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“WORLD’S MOST ROMANTIC HOTEL” Boutique Hotel Awards 2024

Tucked away in the foothills of Santa Barbara, San Ysidro Ranch offers thirty-eight ultra-private cottages with individual soaking spas, cottage-side parking, and outdoor showers.

Guests enjoy complimentary dining at the Michelin-recognized Stonehouse, a fourteen-year Wine Spectator Grand Award winner, and immerse themselves in a storied legacy graced by icons like JFK, Jackie O. and Winston Churchill.

SAN YSIDRO RANCH A TY WARNER PROPERTY (805) 465-2196

Design Studio

1235 COAST VILLAGE ROAD I 805.969.0442 I MONTECITO, CA 93108

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Represented by GARY GOLDBERG | COASTAL PROPERTIES (805) 455-8910 | gary@coastalrealty.com | www.garygoldberg.net | DRE #01172139

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R E P RE SENTI NG EXC EP TIONAL ES TAT E S A Selection of Our Exclusive Listings in Santa Barbara & Montecito

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©2025 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for your listing. Equal Housing Opportunity.

THE FINEST MONTECITO & SANTA BARBARA HOMES

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Along the pristine shores of Sand Point, this timeless Cape Cod–style estate

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Embraced by Montecito’s rolling foothills and the endless expanse of the Pacific, this timeless Mediterranean residence blends refined craftsmanship, serene ocean-view living, and the effortless harmony of nature and design.

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FROM COASTAL CONDOS TO GRAND ESTATES — EXPERTISE AT EVERY LEVEL. #1 BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES CALIFORNIA PROPERTIES AGENT LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY*

©2025 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information. *Awards based on 2023 production of approximately 50,000 sales associates in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Global Network

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JOURNAL

ontecito Volume 18 Issue 4 WINTER | 2025

CEO Gwyn Lurie gwyn@montecitojournal.net

President & COO Tim Buckley tim@montecitojournal.net

Editor Les Firestein les@montecitojournal.net Managing Editor Zachary Bernstein zbernstein@montecitojournal.net Art Director Trent Watanabe trent@montecitojournal.net Staff Writer Jeff Wing jeff@montecitojournal.net Copy Editor Lily Buckley Harbin Graphic Design/Layout Assistant Stevie Acuña VP Sales & Marketing Leanne R. Wood leanne@montecitojournal.net | (805) 284-7177 Account Managers Tanis Nelson: tanis@montecitojournal.net Susan Brooks: sue@montecitojournal.net Elizabeth Scott: elizabeth@montecitojournal.net Joe DeMello: joe@montecitojournal.net Jessica Sutherland: J.Sutherland@montecitojournal.net Photography Kim Reierson Contributors Hattie Beresford, Heidi Clements, Jonathan Cristaldi, Steven Libowitz, Tiana Molony, Thomas Reynolds, Zach Rosen

Montecito JOURNAL

is published by Montecito Journal Media Group, LLC. 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite G, Santa Barbara, CA 93108 For distribution, advertising, or other inquiries: (805) 565-1860 www.montecitojournal.net

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Acquiring a new home is more than a transaction — it is the start of a new season in life, an opportunity to craft new dreams and visions for the future.

With 25 years of local experience in 93108, Lisa has had the privilege of navigating countless clients through their homeownership adventures. By blending luxury with lifestyle, each interaction is enriched by the exceptional service of our Forever Concierge, defined by unwavering commitment and meticulous attention to detail.

Our most recent project at 1301 Plaza de Sonadores I 93108, offers Buyers an unsurpassed opportunity! This masterpiece of design and craftsmanship showcases the Sellers’ unwavering commitment to excellence, creating the perfect environment for a life dedicated to elegance, refinement, and timeless quality.

IT ’ S ALL IN THE DETAILS!

LISA FOLEY • REALTOR® • Luxury Specialist • 805.252.2271 • Lisa@LFLH.com • lisafoleyluxuryhomes.com • DRE 01995513 © 2025 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property.

Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information. If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for your listing. Equal Housing Opportunity.

MONTECITO & SANTA BARBARA

CONTEMPORARY NEOCLASSICAL LUXURY WITH SWEEPING OCEAN AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS 1140 East Mountain Drive, Montecito, CA 93108 | Offered at $21,995,000

GOLDEN QUADRANGLE: TIMELESS MONTECITO LIVING WITH STUNNING VIEWS 796 Hot Springs Road, Montecito, CA 93108 | Offered at $8,995,000

DON JOHNSTON Luxury Real Estate Advisor

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EFFORTLESS COASTAL LIVING: MOMENTS FROM BUTTERFLY BEACH AND COAST VILLAGE ROAD 1114 Hill Road Montecito, CA 93108 | Offered at $6,495,000

TURNKEY ELEGANCE AT ESTANCIA: PRISTINE CONDO IN THE HEART OF SANTA BARBARA 3726 State Street 203, Santa Barbara CA 93105 | Offered at $1,599,000

Breathtaking Views. Effortless Living. Luxury Redefined. © 2025 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. All offerings are subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice. Equal Housing Opportunity.

1022 Garcia Road

Nestled above the city in a private setting, this Riviera home offers a seamless blend of panoramic beauty, sophisticated design, and forward-thinking sustainability. Experience the very best of coastal California living in an energy-efficient sanctuary that celebrates nature, innovation, and tranquility.

This elevated residence redefines modern comfort. With sweeping vistas, eco-conscious systems, and timeless architecture, 1022 Garcia Road invites you to live in perfect harmony with your surroundings. It's not just a place to live — it's a place to thrive.

TI M WA LS H 805-259-8808 | Tim@TimWalshMontecito.com | DRE 00914713

3581 Padaro Lane

Stunning renovated classic Padaro Lane beach house on approx. 51 feet of beachfront. Spectacular Harbor, Islands & Sunset views. This 4 Bedroom beach house offers an open floor plan with a enclosed glass windbreak terrace at beachside and private gated walk-up courtyard and entry deck. Large oceanside terrace with more than enough room for family and friends and your private steps to the sand, Serena Cove and Loon Point. In 1993, Los Angeles Architect, Edward W. Engs renovated and expanded the original Port Hueneme cottage including a striking 2-story Primary suite addition with ocean and mountain views. The home was published in California Beach Houses, Chronicle Books, 1996.

All information provided is deemed reliable, but has not been verified and we do not guarantee it. We recommend that buyers make their own inquiries.

Meticulously designed for the most discerning guest.

DISCOVER SOLVANG’S JEWEL BOX BOUTIQUE HOTEL. At The Winston, we’ve diligently designed every aspect of our space to enchant at every turn. The end result is a hotel unlike any other—one in which no two guest rooms are adorned with the same décor and no two stays deliver the same experience.

From the selection of books in our library to the selection of throw pillows on your bed, no element of the design at The Winston has been left to chance. thewinstonsolvang.com

Contents

92.Waiting on You

If you’re a regular at Lucky’s Steakhouse (and why wouldn’t you be?), then you probably know Ringo Koutoulas, longtime Lucky’s server, former Montecito skater kid, and one of the local personalities that makes Montecito go round.

52.Belle Hahn has Updated Her Story

Photo by Troy Blendell

According to social media, Belle Hahn has more fun in a single evening than our editor has in a single year.

Seemingly torn from the pages of The Great Gatsby, Belle, aka “Lady Ga-La,” defies the “sleepy Montecito” cliché.

But behind her rip-roaring lifestyle, Hahn is so much more than a Daisy Buchanan redux.

98.

Leader of the Plaque

How do we show our loved ones we truly care?

We give gifts, back rubs, or share our ice cream cones. Santa Barbara Beautiful offers something novel and leafy: a local civic tree dedicated in their honor.

102.Bellosguardo is Open for Business Formerly a furtive palace hidden from the Montecito public’s roving eye, Bellosguardo is now open to visitors. Tour docent Thomas Reynolds (of his namesake gallery) discusses the history behind the fabled mansion’s former occupants, in particular their rad vintage cars.

Photo by Kim Reierson

112.The Porsche Whisperer

The German Meister (Master) guild system dates to the Middle Ages and has produced incomparable excellence in tradecraft for more than 800 years. Seventy-seven years ago the iconic Porsche came into being, obliging a new mastery.

Paula and Henry Hinck bring this deep European mastery to Santa Barbara to bear on your highly-engineered buggy.

72.Kim Possible

She’s a rebel, an adventurer, and just so happens to be our star photographer! For years, Kim Reierson has been instrumental to our magazine’s visual appeal. Now we finally get to tell her story—which is probably best we didn’t know when we hired her.

84.A Touch of Jodi

If you catch a cool breeze while lounging with a chicken parm from Tina’s, you have Jodi Goldberg to thank. Through personal trials and professional triumphs, the interior designer and landscape artist makes her mark in Carpinteria as the designer of vibe-boosting Linden Square.

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Photo by Troy Blendell

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EMILY KELLENBERGER & ASSOCIATES HOLLISTER RANCH – STUNNING MAIN HOUSE ESTATE SITE

WWW.EKAESTATES.COM | DRE 01397913

Contents 124.

Musical Heirs

In her Way It Was series, local historian Hattie Beresford shares the story of the origins of Miraflores, better known today as the Music Academy of the West. It involves high society scandal, a mysterious fire, and nationally famous gardens—typical Santa Barbara intrigue!

142.All Grapes and Forms

From Kings Carey to Liquid Farm, James Sparks is shaping the next phase of Santa Barbara County’s wine production greatness. He also makes a mean sourdough. Not bad for an ex-Mormon from Idaho.

152.Hot to Trot

If you like horses and building new developments, you and Chuck Lande have a couple things in common. The former polo player and current homebuilder explains his unusual Venn diagram of interests.

160.AonTestimony Abalone Photo by Erick Madrid

Abalone. What on earth is this thing? Integral to the planet’s oceanic health, this quicksilver gem of the sea is endangered, embattled, witheringly susceptible to climate change, and delicious.

The Cultured Abalone Farm here in Santa Barbara is dedicated to the abalone’s resurgence, and just incidentally is a marvel to behold.

172.Something for Everyone

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and we’re here to help you find the gifts to make it a season to remember. Jewelry, clothes, art, and more can all be found in our pages and much of what you see fits comfortably underneath a Christmas tree.

182.

New Year, New You

Here it comes: 2026. You’ve told yourself you’d try new things, treat yourself better, and take on that new challenge. Here, we take you one step further towards your journey to self-actualization.

204.Real Estates

The cozy cottage? The fixer-upper? You won’t find anything like that here. Come and take a journey through the Montecito Journal home listings and let your imagination run wild. After all, ‘tis the season for a new slice of heaven.

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Contributors

Rolling into the ‘social season,’ we asked our contributors to share some of their most memorable holiday events.

Hattie Beresford writes

“The Way It Was” column for the Montecito Journal: “Back in the 1980s, we spent Christmas in Oaxaca for the Radish Festival, continuing on to Puerto Escondido for New Year’s without reservations. All the inns were booked, but we eventually found a room for all five of us with three beds, a seatless toilet, and roaming lizards. We were young; we had a blast!”

written for the Montecito Journal weekly since it was a monthly, and other publications: “I ate a bad tuna salad sandwich on Day 1 of the 1994 U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships, threw up all night, spent the next day in the ER, then rode home with the window down in a car driven by my soon-to-be-ex-girlfriend. Not fun, but memorable.”

Tiana Molony is a

Heidi Clements is a

writer and social media creator who uses fashion and storytelling to challenge the norm on aging: “When I lived in NYC, I had an apartment in the Upper West Side on the same street where they blew up the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade floats. Residents got to walk among them. We always turned that into a cocktail party and skipped the very crowded parade. It always felt very special.”

Jonathan Cristaldi is

The Most Interesting Wine Critic in the World™: “I once hosted a “Christmas in July” cabaret-style show as my alter-ego, the failed Broadway actor Jonny Cigar.

Billed as a live radio show that aired nowhere, it debuted in July of 2005 in downtown NYC. Audience members left with gifts (overdue NYC parking tickets).”

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Steven Libowitz has

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freelance journalist who has written for the Los Angeles Times, Business Insider, Backpacker Magazine, and more: “Growing up, my family hosted Christmas parties at the ‘Big House’ on Dos Pueblos Ranch—a 100-year-old mansion that was probably, definitely, haunted. Every year, we’d decorate it with festive decor and a big tree. It’s hard to pick a favorite; all those gatherings blend together in my memory.”

Thomas Reynolds is an

editor/publisher/lawyer/ gallerist who leads tours of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and the Bellosguardo estate: “It was a pleasure showing people the lavish interiors of Bellosguardo last year during the holidays when the creative minds at Field + Fort in Summerland decorated the public rooms. They were beautiful and elegant, like the house itself. And F+F is coming back this year.”

2025

BOUNDLESS LIVING

ARCHITECTURE LANDSCAPE INTERIORS

BBIRD.COM

Editor’s Letter THE SOCIAL SEASON

T

his was an enjoyable tome to put together. One of the fun things about journalism is you always go in with a preconceived notion of what you think the story is, but then the real story almost always reveals itself to be both different and, typically, better.

This is very much the case with our cover story (and cover model) Belle Hahn. I went in thinking I’d be writing about a modern day socialite who had time travelled to Montecito from The Great Gatsby… but let’s just say there turns out to be a lot more to Belle than philanthropy, support for the arts, costume changes, and social media posts. Not that that’s not enough.

Sidebar: how did socialites get such a bad rap? Did you know “socialites” founded the Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Opera? They were also foundational to the Women’s Suffrage movement. Note to self: in my next life I’d like to be a socialite.

But back to Belle: it takes a very strong person to be as vulnerable as she was for this piece and I can tell you without spoiling anything that Belle is a much more compelling figure than F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Daisy Buchanan.

You’ll see that hopefully from my words, but you’ll also get that from my favorite photographer Kim Reierson’s many, many images she’s snapped of Belle over the last dozen or so years. And as you’ll see in the article about Kim, Reierson is also a daring soul, even a daredevil of

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sorts—which is kind of what one needs to be to keep up with the Family Hahn. And, Belle, having a personal photographer and videographer is pretty much peak Montecito, so congrats on that.

Belle is a huge booster of Bellosguardo and at one point seemed like she was going to be a Santa Barbara heiress more like the isolated Huguette Clark than the extravagant Mme. Ganna Walska (of Lotusland).

Fortunately Belle went the other way, but enjoy Thomas Reynolds’ piece about the Clark estate and some of the amazing vehicles that garaged there.

Of course not everyone featured in this issue cavorts with the aristocracy. But still, Ringo Koutoulas is a recognizable face because he’s been your waiter at Lucky’s for 25 years. And Ringo—and Lucky’s—are two more elements that make this such a special place.

Lucky’s “To Go” bar was one of the highlights of Covid. I miss parklets.

That being said, have an enjoyable read and a safe, terrific holiday season. Giving Tuesday is December 2.

Don’t forget to tip your waiter!

Les Firestein Editor

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About the Cover ontecito WINTER 2025

Photographer Kim Reierson on Belle Hahn:

“T

he challenge with Belle is she’s SO creative and SO comfortable in front of the camera. Add to that she’s SUCH a gamer and SO UP FOR ANYTHING that really the sky’s the limit.”

Cover photo styled by Heather Saarloos

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“So Belle might call you at the last minute, ‘I was thinking that this shot really needs a Concorde flying in the background… and I actually have one that’s supposed to be here in a few minutes. But it also needs acrobats and two of my acrobats are sick.’ So then she’ll say, ‘Screw it, let’s just shoot in the back of this old Ford with a couple of peacocks.’”

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© 2025 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. All offerings are subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice. Equal Housing Opportunity. Featured Agent: Crysta Metzger DRE: 01340521

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THE REINCARNATIONS OF

GANNA WALSKA AND BELLE HAHN

Belle Époque Belle Hahn

[bel ey-pawk], /bɛl•eɩ'pɔk /

10m ago

Belle Hahn has updated her story.

“the beautiful era,” was a period from 1871 to 1914, characterized by optimism, peace, prosperity, and enormous growth in technology. Belle Époque is also noted for its many cultural achievements such as the Eiffel Tower and Paris Métro, and a flourishing of the arts with new aesthetic movements like Art Nouveau and Impressionism.

8m ago

Les Firestein

Story by me.

W

2m ago

hen you first move up to Montecito you notice certain idiosyncrasies and peculiarities. Montecito is of course the home of the $60 chicken entrée. There are backyard concerts with real rock stars performing for an audience of 10. And eventually you realize there’s this one Montecitan who is seemingly everywhere, in one Met Gala-ble costume after the next, someone who seems to navigate more social events in a single evening than is humanly possible. Her social media ubiquity ignited in me the burning question…

Kim Reierson

Photography by me.

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FOMO Fabulous:

Who the F is Belle Hahn and How is She… Everywhere?

F

or a while it seemed like images of Belle Hahn were coming across my feed three times a day. She and her coterie always looked like they were having more fun on a school night than I had my whole year. I didn’t know what most of these charitable events were where one could find Belle in her natural operatic regalia, doing yoga poses on top of a banquet table or whatever. All I knew was all the events looked fantastic, Belle always looked fabulous, and so alive. And I was not invited.

It’s weird I didn’t meet Belle until just two years ago because we grew up less than a mile from each other and yet, I guess, worlds apart. I mean, I frequented her dad’s art gallery, and we ate at the same Three Guys Diner on Madison Avenue. Yet somehow the comet that is Belle Hahn never entered my orbit. Nor did I ever get past the velvet ropes, literal, figurative, and internal, which would have placed me in hers.

Lady Ga-La

“C

an someone please explain Belle Hahn to me?” I’d sometimes ask a random Montecitan after cruising through an image hyperlink. People would murmur something about “Hahn Hall” at the Music Academy and her dad being a luminary in the art world and in Montecito and in philanthropy. But that didn’t explain Belle’s couture and millinery, her boundless reserves of energy, or her preternatural comfort in front of the camera. Any camera. Belle must be one of the most photogenic people alive (as evidenced in the following pages). She loves the camera and the camera loves her. In fact, they seem to have an equal gravitational pull towards each other.

Finally, in 2023 for a story we did in our sister publication, The Riv, about Barbie (the doll) and Barbie’s influence on coastal home design, Belle agreed to do some modeling for us through (and for) our mutual friend photographer Kim Reierson (see Kim’s story, “Invisible With Intention,” pg. 72).

This was my first experience spending any time with Belle and I was just so impressed by her warmth, humor, candor, and absence of malice. I knew there was a story there. I just didn’t know what it was yet.

So for a while the Belle Hahn story was just another ball bearing rolling around in the bucket that is my brain. At first all I had was theme music. As Belle spoke, I kept hearing the Natasha Bedingfield song “Unwritten” on a continuous loop inside my head: “Live your life with arms wide open, today is where your book begins, the rest is still unwritten.”

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Dress designed by Nathaniel Grey

#BelleHahn

Belle Époque

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don’t remember exactly where I was when I had the epiphany (Belle might call it a vision) that Belle Hahn is the reincarnation of Daisy from The Great Gatsby.

Not an exact copy, but I hatched this theory that Belle is a modern day socialite (a term that seems to have been retired) who somehow time traveled from the Gilded Age to our current Wilted Age. So I called Belle with the news.

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“Belle,” I said. “I might’ve cracked your story. But first let me tell you my Theory of Belle. My theory is you’re an unabashed bon vivant from a Fitzgerald novel who timewarped into the present.”

“Well, I’m certainly unabashed,” said Belle. “You’ve got that right.” Turns out she was game, as Belle Hahn almost always is. So I was in luck and so are you.

2025

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#BelleHahn

Before Socialists Became Vogue There Were Socialites on the Cover of Actual Vogue

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t’s an interesting thing about socialites, which Belle said I could call her (despite her thousand other hats, like producer, philanthropist, naturalist, and third-eye ophthalmologist. Oh, and mom, sister, and daughter). Over the past hundred years socialites got a bad rap as the culture shifted and someone determined that everyone who was flying high needed to be taken down a peg. Along with this shift, presidential candidates, as part of proving their person-of-the-people bona fides, needed to have worked at a McDonald’s while Sean Penn needed to not just act, but perform search and rescue missions during Hurricane Katrina. Virtue signaling was the new semaphore.

I miss Spicoli.

But in the Roaring ‘20s socialites did not feel guilt about their post-World War ebullience. Many just used their excess and privilege for good. The Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Opera, and Women’s Suffrage—all these vaunted institutions and movements owe their births to the socialite class that had the free time, resources, and importantly, the influence to get shit done. There’s even a book about it, Gilded Suffragists.

I told Belle I thought there was a refreshing honesty to the colorful and unapologetic way she lives.

Belle has taken “all the world’s a stage” to heart and travels with a retinue of makeup artists, image capturers, and costume changers. Belle is a person who is always ready for her closeup. But make no mistake, her privilege did not come without its own perils and tragedies. This is where our story takes a left turn.

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Belle has always been supported by lilies.

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#Belle&Lily

Peripatetic, Philanthropic.

Oh, and Picassos.

B

y outward appearances, the Hahn family has it all. Belle’s dad, Stephen, was one of the most successful art dealers on the planet and, at the time, the world’s foremost expert on Picasso. He married a Southern belle (and later Grand Dame) named Thomasine whom he’d met fighting over a cab at JFK, as if the whole thing had been scripted by Billy Wilder. Thomasine and Stephen wed and had two smart, self-possessed daughters, Belle and Lily. (I call the two sisters “unidentical twins” even though they’re 18 months apart.) At the time the Hahns seemed to have the best of everything: a titillating cosmopolitan life in New York, but also a storybook country life featuring horses, farming, and yes, botany and tilling of the soil thanks to Thomasine’s rural roots in Asheville, North Carolina, and Augusta, Georgia. The problem with all this is the Hahn parents still had plenty of globetrotting to do, so a lot of the childrearing stuff got subcontracted out to staff...

Belle, Interrupted

T

he first time Belle was physically abused by staff she was 14 months old and the last time was when she was 17 (years not months) and that was by her therapist. And, sadly, there was a steady stream of abusers and opportunists in between that first nanny and that last therapist.

Eventually the Hahns, like so many who could live anywhere, chose to live here. Montecito had come to Thomasine in a vision. Having visions and,

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#BelleHahn

more importantly, following them, seems to be encoded on the Hahn DNA. So the Family Hahn made the move and, once ensconced on Cold Spring Road, Belle instantly felt much more comfortable and at home. Probably because she was living next door to Lotusland, Mme. Wals60

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ka’s magical arboretum that would take on enormous significance in Belle’s life. This is because when Mme. Walska died, her spirit took up residence in Belle Hahn. We know this because the original due date for Belle Hahn’s birth is actually the day Mme. Ganna Walska passed away.

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Kimono designed by Nathaniel Grey

#BelleHahn

There’s No Place Like Gnome

L

iving next door to Lotusland turned out to be a great place for Belle to study regeneration. Not just for our planet but for herself.

Lotusland was a place Belle could dig her digits into some of the world’s most fertile soil, get dirt up under her fingernails, and communicate with the universe and with the Divine.

The only problem was Belle’s garden, the figurative one, had never been properly refreshed.

The soil was depleted of nutrients. The trauma never fully processed. The sage was never burned. And clearly her therapist only made matters worse. I’m not speaking out of school here. Belle frequently speaks about her childhood abuse (and teenhood abuse) publicly, defiantly, and incredibly eloquently.

Hahn, Solo

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o take the garden analogy further, the seeds planted from that abuse created an invasive species that subsumed Belle’s first marriage and almost took her down as well. For a while she was in very real danger of becoming a Santa Barbara heiress more like the eccentric Huguette Clark than the extroverted and vivacious Mme. Ganna Walska.

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#BelleHahn

Ladies of the Canyon

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here were a bunch of storm systems converging on October 4, 2019, that led to Belle wandering Wonderland Avenue in Laurel Canyon, eventually lying on the ground in a daze. Her memory of that day is looking up at the sky with a bunch of women standing over her. Was this Heaven? Or some sort of intervention? The scene became clearer when one of the ladies asked Belle what drug or drugs she was on, or what drug she’d gone off of. The answer was Prozac.

One storm system that had buffeted Belle here was the occasion of her ex-husband remarrying.

Belle decided this was the perfect time to go cold turkey off all her previous support systems at once: her ex, her meds, whatever. Maybe the reason Belle wound up on the ground is the earth, going back to her time in the pastoral South, had always been her safe place and Belle needed to somehow get back to solid ground.

Pretty soon after, Belle checked herself into a mental health rehab—which worked. I asked her what aspect specifically worked. “It wasn’t anything specific,” said Belle. “It was more like everything. I’m a big proponent of doing everything possible. You know how when you’re getting the flu you go to the drugstore and get… everything? Like, why be binary? Empty out the medicine chest. When you’re in a crisis, it’s all hands and all cures on deck.”

I asked Belle what’s in her metaphorical medicine chest. “It’s going to be different for everyone. But for me it includes Eastern medicine, Western medicine, Southern cooking, Big Pharma, little pharma, spirituality, talk therapy, healing, companionship, fun. And of course my sister. That woman is my fricking guardian.”

Lily tells me the Hahn sisters motto has always been, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.

Meaning Belle has always been there for me and I’ll always be there for her. Whatever it takes.”

Elaborating, Lily tells me the problem was not just Belle going off her meds. It’s that there needs to be other scaffolding in their place. “That turned out to be me,” Lily expounds. “I made it my mission to get good things into Belle. Like bone broth and juices and movement. And of course just good old-fashioned unconditional love.”

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Stephen Hahn

A

rriving in 1921 and taking his leave in 2011, Stephen Hahn spent the 90 years allotted to him immersed in, and devoted to, the twin load-bearing pillars of our species: art and music. A noteworthy dealer and collector of some of the world’s most venerated artists, Hahn’s lifelong allegiance to creative beauty would leave a legacy. Hahn was born February 1, 1921, in Hungary. At 12 years old he moved to Paris where his father was an Old Masters art dealer. Young Stephen would work as a “runner” for art galleries there, later attending the École du Louvre, and still later the Sorbonne, where he would train to be a teacher. Hahn and his American wife, Nancy, would move to NYC in 1952 when he was 30, the future towering art maestro initially selling paintings out of the trunk of his car and commuting every day to Manhattan on the Staten Island Ferry. In time he opened the Stephen Hahn Gallery at 75th Street and Madison Avenue. A founding member of the Art Dealers Association of America, Hahn’s time in Montecito and contributions to the classical music space in Santa Barbara may be best reflected in the Music Academy of the West’s stately hall that bears his name.

Photo: Elizabeth Messina

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#BelleHahn

The Hardest Pill

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elle: “But I think the biggest hurdle in my healing, and the hardest pill to swallow… is yeah, I was abused a lot. And yeah, people I trusted put some very unsafe people in my path. But the hardest, most liberating thing— and I realize this may be hard for some readers—was taking personal accountability, seeing my own part in these dramas, and ultimately owning my participation in those outcomes. Don’t get me wrong, that’s an extremely hard pill to swallow.

But at the end of the day each of us is sovereign, and we can’t control others. The only person you have a prayer of controlling is you.”

I realized then that Belle Hahn is not Daisy Buchanan from The Great Gatsby. “I get that sometimes, that I’m Daisy. But I think people say that because sometimes I dress retro and that’s the only extravagant dresser they can name from that era. But ultimately Daisy was kind of cold and unexamined and not so evolved. Unlike me. I’m always on the path to increased consciousness. And the biggest part of that is… I own my shit. As hard as that sometimes is.”

I ask Belle if all this work on herself has affected the alter ego I’ve named “Lady Ga-La.” “Oh absolutely,” says Belle. “And it’s totally affected my philanthropy.

First of all, I’ve made it known around town that if you want my participation in something, your event needs to be conscious and regenerative. That means composting the food, repurposing the flowers, I just can’t turn a blind eye to the waste any more.

“Also there’s an urgency to my philanthropy now. The world is on fire NOW. And A.I. oligarchs are talking about massively increasing our energy draw NOW. That’s why I need to have an impact on the things I care about NOW. And not dole out my philanthropy slowly over decades.”

This brings us back to my initial conversation with Belle about socialites. I mention how she has this uncanny knack for drawing attention and getting the cameras to appear. “That’s changed too,” she says. “Yes I definitely have that skill.

But going forward I’m going to be much more focused with it. Maybe in the past I was more of a traditional socialite. Now I’m trying to be more of a ‘social light.’ Shining a literal light on the causes that are near and dear to me.”

Hahn, Not Solo

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erhaps unsurprisingly, for those who believe in “the universe,” now that Belle has done all this work, the Universe has rewarded her with a new companion and fellow traveler. He is the real estate broker, former model, and home remodeler Richard Scibird, who also looks freshly torn from the pages of a Fitzgerald novel.

On a recent phone call, the two of them spoke with me about their relationship whilst driving down from Big Sur. I couldn’t not picture them with scarves flowing, in a 1937 Auburn convertible with running boards and an old steamer trunk in the rumble seat. Maybe there were jodhpurs involved. Though in reality, of course, Belle just drives a white Tesla like everyone else, except hers is more of a rolling closet. I ask Belle and Richard if I can know the status of their relationship for the purposes of this article. There was an awkward pause, then they talked over each other for a moment, and then it seemed like we lost signal somewhere around the Post Ranch Inn. As the song goes, “The rest is still unwritten.” bellehahn.com 66

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You May Not See Kim Reierson, But She SeesYou.

I

’ve been working with photographer Kim

Reierson for five years. She is phenomenally talented and always my first choice lens. The reason for that is she always comes through.

I was first introduced to Kim by architect Robin Donaldson who is himself a world-class talent and also a great artist, not just architect. He’s also a great image maker. Robin works with only the best people, so when Robin Donaldson goes out of his way to recommend someone, it’s probably worth taking that meeting.

Although you may not notice at first when Kim enters the room. Part of her craft is blending in like a chameleon so as not to arouse a subject’s self consciousness. And also to be able to observe a scene in its undisturbed condition. “In situ,” as she says.

It’s almost like she’s a crime scene photographer.

She never wants to disturb the scene. Two of my nicknames for Kim are the Kimeleon and Santa Barbara’s Kimvisible Woman.

These are the things I especially love about her: First and foremost, Kim’s a great photographer.

She’s a polymath. She’s a great sixth man, meaning she doesn’t just stay in her lane but makes all sorts of suggestions that make all of our publications better.

She has an incredible work ethic. If Kim feels like she didn’t get the shot, she’ll tell you. And then she’ll go back and get it from a different angle. A process she will repeat until she has it.

Kim has an artist’s soul and empathy for days.

She puts the same care into capturing a total civilian that she puts into photographing Beatrice Wood. Maybe more. She doesn’t have an off button. She’s always thinking, always looking, always centrifuging out the human experience.

Sometimes I feel like Kim’s self-imposed assignment is chronicling what humanity was for Earth’s next inhabitants. She’s up for anything.

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If there is no assignment, she will make one. One time Kim bathed the soon-to-be Canary Hotel in portraits of its recently-evicted elderly residents, projecting them upon the building’s façade midrenovation when it was draped with white plastic and looked like a Christo sculpture. The projections were unannounced. “I just did it as an homage of these people that used to live there and then you let it go.” No social media hype, no sponsors, it was not any part of some greater movement—just art for art’s sake. Who asked her to do that? The Universe, that’s who.

It seems like any place where human emotion and longing are on stark display, Kim will be there. If credentials are needed, she will get them.

And if she can’t get them, she will make them.

Kim Reierson always gets the shot...

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Gifts they’ll love.

C OAST V I L L AG E R OA D

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INVISIBLE WITH INTENTION

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Story by Les Firestein

ertain cultures don’t like to be photographed because they’re afraid a photograph will reveal their soul. In the case of photographer extraordinaire Kim Reierson, they’d be correct.

There’s a moment in every Kim Reierson photo shoot when the walls come down. It happened with Peter Park, the extreme athlete (and apparently, God’s trainer) whose intensity she’d failed to capture in their first session. “I didn’t get it,” she admits with characteristic directness.

“Which is, I don’t know, I think it’s kind of uncommon.”

So she went back. The resulting portrait—Park staring directly into the camera with unflinching vulnerability in almost unimaginable high rez—became one of Kim’s (and our) most powerful images, a study in what she calls “theoretical nudity as opposed to actual nudity.”

This relentless pursuit of authentic human connection isn’t just Reierson’s artistic methodology; it’s her survival instinct, forged in a childhood that reads like a bildungsroman of displacement and determination.

Raised by her grandparents in the pastoral expanses of Bolivia until age six, then abruptly transplanted to suburban American constraint (Fremont, California) Reierson found herself “pretty much confined. My father, a long-haul trucker, would be gone for weeks at a time.” Her playground became a cardboard refrigerator box where she’d play her favorite game: pretending civilization had ended, leaving only her, her dog, and a shortwave radio searching for signs of life.

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that would define her approach to both life and art. With money saved from pizza delivery and warehouse jobs, she bought a one-way ticket to Europe, parlaying a chance newspaper encounter into an au pair position with a Swedish dress designer living in Switzerland. When tennis champion Mats Wilander reached the French Open finals, Reierson didn’t hesitate. “I said, oh my God, I’m going. People said, ‘There’s no way you’re going to get tickets.’ And I’m like, ‘I’m going.’”

So she caught the train to Paris, bought a scalper ticket with her food money, and sure enough found herself photographing Mats Wilander courtside. “All I did was visualize it, then turn that vision into reality,” she says oh so matter of factly.

This philosophy—see it, visualize it, make it happen— has been Reierson’s artistic manifesto. Right after 9/11 Kim found herself in NYC at the vaunted Robin Rice Gallery. In a meeting with the gallery’s namesake, it was revealed to Kim that Ralph Lauren was looking for large images of butterflies. Kim promptly went out and bought butterflies and shot them. Ralph Lauren bought four of Reierson’s large format images. Then Bloomingdale’s did similar. And on and on it goes. Kim Reierson with an assignment is like a dog with a bone.

Her subjects—truckers, burlesque dancers, bodybuilders, soldiers shipping out to Afghanistan—aren’t chosen 2025

for their photogenic qualities, or how well they’ll fit in a Ralph Lauren store, but for their humanity.

“There’s something about human dignity and I want to make sure that I do right by this person, or by these people,” she says. This isn’t charitable condescension; it’s recognition born of shared experience. “I think people who, whether it’s the truckers or the burlesque people, they’re doing those professions not because they had the great mom and dad and the opportunities to go to Harvard. I think a lot of people wind up backing into what turns out to be their profession.”

The trucker series, which ultimately earned Reierson a six-page spread in National Geographic, was again a self-generated project that emerged from a deeply personal reckoning she didn’t initially recognize.

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KIM REIERSON

“R

ight after 9/11, I kept driving across the country because I wasn’t about to get on a plane,” says Reierson. “And for some reason trucker culture just had this hypnotic effect on me. It was afterwards when people started asking me, what’s the deal with the truckers? Because truckers—now that they’re facing extinction—are hip and cool. There are trucker wallets, trucker hats, trucker jackets… I’m not sure when truckers became the new Kardashians. I guess the whole Von Douche thing had something to do with it, but they were definitely still a subculture when I was chronicling them. And then, of course, I realized that after the trauma of 9/11 maybe I was just looking for my dad. Like, duh.”

This unconscious processing of trauma through art gives Reierson’s work its psychological depth. Her camera becomes a therapeutic instrument, not just for herself, but her sub-

jects. In bodybuilding backstages, she captures competitors applying shoe polish over spray tans, injecting wine to dilate their veins—rituals of transformation that mirror Kim’s own constant iterating. Her burlesque dancers gaze into mirrors with what she describes as a look containing “their past, present, and future. And importantly their inner longing oh so momentarily made external. Are my goals and dreams going to be fulfilled today? Will I get any closer?”

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hat emerges is portraiture as psychoanalysis, each frame excavating layers of vulnerability beneath constructed personas. Reierson shoots from below, often crouched close to the ground, creating an intimacy that feels somehow voyeuristic and reverential at the same time. “They’re looking at me and we 76

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KIM REIERSON

Kim bathed the soon-to-be Canary Hotel in portraits of its recently-evicted elderly residents, projecting them upon the building’s façade mid-renovation when it was draped with white plastic and looked like a Christo sculpture. kind of both have our walls surrendered. There’s no fronting, right? That’s kind of the rule.”

Kim’s guerrilla approach extends beyond emotional preparation to practical execution. With no credentials, she talked her way onto a military transport ship carrying 2,000 soldiers on their way to Afghanistan. She cre-

ated fake press passes to photograph Gorbachev. (BTW, nice security, U.S. and Russia. Hopefully you’re better at keeping your nuclear codes closer to your vests.) Kim Reierson convinces strangers to let her document their most private moments simply through the force of her genuine interest.

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KIM REIERSON

“ There’s something about human dignity and I want to make sure that I do right by this person.”

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– Kim Reierson

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his philosophy extends to her artistic projects beyond commissioned work. In Helendale, California, she discovered a house in the desert where aging burlesque performers still practice their craft for audiences of five. Go ahead and read that sentence again. In post-industrial Michigan, Kim photographed laid-off autoworkers with the same dignity she brings to celebrity portraits. During Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, Kim drove through Florida’s I-4 corridor documenting undecided voters, including a terrifying encounter that left her thinking, “Hmmm, this is interesting. I could seriously not come out of here alive.”

Reierson’s work challenges the traditional photographer-subject dynamic. Where others extract images, she creates collaborative revelations. Her portrait subjects don’t just pose; they expose themselves in moments of mutual vulnerability that she describes as “baring it all.” The resulting photographs function as mirrors, reflecting not just physical appearance but psychological essence, even quintessence. I think of Kim’s images as magnifying mirrors. Sometimes as magnifying mirrors in an operating theater.

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It was revealed to Kim that Ralph Lauren was looking for large images of butterflies.

She promptly went out and bought butterflies and shot them. Ralph Lauren bought four of Reierson’s large format images...

I

n our image-saturated age, when everyone with a smartphone considers themselves a photographer, Reierson’s approach feels almost revolutionary in its analog humanity. She doesn’t capture souls by accident; she earns them through patience, empathy, trust building, and an understanding that great photography isn’t about the photographer at all. If you think great photos can come about mechanically, just look at your driver’s license.

...Which also led to the purchase of the Empire State Woman to hang in his flagship stores around the world.

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KIM REIERSON

“Everything that I’ve done, I sort of did out of this curiosity of life and need to go see it and live with it,” Kim explains. In a culture increasingly disconnected from authentic human experience, Kim Reierson’s camera becomes a bridge—connecting not just photographer to subject, but viewers to the deeper truths about what it means to be vulnerably, completely human.

The cultures afraid of soul-stealing cameras were right to be wary. In Kim Reierson’s hands, photography doesn’t just document life—it reveals it. You don’t see her but she sees your soul.

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I

think what I love most about being a writer is that I never know where I’m going to find inspiration, or even hope. I recently found both while scarfing down a delicious pizza from Tina’s in Linden Square. That’s when I met the person most responsible for breathing new life into Carpinteria—interior designer and landscape artist Jodi Goldberg.

“I wanted to create a seamless indoor-to-outdoor space where people can sit in a beautiful environment that blends in with Carpinteria’s casual beachy vibe,” says Goldberg.

Linden Square is the innovator’s newest vision—a lush, chic, sunny square filled with cozy couches and succulents spilling out of giant planters. Every inch has the Goldberg touch: a sprinkle of life; a dash of soul; a veritable piece of Jodi magic. Linden Square has revitalized the sleepy beach town and sits just seven blocks from the ocean. It appeared as if out of nowhere, yet feels as if it’s been there forever, like a genie blinked and an oasis appeared. But of course, this is no mirage. It didn’t happen overnight and it didn’t occur without a personal hardship that was kept fairly secret. More on that in a moment.

Today, Linden Square is a bustling hub with a beachy soul in the seaside village that had remained untouched for decades. It was a true challenge for Goldberg.

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Jodi Goldberg’s Labor of Love

BY HEIDI CLEMENTS PHOTOS BY TROY BLENDELL

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“ MY LIFE IS ROOTED IN FAMILY, CREATIVITY, DESIGN, AND JOY. LINDEN SQUARE LET ME SHINE IN ALL OF THOSE AREAS.”

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here was so much resistance from the people who live there who were scared it was going to get overdone and not fit into Carpinteria’s lifestyle,” says Goldberg. “The community is so strong and my vision was always to honor its people, history, and roots.”

It took a village to build Linden Square. The brainchild of developers Matt LaBrie and Terry Huggins, architectural firm DMHA, and Amy Cooper who curated the shops and restaurants that would fill the space. It was a massive undertaking to what was once the home of Hickey’s General Store—a Carpinteria landmark dating back to 1912.

“I felt like I could really create a beautiful community hub where people could gather and communicate and talk and feel alive and bring their pets, families, and children and dog bowls,” says Goldberg. “I really feel like I did offer Carpinteria something magical. The lighting, the fountains, the swings, colors, planters, and materials were all chosen to reflect that.”

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One look at the seasoned fishermen who pull up to the bar daily at Third Window Brewing Carpinteria for a crispy smash burger and you can see the locals have embraced Goldberg’s vision. “I am forever grateful to the people who believed in me and trusted my spark to create something truly special,” she says.

Jodi Goldberg is no stranger to adversity. She has faced challenges both professionally and personally and has always chosen the path towards joy. “I was always a bit of a seeker and very spiritual,” she says. “I liked living outside of the box. That’s where I found my happy place.”

If there was a mayor of Goldberg’s happy place it would be her husband, Johnny G. He picked her up for a date one night over three decades ago and they’ve been together ever since. “We’ve been married 36 years. We’ve been together for 38. He moved in within two days. We were done. He’s the love of my life.

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he couple purchased their first Montecito dream home in 2001 and 17 years later, real life came crashing in.

Jodi and Johnny watched their beloved sacred space slide down a hill during the Montecito’s post-fire debris torrents of 2018. In a flash, everything was gone.

Says Goldberg, “I was watching John Palminteri on KEYT News and there was my lot, my acre, and nothing left. No foundation, nothing, literally just mud. Everything was washed away. My children’s clothing, my husband’s love letters, my daughter’s baby clothes, our wedding album, we created such a beautiful life there. It had been a magical place.”

It’s also what forged Goldberg’s career as an interior designer.

She may have bought the least expensive house on Olive Mill and Hot Springs, but Goldberg turned it into a show piece that became her design calling card and launched Jodi G. Designs.

Like the unseen voice in Field of Dreams, Jodi trusted the calling, “If you build it they will come.” And come they did.

“I really found my groove and my people,” she says. “I have these amazing clients and I listen to how they want to live in their homes, how they want to feel, what colors make them smile. I’m not just designing houses; I’m designing sacred spaces for people to love forever. I’m making a home that is a healing place.”

That Olive Mill home has been swapped out for an absolute sanctuary that sits atop Sycamore Canyon. It is crisp and white and filled with art and music and air. Much like Linden Square. The fully open floor plan leads to a beautiful pool and garden that all feels like a true Zen palace, a place to heal, which is something Jodi has been trying to do since the pandemic when she was first diagnosed with lung cancer.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t say I had some hard, rough days when I feel sick from the chemo,” says Goldberg. “When you feel like you can’t function, when you feel like your family’s falling to pieces because they know you have less time. It’s a shuffle, it’s a balance.”

In remission for a short while, Jodi found out the cancer was back just as she signed on to the Linden Square project.

It would be her biggest and most visible creation to date, but like Mozart who passed while working on his final masterpiece, “Requiem,” Jodi would find the final months of the build as an almost insurmountable struggle. “I was really sick while doing that job. But instead of it stopping me, it fueled me and gave me even more urgency to pour my heart into this project.”

Jodi Goldberg is proving to be on a lifelong journey of resilience. “I think I’ve always approached design like it comes from a very real heart place for me,” she says. “I get very invested in my client’s vision, into the whole process, into a soulful experience for them and for me. I think cancer hasn’t really changed the way I design. I just want to do it even more. I’m a perfectionist. When I got to do Linden, and they said, ‘Please do the plants, please do the pots,’ like, that for

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“ I’M NOT JUST DESIGNING HOUSES; I’M DESIGNING SACRED SPACES FOR PEOPLE TO LOVE FOREVER.”

me was perfect, because I need to do the whole vision. I think cancer’s just given me more of that.”

As I said, you never know where you’re going to find hope and inspiration. And while it was Linden Square that surprised me with its joy, it’s Jodi Goldberg who has surprised me with her sheer willpower to live by her own rules.

Goldberg is designing a beautiful life in the face of a monumental challenge. She is a reminder to create, live, love, and dream.

“My life is rooted in family, creativity, design, and joy,” she says. “Linden Square let me shine in all of those areas.

It’s more than a design project, it’s become a piece of my heart shared with Carpinteria.”

Visitors to Linden Square may not know why this gathering place feels both vibrant and peaceful, both teeming with life while surrounded with a calming vibe, but I hope they get to know the woman who gave Carpinteria its new heartbeat. The only thing missing from Linden Square is a monument to the extraordinary Jodi Goldberg. Or perhaps Linden Square is that monument.

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HAPPY TO WAIT

HUMANS OF MONTECITO

A Former Montecito Skater Kid and Current Lucky’s Veteran, Ringo Koutoulas is Ready to Take Your Order

BY ZACHARY BERNSTEIN

I

Photo by Troy Blendell

don’t know if you’ve noticed, but hospitality is in. Ever since the Emmy-winning hit show The Bear popped into our collective consciousness and put a spotlight on how the sausage gets made in the kitchens of our favorite restaurants, fine diners have become even more hip to the delights of being treated as most treasured guests. The Bear debuted at roughly the same time as the release of restaurateur Will Guidara’s New York Times bestselling book Unreasonable Hospitality—the book even had a cameo in The Bear—revealing further the mechanisms behind the novel concept that people should be happy while eating at restaurants.

But in Montecito, a town where you can get this kind of royal treatment just about anywhere you go, long before the people-pleasing antics of Guidara’s book, before the unending trauma responses of The Bear, there was Ringo. No, not that Ringo.

Whereas some who live in Montecito are famous the world over, Ringo Koutoulas is famous among Montecitans as one of the long-time servers at Lucky’s Steakhouse on Coast Village Road. Like the famous drummer, Ringo isn’t his original name. “I had my hair grown and my buddy said I looked like Ringo Starr,” says Koutoulas. “It stuck forever.”

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RINGO Photo courtesy of Ringo Koutoulas

Photo by Troy Blendell

Koutoulas joined the staff at Lucky’s in 2001, soon after its founding a year earlier. “The first night I worked at Lucky’s, a gentleman spilled his water on the table,” says Koutoulas, “So I cleared the whole table and reset everything. The guy handed me a $100 bill. I mean, this was my first night bussing tables at Lucky’s. I was just like, ‘Wow, I think I’m in a good place.’”

Koutoulas, a pro, knows not to get statstruck, refusing to beam too hard even that time Steve Martin told him he had an “interesting look.” A regular like Carol Burnett never needs to order her drink; all she has to do is walk through the door and a Cosmopolitan with light cranberry juice—the “Cosmic Carol”—is on its way. Ringo has been waiting on Lucky’s regulars for over 20 years. “I try to treat everybody the same,” says Koutoulas, “whether or not they’re Steve Martin.”

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Larry Nobles, the restaurant’s general manager, can verify his pedigree. “Ringo has an outstanding work ethic and commitment to the highest standards of service,” says the aptly named Nobles. “We’re fortunate to have Ringo as part of our team and I believe our community agrees.”

Raised in Montecito, Koutoulas has seen the area transform into what it is today from what he calls, “a sleepy beach town,” but the townspeople must’ve been deep enough sleepers not to be awakened by the sound of Koutoulas and his friends’ skateboard wheels rolling across the Montecito pavement.

Montecito in the 1990s wasn’t a bad time and place to be a skater. Only a decade earlier Powell Peralta, the Santa Barbara-based skateboarding manufacturer, released a series of popular VHS home videos featuring the Bones Brigade, a team of young skaters—Tony Hawk among them—to showcase the Powell Peralta boards. The Bones Brigade were also known to bomb down the hills of Montecito, inspiring the next generation of skateboarders, including Ringo who grew up with a three-and-a-half-foot halfpipe in his backyard.

“It was a good escape,” Koutoulas says. “When we were younger, we were just really rough. We got all kinds of broken bones and stuff. There are so many good hills.

There’s a hill called Second Red Railing near Hot Springs Road and Mountain Drive. We would hike up Mountain and if we were feeling crazy, we could hang a hard right onto Hot Springs Road, skate down to Picacho Road, or hit up the backside of Mountain and bomb down to the beach. All the professional skaters way back in the ‘80s would bomb these hills and so did we.”

I review Ringo’s skating routes vicariously from the comfort of my couch using Google Street View. Clicking my way down the hill to Butterfly Beach, the wind not blowing through my hair, I try to imagine an alternate universe version of my teenage self bombing down these

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Pro Model no

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Photo by Troy Blendell

Photo courtesy of Ringo Koutoulas

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roads on his own board. Nerves of steel and a sturdy athletic balance are traits I don’t believe I possessed then, nor possess now, but it’s easy to understand how someone like Koutoulas who has both can feel such reverence for the thrill of sailing free-range down these streets.

Skating culture in the area has ebbed since its heyday and you’re more likely to see Koutoulas riding around in his beloved Toyota truck. “You see more people on electric bikes these days,” says Koutoulas, lamenting. “I feel like they’re more of a menace than skateboarding to be honest, but what do I know?”

Ringo’s era of skateboarding came to an end during the pandemic. After a neighbor totaled his previous beloved Toyota truck while it was parked in his driveway, his board became his primary vehicle until he took a bad spill.

“I fractured my spine in two places,” he says. “I had to take six months off work, but I had a lot of help from everybody at work and that really makes a big difference.”

A lot of the servers at Lucky’s are long-timers like Ringo. In an era where people are more likely to hop from job to job every few years, serving at Lucky’s seems like one of those rare instances of job security in the modern age. Even more rare is an entire work family sticking together and supporting each other for long stretches of time. It could be why Lucky’s can sometimes feel more like an extension of home than a restaurant. In the past, founder Gene Montesano has spoken of his intention to make Lucky’s “Montecito’s living room.” Mission accomplished.

I ask Ringo for his personal favorite order on the Lucky’s menu and I can see he’s struggling to pick a favorite, almost landing on the 14oz New York strip steak, then throwing into consideration the bone-in Delmonico, Dos Pueblos Abalone, and the 10oz Romanian steak. He also volunteers a short list of his favorite sides: the sautéed broccolini, creamed corn, sautéed mushrooms, and their famous skinny onion rings.

Eventually, he settles on the 14oz New York. “It’s so good,” he says. “I love all our food. I think that’s why I don’t know.”

What’s next on the menu for Ringo? Tomorrow never knows.

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MORE TREES ARE BEING DEDICATED TO THE ONES YOU LOVE

by Zachary Bernstein

Including Another Ringo Who Isn’t That Ringo

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Photos by Jessica Shafran

W

alking back to the office from lunch at Montesano’s, I pass a tree and do a double-take. The tree, a hale jacaranda mimosifolia, has a new plaque at its base that reads, “This Tree is Dedicated in Honor of Ringo Starr. Donated by his Mom and Dad.” I’m certain this is a mistake. Even though he looks great for 85, the ex-Beatle’s folks would have to be over 110 years old and well enough to dedicate a tree to their son with a plaque in a town where he’s never lived (though he did play the Santa Barbara Bowl back in 2014). Alas, Starr’s parents died in the 1980s. Did someone mean to dedicate this tree to Ringo Koutoulas, longtime waiter at Lucky’s Steakhouse just down the block?

Did something go awry with the paperwork and the tree instead became a monument to the world-famous Mr. Peace and Love.

It turns out there’s a third Ringo. The tree is dedicated to someone’s cherished dog.

Though the canine Ringo Starr’s plaque was installed just this year, the local nonprofit organization behind the tree plaques, Santa Barbara Beautiful (SBB), has been in the tree dedicating business since the 1980s.

The organization was co-founded by none other than Santa Barbara’s own civic matriarch Pearl Chase and the tree program was another one of her initiatives for the beautification of the city. “When it was first put together, they wanted to do things in a big way,” says Jacqueline Dyson, Santa Barbara Beautiful’s secretary to their board of directors. “They wanted to partner with the city for a street tree program. There were no existing funds at the time, so we took initiative in establishing a tree fund partnership.”

The way the tree dedications work is simple: people pay a fee to install a plaque at the foot of their favorite pre-approved city street tree (trees in parks and private property are off limits). After the material and installation costs, every dollar Santa Barbara Beautiful raises from the plaques

is earmarked for the city’s street tree fund. They aim to plant between 100 to 200 new trees every year.

As of 2025, Santa Barbara Beautiful has planted 14,000 trees all over the city. They estimate the number of trees with dedicated plaques is now in the high hundreds, probably close to 1,000.

That means there are at least 13,000 more trees waiting to be claimed. And at their current rate of $325 for a new plaque, the dedications are a bargain for most locals. “We want a program that’s accessible,” says Dyson. “Other civic dedications are out of reach for most people. We want this program to be accessible to the public. That’s why it’s one of the most popular things that we do.”

Apparently, I’m not the first person to call SBB asking about the story behind the Ringo Starr jacaranda. A name like that is bound to pique curiosity. “I think that also demonstrates to us how people stop to read the plaques and think about who’s being honored or remembered.” says Dyson.

Maybe you know a special someone deserving of a Santa Barbara street tree dedicated in their honor. Santa Barbara Beautiful makes it happen, be it for your favorite local waiter, a furry companion, or the most famous drummer who ever lived. They can also dedicate trees to people not named Ringo, but that’s up to you. sbbeautiful.org 2025

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RETURN TO BELLOSGUARDO

by Thomas Reynolds

The Bellosguardo Estate Opens to Visitors And a Prodigal Rolls Comes Home

B

ellosguardo, the fabled estate overlooking Santa Barbara’s East Beach forever shrouded in mystery and morning fog, has always existed beyond public view… until now.

The reclusive wife and daughter of “Copper King” W.A. Clark, Anna and Huguette, built the elaborate 30,000-squarefoot Normandy-style chateau on a thousand feet of oceanfront property in the 1930s after W.A. Clark died. Anna and Huguette surrounded its 23.5-acre blufftop with trees and lush foliage, ensuring their privacy. The estate had no real neighbors: next door is the Santa Barbara Cemetery; and across Cabrillo Boulevard is the 42-acre Andrée Clark Bird Refuge, a gift to the city named for Huguette’s older sister Louise Andrée Clark, who died of tubercular meningitis just shy of turning 17.

The Clarks outfitted the grand manse with custom fixtures and furnished it with the finest French antiques, even paneling three rooms with boiserie taken from 1700s chateaux. The house, its furnishings, and its gardens have been meticulously maintained over the years to remain similarly as they were when Anna and Huguette last visited in the early 1950s. Two of their vintage automobiles—a 1933 Cadillac V-16 limousine and a 1933 Chrysler Royal Eight convertible—are still stored in the carriage house.

Photo Courtesy of the Bellosguardo Foundation

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Photo Courtesy of the Bellosguardo Foundation

The Phantom Wedding Gift

T

he veil of privacy over Bellosguardo began lifting ever so slightly in 2010, when Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bill Dedman started unraveling the mystery. He reported on NBC News that the wealthy and eccentric centenarian Huguette Clark owned three extravagant residences, including Bellosguardo—yet for two decades had been living in a New York hospital room, even though she needed no medical care.

In their 2013 book, Empty Mansions, Dedman and Paul Clark Newell Jr., Huguette’s cousin, told the rollicking tale.

The book, which rose to number one on the New York Times bestseller list, follows the family from the early days of the Montana copper rush in the 1870s through the excesses of the Gilded Age when Clark, whose copper fortune made him one of the wealthiest men in the country, built the largest, most expensive (and rather decadent) home in New York for his young second family, recently returned from Paris. In 1923, during the exuberance of the Jazz Age, the Clarks bought as a summer retreat a magnificent Italianate villa known, for its beautiful view, as Bellosguardo—and then a decade later tore it down and built a French chateau. His coauthor has died, but for Dedman the story has become a lifetime project with a television series being developed by HBO. Since Bellosguardo began opening for limited tours and events in 2023, Dedman has returned regularly to share his latest findings. At a talk this summer, he arranged for a special guest: the 1927 Rolls-Royce Huguette received as a wedding gift from her mother when she was married at Bellosguardo in 1928. It was a Rolls-Royce Phantom I town car, with a driver in the open air in front of an enclosed rear salon, not dissimilar to the limousine of Cruella de Vil. After the wedding, Huguette and her new husband, William Gower, the son of her father’s accountant, were chauffeured north in the Rolls to San Francisco, where they embarked on a cruise to Hawaii. The honeymoon didn’t go well, and the marriage ended less than two years later. By then, Huguette was back in New York with her mother in their Fifth Avenue aerie overlooking Central Park. They resumed their summer visits to Bellosguardo, where the Rolls was kept alongside other cars in the carriage house, watched over by the family’s chauffeur.

After their visits stopped, the Rolls mysteriously disappeared from the estate. That is, until Dedman tracked it down.

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Care for a lift, old sport? Huguette Clark’s Rolls Royce in its heyday. (Photo Courtesy of the Gledhill Library, Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

Return of the Rolls

O

n a partly sunny afternoon this summer, the Rolls rumbled through the front gates and purred its way up the main driveway. On the elaborate stone entrance court, it rejoined the two cars remaining at Bellosguardo. And with the return of the Rolls came its story: After the Clark ladies stopped visiting, Huguette gave the Rolls to their chauffeur, Walter Armstrong. A few years later, facing medical expenses, he put the Rolls up for sale. One day Edwin Taylor, owner of a produce company near Arroyo Grande, stopped in Santa Barbara and, after lunch, walked across the street to the Rolls-Royce dealership at State and 101.

“How much?” he asked when he spotted the car. The salesman replied: “25.” Too rich for my blood, Taylor thought.

He got into his Chrysler Imperial and headed home, but he kept thinking and talking about the Rolls. Finally his wife told him: “Edwin, if you want that damn car, go buy it.” And the next Saturday he did—even more happily when he learned the price was $2,500, not $25,000. The Rolls has been in the Taylor family ever since. Edwin’s son John Taylor brought the car back to Bellosguardo where, for one glorious summer afternoon, it was reunited with the Clark family’s other automobiles.

Huguette Clark was 22 when she married and received the Rolls. She was in her mid-40s when she last saw the car and the estate. She went on to live in New York until two weeks shy of her 105th birthday.

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They resumed their summer visits to Bellosguardo, where the Rolls was kept alongside other cars in the carriage house, watched over by the family’s chauffeur. However, after their visits stopped, the Rolls mysteriously disappeared from the estate. That is, until Dedman tracked it down.

Photo Courtesy of the Bellosguardo Foundation

Bellosguardo: Now Open to the Public

W

hen Huguette Clark died in 2011, she left her beloved Bellosguardo estate to the nonprofit Bellosguardo Foundation to become a center for the arts. Now, finally, seven decades after her last visit, the estate has begun opening for public tours and events. Tours are limited to 10 people who walk through the unfolding opulence frozen in time—the grand gallery, reception room, dining room, music room, library, bureau, studio, and out into the expansive gardens with docents such as myself telling the story of a fabulously wealthy family that’s little remembered today.

In addition to talks by Dedman and other authors, an increasing number of literary and musical events are being presented at Bellosguardo. The Santa Barbara Symphony played a Fourth of July pops concert, with the audience taking in the beautiful view from Bellosguardo’s lawns. There will be holiday decorations and concerts in December.

The public is finally welcome to take in the splendor. bellosguardo.org 108

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THE MASTER OF PORSCHE SCIENCES

You Worked Hard to Get Your First Porsche.

Henry Hinck Worked Hard to Learn How to Fix It. HENRY HINCK

/

JEFF

BY WING

is reminiscing.

“I was 21 years old,” he says. “But I was a village boy, so I was kind of dumb.” The Kraftfahrzeug-Meister grins. “Coming to the States, you have a picture in your imagination of what California is going to be like. A lot of cutoffs and tank tops…”

“He adopted that style,” Paula Hinck interjects with a mild grin of her own.

Henry and Paula Hinck own Schneider Autohaus on Santa Barbara’s upper De La Vina; a shop specializing in Porsche, BMW, Mini, and Audi. (I know; BMW acquired and redefined the Mini in ’94, so it is technically a BMW, too.) Since 1970, Schneider Autohaus

has been a trusted destination for those lovestruck owners who consider their highly engineered cars actual family members.

Hinck is a German KFZ-Meister. And what might that mean? The phonetic proximity of “Meister” to “Master” and “Maestro” is an etymological clue. There is no such Rosetta Stone for the tongue-cramping “Kraftfahrzeug,” which means simply “motor vehicle.” So Hinck is a Motor Vehicle Master who specializes. To earn that Meister designation is onerous.

A Meister (Master) candidate must successfully complete an apprenticeship program under the guidance of a working Master, which usually lasts three years and ends with an exam.

Then the candidate must work in the field for five years before

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HENRY / HINCK

Photo by Kim Reierson

“ Once you become Meister,” Henry says, “it’s your turn to give back, to take on apprentices.

It’s kind of an obligation.”

returning to Meister school for yet another three years of intense classroom and practical training. At the end of all this pleasantness? The Meister examination. It has four sections; I) masterly practical performance; II) deep knowledge of trade-specific theory; III) business, economics, and regulations; IV) teaching/training skills.

“The pass rate is about 40%,” Hinck says matter-of-factly.

One who has achieved Meister status in a chosen trade has wholly given themselves to something they live and breathe. In Germany, 53 professions—from baker to shipbuilder—require the Master Craftsman’s diploma in order to run your own business. This mastery-based ecosystem has, in one form or another, been the engine driving glob-

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ally-admired German trades for going on 850 years.

Schneider is a known repository of technological mastery, automotive passion, and interpersonal warmth. This arguably rare combination has won the place a truly devoted fanbase. Many of Schneider’s clients are Montecitans, while some hike in from parts further south for the Schneider touch.

“Several clients come up from the L.A. area,” Paula says.

“When you love your Porsche, you’ll make that drive to have the people who really care about your car take good care of it.”

The couple are complementary types—Henry the Master Automotive Technician of few words (and sudden,

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HENRY / HINCK

Since 1970, Schneider Autohaus has been a trusted destination for those lovestruck owners who consider their highly engineered cars actual family members.

Photo by Kim Reierson

room-filling smiles) who can build a BMW from scratch with a tablespoon and socket wrench, Paula the buoyant and welcoming open book from whom you will never have to pry an opinion. For nearly 20 years at this writing, the Hincks have made Schneider Autohaus a projection of their own shared sense of home.

“I feel the main reason people keep coming back to us is we have a community,” Paula says. “They know that we’re good to our employees, they know that’s who we are, and of course it’s a given that we know what we’re doing. If you come to our shop, we’re not going to charge you to practice on your car. We’re going to fix your car and we’re going to treat you right.”

“We know Porsche, BMW, Mini, and Audi inside and out, from front to back, and we’re equipped for that,” Henry says. “It’s about how you treat the people.”

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German-Irish Intersection

H

enry Hinck is a KFZ-Meister and hails from a German village called Ebersdorf whose founding year of 1180 AD and present population hover right around the same number. Paula is originally from Dublin, capital of Ireland, a city whose founding dates to a Viking settlement in 841 AD. No, this is not an “oldest swinging European town” contest, but another awed reference to the magic of complete strangers—from two widely separated neighborhoods—fatefully intersecting in yet a third burg, and making a life.

So it was that Henry Hinck and Paula Carolan, whose homesteads arose in the Middle Ages via the Prince-Arch-

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bishopric of Bremen and a Viking fort called Dyflin (respectively), bumped into each other in Santa Barbara’s ancient and legendary watering hole Mel’s Lounge, which dates all the way back to 1963. Paula was just ending her chapter as au pair with a Montecito family she came to love as her own. Henry, a visiting journeyman mechanic working at the International Autohaus in Santa Barbara, was fulfilling the required five years of automotive field work before plunging back into school for his master’s.

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Valhalla. Ebersdorf.

Santa Barbara.

H

enry was, in fact, born and raised in Valhalla, New York. In the shattered wake of WWI, his grandparents had emigrated from an economically hobbled Germany to New York City. Then in the early sixties, their

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HENRY / HINCK

Not long after, Henry began toddling around the automotive workshop of his grandfather, a Meister mechanic himself named Hans Wittjen.

Henry travelled to Santa Barbara (see “village boy” opening) at 21 and spent two years here. He flew back to Ebersdorf on the occasion of his sister having her baby (and Henry’s niece), Sarah, in ’87. When Henry came back to Santa Barbara his plan was to save up for a motorcycle trip through South America—Che Guevara style, but without the black beret and Marxist fever.

But something had changed in him. “When I came back, I saw Santa Barbara in a completely different way, a completely different picture,” he says.

Meanwhile, a young Irish woman with an arguable punk haircut had traveled to SB from Dublin, waving goodbye to her parents and six siblings: Frank, Eileen, Joe, Peter, Michael, and Majella. For four years, the last spent in Hawaii, Paula’s Montecito family would welcome her into the fold with open arms.

When she met Henry she’d just returned to the mainland and a new chapter.

Paula and Henry became the central figures in each other’s lives (this could be expressed more sentimentally), and within a year and a half of meeting they packed their bags and moved to—wait for it—Germany. Henry had unfinished business. The year was 1991.

The Meister and Monty Python (und wie geht es deinem Onkel heute?)

H Photo by Erick Madrid

son, a young bachelor named Hans-Heinrich, Henry’s father, traveled back to Germany, and there met the love of his life; Henry’s mother, Hella.

Hans-Heinrich and Hella moved back to the U.S. together, raising Henry, his brother Karsten, and his sister Norma in the town of Valhalla. The Hincks moved back to Germany for good when Henry was eight.

enry needed to return to Germany to complete the deep automotive and business education that would allow him to formally attain the Meister designation. He and Paula moved to Ebersdorf, where they married and had a daughter (Zoe, who today is a working engineer and President of Santa Barbara Women in STEM). In Germany, Henry pursued his Meister degree in night school, working at Shell during the day researching fuel efficiency. Paula found her own interesting work—translating Monty Python for the German television market.

“My boss was a TV producer and he had the license for Monty Python in Germany. He had a woman working for him named Margaret, and she was awesome. The thing is, she could translate, but couldn’t always get the joke.” For instance? Paula cites the Python skit where an annoying pub companion won’t shut up with his suggestive innuendo–How’s you uncle? Hey? Know what I mean? Know what I mean? Nudge-nudge, wink-wink, say no more!

“To Margaret it was like, ‘Wink, Wink. And how is your uncle?’ Margaret was a Monty Python fan, but her translation

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would sometimes be very literal. It was hilarious and so fun.”

Two years passed as Henry and Paula made their life in Germany; raising their daughter as Henry immersed himself in his studies and Paula made Monty Python funny for the German market. When Paula needed to travel to L.A. for a work meeting, Henry and Zoe came along. “So we came to Santa Barbara with the intention of having a meeting in L.A. That meeting got canceled,” Paula says. “But we ended up seeing friends here and had such an amazing time...”

“Basically, we drove into Santa Barbara,” Henry says. “We just looked at each other and said, ‘what have we been doing?!’” Santa Barbara was calling them back. They’d fallen in love in SB and had put down inadvertent roots here.

They came home.

Now in the U.S., Henry finished his Meister Schule remotely, and for a time shuttled back and forth to Germany to complete his required practical training and spoken exams over a period of months. Henry and Paula began working for Joe and Kathy Schneider, founders—some 55 years ago—of the Porsche shop that bears their name.

In 2006, the Schneiders sold the business to the Hincks, whose German-Irish mastery of engineering and bracing hospitality would, they correctly surmised, burnish the Schneider Autohaus legacy even more.

Today, Paula manages the front office and Henry the “back office”; the work bays where your madly engineered ride is hydraulically hoisted and healed by gifted, deeply trained technicians in love with your car. The Schneider Autohaus magic is immediately evident to walk-ins.

“Our Shop Foreman Chris Andropoulos is amazing,” Paula says. “He does a lot of technical writing for international magazines and he’s definitely a go-to person for technical information.

He’s hungry for information.”

“He will not be caught not knowing something,” Henry summarizes.

“Kieran and Reza are our service writers,” Paula says. “They’re awesome. You can’t teach how to be nice people. If I go to somebody’s business, I want people at the front counter who are nice to me and kind to me, and give a [darn] about what’s going on. People who are trying to think about me.”

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Photo by Kim Reierson

HENRY / HINCK

A German and an Irishwoman Walk into a Bar

M

eeting a stranger is, most often, accidental. Henry and Paula Hinck have made the most of their happy accident.

Business owners, automotive scientists, and cherished community members in a beautiful town teeming with impassioned car enthusiasts, they seem to have made it. The best part?

“This is all about people,” Henry reiterates. Paula nods.

“When I run into a Trader Joe’s, am I going to be hiding behind the [darned] cereal boxes because I don’t want to see you? Nobody wants that. At the end of the day, our kids all go to school together, everybody’s digging in their garden and excited to talk about what they’re growing there. We want to be able to look at you and be like, Hey, how’s it going? How’s your car running?”

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WAY IT WAS

BY HATTIE BERESFORD

Becoming Miraflores

B

efore the Music Academy of the West and before the Miraflores estate, there was the Santa Barbara Country Club. Established in 1894 by Joel Adams Fithian on the Channel Drive lands now occupied by the Biltmore Hotel, it was the second golf club built in California. Fithian had purchased several parcels of land

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from the Montecito Land Company, which subdivided all the land bordered by Hot Springs and Olive Mill roads and the ocean in 1887. Though the Fithians owned the land where the clubhouse stood, they leased the empty lots to lay out their golf course.

Time passed, and the configuration of the golf course continued to change as lots were sold and residences built.

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Eventually, there was only enough empty space to support seven holes. The board of directors of the Club, therefore, purchased the undivided lands of the Montecito Land Company on the hill above today’s Andrée Clark Bird Refuge to lay out additional holes. They also decided they needed a clubhouse nearer the two sections of the course, so they purchased land close to the cemetery to build one.

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The second clubhouse of the Santa Barbara Country Club was a shingled lodge with Craftsman details.

(Courtesy Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

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WAY IT WAS

Seen here in 1894, the first building of the Santa Barbara Country Club stood on Channel Drive.

(Courtesy Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

Sanded tee boxes created quite a dust up in this 1901 photo. In 1908, a new clubhouse was built to the west at the top of the hill in the background. (Courtesy SBHM) Playing the hill of the first course of the Santa Barbara Country Club in 1901. (Courtesy SBHM)

Arthur Burnett Benton of Los Angeles was hired to design a rambling, shingled, lodge-like clubhouse that included a large basement with locker rooms, showers, card room, billiard room, and servants’ quarters. The main entrance on the northwest side opened into a large hall, from which lay the ladies’ quarters with an enclosed veranda offering amazing views of the Rincon. Members could foxtrot and tango the night away in the dance hall, dine on squab in the commodious dining room, and take a dip in the ocean at the bathhouse. Space was graded at the foot of the eastern slope for a tennis court. When it opened in 1908, the Morning Press called the new clubhouse “magnificent!”

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The original golf course, seen here in 1901, lay on land leased from the Montecito Land Company. This view is from the hill on the west with today’s Butterfly Lane running parallel to the slope.

(Courtesy SBHM) 2025

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WAY IT WAS

Fire! And a Case for Sherlock Holmes

F

or the next four years the members dined, danced, hit the courts, and parred the course. Then, on the night of June 27, 1912, the wooden clubhouse burst into flame and burned to the ground. What followed was a twisted tale that the Morning Press said would need the services of Sherlock Holmes himself to unravel.

The undisputed facts were that the fire began upstairs and completely destroyed the clubhouse and that the assistant steward, 24-year-old Walter Kitchener, was shot twice in the shoulder.

Initially, the news reported that late at night, just before retiring, Kitchener had heard someone in the house. Suspecting an intruder, he obtained a gun from the office of the head steward and climbed the stairs. He was attacked at the top landing, losing his gun in the scuffle and getting shot before the man fled. At some point before, during, or after the attack, the fire started.

When initially questioned, Kitchener said the man had been masked and had a red handkerchief around his face, which fell down and revealed a collar and necktie.

The man wore a blue suit of good material and tan shoes. All of which pointed, the press opined, to a “gentleman” as opposed to “some hobo ruffian.”

As the days went by, Kitchener’s story started to waver. There were few witnesses, but one man remembered a man walking away with a red bandana around his neck.

After repeated days of questioning, the police began to believe Kitchener might be shielding someone or perhaps he himself was responsible for the fire. Then, after being told to report for more questioning, Kitchener made a run for it.

He headed south on his bicycle, but the rincon grade proved too great for him, so he left his bicycle in the brush near the road and walked along the beach. He slept that night on the sands and begged for a loaf of bread the next day before walking to Ventura. There he registered at a hotel under a fictitious name.

Meanwhile, sensational rumors that promi-

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WAY IT WAS

nent club members were involved in the destruction of the clubhouse arose. Some believed the arsonist might have kidnapped Kitchener to prevent him from revealing his identity. One story asserted that the fire was caused by a jealous husband, whose wife had been frequenting the place in the company of another member of the club, and that Kitchener knew of the affair.

By Sunday of that same week, however, Kitchener realized he had to go back and face the music. He walked back to where he’d left his bicycle. It had disappeared!

Spotting its tire tracks, he was able to follow them to a nearby ranch house where he found and retrieved his bike.

He pedaled to the Santa Barbara police station where he was immediately taken into custody and incarcerated.

Though the police believed he knew more than he was telling, Kitchener stuck to his story and the case remained unsolved. Kitchener was released and soon left Santa Barbara for good.

Meanwhile, the club had found a temporary clubhouse across the street in the Channel Drive cottage owned by the deliciously scandalous Eleanor Miller Graham of Bellosguardo.

Plans for a new clubhouse were designed by Francis W. Wilson, a prominent local architect who had designed Bellosguardo and several other Montecito estates as well as rail stations for the Santa Fe Railroad. In 1905, he had designed Santa Barbara’s own Mission-style train station, which is today a historic landmark. The new clubhouse was built of plastered brick in a Mediterranean style with arched windows and arcades with an emphasis on flat roofs and plaster grill work. A roof terrace offered grand views, and all the amenities of the previous clubhouse were included.

Members of the Parrot family of San Mateo at the ninth hole of the golf course. (Courtesy Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

Francis Wilson designed a modern-looking Spanish Colonial style building that seemed more influenced by New Mexico’s pueblos than the architecture of Mexico City. (Courtesy SBHM)

On June 27, 1912, the clubhouse burned to the ground under suspicious circumstances. Flummoxed local police wished for the investigative skills of Sherlock Holmes. (Courtesy SBHM)

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WAY IT WAS

Seen from the east, the Wilson-designed clubhouse spilled down the hill to today’s Butterfly Lane. The fence encloses the tennis court, and the arched arcades enclose a courtyard. (Courtesy SBHM)

Unfortunately, the adequacy of the course off Channel Drive continued degrading, and the board of directors turned their attention to the lands above the Salt Pond. By 1916, the decision was made, and Bertram Goodhue was hired to design yet another clubhouse. Built in the popular Spanish Colonial style, the grand towered edifice remains a landmark on the hill today. At the time, it was jokingly referred to as “The Church of St. Golfus,” since Goodhue had begun his career as an ecclesiastical architect before succumbing to the Spanish Revival bug. The problem of what to do with the new Francis Wilson clubhouse was solved by a man named John Percival Jefferson.

Meet the Jeffersons

J

ohn Percival Jefferson graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1875 and pursued a successful military career that included several postings throughout the East. In 1877, he met and married Vassar graduate Alice M. Wetmore, the daughter of a prominent and wealthy family in Warren, Pennsylvania. After a four-month honeymoon in Europe, they were posted to Key West where Alice was miserable as there were no clubs, no cultural activities, and no socially acceptable friends. In 1881, Jefferson resigned from the military and took a position with Struthers Wells Company, manufacturers of steam and gas engines back in Warren.

The putting green in front of the new clubhouse circa 1913.

(Courtesy SBHM)

The new clubhouse accommodated horse and buggies and, increasingly, automobiles. (Courtesy SBHM)

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Jefferson’s second wife, Mary Trunkey. (Courtesy Warren Historical Museum)

Jefferson prospered in his role as executive director of Struthers Wells and expanded his interests into gas and oil, banking, electric lights, and lumber. Alice now had an active life of social and philanthropic endeavors. In 1906, the couple joined Alice’s brother, Edward Wetmore, and family for a winter visit to Santa Barbara. The Jeffersons returned for many subsequent seasons, eventually taking a cottage called “La Casita” at Montecito Park and bringing with them a “full staff of maids and men.” Alice joined the winter society with lunches, parties, and excursions. JP took up golf and joined the Santa Barbara Country Club.

In 1913, their friend Mary Cochran Trunkey joined them for part of the season in Santa Barbara where she lunched at the Ellwood Cooper Ranch, partied at Casa de la Guerra, and danced and dined at the new Francis Wilson clubhouse. Mary was the widow of William Garvin Trunkey. Married in an elaborate wedding in 1886, their marriage came to an abrupt and brutal end when William hung himself at a Turkish bath in 1892. Ironically, his obituary said he was a happily married man. At the time, the Jeffersons had adopted Mary as a friend and saw to it that she was included in social and other events in Pennsylvania.

In September 1914, John Percival Jefferson informed his wife that he was going to retire and finally realize his lifelong dream of sailing around the world for a year. Alice, who claimed to be afraid of water and who had managed to find an excuse to not participate in JP’s sailing expeditions for their entire marriage, refused. Having acceded to his wife’s wishes for years, Jefferson put his foot down and said that if she wouldn’t go, he’d take Mary.

Alice was furious and angrily threw her wedding ring at Jefferson. She then stormed out into the night in search of solace from a neighboring friend, but in her blind flight, she was struck and killed by a moving train.

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John Percival Jefferson shed his military uniform and donned the clothes of a successful businessman after moving to Warren, Pennsylvania. (Courtesy Warren Historical Museum)

John P. and Alice Jefferson on the grounds of the Santa Barbara Country Club in 1906. They most likely leased the horses from José del Carmen Romero, who had his stable nearby. (Courtesy Warren Historical Museum)

The Jeffersons and Wetmores visited the popular tourist site of Mr. Ferl’s banana farm where they could purchase bananas, hiking sticks, and borsch. Ferl’s farm lay near the corner of today’s Coyote Road and Mountain Drive. (Courtesy Warren Historical Museum) 2025

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WAY IT WAS

Carolyn and Edwin Gledhill portrait of John Percival Jefferson. (Courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)

Left to right Helen L. Wetmore, Maria Wetmore, Alice Jefferson, and JP Jefferson in 1906 in Santa Barbara. (Courtesy Warren Historical Museum)

In January 1915, Mary Cochran Trunkey received a passport in order to take a year’s yachting cruise to the West Indies, South America, and the South Seas. Jefferson had purchased a schooner dubbed the Idler, but instead of boarding the ship when it arrived in New York as originally planned, decided at the last minute to take passage to Havana and meet the boat there. The yacht, however, never arrived. It sank with all hands onboard when a gale blew up off Cape Hatteras and the ship was thrown upon the rocks.

Friends at home thought the Jefferson party, which included his niece Beatrice Wetmore, had perished, but soon the truth was known. Despite the tragedy, Jefferson and his party made their way west via commercial liners.

They stopped off in Santa Barbara before heading to San Francisco where they boarded a ship bound for Hawaii, where they spent several months.

After their return to Santa Barbara, JP Jefferson and Mary C. Trunkey were married at All Saints-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Montecito on December 17 of that year. The bride was “given away” by the Wetmore family.

It would not be until 1922 that Jefferson and Mary realized his dream of sailing the South Seas.

The Sanborn map of 1918 shows the property of the Santa Barbara Country Club which Jefferson had purchased. (Library of Congress)

Miraflores

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hile the Santa Barbara Country Club was laying plans to build yet another clubhouse, JP Jefferson purchased the existing clubhouse and eight adjoining acres in November 1916, thus relieving the club of its financial burden of keeping two facilities. He and Mary 134

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Paul Thiene’s plan for the landscape of Miraflores. (Courtesy Montecito Association History Committee) 2025

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WAY IT WAS

planned to remodel it into a residence but allowed it to remain open as a clubhouse until the new one could be completed. Meanwhile, they lived at the Jefferson cottage on Eucalyptus Lane and Ocean View Avenue.

Jefferson hired up-and-coming Pasadena architect Reginald Johnson to remodel the Francis Wilson-designed clubhouse (Johnson later designed the Santa Barbara Biltmore, Cate School, and several Montecito estates). Johnson’s design removed the arches from the front façade and added Churrigueresque detailing to surmount the front entrance and made many other exterior changes.

Los Angeles landscape architect Paul Thiene designed the extensive gardens, which included ponds, sculptures, and reflecting pools. The Jeffersons named their new abode Miraflores (“behold the flowers”). For this work, Johnson and Thiene received the Gold Medal from the National American Institute of Architects for the most outstanding example of residential architecture nationwide in 1922.

Jefferson and Mary became active members of Santa Barbara society, hosting and attending numerous social occasions. JP became president of the Montecito Country Club and joined the Yacht Club and the Santa Barbara Club. She joined various clubs and hosted teas, poetry readings, literary events, bridge parties, and Cosmopolitan Club speakers in the great hall at Miraflores.

House & Garden article from 1922 shows Johnson and Theine’s artistry for which they won an award. (Courtesy MAHiC) 136

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A postcard of the east courtyard of Miraflores shows the Jeffersons and an image of the infamous Bacchante statue. (Courtesy SBHM)

In 1926, Ervanna Bowen Bissell of Montecito created a book for the Garden Club of America filled with poetic descriptions and photographs of the gardens.

(Courtesy MAHiC)

The gardens at Miraflores became nationally famous, and the Jeffersons were happy to share their estate for garden tours. Probably the most famous tour occurred on April 12, 1926. Three days later, a special train carrying over 150 members of the Garden Club of America from as far away as New York arrived in Santa Barbara for that year’s annual Garden Club of America meeting. Their week’s stay included tours of Montecito and Santa Barbara gardens. On the third day, 300 Garden devotees descended on Miraflores before heading out to visit nine other Montecito estates.

Of Miraflores, the Garden Club recorder wrote, “The drive is planted with evergreens, and the courtyard has a screen of black acacias. Opposite the house entrance are two perfectly placed oil jars planted with bougainvillea, the color blending beautifully with the pinkish grey of the jars. The stucco house itself is an enchanting shade of pink and seems to grow directly out of a five-foot bank of 2025

WAY IT WAS

music from Bliss’s own compositions and ranged from international folk songs to ultramodern pieces all performed in the great hall decorated with white flowers, long sprays of bridal wreath set in tall vases, and showers of calla lilies.

Over the years, now-long-forgotten performers like Lawrence Tibbett, Radiana Pazmor, Paul McCoole, and Harriet Eels graced the halls of Miraflores with their music.

A Musical Bequest

J

The entry to Miraflores today. (Author photo)

blooming fuchsias, the entrance court of a pleasant reddish-pink harmonizing perfectly with the planting and the color of the tiles.”

The members rejoiced in MacMonnies’ figure of Bacchante in the center of a pool, the grotto of ferns, and the views of the Pacific through the long line of eucalyptus trees, all accented by the deep boom of breaking waves from the nearby ocean. They left the beautiful estate, wrote the reporter, “with regret.”

At least once a year, Mary opened her home for musical performances. The first, in 1921, was sponsored by several local patrons of music including Florence Fernald (daughter of Judge Fernald and an accomplished violinist), and Adele Herter (a founder of the Community Arts Music Committee). They brought concert pianist Lester Donahue, who had played with great success with the fledgling Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, to Miraflores for an invitation-only recital.

In 1922, Jefferson finally realized his dream of cruising the South Seas, and he and Mary were in the wind for most of that year. Musical concerts resumed in 1923 when they hosted a recital by Henri Scott, a well-known singer with the Metropolitan Opera Company. In 1924, British musician Arthur Bliss, who enriched and empowered the Santa Barbara music scene for two years in the 1920s, accompanied the celebrated French Canadian mezzo-soprano Éva Gauthier at Miraflores. The program included WINTER

ohn Percival Jefferson died in September 1934, leaving behind a grand legacy of incredible philanthropy and civic endeavors in Warren, Pennsylvania, where his wealth and influence supported and created, among other things, a school, library, theater, orphan home, hospital, and maternity home. Before he left to make his permanent home in Santa Barbara in 1919, he donated his family house to the YWCA on condition that the regulations of the organization change to permit cards and dancing. According to his obituary in the Warren Times-Mirror, he continued this generous course in California, “always contributing to the betterment of mankind where the need of help was the greatest.”

The Warren Times-Mirror tribute also said, “As a delightful host, a kind neighbor, a good citizen, and an unfailing friend, he represented the best in life and was never happier than when sharing his pleasure with others. Possessing a profound knowledge of human nature, combined with a tolerance and understanding of its frailties, he stood always with outstretched hand to help the unfortunate.”

When Mary C. Jefferson passed in June 1951, the

The entry to Miraflores today. (Author photo) 2025

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principal bequest in their will was to Theresa Helen Marso who was JP’s financial secretary and Mary’s close companion. She also became executrix of their estate and set up the John Percival and Mary C. Jefferson Endowment Fund, which gives grants to persons of limited means for medical, dental, and living expenses as well as educational grants for worthy students.

After Mary’s death, Mrs. Robert Woods (Mildred) Bliss, visited Helen Marso. Mildred was the daughter of Anna Dorinda Bliss and heir to her mother’s Casa Dorinda estate where musical evenings, featuring worldclass musicians like pianist and former prime minister of Poland Ignacy Jan Paderewski, had been fashionable.

Mildred remarked how wonderful Miraflores would be as a campus for the fledgling Music Academy of the West, then in temporary quarters at Cate School near Carpinteria. Miss Marso conferred with the heir to Miraflores and arranged a way to donate it to the Music Academy of the West.

Today, the Jeffersons’ beautiful estate house and exquisite gardens continue to house the now world-renowned campus of the Music Academy of the West, which has its own story to tell after nearly 80 years of existence.

The fountain pool with the statue of Bacchante circa 1931.

(Courtesy UCLA Library Special Collections)

Francis Wilson’s design was retained for the back patio courtyard. (Author Photo) (Sources not listed in text: Main source for Alice Jefferson and early history of Jeffersons: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=2sNQL_Q7lvo (A reenactment by the Warren County Historical Museum); newspapers.com resources; ancestry. com resources; and many thanks to the Warren County Historical Museum for the use of photographs from their collection.)

Francis Wilson’s design was retained for the back patio courtyard. (SBHM) 138

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OLD-WORLD EXPRESSION Story by Jonathan Cristaldi | Photos by Troy Blendell

Once a Mormon Idaho Boy, Today James Sparks Lights Up Santa Barbara County’s Wine Scene

J

ames Sparks smiles easily, but there’s a hint of restless energy in the way he tells his story. Several years ago, when I first visited him and his wife, Anna Ferguson-Sparks, at their backyard in Solvang, the picnic table was stacked with wine glasses, homemade bread, and art supplies for their young daughter. Over the course of a few hours, Sparks recounted a life that spans rural Idaho, Los Angeles music clubs, artisan baking, and—most improbably— two of Santa Barbara County’s most compelling wine labels.

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I first discovered the wines of Liquid Farm while writing about wine for Los Angeles Magazine. The label was enough to pull me in—designed by Val Littlewood, a U.K.-based nature illustrator, it shows a beet root that, for some reason, always looked to me like an abstract rendering of Earth with grape flowers growing out of it. The wines are so crushable.

“California sun means we can always ripen fruit, but the challenge is finding that acid balance,” says Sparks. That ethos mirrors the winery’s founding mission: to showcase cool‑climate vineyards in an Old-World style—they source from up to 15 vineyards spread across Santa Ynez, Sta. Rita Hills, and Santa Maria Valley. Most is sold to their wine club, with the balance going to restaurants and retail. There’s no waitlist for the wine club, but there are limited bottlings available only to club members.

I’m a club member. And I can tell you that Liquid Farm’s wines are nuanced and savory.

They lean on electrically bright acidity and mineral complexity. And among the 10 or so wines in the portfolio, Sparks strives to differentiate each. “I don’t want to drink the same wine twice, and I don’t want our customers to either,” he says. As for me, I’ll drink whatever he makes, twice, three times, until I can’t see straight.

A Long Way From Idaho

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parks grew up in Carey, Idaho, in a devout Mormon family with nine siblings. Alcohol was off‑limits, and he didn’t taste wine until he was 28. “I grew up Mormon, so alcohol, wine—I didn’t know anything about that,” he told me, laughing at the irony of where life led him.

In 2009, after leaving the religion, his brother‑in‑law, Brandon Sparks‑Gillis, who had worked at Wally’s wine shop in Los Angeles and co‑founded Dragonette Cellars, encouraged James to move to the Santa Ynez Valley to make wine. “If it weren’t for Dragonette, or my brother-in-law, I wouldn’t have been in the wine world.”

Having never attended oenology school, Sparks took quickly to cellar work. The apprenticeship connected him to Jeff Nelson, co-founder of Liquid Farm, and by 2013, “Liquid Farm decided to go out on their own because they needed more space and were ready to grow,” says Sparks. “Nelson took me along as winemaker.”

It was hard work because with so few people involved, being the “winemaker” also meant helping to sell and market the wines. But working hard seems to be in Sparks’ blood.

His upbringing seemed always to vacillate between fun and chores, instilling a diligence that has shaped his approach to wine. “I’m 49 now. I’m five foot four and have some issues,” he says wryly. “I can be tough to work with. I’m trying to be better.” In conversation, though, he’s self‑effacing and kind, and that’s been his M.O. since I’ve known him.

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Working hard seems to be in Sparks’ blood. His upbringing seemed always to vacillate between fun and chores, instilling a diligence that has shaped his approach to wine.

Music, Marriage, and Fermentation

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ong before he thought about grapes, Sparks dreamed of guitars. Music took him west in the late 1990s, where he, his sister Michelle, and Brandon formed a series of indie bands.

“The first band was a space pop group. My sister Michelle was the drummer, Brandon was on guitar, and I was the singer and bass player. We were not very good,” he admits, laughingly. Yet the move exposed him to California culture and laid the groundwork for a life beyond Idaho.

Those creative instincts show up in unexpected ways.

Sparks grew up helping his mother in her bakeshop and later started a cottage‑food business called Another Bread Company. He experimented with sourdough starters that incorporated wine grapes and likened baking to wine-

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making: both require observation and a light hand.

One Independence Day weekend, while visiting my wife’s family in Santa Ynez, Sparks brought a case of wine and two loaves of bread he’d just baked. None of us could decide which yeast-based confection we liked more.

Sparks met his wife, Anna Ferguson, in an L.A. wine shop and today the two have built a partnership that mixes family and business. Ferguson, a public relations and marketing specialist, hails from Kings Point, the northern tip of Great Neck, Long Island—the specific setting for The Great Gatsby. When she and James launched their own wine brand—Kings Carey—she conceived the name that combines their hometowns and prints their coordinates on the corks.

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In addition to wine, Sparks also makes a mean espresso.

“ The goal from the start was to create an Old-World Chardonnay produced locally and we’ve never wavered from our philosophy.” – Jeff Nelson Inspiration at Liquid Farm

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iquid Farm’s inception dates back to 2002 when Jeff Nelson met Brandon Sparks-Gillis and John Dragonette. Nelson spent 18 years working in the Champagne biz for the likes of Veuve Clicquot, Champagne Laurent-Perrier, and Champagne Henriot. “I always wanted to be entrepreneurial and had [the rights to] the name Liquid Farm,” he told me during an in-person tasting this past April. Sparks-Gillis and Dragonette encouraged Nelson to make the leap and start the business, and in 2009, he did—the first Liquid Farm wine rolled off the bottling line. It was a Kessler-Haak Vineyard Chardonnay released in 2010 under two names: White Hill (a bottling of two leaner barrels)

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and Golden Slope (a bottling of two richer barrels). It was offered by-the-glass at Providence in L.A. and the Wine Merchant in Los Olivos. Liquid Farm’s cozy, living-room-vibe tasting room opened in the same town.

“James was full-time with Liquid Farm in 2013 when we decided to leave Dragonette to be in our winery space,” says Nelson. “The goal from the start was to create an Old-World Chardonnay produced locally and we’ve never wavered from our philosophy.”

The focus has remained tight: a handful of Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs and a Mourvèdre‑based rosé.

Production has grown from a few barrels to thousands of cases, but Sparks still sees each barrel as an individual.

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LIQUID FARM

A Personal Outlet: Kings Carey

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y 2014, Sparks craved an outlet for his own creative expression. “Liquid Farm was all-consuming.

I wanted to carve out time for a personal project,” he says. Dragonette had surplus Grenache from the John Sebastiano Vineyard, so he bought a ton and produced

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two barrels—about 74 cases. That first wine became Kings Carey.

“Working with Grenache was fun; it felt like a variety that might really take off,” he says. Instead of blends, he chooses single vineyards and continues to practice mini-

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mal intervention in his winemaking.

Where Liquid Farm blends vineyards, Kings Carey revels in singularity. Sparks aims for what he calls “untypical wines of typicity,” meaning bottles that express place without being overripe. He sources organically farmed fruit, often from Spear Vineyard and other organic sites.

Early releases included Grenache rosé and reds from Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Ynez Valley. Production has grown from a few dozen cases to roughly 1,000 annually—big enough, but still manageable.

Marketing falls largely on Anna, though she admits that raising their daughter and running her own business leave little time for much else. In 2023, the couple opened a small tasting space in Solvang, where visitors can book appointments to taste these limited wines. “But we’re on the hunt for a new tasting space,” says Sparks in an email exchange. “We’re introducing two new varieties to our lineup too: Grüner Veltliner and Merlot, and we have sparkling made from Chardonnay that will be released soon, too. We’ve also reintroduced some very limited lots of past releases, including Mourvèdre and Cabernet Franc, and we have a new Cabernet Sauvignon coming soon from a new vineyard.”

In short, there’s never a dull moment in the winemaking world of James Sparks.

He works long hours and insists on doing things right—washing every piece of equipment until his hands are raw, or sorting grape clusters berry by berry to ensure that every drop of grape juice that finds its way into a bottle of his wine is pure, clean, and delicious.

For Montecito Journal readers, the takeaway is simple and risk-averse: stockpile whatever James Sparks makes. In April of this year, I spent an afternoon tasting the latest Liquid Farm releases with James and Jeff and can honestly say those wines offer a master class in restrained California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, while Kings Carey reveals the magic that happens when a winemaker follows his curiosity.

And that’s the spark you should experience for yourself.

I’ll drink whatever he makes, twice, three times, until I can’t see straight.

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HORSE SENSE

“I used to call them my psychiatrists.

You get in the saddle, you’re focused and everything goes away. It’s very peaceful. It’s very serene.”

by Steven Libowitz

CHUCK LANDE REFLECTS ON HIS LOVE FOR POLO AND TROTS OUT A NEW DEVELOPMENT CHUCK LANDE is standing on Polo Way

in front of one of the model homes in the Santa Barbara Polo Residences, but also taking a trip down memory lane. The new luxury homes development in Carpinteria is the latest project from Chadmar, the firm Lande founded decades ago as a niche-focused homebuilding and development company. Over the years, Chadmar—a portmanteau of his first two children’s names, Chad and Marisa—has overseen innumerable projects, including remodeling of historic highrise hotels in Dallas and Los Angeles while also building upscale homes in resort communities from Mammoth Lakes to the Pacific Palisades.

The houses at Rolling Hills Country Club in Palos Verdes were personally meaningful, as the peninsula was his childhood home. Similarly, earlier developments in his long-ago adopted home of Santa Barbara, which include the Hideaway Bungalows near Sandpiper Golf Club, got special attention, too.

But the Polo Residences are even more dear to his heart.

“They’re spread out in such a way that you’re either looking at the polo field, or you’re looking out at the mountains, so you’ve got these great views,” says Lande. “It’s open.”

Photo Courtesy of Chuck Lande

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Photo by Troy Blendell

CHUCK LANDE

That’s because the new community is adjacent to Field No. 1 at the Santa Barbara Polo Club, one of Lande’s favorite places in the world. Several of the houses will have sliding glass doors that open onto back patios mere yards from the action. Lande spent more than 35 years with an even closer view.

Santa Barbara’s is perhaps the premier equestrian polo club in the Western United States, home to prestigious annual tournaments that include the Pacific Coast Open, United States Polo Association (USPA) America Cup, and the Silver Cup. King Charles and both of his sons, Princes William and Harry, have all played on those fertile grounds.

So has Lande.

The developer had a career that lasted nearly 40 years as a sponsor-player on the Chadmar team, spending tens of hours each week atop horses galloping down the field,

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hoping to strike a hard plastic ball with a thin mallet accurately enough to pass to a teammate, or send it through the goalposts.

Lande has partnered with or competed against many dozens of players from that fast-moving vantage point, a list that includes some of the all-time polo greats.

“I played with Adolfo Cambiaso when he was 14 years old,” Lande says, citing the Argentine professional and consensus best polo player in history, who still wins tournaments at age 50. “I played against Memo Gracida many times. Jeff Hall, a Santa Barbara native and polo hall-of-famer, was a teammate when he was a teenager.”

Lande had his most memorable moment on the polo field in a game against Gracida, whose record-setting achievements include clinching the most U.S. Open victories and spending the most consecutive years as a

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top-rated 10-goaler.

“On that day, I was going down the boards full bore, and I outfoxed him to score a goal,” he says, smiling at the memory. “I know I was very lucky, but boy, did I take a lot of pride.”

Lande points just past the field to the stables where the developer housed his horses right next to the Polo Condos that were built in the 1970s, just steps from where he owned a double unit for many years.

“That was my barn right over there,” he says, gesturing to one of the end units closest to the condos. “I had maybe 50 or 60 horses in there over the years.”

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The club has memories that linger beyond game action. It was at the Polo Club that Lande, who has been chairman of the Board of Trustees for almost 20 years, met his wife, Margarita, who grew up in a polo-playing family in town. While it’s been almost a decade since he withdrew from active competition, part of Lande’s heart still lives in Carpinteria.

“I’m here every weekend during the season,” he says. “I haven’t missed a game in 15 years.”

Now, as he looks over at the polo field, he is particularly proud of the new residences that stand on land first purchased by Major Max Fleischmann to provide a

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CHUCK LANDE

“The most important thing when you do a development is that it fits into the atmosphere and the community. You want it to feel like it has been here forever. Especially here in our backyard. When you build something at home it better be good.”

permanent home for the Santa Barbara Polo Club more than a century ago, and later owned by Glen Holden and Kenneth Walker, who played pivotal roles in restoring the club’s stability when it faced financial challenge in the mid-1970s.

Chadmar purchased the property, which had served as a farm and later a small motel that was converted to bungalows, from an investor a year before Holden passed away in April 2024.

“I can’t tell you how many hours I spent sitting in a saddle on that field and looking back at this land,” he says. “I never thought back then that it would get

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developed, but I’m gratified that I was the one who got to make this happen. I’m very proud of it. I think they would be too.”

Lande gets a similar thrill from his day job as a developer even though it all takes place at a notoriously sluggish pace. He discovered the profession as a senior at USC, where he was a three-year varsity letterman for the rowing team representing the 1973 U.S. men’s rowing team in Mexico City. He majored in biology thinking he’d follow in the footsteps of his family of doctors and dentists.

“The reality of doing that for the rest of my life made me realize it wasn’t for me,” says Lande. “The real estate industry in the early seventies was just booming. And I thought it would be creative and exciting. That’s still true.”

Lande and his team work to fashion developments that complement their surroundings, which was an even bigger priority for the Polo Residences, which features 25 detached single-family homes and 15 townhomes.

“The most important thing when you do a development is that it fits into the atmosphere and the community,” he says. “You want it to feel like it’s been here forever.

Especially here in our backyard. When you build something at home it’d better be good.”

In other words, not like “Little Boxes,” the suburbiaskewering opening theme song to the TV show Weeds.

“You’re not building plaster boxes, you’re not just cramming in as many as you can,” Lande says. “You’re trying to create a balance. It’s about great architecture, great landscaping, and a beautiful environment coming together so people enjoy where they’re living.”

With the houses on the market, Lande is only slightly wistful as he gazes across the polo field. Polo games are in the rearview mirror, but he still rides horses frequently, either in “stick-and-ball” polo practices with friends, or on trail rides with the famous Los Rancheros Visitadores.

Atop an equine animal is still his happy place.

“I used to call them my psychiatrists,” he says. “You get in the saddle, you’re focused and everything goes away. It’s very peaceful. It’s very serene.”

At 74, after five decades in development, Lande still drives from Santa Barbara to Chadmar’s West Los Angeles office a couple of days each week, and recently has been flying up to Carmel to oversee another housing development every other week. His passion and energy developing properties still triumphs over the stress.

“It’s absolutely exhilarating,” he says. “It’s still fun. I wake up every morning bursting with new ideas. I look forward to every day. Isn’t that what life’s all about? The morning that I don’t get up by 5am ready to roll with what’s next, that will be the day that I retire.”

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ROADSIDE ATTRACTION MEETS ENVIRONMENTAL REHABILITATION AT SANTA BARBARA’S CULTURED ABALONE FARM

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hen I was in preschool, my father showed up to my classroom for an impromptu and peculiar show-and-tell. He walked in carrying a cooler, sat down, and began lifting out the mysterious specimens inside. My classmates leaned in, oohing and aahing at the slimy, alien-like creatures hidden beneath their striking green and red shells.

The scene felt uncannily familiar on a Saturday afternoon this past September, as I toured the Cultured Abalone Farm on Dos Pueblos Ranch and watched children peer at the abalone with the same wide-eyed wonder as my old classmates. Abalone, without fail, have that effect.

They seem to mesmerize not just the young but really anyone lucky enough to behold them.

As a child growing up on Dos Pueblos Ranch, I often wandered through these very facilities. Although the last time I visited the farm, I was too short to see over the tops of the tanks. Then, I was taken by the abalone’s strange beauty and lacked any knowledge about their fragility.

Now, finally able to see over the tanks, I return with a different perspective and purpose—to understand the abalone and what it takes to keep them alive.

Once a fixture of California’s rocky reefs, abalone are quiet custodians of the coast. By grazing on algae, they help kelp forests thrive and create space for the teeming life within them: sea otters, crabs, and octopuses all depend on them. Even after death, their shells become miniature reefs, tiny sanctuaries for other marine creatures.

Which is why their disappearance from California waters isn’t just an ecological concern; it is an unraveling of the coast itself.

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, the Cultured Abalone Farm is one of only a handful of full-cycle abalone farms in the United States.

Of California’s seven native abalone species, the farm raises three: red, white, and green. What sets the Cultured Abalone Farm apart is its restoration efforts—or, more pointedly, its driving purpose: to bring wild abalone back.

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STARTING THE FARM

B

efore we jump into the farm’s current impact today, we must go back to how this unlikely operation began, four decades ago, with a conversation in a bank.

Let’s set the scene: in walks abalone farmer Ben Beede, seeking financing for a car. He finds my uncle, Paul Schulte, a bank manager at the time. Beede hands Paul a loan application that mentioned “Cultured Abalone, Inc.,” an abalone farm that Beede co-owned. Needless to say, Paul started asking all kinds of abalone-related questions.

Shortly after their fateful meeting at the bank, Uncle Paul visited Beede and the farm’s other co-owner, Dick Craig, in his backyard where their abalone operation took place. During the visit, the two told Paul they were considering moving to Chile if they couldn’t establish the farm in California. But Paul wouldn’t have that.

As the son of Rudolf “Rudi” Schulte, my grandfather, who was the then-owner of Dos Pueblos Ranch, Paul was “always looking on the ranch for ideas for diversifying the crops.” Impressed by the abalone operation, he asked Rudi to build a full-scale, onshore farm on the ranch. To his surprise, Rudi agreed to fund the project, and the four officially joined forces on October 28, 1987, marking the beginning of the Cultured Abalone Farm as we know it today.

Their partnership may have come together effortlessly, but what followed was no easy feat. For starters, the site of the pump house they needed to build sat on native land once inhabited by the Kuya’mu and Mikiw tribes.

The pump house and pipelines were essential for bringing seawater to the abalone farm.

Once digging began, long-buried cultural artifacts started popping up. Wanting to work collaboratively with the original custodians of the land, the abalone team brought in representatives of the Chumash during the early stages to perform ceremonies and inspect the area for further relics. Once they gave the green light, construction began.

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The first pipeline, installed in the late 1980s, was relatively small compared to the larger pipes needed in the mid1990s that extended about 400 yards out into the ocean.

The construction of these larger pipelines was a major and expensive project. “That was a huge job,” Paul recalls, as he mimics the pulling of the barges and concrete blocks to lay the pipes out into the ocean. The very pipes I used to balance on as a kid during low tide, when the ocean pulled back just enough to reveal a blanket of barnacles and mussels clinging to their surface.

NOT A MOMENT TOO SOON

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he farm emerged just when it was needed most. In the years following the new facility opening, commercial and recreational harvests were steadily curtailed: first a statewide ban on black abalone fishing in 1993, then a broader shutdown of abalone fisheries in Central and Southern California in 1997. A disease known as withering syndrome began decimating black abalone and other species.

The confluence of overharvesting and disease brought abalone populations to the brink of extinction. Federal protection followed: white abalone was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 2001. Black abalone followed in 2009.

While abalone all but vanished from the wild, their future was quietly being safeguarded onshore. A few weeks after my recent tour, I return to the farm to meet with the current General Manager Devin Spencer, who has worked there for seven years, starting as a hatchery technician. Her dogs—

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Chili, Pepper, and Parker—trail her like ducklings behind their mother.

Spencer spent a few years as a scientific diver, conducting scientific data collection. But she’s yet to see an abalone in the wild as they’re not only sparse but elusive and tricky to spot in their natural habitat. “They’re definitely out there now,” Spencer says. “But I didn’t know what I was looking for.”

We talk beside the steady hum of the tanks as a student tour passes through. Spencer worries about warming effects on wild abalone populations. “We’re honestly hoping that because it’s happening quickly—but also slowly— that the animals are adapting,” she says. She hopes that wild mollusks hardy enough to survive in warmer waters

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will one day become broodstock—adult abalone kept for reproduction purposes—breeding a tougher generation to repopulate the coast.

In the meantime, the farm, she adds, is doing its part.

They’re deeply involved in several abalone conservation projects: raising green abalone in partnership with marine biologist Nancy Caruso for eventual outplanting, collaborating with Bodega Marine Lab (UC Davis) to grow and release juvenile white abalone, and leading a red abalone restoration effort that uses wild broodstock to produce and outplant tens of thousands of genetically diverse individuals as part of post-Refugio oil spill mitigation. “And I believe our goal for that,” she says, “is [40,000] animals out in the wild.”

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ABALONE COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS

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ack on my Saturday tour, the farm’s tour coordinator, Andie Van Horn, shares which restaurants the farm supplies with red abalone—spots like Lucky’s in Montecito, Santa Barbara Fish Market, and Caruso’s. They usually sell abalone for consumption once they reach three to four years of age and grow to roughly 3.25 inches length-wise.

I ask Van Horn what the story is with black abalone. She laughs. “No one knows how to spawn blacks,” she notes. “It’s currently scientifically impossible.” Later, Spencer clarifies: not impossible, just not yet achieved.

Black abalone may still be a scientific riddle, but there’s plenty of progress elsewhere. It all begins in the farm’s indoor hatchery, where rows of white tanks emit a mechanical hum, filtering 2.3 million gallons of seawater throughout the farm each day, all of it hailing from those pipes stretching into the sea. Here, abalone start life as invisible larvae before growing, over six months, from the size of a “sesame seed” to a “big ladybug,” Van Horn says. “The first month,” she says, “we’re just feeding them and hoping they’re still there.”

From these tanks, life begins—but in the wild, it’s not so simple. Van Horn explains that abalone are “broadcast spawners.”

A female releases her eggs into the water, and a male must be nearby to fertilize them. If abalone are too far apart, as they often are in the wild, the eggs are unlikely to be fertilized; therefore, successful reproduction requires dense populations with individuals close to one another.

To mimic the density once found in the wild, the farm creates its own small communities. They organize the white abalone spawns and family lines by grouping offspring into cohorts, often giving each group a themed name. It’s a funny way to do things, Spencer notes, but it works. One tank is marked “The Brady Bunch.” Another is Hobbit-themed and displays their spawn date: March 19, 2025. At the time of this writing, they’re only six months into life. Their journey, I think, is just beginning.

That Saturday, as I hold a 12-year-old mollusk from the farm’s broodstock, that stretched well beyond my palm, I think back to all the times I came here as a child—back to when the abalone were just pretty creatures, when their fate, so precarious and grim, completely eluded me. Yet despite my naïveté, my love and admiration for the abalone never wavered. In fact, learning about their journey has only strengthened it.

I gently lower the abalone back into the water and look around— at the places on the farm where I hold memories, albeit foggy ones. A lot has changed in over three decades. My grandfather has passed, and the ranch where the farm sits is no longer ours. Still, standing there beside the tanks, I feel a quiet connection remain— something that outlasts ownership or time. The abalone endure, and somehow, so does my bond to this place—to them.

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Family Owned & Operated TheTentMerchant.com | 805.963.6064 | 436 East Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara Mon-Fri 9 am-4 pm | Sat 9 am-2 pm | Sun By Appointment

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shop. play. dine.

MALIBU’S SEASIDE DESTINATION FOR SHOPPING, DINING AND HOLIDAY FUN!

3835 Cross Creek Road 90265 | malibucountrymart.com | G e @malibucountrymart

Something for Everyone F

all turns to winter and we’re confronted with a familiar conundrum: How do I shower my loved ones with meaningful gifts? Consider these pages an elevated vision board full of local artisans and tastemakers to help you find those special somethings that speak to the soul of your favorite people. While you’re at it, don’t forget to find something for yourself. After all, you’re one of your favorite people, too.

BELROSE ESTATE JEWELERS

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very diamond here has lived another life. Some caught candlelight in the 1800s, others once adorned Art Deco soirées. At Belrose Estate Jewelers, every piece has a history, a hand behind it, a reason it was made to last. These stories sparkle with memory made tangible and keep what’s rare in circulation.

Founded in 1967 by Rose and Sam Schweke on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, Belrose now thrives in Montecito under their son Joe and granddaughter Sarena. Step inside, and the difference is clear in the details: old-mine and historic-European cut diamonds that throw off a softer shimmer, Art Deco lines that still feel modern, redesigns that bring heirlooms back into daily wear.

Spanning Victorian to 20th-century design eras, each of these preloved pieces brings sustainable elegance to those you love.

BELROSEESTATE.COM

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photos by Jeremy Diamond

BRYANT & SONS

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ime moves differently inside Bryant & Sons. The El Paseo jeweler has anchored Santa Barbara’s downtown since 1965, its glass cases gleaming with six decades of craft, care, and family continuity.

Here, legacy doesn’t mean looking back. Graduate gemologists and master goldsmiths still work in the onsite workshop, shaping custom designs and breathing new life into heirlooms. Across the showroom, watches from Omega and jewels by Roberto Coin share space with Bryant’s own creations—pieces meant to last well beyond their moment.

Both first-time buyers and seasoned collectors feel at home at Bryant & Sons searching for the perfect addition to a collection or a timeless treasure to be cherished for generations. Because true luxury isn’t about more… it’s about time well spent.

BRYANTANDSONS.COM

C&E FINE JEWELRY

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n a world that loves a little sparkle, C&E Fine Jewelry makes sure it never feels out of reach. Founded by best friends Elise and Cierra, the Solvang boutique was born from a simple idea: fine jewelry should feel as natural as slipping on your favorite sweater—beautiful, but lived in.

Their pieces are graceful, feminine, and built for every day, the kind of jewelry that doesn’t wait for an occasion. One client might stop in for a custom diamond ring; another finds the perfect $200 charm for a friend. Either way, the sentiment carries the same weight.

Every collection comes from female designers, each one reflecting the strength and creativity that inspired C&E in the first place. It’s jewelry for women who know themselves—and want the world to see that shine, too.

CANDEFINEJEWELRY.COM

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CATHERINE GEE

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photo by Hagop Kalaidjian (ss26 campaign, Majorca)

panning runways and celebrity sightings, Catherine Gee’s designs have been worn around the world.

When founding her eponymous womenswear label, Catherine Gee didn’t want clothes that looked like everything else, and she accomplished that in waves and spades of silk. Each piece captures some of the Central Coast style and its endless summer seasonality, while also becoming its own unique look that can fit everyday wears or flashing light fashion.

Known for luxury, yet pleasing fabrics and iconic prints that look as good as they feel, these silk blouses, bottoms, and cashmere fits continue to bring comfort in the sun, on a beach, or a crisp Manhattan eve.

It’s no wonder that Catherine Gee’s timeless designs have been seen on screen, most continents, and every season.

CATHERINEGEE.COM

CHAUCER’S BOOKS

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hether it’s getting lost in an alien world, mastering a new skill in this one, or just being entertained by a murder mystery… books cover it all… literally.

Since 1974, Chaucer’s Books has been bringing the titles and tomes to every aspect of the community.

The beloved woman- and veteran-owned independent bookstore believes, “every person has their book, and every book has its reader.” The towering shelves are well organized, and the friendly staff are always eager to help a customer find the right book for themselves or others. Beyond the books, there are journals, toys, and curated goodies packed between the 150,000 titles.

At Chaucer’s Books, it’s easy to find the right book, a fitting gift, and a passion for community bookstores and their support of local culture.

CHAUCERSBOOKS.COM

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ESBEE

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hen it comes to wardrobe essentials, there’s a fine line between the things you wear and the things that wear well. That’s where Esbee finds its stride—California comfort tailored with intention and made to last.

Founded by Montecito local Andrew Schmoller and business partner Eli Gill, Esbee creates luxury staples for men that feel as effortless as they look. Their Rincon Surf Jacket—made of heavyweight French terry— carries that clean, sun-faded sophistication you only get on the coast, while the signature bucket hat has quietly become a unisex accessory from Santa Barbara to New York.

Designed in Montecito and made in the USA, Esbee’s clothes aren’t just about fit—they’re about feel, longevity, and the kind of confidence that comes from knowing you’ve found your style.

ESBEE.US

FURNITURE GALLERY BY MATTRESS MIKE

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good home starts with comfort—not the kind that fades, but the kind you build around. At Furniture Gallery by Mattress Mike, that philosophy fills every corner of their 55,000-square-foot showroom, where form and function meet in equal measure.

Family-owned since 1994, the store has grown from a neighborhood favorite into the Central Coast’s largest home showroom, carrying everything from La-Z-Boy recliners to American Leather and Stressless pieces. The mix is broad, but the mission hasn’t changed: quality furniture at honest prices, chosen to last.

Three decades later, their success still feels personal—a local family helping other families make their spaces feel like home.

MATTRESSMIKESB.COM

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GORJANA

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t gorjana, fine jewelry doesn’t wait for an occasion—it finds its way into everyday life. Founded in Laguna Beach and now a coastal favorite, the brand brings that sunlit ease to Montecito with gold pieces designed to mix, layer, and live in.

Cute charms, dazzling chains, and precious stone accents can be blended in countless ways to find the perfect look for yourself or anyone you’re looking to gift a touch of relaxed, California coast class.

Solid gold birthstone bracelets have become a go-to and the many diamond, opal, and sapphire charms and studs can hit every look at any point of the year. Stylists guide guests through pairing and layering until they find the exact look they’re going for. Approachable, modern, and warm, gorjana makes luxury feel like second nature—golden without trying.

GORJANA.COM

HEIDI MERRICK

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wenty years in, Heidi Merrick designs with a rare mix of grace and hindsight. Her work has always been about California—its light, its air, its ease—but this anniversary marks something more personal.

From her first silhouettes to the latest “Holiday 25” collection, Merrick’s clothes have carried the same quiet conviction: that style and self-awareness grow together. The pieces she’s reintroducing now—gowns, skirts, and shapes that defined her early years—remind her of a time she was bold without knowing it. Today, that boldness remains, refined by experience and a kind of kindness toward her younger self and a celebration of early intuition.

Each design feels like both a return and an evolution.

Satin, lace, sequins—all filtered through a modern, sunlit lens. Timeless femininity, reimagined by someone who has learned that confidence, like good design, only deepens with time.

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ITALIAN POTTERY OUTLET

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oth the holidays and new year are a time of gifts, hosting, and maybe a little home refresh once the festive décor is put away.

For more than 40 years, Italian Pottery Outlet has been filling kitchens and courtyards with color and craft.

As the name indicates, there is pottery—handmade ceramics from Tuscany and Sicily among other kilned craft—but there are also soaps and home goods, clocks and candle holders, and myriad other items to fill a gift bag or accent the home.

This family-run Santa Barbara institution located on State Street continues to evolve while holding fast to its roots: authentic Italian craftsmanship at approachable prices that can enrich a room, fulfill a gift, or just bring a touch of Mediterranean flair to everyday life.

ITALIANPOTTERY.COM

LA ARCADA PLAZA

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he charming courtyards of La Arcada Plaza, tucked off State Street, are lovely at any time of year. The holiday splendor brings even more delight to visit the Plaza with 22 boutiques, art galleries, specialty shops and restaurants. Holiday cheer abounds with strolling carolers, photo opportunities, Santa and special treats. Dine with friends, find the perfect gifts or simply stroll among the bronze sculptures, live turtles, multiple Christmas trees and decorations. For a century, this hidden gem has blended community, culture, family and tradition.

LAARCADASANTABARBARA.COM

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MARISA MASON JEWELRY

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ome jewelry stores whisper sophistication. Marisa Mason does that with an open door and ease. Founded by fourth-generation Santa Barbaran Marisa Haskell, the brand blends craftsmanship with sustainable and ethically sourced stones.

Many of the designs are made in-house, using materials and stones that feel raw and intentional. The result is jewelry you actually live in— gold hoops, stackable rings, and diamond accents that move easily from beach to evening.

Casual style with an elegant flair, these pieces prove that elegance doesn’t need formality, just authenticity. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind engagement ring or an under-$100 gift, Marisa Mason makes fine jewelry feel both personal and possible.

photos by Leela Cyd

MARISAMASON.COM

POSH FINE JEWELERS

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tep inside POSH, and you’ll feel it immediately—the quiet hum of stories catching light. A Murano glass necklace gleams beside silky Italian gold chains. Pearls rest against turquoise, amethyst, and peridot. Everything here has a past life and a new one waiting to begin.

For 36 years, Nancy Leger has shaped this Santa Barbara original around curiosity and contrast. Her collections move from Art Deco geometry to tribal forms, from the Edwardian to the unexpected. It’s jewelry that resists sameness—colorful, intelligent, alive.

But what truly sets POSH apart is Nancy herself, reading people the way a gemcutter reads a stone. When a husband comes in wide-eyed and unsure, she starts simple: yellow or white? One question, and the guessing fades into something personal—a story, a memory, a match found in metal and light.

POSHSB.COM

photos by Erick Madrid

14ky 2.44ct Apatite

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SALT. OPTICS

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ision shapes one’s view of the world. Yes, how we see it, but also how we interact and show up in it. Fashioned in California and crafted in Japan, SALT. Optics merges modern design with old-world manufacturing.

Each piece of eyewear art is made to flex and mold itself to its wearer.

One of their focal points is fit. It’s easy to make a celebrity look good in glasses, however SALT. desires to make designs that feel both stylish and as comfortable as one’s favorite pair of blue jeans. Polarized and prescription-ready lenses are ready to be set in any frame for any person.

Whether an aging parent in need of a new prescription, a friend who could use a refreshed frame, or just yourself seeking a new look, SALT. can help bring clarity to lifestyle.

SALTOPTICS.COM

SANTA BARBARA TRAVEL BUREAU

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hen it comes to Something for Everyone, “everyone” can be a hard thing to plan for when traveling… whether it’s figuring out a vacation for the extended family, or just whether to get an airline ticket that’s refundable. It’s easy in these digital times to think that booking a trip is just a few clicks of a website away.

Sure, the right flight and hotel may make up the fabric of a vacation, but the embroidery is where the experts come in. For more than 75 years, Santa Barbara Travel Bureau has been that trusted guide threading the needle of unforgettable trips.

Still led by the de L’Arbre family with brother Charles and David at the helm—here’s how Charles puts it: “There’s info on the internet, not wisdom.” Booking a trip online might get you a seat—but booking through Santa Barbara Travel Bureau gets you peace of mind.

Whether you’re planning a solo escape, a family reunion, or a once-in-a-lifetime journey, this team brings the world within reach—and they’re there for you every step of the way, from takeoff to touchdown.

SBTRAVEL.COM Something forEveryone

photo by Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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SILVERHORN DESIGN STUDIO

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f you can envision it, Silverhorn Design Studio can craft it… and even if you can’t, their experts will help guide you through the loose stones, precious metals, and enduring designs. The workshop—one of the few left in the country using traditional artisan methods—is at the heart of the Coast Village Road store.

Clients can either select to commission a one-of-a-kind design made in the workshop or a finished piece from the gallery exhibiting their fine jewelry and loose gems hand sourced from around the globe.

Opened in 1976, Silverhorn has honed its craft through personalized service and exceptional customer care with the knowledgeable staff assisting clients through the selection, care, and maintenance of their treasured offerings.

SILVERHORN.COM

SULLIVAN GOSS – AN AMERICAN GALLERY

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rt has a way of capturing what words can’t, and at Sullivan Goss, that idea has guided nearly every exhibition since 1984.

The downtown gallery represents a legacy of American artistry, showcasing works from emerging voices to national figures across painting, sculpture, and print.

With more than 3,000 pieces in its collection and 20 curated shows each year, Sullivan Goss has become a crossroads where Los Angeles and San Francisco meet in the middle—right here in Santa Barbara.

Step inside and you’ll find not just art on display, but conversations in motion swirling around place, purpose, and the evolving story of American creativity.

SULLIVANGOSS.COM

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OUT NOW!

new year, new you contents

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s we greet a new year, many of us are filled with the hope and anticipation that often accompany a fresh start.

A blank slate to do better. To be better. A chance for renewal.

According to Psychology Today the “fresh start effect” is a genuine psychological experience.

Rooted in behavioral science, “The fresh start effect is the psychological boost we experience when temporal landmarks, such as the beginning of a new year, month, or week, help us mentally separate our past selves from our future potential.”

The new year also creates momentum for change and gives us a sense of control, a chance to take the reins and lead ourselves into new, exciting directions. Have you always wanted to take on a new hobby, or try a new workout?

Is this the year you finally take that staycation you’ve been dreaming of? The world is your oyster, and you can even eat some of those along the way.

Who doesn’t love a clean slate? In case you aren’t sure what to do with yours, here are a few ideas to get you started. Happy New Year!

– Deann Zampelli

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AERO AGOURA SASH & DOOR BISSELL CLINIC BODY BY POLY ELITE REMODELS HARBOR HILLS WEALTH MANAGEMENT HOMEBODY STUDIOS INTEGRATIVE SELF K-NINE SOLUTIONS KEEPING INTERIORS LONGEVITY TRAINING CLUB MONTECITO MED SPA MUDITĀ SKIN HEALTH PRINCETON NORTH SAIGE PRIVATE WEALTH THE TENT MERCHANT TERRA WELLNESS WEISER & GRANT DENTISTRY WICKS ROOFING & SOLAR

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new year, new you | luxury travel AERO

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he trip is to be savored, not endured, and Aero offers a return to what flying once was and what it can be again.

Founded on the idea that every journey should feel as restorative as the destination itself, Aero has reimagined air travel as a seamless, soulful experience. Private terminals replace crowded airports. You can checkin up to 20 minutes before departure. Guests settle into a calm private jet cabin where dining, service, and hospitality recall a time when flying felt special.

Everything, from the Starlink Wi-Fi to the top-shelf open bar, is complimentary.

“Our goal is to make people fall in love with flying again,” says Liz Mazzei, Aero’s Head of Marketing.

“Time is the one thing we can’t make more of. So we’ve created a way to help people make the most of it—to slow down, reconnect, and actually enjoy the journey.”

From Los Angeles, Aero now connects travelers to destinations like New York and Maui—each flight designed to make the hours in the air feel intentional.

For Aero travelers, the vacation begins the moment they arrive at the terminal. Every stressor of traditional travel has been thought through and elegantly solved—from the rush of security lines to the din of crowded gates.

The airline’s latest fleet addition, the Gulfstream IV-SP, marks a new chapter in semi-private aviation, pairing speed with the grace and ease Aero is known for.

Whether heading to a second home or escaping for the weekend, you can book a seat on Aero to get a unique private jet experience for the cost of a first class ticket.

Because in the new year and in every year that follows, the most luxurious thing you can give yourself is not just where you’re going, but how you get there.

AERO.COM

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new year, new you | windows & doors AGOURA SASH & DOOR

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here’s an understated elegance in choosing the right doors and windows… finding the pieces that frame life, invite light, and shape moments.

At Agoura Sash & Door in Westlake Village, this thought is the heartbeat of every project. By helping homeowners, builders, and designers find the right frame for clarity, choice, and craft, it is the doorway to a new feel for the home.

Since opening its doors in 1984, the company has built a reputation for integrity and expertise across Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. From the 10,000-square-foot showroom filled with top-tier brands—Andersen/Eagle, Kolbe, Milgard, and more— to a team of seasoned consultants who guide each customer through the selection process, the experience is rooted in listening first and launching later.

The extensive mix of materials from Agoura Sash & Door that spans vinyl, wood-clad, aluminum, steel, and fiberglass fits every need and style. “Decisions on windows and doors can be complex,” the team acknowledges—so they meet it not with shortcuts, but with service, depth, and detail.

For homeowners embarking on a remodel or a new build, this is both a transaction and collaboration signed in materials and quality. The showroom invites you to see, touch, and select with confidence; the sales consultants partner with you to ensure the outcome aligns with your architecture, your budget, and your vision.

If your home is ready for the next chapter, prepare to open that door in any desired material and size at Agoura Sash & Door. Guided by trust, expertise, and genuine care, this place opens all the doors and windows for tomorrow. photo by ProVisuals Media

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new year, new you | lifelong wellness BISSELL CLINIC

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or more than three decades, Dr. Charlie Bissell has helped patients move beyond pain and back into balance. What began as a trusted chiropractic practice has evolved into a leading integrative wellness destination. This clinic unites chiropractic care, physical therapy, and mind-body medicine under one roof.

At the Bissell Clinic, every treatment begins with an inward look about where there’s pain, and how you live, move, and rest.

That whole-person approach has guided the practice for over 30 years, blending proven techniques with next-generation tools like ExoMind rTMS for focus and sleep, Emsculpt NEO for strength and body composition, and Emsella for pelvic floor health. “We live in a time when life feels like it’s spinning faster than ever,” says Dr. Bissell. “Our goal is to help people feel centered again—mentally, physically, and emotionally.”

For those seeking lasting results rather than quick fixes, the clinic’s philosophy centers on connection and accountability. Each program is customized to uncover root causes, rebuild strength, and restore confidence in how the body feels and functions. Whether easing chronic pain, improving mobility, or simply finding stillness in the day-to-day, patients are guided by a multidisciplinary team committed to long-term well-being.

“Good health isn’t a single appointment,” Dr. Bissell adds. “It’s a partnership—one that evolves with you.”

At Bissell Clinic, that partnership is built on experience, innovation, and care for helping each patient not only be well, but live well.

BISSELLCLINIC.COM INFO@BISSELLCLINIC.COM

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new year, new you | plastic surgery BODY BY POLY

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s we enter the new year, many people are setting intentions that go beyond weight loss or fitness— they’re looking to feel like themselves again.

After the rapid physical changes brought on by pregnancy, aging, or even GLP-1 medications, some are left with loose skin, asymmetry, or discomfort that can’t be fixed through lifestyle changes alone.

Dr. Alain Polynice helps patients rediscover comfort and confidence in their own skin. His approach is as much about restoration as refinement, seeking to guide each person back to a version of themselves that feels balanced, natural, and whole.

As new wellness frontiers like GLP-1 medications change how we lose weight and reshape our bodies, Polynice sees a deeper need emerging: how to care for the skin, tissue, and spirit that remain. His practice focuses on comprehensive body contouring—from breast reductions that ease years of tension to revision and lift procedures that realign form with function.

“Surgery isn’t about changing who you are,” he says.

“It’s about helping you return to yourself.”

Beyond the surgical suite, Polynice extends that same care through The Body By Poly Podcast, where he brings openness to topics often left unspoken: post-surgical healing, breast health, the emotional arc of transformation. His voice—calm, candid, deeply human—offers both guidance and reassurance.

photos by Kim Reierson

WWW.BODYBYPOLY.COM HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/@BODYBYPOLY

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new year, new you | home remodeling ELITE REMODELS

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or Jerry Jaimes, craftsmanship is the beginning with customer care and quality of work being the real metric. As founder and general contractor of ELITE Remodels in Santa Barbara, he’s built a company defined by precision, professionalism, and a genuine dedication to people’s homes and lives.

What began nearly 20 years ago as a small home-repair business has grown into a full-service design-and-build firm with an inhouse team of 20 experts, including certified designers, licensed tradespeople, and project managers. Together, they deliver what Jerry calls a “concierge approach to remodeling”—handling every detail from design and materials to construction and cleanup, all under one roof.

Inside ELITE’s Las Positas showroom, clients can explore cabinetry lines, stone, tile, fixtures, and finishes while designers create 3D renderings that bring visions to life. The new year can bring with it an itch for a fresh look in the home and Jerry mentions a kitchen upgrade can add a new flair with minimal effort.

Whether it’s a quick kitchen facelift—new doors, countertops, lighting, or paint—or a full home transformation, Jerry and his team make the process seamless, on time, and on budget. “We don’t stop until our clients are 100% satisfied,” he says. “That’s why we’re still here, still growing, and still raising our standards.”

Beyond the blueprints, ELITE Remodels embodies Jerry's belief in bettering not only homes, but the community. The company regularly hosts charity events supporting local causes from Olive Crest Hope Refuge to Spark Rescue, reflecting the same compassion and integrity that drive their work.

From kitchens to complete home redesigns, ELITE Remodels is where craftsmanship meets care—a place where every project is built to last, and every client is treated like family.

REMODELSBYELITE.COM

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new year, new you | wealth management HARBOR HILLS WEALTH MANAGEMENT

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n a world of constant headlines and shifting strategies, Harbor Hills Wealth Management believes wealth should bring calm, not chaos.

Led by Conner Rehage, the firm helps clients find clarity through thoughtful financial planning and a disciplined approach to investing. As markets evolve, so should your strategy. At Harbor Hills, portfolios are carefully constructed—combining advanced AIdriven research with hand-selected investments. It’s a modern, deliberate approach designed to help clients stay current without chasing trends.

“Many people try to time the market and end up missing opportunities,” says Rehage, founder of Harbor Hills Wealth Management. “Our role is to help clients see the bigger picture—to have a steady partner and a plan that evolves with them.”

That philosophy extends beyond investing. From their office tucked off East Valley Road in Montecito, Harbor Hills hosts neighborhood gatherings to create genuine connection and conversation—because meaningful planning starts with understanding the people behind it. In an age of remote everything, their approach is refreshingly human.

Because in the end, the greatest return isn’t just measured in numbers—it’s found in peace of mind.

And at Harbor Hills, calm has always been the ultimate luxury.

photo by Blake Bronstad

HARBOR-HILLS.COM

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new year, new you | fitness HOMEBODY STUDIOS

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here’s a quiet elegance in movement, and at Homebody Studios, that movement is transformed into something deeply intentional.

This elevated reformer Pilates studio, nestled within The Post, is built around a simple idea: community first, challenge always.

Founded by Sophie Axelson and Anna Rinke, Homebody brings a refined yet grounded approach to wellness. “We wanted to create a space that feels both aspirational and approachable,” says Axelson.

“A place where you’re reminded that strength and softness can coexist.”

Every class at Homebody Montecito blends athletic precision with thoughtful flow. Designed to challenge balance, endurance, and control, the signature Reformer sessions focus on large muscle groups and deep core stability, leaving you feeling powerful, lengthened, and reset. “Our workouts are challenging, but never

intimidating,” adds Rinke. “We push you to your edge while keeping the environment welcoming and connected.”

Step inside and you’ll feel it immediately: sunlight pouring through the windows, the hum of reformers in rhythm, and the kind of camaraderie that turns regulars into friends. The studio feels as warm as it does elevated, equal parts sanctuary and sweat.

Beyond the physical benefits, Homebody’s ethos centers on belonging. Whether you’re new to Pilates or refining years of practice, each class meets you where you are, guided by instructors who see you as more than a body in motion.

At its core, Homebody is about coming home—to strength, to stillness, to yourself. As the founders put it, “We believe your body is your home. Homebody is your second.”

Here, transformation is found in showing up, moving with purpose, and belonging to something beautifully real.

HOMEBODYSTUDIOS.CO

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new year, new you | self growth INTEGRATIVE SELF

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t Integrative Self in Santa Barbara, Eric Wallace helps clients remember what it feels like to live fully—not just to function, but to feel. As a somatic practitioner and integrative guide, Wallace blends science and spirit, teaching people how to come home to themselves through body awareness, emotional release, and conscious presence.

With more than two decades in the healing arts, his work draws from Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, Jungian psychology, and earth-based ritual—an approach as grounded as it is soulful. “Many of us carry stories and tensions we can’t name,” he says. “Healing begins when we bring those patterns out of the mind and back into the body—where real change can occur.”

Through one-on-one sessions, retreats, and immersive courses, Wallace guides clients in reconnecting with the wisdom beneath the noise. His five core agreements— Consent, Deep Inquiry, Unconditional Welcoming, Learning Consciousness, and Honest Effort—create a sacred container for transformation.

As the new year unfolds, Wallace invites a redefinition of renewal—not a reinvention, but a remembering.

“Every day can be a retreat,” he says. “When we slow down, listen, and live from presence, the extraordinary reveals itself in the ordinary.”

At Integrative Self, the path to wholeness isn’t about becoming someone new—it’s about rediscovering who you’ve been all along.

photo by Michelle Bliss

INTEGRATIVESELF.COM (805) 722-8091

photo by Michelle Bliss

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new year, new you | dog training K-NINE SOLUTIONS

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s we enter the new year, it is about setting resolutions for ourselves… but it is also about giving our furry friends their own best year. Have they been good boys and girls? Could they be better?

It is natural to want the best for your dog and to want them to have the best. At K-Nine Solutions, the journey to harmony isn't just about perfect obedience—it’s about deep understanding and enduring connection. Doing business in Santa Barbara since 2013, this dogtraining studio embraces a philosophy rooted in respect, trust, and mutual growth. As they say: “A relationship based on mutual trust and respect is the foundation for all good things with your dog.”

Founded by Eric Smith, U.S. Army Veteran and AKC Evaluator/ Trainer, K-Nine Solutions believes in tailoring training to each dog and family. “Whether you’re tackling behavioral issues or seeking to strengthen your connection, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.”

Their team of seven full-time trainers has worked with thousands of dogs—and they see each one as an individual with a story, not just a problem to fix.

Their programs range from early-life puppy development to adult dog behavioral work and enriching pack walks. From the “Ready–Set– Train” group class to immersive “Set for Life” board-and-train options, each plan is thoughtfully crafted to meet real-life goals—whether that’s leash manners, fewer jump greetings, or simply more peace at home.

Beyond the training field, K-Nine cultivates a community where owners feel supported and dogs feel safe to learn. Whether you’re just beginning with a curious puppy or reclaiming harmony with a mature dog, the path here leads to connection as much as behavior.

In a world of fast fixes and quick tricks, K-Nine Solutions offers something refreshingly steady: a lasting relationship built on respect, clarity, and joy. For those ready to move beyond “training” and into true partnership, this is your place.

KNINESOLUTIONS.COM

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new year, new you | interior design KEEPING INTERIORS

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new calendar invites a new way of living—and sometimes the simplest shift begins at home.

For Samantha Keeping of Keeping Interiors, the question that guides every project is deceptively simple: “Is your home still serving you?”

Based in Santa Barbara for more than two decades, Keeping brings a listener’s ear and an observer’s eye to each space, reading the unspoken cues of daily life to design rooms that truly fit. This year marks 25 years of small-business ownership for her—a milestone rooted in a philosophy to “keep growing, keep learning, keep achieving,” and in the belief that a well-tended home is a sanctuary in fast-changing times.

Clients come to Keeping for everything from full-scale remodels to artful refreshes. The difference, she says, starts with intention. A successful renovation requires understanding the users: who cooks, the size of typical gatherings, and the flow of daily activity.

photo by Raquel McMorrow

photo by Jason Rick

photo by Jason Rick

For a reset without demolition, she favors approachable, high-impact moves: “My favorite—and the most transformative thing you can do—is a new paint color.”

Window coverings, thoughtfully chosen, can shift light and mood; a reimagined furniture plan or reshuffled art brings instant energy.

Her practical tips echo that spirit: add a mirror to create a new window, swap tired lampshades, refresh the mantle— or simply paint the fireplace for a crisp focal point.

As the year begins, Keeping invites a gentle reframe: new you, yes—but also a renewed you, supported by rooms that meet who you are today. “Be open to new opportunities and a fresh way of looking at how you do things,” she says. Start small, think deeply, and let your home evolve along with you.

KEEPINGINTERIORS.COM

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new year, new you | fitness LONGEVITY TRAINING CLUB

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ll too often we go off of “feel” when looking at the impact of a new sport or exercise regiment… “I feel better.” “It feels fine.”

At Longevity Training Club in Montecito, co-founders Matt Anderson and Dr. Evan Howe are converting those feelings into factual data using state-of-the-art VALD performance technology.

For each client, full-body movement and high-level performance metrics are created to tailor a blueprint for their success.

Whether taking on a new hobby or just moving through the world without pain, their mission is simple yet ambitious—to help people reclaim mobility, build lasting strength, and restore confidence in how their bodies feel and perform. Blending physical therapy and personal training, the duo has created a model that meets clients where they are and takes them where they want to go while tracking progress the entire time with hard data.

The space itself mirrors that philosophy: a fully equipped open gym with the precision of a clinic and the warmth of a local studio.

Recovery tools like the cold plunge and sauna extend the experience, helping the body reset and the mind refocus. From first-time gymgoers to seasoned athletes, every program is designed to restore function and fuel performance with longevity in mind.

“We’re not just training for today,” Anderson says. “We’re building the foundation for the next 10, 20 years of movement.”

LONGEVITYTRAININGCLUB.COM

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new year, new you | spa MONTECITO MED SPA

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ucked into the charming enclave of Coast Village Circle, finding balance between subtle renewal and authentic beauty is the art at Montecito Med Spa. Founded and guided by seasoned clinician Karen Neary, MSN, RN, the practice blends medical-grade sophistication with the warmth and ease of a neighborhood sanctuary. Her journey went from perioperative nursing, to nursing leadership roles, to aesthetic medicine, before equipping the team to blend precision and care in every treatment.

At Montecito Med Spa, the philosophy is driven by agility and intention while seeking a quiet refinement-a HydraFacial, a non-surgical Potenza RF microneedling session, a XERF treatment, harnessing the latest in energybased technology for skin rejuvenation and lift, or a fuller body contouring treatment powered by Emsculpt NEO. The approach is always tailored and thoughtful. The team believes one-size-fits-none, emphasizing consultation, education, and individualized plans over impulse fixes.

This continuity speaks to a deeper aim about helping clients feel not just refreshed, but grounded and confident in their skin and shape. So with the new year comes new vision and Montecito Med Spa’s ability to fulfill it.

If you’re drawn to a destination that honors your individual narrative—where aesthetic medicine meets relaxed luxury— this is the place. With its combination of expert clinical leadership, advanced technology, and a genuine sense of hospitality, Montecito Med Spa invites a steady unfolding of self-care rather than a dramatic makeover. Here, you don’t simply change but evolve with ease.

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new year, new you | skincare MUDITĀ SKIN HEALTH

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he plethora of “beauty advice” found on the internet is bound to add a few wrinkles to the brow. Miracle cures and contrasting guidance can muddy the waters when simply seeking clean skin.

Founded in 2022 by nurse practitioner Polly Dursum (FNP-C), MUDITĀ Skin Health brings the clinical expertise needed for proper skin health. Her boutique practice blends medical-grade science with mindful care, offering an experience that’s less about reinvention and more about restoration. “Skincare shouldn’t feel overwhelming,” Dursum says. “It should feel like selfcare that works.”

Her philosophy meets patients where they are, from foundational skincare to advanced laser treatments. For beginners, she recommends a simple trio: a morning antioxidant like vitamin C, a nighttime retinol, and a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. For those ready to go deeper, treatments such as IPL and Moxi laser therapy address sun damage, texture, and early signs of aging—all while encouraging the skin’s natural repair.

As the new year begins, MUDITĀ Skin Health offers a unique mindful approach to “new you” goals by combining wellness and self-care with advanced, natural-looking aesthetic and anti-aging treatments.

At its heart, MUDITĀ means “selfless joy for others’ wellbeing,” a Sanskrit word that perfectly captures Dursum’s ethos. Every patient is treated as a long-term partner in care— someone whose journey is celebrated, not rushed. Because skin health, she reminds us, is never a single appointment… it’s a relationship that grows brighter with time.

MUDITASKIN.COM

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new year, new you | marketing agency PRINCETON NORTH

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n a world where technology evolves by the minute, standing still is not an option. At Princeton North, founder Collette Ramirez approaches branding and marketing with a blend of artistry and foresight, crafting timeless visual identities while embracing the tools that define the future this year and beyond.

Based in Santa Barbara, Princeton North is known for its strategic balance of classic design and modern innovation. Every logo, website, and campaign is built to last—not just to look current. “A quick design may work for a moment,” Ramirez explains, “but enduring brands are made through intention and strategy.” Her team’s process begins with deep research and techniques such as inverse reasoning—asking “why not” as often as “why” to reveal untapped opportunities and audience insights.

AI, she adds, is not replacing creativity—it’s refining it. Princeton North integrates emerging technologies like ChatGPT into its process, training them to think contextually, ask better questions, and anticipate client needs. “You still need the human touch,” Ramirez says.

“It’s about teaching the technology to understand your brand, not the other way around.”

Recent projects—from a custom marketing package for the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s McCormick House to cinematic digital campaigns—show how Princeton North

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blends strategy and storytelling to preserve legacy while keeping clients ahead of the curve.

Whether seeking a refresh to an existing brand or looking to launch a new one in the upcoming year, the tools have never been more accessible yet still require an expert’s touch for proper use. “Design should stand the test of time,” she says. “Our role is to build brands that evolve gracefully, that still look good years from now— because that’s what lasting impact really means.”

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new year, new you | wealth management SAIGE PRIVATE WEALTH

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n a complex financial world, clarity isn’t just helpful—it’s transformative. At Saige Private Wealth, based in Santa Barbara, founder and managing partner Antonia La Rocca brings a rare blend of deep tax experience, longevity planning and personal insight to the realm of wealth management. With a CPA license, Master’s in Taxation, and ongoing studies in gerontology, she says, “Truly successful wealth management requires a dynamic, ongoing multifaceted approach.”

Saige specializes in guiding successful individuals, couples, and multigenerational families through the intertwining decisions of investment, legacy, and life purpose. Her team draws on more than 40 years of combined experience to act as thoughtful partners emphasizing collaboration and individualized guidance to develop a long-lasting relationship built off of trust.

The firm’s independent structure further ensures that recommendations remain clientdriven, not product-led. Among the services they offer: wealth growth and preservation, taxaware multigenerational planning, longevity and estate strategies, sustainable investing, liability management, and liquidity event counsel.

Saige Private Wealth views the new year as more than just a calendar change, but an opportunity to pause, reset, and realign with what truly matters.

For individuals looking to navigate significant transitions like selling a business, stepping into a new chapter of life, or guiding the next generation, Saige offers a trusted path, rooted in thoughtful expertise and genuine care. Here, wealth becomes not simply an asset, but a resource to support life’s most meaningful choices.

SAIGEPWM.COM

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new year, new you | event rentals THE TENT MERCHANT

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hile The Tent Merchant may be the name, it does not represent the breadth of their event rental game. Yes tents, but also furniture, lighting, dishware, or really anything that one could possibly need for a personal or public event.

Now operating over 20 years, The Tent Merchant has been the magic behind many happenings in the area. Weddings and galas, backyard milestones and fundraisers, they have crafted spaces where people come together to celebrate the moments that define their lives.

Owners John and Sherine Leenhouwers began with hand-painted Indian and Moroccan tents and grew it into a full-scale event design and rental company known for its creativity, craftsmanship, and care. Over two decades, the Leenhouwers have watched trends shift from vineyard rustic to modern minimalism—and they’ve kept it all. “We never throw anything away,” Sherine says with a laugh. “Styles always come back around.” Their inventory is part design archive, part time capsule, and always looking forward… a collection of stories waiting to be retold in new ways.

This year, The Tent Merchant is turning its focus toward the community that’s supported them from the start.

Their 2026 initiative includes discounted sponsorships for local nonprofits and budget-friendly rentals for schools and organizations, making it easier for everyone to create memorable gatherings. “It’s been a challenging time for so many,” Sherine says. “If we can help bring people together, to celebrate, to connect… that’s what matters most.”

Because in the end, the beauty of a tent isn’t just in the fabric or the structure. It’s in what happens beneath it: the laughter, the music, the simple joy of being together. And that’s something The Tent Merchant has never stopped building.

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new year, new you | wellness & holistic health TERRA WELLNESS

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n a world that often hums too loudly, Terra Wellness invites stillness. Inside her Santa Barbara practice, Terra Green Gold blends ancient yogic philosophy with a deep understanding of the modern nervous system, helping clients remember what the body already knows: balance is our natural state.

Gold’s sessions are wholly individualized. She begins with conversation around uncovering health intentions and identifying imbalances before designing a program that blends modalities like Integrative Body Psychotherapy, Neuro-Emotional Technique, acutherapy, and breathwork.

Her approach, drawn from East Asian medicine, yoga therapy, and functional nutrition, views the self as a constellation of interwoven layers spanning the physical, emotional, spiritual. To realign them, she guides each person toward a renewed dialogue with nature, from the rhythm of their pulse to the wind in the trees. “We’re not just treating symptoms,” she says. “We’re tracing the story beneath them.”

Her philosophy rests on the belief that nature itself is medicine. Gold invites her clients to slow down by taking

a moment to notice light filtering through trees, the rhythm of breath meeting ocean air, the quiet steadiness that returns when we listen inwardly. These small acts of presence, she says, are where transformation begins.

For those entering a new year with intention, Gold’s message is simple yet profound: healing is less about becoming someone new, and more about remembering the wholeness that’s always been there—the still, centered place within that waits to be met again.

TERRAWELLNESS.COM Photos: Ellie Stayner (@ellieleestayner) Inspirational Stylist: Erica Forbes (@thelotusboutique) Hair: Evelyn Rivera (@Eve29) Clothing: Johnny Was

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new year, new you | dentistry, cosmetic WEISER & GRANT DENTISTRY

photo by Doug Ellis

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or more than five decades, Dr. Mark Weiser and Dr. Lance Grant have been redefining what it means to smile with confidence. At Weiser & Grant Dentistry in Santa Barbara, every treatment—from subtle touch-ups to full smile makeovers— is guided by a simple philosophy: natural beauty, personalized care, and lasting comfort.

Known for their artistry and ease, Drs. Weiser and Grant bring an unmatched level of experience to every patient. “Even small changes can make someone look younger and healthier,” says Dr. Grant. “A brighter, more balanced smile can completely transform how you feel—and how the world sees you.”

Their boutique practice blends advanced cosmetic techniques with a holistic approach to dental health. From biocompatible materials that support the body’s natural balance to expert whitening, veneers, and restorative care, every detail is designed for comfort and confidence. Dr. Grant’s background in biological and implant dentistry adds another layer of expertise, helping patients address long-term oral health concerns through safe, minimally invasive care.

Beloved by Montecito locals and visiting Hollywood personalities alike, the practice is as warm as it is refined—a place where stateof-the-art technology meets the human touch. For this year and beyond, whether you’re looking for a quick refresh or a complete smile transformation, Weiser & Grant Dentistry makes every visit feel effortless, personal, and inspired.

Because sometimes the most powerful change begins with something as simple—and transformative—as your smile.

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new year, new you | roofing, solar, fireproofing WICKS ROOFING & SOLAR

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new year invites fresh starts—and few upgrades redefine daily life like a safer, smarter home. For Wicks Roofing & Solar, resilience is the resolution that lasts: strengthening roofs, harvesting energy, and helping coastal California households protect themselves and their property with confidence. With more than 40 years of experience, Wicks pairs craft and care to deliver durability you can rely on season after season.

“People are really focused on energy independence—being more autonomous and self-reliant,” says Dylan Windt, VP of sales. He notes that while incentives come and go, utility rates trend up in a “hockey-stick” curve, which is why solar plus storage remains compelling for long-term stability. “If the grid goes down… have your own home producing energy…so you can still be up and running” for the basics.

That whole-home view is the Wicks difference. Roofing is treated as a foundation to both protect the home from the elements and setup to support solar arrays. The team installs Class A fire-rated roof systems—right down to spark-protected vents and gutter guards—so homes stand stronger through wind events, publicsafety shutoffs, and a changing wildfire reality. It’s resilience you can see on the roofline and feel when the lights stay on. “Our goal is to pair hardened roofs with solar and battery systems so homes become independently resilient,” Windt adds. And that can be scaled one neighborhood at a time.

From residential and commercial roofing to Tesla Solar Roof, energy storage, EV charging, smart panels, and ongoing maintenance, Wicks brings a meticulous, locally rooted team to every project, emphasizing safety, communication, and results that keep the lights on… literally.

WICKSROOFINGANDSOLAR.COM

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A Novel by

Michael C. Armour

“ Last Light in Paradise is drop-dead perfect. In all my years of investigating for the United States and the president–this is the kind of novel you go to for truth, heart, and the deep pleasure of a master storyteller.”

– Richard C. LaMagna Former Director of Counternarcotics White House National Security Council and former Deputy Chief of Intelligence DEA HQ “ 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.”

– Fannie Flagg Author of Fried Green Tomatoes “ Last Light in Paradise is a savory read set in the dreamscape of 1934 Santa Barbara. Still reeling from the Great Depression, a burgeoning moviemaking empire has triggered hope, jobs, and greed. An irresistible protagonist named Creek unspools Armour’s crime story. Whip-sharp and easy on the eye, Creek leans into the seemingly accidental drowning death of a friend. Armour’s whodunit is a love story, a mystery, and a redemption tale. It’s edgy, seductive, and fun. Read it.”

– A.L. Bardach PEN Award-winning journalist & author of Cuba Confidential and Without Fidel

PICK UP YOUR COPY TODAY! TECOLOTE BOOK SHOP

1470 E Valley Road, Montecito, CA 93108 | (805) 969-4977

REAL ESTATES

OCEANFRONT SANCTUARY

3443 Padaro Lane, Carpinteria $34,940,000 Riskin Partners Estate Group (805) 565-8600 Village Properties DRE#: 01954177

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n oceanfront sanctuary on Padaro Lane, this contemporary coastal estate offers panoramic Pacific views, seamless indoor-outdoor living, expansive decks, a tennis court, and a guesthouse, all crafted with architectural precision for the ultimate expression of laid-back luxury.

ENGLISH COUNTRY ESTATE

OCEAN VIEW MASTERPIECE

HIGH DESIGN IN THE UPPER VILLAGE

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scape to timeless elegance in Montecito’s Riven Rock. Set on 5.5 acres, this 16,668-sqft English Country estate by Van Acker Construction offers seven suites, 13 baths, two guest houses, resort-style amenities, an 8-car auto gallery, and breathtaking grounds—a legacy of refined living.

771 Garden Lane, Montecito $34,900,000 Gary Goldberg (805) 455-8910 Coastal Properties DRE#: 01172139

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uilt with expansive ocean and mountain views, this contemporary residence is privately set in lush landscaping above East Mountain Drive on nearly 6-acres with a private well. Exquisite details combine to create an elegant home with a main floor primary suite of dual baths and closets, four sumptuous guest suites, and an infinity-edge pool.

1140 East Mountain Drive, Montecito $21,995,000 Don Johnston Montecito Luxury Group (805) 951-7331 Sotheby’s International Realty DRE#: 01868263 WINTER

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nlike anything else on the market, this custombuilt Montecito estate blends high design with effortless glamour. Set on a lush acre near the Upper Village, it features bespoke high-end finishes, seamless indoor-outdoor living, a resortstyle pool and spa, sport court, and guest villa.

1381 E Valley Road, Montecito $12,250,000 Marsha Kotlyar Estate Group (805) 565-4014 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties DRE#: 01426886

REAL ESTATES MODERN HOPE RANCH MASTERPIECE

SAN YSIDRO RANCH-STYLE RETREAT

SLEEK HOPE RANCH ESTATE

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modern masterpiece in Hope Ranch, this 2024 remodeled home offers sleek design, single-level living, a second-level studio, lush landscaping, a pool, spa, chef’s kitchen, and smart home tech, plus private beach access for the ultimate Santa Barbara lifestyle.

691 Via Trepadora, Hope Ranch $12,995,000 Riskin Partners Estate Group (805) 565-8600 Village Properties DRE#: 01954177

San Ysidro Ranch-style Montecito estate on .82 acres, remodeled with custom craftsmanship, lush gardens, pond, pool, and spa. Includes 3 bd/3 ba main home, guest house, and zen studio near Birnam Wood Golf Course. Elegant finishes, smart security, and unparalleled attention to detail.

his fully remodeled Hope Ranch estate blends sleek design with panoramic views, a reimagined chef’s kitchen, floor-to-ceiling glass, luxe upgrades, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. It includes a new pool, rooftop deck, wine cellar, and modern luxury throughout.

4450 Via Alegre, Hope Ranch $9,900,000 Riskin Partners Estate Group (805) 565-8600 Village Properties DRE#: 01954177

610 Olive Road, Montecito $11,500,000 Maureen McDermut (805) 570-5545 Sotheby’s International Realty DRE#: 01175027

FAIRWAY VIEWS AT BIRNAM

HARBOR, OCEAN AND ISLAND VIEWS

GOLDEN QUADRANGLE CONTEMPORARY

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n Montecito’s exclusive Birnam Wood Golf Club, this James Morris-designed mid-century modern retreat offers mountain and fairway views, seamless indoor-outdoor living, a pool courtyard, and a detached studio: an effortless blend of architecture, comfort, and the serene beauty of Birnam.

526 Crocker Sperry Drive, Montecito $9,850,000 Riskin Partners Estate Group (805) 565-8600 Village Properties DRE#: 019541774

ustom Built Mediterranean of over 6100 square feet on 9 acres. 5 Bedroom suites, plus den/bath. Tremendous place for entertaining with large public rooms flowing out to ocean view terraces. Pool & 2 spas. MUS school district. Harbor, Ocean and Islands views.

2240 Bella Vista, Montecito $9,750,000 Tim Walsh (805) 259-8808 Village Properties DRE#: 00914713

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olden Quadrangle, Amazing ocean & Island views in the heart of Montecito with moments to upper and lower village. This single-level 3 Bedroom 3.5 baths home embodies versatility & timeless simplicity, flowing between contemporary & traditional design.

796 Hot Springs Road, Montecito $8,995,000 Don Johnston (805) 951-7331 Montecito Luxury Group Sotheby’s International Realty DRE#: 01868263

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REAL ESTATES

ENGLISH GARDEN ESTATE

510 McLean Lane, Montecito $8,500,000 Cristal Clarke (805) 886-9378 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties DRE#: 00968247

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et within Montecito’s exclusive Birnam Wood, this timeless estate offers serene lake and mountain views, enchanting English-style gardens, and elegant interiors. A private guest cottage, sunlit living spaces, and refined details create a rare blend of sophistication, comfort, and charm.

HILLTOP VIEW SANCTUARY

BARRY BERKUS MASTERPIECE

CALIFORNIA LUXURY LIVING

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erched atop 21± acres with sweeping ocean and mountain views, this Montecito retreat invites transformation. Expansive living spaces, vaulted ceilings, and walls of glass embrace the landscape, offering boundless potential to craft a serene, one-of-a-kind coastal sanctuary.

2200 Bella Vista Drive, Montecito $6,995,000 Riskin Partners Estate Group (805) 565-8600 Village Properties DRE#: 01954177

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sophisticated Montecito retreat by Barry Berkus, this architectural masterpiece offers sweeping ocean, island, and harbor views.

Light-filled interiors, serene gardens by Mark Rios, and a stunning infinity pool create a rare blend of elegance, privacy, and California indoor-outdoor living.

191 E Mountain Drive, Montecito $5,995,000 Cristal Clarke (805) 886-9378 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties DRE#: 00968247 WINTER

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esigned by Jenni Kayne Home, this stunning coastal residence blends impeccable craftsmanship with timeless design. Every detail reflects elegance, comfort, and sophistication. A rare chance to experience effortless California luxury living.

1301 Plaza de Sonadores, Montecito $5,950,000 Lisa Foley Luxury Homes (805) 252-2271 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties DRE#: 01995513

REAL ESTATES PRIME MONTECITO PROPERTY

GATED COASTAL RANCH

RINCON POINT RETREAT

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uild your dream home in the center of Montecito! End of a private lane, south facing property offers a blend of privacy & convenience, a mile from the Upper Village. Architects from Electric Bowery offer this opportunity for a single-family residence with plans for a 4,332 SF residence.

625 Parra Grande Lane, Montecito $5,000,000 Randy Solakian Estates Group (805) 453-9642 Coldwell Banker Realty DRE#: 00622258

ated 10-acre coastal ranch with private beach access. Extensively renovated this custom home features a pool and income producing orchard with room to expand. Recent improvements include: Kitchen, baths, electrical, plumbing, flooring, paint, generator. Estate sale.

425 Calle Lippizana, Montecito $4,495,000 Tim Walsh (805) 259-8808 Village Properties DRE#: 00914713

oastal home in the gated enclave of Rincon Point featuring 4-bedrooms, 2.5-bathrooms, high-end appliances, a lush private backyard with dining area, deck, outdoor shower, and space to play. Steps from world-famous surf and stunning beaches, this luxurious retreat with modern design, bright sunlight, and high ceilings is perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Own a rare piece of paradise in this magical coastal haven.

8105 Buena Fortuna, Carpinteria $3,795,000 Emily Kellenberger & Associates (805) 252-2773 Village Properties DRE#: 01397913

PRIVATE CANYON VIEW HIDEAWAY

FAR AFIELD ESTATE

OAK TERRACE MODERN ESTATE

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idden gem, quiet cul-du-sac, ultimate privacy, canyon views, gardens perfect for entertaining! 3 bed, 2 bath home features wood floors, cathedral ceilings, & well-maintained kitchen & bathrooms. Move in ready, endless potential for personal touches! Conveniently situated close to all Goleta has to offer.

1192 Edward Place, Goleta $2,495,000 Randy Solakian Estates Group (805) 453-9642 Coldwell Banker Realty DRE#: 00622258

ar Afield, a recently restored 10.5-acre ocean and mountain view estate in Montecito, was originally designed by Francis T. Underhill with gardens by Lockwood de Forest, blending European sophistication, timeless architecture, and century-old gardens into a truly extraordinary legacy property.

670 Hot Springs Price Upon Request Riskin Partners Estate Group (805) 565-8600 Village Properties DRE#: 01954177

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oming Soon: Santa Barbara’s first all modern-contemporary single-family home community. Six luxury residences on a new cul-de-sac in coveted San Roque, where timeless design meets modern living. Each home is uniquely crafted with refined finishes.

Visit OakTerraceSB.com.

691 N Hope Avenue, Estate 4, Santa Barbara Price Upon Request Daniel Zia, Zia Group (805) 364-9009 eXp Realty DRE#: 01710544 207

LUXURY RENTALS

MODERN TRADITIONAL EUCALYPTUS HILL ESTATE

743 Woodland Drive, Montecito $36,500/month Crysta Metzger (805) 453-8700 Sotheby’s International Realty DRE#: 01340521

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his 4,339± sq ft Modern Traditional in Eucalyptus Hill blends comfort and elegance with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, office, and inviting gathering spaces. Outdoor living includes pool, pickleball, bocce, BBQ, and fire pit with sweeping mountain views.

ITALIAN OCEANVIEW ESTATE

SUNSET HACIENDA

FOOTHILL OASIS

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erched above the ocean with sweeping coastal views, this seductive Italian-style estate blends old-world charm with modern luxury. Sundrenched terraces, arched stonework, and refreshing sea breezes create the perfect backdrop for romance, relaxation, and unforgettable moments.

18 Oliver Road, Santa Barbara $30,000/month - Weekly Rentals Available Aidan Williams (805) 450-4648 Driftwood Properties DRE#: 02244348

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he comfortable, upscale interiors of this home blend beautifully with traditional Spanish architecture and detailing—making Sunset Hacienda an ideal furnished rental to enjoy a quintessential Santa Barbara experience from.

24 W. Junipero Street, Santa Barbara $12,000-15,000/month Samantha Ireland (805) 319-4045 Vacation Rentals of Santa Barbara DRE#: 01751182

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tep into Foothill Oasis, a 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath Santa Barbara retreat. Lounge by the pool and hot tub, unwind on ocean-view balconies, and let sunlit rooms and verdant surroundings carry you into complete tranquility.

Santa Barbara Foothills Please inquire for rates Paradise Retreats (805) 716-6059 Paradise Retreats DRE#: 02090892

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