“ You will remember this novel–its hero and characters and scenes–for a long time. A big-hearted story of desperation and courage, crime and redemption, love and loss–it is as entertaining as it is moving.”
Author
– Fannie
Flagg
of Fried Green Tomatoes
Last Light, Long Road
Michael Armour survived Hollywood, publishing, self-doubt, and Alaska. The novel survived too. Armour tells all at Tecolote meet & greet, page 6
Float On – Giant fish, dancing unicorn seahorses, bubbles, ribbons, and a kiddie pool on wheels: Solstice is back. P.18
5
Committed to Doing First-Class Business in
a First-Class Way
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management was created specifically to help our most affluent clients address the complex, multi-generational challenges of managing significant wealth. We partner with individuals, families, and foundations to enhance lifestyles, build lasting legacies, and navigate opportunities in a changing world.
6
8
Jeanine J. Burford
Senior Vice President
Private Wealth Advisor
805-695-7109
jeanine.burford@ morganstanleypwm.com
Jerrad Burford
Senior Vice President
Private Wealth Advisor
805-695-7108
The Burford Group at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management 1111 Coast Village Road | Montecito, CA 93108
jerrad.burford@ morganstanleypwm.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
This Week @ MAW – Jeffrey Kahane, Zlatomir Fung, and ARKAI open the festival for a week showcasing both classical tradition and contemporary innovation
Beings and Doings – Michael Armour grew up on Padaro Lane and later had his novel courted by the movies. It’s been a ride. Next stop? Upper Village.
Montecito Miscellany – The Freedom-Based Business Method at Godmothers, an evening at The Grand, and Quite on Z’s polo win 10
Meeting at MA – Opening date for the Sheriff’s Substation, I Heart Montecito exhibit opens, Village 4th details, and more News Bytes – MSD approves rate change, Sarah House Fundraiser, summer camps and more Tide Guide
12 Our Town – Montecito Fire commends Captain Evan Skei for his 25 years of service, Peer Support, and community involvement
Your Westmont – The college expands its summer camp offerings, stargazers are welcomed June 19, and event celebrates students and partnerships
16 The Giving List – Emergency assistance, rapid response efforts, and community solidarity remain at the heart of 805UndocuFund’s mission
Travel Buzz – The best travel stories rarely begin smoothly, and this Japanese adventure is no exception
18 On Entertainment – No motors, no logos, no politics… just thousands of locals celebrating creativity, connection, and self-expression: it’s time for Solstice
20 The Spoken Word – Workshops, author talks, poetry panels, and publishing insights make the legendary Santa Barbara Writers Conference a hub for literary discovery
22 Petite Wine Traveler – Cherry blossoms, sparkling wine, river trails, and vineyard views make Tri-Cities a compelling destination for wine lovers
24 Elizabeth’s Appraisals – A chair with an Amish flair tells of the furniture making legacy of the Amish and the imitations that came later
26 Pup Culture – Sit. Stay. Read. Welcome to Pup Culture, our new celebration of all things canine.
32 Montecito Health Coach – Eye color may seem simple, but its origins reveal a surprisingly complex story of genetics, migration, and human evolution
36 Grad Season – A look at the graduations from six Montecito schools
42 An Independent Mind – Is microlooting a political statement? What is the rationale behind it?
Robert’s Big Questions – What “works for me” may not work for others… why societal design should consider all
43 Sheriff’s Blotter
44 Curator’s Choice – The stunningly orange Anaea andria
48 Calendar of Events – The circus comes to town, Marsalis mania, Juneteenth with Jon Boogz, and other happenings
50 Classifieds – Our own “Craigslist” of classified ads
51 Mini Meta Crossword Puzzles Local Business Directory
The Music Academy could have brought Jeffrey Kahane to town to conduct an Academy Festival Orchestra concert, engaging the former longtime leader of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (or LACO, which appeared at the Granada under his baton for CAMA back in 2015) to conduct the fellows in the middle of the summer. Instead, Kahane is coming to make his Music Academy debut in his other endeavor – as a solo pianist with an equally long and even more illustrious career as a performer and recording artist.
As one of the summer’s prestigious Mosher Guest Artists, Kahane will perform in a chamber music concert at the Lobero on Saturday, June 20, both as a solo pianist and alongside violinist Margaret Batjer, violist Yura Lee, and fellow Mosher luminary Zlatomir Fung on cello. But first, there’s a master class for solo pianists attending the inaugural High School Intensive the day before, when Kahane will indulge in another joyous outing he’s enjoyed for decades; working with young musicians –something he’s done for the past 10 years as a professor at USC’s Thornton School. That’s where our interview starts.
Q. You’ve been passionate about teaching and working with families almost since the beginning of your career. Why is it such a strength for you?
A. Teaching has been a central part of my life for as long as I can remember. Usually it’s college students, but I love to also work with high school students who aren’t even at the beginning of their professional career… I was very instrumental in establishing our family concert series at LACO and conducted almost every concert for years. I also did all of the concerts on what we call Meet the Music, where we either would go into the schools or bring students in to play for them. It’s very important.
I’m told the other musicians on your Mosher concert are longtime colleagues.
Well, Margaret Batjer sure is. She was my concertmaster for 20 years with LACO, and Margaret and I have done literally several hundred concerts together. I’ve conducted concertos with her playing, we’ve performed many, many duo recitals including all the Beethoven and Brahms Sonatas, and also many chamber concerts in various configurations. She is one of my very closest friends. I’ve only worked with Yura Lee a couple of times, and just once with Zlatomir, when I conducted the Brahms double concerto at the end of last season in San Antonio. We had an extraordinary experience working together on chamber music.
Brahms’ “No. 2 in A Major, Op. 26” is the anchor for the program on Saturday night. Why did you choose that piece?
While I love all of the major well-known piano quartets, there’s a special place in my heart for this one by Brahms. All three of his piano quartets are sublime, but this
Week @ MAW Page 344
CONGrATUlaTiONS
Jeffrey Kahane will perform in a chamber music concert at the Lobero on Saturday, June 20 (courtesy photo)
Beings and Doings
Armoured
by Jeff Wing
“We sold the book to Leonardo DiCaprio a long time ago,” Michael Armour says. He’s told the story so many times – lived with it for long enough – the episode’s clearly been stripped of its power; except for the power to make Armour’s stomach sink. “He and the director held onto the book for three years after which I got it back.”
The book he’ll be fêting at Tecolote this Saturday at 3 pm is THAT book; the novel whose lead character DiCaprio was – for a brief shining moment (as they say) – excited to play onscreen. Last Light in Paradise is a depression era murder mystery set in a 1930s Santa Barbara depicted with such easy granularity, the reader is seduced as readily by the nascent seaside movie village as by the headless body that washes up on its beach. Last Light is aswarm with preening film folk, inept local toughs, and a stammering wartime romance rekindled stateside – right there on lower State and in absolute Technicolor. This is one of those novels whose reading takes
you wholly into a second life. Yeah, it’s a property which DiCaprio and Warner Bros. wanted so badly they couldn’t wait for the thing to be published to contractually possess it. That was about a dozen years ago. So what happened?
“Amazon was crashing the publishing world,” Armour says. “It was panic time. Hundreds of publishers folded and the big ones started consolidating.” That day’s contemporaneous sources had their own reportage to float. Variety during that period detailed (with their usual prim schadenfreude) the quick collapse of ICM refugee Jeff Berg’s brand-new power agency, Resolution, to which portfolio Armour and his novel had been very early “gets.” Other tinseltown criers suggested DiCaprio’s plate was so full he couldn’t possibly make the movie work within the option’s time frame. Armour broad-brushes the post-mortem.
“Lynn Nesbit – biggest agent in the game – loved the book but couldn’t place it. Just too risky with an unknown writer. Rick Horgan (Scribners) same: ‘…there is a kind of genius here that is hard to ignore. Creek is the closest thing to Gus McCrae I’ve read since Lonesome Dove…’”
Someone else described the novel in terms designed to dial up the Hollywood volume. ‘This is Chinatown for a new generation’.
“It just went on like that,” Armour says with a complex smile. “Painful to remember…”
Summitting
“It’s a really brutal process,” Armour heroically understates. He’s talking about the process whereby an “intellectual property” (I.P.) slowly morphs into an actual film. This was back before writing was called “content.” This artist has long walked in the Valley of the Shadow of Regularized Self-Recrimination; that barefoot hike over jagged rocks more euphemistically called The Artist’s Way. Armour is a novelist, and he looks it – which, granted, could mean anything. From elfin testosterone experiment Norman Mailer to doomed Catholic power-penitent Flannery O’Connor, it does take all kinds. Possessed of Sam Shepard’s lankiness, McGuane’s amused Montana squint, and something of Harrison’s brilliantly shaded gift for character and dialogue, Armour – all flinty grin and open collar – could be a Texan.
He ain’t. He grew up on Padaro Lane, which he’d described to Gwyn Lurie in an earlier chat as “$24 a month for
the shack we lived in, and the ocean, ferocious, 40 feet out in front of you…” Then what, I ask?
“My father split. He was charming but he was gone, left us high and dry. Then I had a different father, a stepfather, and we went east and he just… changed our lives. He
Join author Michael Armour at Tecolote this Saturday, June 20, from 3-4 pm (photo by Kim Reierson)
Montecito Miscellany Freedom Found
by Richard Mineards & Friends
Few people embody reinvention quite like Jamie Kern Lima. The Montecito entrepreneur transformed her personal struggle with rosacea into IT Cosmetics, later selling the company to L’Oréal for $1.2 billion. Last week, she welcomed friend and fellow business builder Natalie Ellis to Godmothers in Summerland for a conversation about Ellis’s new book, The Freedom-Based Business Method.
The two have become frequent collaborators, helping women entrepreneurs build successful businesses without burnout.
If ever there were a fitting setting, it was Godmothers. Tucked inside a beautifully restored barn just a tiara’s toss from the sparkling Pacific, the literary haven created by Jennifer Rudolph Walsh and Victoria Jackson has become one of California’s most enchanting gathering places for readers, dreamers, and doers.
The intimate downstairs stage – where Oprah Winfrey and friends have also appeared – was packed with women entrepreneurs, founders, and members of the BossBabe community, many eagerly taking notes.
For Ellis, the evening proved emotional.
“To even think about one woman reading this book and choosing to go after her dreams in a way that feels really good, I could cry over it,” she shared.
During the discussion, Kern Lima asked the audience if they had ever experienced burnout while simultaneously
feeling they weren’t doing enough. Nearly every hand shot up.
The question struck at the heart of Ellis’s story.
Growing up in a low-income household and leaving home at 13, she said she came to see entrepreneurship as a path to a different life.
“I equated entrepreneurship to freedom and a different life for myself,” she explained.
Years later, after building an eight-figure company and becoming a mother, Ellis experienced a profound shift.
“I realized I actually did have enough. I
Miscellany Page 454
CAROLINE
Natalie Ellis and Jamie Kern Lima (photo by Priscilla)
Ellis and Kern Lima on stage at Godmothers (photo by Priscilla)
Event coordinator Chlöé Shelton and assistant Maria Alvarez (photo by Priscilla)
Goodwin & Thyne Properties is a locally owned, homegrown, independent firm with deep roots in the community. We move faster, market smarter, and provide hands- on, full-service representation that big-box companies simply can’t match.
GTprop com | DRE: 01477382
Meeting at MA Sheriff Substation, Village 4th & More
by Houghton Hyatt
The Montecito Association Board met on June 9th and received updates on a wide range of community issues, projects, and upcoming events.
Traffic Safety Concerns on Olive Mill Road: Residents raised concerns about speeding and recent accidents near the intersection of Olive Mill Road, Olive Mill Lane, and San Benito Way. The County is currently conducting a new traffic study. Representatives from local agencies shared important updates:
- Montecito Fire Department reported significant wildfire mitigation efforts, including vegetation removal, defensible space surveys, and a 72-acre grazing program. Residents were encouraged to attend a regional Community Wildfire Panel on June 15.
- First District Supervisor Roy Lee’s office provided updates on county budget discussions, the Open Space Element survey, railroad siding proposals, beach oil seep activity, and upcoming corridor cleanups.
- Montecito Water District announced that water quality continues to meet or exceed all standards, major reservoir seismic retrofit projects are progressing, and a scheduled 5.75% rate increase will take effect July 1.
- Montecito Union School celebrated the graduation of 52 sixth graders and shared outstanding community survey results, reflecting exceptionally high levels of parent and community satisfaction.
Miramar Sheriff’s Substation Opening: The new Sheriff’s Substation at the Miramar is scheduled to open on June 17, marking a major milestone in the Association’s ongoing community safety efforts.
History Committee Highlights: The History Committee announced the opening of the new I Love Montecito exhibit at the Montecito Country Mart, featuring photographs and stories from Montecito’s past. The exhibit will remain open through at least September and coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Montecito History Office.
Village 4th of July Celebration: Excitement is building for the 30th Annual Village 4th of July Celebration, one of Montecito’s most beloved traditions! This year’s milestone event promises to be bigger and better than ever, featuring the beloved community parade, live music, family-friendly activities, local food vendors, and patriotic fun for all ages.
New additions this year include the celebration’s first-ever beer and wine garden, performances by musicians from the Music Academy of the West, and live entertainment throughout the day from Outta the Blue. Guests can enjoy favorites such as Rori’s Ice Cream, delicious food trucks, community booths, and the festive atmosphere that makes the Village 4th a highlight of the summer.
Join your neighbors for a day of community spirit and unforgettable Montecito memories!
News Bytes MSD Approves Sewer Rate Increase
by Joanne A Calitri
The Montecito Sanitary District has unanimously approved its first sewer rate adjustment in seven years, adopting a phased five-year plan designed to address aging infrastructure and ensure long-term system reliability. The decision followed a public hearing on June 10 and was informed by the MSD’s first comprehensive sewer rate study in more than a decade.
District officials say the increase is necessary as much of the wastewater system dates to the 1960s, with key treatment plant components nearing or exceeding their expected service life. More than $60 million in capital improvements have been identified over the next five years, including upgrades to pipelines, manholes, lift stations, and treatment facilities.
For a typical single-family residence, rates will increase by approximately $14.25 per month beginning July 1, while condo and second-unit rates will rise by about $5.85 per month. The new charges will first appear on property tax bills issued this fall. MSD leaders said the phased approach balances infrastructure needs with affordability while helping reduce the risk of sewer spills and service disruptions.
SYR Speakeasy Earns Forbes Recognition
The Speakeasy at San Ysidro Ranch has been named one of the world’s best hotel bars by Forbes Travel Guide, earning a place on the 2026 Hotel Star Bars Awards list. The Montecito hideaway was one of just 37 bars worldwide – and only five in the United States – to receive the distinction.
The honor is awarded through anonymous visits by Forbes inspectors, who evaluate cocktail programs, service, atmosphere, and the overall guest experience. The recognition adds to a growing list of accolades for San Ysidro Ranch, further solidifying its reputation as one of California’s premier luxury destinations and a standout in the international hospitality scene.
Sarah House Fundraiser
An original theatrical production celebrating the mission of Sarah House will take the stage this summer as a special fundraiser for the beloved Santa Barbara hospice. Sarah House Stories, a staged reading directed by Peter Lackner, will be performed on June 28 at Trinity
Account Managers | Sue Brooks, Tanis Nelson, Elizabeth Scott, Joe DeMello, Thomas Mock
Features | Jeff Wing
Proofreading | Helen Buckley
Contributors | Scott Craig Chuck Graham, Mark Ashton Hunt, Dalina Michaels, Robert Bernstein, Christina Atchison, Leslie Zemeckis, Sigrid Toye, Elizabeth Stewart, Leana Orsua, Jeffrey Harding, Houghton Hyatt
Arts and Entertainment | Steven Libowitz
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,
Houghton Hyatt is the Executive Director of the Montecito Association
Our Town Captain Evan Skei Honored for Service
by Joanne A Calitri
On June 4, Montecito Fire Chief Brian Fallon honored Captain Evan Skei for his 25 years of dedicated service to Montecito Fire and our town. Attending the presentation was Skei’s family.
Of note, Skei has been in the Montecito Journal’s Our Town section since 2002 for various work in the community– from instructing kids on fire safety to adults on CPR, to the La Conchita mudslide in 2005, the Montecito Debris Flow, the Thomas Fire, and more – while also leading his teams on the various missions at hand.
Skei has said in prior interviews, “One of the coolest things about being a captain is facilitating other people in doing their job and helping them to be successful in helping our community.”
On his 20th year of service at MFD, they posted his bio as follows: “Evan grew up in Thousand Oaks and moved to Santa Barbara to attend Santa Barbara City College. He considered pursuing graphic design or law, but an EMT class & memorable ride-along changed the
trajectory of his career. Evan went on to complete paramedic school and worked for AMR Santa Barbara for three years. He was also working as a lifeguard for the City of Santa Barbara. He loved helping people and was eager to find a full-time job that allowed him to serve others.
“In 2001, he joined Montecito Fire as a firefighter/paramedic. Evan was promoted to engineer in 2010 & captain in 2013. Evan represents Montecito Fire on the Regional Urban Search & Rescue task force. As a USAR member, he responded to the La Conchita landslide in 2005 where he owned a home. The loss of two close friends and the devastation of his small community ultimately led Evan to step up as a Peer Support team member for Montecito Fire after the 1/9 Debris Flow.”
Skei adding, “It’s been amazing to see the culture change in the fire service where mental health is accepted & prioritized. Part of the Peer Support mission is to demystify the trauma people take on from difficult calls and provide a conduit to talk through that with your peers. Besides running calls and helping our community, being involved with
Peer Support is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”
Evan’s peers admire his comforting kindness to all patients, amazing sense of humor & his artistic abilities! He’s offered up his caricature drawing skills multiple times!
Evan lives in Santa Barbara with his wife Briana, son Reed and daughters Victoria and Olivia. He spends days off attending his kids’ sporting events and restoring his dad’s vintage Lotus Elan. He also enjoys riding motorcycles, surfing, and playing guitar.
Captain Skei was presented with the MFD 25-year service pin to wear on his badge in recognition of this milestone. Fallon stating, “Congratulations, Captain Skei, and thank you for your commitment and service. We also extend our sincere thanks to his family for their support and for joining us in celebrating this special occasion.”
Joanne A Calitri is a professional international photographer and journalist. Contact her at: artraks@ yahoo.com
“ MUSICALLY MAGICAL, MURDEROUSLY GOOD ”
THE OPERA EVENT OF THE SUMMER
CAMPBELL librettist
Montecito Fire Chief Brian Fallon presents MF Captain Evan Skei with his 25-year pin (courtesy photo)
MORE THAN A PLACE TO LIVE, IT’S A PLACE TO COME ALIVE.
Discover a sanctuary of elegance and ease, that creates a space to feel liberated, celebrated, and authentic.
Call to book a tour or RSVP for our upcoming event.
THE ART OF DOWNSIZING
THURSDAY, JULY 9th • 10:30AM
Enjoy charcuterie & wine while Maya Adams of Curated Transitions offers practical tips for a successful downsizing
MARAVILLA
Your Westmont Camps Offer Science, Sports and Introspection
by Scott Craig, photos by Brad Elliott
This summer, Westmont’s picturesque campus with state-of-the-art facilities becomes a vibrant hub of activity, welcoming young participants to traditional sports camps while showcasing newly launched, cutting-edge academic camps for high schoolers.
On June 15, 17 high school students began the new Engineering Design Innovation Camp, an immersive, weeklong experience of real-world problem-solving at the Fletcher Jones Foundation Center for Engineering. Guided by Daniel Jensen , director of engineering, and faculty mentors, campers use advanced lab spaces to design, build, and prototype projects from scratch.
In July, the college launches Science by the Sea Camp, an intensive program tailored for rising high school juniors and seniors. By exploring college-level topics in physics, chemistry and mathematics, the young scientists will get a rigorous taste of STEM majors and research careers by analyzing data from the Large Hadron Collider, tracking cosmic rays and peering through the Westmont Observatory’s powerful Keck Telescope.
Trailhead, which the Gaede Institute for the Liberal Arts has hosted since 2017, invites high school students to pause and explore how their personal faith, future careers and unique gifts intersect.
Participants live in college residence halls, learn from world-class faculty and engage directly with local Santa Barbara nonprofits and ministries. Trailhead offers three separate week-long sessions with the final group running June 21-26.
For more than four decades, Westmont Athletics has hosted Summer Sports Camps, inviting local children aged 5 to 14 to practice, play and hone their skills on the college’s premier athletic fields.
The weeklong camps, which operate through early August, cover a wide array
of activities, including archery and badminton, cheer and dance, soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, track and field, tennis and flag football.
“Most of our athletic teams include at least one Warrior who attended our sports camps,” said camp co-director Jeff Azain This positive introduction to the campus often brings student-athletes back to Westmont a decade later to compete at the collegiate level. Led by Westmont’s own coaches and student-athletes, the sports camps continue to cultivate athletic growth and a love for sports in an encouraging, safe environment.
Observatory Hosts Summer Solstice Stargazing
Westmont invites the local community to explore the night sky during its monthly free public stargazing event on Friday, June 19, beginning at 8:45 pm and lasting several hours at the Westmont Observatory.
“Weather permitting, visitors will have the opportunity to view the moon, the Hercules globular cluster, and Mizar and Alcor – a famous double-star system in the Big Dipper that actually consists of six stars,” says Jennifer Gee, assistant professor of physics and director of the Westmont Observatory.
The viewing is held in partnership with the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit (SBAU), whose members generously bring their own high-powered telescopes to share with the public around the observatory. Guests will also have access to the college’s primary resource, the powerful 24-inch refurbished Keck Telescope housed inside the observatory dome.
“Even though there is temporary fencing around parts of the observatory, we will still have access to the patio and dome,” Gee says.
The public viewings are a staple community resource, held on the third
Westmont Page 304
Dan Jensen leads the inaugural Engineering Design Innovation Camp
another fine property represented by
•Graduate of UCLA School of Law and former attorney (with training in Real Estate law, contracts, estate planning, and tax law)
•D edicated and highly trained full-time support staff •An expert in the luxury home market
Remember, It Costs No More to Work with The Best (But It Can Cost You Plenty If You Don’t)
4101 MARIPOSA DRIVE • SANTA BARBARA
Set on approximately 1.4 nearly level acres in the prestigious Hope Ranch community, 4101 Mariposa Drive presents a rare opportunity to create an exceptional coastal estate. Enjoying ocean views and a peaceful setting, the property offers an ideal canvas for a custom residence in one of Santa Barbara’s most sought-after neighborhoods. A remarkable offering for those seeking to build a legacy property in an extraordinary setting.
AT $3,850,000
The Giving List
805UndocuFund
by Steven Libowitz
Many people in Montecito and environs probably only think of 805UndocuFund as the community-based organization on high alert about immigration enforcement activities in the area, one that publicizes the phone number to call when activity is spotted and asking residents to be observant, mobilize, and report what they see. Doing what it can to reduce the numbers of undocumented immigrants facing detention or deportation is a huge part of its work – indeed the item at the top of its website implores viewers to “Report ICE! Text or call.”
But there’s much more to the grassroots, immigrant-led nonprofit serving San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties than opposing ICE raids.
The organization was founded in 2018 by leaders in the community who were involved with other nonprofits and foundations including the Fund for Santa Barbara, Future Leaders of America, and others working in the social justice space. That was right
805UndocuFund has distributed over $9M in direct aid to immigrant families impacted by climate-induced disasters and immigration enforcement (courtesy photo)
after the devastating Thomas Fire and Montecito Debris Flow, which saw inequities in how victims of the twin disasters were receiving assistance.
“It came together as their project because they saw the need in the community in all different facets of what they were already
Giving List Page 284
Travel Buzz Letters from Japan Part 1: An Overview and Bumpy Beginning
by Leslie Andrea Westbrook
“I f you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” – African proverb that speaks to the value of community for long journeys.
“If you want to go at all… and get there, make sure your flight leaves on time.” – me
After decades of solo globe-trotting – first as a child on trains and later as a travel journalist navigating every imaginable mode of transportation – my priorities have changed. These days, I’m less interested in five-star resorts than in comfortable apartment rentals where I can stay long enough to absorb a culture beyond a whirlwind “if it’s Tuesday, it must be Tokyo” itinerary. More than anything, I now prefer traveling to places where I can spend time with people I love – and who hopefully love me in return. I finally decided to visit Japan, a country that had long fascinated me,
because one of my fairy godchildren, Alpha – the daughter of my best friend from kindergarten, a gifted artist whose life ended tragically – had been accepted into a master’s program in Tokyo. It felt like the perfect excuse to finally experience the Land of the Rising Sun. To my delight, my first fairy goddaughter, Olivia, a London-raised, Barcelonabased acupuncturist and mother of two teenagers, decided to join me. I was thrilled not only to explore Japan with these two remarkable women, but also to see them meet for the first time. I hadn’t planned for my first – and perhaps not last – trip to Japan to coincide with cherry blossom season. It happened purely by chance. Even better, I hoped the Shinto gods, Buddha, and every other benevolent deity might smile upon me and allow me to visit my dear friend and pen pal, the celebrated author Pico Iyer, and his wife Hiroko, in their hometown of Nara. I also longed to feed
Travel Buzz Page 464
THING BRILLIANT
On Entertainment Summer Solstice Celebration: Life as a Parade
by Steven Libowitz
Community is a big buzz word these days, from nonprofit mission statements to arts organization’s program descriptors. But over here nothing says community like the Santa Barbara Solstice Parade.
Everything about the saunter (not a march) up Santa Barbara Street (formerly State Street in the pre-pandemic days) on the Saturday closest to the longest day of the year is focused on the local community. Indeed; unlike, say, Fiesta, the Avocado Festival, or even I Madonnari, the parade is put together almost exclusively by locals while visitors make up only a small portion of the folks who turn out every year to watch or join in.
“It’s totally community,” agreed Penny Little, Solstice’s executive director. “The workshop and parade bring people from all walks of life together. There’s every neurodivergent gradation of the spectrum right up to geniuses, and rich folks from Montecito working next to street people. It’s one of the most diverse things in Santa Barbara every year.”
More importantly, the parade, on June 20 this year, and the workshop where the floats, puppets and ensembles are created, brings out not only wide swaths of the folks who live here, but also the best within us. That’s probably largely due to the rules that have been there since the beginning: no signs (not even words on t-shirts), no animals, and no motors. Nothing but ingenuity and people walking, pushing or pulling a float, dancing or otherwise moving up the street alongside their creations. And the whole thing is utterly ephemeral. After spending up to two months putting together a project, within a few hours the structure is broken back down to be recycled for future parades or art projects later on Saturday; or the piece may first be displayed elsewhere around town before its post-revelry deconstruction.
“Somebody once said the Solstice Parade represents us more than anything because we get to express ourselves and what we think about things,” Little said. “The absence of words, logos, symbols, signs, or corporate spots keeps it in the realm of pure creativity and connection.”
In fact, the only thing that’s commercial or involves politicians/city officials has nothing to do with businesses or politics. That would be the in-parade fundraising, where viewers are invited to toss in a dollar or two to help underwrite the costs.
“We’ve always invited the city council
and local ‘dignitaries’ to be part of our Passthe-Hat ensemble, but this year we’re doing something different,” Little said. They’re not just holding out a stick with a hat on the end, but being part of a new ensemble designed by our newest artist-in-resident. It’s a unicorn sea horse and people will be dancing around trying to inspire people to give through fun and theatrical interactions, and playing little games along the way.”
This year’s theme is “Waves,” perhaps a world more open to interpretation than in previous years, although folks have always taken the theme more as a... suggestion.
“There are a lot of possibilities,” Little said. “Sound waves, light waves, radio waves, hair waves, surfing waves, and more. We’re got phenomenal fish, giant hands waving, lots of things with sound.”
Then there’s “Kiddie Pool,” which could be a real, ahem, splash of joy, as a father and daughter combo “swim” their way up the street in an actual small pool on wheels. Other folks will be getting their hair done in “permanent waves,” while entries include an oversized gramophone, an entry from Elevated Dreams Aerial Dance with kids and adults in costume free styling it up the street with ribbons, silk fans and bubbles. La Boheme Dance Troupe’s more than 100 dancers will perform in front of a 3-D rendition of the 2026 Solstice Poster design by Larry Vigon
Space prevents many more details here, although you can read about each of the 20-plus float/ensemble entries in newspapers and online – or better yet just be surprised on Saturday. And don’t forget the Solstice Celebration actually runs all weekend, with music and much more in Alameda Park on Friday night (when longtime local favorites Area 51 perform) and Sunday, which is devoted to area reggae music. All from the community. Where else?
Visit www.sosticeparade.com
Mom’s Hanger Steak
Nic Caldwell gearing up for the parade atop Mermayhem in the Summer Solstice workshop (courtesy photo)
Summer Vibes!
kids summer digs in stock!
Locally owned and operated for over 42 years 14 State Street | 962-0049 | Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5 mountainairsports.com
This summer, escape to Solvang's jewel box boutique hotel.
When you stay with us at The Winston, you get the best of both worlds-easy access to Music in the Park, the weekly Farmers Market, al fresco wine tasting & more right outside the front door and the calming luxury of our meticulously designed guest rooms when you're ready to leave it all behind.
thewinstonsolvang.com
The Spoken Word Talk it Out: Plenty of Verbal Exchanges at SBWC
by Steven Libowitz
What is the Santa Barbara Writers Conference doing in a column about the spoken word?
It’s a good question, given that writing is a seriously solo endeavor, with the work coming down to a single person sitting down at a keyboard, putting pen to paper or, maybe, dictating into a recording device. No matter how you slice it, there’s no other way. (Unless you’re cheating by simply cutting and pasting from AI prompts. But let’s not go there.)
But the part before and after the process of actually writing is another thing entirely. Which is where the SBWC comes in. The venerable conference, founded more than half a century ago by Montecito author, painter, bullfighting aficionado and jazz pianist Barnaby Conrad and his wife Mary, was created for the purpose of fostering a supportive environment where writers of all levels can congregate, get feedback from both peers and professionals, discuss approaches and problems, network with agents and publishers, and hear authors and poets in daily speaker and panel events. The conference also features twice daily instructional workshops in just about every literary genre imaginable, all week long. (The most ambitious might actually get some writing done at night, alone in their hotel rooms.)
“With pretty much everything at the conference, the communication is verbal,” said SBWC Grace Rachow, who has been a part of the conference for more than 30 years, first as an attendee. “Authors talk about their work. The workshop leaders instruct verbally. People are speaking to one another about the work and giving feedback verbally. Which is actually very helpful. Writing sounds very different when it’s read aloud, especially when it’s someone else who may interpret it differently than you had in mind.”
It’s almost a magical process for writers, Rachow said.
“People toil over polishing their work for hours and days and then weeks, and then suddenly they’re in a workshop and they realize, ‘Oh man, now I see what I should have done,’ because they’re hearing it out loud.”
Hearing published authors talk about their books (as well as their process, their struggles, and their aha! moments) can be remarkably inspirational for
writers, Rachow said. Especially when they’re SBWC success stories – folks who attended the conference before going on to find success with their own books. Such is the case with Fannie Flagg, the longtime Montecito resident who will kick off the speaker series for this year’s conference, which takes place June 21-26 at the Mar Monte Hotel across the street from East Beach. The actress fed her desire to write at SBWC decades ago, won a contest at the conference (the writing prize astoundingly conferred by her idol, Eudora Welty), and shortly thereafter published two successful books in a row, including Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Café, which was later turned into a hit movie. (Flagg was nominated for an Oscar for writing the screenplay.) “She’s a big star author now, but she didn’t have confidence around writing until somebody said, ‘Hey, you did a good job,’” Rachow said. “She’s been a friend of the conference ever since and we’ve really appreciated it because she just lights up the room when she speaks.”
Rachow also raved about the rest of the speaker lineup, which includes novelist Kerri Schlottman (Tell Me One Thing) who has a new book called Daytime Moon; Jess Walter, a National Book Award finalist whose best-selling novels include Beautiful Ruins and his new So Far Gone; Rachel Howzell Hall, New York Times bestselling author of 16 novels whose latest, The Cruel Dawn is a romantasy in her Vallendor series; and Adriana Trigiani, another NYT bestselling author with 21 titles to her name, as well as plays, TV scripts, and the film adaptation of her debut novel, Big Stone Gap, which she also directed.
“The lineup is fabulous, even if they’re
Spoken Word Page 464
The Santa Barbara Writers Conference takes place June 21-26 at the Mar Monte Hotel (courtesy photo)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2026
Play ITFORWARD
Play it forward.
Join us for a festive evening celebrating the power of play and possibility.
Together, we can open doors for thousands of children and families, expanding access and igniting a lifelong love of learning.
Come play with us. Become a sponsor.
Sponsor MOXI@Night to secure your tickets and champion vibrant local education.
Explore opportunities at moxi.org/give/moxi-at-night or contact development@moxi.org.
Special thanks to Co-Chairs Lily Hahn Shining + Belle Hahn.
Petite Wine Traveler Tri-Cities Uncorked
by Jamie Knee
Washington wine country is often defined by its AVAs. Walla Walla. Red Mountain. Yakima Valley. The conversation tends to revolve around vineyards and vintages, which is understandable given the quality in the glass. But after several days exploring Tri-Cities, what stayed with me most had as much to do with rivers, orchards, and people as it did with wine.
Set in southeastern Washington at the meeting of the Columbia, Snake, and Yakima rivers, Tri-Cities offers the sort of wine travel experience that luxury travelers increasingly crave: one rooted not only in tasting rooms, but in a full sense of place. There is riverfront beauty, orchard country in early bloom, cherry trees, apples, peaches, asparagus season, wide open agricultural landscapes, and the kind of warm hospitality that lingers in memory long after the trip is over.
For me, that is always the marker of a destination worth writing about. I am looking not only for excellent wines, but for a region where the land, the table, and the people behind the experience all seem to speak to one another. Tri-Cities does that beautifully.
For a polished home base, The Lodge at Columbia Point makes an immediate case for itself. Set along the Columbia River, it feels quietly elevated from the start, the sort of riverfront property that balances ease with refinement. Mornings there begin with water views and a sense of calm. Evenings invite you back to unwind beside the river after a day of tastings and vineyard visits. For a wine travel itinerary, that balance matters.
The region introduced itself gently, with a pre-dinner tasting from Wautoma Springs Winery at the hotel. Rachel Mercer, the winery’s general manager,
poured a few wines while sharing insights on the area, and it was an ideal beginning. Boutique in feel and focused on small lot, handcrafted wines, Wautoma Springs offered exactly the kind of personal, human scaled welcome that sets the tone for a strong wine destination.
Dinner that first evening was at Dovetail Joint Restaurant in Richland’s Uptown district, and it made the region’s broader point clear almost immediately. TriCities is not only about wine. It is about the way wine fits naturally into a larger local food culture. Founded by Chef Matt and Maren McGowan, Dovetail Joint is vibrant and chef driven, with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences, seasonal specialties, and wood fired pizzas that feel both polished and inviting.
The next morning began with breakfast at Sterling’s Famous Steak Seafood & Salad Bar on the River, chosen in part for its scenic riverfront setting. It was a cozy but polished start to the day, with coffee, breakfast, and a reminder that water is very much part of this region’s identity.
One of the loveliest surprises of the trip came with Chukar Cherries’ Cherry Blossom Driving Tour. Beginning at Chukar’s headquarters and retail store, where locally made cherry treats offered a sweet introduction, the experience widened quickly into something more layered. We drove through hops, vineyards, apple orchards, and blooming cherry trees, with panoramic views of Mt. Adams and Horse Heaven Hills. It was one of those experiences that makes a wine destination feel fuller and more memorable. This is not just vineyard country. It is fruit country, farming country, blossom country. And that broader agricultural life gives the wine additional meaning.
Among the most distinctive stops was a dosage class at Tirriddis Sparkling Wines in Prosser. Tirriddis is focused on
Tirriddis Sparkling Winery
Map of the Eastern Columbia Valley
COASTAL LIVING
Newly Released Casitas on Storied Grounds
Where California’s Santa Ynez Mountains meet the golden shores of Carpinteria Beach is a coastal legacy with no equal. A one-of-a-kind way of life where the illustrious history of the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is your new backyard. A limited number of 1,376-square-foot, 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath casitas are now available for move-in. It’s a rare opportunity to own a home amidst these storied grounds shaped by tradition and time.
Call 805.318.9075 for an appointment to tour the model homes at the Sales Gallery. 135 Polo Way, Carpinteria, CA 93013 | info@sbpoloresidences.com | SBPoloResidences.com
MOVING MISS DAISY'S Consignment &o1udk;ri c9/oUJe
The Store
The Largest Selection of Previously Loved Home Furnis hings in the Tri..-Counties!
Moving Miss Daisy Downsizng & Relocation
Total Estate Clearance t Packing t lnventoryt Movingt Floor Plans &- New..-Home Setup.
Estate Auctions
Privatet respectful, low..-impact-no invasive crowds or parking issuest no rushed two..-day sales. no leftovers-just fairt competitive bidders from local and national buyers.
Community
Safe Moves for Seniors
Helping Low,lncome Seniors
Move for Free, Serving our Entire Community with Dignity
Consign for a
Support Your
Elizabeth’s Appraisals Amish Chairs and Their Imitators
by Elizabeth Stewart
inherited a chair with a four-post back. She was told by her grandmother that it was Amish, and she asked me if this was indeed its origin. Perhaps the form has some Shaker or Amish elements, but for the most part it falls into the category of Americana legacy furniture – what my mother called “Colonialstyle” furniture, made in the 1950s. Twice in the history of Americana furniture was this style popular: in the late 19th and early 20th century it was made famous by furniture craftsman (and polymath) Wallace Nutting, and again in the mid-20th century made famous by Colonial Revival furniture companies such as Ethan Allen; this chair falls into the second time period. RR… it is not Amish, because the key characteristic of 16th- to 18th-century Mennonite, Shaker, and Amish furniture is geometric plain lines, no veneers, late medieval-style mortise-and-tenon joinery, no metal hardware or hinges, and no particle board. Furthermore, to this day
the primary woods used for this style of furniture are white oak, brown maple, cherry, elm, and walnut. RR’s chair, now that she has refinished it, appears to be pine or, at a stretch, poplar.
Magical Music of
Music of
There would be no branding or craftsman’s signature, as these pieces were made for the community and not for mass-market appeal. And RR, you should know that a great Amish chair from the early 19th century will set you back five figures or more. Amish 18th century furniture in this style will cost even more, especially if it is from the “early schools” of Jonestown or Soup Hollow in Pennsylvania. Take a look at the delectable furniture offered by dealer Jeff Bridgman Antiques in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, for a taste of real Amish furniture.
Yes, RR, your chair is in a Shaker or Amish style because of the ladder back and the innovative “ears” – those flanges at the side of the head – which were the Amish version of the English and Early American wing chair. I have found such chairs as yours offered today for $1,150 on the website DutchCrafters, furniture advertised as being handcrafted in Pennsylvania, although the company itself is located in Sarasota, Florida. This furniture is definitely made for the legacy market, reproductions of older styles. Today’s legacy furniture companies capitalize on the reputation of both Amish and Shaker future as timeless, and superior as examples of handmade craftsmanship being illuminated by these one-of-a-kind pieces. However, although RR’s chair bears this legacy, it does not live up to this quality. Still, Amish legacy companies such as DutchCrafters offer Amish style and Mission style pieces, such as a large desk, for $6,500 and down.
Wing chairs, of which RR’s chair is a variation, originated with an unknown carpenter who designed a chair to sit in front of the fireplace, the only source of heat in a 17th-century room, in order to
retain heat around the head and protect it from drafts. In France, these chairs were called bergères à oreilles (“shepherdess with ears”). No one knows who first conceived the idea, but you will see wing chairs in their heyday during the 18th century in leather, tapestry brocade, cotton upholstery, and eventually into the 20th century in the most amazing modern versions, such as Danish Modern designer Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair. Today such chairs often have foam-density padded tie-on cushions. If this were an original 19th-century Amish chair, made for an older relative or infirm individual, expect to see natural-fabric cushions with drop-in, loose, or tie-on adjustable forms stuffed with hay, horsehair, or cotton wadding. However, most Amish or Shaker chairs do not have cushions, and a joke goes: “Yes, you will feel that hard seat, but your wallet will be significantly flattened in your back pocket after the purchase of an original Amish or Shaker chair!”
Shaker and Amish chairs were first “discovered” and popularized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as the sparse and linear aesthetic blended nicely with the American Arts and Crafts furniture style, known here in California as Mission style. The second wave of rediscovery came in the mid-20th century during the Colonial Revival period – think of Ethan Allen furniture. Our house was filled with the stuff.
I believe your chair was made by the Towne Square Company, which mass-produced these “quaint” legacy chairs in the 1950s. The value today is negligible; perhaps, lightly stained (no dark wood stain would be appropriate) and fitted with adjustable cushions, it would be valued at around $350. I wish I could report your grandmother was right, and you have a $5,000 chair, RR.
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
RR’s four post-backed chair
Similar chairs with padded tie-on cushions
Welcome to Pup Culture!
Let’s face it: in Santa Barbara, dogs aren’t just pets – they’re part of the pack. They join us on morning beach walks, accompany us to café patios, hike our favorite trails, and somehow manage to become the unofficial mayors of every neighborhood they visit.
That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Pup Culture, Montecito Journal’s new celebration of the dogs, people, and places that make our community such a tail-waggingly wonderful place to call home.
Every other week, we’ll be sniffing out the best dog-friendly destinations, highlighting remarkable local pooches, sharing heartwarming rescue stories, and bringing you expert advice from respected trainer Amy Peer in her monthly HOWL column. Along the way, we’ll spotlight local businesses, showcase reader-submitted photos, and feature the occasional good boy (or girl) who deserves a little time in the limelight.
Whether you’re a lifelong dog devotee, a recent rescue parent, or simply someone who can’t resist stopping to say hello to a passing pup, Pup Culture is for you.
So grab a leash, bring a treat, and join us. Welcome to the pack.
History, Search Dogs, Heroism & Heart
Dear Dog-Loving MJ Readers,
Though you may have seen the article in the May issue of the Montecito Journal (Visit https://tinyurl.com/MJ-AmyPeer-Dog or scan the QR code), I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself and the HOWL column I will be writing.
In February of this year my husband John and I moved up to SB along with our five dogs – Maxine, Mayer, Maude, Uma, and Flo. For the last 30 years I have worked with dogs on LA’s Westside as both a trainer and a behaviorist. Though my plan is to continue my dog business here in Montecito, I want to broaden my focus to doing more work with my expertise for the community.
In conversation with my friends Gwyn and Tim (the MJ’s Executive Editor/CEO and President/COO, respectively) the idea of a dog-centric section of the Montecito Journal was born! We are calling it PUP CULTURE, and here we will look to provide you with important and fun national and local dog information. The anchor section will be my column called HOWL, where I will help you with your dog training and behavior questions. Let’s make your relationship with your best friend even better!
Please send your dog questions for HOWL to pets@montecitojournal. net, along with any canine-related ideas or topics you are interested in seeing discussed here.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Amy
Members of both Montecito Bank & Trust’s MClub and the venerable Santa Barbara Club joined together for a memorable journey to Santa Paula’s Heritage Valley. After a scenic drive, we made our way to the Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum, where we explored Ventura County’s rich farming heritage and toured their impressive photography exhibit called In Focus: Mexican Indigenous Voices of Ventura County, featuring over 40 breathtaking portraits by documentary photographer Diego Huerta. The exhibit highlights the region’s Indigenous communities and their cultural contributions.
After a delicious catered box lunch from DJ’s Catering, we heard from Wilma Melville, founder of the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (NDSDF), interviewed by Elena Brokaw, the dynamic CEO of the Museum of Ventura County and NDSDF board member. Wilma recounted responding to the Oklahoma City bombing with her search dog, Murphy, shedding tears as she shared the tragedy of 168 lives lost, and her commitment to start a training center to train 168 handlers
and dogs in their honor, a number now surpassing 250.
When Wilma’s team was deployed to the 9/11 site of the collapsed Twin Towers in New York, the photographers covering the tragic aftermath captured images of the search dogs and handlers. National news stations rolled NDSDF on the news ticker resulting in donations from all over the country. The images of those dogs gave all of us watching helplessly from home a bit of hope.
In the afternoon, we toured Search Dog’s 125-acre National Training Center with CEO Rhett Mauck, where we watched the heroic dogs search for a survivor on rubble piles simulating a building collapse. We learned about the traits and characteristics of what makes a search dog – basically a high “toy drive” with the kind of energy that you might not appreciate in a pet. These dogs are sourced and rescued from animal shelters across the nation and are trained to become rescuers of disaster survivors. It was a demonstration of skill, courage, and teamwork. I always loved the one of the organization’s tag lines: “From Rescued to Rescuer!”
We left the tour uplifted by the beautiful Heritage Valley with a better understanding of the extraordinary bonds between humans and their four-legged lifesavers. Enthusiasts included: SB Club President Ellen Robinson, Simon Priest, Christine Holland, Karen Poythress, Paula Bruice, Carla Amussen, Ricardo Zamarron, Nathan Bero, Orman Gaspar, Adrienne Villa, and Bill Bowles For more information, visit venturamuseum.org and searchdogfoundation.org by Maria McCall
Members of the MClub and the Santa Barbara Club at the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation
Rescue Relief at La Lieff
On Saturday afternoon the patio at La Lieff Tasting Room was alive with puppy energy. What some participants have called the happiest happy hour in town was actually a heartwarming adoption event featuring Aussie Mix puppies and hosted by Aussie Rescue Networking Group (rescuenetworkinggroup.com), a local rescue known for turning puppy love into forever families.
An all-volunteer, foster-based organization, Aussie Rescue Networking Group places around 100 dogs each year into loving homes. Most of the dogs come from overcrowded shelters or have been abandoned, and while the team always has a few Australian Shepherds in the mix, its volunteers have a soft spot for all herding breeds.
“We try to focus on family dogs suitable for the local community,” said Lesley Bloomer, founder of ARNG.
The rescue also expressed its appreciation for Gretchen Lieff’s willingness to help showcase the pups. Anyone interested in adopting one of ARNG’s fabulous fur kids can email: dogadopt21@gmail.com or follow the group on Instagram at Aussie_Rescue_Networking_Group to see the latest “pupdates.”
STRIKE A PAW-SE: YOUR PET COULD BE CALENDAR FAMOUS
Calling all photogenic pups, camera-ready cats, and even those feathered, scaled, or slightly mischievous companions who know how to work a lens. The Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation has officially unleashed its 2027 All-Stars Pet Calendar Photo Contest, and it’s time for your furry friend to have their moment in the spotlight.
For just $5, pet parents can enter their favorite photo and start rallying votes from friends, family, coworkers, and anyone else willing to throw a bone their way. Every dollar donated equals one vote, with proceeds supporting life-saving programs for shelter animals throughout Santa Barbara County.
The top vote-getter will land the coveted cover spot, while other winners will be featured as Pets of the Month after professional photo sessions with C. Eaton Photography. Think of it as your pet’s chance to go from neighborhood celebrity to full-fledged cover model.
Voting runs through July 1, so don’t paws too long. Whether your dog is a natural ham, your cat is secretly an influencer, or your rabbit simply has star quality, now’s the time to let them shine. After all, every good dog deserves its day — and maybe even its own calendar month.
Visit www.gogophotocontest. com/sbcanimalcare
For Every Moment He Was There...
Gifts of Enduring Excellence That Honor His Legacy
Thoughtful estate planning for families who value foresight, structure, and long-term stewardship.
Ambrecht & Martinez, LLP advises clients on estate and trust planning, business succession, and trust administration with an emphasis on continuity, clarity, and fiduciary care.
A meaningful conversation can help ensure what you have built is protected and carried forward as intended.
John W. Ambrecht, JD, MBA — Founding Partner
Leticia Martinez, JD — Managing Partner •1828 State Street • Santa Barbara, CA 93101 • www ambrechtmartinez com • (805) 574-7305
supporting in their day-to-day work,” explained Development Manager Maile Hernandez. “There was a need that wasn’t being filled by the government because undocumented people cannot get government support in times of disasters.”
805UndocuFund’s initial program was its Emergency Assistance for Disaster Relief, which provides direct financial assistance to undocumented and mixed-status families who are impacted by natural disasters including home fires. The fund supports households facing displacement, loss of income, unsafe living conditions, or other disaster-related hardships – ensuring families can meet immediate needs and begin recovery with dignity and community support.
During the pandemic, the fund also supported undocumented residents suffering from the economic effects of the shutdown.
“It transitioned into the support people needed during COVID when the exact same thing happened, where the main breadwinner could not support their family or go to work because of illness,” Hernandez said. “When the main breadwinner lost their job, when they couldn’t pay rent, it was about getting money directly into people’s pockets when they needed it. All of that continues to happen when the need comes up.”
Now, there’s also a separate Emergency Assistance fund to provide direct financial assistance to qualifying families who have loved ones currently in deportation proceedings, detained, or already deported.
Anticipating the huge ramp up in enforcement efforts after the election in November 2024, another related organization was formed, with 805UndocuFund among the organizations involved, Hernandez said. It was January 19, 2025.
“The Rapid Response Network is a system that tracks and responds to ICE activity reports,” she said. “We do legal observation, we do know your rights education, and we provide immediate assistance when someone is taken.”
What that looks like, she said, is having patrollers in the tri-county area who are designated volunteers as well as staff who note activity at jails and other hotspots where ICE operates on a regular basis.
“We want to be there when they are picked up, not to interfere in any way, shape or form, but to provide that immediate assistance to make sure that they know their rights and let their families know that we are here to support them. That includes a onetime financial grant, but also trying to connect them to as many services as possible for legal aid, food, and everything in between. We work with grassroots groups and mobile food banks to get help for basic needs for people who are afraid to leave their homes.”
The scene at jails can be pretty horrifying, Hernandez said.
“When someone gets released after a day, a week, or for however long they’re in, their family might be waiting for
them outside to take them home,” she explained. “Well, ICE gets the information early and is waiting for them in the lobby or right outside the lobby and they grab them. Families have to watch their loved one get taken in front of them.”
The reach of 805UndocuFund over the years has been quite extensive. Since its founding in 2018, the organization has distributed over nine million dollars in direct aid to immigrant families impacted by climate-induced disasters, the COVID pandemic, and immigration enforcement.
In a press release in late May, 805UndocuFund notes reports of a dramatic escalation in immigration enforcement activities across the tri-county region, with a record 2,046 documented kidnappings or detentions under the current administration. The data reveals a sharp acceleration in enforcement tactics, prompting an urgent call for community mobilization and philanthropic support. As the community faces this unprecedented wave of enforcement, 805UndocuFund is issuing a stark warning against desensitization: “We cannot normalize this violence,” the statement reads. “It is happening right in our neighborhoods, and looking away makes us complicit in it.”
Still, the nonprofit is working to lend emotional support as well, including planning for a vigil and a healing space for different organizations working in the space, Hernandez said.
“There are a lot of us feeling the weight and the trauma of more than a year of fighting every day to make sure that our community is safe,” she said. “We’re proud to see how far we’ve come as organizations, but also aware of the realities of what this government has made us have to do.”
Community support makes a massive difference, she said.
“It’s really great to know how strong the community is together and how willing everybody is to stand up for their community members and to build this kind of resilience. That’s something that has come out of all this – an even more deeply connected community network across organizations and grassroots groups.”
The “Art for Justice” fundraiser held earlier in June at Topa Topa Brewery in Santa Barbara proved beneficial on both fronts, Hernandez said.
The Brasscals performed while people had a chance to bid on art and other items donated to the event that was largely organized by the community, lending both emotional and financial support.
“We raised over $21,000, and people were really moved by having so many people show up and bring their friends to support the cause. It’s very impactful to share this event with the community, with your neighbors, with the people that you are always around, people who brought friends to support the cause. It was very meaningful.”
Visit www.805undocufund.org
Patek Philippe Nautilus
Friday of every month. The events are completely free and last for several hours, offering an accessible, educational evening for space enthusiasts of all ages.
Free parking is available near the Westmont Observatory, which is between the baseball field and the track and field/ soccer complex. To enter Westmont’s campus, please use the Main Entrance off of La Paz Road. The lower entrance off of Cold Spring Road is closed to visitors after 7 pm.
PEAC Foundation Awards Night Celebrates Student Success
The Santa Barbara Unified School District’s Program for Effective Access to College (PEAC) held its annual PEAC Foundation celebration at UC Santa
Barbara, marking an inspiring night of academic achievement and expanding community partnerships.
The event honored eight PEAC seniors bound for Westmont, alongside Cindy Gonzalez, a graduate of the Westmont Downtown | Grotenhuis Nursing program. Highlighting the evening was the celebration of Jennifer Bautista Rodriguez (’26) and Jannet Rios Ochoa, the first recipients of tuition funds through SBUSD and Westmont’s new residency program for students seeking a teaching credential and position in California public schools.
Superintendent Hilda Maldonado, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources John Becchio, and Sally Hawkins, assistant professor of education at Westmont, were praised for the residency program and its focus on retaining local educators.
BEAT THE BANKS
Patricia Madrigal , president and CEO of the PEAC Foundation, applauded the collaborative network, noting that the foundation has supported thousands of students over the past 14 years through deep institutional ties with UCSB, Santa Barbara City College, and Westmont. “This is a celebration of community,” she said. “We are grateful for our community and university partners, who invest and support college and career pathways for our students. We couldn’t have done this work without you,” Madrigal said.
The evening featured Westmont alumnus Aldo Becerril Garcia (’24) and PEAC advocate Celia Zanabria
Barrera, who spotlighted the profound impact of donor support.
Barrera, an aspiring nurse, shared her journey as a Santa Barbara native and as a first-generation student. “Sometimes the strength of these words doesn’t come from confidence. It comes from purpose,” Barrera said. “For me, that purpose started with my parents’ sacrifices and now continues to the opportunity to serve others.”
Irene Neller, Westmont’s vice president for enrollment, marketing, and communications, emphasized the generational impact of the regional alliances. “Students, families and communities are forever changed because of these commitments and partnerships,” Neller said. “What a privilege we have to serve our students as we each commit to ‘Growing Our Own’ – it’s truly life giving.”
Also covering the following:
Jennifer Gee, who directs the observatory, will assist explorers at Science by the Sea Camp and this Friday’s stargazing event
Raul Aguilera, Irene Neller, Patricia Madrigal, Araceli Espinoza, Sally Hawkins, Hilda Maldonado, and Albert Martinez at the celebration
Celia Zanabria Barrera, Patricia Madrigal, and Aldo Becerril Garcia
Scott Craig is manager of media relations at Westmont College
Montecito Health Coach
More Than Meets the Eye: The Fascinating Science Behind Eye Color
by Deann Zampelli
The other night I was at a graduation party and a man visiting from New Zealand asked our little group, “Why do so many people here have such light eyes?” To which I replied, “Didn’t you know? It’s in the water.” We all laughed, but it got me thinking and, as always, I needed to know why that was.
Globally speaking, blue eyes are a historical rarity, accounting for just eight to 10% of the world’s population. And green is even rarer still at around 2%. Yet, if you walk down our local streets, you might think that statistic is entirely backward. And after he asked that question, I noticed that our group of six all indeed had either blue or green eyes.
Why does our community seem to defy global genetic odds? The answer lies in a fascinating mix of evolutionary history, ancestral migration patterns, and the hidden mechanics of human genetics.
But first, let’s talk about what eye color really means.
According to the Auckland Eye Institute (I thought it only fair to cite a Kiwi source given where this article originated from), like fingerprints, “…no two people possess the same iris patterns.” That’s fun.
And, just to throw you off your axis, blue eyes don’t actually contain any blue pigment. And green eyes don’t have any green pigment. What? They look blue or
green due to the way they reflect light, similar to how the ocean looks blue from the color of the sky. (Please forgive the oversimplification, but for brevity’s sake, I scaled the science down.)
But why are there so many lighteyed people here? In the U.S. alone, close to half the population has brown eyes. And, here in Santa Barbara, with almost half the population in Santa Barbara County being of Latino or Hispanic origin, certainly that number must be comparable?
Over the last century, beach cities in Southern California have historically drawn specific migration demographics. Santa Barbara has long been a hub for retirees, higher income transplants, and college students from the Midwest and Northeast – regions of the United States and worldwide that feature much higher concentrations of Scandinavian, German, and British ancestry where blue eyes are more common. I come from a long line of blue eyes but always wanted to have brown. I love the rich color and the mystery and depth I would perceive in them, probably from having my nose in too many period novels.
But what are the advantages and drawbacks of certain eye colors?
Well, according to The American Addiction Centers, “Research suggests a statistical correlation between light eye color (especially blue) and a higher risk of alcohol dependence.” So, there’s that. And darker eyes have a reduced rate of
macular degeneration. I knew there was a reason I wanted brown eyes.
Everyone has brown pigment, regardless of their “eye color” as the back layer of the iris contains dark brown melanin to block stray light from entering the eye. And all blue-eyed people might even share a common ancestor! But how do we end up with the eye color we have?
The majority of Caucasian babies are born with blue or blue-grey eyes but that is because they have low melanin levels at birth. This is one of the reasons why eye color isn’t listed on birth certificates. And while our high school biology class may have taught us differently, who gets what eye color isn’t a simple matter of dominant versus recessive genes but is in fact much more complex than we were led to believe.
According to The Lions Eye Institute at the University of Western Australia, “Eye color genetics is a complex, polygenic trait (controlled by multiple genes) that determines the amount and type of melanin pigment in the iris. Brown is dominant and blue is recessive, but because several genes interact, parents can pass on hidden genetic traits, creating a wide spectrum of colors.” This is why Prince William (who has blue eyes) and Princess Kate (who has green eyes) managed to have two light-eyed babies and then have Louis, who has brown. This isn’t a royal scandal in the making, just some dominant genetic traits probably passed down from the Middleton line.
But why are brown eyes genetically dominant? What is the evolutionary
purpose for this? According to the NIH (National Institute of Health), “The evolutionary purpose of brown eyes being dominant lies in melanin protection and genetic longevity. Darker eyes are genetically dominant because producing more melanin provides a built-in biological defense against intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which was critical to survival for early human ancestors living in sun-intensive regions.” As our earliest ancestors lived in Africa, the high melanin was necessary given the intense sun exposure. Lighter eyes are actually a genetic mutation that arose from the migration patterns to cooler climates.
Ultimately, the true wonder of eye color lies not in its biological creation, but in how it connects us through a shared, yet entirely unique genetic code. The next time you look into someone’s eyes, remember that you are not only gazing into the window of their soul, but catching a glimpse of millions of years of ancestors, each leaving behind a piece of their story.
Health and humor in the MJ National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach trained at Duke Integrative Medicine, Deann Zampelli owns Montecito Coaching & Nutrition. She also has a Masters in Clinical Psychology and has been a resident of Montecito since 2006.
Oh, What a Night!
A Century of Faith.
Night of Gratitude.
A Future Full of Promise.
They came from every decade. Former students, some who graduated seventy years ago sat alongside parents who enrolled their children last fall. What brought them together was a building on Micheltorena Street and a hundred years worth of memories made inside it.
On May 29, Notre Dame School celebrated its centennial with an evening that was equal parts reunion, tribute, and declaration of intent. It began with a Centennial Mass celebrated by Bishop Sławomir Szkredka and Fr. John O'Brien of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish.
Following Mass, alumni from three schools, Santa Barbara Catholic High, Dolores School, and Notre Dame, filled the auditorium alongside parents, educators, and community leaders.
Santa Barbara historian and Dolores alumnus Neal Graffy traced the story of three schools that have called 33 East Micheltorena home since 1926. Then current students took the stage performing where these same alumni once sat. Nearly a century of the school's story was present in a single room.
Paul Escala, Superintendent of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, recognized Notre Dame as the second most academically improved school in the Solidarity Cohort. A State of California resolution, presented by the office of Assemblymember Gregg Hart, also a Dolores alumnus, made the Centennial recognition official.
“It brought back a lot of great memories!” said Santa Barbara Catholic High alumnus, David Borgatello. ,
The evening's most emotional moment came when Nick and Patty Weber received a standing ovation as the Notre Dame auditorium was named in their honor, a tribute to their extraordinary generosity and decades of steadfast commitment to this school's mission.
By evening's end, Notre Dame had raised over $350,000, including a transformative $125,000 gift from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Those funds will expand tuition assistance, strengthen academic programs, and keep the doors of Santa Barbara's last remaining Catholic elementary and middle school open to every family who seeks one.
“This is not just a school celebrating its past. It is a school on the rise, rooted in faith, powered by the community, and preparing students to change the world” said principal Alec Gasca.
Be Part of the Next Hundred Years Notre Dame School's Centennial campaign welcomes new donors. Your gift expands tuition assistance, strengthens programs, and ensures a Catholic education remains accessible to every
Event photos courtesy of Rollie Alonzo photography
The Centennial Mass was celebrated by Bishop Szkredka and Fr. John O'Brien of Our Lady of Sorrows Concelebrants Fr. Egren Gomez, Fr. Lawrence Seyer, Fr. Eduardo Pruneda, and Fr. Tom Elewaut.
Paul Escala, Superintendent of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, along with representatives from the ADLA present a check to Fr. John O’Brien and Principal Gasca.
Bishop Szkredka and Principal Alec Gasca present Gala honorees Nick and Patty Weber with a plaque recognizing the dedication of the school’s auditorium in their honor.
Santa Barbara family who seeks one.
Mr. Ritchie Gonzales leads a performance of the Notre Dame School Ensemble of students in the 5 - 8 grades th th
Notre Dame School extends heartfelt gratitude to our community, families, alumni, and corporate sponsors for their extraordinary generosity and support.
one has a radiant, luminous glow and a very deeply moving slow movement. It’s a towering and monumental masterpiece. The Turina “Piano Quartet in A Minor” is a lovely work I would describe as Spanish/cosmopolitan. It’s a wonderful example of early 20th century music, a beautiful first course, and a perfect foil for the Brahms.
The concert starts with a few pieces for solo piano, which I think you also picked.
The Music Academy specifically asked me to play a few pieces composed by Americans as part of the theme for the season. Barber is of course a beloved mainstay of the 20th century repertoire, and these excursions are a set of four just exquisite miniatures which are meant to evoke different American musical or cultural traditions. The first one is like a syncopated urban landscape with a feeling of either car or train horns, the third is meant to be a dreamy cowboy piece that quotes from the song, “The Streets of Laredo.”
I’m following that with two short pieces Timo Andres, who is a brilliant composer and a phenomenal piano virtuoso. They’re a joy to play because what he writes is so wonderfully idiomatic for the instrument. He’s actually just recently written a major work for me, a single movement solo work, which I’m still in the process of learning and hope to premiere next spring. I think the first one, “Fiddlehead,” is based on the fern, which is sort of like lace in that they’re extremely intricate, very refined. It’s absolutely delightful music. “American Coda,” which is relatively simple for him, based on “America the Beautiful,” with a wonderful surprise, which I’m then following with my own improvisation on the beloved song.
Before we end, how do you decide to split your time between conducting – either as music director in San Antonio or as a guest – or performing on piano?
For almost 40 years, I’ve done equal parts solo recitals and concertos and conducting and also a lot of chamber music as well. People always wonder what I like to do best? I love them all! And I feel very blessed to be able to do them all.
Upcoming @ MAW
Friday, June 19: Cellist and Mosher Guest Artist Zlatomir Fung, who plays his own season-opening recital on June 18 and then joins Kahane (see above) on June 20, leads one of the summer’s first masterclasses, the public events that are a hybrid between performance and coaching session and in many ways the backbone of the Academy. Fellows, or in this case, the advanced young students at the inaugural High School Intensive (HSI), perform a section of a solo piece or sonata and then receive one-on-one coaching from Fung, with tips that can range from technique to artistry. (3:30 pm; Lehmann Hall; $10)… Tonight, MAW’s most modern concert of the summer and maybe of its entire 79-year history boasts electroacoustic violin and cello duo ARKAI in what’s now being billed as the first of the Celebrity Recital Series. Who’s to argue when the inaugural act just won a 2026 Grammy for their album Brightside just a few months ago, rewarded for their prowess at embracing new technology with gusto, verve, and astonishing artistry. The duo deliver a program that explores how classical instruments work with modern music, with pieces ranging from original works to covers in a variety of genres in an event that should be particularly inspiring to the youngsters in the HSI on campus. Cellist and sound designer/producer Philip Sheegog was a fellow at MAW just nine years ago, now he’s not only a Grammy winner but an in-demand artist who has premiered over 80 new works by living composers and collaborated with such disparate groups as the Steve Miller Band and the hip-hop/ classical collective ShoutHouse. (7:30 pm; Hahn Hall; $10-$65)
Saturday, June 20: The six solo pianists in the HSI share the stage for a public piano recital tonight, with a program that includes short pieces and movements by Liszt, Shostakovich, Haydn, Von Weber, Mendelssohn, Chopin, and Beethoven. Aside from fine music, it’s a chance to meet some of tomorrow’s possible stars in advance of launching their careers. (1:30 pm; Lehmann Hall; free)
Tuesday, June 23: The Takács Quartet teaches a Chamber Music Masterclass to launch its annual MAW residency, a series of three public events
at the summer festival before founding cellist Andras Fejer calls it a career. Even though it’s during the HSI, the performers are the fellows in the String Quartet seminar, on campus early to get ready for their June 26 concert. (3:30 pm; Hahn Hall; $10)… Tonight, it’s the second Teaching Artist Showcase on just the first Tuesday of the summer festival, this one called “Angels Speak” in reference to the opening, a movement from Jeff Scott’s trombone and percussion piece of the same name. Works by Charles Ives, Mikhail Glinka, Madeleine Dring, and Zoltán Kodály round out the program, with the artist roster introducing a number of MAW newcomers, including flutist Marianne Gedigian, oboist Xiomara Mass, violinist Rebecca Reale, and bassoonist Judith LeClair, with clarinetist and now-permanent Montecito resident (when he’s not teaching at Rice) Richie Hawley among the veterans. (7:30 pm; Hahn Hall; $10-$65)
Wednesday, June 24: The small ensembles composed of the HSI student musicians get a chance to perform in public with a pair of Chamber Music Recitals in the afternoon and evening. The 17 total pieces to be performed span centuries and the gamut, from well-known to much more obscure, and range from string quartets to trombone trio and percussion quartet. (3:30 & 7:30 pm; Lehmann & Hahn; free)
Steven
has covered a plethora of topics for the Journal since 1997, and now leads our extensive arts and entertainment coverage
Thursday, June 25: The inaugural High School Intensive comes to a close with the Orchestra Finale anchored by Dvořák’s cheerful “Symphony No. 8,” with a double dose of appetizers under the baton of Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture, Op. 96,” and Copland’s “An Outdoor Overture.” Miguel Harth-Bedoya, the Emmy award-winning and Grammynominated 35-year veteran conductor, wields the baton after leading the orchestral masterclass earlier in the week, and hosting a conductor seminar for the would-be future music directors. Harth-Bedoya then leaps into the regular season to conduct the summer’s first concert by the Academy Festival Orchestra on July 3. (2 pm; Hahn Hall; $10-$25)
Join Jamie Knee, Petite Wine Traveler, for intimate wine dinners, in home wine tastings, and unforgettable wine journeys inspired by her travels through the worlds most exquisite vineyards. Uncork your curiosity- book your next personalized wine experience today.
Electroacoustic violin and cello duo ARKAI opens the first of the Celebrity Recital Series (courtesy photo)
Libowitz
LAGUNA BLANCA SCHOOL
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2026 GRADUATES WHO ARE OFF TO AN IMPRESSIVE RANGE OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AROUND THE GLOBE. HERE'S A LOOK AT THE SCHOOLS THAT SAID "YES."
Bolding Indicates Matriculation. LAGUNABLANCA.ORG
American University. Amh erst College. Arizona State University. Auburn University. Bard College Berlin. Barnard College. Baylor University. Belmont University. Beloit College. Bond University. Boston University (2). Bowdoin College. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (2). Cal Poly Humboldt. Cal Poly Pomona. California Lutheran University. California State University (Channel Islands). California State University (Fullerton). California State University (Long Beach). California State University (Los Angeles). Case Western Reserve University. Chapman University. Coe College. Colgate University. College of Charleston.
Colorado College. Colorado State University. Connecticut College. Cornell University. Denison University. Drake University Emerson College. Emory University (Oxford). Fordham University. Franklin and Marshall College. George Mason University. George Washington University. Grand Canyon University. Hampshire College. Harvey Mudd College. Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Illinois Wesleyan University. Indiana University (Bloomington). Ithaca College. Johns Hopkins University. King's College London. Lewis & Clark College. Loyola Marymount University. Loy ola University Chicago. Loyola University New Orleans. Macalester College. McGill University. Middlebury College. Montana State University. New York University. Northeastern University. Northeastern University London. Northwestern University. Oberlin College. Occidental College. Oklahoma State University. Oregon State University. Parsons School of Design at The New School. Penn State University. Pepperdine University. Pitzer College (2). Pomona College. Pratt Institute. Purdue University. Rhodes College. Rice University. Saint Mary's College of California. San Diego State University. San Francisco State University. Santa Barbara City College (2). Santa Clara University. Sarah Lawrence College. School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Scripps College. Skidmore College. Southern Methodist University. St. John's College (Annapolis). Swarthmore College. Sy racuse University. Texas Christian University. The Ohio State University. The University of Edinburgh. Thomas Jefferson University. Union College. United States Military Academy. United States Naval Academy.
University College Dublin. University College London. University of Alabama. University of Arizona. University of Auckland. University of British Columbia. University of California (Berkeley). University of California (Davis). University of California (Irvine). University of California (Los Angeles). University of California (Merced). University of California (Riverside). University of California (San Diego) (2). University of California (Santa Barbara). University of California (Santa Cruz). University of Chicago. University of Cincinnati. University of Colorado (Boulder). University of Delaware. University of Denver. University of Hawaii (Manoa). University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). University of Kansas. University of Maryland. University of Melbourne. University of Miami (2). University of Michigan. University of Minnesota. University of Mississippi. University of Montana. University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill). University of Oklahoma. University of Oregon. University of Pittsburgh. University of Puget Sound. University of Redlands. University of Richmond. University of Rochester. University of San Diego. University of San Francisco. University of Southern California. University of St Andrews. University of Tennessee. University of Texas. University of Toronto. University of Virginia. University of Washington. University of Wisconsin. Vanderbilt University. Vassar College. Virginia Tech. Wake Forest University. Washington State University. Washington University in St. Louis. Wesleyan University. Western Michigan University. Westmont College. Whitman College. Willamette University. [!]�J.[!] William & Mary. Woodbury University.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Yale University.
Grad Season
Our Town’s 24th Annual Graduation Issue:
Our
Lady of Mt. Carmel
by Joanne A Calitri
Our Lady of Mount Carmel School (“Go Lancers!”) held its 8th grade graduation ceremony on Friday, May 29, at 2 pm. The graduates processed into the church to “Pomp and Circumstance,” wearing a traditional cap and gown in the school colors of blue and white. Students were adorned with flower leis, and gold or red cords awarded for different levels of scholastic achievement.
Per tradition, the ceremony began with a Catholic mass, led by Pastor Fr. Lawrence Seyer with the students reading various passages. Music for the mass and graduation ceremony was led by Ms. Eun Kim
The graduation portion of the ceremony began with the blessing of the autobiographies the graduates made for their parents, and then the grads presented the books with a rose to their parents. The conferring of the diplomas was by Fr. Seyer and OLMC School Principal Tracie Simolon. She said, “When I think of this year’s graduating class, I see joy and light. Smiles lit with understanding in those aha! moments. Reserved smiles that quietly demonstrate pride in work well done. Sometimes there have been mischievous smiles while telling a good joke, but mostly this group shares smiles of happiness and joy with those they encounter. They bring to mind the quote from C. S. Lewis. ‘Don’t shine so others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him.’ While we are sad to see this class move on from our school community, we send them forth to spread their joy and light so that others might see God through them.”
Simolon introduced the Student Body President, Sonora Landa, who gave the Student Address to her fellow grads. She spoke about entering the school in the 4th grade and key moments the grads experienced during their time at OLMC School. She said, “Each of us brings our own unique talents to the school. And I know our graduating class will do great things as we take our next step into high school.”
Mary Beth Lee is 8th Grade Homeroom teacher, Literature & Religion teacher, and religion coordinator for Our Lady of Mount Carmel School. She provided her remarks, recalling the special moments with the students, and concluded with, “You radiate joy and love for each other. From all your OLMCS teachers: We love you.” The students’ other teachers were; Math and Science – Eun Kim; Writing – Angela Pangan; and History – Lauren Bergesen
Simolon’s concluding remarks for the grads were, “Like today’s gospel, each of you is a light. Some of you are a soft, flickering flame, gentle, steady, comforting. You are the quiet encouragers, listeners, the ones who bring peace into a room without expectations. Never underestimate the power of your love leading others out of the darkness. Others among you shine like strong, bright fire. Your personalities fill the space with energy, confidence, and passion. You inspire to move, dream big and take chances, your fire has the power to ignite others. The world needs both kinds of light, you don’t need to shine like anyone else to make a difference. Success isn’t measured by how brightly you shine alone, but by how others feel by your warmth. Congratulations Class of 2026, go light up the world.”
OLMC 8th Grade Graduation Awards 2026:
Altar Server Award: Sonora Landa
Citizen of the Year: Kamila Albarran and Cruz DeVreese
Rising Star: Sophia Lombardi
Lancer Award: Alexa Lira-Martinez and Grant Feramisco
Spirit Award: Henrik Juarez
Faculty Award: Sonora Landa
The 2026 OLMC School graduates are: Kamila Albarran (Kami), Xander Christoff, Cruz DeVreese, Mae Edwards, Grant Feramisco, Benjamin Ferreira (Ben), Henrik Juarez, Sonora Landa, Blake Lashlee, Alexandria Lira-Martinez (Alexa), Sophia Lombardi, Andrew O’Flynn, Havana Pond, Sienna Valerio, Fiona Weber, and Jonah Wyban
YMCA Preschool
The Montecito YMCA Preschool held its graduation on Friday, May 29, at 11:30 am in the club’s gymnasium. For the first time in the history of the school, the students wore real caps and gowns in blue, along with a banner across their chest. Traditionally, the preschoolers made their own caps.
The grads paraded into the gym to a recording of “Pomp and Circumstance” by Sir Edward Elgar, led by their new teacher Sarah Yenney. Each student then sat on the floor on a colored paper circle which bore their name. Their parents and friends were seated in the center of the gym. The program’s welcoming remarks were by Montecito Y’s General Manager Ryan Power. He acknowledged the parents and said that their children at the preschool have a kind, loving nature. He introduced Sarah Yenney, who invited the grads to join her at the front and to sing the song, “We Are Graduating.” She then proceeded to confer the diplomas upon each student, along with a noted quality about each of them, such as: loyal friend, dancer, bug hunter, fashionista, leader and so forth.
The ceremony concluded with a chorus line from The Dave Clark Five song “ShaNa-Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye.” A reception outside followed.
The 2026 Montecito YMCA Preschool graduates are: Andy Asher Kass, Alexander Manchak, Ambrose Ivanitsky, Aras Karaorman, Clay Valiante, Gian Madrigal, Hugo Hardie, Kai Mather, Luciano Pulido, Merrick Ferzoco, Haven Mullen, and Sloan Klein
The 2026 Our Lady of Mount Carmel School grads with principal Tracie Simolon, 8th grade teacher Mary Beth Lee, and Father Lawrence Seyer (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
The 2026 YMCA Preschool grads with teacher Sarah Yenney (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
OLMC School Student Body President Sonora Landa (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
Montecito Union School
The Montecito Union School 2026 Sixth Grade Graduation, (“Go Mustangs!”) was held on Friday, June 5, at 8:30 am, inside the school’s auditorium. To open the ceremony, as the grads waited in the wings, a slide show with music showcased each of the graduating students at various stages of their life at MUS.
They entered to the processional song “Simple Gifts” by Joseph Brackett Jr. taking their places up front on risers and standing for the entire ceremony. The formal program began with graduating students Krista Carranza and Oliver Shiffman inviting attendees to join with them in the Pledge of Allegiance.
In what was her last MUS graduation ceremony prior to retiring this summer, MUS’ esteemed Music Teacher, Pam Herzog, stood center stage and directed the guests in singing “America the Beautiful.”
The microphone was then passed to representative graduating students who provided their praise and thanks for their experience and education at MUS, and for the friendships they forged. An additional student address was given by Elenora Miller who also played the song “Pax” on violin accompanied by Herzog on piano.
MUS Superintendent Anthony Ranii introduced keynote speaker and MUS Board Member Kim Crail. Her remarks included the following and the reading of the poem “Sanctuary” by Ada Limón. Crail, “Thank you to the teachers, staff, assistants, and friends of these students, you have made a profound impact in such formative years. I feel I speak for many in this room, that MUS is an extension of what we try to create at home: a place of discovery, discussion, laughter, and love. To our sixth graders, you have tools for success you learned at MUS. You are all powerful and will continue to make your families proud. Congratulations to all our sixth graders, we love you all so much.”
The grads sang “Season of Love” accompanied on piano by Leana Movillion
Next, the presentation of diplomas was introduced by MUS Principal Nick Bruski, who shared, “As our 6th graders prepare to leave Montecito Union School, we have tremendous pride and optimism for all that lies ahead. During your time here, you have grown not only as students, but as leaders, problem-solvers, teammates, and compassionate members of your community. We hope you carry forward the curiosity, character, and confidence that have defined your years at MUS. Your future is bright, and we cannot wait to see the many ways you will make a positive difference in the world.”
Presenting diplomas with him were Ranii,
MUS Assistant Principal Rusty Ito,
MUS Board President Susannah Osley,
MUS Board Member A.C. Hernandez, and MUS Chief Business Official
Virginia Alvarez. After receiving their diploma, the graduates crossed the stage to be congratulated by their sixth-grade teachers, Kim Berman, Rebecca Faanes, and Danielle Weill. Sitting with them was retired MUS Orchestra instructor Ron Zecher. The ceremony concluded with the students singing the “MUS Graduation Song” by Kenny & Eva Loggins. A reception followed at the school’s Nature Lab.
The 2026 MUS School graduates are:
James Barr, Valentina Vivienne Belmonte, Julian Brewster-Form, Krista Carranza, Adelyn Rei Clark, Leo Clawson, Oliver Augustus Conway, Quinn Jasmine Crail, Norah Joy Crooks, Jackson DeWoody, Calvino Di Loreto, Quinn Thomas Dilbeck, Stella Jordan Doich, Nora Edelheit, Harrison Roy Edwards, Austin Eiler, Andreas Valentino Eppink, Eloise Farrell, Lucas Friedman, Beckham Hunter Funk, Stephen Gunnar Geremia, Clementine Adia Guerena, Carter John Hansen, Hunter Hartley, Maya Elizabeth Shiffman Hendel, Elle Lily Hermann, Hudson Davis Jay, Asher Elias Joenck, AJ Johansson, Haley Elizabeth Klan, Perrin Koch, Kaia June Lando, Harper Lee, Owen Lee, Celine Ley, Navi Marie Loya, Zephyr Flynn Miles, Elenora Marie Miller, Will Oswald, Wolf Monroe Prochnik, Emma Grace Saavedra, Oliver Lee Shiffman, Charlie Soderborg, Nika Banoo Sykes, Izzy Tahouri, Jake Tomasi, Genevieve Evelyn Voog, Taylor Walters, Charlotte Rose Wittman, Ali Yildirim, and Kanani Kay Zertuche.
Cold Spring School
The Cold Spring School 2026 Sixth Grade Graduation (“Go Dolphins!”) was held on Tuesday, June 9 at 8:30 am, inside the school’s auditorium. To open the ceremony, the graduating students sang the song, “Go the Distance” from Disney’s Descendants, with some of their own lyrics. Writing the song lyrics with them, and playing piano while they sang, was 2025 American Idol contestant Desmond Roberts, who works with the CSS Drama Teacher Shekinah Bryant
CSS Superintendent and Principal Amy M. Alzina EdD, welcomed the attendees, and acknowledged the parents and families, along with her CSS Board, Michael Marino Esq., Trevor Pattison, Gabrielle Haas, Jennifer Miller, and Elke Kane Esq., the faculty and staff. Her address to the students, “Congratulations, Cold Spring Sixth Grade Students! As I reflect on this year’s sixth-grade class, I am reminded of just how extraordinary this cohort truly is. These students began their educational journey in kindergarten during
MUS Superintendent Anthony Ranii and retiring Music teacher Pam Herzog
(photo by Joanne A Calitri)
Montecito Union School 2026 graduates, 1 of 2 (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
Montecito Union School 2026 graduates, 2 of 2 (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
The MUS 6th grade teachers Kim Berman, Rebecca Faanes and Danielle Weill (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
the COVID-19 pandemic; learning six feet apart, washing their hands constantly, and navigating a world where facial expressions, social cues, and the simple joys of childhood connection were often hidden behind masks. Those early years matter deeply. They are the years when children learn not only how to read and write, but how to connect, communicate, and understand one another. And yet, despite beginning school during such an unusual and challenging time, this group has grown into a class of thoughtful, resilient, and creative young people. It’s in their sixth-grade year that I have become especially close with this cohort. I have worked hard to understand what matters most to them, and what I have learned is something beautifully simple and universally true: they want to belong. They want their voices to be heard. They want to know they matter. Just like all children and adults, they thrive when they feel seen, accepted, and loved. My hope is that as they leave Cold Spring School and move on to junior high, high school, and beyond, they will carry with them the tools they have learned here. From the lessons in their classrooms to Franklin Covey’s 7 Habits, they have developed the skills to lead with kindness, listen with empathy, think creatively, and make a positive difference in the world.
More than anything, I hope they use those tools to help others feel what everyone deserves to feel: seen, accepted, valued, and loved unconditionally. To our sixthgrade students: I love you, I believe in you, and I am so proud of the young people you are becoming. Dream big! Do not be afraid of failure, because every challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow, and become even stronger. Congratulations, Cold Spring sixth graders. We cannot wait to see all the good you will bring to the world. Go Dolphins!”
Alzina introduced the Commencement Speech by graduating students Elsie Haines and Cora Bergakker. They recited a poem they wrote for each year at CSS, with the sixth-grade year section being read by each member of their class. The poem is titled, “We Are.” The sixth grade teacher Linda Edwards echoed their poem with her remarks saying “You Are.”
Art Award: Clementine Grube, Sovay Petta, and Theia Pretlow
STEAM: Cara Snodgrass, James Friedman, and Lauryn Massari
Kool Kat Award: Jaxson Workman-Hatsedakis and Holland Metcalfe
Citizen Scholar: Logan Lueck and Laith Van Vechten
The Promotion Certificates were presented by Edwards with Alzina and the Faculty for the graduating class: Linda Edwards , 6th Grade teacher; in his 44 th year at CCS is Joel Orr , 6th Grade instructional aide; Ryan Francisco , STEAM specialist; Sara DiSalvo , music specialist; Amber O’Neill , art specialist; Jill Wolf , PE specialist; Christian Garfield , garden specialist; and Shekinah Bryant , drama coordinator.
Per tradition, the students write where they will be in ten years, with many portraying themselves as – among other things – going on to college, pro football, acting, designing, and becoming parents.
The 2026 CSS School graduates are:
Cora Bergakker, Hunter Bryant, James Friedman, Clementine Grube, Elsie Haines, Stella Lerche, Logan Lueck, Lauryn Massari, Holland Metcalfe, Sovay Petta, Delaney Pierce, Theia Pretlow, Hezekiah Santos, Royer Saunders, Cara Snodgrass, Laith Van Vechten, and Jaxson Workman-Hatsedakis
Laguna Blanca Lower School
The Laguna Blanca Lower School 2026 Fourth Grade Graduation (“Go Owls!”) was held on Friday, June 5, at 9 am, outside at the Lower Campus Pavilion.
Meeting the grads on their arrival to the pavilion were Head of Laguna Blanca Lower School Brooke Green, Head of Laguna Blanca School Ron Cino, and Fourth Grade Instructor Susanne Richter, and Associate Instructor Alyssa Barker. Also attending was Assistant to the Head of Lower School Darla McDavid
After the welcoming addresses, Miss Green provided her remarks for the graduating class, “Laguna Blanca’s Fourth Grade Class of 2026 brought energy, compassion, and leadership to our campus this year. From honoring community leaders at the annual Citizenship Breakfast to serving on student council and organizing a drive for the Santa Barbara Humane Society, these students strengthened our school community in meaningful ways. They also led assemblies focused on Social Emotional Learning topics such as kindness and bullying awareness while embracing the power of a growth mindset through inspiring examples of perseverance. We are proud of their growth, community spirit, and the positive example they set for younger students, and we know they will continue to lead with kindness and confidence in Middle School.”
Students performed the songs “Unwritten” and “Memories.” Richter followed with her traditional candy bar vignettes about each student, thereby relating a quality they have with a candy bar, such as a “HUG” for a student who is supportive and gives great hugs, or gumballs to a student who is an exceptional athlete, a Twizzler for a student who is flexible and adaptable, and so on. Each student came forward to receive the Laguna Blanca Lower School Owl necklace, and their candy bar.
The awarding of a Certificate of Promotion to the next grade was presented by Richter, Green and Chino. Each student was awarded and received a rose to present to their parents. The ceremony concluded with photo ops and a parachute dance with Coach Robitaille.
The 2026 Laguna Blanca Lower School graduates are:
Charlotte Babcock, Mamie Craig, Hana Dukesherer, Vincent Elings, Chipper Foscue-Boyd, Ainsley Green, Sloane Green, Emi Katzenstein, Ari Kohn, Alton Mathern, Jack Milne, Sam Newman, Ethan Ortiz, Lilly Petersen, Scarlett Phillips, Chase Rifkin, Margaux Shacknai, and Marnie Steinhaus.
The 2026 Cold Spring School graduates with CSS Superintendent/Principal Amy M. Alzina and faculty (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
Amy Alzina speaking at the ceremony (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
The 2026 Laguna Blanca Lower School graduates (courtesy photo)
Crane Country Day School
The Crane Country Day School 2026 eighth grade graduation was held on Wednesday, June 10 at 10:30 am, outside in the school’s athletic field (“Go Coyotes!”). Head of Crane Country Day School Joel Weiss is currently on sabbatical, and Tamar Adegbile , acting as the Interim Head of School, led the graduation ceremony. Following the entrance of the graduates to the front of the staging area, Adegbile welcomed the parents and families and provided her remarks, “The Class of 2026 is a uniquely talented group of students who have accomplished so much during their time at Crane Country Day School. Their accomplishments are plentiful, and they have shown that they are ready to enter this next chapter in high school and beyond. As we celebrate their graduation from Crane and wish them well in their next adventure, I look forward to seeing all that they achieve in the months and years to come, and the positive impact they make on our world.”
The program included the annual awards followed by the reading of a vignette about each graduate from their faculty, who this year are: Shana Arthurs (‘84), Louis Caron (‘97), Traci Cope, Matt DeGroot (‘04), Sarah Eglin, Andrea Elias, Alexis Fischer, Arturo Flores, Kathryn Gray, Alexa Hughes, Gretel Huglin Ridge, Sarah Lopez, John Pagano, Sophie Rasura, Izabela Santos, Willie Sims, Kate Tannous, Elizabeth Teare, and Adam Yates
Next, Adegbile presented the student with their diploma, and concluded the ceremony officially declaring the class as graduated.
The 2026 Crane Country Day School graduates are:
Leah Colette Abundez Sanchez, Aaron Brooklyn Adegbile, Rohan Kritzer Bacon, Jones George Baffa, Natalie Claire Baker, Soliman Becker, Magaby Benitez-Jaramillo, Tario Leon Bonilla Zakosek, Tennyson Brine, Callum Carlin, Liam Oliver Christiansen, Avery Grace Crown Comfort, Milenka Harriet Doukas, Isabella R. Fishkin, Brody Gauthier, Graeme Alexander Ross Higgins, Lilja Ruth Hollems, Gianna Grace Leggio, Zoe Musson Lowenstein, Theodore Easter Marino, Louisa Bo Moller, Lucca Brando Montesano, Shay Murphy, Taylor Emma Nenow, Vincent Charles Oswald, Ryder Eugene Phillips, Nastya Piven, Adelaide Lee Polidori, Robin Jane Reitz, Kennedy Cruz Rodriguez, Malia Lydia Rodriguez Lau, Leni Lâl Şahin, Simone Coco Shields, Bee Sequoia Siegel, Jacob George Smith, Camila Vasquez Santay, and Lydia Rachel White.
art, poetry, music, and history in honor of the national holiday. Presented by Toni Scott , Rod Rolle , and Elevate Gallery, the free public event will feature screenings highlighting acclaimed Santa Barbara Poet Laureate Sojourner Kincaid Rolle, including footage of her reading the poem “Free at Last.”
The evening will also include a live performance by the Santa Barbara Ring Shout Project, student readings, and a look at Toni Scott’s Bloodlines exhibition. Hosted by photojournalist Rod Rolle, the program celebrates Black history, culture, and creative expression while reflecting on the significance of Juneteenth as a commemoration of emancipation and freedom. Free admission and parking will be available for attendees.
411: toniscott@earthlink.net
Summer Adventure Lab at Crane
Skip the ordinary and enroll your child in an adventure that offers true growth and endless smiles. The lab combines the dedicated, passionate educators of Crane School with the sun-soaked fun of a classic Santa Barbara summer camp programs for ages 4 to 14. Small-group instruction includes the Design and Engineering Center, hitting the high notes up on stage, writing a creative story, or hiking the local trails.
Three sessions from 9 am to 3 pm: July 6-10, July 13-17, and July 20-24. 411: www.craneschool.org/about/summer-camp
Camp Cito Laguna Blanca Lower School
Join Camp Cito or Laguna Explorer on Laguna Blanca’s charming Montecito campus. Guided by Laguna faculty, educators, and counselors, every day is safe, supportive, and full of fun, including snacks and lunch.
411: www.lagunablanca.org/summeratlaguna
Nature Explorers and Summer STEAM
Preschool Nature Explorers is a hands-on nature series designed especially for children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers. Stephanie Soicher, Garden Explorers Program coordinator, will begin each session with a cozy story time, followed by interactive, nature-inspired activities that encourage connection with the natural world. Themes include: Nature Art & Patterns, Building & Engineering, Sensory Exploration, and Nature’s Rhythm.
The six-week Summer STEAM series is taught by Melissa Dodos, a credentialed elementary teacher and Explore Ecology’s Creative Reuse Program Coordinator. This highly interactive series encourages imagination while introducing science, art, and engineering in fun and accessible ways. Each class features a theme, including Animal Kingdoms, Let It Grow, Airborne Adventures, Groovy Gravity, Calming Collage, and Toys on the Move.
411: https://exploreecology.org
Second Thursdays at SYCMC
Church Parish Hall and July 3 at Unitarian Society Parish Hall.
The production features three stories written by Paloma Espino, Sarah House’s longtime house manager, drawing on two decades of experience caring for residents during the final chapter of their lives. The stories highlight the unique role Sarah House plays in providing a safe, supportive home for low-income and destitute individuals who might otherwise face the end of life alone.
The performances will include appearances by local actors, live fingerstyle guitar music by Bruce Goldish, and a reception with wine and light refreshments. All proceeds from ticket sales and donations will directly support Sarah House operations, helping sustain its vital hospice services at a time when government funding and grant support continue to decline.
411: https://bit.ly/sarah-house-stories-1
Juneteenth Celebration
A special Juneteenth Screening & Live Performance will take place on Friday, June 19 from 5:15-7 pm at Elevate Gallery in La Cumbre Plaza, bringing together
From 5-8 pm on the second Thursday of every month, the public is welcome to attend a free lecture and open house at the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center. Featured speakers will include the artists, authors, and artisans whose work can be found in the Museum Gift Shop, as well as subject matter experts covering a variety of topics explored throughout the museum’s exhibits and grounds. Guests are welcome to explore the museum’s Permanent and Temporary Exhibits free of charge, take a sunset stroll through the Cultural Park, and explore the Museum Gift Shop.
411: www.sychumashmuseum.org
SBMA Kids Summer Art Camp
Join in the art camps at the SB Museum of Art, doing ceramics, printmaking, and textile work. There are camps all summer through August 7.
411: https://tinyurl.com/SBMA-summer-camp-26
SBMA Gallery Sketching
For adults of all ages, the SB Museum of Art has a Sketching in the Galleries workshop where you can sit and make sketches of the art on exhibit. Teaching artists are on hand to provide general guidance and all materials included.
411: www.sbma.net/events/sketching-galleries-52
The Crane Country Day School 2026 eighth grade graduates (courtesy photo)
News Bytes (Continued from 10)
Nev Miss An Issue!
traditional method sparkling wine, and the class offered the chance to learn about the finishing step of sparkling winemaking while creating a personalized bottle. In my case, that meant making my own sparkling rosé, built on a base of chardonnay with a little malbec for color and a more vibrant, fruit forward character. That final bottle was mailed home to me, and I am already looking forward to opening it this summer. It was hands on, educational, and wonderfully memorable, the sort of experience that makes you feel less like a visitor and more like a participant.
Lunch brought us to Purple Star Winery and Muret Gaston, where owners and winemakers Kyle and Amy Johnson anchored the experience with an easy, welcoming spirit. Purple Star is rooted in the idea that wine should be approachable and bring people together, and the pizza making class captured that perfectly. We made our own pizzas in the outdoor oven, and I could not resist being a little cheeky with mine, adding both white and red sauce to the base. The whole experience was lively, unfussy, and a reminder that meaningful wine travel does not always need to be formal. Later that afternoon came one of the region’s more dramatic wine country moments: Terra Blanca Estate Winery & Estate Vineyard on Red Mountain. Perched on the southwest slope of the renowned Red Mountain AVA, Terra Blanca delivers a Tuscan-inspired setting with a tasting room overlooking the Yakima Valley. Estate grown wines, curated tastings, seasonal cuisine from the onsite Vineyard Grill, and a panoramic terrace all come together in a way that feels polished and destination worthy. It was one of the clearest visual expressions of how beautifully Washington can do scale, landscape, and hospitality.
At J. Bookwalter, barrel sampling with
Cameron Parry, director of winemaking and viticulture, offered another view into the region, one that felt more immediate and behind the scenes. Barrel samples always remind me that wine is still in motion somewhere behind the polished final pour.
Dinner at Fiction @ J. Bookwalter closed the day on a particularly elegant note. The menu from Executive Chef Francisco Mendoza highlights Pacific Northwest ingredients such as Snake River Farms Wagyu, Upper Dry Creek Farm lamb, and fresh seafood, all designed to pair seamlessly with J. Bookwalter wines. What made the evening especially memorable, though, was our seat at the kitchen table, which gave us a behind the scenes look at the restaurant in full rhythm on a busy night. It felt like our own little Top Chef moment, always a treat for anyone who loves the choreography of a restaurant from the inside.
The following morning softened the mood with brunch at Lu Lu Craft Bar + Kitchen, set along the Columbia River at Columbia Point. Marina views, seasonal dishes, and a warm atmosphere captured the gentler side of the region’s hospitality. Afterward, we picked up e-bikes from Greenies and headed out along the Richland Riverfront Trail. The ride ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. The owner of the bike shop could not have been kinder or more helpful in getting us outfitted and ready to hit the trail.
Tri-Cities is a place where hospitality does not begin and end at the winery door.
Lunch at Taverna Tagaris brought a Mediterranean note to the journey. Rooted in the Tagaris family’s heritage, the restaurant and winery offer fresh seasonal cuisine and estate wines reflecting both Old World tradition and Columbia Valley character. It felt like a small Mediterranean escape in the heart of Washington wine country.
The trip concluded at Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard and Winery, and it was a strong finish. The Monson family’s commitment to sustainable viticulture runs through every part of the estate, from cover crops and compost to drip irrigation and natural predators such as owls and bats. It was also where I discovered one of my new favorite rosés, a final glass that seemed to bring the weekend’s themes together perfectly.
Because what stood out most was never just one bottle or one especially beautiful tasting room. It was how naturally TriCities brings together wine, agriculture, food, and genuine human connection.
For Montecito Journal readers who love discovering wine regions before everyone else does, Tri-Cities offers something especially appealing. It has the river views, polished wineries, orchard beauty, memorable meals, and unforced hospitality that make a destination feel both elevated and real. In other words, it has all the makings of a wine travel escape worth knowing now.
E-biking on the Richland Riverfront Trail Evening View at The Lodge at Columbia Point
“
e
book has some of the very best dialogue I have ever read (think Raymond Chandler), and author Michael C. Armour paints a gorgeous story with the prose as sweeping as the Santa Barbara vistas. I hope he returns with another. ”
– Leslie Zemeckis
Award-winning documentarian, best-selling author, actor and co-founder of the Santa Barbara Literary Festival.
Now available at Chaucer’s Books, Tecolote Book Shop and Godmothers
An Independent Mind
Stealing for the Greater Good: Theft as Social Protest
by Jeffrey Harding
Recently a new word just popped up courtesy of the NY Times: “microlooting.”
Microlooting is a word that justifies petty theft (shoplifting) as a political statement. The idea is that as long as you are stealing from “big corporations” it is a protest. NYT reporter Nadja Spiegelman interviewed The New Yorker writer Jia Tolentino and political commentator Hasan Piker both of whom have no reluctance to engage in microlooting when it suits their needs, or they believe it supports what they believe is a common political goal. Stealing content from Netflix, pirating music, not paying for articles behind a paywall, stealing food from Whole Foods. They don’t stop at “micro.” They believe that, say, stealing from the Louvre or billionaires is a social statement as long as it is done in support of a larger social justice goal.
As Piker says. “I’m pro stealing from big corporations. Because they steal quite a bit more from their own workers.” He’s all for chaos, “Yeah, chaos. Full chaos. Let’s go.” Tolentino says, “If someone were to be stealing with a purpose, we love that in America. We do. We can love it again. We just have to do it with a purpose.” They both agreed that if the laws don’t feel moral you have the right to ignore them. The sanctity of private property is one of them.
You may sense the irony here. Does anyone really believe that shoplifters are making a political statement? “Like, man, I steal from Whole Foods all the time, but they steal from their workers, so they deserve it.” But the food is pretty good at Whole Foods. Both are enamored of some form of socialism. Piker spouts Engels (Karl Marx’s patron and intellectual partner). “Well, the rules are already designed in a way [that] if you steal from the poor, you become rich; if you steal from the wealthy, you go to prison.” He’s referring to big corporations whom he says engage in rampant wage “theft.” How, they say, do you think Musk, Tim Cook (Apple), and Bezos got rich? Small is good; big is bad.
How far do you go? Spiegelman asks, was the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson justified? Piker says it’s understandable because the private health care system creates universal pain, violence,
and death for the average American. Tolentino references social murder (a concept dreamed up by Friederich Engels as the premature, preventable deaths among the working class). To be sure, they say, many know murder is wrong, but many found the rage of Luigi Mangione understandable.
If you justify theft as a social protest, then where do you stop? Ask Mao and Stalin. It’s an ends-justify-the-means philosophy.
It’s curious that these two Millennials decry capitalism when they both benefit from it. Tolentino has a cush job at The New Yorker and wrote several best-selling books. The New Yorker is a cog in a large multi-billion-dollar media corporation. Piker is a well-known controversial commentator, streamer, and influencer with a large following on YouTube (owned by Google). He comes from an educated, upper-class family. He bought a house in L.A. for $2,700,000. I would label him as a hard-core socialist rabble-rouser. Tolentino and Piker are Neiman Marxists, people who have greatly benefited from the system they despise.
As college educated, intelligent people, they somehow missed out on learning about the traditions of Western philosophy or economics, much less the history of socialism. It appears that they have not sought anything that offers an opposing view to their destructive, failed ideas.
They are intellectuals-lite, or what is called “bien pensants” which is someone who accepts and/or espouses a fashionable idea after it has been established by elites and maintains it without a great amount of critical thought.
The bottom line with these folks is that if it’s a big corporation it’s ok to steal from them because they are inherently corrupt. Ditto billionaires. And, in the Marxist tradition, breaking and stealing stuff is fun.
These people have no idea how the world works. They are children toying with fashionable ideas that history has shown to bring poverty and oppression. Our political and economic system of free market capitalism and a democratic political system founded to protect our individual rights has created the greatest explosion of wealth the world has ever seen. Billions have been lifted out of poverty.
Microlooting isn’t a political statement, it’s stealing and it’s the path to the destruction of social order.
Robert’s Big Questions Works for Me?
by Robert Bernstein
In the early days of the internet our company had a software engineer who managed our internet connection as a side job. When something went wrong, he often had this answer: “Works for me!” How often do you encounter someone with this attitude that if it works for them that is all that matters?
If you are part of what is considered the “normal” group in our society then it may not come up much for you. But, what if you are disabled? A minority? Female? Left-handed? Or trying to get around without a car?
The Nextdoor site has been flooded with comments about the new double roundabouts near Old Town Goleta. Someone will timidly note their experience being terrified by the behavior of other motorists.
They are met with a deluge of people telling them that they love roundabouts. “Works for Me” in action. When these particular roundabouts opened, I happened to have some medical appointments in the Patterson/Hollister area. I tried to walk back to Old Town Goleta. I was met with a sign saying “Pedestrians Must Cross to Other Side.” Not easy on freeway-like Hollister.
After surviving that, I was soon met by an identical sign on the other side. No one setting this up seemed to notice that there was simply no way to get through on either side as a pedestrian. The next day I was back on my bicycle. This was just as bad. The “alternate” path for bicyclists hadn’t even been built when this was opened. I was forced to enter what literally felt like a meat grinder. Where I was forced to compete with vehicles weighing multiple tons that were traveling much faster than I could possibly pedal.
Meanwhile, I had warned the Goleta City Council and their engineers that the “alternate” path was just as terrifying. Involving multiple crossings of multiple road segments. Where it was impossible to tell if a motorist was continuing in the roundabout or was about to cross your path at high speed. They took zero interest in the design when it came to pedestrians or bicyclists. After all, they are in cars, so it works for them.
Quite a contrast with Old Town Goleta. It took over 30 years and at least 50 public meetings to create bicycle lanes and safe pedestrian crossings. Why? Because those in power felt that the current layout “works for me.” This is related to the “normalcy bias” I recently wrote about. It was “normal” to have seven lanes devoted to motor
vehicles and none devoted to bicyclists. And to have no safe pedestrian crossings. It “worked for me” for decades for those in cars.
Can we please think of others when we design our society?
So that “works for me” includes everyone?
Immediately after our hard-won victory there was a deluge of complaints from people who were infuriated that they had to slow down a bit when they were driving. They wanted the City of Goleta to put things back as they were. After all, it was all just fine before, wasn’t it? It worked for them. Never mind that one third of Americans cannot drive.
The same kind of thinking kept prayer in the schools for decades. If you were a Christian you felt this “works for me” and had no idea what the problem was. What finally opened their eyes slightly: when Wiccans, Muslims and other minority groups demanded equal time for their prayers.
The Civil Rights Movement was all about getting white Christians to understand that what “works for me” doesn’t work for millions of other Americans who are neither white nor Christian. For many whites: “Everything was fine when Blacks knew their place.”
And why spend so much money accommodating the disabled? They are just not normal and they should be glad we put up with them. This is a notable case because any of us can enter this minority at any time. As I did after the “works for me” road design in Goleta nearly killed me: I was hit by a car coming home from work one day on my bicycle.
Can we please think of others when we design our society? So that “works for me” includes everyone?
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
SHERIFF’S BLOTTER
Prowler / 200 block Middle Road
Sunday, May 31, at 19:20 hours
Deputies responded to report by residents in the area of a suspect seen entering private property and prowling. Upon arrival, deputies contacted the subject, who fled from deputies into neighboring backyards. When finally confronted, subject resisted arrest, refusing to present his hands after being taken to the ground. Subject was eventually arrested and transported to jail.
Domestic Violence/Theft / 204 Varley Street
Tuesday, June 02, at 10:54 hours
Deputies received a call from Ventura Community Hospital, where a female admitted to the emergency room reported having been strangled by her ex-boyfriend. After speaking with the victim over the phone, authorities determined she would come to the Carpinteria Sheriff’s Office Station for a further interview immediately after discharge from the hospital. Following her discharge, she stopped by her apartment in Summerland to pick up some belongings. The suspect was onsite and pursued her, got in an altercation with victim’s ex-husband/driver, and jumped in the bed of the truck, at which point victim’s ex-husband drove away and called 911. CHP pulled the vehicle over and detained all parties until deputies arrived. After interviewing the victim, it was determined that – over the past three days – the suspect had committed domestic violence, robbery, criminal threats, assault likely to produce great bodily injury, and false imprisonment. Judge Adams granted the victim an EPO (Emergency Protective Order). The suspect was arrested and transported to the Main Jail where he was booked without further incident.
Assault and Battery / 2800 block Padaro Lane
Thursday, June 04, at 21:55 hours
The subject arrived to drop off a necklace at her ex-husband’s residence. The ex-husband had another female companion in his residence. The subject requested to come inside and stay the night. The ex-husband declined the suggestion and subject suspected someone was inside. Subject barged into the residence and chased the other woman outside, then attacked her and sprayed her in the face with household insecticide. Subject was arrested.
Public Masturbation / East Mountain Drive
Friday, June 05, at 18:12 hours
A suspect masturbated in front of a group of women at the Montecito Hot Springs. He then followed them down the Hot Springs Trail while touching himself through his shorts. Unable to locate the subject, case suspended pending further leads.
Domestic Disturbance / Jameson Lane
Saturday, June 06, at 22:45 hours
Deputies responded to a Montecito hotel for a report of possible domestic disturbance. On scene, hotel security advised deputies that two witnesses saw an unknown male forcing himself on a female. The witnesses stated they saw a male pushing and dragging a female near the garden area of the property. When the witnesses approached the subjects, they said the male was undoing his belt on his pants while having the female’s dress pulled up above her waist. When confronted, both subjects climbed over a fence to the rear of the property which led to the train tracks. The witnesses ran to inform security of what happened. Security checked the surrounding area where both subjects were last seen but were unable to locate them. At the time of the investigation, the subjects had not returned to the hotel property and could not be identified. Security later located the female subject’s purse, which provided identification. The female subject did not wish to speak with security or deputies at the time. Follow up will be conducted to speak with suspects and determine if a crime has occurred.
D’ANGELO BREAD
was running one of the largest companies in the world, and he kind of aimed me high and said, ‘You’re going to go to boarding school.’” Feeling lost, the possibly dyslexic kid was, for the first time in his life, determined to please a father figure he loved.
“And I had a guy there at school that really helped me. I was so tangled up with language, but in the course of that time I read Keats and… I just could not believe somebody could write language like that. I didn’t believe somebody could make things that beautiful. It just knocked me on my ass.”
Cinematic Momentum
Last Light in Paradise has the cinematic momentum that got DiCaprio so hot and bothered, and Armour is himself a classic. Per the American literary tradition, Michael Armour figures he’s toiled at a couple dozen blue collar gigs in his time – that unvarnished working life long held to be the esteemed wellspring of a writer’s source material; dialogue,
plot, the venal and secretive motivations that turn otherwise beige humans into liars and beasts and – on certain alchemical occasions – bus-riding angels.
Armour’s access to the American vernacular has been unbridled and various. He’s a celebrated painter, an equestrian, a children’s book author. He’s been an adman with two of the country’s preeminent agencies, a carpenter building and repairing units for the indigenous population of Nome, Alaksa. His travels in the Last Frontier even featured the threat of gunplay. “A guy I knew was out of the clink and he was gunning for me,” Armour says. “He was a bad, bad, bad man and I wasn’t going to hang around, so I got out of there. I wound up in the advertising thing, but I was pretty sure I was going to get shot.”
The novel could be the penultimate symbol of Armour’s tenacity, his relationship with the work not unlike Ahab’s to the whale; without the monomaniacal cerulean hatred and peg leg, of course. When DiCaprio and Warners went south, the book began its second
Curator’s Choice
This vivid orange butterfly is Anaea andria (formerly Paphia troglodyta). The image is mostly a real butterfly, preserved by a unique type of print: the lepidochrome. They are made by pressing a prepared specimen of a butterfly or moth onto printing paper treated with a thin coat of gum arabic adhesive. The body of the butterfly is a hand-colored engraving. This lepidochrome appears in Sherman Foote Denton’s 1900 book Moths and Butterflies of the United States, one volume of which is currently on display in the Library at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Because one specimen makes just one lepidochrome, Denton had to prepare over 50,000 moths and butterflies to complete just 500 copies of his three-volume book. Come take a look at the evidence of Denton’s remarkable fixation in person at the Library, where it complements The Collectors: A Life in Lepidoptera in Maximus Gallery and Butterflies Alive! in the Sprague Butterfly Pavilion. One volume is currently on display in the Library, a gift from Camzu Clarke in memory of her father.
iteration as an omnipresent millstone of doubt. This went on for some time. Then something happened.
Armour gave the book to his friend Brett Matthews, who in turn gave it to his friend Gwyn Lurie. Gwyn, coincidentally, is our Executive Editor and CEO. She was so taken with Armour’s novel she offered to publish it through the offices of the MJ. Lurie turned out to be an excellent recipient of Armour’s manuscript for another reason: Lurie is herself a veteran of more than 20 years riding the Hollywood roller coaster.
Lurie’s script for the movie The Music Never Stopped, based on an Oliver Sacks story, and which eventually starred Oscar winner J.K. Simmons and opened Sundance, languished for more than a decade while it bounced around various movie studios and the bedside tables of innumerable ADHD stars, starlets, and directors. Lurie knew better than most that languishing is almost integral to the progression of an intellectual property into a film you can actually stream.
“That’s why we serialized Last Light in the Journal,” says Lurie. “Hopscotching around the Hollywood system says nothing about the potential merits of an intellectual property. Development Hell is more like a rite of passage. As they say, ‘The best wine comes from the most tortured vines.’”
That book – Last Light in Paradise – will be the keynote at Tecolote on Saturday at 3 pm, when the author signs and happily discusses his life’s work – and maybe those benevolent forces whose faith in Armour himself bore the book aloft. Some of this early change agency seemed to originate with his stepfather. Fair statement?
The painting by Armour that graces the cover of Last Light in Paradise
“Oh, absolutely! For all three of us, for my two brothers and me and my sister, who’s an actress. He was a guy that we just kind of fell in love with. He actually was a pro-hockey player for a while and then he was wiped out in the war…” Armour reconnoiters.
“It was just… I saw a bigger world. Just like when I went to Worcester to this little boarding school out in the country. I saw the world.” Armour is becoming animated, preparing to lift the veil. Why does he write, exactly?
“Those characters that are in Last Light, I know them, and other people know them. They know that person’s incredibly funny, but there is also incredible pathos there, and incredible sweetness, and ugliness.” Armour stares into the middle of my tumbledown office. “All those are real people,” he says, as if to himself. “And I love people.”
Visit https://tinyurl.com/MJ-Last-Light-CH1 to read the first chapter of Last Light in Paradise
What: Last Light in Paradise book signing with author Michael Armour Where: Tecolote Book Shop, 1470 E Valley Rd. When: Saturday June 20, 3-4 pm
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
The stunningly orange Anaea andria
was good enough. What I had built was good enough.”
Guests lingered afterward for signed books, photographs, and the sort of thoughtful conversations that seem to flourish at Godmothers.
Jamie and Natalie both built extraordinary businesses, but on this evening their most powerful message was surprisingly simple: being enough and believing you are worthy may be the greatest freedom of all.
Looking around the room, one sensed that many had come searching for precisely that.
by Lisa Duncan
Velvet Nights
By day, Producer Liz Cole helps bring the hit television series Tracker to life. By night, she slips behind the microphone and into a world of jazz, storytelling, and song.
The glamorous Los Angeles vocalist arrived in our Eden by the Sea last Saturday for a one-night-only appearance at The Grand on State, joined by her partner,
acclaimed drummer Aaron Serfaty, celebrated pianist Otmaro Ruíz, and Santa Barbara bass virtuoso David Piltch
“This room feels so different! Fresh faces, a fresh audience – that’s always exciting.” Cole shared before taking the stage.
Serfaty and Ruíz, both Venezuelan-born musicians and longtime faculty members at USC’s Thornton School of Music, have shared stages, friendships, and musical adventures for more than two decades. Their chemistry was unmistakable.
Meanwhile, our tony town is fortunate to call David Piltch its own. The internationally acclaimed bassist has performed with Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, and Randy Newman – a musical résumé that reads like a Who’s Who of contemporary music.
Of course, every good secret needs a proper hiding place.
Tucked discreetly beside the Granada Theatre in the heart of the Theater District, The Grand on State already feels like the sort of place insiders hesitate to mention for fear it may soon be impossible to get a table.
The intimate club is the vision of Brian Mann and Jenna Berg, who have created Santa Barbara’s long-missing late-night jazz destination.
For Liz, it was love at first sight.
“The feeling when you walk inside –the jewel colors, the atmosphere – it’s such a gem!” she said.
Wrapped in rich velvet curtains, velvet banquettes, and candlelight, the room feels worlds away from the high street bustle outside.
As cocktails flowed and the final notes drifted from the Steinway into the evening air, it became clear that something special is happening downtown.
“The sound is beautiful, and the people are lovely!” Cole observed.
After Saturday night, one suspects Liz was right – the sound was indeed beautiful, the people were lovely, and her velvety vocals lingered long after the final note.
by Lisa Duncan
Chasing Silver
At the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, next Sunday’s winners won’t simply take home a trophy.
Their names will be engraved in silver and entered into the Blue Book, joining a tradition that stretches back generations at one of America’s most storied polo clubs.
With the Pacific Coast Circuit IntraCircuit Cup entering its final weekend, the race for a place in polo history continues.
Among the teams gaining momentum is Quite on Z, led by fiery Brazilian patrona Alecia Seidler, one of the few women competing at this level. Seidler has spent more than a decade devoted to the sport and arrived in Santa Barbara determined to contend.
Her team certainly made its intentions clear on Sunday.
Quite on Z delivered one of the tournament’s strongest performances, defeating Meadowbrook Farm 16-8 behind standout play from Hilario Figueras, Santino Magrini, and Marcos Alberdi Their balanced attack and relentless pressure kept Meadowbrook Farm’s talented lineup – Carlos Gracida Jr., Lucas Criado, Vance Miller, and Taggart Mills – on the defensive throughout much of the afternoon.
Despite the result, Meadowbrook Farm remains one of the tournament’s most formidable contenders heading into championship Sunday.
The 12-goal season has long served as the prologue to Santa Barbara’s celebrated high-goal summer, where rising stars, seasoned professionals, and legendary polo families test their mettle beneath the Carpinteria foothills.
Now the focus turns to championship Sunday. By evening’s end, one team will have silver in hand, a place in the Blue Book, and a small piece of club history. Until then, the chase continues.
By Lisa Duncan
Sightings
Oprah Winfrey in a Hawaiian “Blessing of the Hands” ceremony, for a stateof-the-art CT scanner she just donated to Maui Memorial Medical Center… Michael Douglas and Catherine ZetaJones soaking up the glamour of the Monaco Grand Prix before returning to Rome to their brand new penthouse with a Basilica view… Katy Perry on a picnic blanket date with Justin Trudeau in a local park, unwinding after the SoFi Stadium’s World Cup opening festivities
Friday night… Adam Levine lugging a 45-pound kettlebell up a hot L.A. hiking trail Saturday, with the Maroon 5 frontman looking positively pumped…
From Richard and Friends to all of you … Pip! Pip!
Richard sends his thanks for your many cards and good wishes, they are deeply appreciated. He reports that he’s improving every day, though there’s plenty of therapy ahead. Please continue sending your news and updates to his ever-helpful sidekick, Priscilla (805city@gmail.com).
Liz Cole with Dave Piltch reviewing final notes before showtime (photo by Priscilla)
Jenny Alter opening the game on her horse Rayna (photo by Priscilla)
Nacho Figueras autographing mementos for some young fans (photo by Priscilla)
Liz Cole with Aaron Serfaty in a quiet moment before the downbeat (photo by Priscilla)
Lighting up the stage at The Grand (photo by Lisa Duncan)
Scott Westbrook and Arlene Montesano presenting the medal to the winning polo team Quite on Z (photo by Priscilla)
not as famous as some of the speakers in the old days,” Rachow said. Among those were Ray Bradbury, Alex Haley, and James Michener – just in the first year – as well as Charles M. Schulz, who returned year after year. His son, Santa Barbara resident Monte, has owned the festival since shortly after Conrad’s death.
“We try to keep as close to the format founded by the Conrads as possible, because it was what Monte’s dad loved so much,” Rachow said. “To a very large degree, it’s a lot like it was 20 or 40 years ago except we’re not at the Miramar. I mean, our mascot is Snoopy.”
What has changed over the years, particularly recently, is how authors and would-be writers can engage with the SBWC. No longer restricted to the full week as the only option, people can now come as many or few of the six-day conference as they wish, including non-consecutively, or even choose just a single workshop.
New this year is the happy fact that the speakers and panel discussions –which include a poetry panel comprised of seven Santa Barbara Poets Laureate – no longer have an admission charge at all, which never rose above $15 to begin with.
“We wanted to open it up partly because with the internet and so many author events in bookstores around town, there’s a lot of ways you can hear an author speak,” Rachow said. “I don’t know if $15 stopped people from coming, but hopefully now they buy a book they previously may not have following the event.”
However people engage, Rachow hopes they’ll give the conference a try, even if they only want to write, but don’t think they can.
“There’s so many things going on and a lot of really smart, talented people who are putting their heart and soul into helping other writers become better,” she said. “Everybody’s writing sucks until you get it hammered out. I love what happens at the conference and I really want more people to be a part of it.”
Visit www.sbwriters.com
Chaucer’s Choices: The Power of Poetry
The midtown bookshop’s calendar remains crowded even over the summer months, including on Monday, June 22, when Ojai poet Hannah Turner reads from her new book The Clarity of Chaos. Turner began writing something of a memoir while studying in Paris, where she also began her journey of sobriety. Almost four years later, she channels her experiences
the sacred deer roaming Nara Park, considered messengers of the gods.
with addiction and recovery into poetry that is raw, honest, and deeply human. The work has been described as full of breathtaking grace, a chronicle of the turmoil of alcoholism, the desperate nights and fragile days, and the quiet, unyielding strength it takes to build a new life, with each poem is a testament to the resilience, grit, and fierce spirit she discovered along the way.
A poetic journey of healing is also the subject of an evening with Swamini Brahmaprajnananda , a Santa Barbara native who goes by Swamini B., on Tuesday, June 30. I’m
Not My Story is a poetry collection centered on healing, resilience, and the journey back to wholeness that is rooted in lived experience, as the author writes about what it means to face the past without being defined by it. Through poetry, she separates what happened from who she is, reclaiming identity with clarity and dignity. Divided into three sections –Turmoil, Insights, and Freedom – the collection follows a progression from silence toward self-acceptance. The poems bear witness to grief, anger, shame, and trust, while honoring the gradual rebuilding of inner safety.
Tecolote
Takes to ‘Paradise’
Tecolote Books in Montecito’s Upper Village hosts an afternoon with local author Michael C. Armour on June 20 at 3 pm for a discussion of his novel Last Light in Paradise. The Montecito Journal partially serialized the novel in its weekly pages, and is publisher of the book itself.
Visit the following website: https://tecolotebookshop.indiecommerce.com
Planning the trip, however, was far from serene. I spent weeks juggling recommendations from friends, advice from colleagues, endless online searches, and more than a little guesswork. Eventually, exhausted and second-guessing my decisions, I enlisted the help of Audley Travel, whose expertise proved invaluable – and taught me at least one very expensive lesson.
My itinerary seemed straightforward enough: Santa Barbara to San Francisco, then a Japan Airlines flight to Tokyo, arriving on St. Patrick’s Day. I planned two nights in Tokyo to recover from jet lag before heading with Olivia to a traditional onsen. Afterward, we would return briefly to Tokyo, then take the bullet train to Kyoto for a week while Alpha settled into school and apartment hunting. The final leg of the trip would bring me back to Tokyo to spend more time with her. Over two weeks, I stayed in seven hotels and one Airbnb – not exactly restful, but there was much to see.
Lift-off – Delayed!
My United flight from Santa Barbara to San Francisco was delayed by five hours, causing me to miss my Japan Airlines connection booked with miles. Worse, there were no replacement flights that same day. I lost not only my flight, but also a hotel night and a tour in Tokyo. When I called Allianz travel insurance, the sympathetic representative explained that only delays of six hours or more qualified for reimbursement. Mine missed the cut off by less than one hour.
The next day’s available flights ranged from $3,000 to $6,000. Reluctant but cornered, I booked a $3,000 United flight out of LAX – the very airline responsible for the original delay. Waiting several more days wasn’t realistic; Olivia and Alpha were expecting me, hotels were booked, and plans were already in motion. Grimacing, I entered my credit card information and hit “send.”
United later compensated me with 2,500 airline miles – roughly the equiva-
lent of thirty dollars. I was not impressed.
Still, there were moments of grace. The ANA staff at LAX were warm and efficient, and access to the Star Alliance Lounge softened the blow. There, amid a breakfast buffet and noodle bar, a bartender prepared restorative shots of lemon, honey, ginger, turmeric, and black pepper – exactly what I needed while recovering from a lingering cold.
The eleven-hour flight itself was smooth. Arrival in Tokyo, however, was another story. Customs lines twisted endlessly through the terminal as passengers shuffled through forms, fingerprint scans, photographs, and passport checks before finally emerging into the city. At last, I was greeted by Yoshi, my cheerful greeter who led me to my driver into Tokyo.
In many ways, the entire trip felt like a magical mystery tour. I knew surprisingly little about Japan beyond my appreciation for its cuisine, design aesthetic, and their love of American jazz. My planning often felt as bewildering as Tokyo Station itself, whose tangled corridors and cryptic signage resembled what my photographer friend Brent Winebrenner described as “bowls of spaghetti.” I corrected him: “More like spicy ramen.”
Despite the logistical chaos, the journey became one of the most memorable trips of my life. Along the way, I searched for traces of my father’s military service in Occupied Japan after World War II, explored ancient traditions alongside futuristic cityscapes, and deepened connections with people I cherish.
Travel, I’ve learned, is rarely seamless. Flights are delayed, plans unravel, airline meals disappoint, and exhaustion inevitably sets in. Yet my philosophy remains unchanged: if you arrive safely at your destination, the journey is worth the trip. Sitting in airports, I often think about stagecoach travelers rattling across rough terrain or my ancestors enduring dangerous ocean crossings to reach America before continuing westward to California. Compared with those journeys, modern travel inconveniences seem manageable.
And despite all the hassles, disappointments, and unexpected expenses, I still believe travel is worth it.
Kerri Schlottman will be speaking on Monday, June 22, at 7 pm (courtesy photo)
(photo by Brent Winebrenner)
NOTICE TO CONSULTANTS
Proposals due by 2:00 PM, Friday, July 31, 2026 for:
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR LOW WATER CROSSING REPLACEMENT ALTERNATIVES AND DESIGN THROUGH 100% PS&E
County Project No. 862363, Federal-Aid No. NBIL-5951 (548) County Project No. 862364, Federal-Aid No. NBIL-5951 (551) County Project No. 862365, Federal-Aid No. NBIL-5951 (549) County Project No. 862366, Federal-Aid No. NBIL-5951 (550)
General work description: TYPE SECTION REPORTS, PLAN, SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTIMATES, GEOTECHNICAL, HYDRAULIC, ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING SUPPORT, AND ROW SUPPORT
The Notice to Consultants/Proposers, Request for Proposals, and available Supplemental Information are available at no charge at:
The RFP is available at https://pbsystem.planetbids.com/portal/43874/portal -home
For the Federal training program, the number of trainees or apprentices is 0
All RFP questions are due Friday, 07/24/25 by 2:00 PM and must be submitted via PlanetBids. Confirmation of receipt will be provided. RFP questions and answers will be posted on the County PlanetBids website.
A pre-proposal virtual conference will be held on July 09, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Attendance is encouraged but not mandatory. The conference will provide an overview of the project and procurement requirements. The meeting link and access instructions will be made available through PlanetBids at a later date.
The cumulative total pages for the proposal must not exceed 25 pages (minimum 12 font size, single-spaced). Page count limit is exclusive of cover letter, blank pages or tabs, resumes, and required forms (i.e. Attachment A Agreement Cover Sheet, Attachment B Contractor Information Sheet, Resumes, etc.).
Proposals must be submitted electronically through PlanetBids by the deadline above.
This project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the California DIR. Prevailing wages are required on this Proposal. The State DIR Director determines the general prevailing wage rates which can be obtained at the DIR website at https://www.dir.ca.gov/
Federal minimum wage rates for federally funded tasks under this Contract are determined by the United States Secretary of Labor and are available at https://www.wdol.gov/. Copies are also available at the office of the Department of Public Works – Engineering Division, 123 E Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Proposals must be received prior to or on the date due. Proposals received after the due date and time or received at the wrong location are considered nonresponsive and shall be rejected.
PUBLISHED JUNE 18, 2026 – Montecito Journal
LEGAL NOTICE PUBLICATION
If you have a legal notice that needs publishing, we can help! We publish Fictitious Business Name Statements, Court Summons, and Name Change Petitions. Email your submission to legals@montecitojournal.net by 2:00 PM Monday for publication in that week’s issue. For rates or publication requirements, please contact us at the same email address.
PUBLIC NOTICE
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA STATE OF CALIFORNIA
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA (“COUNTY”) intends to enter into a Real Property Acquisition Agreement, (“Agreement”) and accept the Temporary Construction Easement (“TCE”) for the purpose of facilitating the construction of the slip-out repair on Mission Canyon Road MP 1.12 (“PROJECT”) from The Paul I. Wren III and Mary Leland Wren Revocable Trust as community property with right of survivorship, owners of the property located at 1425 Mission Canyon Rd, Santa Barbara, California, also identified as 023330-041 The purchase price for the TCE will be $1,300.
The Agreement and Certificate of Acceptance for the TCE will be executed on behalf of the County by Chris Sneddon, Director of the Public Works Department, pursuant to Santa Barbara County Code Section 12A-11.1. The Agreement and Certificate of Acceptance will be executed at the Office of the Director of the Public Works Department, located at 123 E. Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
Responses to this notice will be accepted at the Office of the Manager of the Transportation Division, at the following address:
Public Works Department
Transportation Division
Attn: Transportation Division Manager 123 E. Anapamu Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101
DATE OF POSTING: THURSDAY June 18 2026, Montecito Journal
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT:
The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MONTECITO MONOGRAM, 1187 Coast Village Road, Montecito, CA 93108. GENERAL WORKSHOP CORP, 1187 COAST VILLAGE RD SUITE 1-151, MONTECITO, CA 93108. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on May 26, 2026. 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. 2026-0001380. Published June 4, 11, 18, 25, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT:
The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GALLERY JOSEPHINE , 133 E. ANAPAMU ST., Santa Barbara, CA 93101. JOSEPHINE DESIGN LLC, 133 E. ANAPAMU ST., Santa Barbara, CA 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on May 20, 2026. 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. 2026-0001344.
Published June 4, 11, 18, 25, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT:
The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ROSE STUDIO , 525 SAN YSIDRO ROAD, SUITE D170, Montecito, CA 93108. KATHERINE ANDERSON, 525 SAN YSIDRO ROAD SUITE D170, Montecito, CA 93108. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on May 19, 2026. 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. 2026-0001326. Published June 4, 11, 18, 25, 2026
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Calendar of Events
by Steven Libowitz
ENDING THIS WEEK
‘Brilliant’ Booking – Ensemble Theatre Company continues its cavalcade of one-person shows with Every Brilliant Thing , the uber-interactive piece that traces the narrator’s lifelong journey in managing his mother’s bouts with depression; a loving project that begins to inform his own mental health determinism. When the child concocts the idea of cheering up his mom by writing down an ever-growing list of “every brilliant thing” in the world that makes life worth living, the scheme expands and evolves and subsumes the unnamed narrator, who uses it to navigate his own life. The play follows the one-woman tour-de-force Janis! and Hershey Felder ’s one-man, largely autobiographical, story of his own journey as an immigrant who turns his pianistic prowess into a career creating solo theatrical pieces embodying famous composers from history. Brilliant Thing star Nicholas Mongiardo-Cooper ’s turn on the New Vic stage – transformed into a pseudo theater-in-the-round for the show – wraps up this weekend as ETC’s 2025-26 season comes to a close.
WHEN: Closes June 21
WHERE: New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St.
COST: $25-$104
INFO: (805) 965-5400 or www.etcsb.org
ENDING
THIS WEEK
Lost in a ‘Masquerade’ – So Cal-based family-run Circus Vargas has brought the big tent back to Earl Warren Showgrounds for an all-new 2026 spectacular called Masquerade, encompassing an awe-inspiring world where mystery, magic, and circus arts come together. From gravity-defying aerial performances and heart-pounding acrobatics to unforgettable moments of wonder and laughter, Circus Vargas is designed as two-hours of nonstop excitement for audiences of all ages. Every act pushes the limits, every performance sparks the imagination, and every moment is designed to leave you amazed, whether it’s performing tricks on a unicycle, riding motorcycles in the “Globe of Death,” twirling dozens of hula hoops simultaneously, or traversing the highwire in tandem. Vargas vies to make every show an unforgettable adventure for the whole family, one that often includes the chance to meet the artists at intermission or after the show.
WHEN: Closes Monday, June 22
WHERE: Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real COST: $25-$90
INFO: (805) 687-0766 or https://earlwarren.com or www.circusvargas.com
THURSDAY,
JUNE 18
A Mars-alis Invasion – Jazz lovers already buoyed by the emergence of the new Grand on State piano jazz lounge (next door to the Granada) have big reasons to celebrate, as two of the brothers Marsalis are headed our way this summer to hold court at the Lobero. First up, tonight the Branford Marsalis Quartet appears in a stop on their Belonging Tour, performing Marsalis’ critically acclaimed full album interpretation of Keith Jarrett’s renowned 1974 ECM album. Jarrett’s ‘74 album Belonging introduced the pianist’s European Quartet, and its namesake is Marsalis’ first new release since 2019 with his longstanding foursome. Pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis, and drummer Justin Faulkner have long been revered for their uncompromising interpretations across a kaleidoscopic range of both original compositions, jazz, and popular classics. Now Belonging has been praised by the New York Times for “a performance that both honors and amplifies” the original recording. The saxist and ensemble employ their symbiotic jazz intuitions to play off each other on stage, whether the material is a cherished chestnut or something new… Next month, Branford’s slightly younger but more famous brother Wynton returns to town for a special concert under the auspices of longtime favorites UCSB Arts & Lectures. The recommendation here: Don’t miss either one.
WHEN: 7:30 pm
WHERE: Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.
COST: $68 & $82 ($135 premium tickets includes preferred seating and a pre-show reception with complimentary drinks and light bites)
INFO: (805) 963-0761 or www.lobero.org
THURSDAY, JUNE 18
Horn-in on Ojai – This past weekend, Ojai’s Libbey Bowl was (once again) the site for the bulk of the highly heralded Ojai Festival, one of the most celebrated events on the central coast classical musical calendar every year. Now, the historic tree-lined amphitheater resumes its summertime role as the venue for an enviable pop music series with Bruce Hornsby, the veteran singer-songwriter-keyboardist most famous for his four-decade old (yet still timely) No. 1 hit “The Way It Is.” The concert will feature material from throughout Hornsby’s storied career, which includes stints with the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, Bonnie Raitt, Chaka Khan, Elton John, Phil Collins, Robbie Robertson, Stevie Nicks, Sting, and dozens more, as well as a decades-long collaboration scoring and writing songs for Spike Lee movies. Also expect selections from Hornsby’s just-released album Indigo Park. Upcoming Libbey highlights include a Dawes & Friends tribute to Jerry Garcia (June 26), Modest Mouse (August 4), Gypsy Kings (August 12), Ani DiFranco (August 14) and Cat Power (August 18).
WHEN: 7 pm
WHERE: Libbey Bowl, 210 S. Signal St., Ojai
COST: $64.70-$139.80
INFO: (805) 272-3881 or https://libbeybowl.org
O’Jays Over the Pass – The 1970s R&B and soul group The O’Jays bring their “Love Train” (1972) to the Chumash Casino Resort’s Samala Showroom to “Give the People What They Want” (1975), which would be a night full of hits and other soul classics from the 20-year members of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Founding members Eddie Levert and Walter Williams – who performed gospel music as younger teens before co-founding the O’Jays in the late 1950s – are still featured in the legendary Philadelphia soul vocal group and are joined by 30-year member Eric Nolan Grant . Smooth vocals, funk-influenced rhythms and socially conscious lyrics helped lead the group to achieve 10 Gold albums, nine Platinum albums and 10 No. 1 hits, including “Back Stabbers” in 1972. Get on board at the casino tonight.
WHEN: 8 pm
WHERE: Chumash Casino, 3400 E. Hwy. 246, Santa Ynez
COST: $70-$125
INFO: (800) CHUMASH (248-6274) or www.chumashcasino.com
FRIDAY, JUNE 19
Juneteenth with Jon Boogz – MCASB (Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara) presents the second annual event with the dancer/choreographer collaborator. Expect an evening of film, movement, and community reflection in honor of the holiday commemorating the official end of slavery on June 19, 1865. Dedicated to supporting and amplifying the work of visionary Black artists through performance and visual storytelling, the event honors Juneteenth not only as a historical milestone but as a living, evolving expression of Black creativity and resilience. The Emmy-winning choreographer, movement artist/actor, writer, and director will be joined by mental health specialist Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble (Dr. Alfiee), who blends science, heart and cultural insight to change how we talk about emotional well-being, and Mohsin Mohi Ud Din , a multidisciplinary artist, community builder, and founder of the global storytelling nonprofit MeWe International. A reception on the arts terrace follows the formal event.
WHEN: 6 pm
WHERE: Center Stage Theater, 751 Paseo Nuevo, second floor
COST: $35
INFO: (805) 963-0408 or https://centerstagetheater.org
Andy at the Arlington – Toy Story 5 officially opens tonight, and since Taylor Swift – who contributed a new song to the soundtrack – isn’t available, the city’s largest indoor venue/movie house is marking the milestone with Andy’s
VIP Backyard Bash. Admission to the family-friendly (duh!) event includes a goodie bag, participation in a trivia concert based on the animated film franchise and other Pixar flicks, kid-focused activities, and access to purchasing specialty drinks. All ages are welcome. We doubt Tom Hanks – or even John Morris, who has voiced Andy for all five Toy Story movies – will be there other than onscreen, and admission to see the movie isn’t included. Mr. Potato Head would not like that.
WHEN: 3 pm
WHERE: Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St.
COST: $20
INFO: (805) 963-9589 or www.arlingtontheatresb.com/upcoming-events
SATURDAY, JUNE 20
Old Santa Ynez Days – It’s a weekend of small town fun in the valley less than 45 minutes from our downtown, as Santa Ynez hosts its annual street faire, grande parade, and rodeo in its bucolic and historic downtown environs. Western culture and tradition are celebrated with a street faire and parade in the spirit of the Old West that once ruled the area. Rise and shine early on Saturday morning for the Grande Parade that gets going on Sagunto Street at 10 am, where visitors can feast their eyes on horses, wagons, and floats as the grand procession marches by. After the parade, stick around to peruse not only the fabulous local boutiques but also the artisanal vendors displaying their wares for the day. Hours of family fun await at the newly expanded Kid’s Corral with face painters, pony rides, games, a bouncy house, pie contest, and even a farm animal petting zoo. The truck area has also been expanded to include tractors, tow trucks and even a few cool specialty law enforcement vehicles, plus free carriage rides around downtown. The Old Santa Ynez Days Rodeo, which takes place both on Saturday at the conclusion of the faire and again Sunday afternoon, brings together top competitors, local families, and visitors for an authentic professional rodeo experience that includes everything from professional bull riding and barrel racing to mutton bustin’ for the kids. Local food and vendors, whose offerings include beer and wine, complete the fun. Held in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley on the Chumash San Carlos Property, this long-treasured regional event dates to 1962 and is the real deal.
WHEN: Faire and Parade from 9 am-2 pm Saturday; Rodeo 5 pm Saturday, 3 pm Sunday
WHERE: Faire on Sagunto Street, Rodeo at the corner of Meadowvale and Rt. 246
COST: Faire is free; Rodeo $26-$39
INFO: https://oldsantaynezdays.com
NOTE TO READERS
This entertainment calendar is a subjective sampling of arts and entertainment events taking place in the Santa Barbara area for the next seven days or so. It is by no means comprehensive. Please also see my feature stories elsewhere in this issue for more events. In order to be considered for inclusion in this calendar, please submit information – including hi-res photos –by 12 noon Wednesday eight days prior to publication date. Email: slibowitz@yahoo.com.
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING (805) 565-1860
Your Trusted Choice for Estate Sales, Liquidation & Downsizing
Moving Miss Daisy’s providing comprehensive services through Moving Miss Daisy since 2015. Expert packing, unpacking, relocating to ensure your new home is beautifully set up and ready to enjoy. Miss Daisy’s is the largest consignment store in the Tri-Counties – nearly 20K sq.ft.- always offering an unmatched selection of items. We also host online Auctions.
Recognized as the area’s Premier Estate Liquidators - Experts in the Santa Barbara Market! We are Skilled Professionals with Years of Experience in Downsizing and Estate Sales. Personalized service. Insured. Call for a complimentary consultation. Elaine (805)708-6113 Christa (805)450-8382 Email: theclearinghouseSB@cox.net Website: www.theclearinghouseSB.com
The Clearing House is hosting a sale at Il Dolce Nido.
There are extraordinary offerings at this expansive estate. Contemporary furnishings from Habitat Home as well as Duxiana Beds, Uplift Standing Desks, Samsung High-end appliances, and even a Roland Drum Kit. Come shop the Closets! Extensive collection of clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women, and boys – Gucci, Zara, Zoltig & Voltaire, Alice and Olivia, Moschino, AG, Nike, Superdry, Seven, and so many more.
Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and 21 from 9am – 3pm 1100 E. Mountain Drive
Attendants will direct parking. Don’t miss it!
TRESOR
We Buy, Sell and Broker
Important Estate Jewelry. Located in the upper village of Montecito. Graduate Gemologists with 30 years of experience. We do free evaluations and private consultation. 1470 East Valley Rd Suite V. 805-969-0888
PHYSICAL TRAINING & THERAPY
Stillwell Fitness of Santa Barbara In Home Personal Training Sessions for 65+ Help with: Strength, Flexibility, Balance Motivation, and Consistency
John Stillwell, CPT, Specialist in Senior Fitness 805-705-2014 StillwellFitness.com
GOT OSTEOPOROSIS? WE CAN HELP
At OsteoStrong our proven non-drug protocol takes just ten minutes once a week to improve your bone density and aid in more energy, strength, balance and agility. Please call for a complimentary session! Call Now (805) 453-6086
ELECTRICIAN
Montecito Electric Repairs and Inspections
Licensed C10485353 805-969-1575
and
Landscape hedges installed. Ficus to flowering. Disease resistant. Great privacy.
Certified rootstock roses and fruit trees. Professional pest control installation. State Lic. QAC79160 & insured. Call (805) 963-6909
PET/ HOUSE SITTING
Do you need to get away for a weekend, week or more? I will house sit and take care of your pets, plants & mail. I have refs if needed. Call me or text me.
Christine (805) 452-2385
Openings now available for Children & Adults. Piano Lessons in our Studio or your Home. Call or Text Kary Kramer (805) 453-3481
Foothill Property Management We care for your rentals. FoothillPM.com 805-698-4769
Two sites available at the Santa Barbara Cemetery which together can accommodate either one casket & one urn OR two urns. Central: Block D, Number 31 Valued at
$12 MINIMUM TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD
It’s simple. Charge is $0.04 per character, each line with 31 characters. Minimum is $12 per issue. Photo/logo/visual is an additional $20 per issue. Email Classified Ad to classifieds@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)
SEEKING GUEST HOUSE /
Responsible, discreet, organized, and highly referenced with excellent local references. Monica - 805-689-8078
Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary Menagerie 2430 Lillie Avenue Summerland, CA 93067 (805) 969-1944
Donate to the Parrot Pantry! At SB Bird Sanctuary, backyard farmer’s bounty is our birds’ best bowl of food! The flock goes bananas for your apples, oranges & other homegrown fruits & veggies. Volunteers Do you have a special talent or skill? Do you need community service hours? The flock at SB Bird Sanctuary could always use some extra love and socialization. Call us and let’s talk about how you can help. (805) 969-1944 VOLUNTEERS
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
