 Songs of Remembrance – Herbert Howell’s Requiem, a particularly poignant and personal work by the English composer-organist best-known for his catalog of Anglican church music, was written in 1932 but didn’t debut until almost half a century later in 1981. The piece serves as the featured work for Quire of Voyces “Songs of Remembrance” concerts this weekend, where Nichole Dechaine, Joanna Powell, Paul Zink, and Levi Smylie will perform the solo parts. Also, on the program of sacred a cappella music conveying messages of peace, love, blessings and memories are songs by Robert Lucas Pearsall, Hubert Parry, William Henry Harris and the more modern composer Kurt Sander, while Quire’s Composer-in-Residence Steve Dombek contributes a new musical setting of the canticle “Nunc Dimittis,” and an arrangement of Bach’s “Lux Aeterna.” As always, the concerts take place amid the resonant acoustics of St. Anthony’s Chapel.

WHEN: 3 pm May 18 & 19 WHERE: St. Anthony’s Chapel., 2300 Garden St. COST: $20 general; $15 students & seniors INFO: (805) 965-5935 or www.quireofvoyces.org.

SUNDAY, MAY 11 Ruben Sandwich at SOhO – The Santa Barbara Jazz Society has secured Ruben Estrada and The Martinez Brothers Band for its monthly second Sunday afternoon concert at SOhO, with the pianist and the ensemble performing SATURDAY, MAY 10 & SUNDAY, MAY 11 ‘Golem’ Gets Bigger – A “new, improved version” of Santa Barbara musician-writer Fred Nadis’ original radio drama/musical I Married a Golem!, which premiered at the tiny Piano Kitchen off lower State Street last December, steps onto a larger stage for a pair of performances this weekend. Set in a 1930s radio studio, where a ragtag acting troupe aims to enchant and entertain listeners with a tale of an unusual marriage, Golem blends the “You can’t marry an outsider!” plot of early Yiddish theater with a generous dollop of Beauty and the Beast – and a whole host of other influences from Borscht Belt comedy to Bertolt Brecht and Frankenstein. In this case, the beast/monster is a young woman trapped into marrying a golem — a mythical magic being made of clay, brought to life by special incantations, and meant to serve as a guardian of the Jewish ghetto during times of turmoil. The heroine is tricked by the golem’s lawyer father into marrying the creature, a simpleton with the mind of a child who can understand language but only grunt and growl in response. She then becomes instrumental in his demise after the creature starts running amok and turning into an adolescent autonomous agent/gangster. As before, the Nadis-founded ensemble Kalinka – a leader in Santa Barbara’s Jewish klezmer and Balkan music scene for two decades – provides the music, which has been augmented by four new songs for this version of the show (including more Nadis originals). There are also added sound effects, many provided by multi-instrumentalist Jim Connolly. He’s joined on stage by Nadis, Temmo Korisheli, Brendan Carroll, Eric Ederer, Chet Stussy, and Nicole McKenzie for the show that promises humor, pathos, and moments of gentle lunacy.

WHEN: 7 pm Saturday & 3 pm Sunday WHERE: Congregation B’nai B’rith, 1000 San Antonio Creek Road COST: $15 INFO: https://cbb.shulcloud.com/form/soimarriedagolem.html

44 Montecito JOURNAL

An Achievement Worth Howling About – The new documentary Wonders of the Wolf explores one of the most successful conservation efforts in modern history: the Yellowstone Wolf Project. The film delves into the dynamic lives of the cunning canines at the national park, from their historic recovery in 1995 to today’s current wolf packs.

Yellowstone biologists share stories and observations of the wolves they observe daily in the park and share how – using innovative technology like bioacoustics – they are learning how wolves communicate and applying that knowledge to solutions in human-wildlife conflicts. The film features Yellowstone’s oldest wolf, most famous wolf, the longest reigning female wolf pack, and two special wolves whose lives made an impact on those who observed them. The film played a single night at the Riviera as a benefit for the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network and at the San Luis Obispo Film Festival, both last month. Director Angie Ruiz, who had never visited Yellowstone before shooting Wonders of the Wolf over 2023-24, will join moderator Sarah Anderson of UCSB’s Bren School for a post-screening discussion about the film and the project.

WHEN: 7 pm WHERE: Pollock Theatre, UCSB campus COST: free (reservations recommended) INFO: (805) 893-5903 or www.carseywolf.ucsb.edu/pollock

sambas, boleros, cha-chas, salsa music and standards played with a Latin flavor. The group – which features Lorenzo Martinez (percussion/vocals), Ruben Martinez (bass), Rene Martinez (drums) and John Webb (saxophone) – have been playing together as a band since the early 1990s at venues including the Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel and at Santa Barbara Fiesta.

WHEN: 1-4 pm WHERE: SOhO Restaurant & Music Club, 1221 State Street, upstairs in Victoria Court COST: $10-$25 INFO: (805) 962-7776 or www.sohosb.com MONDAY, MAY 12 Singing Loud and Proud – The Santa Barbara Gay Men’s Chorus returns to the Lobero for its spring concert, dubbed “Fight & Flight,” with music, as with all of its concerts, exploring the theme from a variety of angles. The concert, which marks the fourth anniversary of the Chorus’ first public performance, embraces both sides of the classic survival response with a wide range of music from the 1950s to present day, veering from the Frank Sinatra classic “Fly me to the Moon” to Rachel Platten’s anthemic “Fight Song”, and encompassing pop, rock, folk and musical theater along the way. The Tim Accurso-directed choral ensemble is open to all who support the LGBTQ+ community, with no requirement to identify as gay or a man. Everyone is invited – whether you’re braced for action or wanting to hide away from cultural and life challenges – to defy gravity together for one night and embrace the concept that we are all champions and can be the wind beneath each other’s wings.

WHEN: 7 pm WHERE: Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. COST: $31-$85 INFO: (805) 963-0761 or www.lobero.org TUESDAY, MAY 13 Icon Returns – It’s mind-boggling to realize that it’s been 57 years since James Taylor released his self-titled debut, which boasted the staples

“My mother was my role model before I even knew what that word was.” – Lisa Leslie

8 – 15 May 2025

SANTA BARBARA RECORDS and THE GRANADA present

THURSDAY, MAY 15 Good Dog Rolls Over Again – Grammy-winning guitarist-composer Bill Frisell is considered both a major influence on modern jazz guitar and a straight-up guitar hero. Frisell has made more than 40 recordings under his own name and appeared on more than 250 others, including albums by Bonnie Raitt, Lucinda Williams, John Zorn, and Allen Toussaint, among others. He’s played the Lobero numerous times, including as part of Charles Lloyd’s band The Marvels, but it’s been more than five years since he’s performed at the venue with his own ensemble. Tonight, Frisell reunites with a trio of longtime associates in pedal steel master Greg Leisz (another Marvels member), bassist Tony Scherr, and drummer Kenny Wollesen to revisit, at least as a framework, the 1999 Good Dog, Happy Man album, which featured Frisell’s interpretation of the folk classic “Shenandoah” alongside 11 originals. “My closest musical brothers, but it’s been quite a while since the four of us have all been together,” Frisell says on his website. “It’s been way too long. There’s more music for us to play. We’re just getting started.”

WHEN: 7:30 pm WHERE: Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. COST: $45 & $55 ($107 VIP tickets includes premier seating and a pre-show reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres) INFO: (805) 963-0761 or www.lobero.org

“Something in the Way She Moves” and “Carolina on My Mind.” Since then, the singer-songwriter-guitarist, blessed with a warm baritone voice and a stage personality that feels even warmer, has become nothing short of an icon. Taylor has sold more than 100 million albums, earned multiple Grammy awards, been inducted into both the Rock and Roll and the Songwriters Halls of Fame, and been presented the National Medal of Arts by President Obama. He’s also still making records, including 2015’s Before This World, which became Taylor’s first album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, and his 20th album, the cover album American Standard in 2020. Now 77, Taylor returns to a favored venue with a history even longer than his in the Santa Barbara Bowl. His pair of performances may well be the most classic on the Bowl’s crowded concert calendar.

WHEN: 7 pm; Wednesday, May 14, 7 pm WHERE: Santa Barbara Bowl, 1122 N. Milpas St. COST: $75.50-$195.50

INFO: (805) 962-4711 or www.sbbowl.com THURSDAY, MAY 15 Art, Wine & Ambiance – If the extended weather forecast is accurate, a warm weekend will be followed by a return to highs in the 60s, although with sunnier skies. But the food, wine and atmosphere should do plenty to warm up the participants in the annual Downtown Santa Barbara LIVE Art & Wine Tour. The evening of culinary delights, exquisite wines and live artistic experiences in the heart of downtown features both a tour through a hand-picked selection of venues – spanning just three blocks of State Street – and a massive closing party in the courtyard of the Arlington Theatre that could easily be an event unto itself. More than 30 of Santa Barbara’s finest restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries are featured on the tour, with even more mouthwatering bites, specialty drinks, and danceable tunes from the Groove Collective at the official Final Party, with unlimited pours to keep the energy going. See the website for the full roster of venues, food and beverage purveyors.

WHEN: 5:30-9:30 pm WHERE: Check in at the Arlington, 1317 State St. COST: $90 INFO: www.downtownsb.org/events/art-and-wine-tour

8 – 15 May 2025

Locals & Legends:

with The Santa Barbara Symphony Nir Kabaretti, Music & Artistic Director

Saturday, May 24 at 7:30pm Featuring

Glen Phillips Chris & John Beland Shawn Thies Jonathan Firey Kathleen Sieck

granadasb.org

805.899.2222 | 1214 State St Lead Sponsor: Manitou Fund / Nora McNeely Hurley and Michael Hurley

#WomenofAchievement Association for Women in Communications Santa Barbara

17th Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon

Adriana Arriaga

presented by Women Connect4Good

Creative Communication: Building Community through the Arts Wednesday, May 21 11:30am - 1:30pm Cabrillo Pavilion at East Beach

Teresa Kuskey

Frances Moore

Melinda Palacio

Hosted by Caroline Feraday KCLU-FM

Tickets on Sale Now awcsb.org

• Voice of theVillage •

Joanne Wasserman

Montecito JOURNAL

45

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46 Montecito JOURNAL

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Call or Text Kary Kramer (805) 453-3481 FOR RENT Charming 1-bedroom 1920s Montecito cottage Sunny, private, delightful setting Wood-burning fireplace and beam ceilings No pets, non-smoker - $3750/month (805) 451-4295

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$10 MINIMUM TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD 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)

“A mother is the one who fills your heart in the first place.” – Amy Tan

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED K-9 PALS need volunteers to be foster parents for our dogs while they are waiting for their forever homes.

For more information info@k-9pals.org or 805-570-0415.

8 – 15 May 2025

te

Mini Meta

Last Week’s Solution:

By Pete Muller & Frank Longo For each of the first five mini crosswords, one of the entries also serves as part of a five-word meta clue. The answer to the meta is a word or phrase (six letters or longer) hidden within the sixth mini crossword. The hidden meta answer starts in one of the squares and snakes through the grid vertically and horizontally from there (no diagonals!) without revisiting any squares.

A S K W I N E N A M E D A C T A S B O O K

T H A T R I F E I D T A G S E E M E F R O M

N E A R A L G A E R I A T A C O M E S T E S T

W I D E L O B E D A W A K E S I R E N T E S S

I T A L O O R B E D N U O V O I C I E R C E L L S

BIBLE

BOOK

THAT

COMES

LAST

REVELATION

PUZZLE #1

PUZZLE #2

1

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

7 8

PUZZLE #3

3

1 5

Down 1 Goes no further 2 Like the bands Japanese Breakfast and the Last Dinner Party 3 Where a fearsome shark lurks in the 2024 Netflix film "Under Paris" 4 Emulate the undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk 5 Tailor's meeting point?

3

4

1

6

5

7

7

8

8

9

Down 1 Drama about the firm McKenzie, Brackman 2 Actress Durance of "Saving Hope" 3 Workers known for their sharp ears?

4 Pieces of pizza?

5 First-ten or five-ten link

7

9

Down 1 Play matchmaker to 2 Beneficial 3 Chart-topping Chamillionaire hit of 2006 4 Enclose, with "in" 5 Very small wait unit?

2

3

Across 1 Family hand-me-down?

5 Definitely have no spring in one's step 6 Couple hanging at a gymnastics meet 8 Person getting the red-carpet treatment 9 Hatcher who voices Muthr on the sci-fi fantasy series "WondLa"

Down 1 "All Songs Considered" airer 2 People getting the red-carpet treatment 3 Carlo's head?

4 Wadsworth : Henry :: Allan : ___ 7 Title for some gurus

META PUZZLE

4

1 6

2

3

4

5

6

7 8 9

Across 1 Gibbons who won "The Apprentice" in 2015 6 "Stormy Weather" composer Harold 7 Existed 8 They can strengthen your hands 9 Existed

4

8

PUZZLE #5 5

3

6

Across 1 Word often shortened to a numeral in texts 4 Bygone 7-Across players 6 Discharge slowly and steadily 7 Funk, punk, or crunk 8 Enclose, with "in"

PUZZLE #4

2

5

8

Across 1 "___ Dark Materials" (2019-22 HBO series) 4 Sources of ruin 6 "Blue Suede Shoes" or "Pink Shoe Laces," e.g.

7 What the tattoo on the back of Aguilera's neck says, fittingly 8 Come across as

2

2

4

6

1

A B E T C R I E R A M B L E R O L E X R E D

9

Across 1 They sometimes go against the grain 5 Not with it at all 7 "Benjamin" or "Franklin" 8 It can be dry or tasteless 9 They're "from Mars," according to a 1992 bestseller

Down 1 Word that may precede or follow "as" 2 See 6-Down 3 Mock-innocent comeback question 4 Put off making a decision about 6 With 2-Down, each year

Across 1 You might feel dumb when you don't get one 5 "The Seven Year Itch" actor Tom 7 Goulding with the 2018 hit "Close to Me" 8 Nut tree that's one of Texas's state symbols 9 Aid in verifying a hypothesis

Down 1 Renegade on a road, e.g.

2 Big-eyed barn baby, maybe 3 Tight end Travis who started dating Taylor Swift in 2023 4 Sewing machine inventor Howe 6 Gave temporarily

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8 – 15 May 2025

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© 2025 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.

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799 LILAC DR, MONTECITO 4BD/7BA • $14,500,000 Cristal Clarke, 805.886.9378 LIC# 00968247

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809 ASHLEY RD, MONTECITO ±1.20 acres • $2,845,000 Cristal Clarke, 805.886.9378 LIC# 00968247 OPEN SUN 1-4

4529½ HOLLISTER AVE, SANTA BARBARA 4BD/3BA • $2,500,000 Chase Enright, 805.708.4057 LIC# 01800599

220 SANTA BARBARA ST#D, SB 2BD/2½BA • $1,975,000 Rachael Douglas, 805.318.0900 LIC# 02024147

507 CARRIAGE HILL CT, SANTA BARBARA 3BD/2BA • $1,895,000 Deborah Samuel, 805.570.6680 LIC# 02119798

@BHHSCALIFORNIA

2535/2605 BATH ST, SANTA BARBARA 4BD/3BA • $1,775,000 Nancy Kogevinas, 805.450.6233 LIC# 01209514