Good Charlotte, Great Cause

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Good Charlotte, GREAT CAUSE

Benji Madden brings Good Charlotte’s biggest hits – and a whole lot of heart –to One805LIVE!… rocking Montecito for a cause close to home (Story starts on page 5)

The Sport of Kings

Jeff Hall helps lead Mokarow Farms into high-goal glory as Santa Barbara’s summer polo season hits full stride, page 23

Enter

The Rochers

Bamboo skewers with clean lines juxtapose a wild bed of flowers… Is it an artwork or dinner? It’s The Rochers, page 28

Getting Gilded – Art, elegance, and a touch of gold… the Gilded Gala shines brighter than the SBMA’s most treasured works, P.12

P.18

the Inn

Deann Zampelli’s return to Ojai Valley Inn blends spa serenity, scenic beauty, and the art of doing almost nothing, P.26

SBNC’s new Westside Clinic is coming soon, page 22

Photo by David Lominska

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Rock Solid – Benji Madden and Good Charlotte bring family, community, and rock centerstage to

Beings and Doings – There was once an enchanted boy who could ride a galloping steed as if he and the beast were one. I forget his name but it wasn’t Jeff 8 Montecito Miscellany – Art at Casa Dorinda, Project Fiesta at the Historical Museum, the Academy Festival Orchestra, and more miscellany

Curator’s Choice – Skull of a Duck-billed Platypus

Letters to the Editor – A reader is missing the letters, some thoughts on congress, and dangerous e-bikers

Invites – The SB Museum of Art is getting ready for its Gilded

and Casa del Herrero Centennial

tickets are on sale

Your Westmont – Galactic gathering Aug. 15, physicist earns award, research examines nurses and a belief in

18 Dear Montecito – Montecitan Blake Ladd, now living in L.A., compares the two experiences and tells of his work with BeReal – a more candid social media experience

22 The Giving List – The new Westside Clinic from SBNC will be vital for the uninsured, underinsured, and underserved people in the community

23 On Entertainment – A slew of symphonic tunes strumming through town from Camerata Pacifica, SB Symphony, A&L, and others Sporting Life – It’s polo’s high goal season and Jeff Hall of the Mokarow Farms team has some reasons why you shouldn’t miss it

24 Brilliant Thoughts – Send up a prayer for Ashleigh’s musings on repetition, religion, and alliteration

25 Elizabeth’s Appraisals – These fantastical Maxfield Parrish prints were the height of exotica and style for American homes in the ‘20s

26 Montecito Health Coach – Deann returns to The Ojai Valley Inn for a little R&R, Kuyam, and a touch of aromatherapy

28 Travel Buzz – Take a gastronomical gander at Ojai’s newest eatery… The Rochers at the Ranch House

30

Ernie’s World – Ernie is getting misty-eyed over memories of New Hampshire summers and roughin’ it at Old Orchard Beach

33 In Passing – Remembering the life and impact of David Carpenter

34 News Bytes – Hate to Hope talk, Astronomy on Tap, CADA’s Summit for Danny, and other tidbits

Crime in the ‘Cito

36 Calendar of Events – God Bless Ozzy Osbourne, going Greek on the beach, Spangler: A Santa Barbara Artist, and other happenings

38 Classifieds – Our own “Craigslist” of classified ads

39

Mini Meta Crossword Puzzles

Local Business Directory – Smart business owners place business cards here

Rock Solid

Good Charlotte and the Heart of Montecito Takes Center Stage at One805LIVE!

by Zach Rosen

When Benji Madden talks about first responders, it’s not just rock star lip service – he’s speaking from the kind of backstage, on-the-road experience that comes with decades of loud guitars and even louder emergencies. “As a touring musician, we rely on first responders all the time,” Benji says. “Your worst nightmare is for someone to get hurt at one of your shows. We’ve had situations where someone’s been injured or had a health scare mid-performance, and [First Responders] are right there, making sure everyone’s okay so the show can go on.” For Madden, those moments have created a deep appreciation for the people who run toward danger when everyone else runs away – an appreciation that now has a home in Montecito through his connection with One805.

This September, Madden’s band Good Charlotte and Trisha Yearwood are the two headliners for the annual One805LIVE! festival, a star-studded benefit supporting Santa Barbara County’s first responders. The show has drawn international (and local) musicians – from Maroon 5 to P!NK & Dallas Green (as You + Me) – but it’s always been about something more grounded: keeping local first responders equipped, supported, and cared for, especially when it comes to mental health. For Madden, that mission resonates deeply. “These folks dedicate their whole lives to protecting us. Being able to play a part in supporting them is a gift,” he says.

A Montecito Welcome

Three years ago, Benji, his wife Cameron Diaz (arguably Benji’s greatest accomplishment in life), and their family moved to Montecito. After decades living in sprawling metropolises like New York, London, and Los Angeles, the small-town feel came as both a change of pace and a return to his roots. “I grew up in a small town,” Madden explains. “I missed that closeknit community feeling – but I also wanted a place that understood and welcomed artists. Montecito has that. You can be part of a tight community and still be just down the road from L.A. when you need to work.”

themselves in the everyday rhythm of life here – from beach days and bike rides to visiting neighborhood fixtures like Gene Montesano’s restaurants, where “they know our kids” and the welcome feels genuine. “Santa Barbara and Montecito are full of people who care,” Madden says. “When you care about a place, you pick up trash instead of dropping it. You invest in it.”

The area’s geography and culture have only deepened that attachment. “You’ve got the mountains and the beach, sometimes in the same day,” Madden says. “It’s a special place you just can’t replicate anywhere else.”

Family, Music, and Business – All in One

The other constant in Madden’s life is family – not just in his home, but in his work. Good Charlotte itself is a family affair, co-founded with his identical twin brother Joel. That partnership has expanded beyond music into a production and artist development company, MDDN, which Benji founded with his two brothers. “We’ve built careers with artists we’ve discovered and nurtured,” Madden says. “We want to be the people we wish we’d met when we were 21 – guiding young artists, helping them avoid the pitfalls we fell into.”

That balance of privacy, beauty, and community spirit has been a revelation for their family. They’ve immersed

MDDN’s roster includes rising stars like Chase Atlantic, Architects, and Bad Omens, many of whom are already selling out arenas. The company operates

Rock Solid Page 294

Benji and his brother Joel founded Good Charlotte nearly 30 years ago (photo by Jen Rosenstein)

Beings and Doings

Fancy Pants Redux

by Jeff Wing

When I was about 14, my sister, Jill – an award-winning equestrian – took me horseback riding. I was uneasy with the whole deal because I’ve always been scared of horses. Always. As a seven-year-old I’d lived on Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. That being Cowboy Country (and Missile Country, but that’s another story), it was deemed culturally de rigueur to have the children on the base learn something about horses, so my parents moved me like a helpless pawn into horseback riding lessons. Every lesson was a nightmare in which I sat astride a foul-smelling, crapping colossus, my ill-fitting little blue jeans parted like a baggy wishbone to either side of a beast so massive my dumb little legs were nearly perpendicular to my torso.

Pegasus Was a Jerk

I know literature and art sympathetically portray horses as magical creatures, spirit guides, and emotionally available

companions. I also know that when Elizabeth Taylor and Mickey Rooney convene by the fading light of an ineptly painted sunset at the end of National Velvet, my heart, like yours, breaks with that piercing combination of melancholy and gladness that is the very foundation of our strange, shared humanity.

But I also know that horses are deranged and gigantic. These terrible animals are cute and docile and doe-eyed when seen from a middle distance or on the silver screen. Up close and personal, a horse is an enormous leggy cylinder of thrumming bunched muscle waiting to do harm to whatever hapless ninny has the temerity to sit on its terrifying back. It is covered with satyr fur and its outlandish horse’s ass is the size of a proctologist’s second car. When one is perched atop this thing the ground below ratchets away like a scene from Hitchcock’s Vertigo. I remember it well…

“Jeffry, give me your foot. Let’s get you up on that horse, little man! Now, lightly grasp these delicate leather strings. They’re affixed to an iron bar in the monster’s mouth.”

“Okay.”

“Oh, and Jeffry?”

“Yeah?”

“Pray the beast doesn’t get spooked by an anthill or some other dumbass thing. In that event the snorting giant will fearsomely rear up and become the spirit-breaking sum of all your most penetrating nightmares.”

“Okay.”

Courage, Faith and Hope Better Scurry

The damnable lessons! For several hours our horses would walk single file, clip-

pety-clop, through endless fields of scrub at the undeveloped north end of the base. These expeditions were fraught with horror, since, without warning, the horses would routinely break into a leisurely trot and there I’d be: a panicked little sissy with a buzz cut, perched atop this maddened, bouncing beast with nothing between me and it but a decorative puddle of tooled leather; no seat belt, no helmet, eyes squeezed shut as for a death blow, my fat little air force hands desperately clutching the knob of the saddle horn.

This is when the horse was amiably trotting, you understand. Even when, to my relief, the horses spent the whole outing just peaceably walking, periodically the animal ahead of me would, without ceremony or preamble, lift its tail, open its fantastical dispensary, and let loose a lazy succession of vivid green, twiggy, slime-covered spheres – a gumball machine from Hell.

Fancy Pants

So it was that, at 14, my sister slyly outmaneuvered me in conversation with a chess master’s inscrutable brilliance. “Jeff, I’m going horseback riding. Wanna join me?” “Naw.” “Saturday at around 2.” “Naw.” “What do you think?” “No.” “I’ll be by at around 1.” “Okay.”

Beings & Doings

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Early signs of my general ineptitude were heartbreaking

Montecito Miscellany Picture Perfect

by Richard Mineards

Casa Dorinda has been accentuating the negative!

Former Ford Executive Roger Craton, 93, a keen photographer and traveler in his retirement, is showing 29 pieces of his colorful work on textured watercolor paper which gives it “a more painterly look.”

He last had an exhibition in 2023 and has captured tens of thousands of images which he has also shown at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, the Wilding Museum in Solvang, the Museum of Natural History, and the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming.

After his retirement in 1992 he studied with a number of professional photographers and traveled the world with his wife Joanie, having made many trips to Japan when working.

Quite the shutterbug…

Commission Findings

Prince Harry has issued a scathing response after the Charity Commission

for England and Wales said it discovered no evidence of “widespread or systemic bullying, harassment or misogyny” at the Sentebale charity co-founded by him and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho.

Although the commission also announced that it found no “overreach” by the Riven Rock resident or the African charity’s current chair, Dr. Sophie Chandauka, it criticized both parties for allowing the dispute “to play out publicly.”

The commission pointed to poor internal governance within Sentebale and claimed both the Duke of Sussex and Chandauka’s “failure to resolve disputes internally severely impacted the charity’s reputation and risked undermining public trust in charities more generally.”

A spokesperson for Harry says it isn’t surprising the commission found no evidence of wrongdoing as “falsely claimed by the current chairman.”

The Sentebale scandal began in March when Harry and Seeiso, who co-founded the charity in 2006 to helps AIDS patients in Africa, announced

Miscellany Page 354

Residents and friends came together to enjoy the show “As I See It” at Casa Dorinda (photo by Priscilla)

Former Ford executive Roger Craton, 93, presented his work at Casa Dorinda (photo by Priscilla)

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Kevin Goodwin, Jim Vaughan, Nanette Vaughan, and Bill Vaughan

Curator’s Choice

In life, the skull of this Duck-billed Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) contained a lot of sensing tools for finding prey underwater. The Y-shaped bones at the front supported a bill full of receptors, thousands of which could sense the electrical fields created by the movements of other animals in the water. Echidnas are the closest living relatives of the platypus – together they represent the order of monotremes. Monotremes are a subgroup of mammals, but they have some interesting things in common with reptiles, like laying eggs and having a cloaca. This skull is among the 44,000+ specimens curated by the Museum’s Department of Vertebrate Zoology, overseen by Curator of Vertebrate Zoology Krista Fahy, PhD.

CSkull of a Duckbilled Platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus, from the Museum’s collection

urator’s Choice is a new weekly column from the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, offering Montecito Journal readers a glimpse into the remarkable stories behind special items in our collections. With over 3.5 million specimens, artifacts, and documents, the Museum preserves the natural and cultural heritage of our region while promoting scientific literacy and a deeper connection to the natural world. This mission is made possible through the generosity of our community: 350 volunteers contribute more than 17,000 hours annually, supporters donate $3 million each year, and a growing number of legacy donors are securing the future of our cherished scientific and educational institution by adding the Museum to their will.

Check out all the amazing programming hosted on the calendar at the Museum’s website: https://www.sbnature.org/

Letters to the Editor Missing the Letters

They were the voice from the readers and thinkers in the community.

Whether reasonable or not, the disappearance of the Letters section is sad, as it silences a key part of the American “conversation” in the media.

“Letters” was only a small corner of the paper.

What caused the cancellation?

Was an MJ money-sponsor offended by someone’s Letter?

Sounds ominous.

We hope Letters can resume someday. (If only to praise ideas from your writers or politely take issue with an idea or current event.)

They can certainly be pre-screened for targeted offensiveness, and limited in length.

It is admittedly a crazy-ish time to be a thinking, reflective human nowadays.

But suppressing all questions & opinions submitted by the readers sounds a bit... like a 1st Amendment problem.

I wonder what happened to the “fair and balanced inclusion” of the readers’ voices. Media is a conversation with the public, after all.

“Conversation” means a two-way discourse about things that matter.

Maybe a future version of Letters can be included in the Online version?

Yet, it would be more difficult to access that way, as the print version is still always enjoyable to pick up and hold, no matter one’s age (or eyesight.)

Would someone with means be able to “sponsor” the Letters section to make it “fiscally feasible,” like the Real Estate Section?

Maybe someday.

Sincerely, LeeAnn Morgan

Understanding Irony

I had a hard time comprehending the import of Jeff Wing’s column about

Montecito Tide Guide

Christians in Congress. “Congress’ fealty to Jesus Christ has informed the legislation produced by this legislative body.” Was he being ironic? I couldn’t quite tell. Overseeing the largest transfer of wealth to the richest in the country? Forget getting through the eye of that needle, ye who voted for this. Cutting

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Arts and Entertainment | Steven Libowitz

Contributors | Scott Craig, Ashleigh Brilliant, Chuck Graham, Mark Ashton Hunt, Dalina Michaels, Robert Bernstein, Christina Atchison, Leslie Zemeckis, Sigrid Toye, Elizabeth Stewart, Beatrice Tolan, Leana Orsua, Jeffrey Harding, Tiana Molony, Houghton Hyatt, Jeff Wing Gossip | Richard Mineards

History | Hattie Beresford

Humor | Ernie Witham

Our Town/Society | Joanne A Calitri

Health/Wellness | Ann Brode, Deann Zampelli

Travel | Jerry Dunn, Leslie Westbrook

Food & Wine | Melissa Petitto, Gabe Saglie, Jamie Knee

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Society Invites

Second Annual SB Museum of Art

Gilded Gala Preview

by Joanne A Calitri

To all my art-society followers, in the words of Hunter S. Thompson, it is time to buy that golden ticket and take the ride to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s 2nd Annual Gilded Gala scheduled for February 28, 2026, which as you read this, is close to selling out (say no to #fomo). Do not miss your gilded opportunity to attend this five-star golden black-tie event, at (of course) the Rosewood Miramar.

The Gilded Gala Chair is Lynn Cunningham Brown, who founded the event last year – and with artistic elegance and Southern charm, shepherded it through a successful launch this past March. She is the vice chair for the SBMA Board of Trustees. In our interview she shared, “The Gala raises critical funds toward meeting the vision and mission of the Museum. I am thrilled and grateful that the Gala is nearly sold out, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our community. We have just over 50 seats remaining in the ballroom. Those interested should act quickly by visiting gildedgala.org. We would be delighted to see you there.”

The 2026 Gilded Gala Event Committee is Christian McGrath , Janet Feldstein McKillop , and Clay Tedeschi . There is also an Event Host Committee comprised of SBMA selected local leaders and influencers who are tasked with sponsorship outreach and event visibility. They are Sarah Argyropoulos , Susan Drymalski Bowey , Christine Emmons , Mitchell and Lisa Green , Rachel Kaganoff , Carol and Michael Linn , Judith Little , Siri and Bob Marshall , Christian and Angie McGrath , Stephen Schaible and Daron Builta , Clay Tedeschi, Beth and George Wood , and Geof and Laura Wyatt

I met with Amada Cruz the SBMA’s Eichholz Foundation director and Cunningham Brown at the SBMA this week to discuss more details for this report, and a photo op. I can reveal that the honorary co-chairs of the 2026 Gilded Gala are actress-producer Zoë Saldaña-Perego and artist-filmmaker Marco Perego-Saldaña, who currently reside in Montecito. The Auctioneer is actress-producer Viveca Paulin Ferrell, indeed the wife of actor-producer-writer Will Ferrell, who may be attending as well.

Both Cruz and Cunningham Brown explained the Gilded Gala is the SBMA’s signature fundraising event. The 2026 funding goal is to top the $800,000 netted by the first gala. Proceeds from the evening directly support the Museum’s global collection, renowned exhibitions, and educational programming that serves audiences across our region. Cruz shares for our readers, “We are excited to welcome visitors to a dynamic year at SBMA, with exhibitions that bridge historical work and contemporary relevance. This fall, The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse and Encore bring significant works by Monet, Van Gogh, Matisse, and others to Santa Barbara in two landmark exhibitions. Looking ahead to 2026, we will continue building on this momentum with standout educational programming, bold curatorial projects, and expanded community engagement across the Central Coast and beyond.”

To join and be seen at the Chandelier Terrace – for cocktails, canapés, and curated

Gilded Gala Chair/Founder Lynn Cunningham Brown and Amada Cruz with artist Vian Sora’s Abzu, 2023, now on view (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

Society (Continued from 12)

lounge music, followed by a seated three-course dinner, live band, a spirited live auction and paddle raise in the Chandelier Ballroom, all in support of the SBMA collections, programs, and important place in our community – hit the link or QR code! Shopping in advance for your perfect outfit with that touch of gold is recommended – do I hear requests for Manolo Blahnik Hangisis and Lurum heels for Christmas and Hannukah presents!?

Casa del Herrero Centennial Gala Tickets on Sale Now

Casa del Herrero Board of Trustees President Elizabeth Esrey is inviting the community to join in their Centennial Gala celebration on September 6, from 5:30-9 pm. Tickets are required and they are selling quickly.

I met with Esrey, the Gala committee, and two honorary chairs who are prior Board of Trustees Presidents at Casa del Herrero. It is significant to note that Honorary Chair / Board of Trustees Prior President, Donald H. Benson, is 92 years young, and will be attending the gala, as will Casa’s respected elder Albert P. Hinckley Jr., the grandson of George Fox Steedman. Both will most certainly provide interesting views on the history of the Casa at the Gala.

The gala features cocktails, dinner, and dancing. Speakers at the Gala are members of the Steedman Family who also serve as Board of Trustees: Albert P. Hinckley Jr., Annalisa Hinckley Savin, and Katherine Pharibe Wise. Also, remarks will be given by Executive Director and Head of Curation Dr. Natalie Sanderson, and Executive Director of the California Missions Foundation David Bolton

The who’s who are the Gala Co-Chairs: Elizabeth Esrey, Marc Normand Gelinas, and Nathan Vonk; the Gala Committee: David Bolton, Mari McAlister, Jenna Jobst Reichental, Gonzalo Sarmiento, and Isabel Wendt; and the Honorary

Nathan Vonk (center) with artists Michael Long and Patricia Chidlaw with their birdhouses for the silent auction (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

Isabel Wendt, David Bolton, Marc Normand Gelinas, Elizabeth Esrey, Nathan Vonk, Dr. Natalie Sanderson, Donald H. Benson, and Laura Bridley (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

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Your Westmont Celestial Clusters in the Cosmos

by Scott Craig, photos by Brad Elliott

This month’s stargazing event will feature several star clusters, including M18, the Black Swan Cluster in Sagittarius, on Friday, August 15, beginning about 8:30 pm and lasting several hours at the Westmont Observatory; home of the powerful Keck Telescope. The college hosts a free public viewing of the stars that lasts several hours, on the third Friday of every month at sunset.

“Hopefully, we’ll have clear skies and be able to see the Great Globular Cluster in Hercules,” says Jennifer Gee, assistant professor of physics and director of the observatory. “I’m hoping we’ll see the Dumbbell Nebula, which is thought to be the stellar remnant of a star similar in size to our sun.”

The stargazing event is held in conjunction with members of the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit, who bring their telescopes and celestial knowledge to share with the public.

Free parking is available near the Westmont Observatory, which is between the baseball field and the track and field/soccer complex. To enter Westmont’s campus, please use the Main Entrance off La Paz Road. The lower entrance off Cold Spring Road is closed to visitors after 7 pm. In case of overcast weather, please call the Telescope Viewing Hotline at (805) 565-6272 and check the observatory website to see if the viewing has been canceled.

Physicist Among Winners of Prestigious Award

Westmont scientists join thousands of researchers worldwide who have been honored with the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, awarded to the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, a particle physics laboratory in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as several related experiments.

The Breakthrough Prize specifically

highlights the ATLAS Collaboration’s significant contributions to particle physics, including detailed measurements of Higgs boson properties, studies of rare processes and matter-antimatter asymmetry, and the exploration of nature under the most extreme conditions.

Ben Carlson, assistant professor of physics at Westmont, and his students have helped operate the trigger system, critical for collecting high quality data. They have also developed techniques for analysis, enabling searches for dark matting using missing transverse momentum. Only a few other primarily undergraduate institutions collaborate on ATLAS research.

“The support from the ATLAS experiment for undergraduate students has been amazing,” Carlson said. “This recognition affirms the impact of our contributions and inspires us to continue exploring the universe’s most fundamental questions.”

One of the largest and most complex scientific instruments ever built, ATLAS investigates the fundamental building blocks of matter and the forces governing our universe. The general-purpose particle detector measures more than 40 meters long and 25 meters high. Its cutting-edge systems track particles produced in particle collisions at unprecedented energies, enabling discoveries like

Westmont Page 334

Ben Carlson and Berit Lunstad (‘26)

Dear Montecito

Catching Up with Blake Ladd

by Beatrice Tolan

Irecently reconnected with an old friend from Crane Country Day School, Blake Ladd. We both entered Crane at the same time and had the same unfettered enthusiasm for the arts and creative energy. For this week’s Dear Montecito, I bring you an update on one of Montecito’s greatest – a great actor, entrepreneur, and I’m grateful to say – friend.

Q. How would you describe your relationship to Montecito and Santa Barbara?

A. Quite simply, it’s home. It’s where my sister Bianca and I grew up, and where my family and friends are. Regardless of where I go in life, those ties remain.

I’ve come to appreciate Santa Barbara not only as a home base, but as a destination as well. I’ve even joined the cliché migratory pattern from L.A.-to-Santa Barbara on weekends – making the journey more often than I care to admit.

Living in the westside of L.A., what are things you enjoy about Los Angeles and miss about Montecito?

Having lived in both areas, I have a deep appreciation for their respective, unique qualities. Growing up, I always craved the energy and cultural vibrancy that Los Angeles has to offer – and the fact you can get food past 10 pm is a major plus. Life moves at a more relaxed pace in Montecito. When I come home, it’s the tranquility, natural beauty, and sense of community that I appreciate most. It’s the quintessential ‘grass is always greener’ scenario, and I’m grateful to have both experiences.

What was your school track in Montecito? What did you pursue following your Montecito education, and where is your career now?

I went to Cold Spring School for elementary, then continued on to Crane for middle school. During these formative years, I discovered my love for music and

acting. I started out in local theater productions with The Adderley School and eventually expanded into television, print, and music – even seeing one of my songs picked up by Disney.

After attending Santa Barbara High, I went to UCLA where I graduated with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Global Studies. My college years allowed me to cultivate my interest in social structures, human behaviors and cultures. These interests led to my early career at digital marketing agencies and media companies, working closely with brands to build lasting connections with their audience.

Today, my passion for entertainment, media, and the human connection has led to my role at BeReal, a social networking app. BeReal asks users to take candid pictures at unannounced times of the day to encourage a more candid social media experience. I joined the team at a pivotal time, right as the platform launched its U.S. advertising efforts. I work with brands that appreciate being ahead of the curve, such as Dior and Netflix, developing ad solutions that resonate with Gen Z. We’re living in a moment where audiences are increasingly fatigued with the veneered perfection that seems to be the status quo on legacy platforms, and it’s rewarding to be at the forefront of something that’s redefining how we interact digitally.

How has living in Montecito affected how you interpret the rest of the world, your travels, and where you live now?

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Growing up in Montecito has undeniably shaped my perception of the world. Being surrounded by people who’ve achieved remarkable things showed me early on that anything is possible – and more importantly, that I should pursue my own ambitions without hesitation. Whether it’s pursuing acting and music, or paths which satisfy my entrepreneurial spirit, I move forward with confidence, inspired by the tangible examples of success within my community.

Montecito is such a special place, and the more I’ve explored the world, the more my appreciation for my hometown has grown. No matter where life takes me, there truly is no place like home.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

The phrase, “There’s only one you” has been my mantra for the longest time. It’s simple, but I find it useful in a variety of life situations.

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It’s easy to compare ourselves to our peers, neighbors, and even those we see on social media. This phrase helps me focus on my own journey rather than my progress in relation to someone else. Moreover, it serves as a reminder that individuality isn’t just something to accept – it’s something to celebrate.

Is there a hidden gem in Montecito or Santa Barbara that you want to dish to our readers?

It’s not very secret, but I have to show some love to Miramar Beach at sunset – and let’s be honest, what local is going to give up their favorite under-the-radar spots to the first person who asks?

All jokes aside, the ambiance of the waves and the natural beauty of Miramar’s shoreline make it the perfect place to unwind, reflect, and appreciate the moment.

Blake Ladd living his mantra – “There’s only one you.”

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Yo-Yo Ma in Recital, Feb 22

The Giving List Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics

by Steven Libowitz

It’s an indicator of change. Those chain link fences lined with black plastic are popping up in nascent construction sites all over town – augmented with copious dirt piles and hovered over by towering cranes. Near the end of May, one such scene appeared near the high-traffic intersection of Micheltorena and San Andres streets on Santa Barbara’s Westside. It’s probably the most exciting project to hit the area in a very long time, as the new building will house Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics’ (SBNC) vastly upgraded Westside campus.

The new state-of-the-art integrated care facility will provide comprehensive medical, behavioral health and dental care under one roof for the first time at the location, which will be able to serve up to 8,300 children, adults, and seniors each year. The new expansive clinic covers three floors totaling more than 19,000 square feet, encompassing eight medical examination rooms, six dental stations (twice as many as at

No agenda no Rush -GONE FISHIN’

the Eastside location), two dedicated behavioral health spaces, health promotion offices, labs, and even a dedicated community education center. When the new clinic site is completed, the current Westside Clinic across the street will be converted to SBNC’s specialty center for podiatry, acupuncture, and chiropractic services; meaning residents in that part of town will have easy access to just about everything offered by SBNC.

“It’s a milestone moment. We have been trying to build this new campus since 2017,” said Mahdi Ashrafian, CEO of the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics. “We are here for the uninsured, underinsured, and underserved people in the community to get the health care that they need close to home. It’s been a big issue on the Westside and our current clinic is really small, an old house that was converted into a clinic.”

The new space will go a long way toward improving Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics’ ability to provide comprehensive healthcare, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, and in an envi-

ronment that fosters respect, compassion and dignity. SBNC has long occupied the role of Santa Barbara’s veritable medical safety net, one that is combatting the sobering statistic that nearly one in four Santa Barbara residents do not have access to primary healthcare. More than 80% of SBNC’s patients are considered low income, including nearly 20% who are entirely uninsured.

The upgraded clinic will double or even triple the capacity for the number of patients served and total visits every year.

“It’s why we are here,” Ashrafian said. “When our neighbors cannot get the health care they need when they need it, many have to rely on emergency services or simply go without, leading to worse outcomes. This is health equity in action.”

SBNC has been moving toward building the new Westside campus since 2017, but early fundraising efforts proved insufficient in the wake of the pandemic, when costs skyrocketed and architectural requirements changed. This new Westside clinic will serve as SBNC’s flagship in a network that includes medical and dental clinics on the Eastside and in Goleta, the Isla Vista Neighborhood Clinic, a Bridge Clinic downtown for substance use disorders, and three mobile clinics that principally serve children whose parents aren’t able to bring them onsite.

So the nonprofit launched a new comprehensive campaign with a total goal of $26 million, broken down into three sections, including completing construction on the Westside at $12 million. Nine million dollars goes toward covering the SBNC’s annual $3 million operating deficit for three years. And $5 million is earmarked for the medical data sharing platform known as Epic, more familiarly known as MyChart.

If the latter ask seems like a huge expense in comparison to bricks and mortar, the dollars are dwarfed by the value-add for SBNC’s patients. As anyone who has a non-MyChart doctor knows, communicating with Sansum/ Sutter Health or Cottage Health without it can be a nightmare.

“It’s a huge need, just huge,” Ashrafian said. “Our patients will be affected in so many wonderful ways. Rather than us having to print out charts on paper to refer someone to a specialist, which leaves a lot of room for error, it all happens electronically, which means more efficiency and accuracy. But patients also can get much more engaged in their own care, as you are able to look at your lab results, message your providers, make or cancel your own appointments, and look at your visit notes. We cannot offer that to our patients right now. It will be a massive difference.”

Construction on the new Westside

Clinic is slated to be completed by September 2026, but you don’t have to wait until then to see what it will look like, or try to peer through openings at the construction site to check on the progress.

SBNC has a live stream of the project site running 24 hours a day on its website, where one can also find a virtual tour of the new facility, conducted and narrated by Ashrafian.

“You can see how that neighborhood is going to look, how the clinic will be organized, all three stories, and all of the services,” he said. “I think it’s really going to change the neighborhood. And we’re going to be hiring a lot more people from the neighborhood to work there, which makes that area safer and healthier and economically stronger and more successful.”

With the changing political climate, Ashrafian said SBNC stands ready to meet whatever needs arise.

“We continue to see everyone,” he said. “We are unwavering in our commitment to our patients and to the community. They are the reason why we exist.”

The CEO also wanted to point out that while most folks in Montecito probably aren’t patients of SBNC, they almost assuredly associate with people who do use the clinics’ services.

“People who work in their houses or help them in other ways are our patients. The ones who work in restaurants, construction, and hospitality use our services. And rarely does even a week go by without me seeing someone who tells me that while they’re successful now, once upon a time, maybe during college or when they didn’t have insurance, they came to the Westside Clinic. We are here for everyone.”

Visit www.sbclinics.org for more information

SBNC helps the nearly one in four Santa Barbara residents that do not have access to primary healthcare (courtesy photo)

On Entertainment

Classical Corner: Music After the Music Academy

by Steven Libowitz

Music Academy of the West’s summer festival and its 100-something event season has moved to the rear-view mirror after last weekend’s triumphant performance of Mahler’s Third at the final Academy Festival Orchestra symphony concert, complete with the MAW women’s chorus (which sprinkled in eight LVI fellows) and the Sing! Children’s Choir. But there’s only a short lull before the comprehensive classical season in town gets going again.

As always, Camerata Pacifica stakes its claim to the first concert of the fall season, with the chamber ensemble’s Santa Barbara opening night slated for September 26 at MAW’s Hahn Hall featuring an all-string program anchored by Brahms’ “String Sextet in G Major, Op. 36.” The rundown also features Anton Arensky’s “String Quartet in A Minor, Op. 35,” featuring an unusual scoring for violin, viola and two cellos (with a guest appearance by Columbian cellist Santiago Cañón-Valencia), and Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks’ 2013 piece “Castillo Interior for Violin & Cello.”

Program highlights of the eight-concert season include the world premiere of a Camerata Pacifica-commissioned “Wind Quintet” by David Bruce presented among pieces by several other contemporary composers, and the launch of the ambitious “Beethoven 32” initiative, a three-year project that will see principal piano Gilles Vonsattel performing all 32 of Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas in a blend of solo recitals and chamber programs. (Perfect for those who had their appetite whetted by Jeremy Denk’s three-night run of select sonatas in context and conversation at MAW in July). The undertaking kicks off in October with “Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-flat Major, Op. 106, ‘Hammerklavier,’” on a program with another solo piano work in Chopin’s “Nocturne No. 11 in G Minor, Op. 37, No. 1,” and one of Mozart’s wind serenades. Vonsattel plays three more Beethoven Sonatas on chamber programs in January and May, and also offers back-to-back solo recitals in March and April – performed only in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles – encompassing eight more of the composer’s sonatas. Also on tap this season: the Camerata Pacifica debuts of bassoonist Eleni Katz, horn players David Byrd-Marrow and Melia Badalian, and percussionists Ayano Kataoka and Svet Stoyanov along with the return of almost a dozen other guest artists. Visit www.cameratapacifica.org.

CAMA’s Goodbye to Gustavo and Visit to Venice

The opening concert in the International Series segment of CAMA’s 107th season represents the continuation of its long association with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. This early date for the annual performance also represents the end of an era, as maestro Gustavo Dudamel leads the orchestra in his final Santa Barbara appearance before departing to assume Music & Artistic Director duties with the New York Philharmonic. The October 3 concert finds Dudamel wielding the baton for the local premiere of John Adams’ 18-minute “shorty symphony” Frenzy, commissioned by the LA Phil and premiered only 18 months ago, along with two of Stravinsky’s most famous orchestra works in The Firebird and The Rite of Spring

Entertainment Page 314

Sporting Life High Season with the Sport of Kings

by Steven Libowitz

They call polo the Sport of Kings, which isn’t just a cliché but a reference to its historical association with royalty and other wealthy elites. If you want to sponsor a team or play the game at any kind of reasonable level, be prepared to fork over a pretty penny, as well-bred horses and competitive team sponsorships do not come cheap.

But you don’t have to pony up a king’s ransom to enjoy watching the sport just five or so minutes south of Montecito at the sun-splashed Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria, a venerable and world-famous spot for the sport that opened way back in 1911. SBPRC, more colloquially known as the Polo Club, has spent summers hosting some of the best professional players in the world for many, many decades

A century after it opened, SBPRC actually hosted William, the future Prince of Wales, in a charity polo match where the man who will be king scored four goals to help his team win the game and was awarded the trophy – and a kiss – from his new bride, the former Kate Middleton

Royal trappings aside, admission to watch early round matches in a series of tournaments held all day long on Fridays is absolutely free. And even the championship Sundays cost $25 or less.

In the category “athletics” it may well be the best bargain in town save, perhaps, simply jumping in the ocean.

“It’s a great place to take the family,” said Jeff Hall, who grew up in Santa Barbara and has been playing polo at the club for nearly four decades. “You can make a day of it, bring lawn chairs or sit on the back of your car (in the outer fields). And nowadays, you can dress up or you can dress down. Either one is great.”

Hall holds the record for most wins of the prestigious United States Polo Association Silver Cup at 10, and is

one of only a handful of American players to have participated in the highly regarded Argentine Open; the premier tournament in the country that yields not only most of the players but also many of the best-bred ponies. Hall’s rating once stood at 8 on a scale of 10. Though at 45 he now plays with a 5-goal rating (the system is akin to a golf handicap), he still qualifies as one of the greatest players in the world, and one of just a few highly-rated American athletes in the sport.

Two years ago, Hall became the youngest player ever to be inducted into the Polo Hall of Fame, an honor he said he wasn’t sure how to handle at first.

“It was kind of weird,” he said. “I thought it was a little premature because I’m still actively playing. But then I realized, why not enjoy induction into the Hall of Fame before I’m too old, or even dead, which is when a lot of players get the honor. My kids got to go. It was fun.”

Hall and his fellow players on the Mokarow Farms team – 6-goal Argentinians Facundo Obregon and Joaquin Panelo, and sponsor Kevin Mokarow – just finished claiming the America Cup tournament last Sunday afternoon at SBPRC, and are ready to try to best the other seven high-goal foursomes in the Pacific Coast Open, the most prestigious tourney of the summer, which gets underway this Friday August 15, and winds up on August 31.

“I’m enjoying my team a lot,” said Hall, who won the PCO in 2009 and 2015, among dozens of other important titles. “We didn’t start amazingly, but we’ve been ramping up and I really feel like we’re gelling and have the best team right now.”

Hall was a driving force behind the brand-new Homegrown American credit, which gives teams an extra goal handicap in their rating for using at least one American player.

Sporting Life Page 304

With the Academy Festival Orchestra topping MAW’s Summer Festival, it’s now time for some more music (photo by Phil Channing)

Jeff Hall hitting that ball (photo by David Lominska)

Brilliant Thoughts

Not Again!

by Ashleigh Brilliant

One of the most famous poems in American literature is “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe. As you probably know, it depicts a man – the narrator – reading alone in his “chamber.” He is already in a very unhappy state of mind because he has recently lost the love of his life – apparently through her death. The object of his grief is a woman named Lenore (which happens to rhyme nicely with “nevermore,” the thematic word of this whole piece). His solitude is interrupted by an unexpected visitor, whom he accidentally lets in by opening a window. It is a black bird, a Raven.

This bird apparently has the power to speak – and in English. But throughout the poem, all we hear it utter, repeatedly, is a single ominous word: – “Nevermore.”

This poem’s 18 stanzas also contain another kind of literary device – no fewer than 34 usages of what is known as alliteration; that is, repeated beginnings of two or more associated words with the same sound. Here are a few examples:

“weak and weary”

“nodded nearly napping”

“with many a flirt and flutter”

“startled at the stillness”

“on this home, by horror haunted”

“leave my loneliness unbroken.”

But it’s not only in modern poetry that we find abundant examples of repetition. The Bible, particularly the Old Testament, is brimming with repetition, especially that of certain numbers like seven and forty. I am enchanted by the account of the conquest by the Israelites of the City of Jericho. Led by Joshua, this was their first great military challenge after crossing the Jordan River into the country of Canaan.

Following God’s instructions, as relayed by Joshua, the whole tribe marched around the walled city once a day for six days, and seven times on the seventh day. At the assault’s climax, they were to use the weapon of noise, including a blast of trumpets and their own voices. Sure enough, under this sonic bombardment the walls came tumbling down.

But this story has an interesting sidenote. Before the attack, Joshua had sent some spies to report on the condition of the city’s defenses. Those men had been sheltered and hidden by several filles de joie (King James calls them “harlots”). When the city was taken, there was a general slaughter of all its inhabitants – even the animals. But the women who had taken in the spies and protected them were spared, despite their unsavory profession.

Getting back to our theme of repetition, this seems to be a general characteristic of prayers and devotions in many different religions. One example that comes readily to mind is the Roman Catholic prayer called, from its first words, the “Hail Mary”. The whole thing is about 40 words. Since it’s probably the most important prayer in the Catholic liturgy, what seems most notable to me is the emphasis upon the Mother, rather than her Son, who is mentioned only at the end. But the words “Hail Mary” have come to have wider significance in our culture. In Church terms, a sinner might be given a penalty of reciting the prayer a certain number of times (i.e. so many “Hail Marys”.) But even in football, we hear about a “Hail Mary Pass” – meaning the quarterback’s lengthy downfield throw is so unlikely to succeed, its completion may well depend on the power of prayer.

Of course, other religions have their own formulaic recitations. Muslims have special towers called minarets from which prayers and calls to prayer are proclaimed. The basic message is that Allah is the only god, and Muhammad is his prophet. I was brought up in the religion called Judaism, in which there is also one basic prayer, which is called in Hebrew “Sh’ma” – which means “Hear,” or “Listen” – from the prayer’s first word. The entire prayer says, “Hear, Oh Israel, the Lord Our God, the Lord is One.” I remember being told that this is an appropriate prayer for reciting on one’s deathbed.

I’m not sure why the one-ness of God has become so salient a feature in many modern religions. After all, the ancient Greeks and Romans got along with a multitude of Gods and Goddesses. And even today, in Hinduism, the predominant religion of India, there are said to be millions of Gods!

Nevertheless, where repetition is concerned, a key concept in certain religions is that of a “mantra” – a sacred utterance or sound used in meditation, often repeated. The mantra is usually given by a teacher to a trainee. But if nothing else occurs to you for this purpose, I have no objection to your using my name.

Elizabeth’s Appraisals

The Fantastical Maxfield Parrish

by Elizabeth Stewart

What does fantastic exotic art have to do with DC, who grew up in a Pedregosa Street 1900s home in Santa Barbara? From the early 1970s, she and her brother were enchanted by two prints by Maxfield Parrish; The Lute Players (1924), and The Garden of Allah (1918). I’d like to explain the themes and why, in the 1970s, DC fell in love with works that were created in the first quarter of the 20th century.

Equally exotic titles her parents might have owned (and I will analyze a few of these) stem from a treasured myth:

Circe’s Palace

Jason and the Talking Oak Altas and The Universe

The Landing of the Brazen Prince (Prince Agib)

Queen Gulnare of the Seas

The Young King of the Black Isles

Maxfield Parrish (1870-1966) was an American Quaker and master of the fantastic. Creator of a commercial style that was also recognized as fine art, Parrish was a book and magazine illustrator in great demand, an advertising man, innovator of a color ultimately known as “Parrish Blue,” and one of the most popular artists of the 20 th century. In 1936, Time magazine wrote that – using the measure of fine art reproduction sales – the American public’s three most popular artists at that moment were Cezanne, Van Gogh, and Parrish.

Let’s take a few of these titles and see why the American public, like DC, became enchanted with Parrish, and why his illustrations became instant reproducible works. Parrish’s alluring piece Circe’s Palace (1907) is based on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s early 19th century story of that name, which retells the Greek myth of the witch Circe in Homer’s Odyssey. In the story,

Maxfield Parrish’s The Garden of Allah

The title that might have intrigued DC growing up in seaside Santa Barbara, Parrish’s Queen Gulnare of the Sea (1909) takes its title from a story in One Thousand and One Nights, the 8th century collection of middle eastern folklore. In the story, a beautiful sea creature washed up on the shores of Persia and is discovered there by the handsomest King Hamid. The king falls in love with her even though she can’t speak. Parrish’s image captures the sorcery and enchantment that infuse the ancient story.

Circe beguiles passing sailors, trapping them on her island, feeding them a magic elixir, and transforming them into swine. The story is filled with repressed desire, lust, loss of self – and exotic faraway places, as well as lots of blue sky and blue sea as well. The story is replete with beautiful, half-naked nymphs and youths in shirtless togas, too. Maybe not always togas; sometimes kilts, harem pants, loincloths, as Parrish set the scene for the imagination of the early 20th century… Americans’ dreams were crowded with Dark Eyed Persian Princes, Bearded Egyptian sorcerers, and stoically handsome Native American braves. I remember my grandmother, Ruth Sophia in St. Louis, singing the “Pretty Red Wing” song (she was 20 years old when Parrish was becoming the rage). “Oh the Moon shines tonight on pretty Red Wing” as she waits for her Brave...

Another famous illustration was the gigantic Atlas by Parrish (1908), the Greek titan holding up the heavens in the form of that Parrish Blue sky and high atmospheric clouds. Atlas bears the weight of the world as a punishment for having fought against the Olympians in the decade-long Battle of the Gods. Of course he is handsome, showing off a beautiful strongman physique; the envy of any young scrawny American farm boy.

Jason and the Talking Oak (1910) is modeled after Parrish’s own home in New Hampshire, “The Oaks.” His piece features a robed youth amid towering tree trunks, where he is seeking advice on love – a myth that joins man and nature at a pivotal time in history before WWI.

The Landing of the Brazen Boatman (1907) is a tale of a young prince in love with a princess, and his travels over water to her father’s palace. With intrinsic themes of escapism, sex, and lust, the work piqued the interest of a generation of Americans who may never have visited a museum.

Not only was Parrish a great addition to any wall, but he was also a great addition to any bookshelf. A talented illustrator, he published Arabian Nights: Their Best-known Tales in 1909, and in 1910 Nathanial Hawthorne’s A Wonder Book and Tanglewood Tales, The Golden Treasury of Songs and Lyrics, and The Poems of Childhood. Magazines hired him, Colliers’ and Hearst’s, and even tire companies sought his illustrations. When the ad trade began to fizzle, Parrish signed deals for promotional calendars with General Electric and Edison Mazda Lamps, painting themes of nude figures in elysian surroundings.

DC asked if the two prints in her possession were of any value. The answer? ONLY if those two were vibrant, uncirculated, and not previously displayed printer’s proofs. So many Parrish images were reproduced that unless you have a printer’s proof or – how unlikely – an original watercolor, the prints are worth about $200.

Montecito Health Coach

The Ojai Valley Inn and Spa: A Priceless Gem in Our Own Backyard

by Deann Zampelli

When I started graduate school, my children were three and five years old, so each semester I would escape to The Ojai Valley Inn for two nights as a “Am I Crazy, What the Hell Was I thinking” reset.

Last week, I went back with my daughter after a seven-year absence and driving up the beautifully landscaped entry felt like a warm hug from an old friend.

While we had a rocky start, being sent to a room that had not been cleaned yet, the trip gained momentum with each passing hour. Our room had a gorgeous view of the golf course and mountains and our firepit whispered promises of s’mores after dark.

There is something magical about the light in Ojai that anyone who has been fortunate enough to experience at sunset

will understand. And the grounds of the Inn make it all the more sublime. With every twist and turn through the property, we found another majestic oak tree or a grove of lavender sharing its intoxicating scent with us all.

The Inn itself has a long history. Originally opening in 1923, its over 200 acres have evolved and grown but always managed to stay in balance and harmony with its surroundings.

Known as a “spiritual vortex,” healers have been drawn to the area for longer than any of us have been on the planet, and the Inn’s spa menu now reflects those origins. Yes, you can get a Swedish massage, but why stop there when according to Marie Gillcrist , the PR account supervisor, you can get a Kuyam:

“A signature treatment experienced as a group. Kuyam is a Chumash word meaning ‘A Place to Rest Together.’ It begins in a beautifully tiled room, heated to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lemongrass is steamed for clearing inhalation therapy and the guests are led through a process to self-apply a set of healing clays to the body and neck. Then, a guided meditation recorded by a Chumash elder is played before the cooldown process begins. The treatment is an incredible blend of intensive detox and inspiring and uplifting mindful practice. After the Kuyam, the group is led to a private patio to enjoy herbal tea and allow for their body temperatures to cool.”

I opted for a CBD Flower Essence Scrub and Massage. Having never been a “scrub person,” always feeling the scrub to be nothing but abrasive foreplay before the main event, I was pleasantly surprised to become a convert. My joints were feeling my morning Pilates more than I cared to admit, and after 75 minutes of this heavenly treatment I was renewed, reborn and ready to conquer another day of relaxation by the pool. I must offer a warning though. Following my CBD massage, I must have been really relaxed because I went into the 175-degree infrared sauna with my flip flops on. They are made of rubber. Hmmmm. What could go wrong? Who knew they would actually melt?

But the highlight for us both was The Artist’s Cottage; a serene little house tucked away in its own little cul-desac where you can wander in at will and choose a craft du jour. Both of us chose to make our own aromatherapy scents. The wonderful girl who helped us, who we found out is an elementary school teacher most of the year, was so very kind, knowledgeable, and helpful that we found ourselves happily chatting and scenting away for nearly 90 minutes. We came away with our own signature scents and warm memories of our shared experience.

It was after The Artist’s Cottage that I realized that the grounds of the property are not the only spiritual vortex phenomenon of the Inn. The people are what make it so very special. Ethan at Libbey’s (the on-site market, coffee shop and ice creamery) was so engaging, helpful and welcoming that he and the girls

that work there became our habitual stop on the way back to our room each night. And Jazmin by the Indigo Pool, with her warm smiles and seemingly psychic intuition as to when someone might need a refill of their watermelon refresher (yes, that is a thing), made each and every guest feel like a VIP.

While there are so many activities on offer, from golf and tennis to hiking and bike riding, we found a nice balance between doing and being; that perfect state to which the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa so nicely lends itself. The air is so still and calm there, it dares you not to relax. Challenge accepted.

I will have to go back to experience the rest of the many adventures on offer. But who said being a journalist was easy?

Health and humor in the MJ National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach trained at Duke Integrative Medicine, Deann Zampelli owns Montecito Coaching & Nutrition. She also has a Masters in Clinical Psychology and has been a resident of Montecito since 2006.

Mornings at The Ojai Valley Inn (courtesy photo)

The grounds are as peaceful at the spa treatments (courtesy photo)

Some soothing moonlight to round out the day (courtesy photo)

At that time I lived in Boulder, Colorado, and had managed to put some years of healing between myself and Equus. When we arrived at the locale, I stepped out of the car on trembling foal’s legs. I saw that the place was a stable, row upon row of shadowy stalls, each housing a cursed minotaur, the air fragrant with the overpowering smell of injury and death; or “hay” as the unaffected refer to it. I was beside myself with fear.

I was assigned a friendly little horse named Fancy Pants. Smaller than Jill’s horse, Fancy Pants seemed manageable and friendly. I even dared reach out my shaking paw to touch the unearthly, bony, boot-shaped head of the thing. I’m telling you Fancy Pants slowly blinked, as if in acknowledgement of my companionable gesture. “Be gentle, Fancy Pants,” I strained to convey with a facial expression that must’ve looked like a weeping man chewing spaghetti. Fancy

Pants’ almond-shaped eyes gazed knowingly upon me through long lashes and adorably Beatlesque bangs.

Yeah. Horseback.

In short order I was astride Fancy Pants, lightly grasping the reins in a willed gesture of confidence. My sister and I began slowly exiting the corral on our horses, and it felt terrific. I was a man, the best kind of man. A man on horseback! I turned to my sister to remark on my delight in the moment, and with a terrific jolt Fancy Pants took off like a rocket sled, my fool head jerking back like a puppet’s, my arms briefly flapping in empty air. “Hhbbblaaaaaaaaaaaay!” I cried, ignoring the reins and grabbing at saddle, any saddle, momentarily waving one unanchored arm like a rodeo champ. Fancy Pants was tearing for the horizon like a flame-trailing black stallion sprung from perdition itself. What had happened?!? It mattered not. I lurched forward like a penitent and grabbed the saddle horn, my girlish screams torn away in rushing air as I sped like a bullet across the prairie. “Fancy Pants!! FANCY PANTS!! FANCY PANTS!!” I bleated imploringly. Crafted in Santa Barbara using fresh, local & organic ingredients

But my horse, probably named Cathy or some such, seemed not to hear me. Indeed, my Fay Wray screaming seemed to urge Fancy Pants to still greater speeds. I had to get off Fancy Pants!! I raised my right leg and made as if to dismount from a full gallop. My sister managed to smoothly pull up alongside on her own locomotive steed. “Stay on the horse, Jeff! STAY ON THE HORSE.” Something in the way she said it…I reluctantly swung my right leg back into its wildly gyrating stirrup and hugged the saddle horn with renewed vigor. “Grab the reins, Jeff!” I stared straight ahead and shook my head no. “Jeff, grab the reins!” I vigorously shook my head again – NO NO NO – hunkering down and more firmly grasping the saddle horn in a death grip that set my knuckles to popping.

Finally, Jill maneuvered her horse in such a way that she headed off Fancy Pants, who was made to slow, and then stop. I was breathing harder than Fancy Pants when I finally managed to dismount. I walked around to confront my horse to its long face. “What the heck, Fancy Pants? What. The heck?!” The animal’s expression was placid, emo-

A horse in full flight is a marvelous thing – unless you are a screaming stick figure trapped on its back (photo by Margarita Anna, CC)

Monday–Friday, 9AM–1PM 126 E Haley St A4,

tionless, all innocence and Beatle bangs. Aww. I surrendered to my heart, hugged Fancy Pants around the neck the way smitten kids do in the movies. I could feel Fancy Pants’ reply as surely as any Horse Whisperer might. “Sorry, stupid,” she answered.

ON THE SIDE

An item from the Montecito Ledger, August 11, 1958

“OKLAHOMA!” TO BE GIVEN The County Bowl, off North Milpas Street, quiet most of the year, will be sparked into life when the lively cast of that rollicking musical comedy “Oklahoma!” opens Thursday night. Members of the cast include Will Rogers, Jr., singing star and son of the late, famed comedian who took part in early-day Santa Barbara Fiestas. “Oklahoma!” ran for five years and two months without a break in New York. Betty McNamara and Bill Shirley will play Laurey and Curly, the romantic leads. “Oklahoma!” tells the sunny tale of two boys in cowboy hats trying to woo two pretty girls in a happy area where “the corn is as high as an elephant’s eye”. The show will be staged for four nights at the County Bowl, August 14-17, starting at 8PM.

My sister Jill in Cheyenne, not as scared of horses as she ought to be

Travel Buzz

An Outstanding Ojai Outing

by Leslie Andrea Westbrook

Over the years, every time I visited Ojai, I’d stop at the bend in the curve on Besant Road at The Ranch House’s kitchen door bakery to grab a loaf of their rye bread to bring home. Sometimes there would be a meal there – but there was always a bread stop accompanied by a warm welcome. Alan Hooker’s original The Ranch House, founded in the 1950s, has a storied history, one worth looking up if you’re not familiar.

So it was with a mixture of excitement, trepidation, and curiosity that I returned to see what’s going on in the reimagined space, both with the new incarnation –The Rochers at The Ranch House (pronounced Row-chez) – and with its lovely owners. This beautiful family includes the award-winning and most charming Chef Perfecte Rocher, who hails from Valencia, Spain, his gorgeous wife, Alia, and two darling, shy, beautiful children, Zayna and Kosme. The garden remains warmly familiar; the wood has all been stained black and the “piano lounge” has a fun edgy vibe with black and white celebrity photos of famous musicians (Tina Turner, Roberta Flack, The Who), a colorful library of cookbooks, a sweet bar, and a shiny white baby grand piano… if only I’d brought one of my beloved jazz pianist/ composer friends, Roger Kellaway (who shuttles between Ojai and L.A.) or Bevan Manson to tickle the ivories.

I’d actually invited my former travel editor from Condé Nast’s Brides magazine and longtime pal Sally Kilbridge, who is summering in Carp, to join me. She has also traveled the globe extensively on assignment and has a fine palate – plus she hadn’t been to Ojai in decades. We went over early to do a little girls shopping and eyeball the new El Roblar Hotel before our early 5 pm seating.

Was it a perfect experience? As far as the food goes – yes, exceptionally so, plus all of the stellar staff were warm and knowledgeable about dishes they served.

The menu is meant to “surprise” – and it does. So without giving away too much, I will share a bit about the standout dishes we devoured on the August summer night we dined there. (You can also visit the website to get a tempting preview of what to expect.)

Everything from the “present from the chef” (aka “snack”) – a lovely avocado mousse that tasted like a creamed gazpacho, accompanied by fantastic crunchy potato “puffs” (with a gluttonous pao de queso quality) served over crème fraîche with chives – to the sweet finalé (be still my stomach) was delicious. The artistic flavors magically spun in the kitchen also presented like works of art.

The tasting menu includes four-courses (plus the “snack” and dessert) so come hungry and plan on a couple of hours of leisurely dining (we clocked in and out at 1 hour and 45 minutes!). I don’t want to spoil any surprises, which is part of the fun, and the menu does change frequently depending on what’s available to inspire Chef Perfecte, but suffice it to say we gobbled up two fish courses, a yellowtail tartare in a melon gelée as well as an incredibly succulent, melt-in-your-mouth aged and haysmoked Japanese bluefin tuna, followed by a duck entrée. If there were any way I could steal the recipe for the maitake mushroom in a blackberry reduction, I would. The meal ended with a (also melt in your mouth) smooth chocolate gelato and more, including a fun “strawberries and coconut gel gummy,” in the shape of a koi fish.

Chef Perfecte and I spoke briefly about his amazing dishes. He agreed with Sally’s assessment that the bluefin tuna from Japan was so incredible on its own that it didn’t need the (also amazing in my book) piquillo walnut sauce. Never mind that she and I both sopped up the sauce with the yummy Valencia-style bread that hopefully will be sold out the sweet kitchen door in the future.

All in all, I conclude this may be one of the best - if not the best – restaurants in our region, right up there with Caruso’s at The Rosewood Miramar Resort, though with a decidedly different vibe.

The Rochers at the Ranch House, 102 Besant Road, Ojai Prix fixe dinner $120; for private spot away from others: $140; reservations secured on Tock are personally handled. Visit www.therochersrh.com

Chef Perfecte and wife Alia (photo by Delco Studios LA)

The Piano Lounge at The Rochers (photo by Delco Studios LA)

Charcoaled Chicken Skewer with a view (photo by Delco Studios LA)

Oysters with Garden Herb Beurre Blanc & Crisped Enoki (photo by Delco Studios LA)

without traditional contracts, fostering relationships built on trust and mutual commitment. “We’ve been with some artists for over a decade,” Madden says. “There’s real satisfaction in helping someone go from playing small clubs to headlining stadiums.”

Beyond MDDN, the Madden brothers are also behind Veeps, the world’s leading premium concert livestream platform, and have taken stewardship of iconic music publications like Alternative Press and Revolver. These ventures, like their music, are powered by the same tight-knit group of family members and longtime collaborators. “We’re a crew,” Madden says. “Our wives, our brothers, our extended family – you can’t break us apart. That’s a real strength.”

Why One805 Matters

Madden first heard about One805 through friends soon after moving to Montecito. Founded in the wake of the devastating 2018 debris flow, the nonprofit raises funds for local first responders’ equipment, training, and – crucially – mental health support. “When I learned what they were doing, I knew I wanted to be involved,” Madden says. “It’s one thing to make a personal donation, but One805 creates these big community moments that reach so much further.”

The organization’s leaders – Kirsten Cavendish Weston-Smith, Richard Weston-Smith, and John J. Thyne III – have built One805 into a fundraising powerhouse. Previous years have seen Kevin Costner open his oceanfront property to host the show, with talent from Alan Parsons to The Duke of Sussex himself making appearances. Proceeds have funded everything from high-tech rescue drones to “Jaws of Life” equipment, and have underwritten a crucial mental wellness program for hundreds of firefighters, sheriff’s deputies, and police officers.

For Madden, the connection between One805’s mission and his own experiences in music is clear. “Every festival, every show, first responders are there. And in California, you add the reality of fires, floods, earthquakes – they’re not asking ‘if’ something happens, they’re asking ‘when.’ These are people who dedicate their lives to running toward whatever’s going on.”

The Small-Town Spirit in a Big-Stage Show

If there’s a theme that runs through Madden’s life in Montecito and his work with Good Charlotte, it’s that the small-town spirit can thrive even on the biggest stages. “In L.A., it can be harder to connect. Here, you actually

have one-on-one conversations. You know your neighbors. That’s what I grew up with,” Madden says. “And when you bring that into a concert setting, it’s powerful. You’re not just putting on a show – you’re inviting your community to come together.”

That’s exactly what Madden hopes Good Charlotte will deliver at One805LIVE!. The setlist will be a mix of the band’s greatest hits and new tracks from their upcoming album Motel Du Cap, their first release in seven years. The record’s origins are rooted in another family moment – a wedding performance for his sister-inlaw that reignited the band’s creative spark. “It feels like the beginning of our second chapter,” Madden says.

Investing in Where You Live

For Madden, moving to Montecito wasn’t about retreating from the world – it was about finding the right place to put down roots. “When you move into a community, getting to invest in it is a gift,” he says. That investment, in his mind, means more than just financial contributions. It’s showing up – on stage, in the park, at the beach – and being a visible, engaged part of the town’s fabric.

That’s also what makes One805LIVE! such a natural fit. It’s not just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of the people and the place that make this corner of California feel like home. “We’re excited to play, but we’re just as excited to be out there talking to people, seeing familiar faces, and meeting new ones,” Madden says.

The Show Ahead

One805LIVE! has built a reputation for surprise collaborations, big-name talent, and a palpable sense of purpose.

This year, with Good Charlotte at the helm, it promises to blend nostalgia, high energy, and heartfelt community spirit. And for Madden, it’s an opportunity to fuse his worlds – the band that launched his career, the family-driven ventures that keep him inspired, and the hometown that’s embraced him.

“We’ve been lucky enough to have a global platform,” Madden says. “If playing this show inspires even one other community to prioritize their first responders the way Montecito does, that’s worth it.”

In the end, the message is simple: invest in your community, work with the people you love, and never forget the ones who keep you safe. Or as Madden puts it, “It’s a gift to be part of something that matters – and to do it in a place you truly love.”

Society (Continued from 14)

Chairs: Donald H. Benson, Heather Biles, Laura Bridley, Karen Jones Clark, Joan Jackson, Susan Jackson, Charlie Knight, Travis Kranz, and Meghan Stoll

In speaking about the gala, Esrey shared, “This Centennial Year has been an extraordinary milestone for Casa del Herrero, marked by both reflection and renewal. Thus far, we’ve embarked on several key initiatives to honor the past while investing in the future of our beloved Casa, a National Historic Landmark. One of the most transformative efforts to date is our successful application for a $750,000 Save America’s Treasures matching grant, made possible through the support of the California Mission Foundation and the leadership of David Bolton. This grant, awarded by the National Park Service, represents a pivotal moment in our mission to lovingly restore our beloved Casa to its full architectural and cultural glory. Upcoming initiatives include educational programming and more community partnerships. We are grateful for the community support in preserving the works of George Washington Smith, Lutah Maria Riggs, and the George Steedman family, whose contributions and stewardship have shaped this historic estate.”

Nathan Vonk – new Board of Trustees member and owner of Sullivan Goss Art Gallery – has been charged with selecting the artists whose bespoke birdhouses will drive the gala’s silent auction. The concept arose during the restoration of the Casa’s own outdoor birdhouse; designed as it was by the Casa’s founder, George Fox Steedman. The ten artists who created birdhouses for the silent auction are: Whitney Brooks Abbott, Phoebe Brunner, Patricia Chidlaw, Marc Normand Gelinas, Inga Guzyte, Wyllis Heaton, Nathan Huff, Michael Long, Jenna Jobst Reichental, and Sue Van Horsen. The silent auction starts online on August 24 and ends September 7 at 12 pm. Bidders can place a bid online or choose the option to purchase the birdhouse for the fee listed.

I queried Vonk on his decision to join the board and he said, “I got involved with the Casa because I care deeply about the cultural heritage of this community. It is our art, architecture, and history that gives Santa Barbara its international reputation. So, whether I’m exhibiting paintings at Sullivan Goss, or explaining the importance of George Washington Smith to visitors at the Casa, it is all a part of the same mission – to spread the word about our incredible aesthetic legacy.”

Two of the birdhouse artists, Chidlaw and Long, also met us at the Casa for a photo op for this story, their birdhouses in tow. Chidlaw used oil on art canvas for her construction from a painting of sunset on Foothill Road. Long, who worked for a summer at the Casa, said he was influenced by George Washington Smith architecture to make his two-story birdhouse intricately detailed. Long’s birdhouse includes a Spanish tile staircase, a roof of fired terra cotta, acrylics, and is polyurethane-coated for outdoor use. His creation is sized 20x20x18 inches and, yes, there are framed portraits of birds on the interior.

In summing up the importance of the Casa, Bolton informs, “Casa del Herrero is one of our treasured historic iconic sites that help to make Santa Barbara and Montecito such a special place. Nestled in the foothills of Montecito, the building and grounds reflect an architectural style that our area has become known for worldwide. Casa del Herrero is one of the finest examples of the Spanish mission revival architectural style. It has caught the eye of many, and its National Historic Landmark designation is a testament to the builders, architects, original owners, and the countless volunteers who keep this magical place alive. A big thank you is due to Joan Jackson whose vision, dedication, and understanding of the importance of this unique landmark led to the Casa’s national designation in 2008. The Casa truly is a special place,”

Noted Gala Sponsors are, George Fox Steedman Sponsor: Susan and Riley Bechtel; George Washington Smith Sponsor: The Ann Jackson Family Foundation; and Lutah Maria Riggs Sponsor: Ella and Scott Brittingham, Sharon and David Bradford, Louise and Tim Casey, Karen and Stephen Clark, Susan McCaw, and Perri Harcourt

411: www.casadelherrero.com/event-calendar/centennial-gala

Ernie’s World

“The sport is so dominated by Argentines, which is fine and I understand, but it’s important to have an incentive to help encourage up-and-coming younger American players to get a shot to play,” he said. “So a team can be rated 17 goals but get to play in a 16-goal tournament by having at least one homegrown American. All the teams are using it, so it’s working.”

While the game itself seems simple –hit the hard plastic ball between the goal posts at either end of the field – there are some complicated rules regarding right of way and fouls.

The field is 300 yards long and 160 yards wide, making it about the size of eight or so football fields. Teams switch goals after every goal scored. There are six periods of play called “chukkers” with a 10-minute break after the 3rd chukker. Each chukker is 7 minutes and 30 seconds long. The clock is only stopped if there is a foul, a broken piece of tack, or an injured player. The clock is not stopped if the ball goes over the sideboards, a player falls off and is not injured, or a goal is scored.

For new spectators, though, such intricacies may not matter. There’s so much to watch at a polo match at this high level – naturally, the marveling at the skills of the players but even more so their mounts, the polo ponies that rival Triple Crown thoroughbreds at agility, responsiveness to their rider and even speed for short bursts. It’s wise to stop

following the ball and just watch the horses stop on a dime, or take off at a dead run at a moment’s notice.

Fridays have been upgraded the last couple of years with a special happy hour match that features live playby-play over the PA, and specials at the restaurant/bar. Sundays are much more crowded affairs, and can feature spectator couture of the kind exemplified in the famous polo scenes of Pretty Woman

There is also family drama, as sons, brothers, and uncles often compete on different teams in any given tournament. The foothills on one side and the ocean providing cooling breezes on the other make for a spectacular setting. And who knows? You might run into royalty.

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

Sum- Sum- Summertime

by Ernie Witham

About a hundred years ago – or so it seems – I worked. Oops, put the period in there too soon. I meant... I worked in manufacturing making knitting needles in Laconia, New Hampshire. It was a darn good job.

You’re probably picturing large needles used for making baby blankets for that new niece, and reindeer sweaters for that cousin you never liked anyway who will now be forced to humiliate himself at your next Christmas party.

Nope. These needles were much smaller, and they were used by the gazillions in large industrial knitting machines that spat out fully-realized USofA socks and underwear! Some wise adman decided to stitch the name Fruit of the Loom on many of these products instead of “fruit of the hulking, oily, metallic contraptions” which shows the artistic creativity that made this country great, even before AI.

The reason I’m remembering this now, other than that annoying habit I have of forgetting what I did yesterday but remembering minutia from the previous century, is that my manufacturing plant, like so many manufacturing plants back east, shut down for two weeks this time of year – also known as the brief, albeit stifling, summer vacation season.

Laconia is part of the Lakes Region, so named because we had a lot of lakes. This was a desirable destination for many people living south of us – they who clad their steamy, winter-white bodies in colorful bathing suits (also made in this country), took a photo at lake’s edge with the old Kodak, and then sat in the shade drinking non-IPA American beers opened with a tool that could also open a can of beans and be used to fend off wild bears, though no one ever lived to tell that tale.

However, because of us locals’ desire to make vacation as labor-intensive as possible, we left our New Hampshire abodes and headed for the wilderness of the Maine coastal campgrounds for those two weeks so we could be near the lobster-filled waters of the Atlantic Ocean and battle mosquitos the size of hummingbirds. This meant setting up 10x12-foot tents on 11x13-foot sites, ducking under temporarily strung lines holding salt-encrusted swim trunks, and saying brief hellos to our new neighbors, many of whom were the same neighbors we didn’t particularly get along with in Laconia.

Old Orchard Beach was the favorite destination. It offered miles of sand so hot you had to wear cheap, rubber flip flops (who would have thought those would still be in vogue?) which of course your children forgot to bring – so that along with metal coolers, heavy wooden beach umbrellas, wool blankets and 67 towels – you had to carry the kids approximately three miles to the only open piece of beach, currently consisting of a six-foot deep hole created by the last occupants, a group of miners from nearby Québec.

The sun, which refuses to make an appearance in New England from November to May, makes up for its absence by supplying the kind of heat that can melt the American (of course) cheese in the bologna sandwiches in the cooler. But once settled upon your little piece of gritty heaven, you can hot-foot it, literally, to the water and shock your body into hypothermic numbness.

Unlike Santa Barbara, where you take three steps and you are over your head, you must walk halfway to Europe to get knee-deep at Old Orchard Beach. Which means, unlike a swimming pool, you cannot quietly relieve yourself while pretending you are blissful for another reason. So, you have two choices: sit down in screaming icy agony or walk to the restrooms which are so far away they may be in another zip code.

About the time your skin is as crispy as a product from KFC, you begin the trek back to the campground, where you try to make a campfire out of the wood you bought at the store which had been rained on for about a week, all while the kids stand there sticks in hand ready to make the smores you promised them. That’s when you remember you left the marshmallows and chocolate in the closed car all day.

Excuse me. Those Augusts gone by kinda make me a bit misty-eyed.

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

Peke Gonzalez with a deadeye pass (photo by David Lominska)

Joaquin Panelo on the Mokarow Farms team (photo by David Lominska)

The International Series at the Granada also boasts the return of the Londonbased Philharmonia Orchestra, with a new Principal Conductor in Finnish dynamo Santtu-Matias Rouvali; the Chicago Symphony Orchestra reuniting with Riccardo Muti just three years after his 22-year tenure ended (and 53 years after his CSO debut!) for a rare on-tour appearance that includes Ravel’s Boléro (we’ll see if they can top the MAW Academy Festival Orchestra’s astounding performance earlier this month at the same venue); and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra with conductor Fabio Luisi and featuring pianist Hélène Grimaud and soprano Sofia Fomina CAMA’s Masterseries at the Lobero mixes solo recitals and chamber music ensembles over a quartet of concerts this season. Pianists Louis Lortie performs an all-Ravel program while Emanuel Ax plays Chopin and others in November and February. Violinistconductor Gianpiero Zanocco and the Venice Baroque Orchestra celebrate their home city’s glittering Carnivale with their spirited February program “A Venetian Duel of Bows”, which rekindles the rivalry and virtuosity of 18th-century masters Vivaldi, Veracini, Tartini and Locatelli (Venetian masks and cloaks welcome). Lastly, violinist Randall Goosby (a Mosher Guest Artist at MAW this summer) reunites with the returning Sphinx Virtuosi to perform its “Visions of Peace” program in March. Visit www.camasb.org.

Kaberetti Era Turns 20

The Santa Barbara Symphony marks a major milestone with its 2025-26 season as Music & Artistic Director Nir Kabaretti notches his 20th year at the helm – which translates to his SBS tenure accounting for more than a quarter of its 72-year history. The typically diverse series of seven concerts begins with a joint season-opening collaboration with State Street Ballet in October featuring scenes from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet and SBCC’s Brass Band for Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture.” The Symphony also has a Beethoven bonanza for piano lovers in January’s concert pair, where promising pianists of the future will tackle all five of the composer’s concertos. The Beethoven Piano Concerto Marathon showcases the rising virtuosos who have each claimed the top prize at international competitions over the past year, including Min Joo Yi, selected as the winner of the 2025 Music Academy Solo Piano Concerto Competition in June, who will perform “Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37.”

In November, acclaimed trombonist Christian Lindberg joins principal trombonist Dillon MacIntyre for the area premiere of Andrea Tarrodi’s “Double Trombone Concerto,” which was co-commissioned by The Symphony, while accordionist Hanzhi Wang, a frequent Santa Barbara visitor who made her local debut at Hahn Hall in 2020, returns in March to shine on Cristian Carrara’s Red Ferrari concerto. Also of note: the newly formed Santa Barbara Symphony Chorus, which debuted just last spring, also takes the stage in November for Mozart’s “Requiem” and helps to bring emotional closure to the season finale, Mahler’s monumental “‘Resurrection’ Symphony No. 2.”

Lingering Librettos at the Lobero

Opera Santa Barbara’s new singular focus on performing meticulously crafted works solely at the Lobero Theatre – which Artistic and General Director Kostis Protopapas calls “right-sizing and refocusing on our mission” – brings three works spanning both genres and centuries of operatic repertoire. Pietro Mascagni’s 90-minute Cavalleria Rusticana (November), directed by Layna Chianakas, updates the tragedy from a 19th century Italian village to the 1940s by the Sicilian countryside. Caesar and Cleopatra, a new adaptation that abridges Handel’s 1724 baroque opera Giulio Cesare (February & March) stars bass Colin Ramsey (OSB’s The Marriage of Figaro) and Greek American soprano Anastasia Malliaras in her company debut, with direction by Josh Shaw. May’s performances of Elmer Gantry, by Robert Aldridge and Herschel Garfein based on the 1927 satirical novel by Sinclair Lewis, represent the California premiere of the 2005 American opera Protopapas previously conducted in Tulsa in 2014. The title role is sung by former Chrisman Studio Artist baritone Evan Bravos, who most recently starred in the company’s As One in 2022, and headlined the cast of the Music Academy of the West’s production of Cold Mountain in 2019. Tara Faircloth directs. Visit www.operasb.org.

Arts & Lectures’ Classical Connection

With its 2025-26 season UCSB Arts & Lectures is now offering more classical music events than any other programming organization from fall to spring, with a full 14 concerts on the slate for their 66th season. Recitals dominate the schedule, with performances from pianists Daniil Trifonov, Víkingur Ólafsson, Van Cliburn Gold Medalist Aristo Sham and Bruce Liu spread between September and February, plus violinist Nicola Benedetti and tenor Juan Diego Flórez. Concerts also come from the Isidore String Quartet with guest cellist Sterling Elliott, Yuja Wang (with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra), Kronos Quartet and Philip Glass, the annual appearance by the Danish String Quartet (this time with the Danish National Girls’ Choir), and superstars Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Joyce DiDonato (with Time for Three).

Individual tickets for UCSB A&L’s entire season go on sale August 19. Visit https://artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

More from MAW

Music by and at the Music Academy of the West also returns shortly courtesy of both the third season of its Mariposa Concerts, which feature pre-concert wine receptions before the Hahn Hall performances, and a pair of special intimate fundraising concerts with longtime MAW faculty artists billed as “Up Close & Unforgettable.” Mariposa makes its 2025-26 debut the same way the just-ended MAW summer festival began, with a recital by the Prometheus Quartet, the Music Academy’s inaugural Emerging Artists String Quartet, on October 17. Founded in 2023 at The Juilliard School, the fearsome foursome explore how composers’ intentions get shaped over centuries of playing works by Beethoven and Mendelssohn after Caroline Shaw’s Blueprint. November brings the return of clarinetist Gerbrich Meijer, winner of the Academy’s 2025 Alumni Performance Award, for a curated recital of 20th-century pieces with teaching artist Conor Hanick and featuring the world premiere of an MAW commissioned work by Derek Bermel.

Grammy-nominated violinist Tessa Lark, seen at UCSB Campbell Hall last spring, teams with MAW alum cellist Joshua Roman and Grammy-winning double bassist Edgar Meyer for a genre-defying concert in January, while the New York Philharmonic String Quartet returns for a pair of performances, the latter featuring Music Academy alum pianist Han Chen Meanwhile, Hanick and clarinetist Richie Hawley do their duo thing at Lehmann Hall on September 27, and MAW faculty member Takács Quartet play Dvořák for an on-stage chef-curated dinner party in January.

Visit https://musicacademy.org.

San Francisco’s Kronos Quartet comes to town in the next season (courtesy photo)

SNAP benefits? You tell ‘em: no more loaves and fishes, kids. Driving the poorest off Medicaid with paperwork requirements while bankrupting rural hospitals? Well, who wants to heal the sick anyway?

The Pharisees prioritized strict obedience to the Law; for the Congressional majority, the Law is Trump (ask John Roberts ). The Sadducees were the wealthy powerful ones; they ran (and profited from) the Temples; Christ threw the moneychangers out of the Temple.

No wonder Christ was called a heretic. He was just too damn woke.

For me, the Temple of our democracy is the Congress. Time to cleanse it once more. No irony here.

Cotty Chubb

Rules of the Road

On Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11:45 pm, I was witness to five young boys – 5th graders or older – riding electric bikes up San Ysidro Road headed north starting shortly after the San Ysidro roundabout. They proceeded to take up the entire lane, going at least 30 mph and weaving in and out, doing wheelies in the middle of the street. As they approached the red light by Montecito Union School, they all veered

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Montecito Research; Wyathe Brix, 1422 Lou Dillon LN #7, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. Wyatt J Brooks, PO Box 50006, Santa Barbara, CA 93150. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on July 30, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 20250001809. Published August 14, 21, 28, September 4, 2025

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: CASE No. 25CV04119. To all interested parties: Petitioner Jennifer Anne Christina Richardson filed a petition with Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara, for a decree changing name of their child from Alexander Frederick Alire to Alexander Frederick Richardson

into the left-hand turn lane to turn left. Instead of turning left, they all swerved in front of my car that was in the single lane going straight, and continued their audacious zigging and zagging up San Ysidro Road until they reached East Valley Road.

I kept a safe distance from them, as they were unpredictable and flaunted the rules of the road. It was if they “owned” the street and could commit egregious vehicular violations for which a registered car would have been pulled over and cited; for endangering others, let alone themselves. At the San Ysidro Road and East Valley Road intersection, the signal was red and they all chose to gather on the right side of the road to chit chat.

When the light turned green I was in the left-hand turn lane. They all not only swerved in front of my car (which hadn’t moved since I didn’t trust their antics), they did so in front of opposing traffic driving south through the intersection, causing all the traffic to stop. One kid lagging behind just tore through like the wind, no signaling, just putting his hand up to stop all the cars going south on San Ysidro while he turned in front of them.

The boys continued their antics after I turned left and so I slowed down so they would pass me on the right so I could

The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Filed July 17, 2025 by Jessica Vega. Hearing date: September 8, 2025 at 10 am in Dept. 5, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Published July 31, August 7, 14, 21, 2025

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: CASE No. 25CV04119. To all interested parties: Petitioner Jennifer Anne Christina Richardson filed a petition with Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara, for a decree chang-

safely turn right into the Upper Village parking lot. I feared that they might erratically speed up from behind and my turn might endanger them, as they were hugging my blind spot. These young men were old enough to know better, know the rules of the road, but none of them seemed to care about their own safety or the safety of others.

This group was the worst I’ve seen as they zig-zagged, wheelied and did multiple crazy swerves from left lanes and right lanes in front of oncoming traffic that had the right-of-way. Parents, if your son was out with four other friends around this time in Montecito, I’d consider having a serious conversation with them about safety and consider taking their powerful electric bikes away from them for a long time.

I was told that several people called the highway patrol to report the incident. The bikes were going at least 28 mph if not 30 mph, which is too much speed for a youngster to be driving that doesn’t have the maturity or sense to know how to properly drive an E-bike, and from what I witnessed today, none of these boys had any sense of safety for themselves or others.

No one wants to see a child hurt. Putting a powerful motorized bike in the hands of inexperienced and reckless drivers puts the liability squarely on their parent’s shoulders. A motor -

ing name of their child from Adrian Franklin Alire to Adrian Franklin Richardson. The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Filed July 17, 2025 by Jessica Vega. Hearing date: September 8, 2025 at 10 am in Dept. 5, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Published July 31, August 7, 14, 21, 2025

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: CASE No. 25CV04073. To all interested parties: Petitioner Angeles Natividad Avalos Borrayo

cycle helmet might protect their heads – but not their bodies – from the very busy noon intersection of San Ysidro Road and East Valley Road. On any given day, there are HUGE construction trucks on either of these roads and their visibility is often not the best. Please talk to your children and educate them on the safety on all bikes, but especially fast-moving E-bikes.

and Rigoberto Sandoval Velazquez filed a petition with Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara, for a decree changing name of their child from Liam Matteo Avalos to Liam Matteo Sandoval Avalos . The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Filed July 11, 2025 by Terri Chavez. Hearing date: September 10, 2025 at 10 am in Dept. 3, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Published July 24, 31, August 7, 14, 2025

Comments

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF BULK SALE (Division 6 of the Commercial Code) Escrow No. 011029-SH

(1) Notice is hereby given to creditors of the within named Seller(s) that a bulk sale is about to be made on personal property hereinafter described

(2) The name and business addresses of the seller are: VILLAGE REPAIR PARTNERS LP, 1464 E. VALLEY RD, MONTECITO, CA 93108

(3) The location in California of the chief executive of\ice of the Seller is:

(4) The names and business address of the Buyer(s) are: STRESS FREE AUTO CARE, INC., 1464 E. VALLEY RD, MONTECITO, CA 93108

(5) The location and general description of the assets to be sold are: LEASEHOLD INTEREST AND IMPROVEMENTS, FURNITURE, FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT, TRADE NAME, GOODWILL, AND COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE of that certain business located at: 1464 E. VALLEY RD, MONTECITO, CA 93108

(6) The business name used by the seller(s) at said location is: VILLAGE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

(7) The anticipated date of the bulk sale is SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 at the of\ice of: SUPREME ESCROW, INC., 3701 WILSHIRE BLVD., #535 LOS ANGELES, CA 90010, Escrow No. 011029-SH, Escrow Of\icer: STEVEN HONG

(8) Claims may be \iled with Same as “7” above

(9) The last date for \iling claims is: AUGUST 29, 2025.

(10) This Bulk Sale is subject to Section 6106.2 of the Uniform Commercial Code. (11) As listed by the Seller, all other business names and addresses used by the Seller within three years before the date such list was sent or delivered to the Buyer are: NONE.

DATED: JULY 31, 2025

TRANSFEREES: STRESS FREE AUTO CARE, INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION 4081715-PP MONTECITO JOURNAL 8/14/25

the Higgs boson and searches for new physics beyond the Standard Model.

“The Breakthrough Prize is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of the ATLAS Collaboration and our colleagues across the LHC experiments,” said Stephane Willocq, ATLAS spokesperson.

“This prize recognizes the collective vision and monumental effort of thousands of ATLAS collaborators worldwide.”

“I am extremely proud to see the extraordinary accomplishments of the LHC collaborations honored with this prestigious Prize,” said Fabiola Gianotti, director-general of CERN. “It’s a beautiful recognition of the collective efforts, dedication, competence and hard work of thousands of people from all over the world who contribute daily to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.”

The third operating period of the LHC is now underway with preparations to upgrade the High-Luminosity LHC, which will increase collision rates three-to-four times when it begins operating in 2030. Carlson says Westmont students have the opportunity to develop new algorithms for high-speed trigger electronics that will play a crucial role in this next chapter.

Study Explores Nursing, Belief in Miracles

Female nurses who believe God intervenes to cure ill people are less likely

to experience depressive symptoms, according to findings published in Mental Health, Religion & Culture. The study, which uses interviews from nearly 4,000 American Indian and South Asian women as well as white, female nurses, asked respondents who believe in God to choose from two statements: “I believe that God intervenes to cure people who are sick by performing miracles or other special types of physical healing” or “I believe that God provides companionship, strength and comfort, but does not typically intervene to perform a miracle.”

“It’s interesting to consider why the results are significant in the sample of predominantly white nurses but not in the more general samples of American Indians and South Asians,” said Blake Victor Kent, associate professor of sociology at Westmont College.

“We thought it could relate to religion, as the nurse sample consists mostly of Christians, while the other two groups are more mixed in religious affiliation. But when we looked at the data, we didn’t see much difference by religion.”

Ultimately, the researchers – a team from Westmont, Baylor University, University of California San Francisco and Harvard University – conclude the result may relate to the occupation shared by white participants: nursing. “Nurses have to navigate death and disease on a daily basis,” said Kent. “And we know the emotional labor that comes with nursing is psychologically and spiritually draining. Are there resources to help cope with that strain?”

Kent and his team note that a large scientific literature exists on the use of religion and relationship with God as a coping strategy, and they expect that belief in miraculous healing might reduce some of the stresses of witnessing illness and death. “You’re exposed to so much hurt,” Kent said. “It’s no wonder nursing can be linked to depressive symptoms. But these results suggest believing God can heal people might just help relieve some of that burden. Maybe it’s a sense of relief that not every patient outcome is within your control.”

In Passing

David Carpenter : March 24, 1939 – July 21, 2025

David Carpenter passed away on July 21, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was 86 years old.

Dave was born on March 24, 1939, in Ft. Wayne, Indiana; the fourth of five children. Valedictorian of his high school (North Side High School), he went to the University of Michigan on scholarship where he received both his bachelor’s degree in business administration and master’s degree in mathematics.

Dave had an extensive career in insurance, starting as an actuary at Lincoln National Life Insurance and later becoming Chief Actuary of American Mutual Life. He moved to California in 1971, joining what was to become known as Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Company as a vice president and associate actuary. After a stint working as a consultant at Booz, Allen & Hamilton, he rejoined Transamerica in 1980 as its chief marketing officer. Dave remained with Transamerica until he retired in 1995 as Chairman and CEO of Transamerica Life Insurance and executive vice president of Transamerica Corporation.

Dave was a pioneer of the insurance industry’s response to the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. He was a member of the American Council of Life Insurance CEO Task Force on AIDS and founding co-chairman of the National Leadership Coalition on AIDS. Under his leadership, Transamerica supported AIDS Project L.A. and became the first company to make a major grant supporting AIDS education and research.

Following his retirement from Transamerica, Dave served as Chairman and CEO of UniHealth and later UniHealth Foundation. He also served on a variety of boards, including AAA, the Auto Club of Southern California, PacifiCare Health Systems, H.F. Ahmanson (the parent of Home Savings of America), and the Fielding Institute.

In addition to his professional achievements, Dave was active in the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara communities. He held leadership positions and served on the boards of numerous civic and nonprofit organizations, including the California Hospital Medical Center Foundation, the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, the Los Angeles Sports Council, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Santa Barbara Cancer Center, Casa Dorinda, the Montecito Association, and Birnam Wood Golf Club. On a national level, he was chairman of the National Institute of Transplantation and the Alliance for Aging Research. Dave also was a fellow of the Society of Actuaries, and he received numerous awards and accolades including the Presidential Recognition Award for Community Service – recognizing his early leadership in the fight against AIDS – the Los Angeles 1993 Humanitarian Award, and the Sword of Life Awards from the American Cancer Society.

Dave was known to be tough but fair, and he was always up for a good joke. For decades, he had a plaque on his desk that read: “If you’re too busy to laugh, you’re too busy.” He loved golf and Michigan football and, before moving to Pacific Palisades in the mid-1980s, enjoyed sailing. Dave and his wife, Leila, married in Sweden, where Leila grew up. They moved to Montecito from the Palisades in 1997 and spent almost every summer of their lives together in southern Sweden.

Dave is preceded in death by Leila, who passed away on June 7th, and siblings Jack and Patricia. He is survived by his children, Kim (Bill) Robertson, Clay (Laurie) Carpenter, and Michelle Carpenter (Matt Macdonald); grandchildren Max, Maggie, Colin and Zach; two brothers and their spouses, Al and Kay Carpenter, and Steve and Judy Carpenter, as well as several nephews and nieces. Memorial donations may be made in Dave’s memory to VNA Health (designated to Serenity House).

Lunstad researching at CERN over the summer (courtesy photo)

Female nurses who believe God intervenes to cure ill people are less likely to experience depressive symptoms, according to new findings

News Bytes

Hate to Hope Talk with Chabad

by MJ Staff

Frank Meeink, a former neo-Nazi skinhead recruiter turned Jewish educator, will share his extraordinary story in “Hate to Hope,” a public talk on Thursday, August 14, at 6 pm at the Louise Lowry Davis Center in Santa Barbara. Raised in South Philadelphia, Meeink was drawn into violent white supremacy as a teen before prison friendships, a compassionate Jewish employer, and the discovery of his own Jewish roots led him to renounce extremism. Now an advocate for deradicalization, Meeink works to dismantle hate and foster understanding. The event is presented by Chabad of Santa Barbara and Chabad of Montecito.

Montecito Fire Department’s Weekly

Every week Montecito Fire Department Chief Neels holds a #FireFamilyFriday, where they honor their fire fighters and announce updates to the team. This past week they recognized Fire Marshal and Battalion Chief Aaron Briner for his 20 years of service to the Montecito Fire Department. Fire Chief Neels presented him with his 20-year pin.

Neels, “Chief Briner joined our organization in 2005, pivoting from his career in accounting to pursue his passion for serving the public. As Fire Marshal, he manages the Fire Prevention Bureau and has become highly involved in the community through his work applying Fire Code requirements. We’re grateful Chief Briner’s family could join us to celebrate this significant milestone, and we recognize the many sacrifices they have made over the last 20 years to support his commitment here. Congratulations Chief Briner and thank you for all you do!”

Astronomy on Tap at the M. Special Bar

The Los Cumbres Observatory is holding its astronomy info program at the M. Special State Street location’s starlit back patio on August 14. The speakers are Sunny Wong from KITP UCSB, LCO Head Scientist Andy Howell, and UCSB grad student and LCO Researcher Katie Kudla. Doors open at 7pm. Grab your favorite pint of beer and a seat for the latest astro news! The event is free, and reservations are not required. Wearing something cosmos related gets you a free gift! Raffle tickets may be purchased for key prizes available at the door. 411: https://lco.global/aot/august-14-2025

Ojai Studio Artists Metamorphosis Exhibit

The Ojai Studio Artist’s (OSA) Annual exhibition at the Ojai Valley Museum will be held Friday, August 15, from 5 to 7 pm. This is a free exhibit and chance to meet with the artists in person. The work of over 60 OSA members will be on view. This

CRIME IN THE ‘CITO

WhatsApp Spam Messaging / Middle Road

Wednesday, July 30, at 11:45 hours

The Reporting Party stated that she received two WhatsApp messages that said in Spanish, “Hi my love, how are you” from an unknown number. She blocked the number from the App. She then received two facetime calls. She ignored them and then received an inappropriate photograph via text message. She blocked the number and did not have any further contact.

Speeding/DUI / Highway 101 Southbound Summerland Offramp

Wednesday, July 30, at 21:34 hours

Officers conducted a traffic stop on the 101 SB/Summerland off-ramp. The driver was speeding through a construction zone, failed to signal, and was tailgating. The Deputy conducted Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and determined subject was driving under the influence of alcohol. Subject provided a breath sample of .09%. He was transported and booked at the Santa Barbara County Main Jail for being in violation of 23152(a) – Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and 23152(b) – Driving over .08% BAC.

opening exhibition is precursor to the OSA annual Studio Artists Tour weekend, October 11-13, where visitors receive a tour map and visit the studio where these artists create their works. Proceeds from the studio artists tour provide a scholarship for local art students to further their studies.

411: www.ojaistudioartists.org

SYV Chumash and Youth Rec Court Collab

Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians (SYBCI), announced in his press release this week the collaboration of the SYBCI with the Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation on the project to renovate Santa Ynez Elementary School’s tennis and pickleball court. Each organization evenly split the cost of the $76,730 project, which saw it through to completion. “This is a project that benefits the entire community, not only the students who attend Santa Ynez Elementary School. We’re proud to partner with Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation on this renovation and to contribute to the physical wellness of the community,” said Kahn.

The tennis courts were initially installed by Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation in the 1980s, and after many years of quality use had become worn and underutilized. Maurene Donner, superintendent for College School District, which oversees Santa Ynez Elementary School, saw an opportunity to refresh the space and make it more versatile, with the aim of both enhancing the students’ physical education program and sharing the upgraded courts with the community. Donner applied for a grant through Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation, which partnered with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians to make the project happen. “The College School District is so grateful for the shared contributions of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation,” Donner said. “This collaborative project has transformed our campus into a vibrant recreational hub for our students and the Santa Ynez community.”

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has donated more than $30 million to hundreds of groups, organizations, and schools in the community and across the nation as part of the tribe’s longstanding tradition of giving.

411: www.chumash.gov

New President/Executive Director of CADA

Bob Fuladi is the new president/executive director of CADA. He has launched an emailed quarterly zine with updates about CADA and info on how people can get involved and donate. Fudali adds, “This newsletter is one way we want to stay connected with you and keep you updated on the impact we are seeing and the stories that are unfolding every day. In each issue, we’ll highlight key programs and community efforts, offer helpful resources, share opportunities to get involved, and reflect on the impact we’re seeing throughout the county. Most importantly, we will celebrate growth, both individual and collective, with care, dignity, and heart. CADA has a long and meaningful history in Santa Barbara County. From prevention and treatment to education and advocacy, our work touches so many lives.”

411: www.cadasb.org

Elings Park Summit for Danny CADA Fundraiser

The annual local Summit for Danny 2025 is slated for October 18 at Elings Park. The Summit for Danny brings our community together to support youth and families affected by substance use and mental health challenges. Proceeds benefit the Daniel Bryant Youth and Family Centers, which provide safe and effective outpatient treatment for youth struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders.Taking part in the summit supports CADA for people in need, allowing them access to the sort of care that creates real change in the lives of youth.

411: Register online by August 31 here at https://summitfordanny.org/santabarbara

New Partnership for Cottage Health’s Children Med Center

President and CEO of Cottage Health Scott Wester and Chief Pediatric Medical Officer of Cottage Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) Miriam Parsa MD MPH announced this week the collaboration between CCMC and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. The partnership ensures expansion of children health services and access to care. Wester in his press release stated,

“Cottage Children’s Medical Center is proud to collaborate with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to provide the best care for the children and families we serve. Keeping families close to home while their children are undergoing medical treatment makes a difference. It means their support system is nearby, and they aren’t making as many long drives. It’s one less burden on families dealing with the stress of a child’s illness.”

In addition to providing care, the collab ensures best clinical practices, as well as training for residency fellows, nurses and staff. Chief Medical Officer Bhavana Arora, MD of the CHLA Care Network added, “We’re excited about this collaboration. It opens the door for Central Coast families to have more convenient access to lifesaving and life-changing patient care, research, and clinical trials.”

411: www.cottagehealth.org

they were stepping away from their roles as patrons and trustees due to infighting within the organization.

Stay tuned…

‘Project Fiesta’

Fiesta may officially be over, but the Santa Barbara Historical Museum hosted a Project Fiesta fête to mark the tony institution’s purchase of the voluminous records of the former Santa Barbara News-Press for its Gledhill Library, and also honor my late colleague Erin Graffy de Garcia who left us earlier this year.

The News-Press collection includes 1,500 books of materials, newspapers, and 1,500 reels of microfilm dating from 1869 to 2020.

Plans include making the archives more accessible and protecting the deteriorating newspapers.

The colorful bash included a performance by Flor y Canto, a dance and music group of 50 performers - including Erin’s husband Jim - which was

formed by Erin in 2000.

She was also an accomplished lecturer and historian. Much missed…

Legal Fees Continue

Meghan Markle is gearing up for another legal battle with her half-sister Samantha Markle

The former actress emerged victorious in early 2023 after Samantha sued her in Federal Court for allegedly making “demonstrably false statements” about her to global audiences during her sitdown interview with Oprah Winfrey. Samantha, 60, filed the $75,000 suit after the former Suits actress, 44, told Winfrey she grew up as an only child during her and Harry ’s bombshell March 2021 interview.

Samantha, who shares the same father as Meghan, claimed the comments subjected her to “humiliation and hatred.”

At the time a judge in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeal in Atlanta, Georgia, scheduled the case for earlier this month.

But, according to the New York Post, the hearing will now be on September 9 in Jacksonville, Florida.

A Close Call

Santa Barbara warbler Katy Perry dealt with a scary incident on her Lifetimes Tour.

The singer, 40, had invited several young people on stage for a rendition of her 2011 song “The One That Got Away” at the Little Caesar’s Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

But one of the youngsters, named McKenna, suddenly collapsed, as seen in a shared video.

Immediately Katy dropped to the floor to help as crew members and medical staff rushed to help.

After McKenna was taken off the stage, Perry hugged the other three fans and led a group prayer, according to Billboard.

AFO Finale

The Music Academy of the West ended its annual summer festival on a high note at the Granada with the Academy Festival Orchestra, under conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya, playing Mahler’s “Symphony No. 3 in D Minor.”

The stellar performance featured Julia Holoman, mezzo-soprano fellow, the children’s troupe Sing! and the Music Academy Women’s Chorus.

Stirring stuff…

In the Courts

Actor Chris Pratt is involved in Katy Perry’s unfortunate legal battle over a $15 million Montecito estate.

He is expected to be a witness as he and his wife Katherine Schwarzenegger are currently renting the property from the Santa Barbara musician.

The legal dispute stems from the sale of the property by U.S. Army veteran Carl Westcott in 2020, when he claims

he was under the influence of medication when he made the sale.

Stay tuned…

Moving Around

Former Montecito funnyman John Cleese, 85, is planning to return to the idyllic Regency town of Bath, a tiara’s toss or two from where he grew up.

The former Monty Python star, who described himself as “surprisingly poor” after a particularly expensive divorce, has moved a number of times since leaving our rarefied enclave, most recently to Nevis in the Caribbean and the postage stamp-sized principality of Monaco.

He said in April he’s gifted his $2 million home in London’s oh-so tony Chelsea to his fourth wife, Jennifer Wade, “to make her feel secure.” Cleese bought a home in Bath’s architectural gem Royal Crescent in 2016 and then sold it two years later when he settled in Nevis.

Interestingly enough, his London home in Culford Gardens, was just down the road from me off Sloane Square, making us both Sloane Rangers.

Sightings

Oscar winner Kevin Costner checking out the chukkers at the Santa Barbara Polo Club… Actor Josh Brolin at Pierre Lafond… Author T.C. Boyle at Lucky’s.

Pip! Pip!

From musings on the Royals to celebrity real estate deals, Richard Mineards is our man on the society scene and has been for more than 18 years

The museum’s Dacia Harwood with Flor y Canto performers (photo by Priscilla)

Flor y Canto was founded by Erin Graffy de Garcia in 2000 (photo by Priscilla)

Academy Festival Orchestra impresses with Mahler’s Third (photo by Phil Channing)

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Calendar of Events

by Steven Libowitz

ENDING THIS WEEK

Songs at the Stow House – The sweet sounds of summer – dusky evenings immersed in the Music at the Ranch series at Rancho La Patera & Stow House – come to a close for the season. The “community”, defined anew every cozy Tuesday evening, has been gathering smack in the heart of Goleta’s goodland, where the acoustics, familial atmosphere, and fragrant lawn have invited decorous sprawling amid sheltering shade trees and music to enliven the human heart. This week’s closer (August 19) is a perennial favorite all over town: Spencer the Gardener, the Latin-tinged more-than-a-party-band that, ahem, really does put on quite a party in its shows. Popular at night or in the afternoons, today’s concert will be ultra-family friendly under the sun where the air is fresh and clean (barring wind shifts from the fires). Blankets, lawn chairs and picnics encouraged. Alcohol may be tastefully and responsibly imbibed at this event.

WHEN: 5:30-7:30 pm

WHERE: Stow House, 304 N. Los Carneros Road, Goleta

COST: free

INFO: (805) 681-7216 or www.goletahistory.org/music-at-the-ranch

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15

Summer Lights Cabaret – Lights Up! Theatre Company’s second annual summertime soirée at Center Stage features an evening of live performances by the talented teen company members. These incandescent acts will cover a wide range of songs and styles and may include beloved excerpts from past productions. Raffles and refreshments (and even a healthy dose of glitter) round out this effervescent evening of support for Lights Up!, whose performances have consistently earned raves.

WHEN: 7 pm

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

COST: $25 ($15 for students); $50 sponsor tickets include VIP seating in first two rows

INFO: (805) 963-0408 or https://centerstagetheater.org

Digital ‘Dog Days of Summer’ – UCSB Arts & Lectures’ annual series of free summer film screenings, presented in association with the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture, take place outdoors and under the stars at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden. This summer the series has gone completely to the dogs, the seasonal slate featuring seven canine-centric movies. On tap for August 15: Isle of Dogs, perhaps the prolific filmmaker Wes Anderson’s finest animated adventure since The Fantastic Mr. Fox. As in that classic, the anthropomorphic animals are both funny and bearers of an evergreen morality lesson, in a story about “the other” and our stubborn collective habit of casting blame. When all the canine pets of Megasaki City are exiled to the vast Trash Island, 12-year-old Atari Kobayashi embarks on an epic journey in search of his canine bodyguard, Spots.

The SB Courthouse’s Sunken Garden is one of the more spectacular venues for events in the heart of downtown where pre-movie picnicking is almost a must. But please respect the lawn and your fellow filmgoers by bringing only blankets that are permeable (no plastic/nylon/tarps), and chairs that are low-backed and low to the ground. Come early for pre-screening specials that include a musical playlist curated by DJ Darla Bea, raffles, and info booths dedicated to dogs.

WHEN: 8:30 pm

WHERE: SB County Courthouse Sunken Garden, 1100 Anacapa Street

COST: free

INFO: www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15-SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

Greek Festival by the Beach – Resurrected last summer after years of lying fallow due to the festival fallout at Oak Park and then the pandemic, the venerable Santa Barbara Greek Festival is back for a 52nd year. Presented as always by the Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, the event now takes place at Chase Palm Park, turning the beach-adjacent space into a sun-swept Mediterranean celebration of Greek culture with two days of authentic food, music, dance, and all kinds of fun for the whole family. Chow down on such traditional dishes as gyros, souvlaki and spanakopita, satisfy your sweet tooth with baklava and other pastries, imbibe imported Greek beers or sample Greek wines – and then dance off all those calories with music by live Greek bands, including lessons in traditional Greek folk dances. The raffle offers a top prize of a trip for two to Greece (or $3,000 cash), with other gifts from Demetria Winery.

WHEN: 12-8 pm August 15 & 16

WHERE: Chase Palm Park Field

COST: $5, includes one raffle ticket (free for children 12 & under)

INFO: www.sbgreekfest.org

documentary that tells the

of the

torturous and emotionally fraught journey to sobriety. Made more poignant by the rock star’s death last month from Parkinson’s disease, the film – narrated by his youngest child Jack – was shot over three years and offers a deep dive into Osbourne’s long history. The documentary chronicles Ozzy’s life, from his troubled youth and early career with Black Sabbath, to his struggles with marriage-impacting fame and addiction, to his later life with Sharon and battle to stay clean – an effort that ultimately led to over five years of sobriety. The doc features both live performances and exclusive behind-the-scenes clips. The screening is followed by a conversation with director Mike Fleiss, who also created The Bachelor and its spinoffs, and produced such films as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Proceeds benefit both the Parkinson’s Foundation and the Alcazar.

WHEN: 7 pm

WHERE: Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria

COST: $20 general

INFO: (805) 684-6380 or www.thealcazar.org

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

Sailing the Soft Rock Seas – Yachtly Crew stands on top of the world in the surprisingly popular cover band genre known as Yacht Rock – the loosely-defined term that simultaneously reveres and mildly chides the soft-rock hits of the 1970s-80s.

The L.A.-based septet, formed in 2017, goes the full distance, wearing nautical attire on stage and diving into all the clichés of the concept while playing such songs as The Bee Gees’ “How Deep is Your Love,” Toto’s “Africa,” Ace’s “How Long” and, of course, the pair that inspired the genre’s name – Christopher Cross’ “Ride Like the Wind” and “Sailing”. But the band also performs original songs, including a new one written by Hollywood darling Diane Warren called “Pain of Losing You,” from their forthcoming album Seize the Day. Permission to come aboard granted.

WHEN: 8:30 pm

WHERE: Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St.

COST: $65-$88

INFO: (805) 963-9589 or www.arlingtontheatresb.com/upcoming-events

Pix for Justice – Patricia Houghton Clarke and her project Facing Ourselves –an international portrait project of immigrants near and far – have a special sale this afternoon. She is opening her archive of photographs to the public in support of democracy and social justice. In the wake of the ICE raid in Carpinteria, proceeds are earmarked for the Children’s Project Helping Hands Fund.

WHEN: 3-5 pm

WHERE: Patricia Clarke, 410 Palm Ave., A-18

COST: free

INFO: www.facingourselves.org

Opus for Ozzy – The Alcazar Theatre hosts a special screening of God Bless Ozzy Osbourne, the 2011

story

heavy metal icon’s

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

Glasper’s Genre-defying Greatness – It’s no great stretch to buy the suggestion of Robert Glasper as the leader of a new sonic paradigm that knows no bounds. The multi-hyphenate has won five Grammys over 15 nominations, and these span an astounding 11 categories. Add to this array of honorifics an Emmy for his contribution to the song “Letter to the Free” (which appeared in Ava DuVernay’s documentary 13th) , and a Peabody for his co-writing of the song “Show Me Your Soul” , for the Mr. SOUL! documentary. Glasper has played keys on Kendrick Lamar ’s To Pimp A Butterfly , produced a remix album with Kaytranada , and collaborated with Common , Esperanza Spalding , Meshell Ndegeocello , and dozens of other big names from all walks of music. His ongoing Black Radio series has become a calling card for the groove-driven side of his muse, while the chimeric musician indulges a softer, soulful take in his latest recording. That’s what I imagine we’ll mostly hear when Glasper makes his Santa Barbara debut as part of the Jazz at the Lobero series.

WHEN: 7:30 pm

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

COST: $62 & $82 ($132 VIP tickets includes premier seating and a pre-show reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres)

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

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20

Eliza Does a Lot – Two-time Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Eliza Gilkyson may not have name recognition nor sell as many records as Shawn Colvin, Lucinda Williams or Rosanne Cash, but she is as widely respected in folk, roots and Americana circles as anyone. Her songs have been covered by artists as diverse as Joan Baez, Bob Geldof, Chris Smither, and Tom Rus – a testament to her songs simultaneously timely and timeless topics, which cover the wide range of human experience from political to personal in areas of both darkness and light. Once a frequent visitor to Sings Like Hell and other venues in town, Gilkyson has made a home away from home at Santa Ynez’s long-running series known as Tales from the Tavern, where she returns tonight, accompanied by her frequent musical road partner Nina Gerber, who is about as tasty a guitarist as one finds in the melodic-acoustic world today.

WHEN: 7 pm

WHERE: The Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez COST: $43

INFO: (805) 688-0383 or www.talesfromthetavern.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17

Salute to Spangler – The Sacred Space in Summerland hosts a special celebration honoring the life and work of the late local artist Dennis Spangler (1953–2016) with the release of a new, fully illustrated book, Spangler: A Santa Barbara Artist . The 120-page hardback volume compiled by children’s book author Penelope ( Penny ) Paine , highlights Spangler’s dynamic artistic journey from his vibrant hand-painted fabrics and Solstice parade banners to upholstery commissions for celebrities such as Mick Jagger , Cher and Farrah Fawcett.

Designed by award-winning graphic artist Larry Vigon with Cynthia Van Stein , the book captures the essence of Spangler’s creations across the height of his artistic achievements in the 1970s-90s. The afternoon includes a first look and opportunity to purchase the book, peruse original fabric pieces and handmade items for sale, and connect with those who knew and worked with Spangler.

WHEN: 2-4 pm

WHERE: The Sacred Space, 2594 Lillie Ave., Summerland COST: free

INFO: (805) 565-5535 or email LeslieAWestbrook@gmail.com

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING (805) 565-1860

Your Trusted Choice for Estate Sales, Liquidation & Downsizing

Moving Miss Daisy’s providing comprehensive services through Moving Miss Daisy since 2015. Expert packing, unpacking, relocating to ensure your new home is beautifully set up and ready to enjoy. Miss Daisy’s is the largest consignment store in the Tri-Counties - nearly 20K sq.ft.- always offering an unmatched selection of items. We also host online Auctions.

Glenn Novack, Owner

805-770-7715

www.missdaisy.org info@movingmissdaisy.com THE

CLEARING HOUSE

Recognized as the area’s Premier Estate Liquidators - Experts in the Santa Barbara Market! We are Skilled Professionals with Years of Experience in Downsizing and Estate Sales. Personalized service. Insured. Call for a complimentary consultation. Elaine (805)708-6113

Christa (805)450-8382

Email: theclearinghouseSB@cox.net Website: www.theclearinghouseSB.com

TRESOR

We Buy, Sell and Broker Important Estate Jewelry. Located in the upper village of Montecito. Graduate Gemologists with 30 years of experience. We do free evaluations and private consultation. 1470 East Valley Rd Suite V. 805-969-0888

PRIVATE CHEF

Private Chef Eliza

Classically trained chef

Customized meals in-home or drop-off Special occasions & small gatherings

805.705.3618 www.chefeliza.com

PHYSICAL TRAINING & THERAPY

Stillwell Fitness of Santa Barbara In Home Personal Training Sessions for 65+ Help with: Strength, Flexibility, Balance Motivation, and Consistency

John Stillwell, CPT, Specialist in Senior Fitness 805-705-2014 StillwellFitness.com

GOT OSTEOPOROSIS?

WE CAN HELP

At OsteoStrong our proven non-drug protocol takes just ten minutes once a week to improve your bone density and aid in more energy, strength, balance and agility. Please call for a complimentary session! Call Now (805) 453-6086

ELECTRICIAN

Montecito Electric

Repairs and Inspections

Licensed C10485353 805-969-1575

TILE SETTING

Local tile setter of 35 years is now doing small jobs only. Services include grout cleaning and repair, caulking, sealing, replacing damaged tiles and basic plumbing needs. Call Doug Watts at 805-729-3211 for a free estimate.

PERSONAL SERVICES

Tell Your Story

How did you get to be where you are today? What were your challenges? What is your Love Story? I can help you tell your story in an unforgettable way – with a book that will live on for many generations. The books I write are as thorough and entertaining as acclaimed biographies you’ve read. I also assist with books you write – planning, editing and publishing. David Wilk Great references. (805) 455-5980 www.BiographyDavidWilk.com CARPET CLEANING

Carpet Cleaning Since 1978 (805) 963-5304 Rafael Mendez Cell: 689-8397 or 963-3117

LANDSCAPE

Casa L. M. Landscape hedges installed. Ficus to flowering. Disease resistant. Great privacy. Certified rootstock assorted fruit trees. Licensed & insured. Call (805) 963-6909

WATERLILIES and LOTUS since 1992

WATERGARDEN CARE

SBWGC

PET/ HOUSE SITTING

Do you need to get away for a weekend, week or more? I will house sit and take care of your pets, plants & mail. I have refs if needed. Call me or text me. Christine (805) 452-2385

PIANO LESSONS

Openings now available for Children & Adults. Piano Lessons in our Studio or your Home. Call or Text Kary Kramer (805) 453-3481

CLEAN OUT & JUNK REMOVAL

Yards, rooms, and apartments Fast, reliable – truck included Call or text (805) 847-0745

TUTOR AVAILABLEIN PERSON OR VIA ZOOM

Tutor available for students in grades K-7th. Experienced in teaching math, language arts, social studies and history. I also have experience working with special needs students.

I am a longtime local resident. I have a Master’s degree in Education and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. I have 20+ years of experience tutoring. My rate is $50/per hour.

Salini@cox.net

CONSTRUCTION

$10 MINIMUM TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD

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

1930 Model A Ford I’ve lived in Montecito for a long time and I want to stay here! $18K

FOR LONG-TERM LEASE

Two bedroom / two bath, furnished beach condo available September 1. Gated

Elves; Giraffes and Elephants in Brass, Wood, Onyx, and Ceramic; and Opera Fans. Call Allen (805) 745-5533 FOR SALE BY LIEN HOLDER

1994 Ford F700 Series for SALE by El Toro Holdings, LLC located at 469 Kellogg Way, Goleta, Ca 93117 on account of Cynthia Wheelon. Blind Auction will be held Thursday, August 28th at 12:00pm

DONATIONS NEEDED

Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary Menagerie 2430 Lillie Avenue Summerland, CA 93067 (805) 969-1944

Donate to the Parrot Pantry! At SB Bird Sanctuary, backyard farmer’s bounty is our birds’ best bowl of food! The flock goes bananas for your apples, oranges & other homegrown fruits & veggies.

Volunteers

Do you have a special talent or skill? Do you need community service hours? The flock at SB Bird Sanctuary could always use some extra love and socialization. Call us and let’s talk about how you can help. (805) 969-1944

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

K-9 PALS need volunteers to be foster parents for our dogs while they are waiting for their forever homes. For more information info@k-9pals.org or 805-570-0415

ByPeteMuller&FrankLongo

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