Montecito Cash Mob

MJ WRITING CONTEST

#3

30 April – 7 May 2020 Vol 26 Issue 18

SERVING MONTECITO AND SUMMERLAND

Vote for the winner of this week’s Creative Writing Contest: limerick edition! p. 26

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

THIS WEEKEND, JOIN US FOR MONTECITO’S FIRST-EVER VIRTUAL CASH MOB – AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW OUR BELOVED MONTECITO BUSINESSES HOW MUCH WE LOVE THEM, AND HOW MUCH WE HAVE THEIR BACKS (SEE ALL THE DETAILS IN THIS WEEK’S EDITORIAL, STARTING ON PAGE 5)

A GRAND REOPENING?

Businesses are reinventing themselves in order to reopen.

Will the City provide them the environment they need to do so successfully? An examination of the complex dynamics surrounding the monumental challenges we face.

(story begins on page 8)

Free Home Delivery kindly brought to you by Suzanne Perkins

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

30 April – 7 May 2020

O F

2 6 0 0

B E I N G

B E L L A

A T

H O M E

V I S T A

D R I V E

4 B E D R O O M S / 5 B AT H R O O M S / O C E A N , I S L A N D , M O U N TA I N V I E W S $ 7 ,9 5 0 ,0 0 0

DANA ZERTUCHE & LORI BOWLES 805.565.8198 info@MONTECITO.associates www.MONTECITO.associates

C O L D W E L L B A N K E R RE ALT Y

CalRE#01465425 CalRE#01961570

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2020 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

30 April – 7 May 2020

• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

5 Editorial MUS Faculty Parade, Virtual Cash Mob, and of course the Man from Nantucket

Laughing Matters 6 Montecito Miscellany Foodbank feeds those in need, Xavier Scordo stays fashionable and safe, and more 8 Feature Story Are we mining our most valuable resources to navigate the COVID crisis and our city’s impending reopening?

10 Village Beat MPC hears San Ysidro roundabout, Ca’ Dario opens, Viva Oliva leaves Coast Village Road, and Montecito Water District updates 11 Letters A collection of communication from readers Dick Shaikewitz, Leoncio Martins, and Diana Thorn 12 Jerry Meandering

Insurance implications of COVID for policy holders 14 Seen Around Town

A Lotusland appreciation 16 On the Record Montecito Fire Chief talks COVID and crazy weather, cannabis lawsuits, One805 donates disinfecting foggers, and more 23 Brilliant Thoughts It’s that Super Bloom time of year: How flowers became big box office

The Optimist Daily

Restaurant workers feed seniors and a six-year-old starts a joke stand 28 Child Care for Essential Workers Orfaleas and other local benefactors help subsidize emergency child care U 31 MUS Parade

Teachers drive by students’ homes to remind them they’re there 30 A Man and His Dog

Remembering Mckenna, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer mix 32 Summerland Buzz Quickly adored design emporium Field + Fort anxious to reopen A.S.A.S. – As Soon As Safe 36 Santa Barbara in a Glass

Unique wine glasses fund COVID relief 38 Spirituality Matters

Krishnamurti’s Spiritual Foundation to gather virtually May 2 and 3 42 MJ’s Guide to Local Online Shopping

Local businesses pivot to accommodate the stay-at-home order 46 Classified Advertising Our own “Craigslist” of classified ads, in which sellers offer everything from summer rentals to estate sales 47 Local Business Directory Smart business owners place business cards here so readers know where to look when they need what those businesses offer

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

Started in 2007

“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” – A. A. Milne

805/252-4970

30 April – 7 May 2020

Editorial

by Gwyn Lurie

Having Montecito’s Back

T

hese days, there’s no shortage of things to get emotional about. Like most of us, other than essential workers for whom I feel deep gratitude, I’ve been home for almost six weeks. Reading and watching the nightly news is painful, but I do it. I worry about my elderly mother. I feel horrible for my friends, my neighbors, and those across the world who cannot work and don’t have a safety net. I feel badly for those who have worked so hard to build businesses they could lose. And my heart goes out to those who don’t have enough food and/or shelter. I feel bad for my daughters who have spent their 13th and 16th birthdays in quarantine and I worry about how all of this is affecting them.

And mostly, I feel such sorrow for those who have lost their lives, or a loved one, to this insidious virus that has upended… everything.

And so it is that this past Wednesday afternoon when I stood on my driveway to catch a glimpse of the MUS Staff Parade planned by teachers and staff who mapped out a route through Montecito so they could drive by the homes of their students, I must confess… I completely lost it!

As car after car of teachers and administrators passed my home, bedecked with homemade signs and streaming with balloons, honking and waving and smiling, I burst into tears. There is so much to cry about these days and yet, this was the thing that made it happen. There was something about the basic sweetness and loving intention at the core of this beautiful gesture that wrecked me. As I stood in front of my home waving to so many of the wonderful teachers and staff with whom I had the honor of working during my eight years on the school board, watching them drive around town simply to let their students know, “We’re still here, even though we can’t assemble in your physical school, and we care and we miss you.” I felt the purest sense of gratitude to live in a place where people spontaneously do something like that.

That’s Montecito. Okay, no place is perfect. But Montecito’s pretty darn special.

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30 April – 7 May 2020

• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

5

Monte ito Miscellany

by Richard Mineards

Richard covered the Royal Family for Britain’s Daily Mirror and Daily Mail, and was an editor on New York Magazine. He was also a national anchor on CBS, a commentator on ABC Network News, gossip on The Joan Rivers Show and Geraldo Rivera, host on E! TV, a correspondent on the syndicated show Extra, a commentator on the KTLA Morning News and Entertainment Tonight. He moved to Montecito 13 years ago.

Foodbank Launches Chef’s Kitchen

T

he coronavirus pandemic has stretched many local charitable organizations to the limit, particularly the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.

“The need we are seeing now is unlike anything we’ve witnessed before,” says CEO Erik Talkin.”This disaster affecting everyone in the county, and the world, at exactly the same time is unprecedented. And the precipitous job loss is unmatched in

history.

“Hunger is a daily disaster for those who face it every day. When the stayat-home orders and concurrent business closures came down, those who lived paycheck to paycheck faced hunger immediately.

“At this point, even those who had some savings now find themselves with no financial resources whatsoever. There couldn’t be a worse time for the community to find itself unable to

Foodbank CEO Erik Talkin accepting a volunteer application from Betty Chackel while TSGT Athan, Sr A Caponpon, TSGT Ornelas, and TSGT Jensen, our National Guardsmen from March Air Reserve Base and the Channel Islands, pack and load groceries (photo by Priscilla)

United Boys & Girls Club CEO Michael Baker with David Marsango and Foodbank’s Judith Smith-Meyer preparing the donated groceries at the Westside Boys & Girls Club (photo by Priscilla)

Have a plan before a crisis Have a plan before a crisis

Next time, be prepared Next time, be prepared

Given the uncertainties ahead, making decisions based on your goals can help you weather any Givm enatrhkeeutnw ceirtth ainctio esnafihd eaedn, cmea.king decisions based on your goals can help you weather any market with confidence.

I can give you thoughtful, timely advice and can translate your goals into a clear, actionable nig oun.thT oh ugahttfw ul,atyim yu ad’lvlica e law nd rao nw slatw e yhoe urregoyao lsuintsota ancld ea. r,Aan ctd ionw abhleere you’re going. finIacnac ailvepyla , eylo aycsanktn financial plan. That way, you’ll always know where you stand. And where you’re going.

Together we can find an answer.

Together we can find an answer.

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Appreciative citizens signing in with Priscilla Hernandez and David Marsango (photo by Priscilla)

eat healthfully, just when our immune systems need to be at their strongest.”

Normally the Foodbank, which works with a number of local organizations, including The Salvation Christopher Gallo ChUriBsStFoin pahne Army, United Boys & Girls Clubs, ciralG Searlvlio ces Inc. UB2S22FEiansa nacririallol SSte tC rerev t ices Inc. and Catholic Charities, serves 55,000 22S2uiE tea1s0t6Carrillo Street unduplicated individuals, but is now SuiStaent1 a0 Ba6rbara, CA 93101-7146 dealing with an astronomical 85,000.

80ta 5-9B7a3r-0 0-29 63 2-1 47 San b3a4r2a, 8C0A 0714-7146 The organization is now also pilot805-973-0342 800-262-4774 ing a new program designed to provide prepared meals to seniors, while also helping local restaurants, particularly hard hit by the current situation.

The program, dubbed Chef’s Kitchen, ubs.com/fa/christophertgallo was launched with a trial distribuubs.com/fa/christophertgallo tion with the Foodbank delivering As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, UBS Financial Services Inc. offers both investment advisory services and brokerage services. Investment advisory services and brokerage services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and 1,000 meals from culinary wizards at are governed by different laws and separate arrangements. It is important that clients understand the ways in which we conduct bfiursm inesp s rao nv ditdhiant g thew ye caarletfh ullm y reaandatg heem agreen em esnetrsvaincdesdistcolosculire esntthsa,t U wB eS proFviin da en toctia hel m arbvoiuctetsheIn pc ro.do ucftfseorrssb ero vitch es iw evestmAcme As a o t S e n ent advHospitality, isory services owners of The Lark, ffer. For more information, please review the PDF document at ubs.com/workingwithus. Certified Financial Planner Board of an d b kaerrdas g m ryerstie viFcie ge tinn) cint, differ in material ways and Strao nd Inec. soewrnvsicthees.ceIrntivfie casttio n emnatrkas d CvFPiso ,C fierd nasna cin aldPlabnrnoek r eraa nd fedseerravllyicre egsisaterreedse Cp FPa(rwaitthe flaan md e ddeissig Loquita, Paradise Cafe, and Tyger Tyger. are gthoevU e.rSn.,ewdhib soep nntgtohinagtcc chy itdaifwfaerrdes ntot ilnadw ivisduaan lsdwh suacrca estsefua llyrrcaon mg pe lem te e Cn FPtsB.oaItrdi’ss iinm itip aloarntdao erltie ifin cattsiou nn redqe uirrsetmaennd ts. the ways in which we conduct businCeIM ssA ain acraetfiounllm y arrekaod th eeenm en nedntdCisocnlsousltu ducts orthe servgoal ices we sd a rteh gia sttertehdecyerc tifi f th ee Invaeg strm tM antasga em anrtessAtsh soactiatw ioe n, p Inrco . ivnid thee tUo nittehdeSm tateasboo f ut the proWhile of the program is to offerA .m Fo DBFS d oacnucim hu sb. eC erricm a ao nrdewionrfldowrim dea . t©io Un BS, 2p0l2e0a.sAell re igvhite sw resetrhve edP .U Fin al e Senrtvicaets Iu ncb. sis.c ao sum bs/idw iaro y rok f iUnBg Sw AGi.tM em r ertified Financial Planner Board of ® ™ FIN A/sSIIPnCc. .Do -Uw BSn-6 (with flam e design) inmeals to the elderStand aRrd sDt7hCe51c2eArtification marks CFP , Certified Financial Planner and federally registered CFPdeliver prepared ®

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the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

CIMA® is a registered certification mark of the Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. in the United States of MONTECITO andem remove America an d worldwide. ©UBJOURNAL S 2020. All rights reserved. UBS Fina“Better ncial to Seremain rvicessilent Incand . is be a thought subsidaiafool ry than of UtoBspeak S AGout .M ber all doubt.” – Abraham Lincoln

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ly, in the pilot run meals were also provided to community members at the Foodbank’s SAFE Food Net drive-thru distributions at two Santa Barbara area Boys & Girls Clubs and the Salvation Army as a first test of the nonprofit’s operational logistics.

“The beauty of a program like this is that everyone wins,” adds Erik.

“Yes, food insecure seniors get gourmet meals. And yes, restaurants and chefs have a new avenue to help keep their businesses going.

“On top of that, community members who contribute to the program know that funds they donate are helping many people at once. Those without enough to eat at home, and also beloved local businesses and their employees as well.”

MISCELLANY Page 244 30 April – 7 May 2020

Mother’s Day Baskets Customize your own basket featuring menu selections of

Prime Ribeye

Available for Delivery or Curbside Pickup

M AY 1 0

Pan Roasted Lemon Chicken

Roasted Monterey Salmon

Neapolitan Baked Ziti

…and much more!

Each basket includes a complimentary selection of California cheeses, Seascape Strawberry and Fresno Gazpacho, flowers for mom and a local bottle of wine.

Basket for Two $75* | Basket for Four $135* To order, please call 805.252.3985 or order online at www.bit.ly/MiramarMothersDay *Prices are exclusive of tax and gratuity, and are subject to change based on delivery location.

Follow us on Instagram @RosewoodMiramarBeach to find out how to nominate a special mom to receive a complimentary basket!

For 45 years, Montecito Bank & Trust has been serving our local communities and we will continue to stand by you as we face another challenge together. Stay healthy friends and please take care of yourself, your loved ones and your community.

For the safety of our staff & community, all of our branch lobbies are closed.

We are providing service through Walk-Up or Drive-Through ONLY. For availability of all branches, visit montecito.bank/alerts

Additional Services Available: 24/7 Online & Mobile Banking*: montecito.bank 24/7 Telephone Banking: (800) 608-1995 Service Center (Monday–Friday • 8am–5pm): (805) 963-7511 *Must have a registered account.

30 April – 7 May 2020

• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

7

A Grand Reopening?

by Mitchell Kriegman

Y

Novelist Being Audrey Hepburn, Things I Can’t Explain. Creator Clarissa Explains it All and more. Writer for The New Yorker, LARB, National Lampoon, and Saturday Night Live

ears from now we may look back on the Santa Barbara City Council meeting of April 21 as a time capsule of how prepared or not we were during the economic collapse of the 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic.

In that meeting, City Administrator Paul Casey introduced his new hire Economic Development Manager Jason Harris to the city at large and Mayor Cathy Murillo announced with some hesitation her “Covid 19 Business Advisory Task Force” – which Governor Gavin Newsom had asked every county and city to submit two weeks earlier.

Attended virtually, and streamed over the City website, the meeting had a dystopian feel. It was remarkable in that it defined two vastly different realities that were coexisting in the same time-space continuum via Zoom. Two distinctly different worlds on the same screen.

In Reality “A” stood the affable Dr. Peter Rupert, a former advisor to the Federal Reserve, and Director of the UCSB Economic Forecast Project, best known in Santa Barbara for its annual book-length report on the economic health of the city. Dr. Rupert presented localized COVID related economic data for the City pointing to a “nuclear fallout” of effects from the coronavirus shutdown.

Rupert’s presentation included a mind-blowing potential unemployment rate of 30% up from 3.7% last month, and a staggering drop in tourism, Santa Barbara’s mainstay. With lost revenues from hotels which suggests that at least 30% of all retail business will disappear. In another blow to downtown Santa Barbara’s long-suffering decline, all three movie theaters are expected to remain closed for the foreseeable future. Which is the retail equivalent of three more empty Macy’s buildings.

These numbers are staggering. It’s difficult to form a realistic image of how they might manifest in four to six months. On Coast Village Road, on State Street,

on Milpas we could see a third of the restaurants where we eat and stores where we shop go away. Everyone involved in the tourism business – which is the largest sector of the economy – could be severely affected. Due to the commensurate income tax decline there could be a 50% reduction to the city’s budget. City Administrator Paul Casey acknowledged an expected $30 million loss over the next two years.

What kind of cuts and reductions that will bring to City services has not been projected or publicly discussed.

Homelessness could easily double or City Administrator Paul Casey more.

After Dr. Rupert had shown his last chart, the councilmembers, with the notable exceptions of Kristen Sneddon and Meagan Harmon, asked only a few questions and did not seem focused on the triage these massive permutations would necessarily impose on our lives, or the direct reductions in services that would have to occur.

Neither did the two most senior leaders in our city government, the Mayor Cathy Murillo and the City Administrator Paul Casey, make remarks or comments.

Meanwhile in Reality “B” at the very same City Council meeting, following Dr. Rupert’s dismal forecast, Jason Harris, the new EDM, introduced himself to the council eagerly explaining that he was planning to begin downtown’s revitalization right away along with lots of “activation,” the buzz word of the day. His plans included a Downtown Cycle Mania event, a Classic Car Cruise, and buskers. Yes, buskers.

From there sharp words were exchanged challenging Mayor Murillo’s COVID Task Force, formed without consultation from her council colleagues nor with the benefit of public comment. Furthermore the Mayor had to be prodded to simply reveal the members’ names on her task force out loud. The

M

M

AGNOLIA ANOR REOPENING Page 214 W W W. M O N T E C I TO M A G N I F I C E N C E . C O M

134 Santa Elena Lane, Montecito New Listing! Offered at $2,195,000 True style and uncompromising charm in Montecito near Butterfly Beach, Lower Village shops & restaurants and walking distance to Montecito Union School. This single level four bedroom, 3 bath ranch-style home has all of the appeal of a bygone era with thoughtful modern updating. The kitchen offers Viking and Bosch appliances, Carrara marble, butler’s pantry and a breakfast nook with a built-in seating area. Spacious living room with fireplace and vaulted ceilings, floor to ceiling windows overlooking the back yard’s mature landscaping. The luxurious master bedroom has a spa-feel en-suite with walk Offered at $35,000,000 in closet and French doors leading to a large private patio; perfect for morning coffee. The grounds are inviting for entertaining and exploring with patios and meandering pathways. A separate unit is a perfect space for home office, yoga getaway or kid’s play room.

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FINE HOMES & LUXURY ESTATES

©2016 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. CalBRE 01317331

805.689.0915 MARY WHITNEY Luxury Property Specialist MarWhitSB@gmail.com (805) 689-0915 www.MaryCWhitney.com MWhitney@BHHSCal.com www.MaryCWhitney.com DRE 01144746

©2020 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

“The only mystery in life is why the kamikaze pilots wore helmets.” – Al McGuire

30 April – 7 May 2020

STRONGER TOGETHER Meet The Perkins Group

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Ron Brand

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PERKINSGROUPRE.COM The Perkins Group is a multi-generational team of preeminent Compass real estate professionals with over 60 years of combined experience working with Buyers and Sellers. With over $2 billion in sales, each member has a unique understanding of Montecito, Santa Barbara, Hope Ranch, Carpinteria, Summerland, and Santa Ynez Valley real estate. We are pleased to announce that our local expertise has now expanded to Southern California in the communities of Ventura

County, Calabasas, North Malibu, North Los Angeles, and Westlake Village. Whether you’re looking for your dream piece of Santa Barbara real estate, a premier oceanfront estate, a gated equestrian property, your own piece of paradise in Southern California, or just looking for a unique rental property, let us help you find the home of your dreams in some of the most beautiful places in the world. We look forward to fulfilling your real estate dreams today and for years to come.

The Perkins Group Real Estate | +1 805.265.0786 | team@perkinsgroupre.com | DRE: 01106512 ©2020 Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdraw without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.

30 April – 7 May 2020

• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

9

Village Beat

by Kelly Mahan Herrick

Kelly has been editor at large for the Journal since 2007, reporting on news in Montecito and beyond. She is also a licensed realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, and is a member of Montecito and Santa Barbara’s top real estate team, Calcagno & Hamilton.

Montecito Planning Commission Hears San Ysidro Roundabout

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ast week, the Montecito Planning Commission heard from County Planning & Development and Public Works staff regarding the proposed roundabout at San Ysidro Road and North Jameson Lane. It was the first time the project was in front of the MPC, after receiving positive comments at two prior Montecito Board of Architectural Review (MBAR) meetings. The project has been in the works for the last several years as part of a trio of parallel projects to improve local traffic in conjunction with the impending widening of Highway 101.

The project includes replacing the current clunky intersection, which includes both an entrance and exit to Highway 101 at San Ysidro and a fourway stop at San Ysidro and North Jameson Lane. A single lane roundabout is slated instead, which will include pedestrian access on every leg of the intersection, including cross-

walks that connect with paved walkways through the medians or refuge areas, breaking up the current expanse of asphalt into smaller sections for pedestrians to safely cross. The roundabout gives enough space for bicycles to traverse the lane, or bicyclists can get off their bikes and walk in the pedestrian areas.

The project will be heavily landscaped with drought tolerant landscaping and native trees – Monterey Cypress, Coast Live Oaks, and cherry trees – providing a buffer between the roundabout and the adjacent Hedgerow neighborhood. Signage and lighting will be minimal, with current cobra head lights being replaced with nine mission bell lights, bringing light nearly eight feet closer to the ground.

Public Works director Chris Sneddon reiterated that the custom roundabout was designed to be compatible with the neighborhood as well as the rural

San Ysidro Pharmacy is OPEN for business!

We care about your well-being….

Curbside pick-up, delivery and mail services only.

No walk-in customers to keep everybody safe.

CALL US AND WE WILL TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING

805-969-2284

Adjusted hours during this trying time: Monday-Friday: 10am-4pm Saturday: 10am-2pm 1498 East Valley Road, Montecito, CA 93108 “Fear does not stop Death....it stops Life. Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s Troubles....it takes away today’s Peace”

10 MONTECITO JOURNAL

A rendering of the San Ysidro Road Roundabout, which was heard by the Montecito Planning Commission last week

character of Montecito. The center of the roundabout is mounded, so that headlights cannot be seen from neighboring homes. The oblong shape of the roundabout is designed to bring down traffic speeds, to 15-20MPH. Comments from MBAR, as well as from the Design Working Group, COAST, and the Bicycle Coalition, were taken into consideration prior to the MPC presentation, and some changes to the plans were made. The sidewalks through the roundabout were expanded from six feet to eight feet, and curb cuts were made for bikes, in order to accommodate both pedestrians utilizing the sidewalk and bicyclists who may want to exit the main lane and walk their bikes on the sidewalk. The landscaping design was also modified, moving away from succulent plantings to more dense and leafy drought tolerant ground coverings, which are common throughout Montecito. Tree plantings have been densified near the neighbors on both the northwest and northeast side of the roundabout, making clear the transition from freeway to neighborhood.

The Commission spent nearly six hours discussing seven key issues related to the project, including traffic circulation and level of service; safety for bicyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles; landscaping; lighting; signage; CEQA compliance; and construction impact. The intersection was first identified as problematic when the Montecito Community Plan was written in 1992; it currently operates at a level “F” multiple times per day. PW director Sneddon said that he is confident the data used for level of service is accurate. “The issue has existed for the last thirty years, every time it’s been studied. With [the] Cabrillo [NB freeway entrance], without [the] Cabrillo [NB freeway entrance], with the Miramar, without the Miramar.

At every stage of the way that there has been a check-in, it’s been consistent that it’s bad and getting worse,” he said. “All the projections for the future are that there are not going to be less people.” The project is tied into the Highway 101 widening in both funding and timing, and is expected

“Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.” – Alan Dundes

to be built between 2023 and 2027. The other side of the intersection, closer to the Rosewood Miramar Resort, will be turned into a four-way stop. Two other parallel projects include a roundabout at Olive Mill and Coast Village Road and mitigation of the railroad bridge at the Cabrillo Blvd underpass, which will also include a roundabout.

The Commission heard from a handful of public speakers, including Montecito Association executive director Sharon Byrne, who suggested that the County hold a public forum once the roundabout is constructed, to teach residents how to use it. The MA’s Land Use Chair Dorinne Lee Johnson told the Commission that the Montecito Association supports the project, following changes that were made due to prior concerns.

The Commission voted unanimously to continue the hearing until Wednesday, May 20, in hopes that by that time, members of the public who might have been deterred by the virtual meeting, would be able to speak in person if there are lingering concerns about the project and its design.

To view the full staff report and presentation, visit www.countyofsb.org/ plndev/hearings/mpc.sbc.

Ca’ Dario Opens on Coast Village Road

Despite the inability to fully open and seat and serve diners, Dario Furlati, owner of the Ca’ Dario restaurants, has softly opened his newest location on Coast Village Road, offering dinner for takeout. “It’s been a long time coming, and I’m happy I can finally open the doors,” he told us earlier this week, behind a required face mask due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furlati opened Ca’ Dario Ristorante in downtown Santa Barbara 23 years ago, but his career in Santa Barbara began in 1988 in Montecito’s Upper Village, where he was the executive chef at Pane e Vino. He has been involved with a number of Montecito eateries, including Via Vai and Tre Lune, and he is the former owner of Santa Barbara eateries Bucatini,

VILLAGE BEAT Page 414 30 April – 7 May 2020

LETTERS

TO THE EDITOR

If you have something you think Montecito should know about, or wish to respond to something you read in the Journal, we want to hear from you. Please send all such correspondence to: Montecito Journal, Letters to the Editor, 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite H, Montecito, CA. 93108. You can also FAX such mail to: (805) 969-6654, or E-mail to letters@montecitojournal.net

STOP

I

believe it is ABSOLUTELY SCANDALOUS during the COVID CRISIS to have all five Board Members of the Montecito Water District, during the next 60 days to: 1. Mail a Public Board Notice 2. Hold a Public Open House 3. Hold a Public Hearing to Massively Raise its New Rates 4. Approve its New Rates for Desal This is what the New Board proposes to do all by July 1.

They think the Water is needed to secure its future, and the cost will not be great.

I believe the cost will be huge, and there are much better and effective ways to deal with droughts. They are taking advantage of this huge problem to the disadvantage of us, the rate payers.

If the Board believes what they are doing is correct and fair, then give everyone a chance to fully understand and think about it; certainly not during this massive costly critical time.

During this COVID CRISIS, we all need to carefully think through and consider is this WATER NEEDED NOW? Unfortunately, if we do nothing in two months, we will all soon owe additional huge sums of money for years to come.

I urge you to call and write through May and June to STOP THEM. Montecito Water District, 583 San Ysidro Road, 93108; 805-969-2271 Dick Shaikewitz Montecito

Trump Endangers American Lives

You just saw it in Wisconsin, where Republican state lawmakers insisted on making voters put their health and the health of others on the line to turn out and cast in-person ballots. Right-wing justices on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court – in a decision written by Brett Kavanaugh – sided with Republicans against Wisconsin voters.

It’s become clear that to Republicans, everything is an opportunity for a power grab – even an unprecedented public health crisis. In Wisconsin, even with health experts advising people to stay at home and extreme shortages of poll workers due to the pandemic, Republicans would not push back Election Day or expand absentee voting to allow voters to cast their ballots by mail.

In a crisis like this, people’s true character comes out. For the most part, we’re seeing incredible resilience and resolve from Americans. People are sacrificing like they never have, supporting their neighbors and their communities through

30 April – 7 May 2020

this hardship. Many – including people like you – are calling and petitioning Congress to make sure the most vulnerable among us get the resources they need to survive this crisis.

But right-wing Republican politicians and activist leaders are showing their true character too – and it’s not pretty. They’re even using their own supporters as pawns in a deadly game for their own political ends, encouraging them to violate stay at home orders and turn out to crowded in-person protests against the social distancing policies that scientists and public health experts say we need!

Trump and his enablers are willing to do anything, say anything, create chaos, and even endanger American lives to win.

This is what we’re up against. Together, we’ll defend democracy, save the soul of our country, and restore the American Way… but only together.

Sincerely, Leoncio Martins

Specializing in Fine Homes • Concept to Completion • Exceptional Home Design • Board of Architectural Reviews

Slick Operator

Has Gov. Newsom been honest with Californians and fellow Democrats? On April 7, he appeared on MSNBC with Rachel Maddow. He said, “In the last 48 hours we have secured through a consortia of nonprofits and a manufacturer in the state of California-upwards of 200 million masks on a monthly basis that we’re confident we can supply the needs of the state of California, potentially the needs of other western states.” However, the manufacturer was not in California. It was BYD, “Build Your Dreams,” a Chinese company not known for making personal protective equipment. John Meyers of the L.A. Times pointed out, Newsom failed to reveal it was a $1 billion dollar deal that will cost the taxpayers 30% more than the governor’s January budget allotted for infectious diseases for the whole fiscal year. The next day, San Francisco Democrat Phil Ting, chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee, told reporters “we don’t have any information as to how many masks we’re buying, who we’re buying them from and at what price.” Democrat Holly Mitchell, chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, demanded details. The actions of Newsom bring up many questions. Why did he hide a taxpayer funded contract from legislative leaders? (Oversight.) Why did he do business with BYD that has a history of supplying allegedly faulty equipment, has ties to the Chinese military and communist party? Finally, why did Newsom reject American products and labor? Is Gov. Newsom acting like he is the leader of a small nation?

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• The Voice of the Village •

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11

Jerry Meandering

by Jerold Oshinsky

RAOUL STORE now online! www . raoultextiless tore

. com

A Partner with Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP, Jerold Oshinsky has more than 35 years of experience litigating insurance cases in federal and state courts throughout the country. Chambers USA consistently has designated him as the only lawyer to be accorded “Star” ranking in its national insurance category. Jerry has been a resident of Montecito for 14 years.

Life and Business Interrupted

by COVID and Other Unusual Circumstances

I

am pleased to share joint authorship today with my good friend, Attorney Jan Larson.

Coincidentally, she and her husband, Rock Rockenbach, soon will be moving back to Montecito. Jan and I both represent policy holders against insurance companies.

In this article, we discuss how first party property insurance policies should be examined to determine whether they may cover business interruption claims and lost income in the era of the coronavirus. You may find coverage for lost income, expenses, payroll, extra operating expense and maybe even the cost of preparing your claim against the insurance company. This article is designed for the business owner to understand that their insurance coverage should be an asset in today’s world. The insurance issues are tra-

ditional; it’s the setting and context that are unprecedented.

Physical Loss of or Damage to Property

Q: How do we characterize the insurance policies in question here?

A: The insurance policies in question are all risk first party property insurance policies. While the individual terms and conditions can vary widely across different policies, a property insurance policy typically covers losses incurred as a result of all risks of physical loss or of physical damage to property that is covered by the policy. Insurance companies frequently argue that this should be interpreted to mean that the policies cover physical loss to the

JERRY Page 444

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12 MONTECITO JOURNAL

30 April – 7 May 2020

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R I S

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Santa Barbara 2020 sales volume

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Village Properties Realtors license #01954177 • The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

13

Seen Around Town

by Lynda Millner

Madame Ganna Walska and Lotusland

The lotus pond

T

One of Ganna’s succulent gardens

here is a new book just published about Ganna Walska by her niece Hania Tallmadge called Portraits of an Era. The book was meant to coincide with an exhibit at Lotusland. But while we’re all still operating under stay-at-home orders, doesn’t mean we can’t take a moment this spring for some fresh Ganna Walska/Lotusland appreciation.

One couldn’t find a more colorful character than Madame Ganna Walska, beginning with her name.

She was born Hanna Puacz on June 26, 1887 in Brest-Litovsk Poland of humble origin. She was eccentric and glamorous, both a celebrity and a debutante with an eye to the dramatic and toward men. She was noted for her beauty and a fascinating life including a tumultuous operatic career, six husbands (one a count, and another a yoga guru) plus a lifelong quest for spiritual enlightenment. And then came her horticulture collection at our precious Lotusland, Ganna’s estate that still contains some of the most sought after rare and exotic specimen plants. It is considered one of the ten best gardens in the world.

After Hanna’s mother died, she was sent to St. Petersburg, Russia and brought up by relatives. She recalls

Ms Millner is the author of The Magic Makeover, Tricks for Looking Thinner, Younger and More Confident – Instantly. If you have an event that belongs in this column, you are invited to call Lynda at 969-6164.

how as a teenager, the Czar chose her as the most beautiful woman at a royal ball and had a portrait painted of her, now known as the “Czar’s Portrait.” At only 19 she eloped with the Russian count, Arcadie d’Eingorn.

Even though she was a dutiful wife, by 1915 his drinking and carousing became too much and the marriage was dissolved.

“Nice Girl” Hannah Puacz Becomes the Exotic “Madame Ganna Walska”

Hanna was raised to be a Catholic “nice girl” and the stage was verboten but she took singing lessons and had operatic ambitions in Russia and then in Paris. To that end she now adopted the more exotic name of Madame

The renovated Japanese Garden

Ganna Walska. Ganna was the Russian version of Hanna and Walska came from her love of the waltz.

World War I was threatening so Ganna moved to New York City to work on her singing. However she developed a throat problem and met Dr. Joseph Fraenkel. Fraenkel was so smitten, they married after only ten days. Ganna also met Harold McCormick – the International Harvester heir who was a generous supporter of the Chicago Opera Company. It became a lifelong relationship. She also became entranced with Ouija boards, practicing yoga and exploring astrology, meditation, and telepathy – the occult.

Sadly, in April 1920 Fraenkel died after a long illness. Ganna was exhausted and depressed and went to Paris to holiday. On board the Aquitania, she

met Alexander Cochran, known as “the richest bachelor in the world.”

He proposed to her the day they met, though she refused, only accepting Cochran’s hand after several months and four more proposals. As she said, “Alec turned out to be the most miserable man I have ever met.” He was jealous of her career and her friendship with Harold McCormick.

And, guess what, McCormick had fallen in love with Walska when they first met and had divorced his wife, Edith Rockefeller, so he’d be free to marry Ganna. Or as is said, “Be prepared!” As soon as Ganna divorced, McCormick swept her off her feet. A devoted husband, McCormick continued to support and finance Walska’s mostly failing opera career. He even

SEEN Page 334

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©2020 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS.CalDRE#: 00976141

30 April – 7 May 2020

• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

15

STAY STRONG SANTA BARBARA. WE’RE HERE FOR YOU.

ON THE RECORD

Nicholas Schou

Nicholas Schou is an award-winning investigative journalist and author of several books, including Orange Sunshine and Kill the Messenger. If you have tips or stories about Montecito, please email him at newseditor@montecitojournal.net

Fire Chief Kevin Taylor Talks COVID-19 and Crazy Weather

W

hen I first met Montecito Fire Chief Kevin Taylor last year, I remember asking him what the biggest challenge was facing his department. “The weather,” he told me, quickly adding that the sheer unpredictability of Montecito’s weather threats, be they fire or rain, made his job uniquely worrisome. This week, I caught up with Taylor for the second time since the COVID-19 pandemic reached Santa Barbara. Somewhat reassuringly, most of our conversation happened to be about the weird weather. Remember when weather seemed like our biggest threat?

Montecito Fire Chief Kevin Taylor

Q: What the heck happened last Thursday night? The wind actually blew a framed window out of my house! Fortunately it fell on my bed and didn’t break.

A: That is what we call a “sundowner,” our version of the Santa Ana winds. They occur in Santa Barbara County in the spring and fall; the ones in the spring are usually stronger than the ones that occur in the fall.

In a given year there are usually four or five sundowners but there have been ones that have lasted 14 days in a row, as happened in 2017. They arrive from the north as a result of a change of pressure between Bakersfield and Santa Barbara.

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I saw a fire crew the next morning dealing with a massive Eucalyptus tree that cracked and toppled over the road near a powerline. I assume SoCal Edison had a lot of calls that night; did A vehicular casualty of last week’s windstorm people lose power?

Oh yes, people lost power. We had to bring in extra staffing to respond to the windstorm. From Thursday at 5 pm to Friday at 5 pm, we had 26 total calls for service. 22 of those were related to the storm, either because of trees or power lines that were down. The highest sustained winds in the district were at our Cold Spring RAWS, which stands for Remotely Activated Weather Station. It’s located at the top of Cold Spring Trail, where we measured 53 mph sustained winds with gusts to 78 mph. The highest gust was 81 mph. We also have a RAWS down at Casa de Maria and it saw a gust of 43 mph.

ON THE RECORD Page 184 A firetruck blocks traffic near a downed tree on East Valley Road

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30 April – 7 May 2020

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

30 April – 7 May 2020

• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

17

ON THE RECORD (Continued from page 16)

So where are we at with COVID-19 right now in Montecito?

Relative to call volume, what we are seeing for medical emergencies is that we remain about 15 percent down from normal call levels, and those patients who call 911 where we are responding, we are finding that the acuity level is higher than normal.

Can you explain what that means?

Well, it means that, overall, people appear to be sicker than normal when they call in. I suspect that with the stay-at-home order and the goal not to overwhelm the emergency departments, people are only calling 911 when they are very ill.

That is most likely why the acuity level is higher. As it gets warmer and we see more people out and about on the trails we will see an uptick in those type of calls, trail rescue calls, though.

How is everyone at the firehouse doing?

All the fellows at the station are healthy and we are continuing all the things we talked about before as far as social distancing to the extent possible.

Everyone is wearing cloth face coverings, and we are doing pretty intensive disinfecting at the fire station at the beginning and end of shifts.

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Is it crazy to think that Montecito is actually doing pretty good so far and we might be able to move on sooner rather than later at this rate?

I would strongly agree that it appears to us that people are practicing social distancing and as a result of that the curve is getting flatter and flatter. I would also suggest that all the great work that the local restaurants and grocery stores and truck drivers continue to do allows our community to effectively practice social distance. So far, it’s working.

Santa Barbara Zoo Hosts “Drive By, Wave Hi” Donation Parade

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2020 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

One of the roughly 80 families who helped raise more than $12,000 for the Zoo

Ever since March 17, the Santa Barbara Zoo has been off limits to the public. That’s not surprising, given California’s stayat-home restrictions, but it’s a disaster for the Zoo, its employees, and animals. In fact, the 57-yearold institution is facing the most dire financial crisis in its history. For that reason, on Saturday, April 25, Zoo staffers and volunteers dressed up in animal costumes and waving thank you signs hosted a family-friendly drive-through donation parade from 10 am to Social distancing Zoo volunteers welcoming families to the donanoon. tion parade According to Elaine Mah Best, the Santa Barbara Zoo’s Vice President of Advancement and Marketing, about 80 cars participated in the parade, donating a total of $12,829. “In addition, we had eleven people donate a total of $2,000 for the Emergency Fund online as of Saturday at 1:30 pm,” Best said. “Not bad for a two-hour long event that we started planning just a week in advance! What was especially heartwarming was

18 MONTECITO JOURNAL

“The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.” – Abraham Lincoln

ON THE RECORD Page 204

30 April – 7 May 2020

montecito ...

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©2020 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.

30 April – 7 May 2020

• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

19

ON THE RECORD (Continued from page 18)

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that I heard over and over again from the folks driving through ‘Thank you for doing this,’ ‘We miss the Zoo so much,” and ‘Our family loves the Zoo.’ It was really sweet to see so many Zoo members and fans come out to support us.”

Because of the Zoo’s closure, it has been forced to furlough roughly 100 fulltime and part-time employees, reducing its payroll to just the essential staff necessary to keep the animals alive.

“These difficult decisions were all made in an effort to maintain the Zoo’s top priorities,” said Rich Block, the Santa Barbara Zoo’s president and CEO. “We remain dedicated to the health and welfare of the animals who reside at the Zoo, the safety of our employees working on-site, and the continued efforts to save local endangered and threatened wildlife.”

It’s difficult to exaggerate the impact that the COVID-19 shutdown has had on the Santa Barbara Zoo, which houses more than 500 animals on 30 acres of botanical gardens. According to a recent press release, it is “currently relying on cash reserves and support from the community to continue to operate” given that 97 percent of the annual budget relies on earned revenues from operations.”

Speaking of numbers, it costs approximately $630,000 per month to operate the Zoo at its current capacity. Breaking down the budget by species, each week the penguin colony costs $250 to feed, the five California condors cost another $150 per week, each giraffe needs $70 per week of food, compared to $120 for the three otters. The flamingo flock costs $200 to feed, all turtles and tortoises eat a total of $150 of food per week, and it costs a whopping $1,200 each week to purchase so-called feeder insects, which are used to feed all types of animals.

In all, the total weekly animal food bill is $6,000.

During normal times, the Zoo operates several conservation and science education programs each year. But this was when the Zoo enjoyed an average of 480,000 visits per year, more than any other institution in the Santa Barbara area, thus bringing in significant extra tourist dollars to the city and its businesses. “The Santa Barbara Zoo has served as a community anchor for over fifty years, and we want to continue serving the hundreds of thousands of families whose lives we touch every year,” Block said. “With your support, we know we can get through this together.”

It’s not too late to donate. Go to app.pivvit.com/campaign/support-the-zooduring-covid-19-recovery, or send a check payable to “Santa Barbara Zoo” to the attention of Elaine K. Mah Best at 500 Niños Drive, Santa Barbara, 93103.

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Much has been made lately in news articles about the effort to provide masks and other emergency preparedness gear to first responders in Santa Barbara. But not all such gear is wearable. To wit: One805, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting first responders, emergency preparedness and response, has just announced the purchase of 45 electric decontamination foggers.

The Hudson brand foggers are capable of quickly and efficiently dispersing sanitizing mist to large areas and will be provided to both the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s A One805 fogger at work Department as well as police departments across the county. The foggers will help decontaminate jail cells, vehicles, equipment and both fire and police stations.

“As we have experience in this community, preparedness and response can come in many forms,” said Eric Phillips, One805’s CEO and co-founder. “We are proud that this community rallied quickly around our frontline personnel.

This equipment will protect our community and the first responders who cannot work from home.”

One805 was the first organization to create a local Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) drive in coordination with the county’s Office of Emergency Services. Their office remains open with a monitored, secure drop box so that the organization can continue to collect equipment for doctors, nurses, hospital staff, and other first responders. “One805 is an extraordinary organization,” said Santa Barbara Sheriff Bill Brown. “Through the selflessness of its members and the generosity of our community, the public safety agencies of Santa Barbara County are obtaining equipment that help us save lives and protect property.”

To donate and support One805’s fight against COVID-19 and for more information, please go to One805.org.

“All the things I really like to do are either immoral, illegal, or fattening.” – Alexander Woollcott

ON THE RECORD Page 224

30 April – 7 May 2020

REOPENING (Continued from page 8)

Shelter-in-Place Order was given March 15 and yet it had taken more than six weeks to form a task force. What kind of emergency comes to mind, where you can start six weeks into the disaster, and only meet once a week?

The meeting was wrapped up by councilmember Eric Friedman announcing his weekly social distancing playlist with Georgia Satellites’ “Keep Your Hands to Yourself.”

Why is this Important?

The surreal nature of City Council’s nonchalance to our imminent troubles may be just another example of human frailty in the face of adversity. Similar scenes may be happening all over the country as cities, counties, and states grapple with the unfathomable. But this time the underwhelming response from the City will be as deadly to businesses as the disease is to its inadvertent hosts with underlying conditions.

The coronavirus itself has only existed for about 200 days on earth. If it’s staying at least until its birthday in November, how will we cohabitate with it?

How do we share Santa Barbara with this uninvited stranger?

According to Dr. Henning Ansorg, the Health Officer for Santa Barbara, the underlying condition of our local economy is this: “I think we will see people walking around with face coverings for a long time. Like six months. And in some instances, even longer. We will not have mass gatherings like football stadiums and concerts and things like that for a long time,” he explained. “We will probably be able to eventually open restaurants, with half the tables inside, keeping distancing. We will never shake hands again.” Never? “I wouldn’t recommend it, ever again.”

A Scalpel Not a Sledgehammer

Dr. Peter Rupert, the econ expert from the Forecast Project, has suggested that there is no one-size-fits-all reopening.

“When the issue of hospitals and people dying was overwhelming the healthcare system, it made sense to flatten the curve statewide all at once by using a sledgehammer. Now I think we need a scalpel to open up and flatten the economic curve.”

Each city and county is going to have to carve out its own path to reopening.

Customizing their approaches while satisfying the broad orders from the State. This is very much the situation here in California where Governor Newsom has laid out a Six Point Plan for Reopening, which includes expanding testing, protecting the most vulnerable, providing needed PPE and other resources to hospitals, continuing to work closely with academics and research institutions, and redrawing floor plans while still maintaining the capacity to “reinstate more vigor- Dr. Peter Rupert, director of the UCSB Economic Forecast Project ous controls.”

Every city and county must come up with a plan that covers these six points and submit them to the State.

The Risk, Burden, and Responsibility

Regardless of the plan our Mayor’s task force comes up with, it’s important to examine where the actual burden of responsibility lies in the process of reopening. Governments can close businesses, but they can’t open them without businesses figuring out how they can do so profitably. “Hotels in Santa Barbara were open. They were never required to close,” Dr. Rupert illustrates. “But no one was going to them so they closed.”

Misty and Brandon Ristaino, the owners of the Good Lion, Test Pilot, and other bars have thought long and hard about their business pre-COVID and now again.

“Some venues if you have half capacity feel cavernous and weird,” Brandon offered. “Our projects were built to feel good, even if there’s only ten people in the bar.”

The Ristainos have been working seven days a week, more than ever. They’ve

REOPENING Page 404

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• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

21

ON THE RECORD (Continued from page 20)

Santa Barbara Coalition for Responsible Cannabis Sues Santa Barbara County

You might recognize the Santa Barbara Coalition for Responsible Cannabis from various letters to the editor and reader-submitted editorials that have run in the Montecito Journal, Carpinteria’s Coastal View News, and other local newspapers in Santa Barbara county. Although the group claims not to oppose cannabis per se, its members have consistently decried what they say is a lack of enforcement by county officials that has allowed certain communities, particularly Carpinteria, to become overwhelmed with the distinct odor of flowering marijuana.

On February 27, three Carpinteria residents who are members of the coalition, Gregory and Marllus Gandrud and Paul Ekstrom, sued nearby cannabis farms, Ever-Bloom, Ednigma, Melodious Plots, and Saga Farms, alleging that the smell was unbearable. Just two months later, on April 23, the coalition filed yet another anti-cannabis lawsuit, this time against the county itself. Their complaint cites the Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors’ recent decision to uphold a cannabis permit for Busy Bee’s Organics of Buellton, which last year received a land use permit from the county’s Planning Commission for a 22-acre cannabis farm in the town, despite protests from certain community members.

A search of the California Secretary of State website shows that the Santa Barbara Coalition for Responsible Cannabis was incorporated in May 2019, with the aforementioned Carpinteria plaintiff Ekstrom as chief financial officer.

However, the coalition’s CEO is Blair Pence, a wealthy land developer turned winemaker (and vocal anti-cannabis advocate) based in Buellton whose address is located just down the road from Busy Bee’s Organics. The new lawsuit claims that the county’s environmental review process is inadequate and that the supervisor’s three-to-two vote to allow a large-scale cannabis operation amid Buellton’s “well-established” wineries was misguided.

“This lawsuit is a last resort,” argues Debra Eagle, a coalition board member.

“Industrial scale cannabis operations in the Santa Rita Hills AVA (American Viticultural Area) threaten our future. The Board has ignored these issues while violating several laws, so we have been forced into this litigation in order to bring these operations in line with state law and prevent cannabis growers from destroying Santa Barbara’s communities, tourism, and wine economy. Respect and moderation is all we ask for.”

The coalition’s lawsuit also argues that the county has a legal obligation to investigate every grower affidavit claiming that they were already in operation before January 16, 2016 and must also hold public hearings on the results of these investigations. Although 200 such affidavits were filed, the complaint states, the county failed to investigate any of them, despite the fact that the affidavits are being used by the growers to obtain state-issued grow permits.

“The county has a duty under the law to vet each affidavit that was filed,” said Robert Curtis, an attorney with Foley Bezek Behle & Curtis LLC, and the lead lawyer on the case. “It’s been four years, yet they refuse to do so.” Marc Chytilo, a Santa Barbara-based environmental attorney who filed the official state paperwork for the coalition last year, is also attached to the case. “The Board has continually ignored fundamental environmental principles in overriding twelve separate significant adverse environmental impacts,” he argued.

“Without analyzing the impacts, the county cannot resolve the fundamental conflicts between these two interests. We need to find appropriate sites for cannabis cultivation where existing farms won’t be forced out.”

Sara Rotman, owner of Busy Bee’s Organics, declined to comment for this story, deferring questions to spokesperson Andrew Rice. “We’re not surprised that the Santa Barbara Coalition for Responsible Cannabis founder and CEO Blair Pence has followed through on his numerous public threats to fight every single cannabis project that is approved in a two mile stretch of the Santa Ynez Valley near his winery,” Rice said. “Pence has been litigious in the past. We’re not his first target and we won’t be the last. This lawsuit is an abuse of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to obstruct the farming of a pesticide-free, organic, legal, and environmentally friendly crop.”

Rice argued that the coalition, having failed to sway public officials with its anti-cannabis stance, is using its deep pockets in a cynical attempt to accomplish the same goal. “This frivolous litigation attempts to overturn unanimous approval by local and state governments as well as undermining the broad public support Santa Barbara voters have shown for cannabis legalization,” he said. “We are confident that the County and Busy Bee’s will prevail in court. In the meantime, we will continue farming the best sun-grown legal cannabis on earth while providing jobs and taxes for the people of Santa Barbara County.”

Susan Petrovich, a lawyer for Busy Bee’s Organics, also expressed frustration with the lawsuit. “We are disappointed to see that the Santa Barbara Coalition for Responsible Cannabis is filing a CEQA lawsuit against a model, outdoor, sun-grown cannabis farm that is frequently held as the gold-standard by government officials,” she said. “More than ten local and state agencies have reviewed and approved the project and found it to meet or exceed their rigor-

22 MONTECITO JOURNAL

ous requirements. This is an end run around the long-since expired statute of limitations to challenge the County’s cannabis laws.”

When it Comes to Maintaining the Sewers, the Sanitary District’s Work Never Stops

Earlier this year, before the COVID19 emergency, I took a tour of the Montecito Sanitary District’s waste treatment facility, where the town’s collective fecal matter is slowly bio-engineered into top-notch soil fertilizer that ends up on the shelves of our local gardening emporiums (see “Montecito’s Most Unusual Harvest,” Montecito Journal, February 12). Part of my tour of the MSD plant included a visit to the maintenance crew’s war room, where a color-coded map on the wall showed every sewer line in the district as well as when its next scheduled cleaning would take place.

“Every little dot is a manhole,” Noee Ortiz and Travis Kearney at work explained line inspector Ricardo Larroude as he pointed at the map.

“We have over 2,000 manholes in our system and 76 miles of sewer lines to maintain. We run a really aggressive maintenance system.”

Last week, I spent the better part of an unseasonably warm day with Larroude and two other maintenance workers, Travis Kearney and Noee Ortiz, while they performed routine maintenance on sewer lines in town.

They rode in a pair of vehicles including a truck equipped with a vacuum Down the hatch hose and a water-jet hose that, when inserted into the sewer line, spins a constant spray of water at 3,000 pounds per square inch, effectively liquifying any roots or other organic material that might be clogging the sewer. The crews then used one of two different types of rakes to remove whatever debris had been dislodged by the waterjet.

Because of COVID-19 concerns, each worker wore special masks and shields in addition to their normal protective gear. And rather than leaving the manhole open during the work, the crew used a special covering that allowed the spray hose to be easily fed in and Pulling the rake out of the sewer, while preventing any liquid from spraying onto the street.

Over the course of the day, the crew cleaned the lines, starting at a manhole at the top of a hill, then working their way gradually downhill, manhole by manhole. Each of the cleanings took approximately 10 to 15 minutes. “I’ve seen everything you can think of in the sewers, hammers, towels, rags, wet wipes,” Larroude said. “They don’t break apart.”

But on this day, other than the random remains of a wet wipe that ended up stuck to a rake, there was almost no debris, so little of it that it failed to fill a single bucket during the course One last good scrape of the day. This, Larroude told me, is exactly what he likes to see. “Before the January 8 debris flow, we went two years without having a spill, and since then we haven’t had one either,” he said. “Our number one goal is not to have any spills. We’ve got to stay on top of it, but our guys do a great job.”

•MJ

“The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.” – Albert Einstein

30 April – 7 May 2020

Brilliant Thoughts

by Ashleigh Brilliant Born London, 1933. Mother Canadian. Father a British civil servant. World War II childhood spent mostly in Toronto and Washington, D.C. Berkeley PhD. in American History, 1964. Living in Santa Barbara since 1973. No children.

Best-known for his illustrated epigrams, called “Pot-Shots”, now a series of 10,000.

Email ashleigh@west.net or visit www.ashleighbrilliant.com

Community Giving

Flowers by Request

Y

ou’ve probably heard Ogden Nash’s immortal observation on the relative merits of two different methods of seduction: Candy is dandy, But liquor is quicker.

Unfortunately, he omitted a third well-known amatory aid, which I now offer you as a suggested last line: And FLOWERS HAVE POWERS. I myself have never been particularly susceptible to those powers – but it is only too obvious how many people are. Remarkably, flowers are apparently appropriate for practically any occasion, from welcomes and weddings to farewells and funerals.

How did flowers become such a strong draw? So much so that today State Parks officials have had to set roadblocks to keep Instagrammers in quarantine away from the Super Bloom?

The slogan “Say it with flowers” goes back to a Boston advertising professional named Major Patrick O’Keefe, and was his very apt response, in 1917, to a request for help by the publicity chairman of the Society of American Florists. Before long, it had been adopted by the “Florists Telegraph Delivery Association,” soon to be known by its initials as the “FTD.” But the idea of saying it with flowers had a much longer history. You may remember Ophelia’s flowery delirium in the fourth act of Hamlet, which includes her musings that Rosemary is “for remembrance,” and Pansies are “for thoughts.” By the nineteenth century such notions had crystallized into a pseudo-science called “Floriography,” whereby elaborate messages might be sent back and forth based on a choice of flower combinations, a form of sensory semaphore.

One might expect flowers to have been widely celebrated in poems – but there is only one that has achieved the status of a classic – the 1802 piece by Wordsworth which begins, “I wandered lonely as a cloud,” and is about his coming unexpectedly upon a dazzling array of daffodils.

Flowers have however been associated with all kinds of cults and movements, such as Oscar Wilde’s Aestheticism, which Gilbert and 30 April – 7 May 2020

Sullivan satirized in their comic opera Patience: Though the Philistines may jostle, you will rank as an apostle in the high aesthetic band, If you walk down Piccadilly with a poppy or a lily in your Medieval hand.

Much later, of course, we had the hippie “Flower Children” of the 1960s, and their naïve belief (as they stuck flowers into soldiers’ rifles) that “Flower Power” could stop the Vietnam War. But half a century earlier, at the time of World War I, some darker imagery had emerged, and that conflict will always be associated with poppies, because of a poem by John McCrea which begins: In Flanders fields, the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row That mark our place.

(Flanders was a part of Belgium in which much of the fighting took place.

McCrea, a doctor with the Canadian troops, died in France in 1918, the last year of the war.)

As a result of that poem, the poppy has ever since been recognized in much of the world as the official flower of wartime remembrance – even after a second and much longer World War. I myself, as a teenager in London in the late 1940s, can remember serving as one of hundreds of volunteers standing on the street on November 11 (“Armistice Day” as it was then still known) selling red artificial poppies (made by wounded veterans, and sold for their benefit) to passers-by, who then wore them for the rest of the day.

But poppies come in a wide variety of colors, and here in California they are mainly, and appropriately “golden.” And we must not overlook one widely-publicized use of poppyseeds, as a source of various narcotics.

(You may remember that drug-laced Yul Brynner film, The Poppy is Also a Flower.)

But what is it about flowers that gives them so much appeal to so many people? Is it the colors? The variety? The fragrance? Their simple innocence? One thing you can be sure of: it is not all for our benefit. In fact, it has nothing to do with us at all. It is

T

California will be the first state to pay restaurants to feed seniors. he pandemic has been devastating for the service industry, causing restaurants to close their doors and lay off workers. In an attempt to get restaurants rehiring workers right away, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new aid program in which California will team up with the federal government to pay restaurants to provide three meals a day to seniors.

The partnership between the Federal Emergency Management Agency, state, and local governments will provide eligible seniors with 21 meals a week, Newsom said. FEMA will cover 75 percent of the costs of the meals.

The state will cover most of the remaining costs, and restaurants would be reimbursed at rates of $16 for breakfasts, $17 for lunches, and up to $28 for dinners. According to Newsom, the program is a first of its kind in the nation, tackling three key problems: skyrocketing unemployment, municipal budget shortfalls, and protecting seniors.

“Restaurants Deliver: Home Meals for Older Californians” is a first of its kind program tackling three key problems: skyrocketing unemployment, municipal budget shortfalls, and protecting seniors.

Governor Newsom said there will be eligibility requirements for seniors, based in part on their income but also based on their risk of exposure to COVID-19 – if they have a compromised immune system or if they have been directly impacted or exposed to the coronavirus – a distinction that will be determined by local authorities. Newsom also noted that the costs of meals will generate tax revenue for local governments.

The program is called “Restaurants Deliver: Home Meals for Older Californians,” and you can find more information about it at covid19.ca.gov.

A six-year-old is running a joke stand to keep his neighbors laughing.

In Canada, a six-year-old by the name of Callaghan McLaughlin has taken to heart the old wisdom that laughter is the best medicine.

For the past week, the youngster has been running a joke stand at the end of his driveway, offering free laughs to his neighbors and passersby. Through his joke stand, Callaghan has been able to regain the joy of interacting with neighbors – something his mother says he was sorely missing. Callaghan opens his stand at 10 am and manages about an hour of wisecracks before taking a “12-minute” lunch break (his mom says it’s closer to 90 minutes). Then Callaghan comes back for a second round of yucks in the afternoon, telling one-liner jokes he memorized from a kid-friendly joke book.

Here’s a joke out of Callaghan’s catalog: “What’s a pirate’s favorite letter?”

Wait for it. “Arghhh.”

Although Callaghan has been working his joke stand seven days a week, the little man thought it was important to offer his service for free. “I want people to save their money for other things,” he said. “Some people need money for groceries now instead of jokes.”

•MJ just one of Nature’s numerous enticements for reproduction.

As for innocence, I must conclude by telling you about my own favorite flower, a beautiful life-form which has the odd capacity of being able to catch, eat, and digest flies. In other words, it is carnivorous. It is called the Venus Fly-trap – and although its lifestyle may sound as strange and

• The Voice of the Village •

exotic as Dracula’s, this flowering plant is actually native to North and South Carolina. It is also a remarkably intelligent trapper, being able to distinguish between a fly and a raindrop.

Ogden Nash may have opted for sugar and alcohol, but those seeking to arouse the most genuinely passionate responses would surely favor the power of the flower.

•MJ MONTECITO JOURNAL

23

MISCELLANY (Continued from page 6) Facemask Fashion

sen charities – Direct Relief, America’s Food Fund, Give Directly, and the Frontline Responders Fund.

The wine is 100 per cent pinot noir from the Willamette Valley, Oregon, with bottles averaging $25 each.

I’ll drink to that...

Feeling Puzzled

Virtual Virtuosos

Ty Warner launches new Beanie Baby bear Hope

Xavier Scordo, the perfect clothing complement

It’s the perfect blend of fashion and fabulousness.

French society crimper Xavier Scordo, who owns an eponymous salon on Coast Village Road, has become a passionate collector of face masks that match his extensive wardrobe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

And tailor Patty Moo, who owns Perfect Fit just a tiara’s toss away, has been busy making hundreds of them with many local businesses like Montecito Bank & Trust, Lucky’s, The Habit, and Mesa Produce snapping them up.

“It all started with one simple question from a friend, Kim Fregoso, who asked if I’d thought about making face masks and donating them to nurses,” says Patty. “From then on my team and I automatically got started and donated 290 masks to Ventura County Hospital with her help.

“Soon enough we decided to take it to our entire social media and my phone would not stop ringing with clients asking if we could make face masks for their entire family and employees. It was nonstop for weeks straight after that.”

Patty’s masks sell for $20 each and are made from various colorful swatches of fabric in her store.

Xavier, who used to work for the Jose Eber salon at the Biltmore, says he has a collection of nearly two dozen masks because “I love to be trendy.”

“Patty asked if I’d like one when she started and it has snowballed from there. It is a good advertisement for her and a total fashion statement for me.”

24 MONTECITO JOURNAL

Dr. Pierre Nizet, former medical director at Casa Dorinda, with son and granddaughter

Just in time for the coronavirus lockdown, Belgian-born Pierre Nizet, the first medical director of Casa Dorinda, has come up with a series of fiendishly difficult cryptic clues to while away the stultifying boredom.

Each clue has two parts, one a normal definition of the answer, the other an additional hint using wordplay.

“During my travels I created scores of cryptic clues and had stored them in boxes with a vague idea of publishing them in my old age,” says Pierre, a graduate of the University of Liege, who founded the Montecito Geriatric Medical Group on Coast Village Road.

“I rediscovered them in my garage recently and thought they could provide some gentle brain tickling during these anxious times.”

If you want to participate, Pierre, who retired in 1988 and lived for a short time in Europe before returning to our Eden by the Beach, can be contacted at pmnizet@gmail.com.

Be warned, they are not for the faint hearted.

Quarantine Wine Carpinteria actor Ashton Kutcher and wife actress Mila Kunis have come up with a way of mixing their love for wine and giving back.

The dynamic duo have announced they’re marketing their own wine with 100 percent of proceeds donated to charities helping amid the COVID19 crisis.

They’ve paired with Nocking Point Wines to produce their own Quarantine Wine. All proceeds will be split evenly and donated to four cho-

Scott Reed announces Remote Learning Institute

The Music Academy of the West, whose 73rd annual summer festival was due to kick off on June 15 until July 10, is launching the Music Academy Remote Learning Institute to connect with audiences online during the lockdown.

“Our hope is to bring the faculty and fellows to Santa Barbara and enjoy music together with all of you,” says president Scott Reed.

Around May 15 plans will be announced for the remainder if the summer, with the Remote Learning Institute extended if necessary.

“In this unprecedented time, the world is looking for artists to flourish in new ways,” adds Scott. “It is essential we provide a supportive environment for young classical musicians to develop their artistry.”

The academy’s opening night gala has also been postponed...

Happy Birthday, Anne!

The late Hollywood icon Kirk Douglas’s widow, Anne, has celebrated her 101st birthday, just two months after Kirk, a longtime Montecito resident, died at 103.

Grandson Cameron Douglas, 41, documented the happy occasion as he stopped by the former actress-producer’s home to wish her Happy Birthday with Anne wearing a tailored purple suit and pearls in a wheelchair, with a face mask.

Cameron, son of Oscar winner Michael Douglas and his ex-wife Diandra, shot video footage from his car with partner, Viviane Thibes, and their daughter Lua, 2.

Hope is Here Beanie Baby billionaire Ty Warner has launched a new plush toy version to raise money for coronavirus relief.

Ty, owner of the Biltmore and the San Ysidro Ranch, has been putting

“War is God’s way of teaching Americans geography.” – Ambrose Bierce

up New York frontline workers free of charge at his five-star Four Seasons Hotel in Manhattan, as I have chronicled in this illustrious organ.

The new Beanie rainbow colored bear, dubbed Hope, is kneeling and has its hands together as if in prayer.

“The world needs hope, and this little bear just might bring the smile we need right now,” says Ty, 75.

All proceeds from the new bear, which will be available at drug and grocery stores, will go to United Way to help with the recovery efforts from the pandemic.

Going Gray Montecito actor Rob Lowe is letting his true colors shine as the quarantine continues.

The 56-year-old TV star’s hair was significantly more grey when he shared a video announcing an upcoming reunion of his hit show Parks and Recreation.

Longtime friend jeweler Loree Rodkin wrote: “Keep the grey @rob lowe!!!!”

The show airs Thursday, a fundraiser for the Feeding America COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Cleese’s Crude Cameos Former Montecito comedian John Cleese is charging fans $307 for fourminute-long video “shouts outs.”

The Monty Python star, 80, is recording rude messages on the website Cameo, which allows celebrities to connect with fans via personalized messages.

Introducing himself on the site he jokes he used to be John Cleese “before I died” and says he could send nice messages, but he charges more for them because they’re “so f---ing boring.”

“Since my death I’ve received no honest work at all so I’ve been reduced to doing these shout-outs. I can send messages to your loved ones.

“I can be sweet and loving and sympathetic if that’s what you really want, but I charge more for that.”

Instead, he says, he’d rather send messages to your “unloved ones.”

“I can send them threats and

MISCELLANY Page 374 30 April – 7 May 2020

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MONTECITO & SANTA BARBARA BROKERAGES | SIR.COM © Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark. This material is based upon information which we consider reliable but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete and it should not be relied upon as such. This offering is subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully. Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Real estate agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Equal Housing Opportunity. DRE License Numbers for All Featured Agents: Kristi Curtis: 2012866 | Dusty Baker: 1908615 | Vivienne Leebosh: 01229350 | Caroline Santandrea: 01349311 | Joe McCorkell: 2051326 | Barry Fields: 1298879 | Jason Siemens: 1886104 | Michelle Gauthier: 2030502 | Wes

St. Clair: 1173714 | Marie Larkin: 523795 | Linda Borkowski: 1970135 | Fred Bradley: 522262 | Sandy Stahl: 1040095

30 April – 7 May 2020

• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

25

EDITORIAL (Continued from page 5)

It’s a place where people show up. Where we try to lift each other up. I will never forget how, after the debris flow, when our family (like so many) were displaced for months, Audrey Tognotti, a new friend (a fellow MUS and Middle School parent) whom we did not know well, offered to do our family’s laundry – something she did for many families. (And better than I ever could.) This is a place where, through thick and thin, rain or shine, fire or debris flow or pandemic, we put on our boots and get to work to help each other make it through the tough times, so that we can all be here to enjoy the beautiful times – of which we are blessed to have many. And we will again.

It is in this spirit and in response to the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, that the Montecito Journal, in collaboration with the 93108Fund, the Coast Village Association, and the Montecito Association have planned…

MONTECITO’S MAY DAY VIRTUAL CASH MOB: FRIDAY, MAY 1, THROUGH SUNDAY, MAY 3

Help us bring instant economic relief to your favorite establishments on Coast Village Road

and in the Upper Village of Montecito – restaurants, boutiques, galleries or, hopefully, all of the above. The way you can do this is by purchasing GIFT CARDS from our local independent merchants, which we’ll facilitate, so that these businesses can stay afloat as they await the greenlight to re-open their doors to once again serve our community.

I think it’s so important for us to support local business not only because we love these businesses, but because they help give our town its flavor; and a big part of that flavor is engaged local merchants, rather than the impersonal nature of most chain style establishments and franchises with little vested interest in our community.

Our celebratory Cash Mob spending weekend will culminate with… a Montecito Community Zoom Happy Hour at 7 pm on Sunday, May 3. A Zoom invitation can be found at www.93108fund.org. And if you spend $500 or more, your name will automatically be entered in our raffle to win prizes from your favorite local merchants. Join us, your friends and neighbors, and perhaps a celebrity guest or two, as we step up to help breathe energy and much needed cash flow into our local economy. If you’re entered into the raffle, just

NOW FOR THE RESULTS OF THE MONTECITO JOURNAL THOM STEINBECK CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST:

THE LIMERICK EDITION

C

all it a cop-out, but we’ve decided to punt on this one and leave the decision to you. We received almost 70 limericks. A few didn’t follow the rules and those were disqualified. But we were so entertained by these submissions that we wanted to share them with you and give you a chance to weigh in on choosing the winners. We will award three prizes (gift certificates to local restaurants for take-out).

Please enjoy these limerick submissions and write to us at letters@MontecitoJournal. net to vote for a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place choice. We will announce the winners next week!

There once was a frightening flu, That left us with nothing to do.

So we filled up the cupboard, And packed on the blubber, And now we’re all sick with Type 2

by Alan Hurst

There is a virus pandemic It could be a panicdemic Montecito is taking the virus in stride A mudslide prepared us for a bad ride We will pass this epidemic

by Bill Loomis

What is your favorite island little girl?

Her eyes twinkled and she turned her head with a twirl, Santa Rosa, Sant Cruz, San Miguel she thought, And the last one is more like a rock, Ahh Anacapa is the one- with it’s waves all a curl.

by Alexis Dougherty

One day a young lady went out walking Intent on being seen without talking.

On dressing forgot to check, Left barefoot up to the neck.

Only to pass onlookers found gawking.

by Brian MacDonald

There is a young cat named Willow, Who slept all day long on my pillow.

But since I’ve been home, He is NEVER alone, So he sulks all day long, poor Willow!

by Amy Clark

26 MONTECITO JOURNAL

There was an old man that was bald Who said what shall I be called?

I don’t like Chuck Certainly not Shmuck So Charlie I shall be called

by Charles Walworth “The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.” – Andy Rooney

be present on the Montecito Community Happy Hour Zoom Call for the opportunity to win.

TO PARTICIPATE, PLEASE VISIT: WWW.93108FUND.ORG BEGINNING FRIDAY, MAY 1 On www.93108fund.org you will find a list of participating Cash Mob merchants; it will be an easy process to choose your gift cards and check out, all in one central place. Monies received will go directly to the business owners, who will contact you directly to issue you your gift card.

We can do this! We can help our local businesses survive so that once again we will be able to stroll through the Upper Village or down Coast Village Road and enjoy the lovingly curated boutiques and restaurants that make Montecito not just one of the greatest places to visit, but one of the best places on earth to call home.

It takes a village to save a village. And save this village we shall!

In the meantime, we hope to see you at 7 pm on Sunday night at our MONTECITO MAY DAY CASH MOB ZOOM PARTY!

A surprisingly clamorous din For the anti malarial chloroquin But lo and behold Now the truth has been told You’re better off sticking with gin

by Chris Stocking There was a fine doctor named Fauci, At press briefings he never was grouchy.

He spoke common sense On the pandemic immense, SCIENCE guides him, without any doubt-ci !

by Cliff Ghersen Santa Barbara have several young folk Who believe quarantines are a joke.

HEY! In stores wear a mask!

It’s not much to ask.

Don’t act the cov-idiot bloke.

by Dana Crampton Ah, Corona you’ve taught us to cope.

Number one rule, don’t run out of soap.

The future looks hazy.

Family’s driving you crazy.

But there’s always a reason to hope!

by Debra Cochrane There was an old town by the beach Whose people remembered, History had something to teach Surviving fires and a flood Built upon ashes and mud A Virus not Russian Collusion became reason to impeach

by Dermott Down On the morning rounds to the bells of songbird sounds out from a perch on the branch of a birch the song of an oriole resounds

by Erin Lamb Please, take heed my dear.

This new life is riddled with fear.

Lift up your heart, For a brand new start, Or I’ll give you a swift kick in the rear!

by Gloria Reece

30 April – 7 May 2020

There was a young lass named Ramona Who was sure she had caught the corona But the virus said, “Ick! She’s making US sick!”

And found was the cure for corona.

by Hugh Ransom Our town’s in the grip of a virus Feared by all, even Billy Ray Cyrus.

We will face it with class; Doubt not -- this will pass And COVID-19 will no longer mire us.

by Joel Nelson There once was a dog from Montecito Who wanted to be incognito.

But his Mom learned to Zoom In the Corona flu Gloom, And now he’s in hat and tuxedo.

by Joy duMay There once was a town by the seas Whose peeps fought the dreaded disease They all wore their masks Locked down ‘til it passed They knew TP and Zoom are the keys

by Justine Sutton There once was a lady with gray, The roots her salon took away.

But sheltered in place, Two-toned she embraced, And inside her home she did stay.

by Kate Ford I once knew an actress named Annie Who was concerned with the size of her Fanny She spoke with her mom who said let’s be calm We both got our fannies from Grannie

by Katherine Steele This virus is getting us down Santa Barbara is like a ghost town It’s really not funny the stores need the money to get rid of the shop keeper’s frowns

by Larry Bond There was once a mother in S.B. Who sought alcohol wipes and T.P. Juggling meeting IDs Amongst Instacart fees Times she walked the dog? 903.

by Lesley Hetrick There once was the land Montecito Where everyone lived in high Splendito A virus most foul Caused Oprah to howl And we all hunkered down to Finito

by Linda Marie Prince Debbie B’s Senior Fit class kept us lean, As we ROTATEd from machine to machine.

COVID-19 ended that!

Now we’re all growing fat!

So, I long for the old Y team, as I pray for a COVID vaccine.

by Louise MacKenzie the covid alarmed an old poet he took pen to paper to show it it may be the way that nature conveys 30 April – 7 May 2020

the end of the world as we know it”

by Marc Cronin Blue Agave have pointy teeth, like the Cacti, Aloe and Heath. but Bougainvillea flowers, and night Jasmine towers, put the Butterfly in sharp relief.

by Mark McKeefry Cyrus was tending to his Iris When he suddenly felt desirous So he hopped on his bike And he went for a hike And became quite antivirus

by Marlene Vitanza When corona hit some weeks ago, I said to my daughter, “Oh, no!”

She drove me here from L.A. In her house I must stay.

Now, how can I bump into Rob Lowe?

by Marsha Miller Covid or not, we’re here to inform ya There’s a ‘hood in California Up and down the coast SB really is the most It’s where waves rival Bora Bora

by Megan McMills There was an old man from Montecito.

Who had a king-size libido.

Then Covid came along And no one would join him in song, So, he quarantined at home alone wearing a speedo!

by Michael Edwards There is a reporter quite extraordinary Who some say has “palms that are hairy “ His reports on Covid one nine Help keep all in line In a way that is never too scary

by Michael Sjollema Maybe I’ll just clean house And do it in an old blouse Make everything shine Get rid of the grime I’d rather be outside free as mouse

by Mildred Brombai ‘Got 56 rolls of TP Facebook the sun and the sea A good song to sing Plus Quibi and Sling And no sign of having CV

by Molly Ann Leikin There once was a city called Santa Barbara.

They were going through a lot of drama.

When Covid-19 struck, My playdates were out of luck, At least I didn’t have to stand six feet from my mama!

by Natalie Klan, 9 years old There once was a doctor named Fauci Whose resume proved he’s no slouchy.

He speaketh the truth, And was never uncouth, Which tended to make some people grouchy.

by Patty Schmidt There was a couple confined for months to one room They exclaimed, “Hope we are allowed out of here soon!”

Both took classes online ordered take-out to dine Danced to virtual events and were grateful for Zoom

by Raven Wylde There once was an artist from Santa Barbara.

She fell in love with a handsome candelabra.

Every night they would sit, Pour a glass and get lit, And entertain thoughts most macabre.

by Rebecca Clark It’s Complicated, Unorthodox, quite dour.

I’m a Fleabag in need of a shower.

The Office is closed, Stranger Things have transposed.

Enthusiasm curbed by the hour.

by Stacie Hirsch While searching for toilet paper, I thought to check with my neighbor.

The hat on his head, “Trump 2020,” it read.

So I just peed in his bushes later.

by SK Brooke There was a young lad from Damasque Who had the onerous task Of containing his germs While coming to terms With romancing his gal through a mask.

by Steve Pollock They say that it’s soon going to end As long as the road doesn’t bend But twisties and turnies Fill life’s average journeys The language they need to amend

by Susan Price The horrors of Covid-19, Hand wipes were nowhere to be seen.

I searched for TP, It wasn’t to be, ‘Cause hoarders had picked the shelves clean.

by Thomas Rogers

Laughing Matters A

guy hears a knock at his front door. He opens the door and doesn’t see anyone, then looks down and sees a snail. So the guy kneels down, picks up the snail and tosses it across the street. One year later the same guy hears another knock at his door. It’s the snail who says, “What the hell was that all about?!”

Send us your best joke, we’ll decide if it’s funny. We can only print what we can print, so don’t blame us. Please send “jokes” to letters@montecitojournal.net • The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

27

Child Care For Essential Workers

Responders Eligible for Affordable Child Care

by Megan Waldrep

COVID-19 child care includes small group play and more time outdoors

F

amilies of first responders are the heroes behind the scenes, those supporting loved ones as they leave to do essential work. Thankfully, the Emergency Child Care Initiative (ECCI) is offering free and affordable child care to first, second, and third responders. Scholarships and opportunities for tuition reduction are available so parents will pay reduced fees for child care. Through an incubator fund established with United Way of Santa Barbara (a joint effort led by Jane and Paul Orfalea/the Audacious Foundation and the Natalie Orfalea Foundation with Lou Buglioli), the ECCI is able to provide this welcome assistance. Of course, private donations are gratefully accepted as well. “Grants will be offered through

this locally funded collaborative to match contributions from employers and other partners involved in each emergency child-care project,” project manager Eileen Monahan said. Eileen took a few moments with the Montecito Journal to further explain this worthy initiative and how it works.

Q: To be clear, ECCI funding supports those in essential jobs outside of health care?

A: Correct. The ECCI fund is supporting child care for essential workers in three tranches with front-line health care staff as tops on the list.

We have already served most major medical providers in Santa Barbara County, so now we are expanding to the next two priorities. These include

Let’s discuss your real estate needs.

Story time is slightly altered with social distancing practices

employees involved in the distribution of our local food supply such as grocery stores, school food service, Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, and employees in other essential jobs that are also providing critical services to vulnerable populations. This includes farm workers and those in agricultural production, nursing home staff, sanitation workers, gas station staff, and workers managing medical waste as well as other critical workers in the medical supply chain.

What does child care during COVID19 look like and how is it different than normal?

One objective of this initiative is that children of essential worker populations be taught and guided through the protocols of social distancing as much as possible. Children are cared for in safe facilities with attention to their health, wellbeing, and social and emotional needs during this crisis.

To that end, we help create partnerships between employers and licensed child-care programs whose staff know how to care for children in ways that support their development, meaning staff who are specifically trained in the protocols required for child care during this pandemic. Those caring for children are going above and beyond to keep themselves, children, families, and our community safe.

How are the children interacting?

Teachers are focused on supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of children during this challenging time.

Children are offered more solo activities such as puzzles and coloring, playing outdoors more often, playing in small groups, rearranging of furniture to allow for six-foot separation whenever feasible, as well as adult safety practices and frequent sanitizing of surfaces and toys. Kids are washing their hands more frequently, of course, and sleep further apart during nap time. Teachers are using roleplay to show what social distancing looks like and providing information for parents and caregivers to help children learn the new practices that will keep them safe. This includes not only teacher-child interactions, but also activities and stories that help children share their fears and manage anxiety.

How can responders apply for care?

Employers who have employees needing child care are encouraged to reach out to essentialchildcaresb@ gmail.com as soon as possible in order to engage with local child-care providers for services. Anyone wishing to support this initiative can contact Steve Ortiz, President & CEO, United Way of Santa Barbara County at sortiz@unitedwaysb.org. There are some dedicated leaders in our local child-care system including the Santa Barbara County Education Office Child Care Planning Care Council, First 5 of Santa Barbara County, and Children’s Resource and Referral of Santa Barbara County who are playing key roles in developing the community-wide planning and response for child care providers. Together, with the child-care providers who are today some of the most essential workers in our community, these agencies are ensuring that our children can still thrive during this crisis.

Individuals needing child care can call Children’s Resource and Referral at (805) 925-7071.

To donate to ECCI, contact President and CEO of United Way Steve Ortiz at sortiz@unitedwaysb.org.

For more information, contact Eileen Monahan at eileen@eileenmonahanconsulting.com.

•MJ

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant/Sushi Bar Lunch: Monday through Saturday 11:30am - 2:30pm Dinner: Monday through Sunday: 5pm - 10pm

Susan Pate | Beverly Palmer | Mitch Morehart

1812A Cliff Drive Santa Barbara CA 93109 (805)564-7653

805.895.9385 susan.pate@compass.com themorehartgroup.com DRE 01130349 | 01319565 | 00828316

28 MONTECITO JOURNAL

Lunch Specials, Bendo boxes. Full Sushi bar, Tatami Seats. Fresh Fish Delivered all week.

“If you want your children to listen, try talking softly to someone else.” – Ann Landers

30 April – 7 May 2020

DE

do Org or an i fa whil c gr m e ily su oce ow pp rie ne ort s to d ing yo bu sin a lo ur es ca s! l

LIV

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IN

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PACIFIC HEALTH FOODS has served Santa Barbara 944 Linden Ave. •Ave. Carpinteria 9301393013 944 Linden • Carpinteria

805-684-2115 805-684-2115

county as a family-operated grocer for over 25 years and are ready to meet the needs of all of their customers, especially during this time. Pacific Health Foods is your one-stop shop to a healthy, better life! We CARPINTERIA DELIVERY DELIVERY are proud to announce that we are now expanding our Free delivery with a $50 minimum order We are to announce we are now offering FREE delivery We are proud toproud announce that we that are now offering FREE delivery delivery route (see details below), and are supporting to Carpinteria with over orders over are to happy to deliver to winemakers and brewers along with as to Carpinteria with orders $50.

We$50. are We happy deliver to local California SUMMERLAND - MONTECITO Summerland and Montecito fordelivery a $20 delivery fee for orders over Summerland anddelivery Montecito a $20 over many small, local vendors as possible.

Free for for orders over $100fee for orders $50. Allmust orders must be in before 2pm and we will be delivering $50. All orders be in before 2pm and we will be delivering $5 delivery orders over $75 Monday-Friday. areoffering also offering betweenbetween 3-4:30pm Monday-Friday.

We $50 areWe also curb curb DELIVERY $103-4:30pm delivery orders over side pickup, call orders in your and orders and pay over the You phone! can now have anything from our shop delivered side pickup, call in your pay over the phone! right to your doorstep! This includes anything from SANTA BARBARA (TO LA CUMBRE) SANITATION PRACTICES our juice bar, organic bakery, eco-friendly cleaning SANITATION PRACTICES $5 delivery orders over $100 products, immune boosting wellness supplements to We are doing our absolute best to enforce safe sanitation practices We are doing our absolute best to enforce safe sanitation practices $10 delivery orders over $75 organic eggs and local meats! at our shop while customers and groceries. $15 delivery orders $50for essentials at our shop while customers shopover forshop essentials and groceries.

Wea have a staff member outduring front work duringhours work hours We have staff member standingstanding out front Please call (805) 684-2115 or email nathan@pacifi chealthfood.com enforcing that customers wear that gloves are provided enforcing that customers wear gloves arethat provided by us, by us, order and arrange awhile dropwaiting that ouryour customers 6 ft.while apart in line and only that to ourplace customers stand 6 stand ft. apart waiting inoff linetime and only 10inguests in at to a time shop.

Our are all washing allowingallowing 10 guests at a time shop.toOur staff arestaff all washing SENIOR HOUR their hands twice hour are constantly sanitizing all surfaces their hands twice per hourper and areand constantly sanitizing all surfaces Open 8am-9am for seniors (65+), throughout the day.

Our customers safety and health is ourwomen & immune throughout the day. Our customers safety and health is our pregnant one priority! numbernumber one priority! compromised.

CURBSIDE PICK-UP We have curbside pick-up available every day during open hours.

Please call (805) 684-2115 or email nathan@pacifichealthfood.com to place your order and arrange a pick up time.

Thank you for thinking of us as you stock your fridge for the upcoming weeks, we are in this together!

30 April – 7 May 2020

DELIVERIES (Monday - Friday)

• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

29

A Man and His Dog

by Gretchen Lieff

Gretchen is founder and president of the Lutah Maria Riggs Society and Davey’s Voice, both Santa Barbara 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Gretchen sits on the board of the California Water Impact Network and is vice president of the board of the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network. She is a former board member of the Granada Theatre and the Coral Casino Membership Committee.

In the Times of Dis-Ease

I

am generally described as a cheerful person who tends toward optimism. But lately I find myself lingering over any mention of grief or fear or loss. Rather than turning away and protecting myself… I find that I am, in the face of this pandemic, turning toward the dark, unpleasant places. COVID-19 has forced us to isolate… to slow down… to think more… to consider consequences. We have more time to “go deeper.” We no longer have the usual distractions to coax us away from fear and sadness.

Last Sunday’s New York Times essay, “I’m Grieving Now. You May Be, Too,” examines the author’s difficulty writing because of the pandemic.

He quotes Megan Devine, author of It’s Ok That You’re Not Ok, as she describes how bad we are at talking about and coping with grief and loss and pain, “As a culture we don’t talk about grief, we don’t make space for sadness.” We don’t talk about it… and it just gets worse and builds to something Devine labels “epidemics of unspoken grief.” That grief, according to her, makes us feel helpless.

And so it was in this particular mindset as I was reading my daily Nextdoor Alston Road when I came across a post that stunned me.

Ron Brand from Eucalyptus Hill Road wrote: I just lost my 15-year-old dog and would love to get another dog that needs a home. Ideally I would like a

30 MONTECITO JOURNAL

medium/large size female under six months. I’ve tried Cold Noses-Warm Hearts and the SB Humane Society.

Anyone know of a sweet little pup that needs a home?

Thanks.

Ron Here was a fellow human being suffering the isolating consequences of COVID-19 along with the rest of us and he had just lost his dear companion of 15 years.

Tears welled and I swallowed hard, reaching for the keypad; “Dear Ron… I am sooo terribly sorry for your loss… wow 15 years… that’s a good long life. I’m starting a project about people and their dogs. Would you talk?”

I don’t know Ron. He tells me he’s a local realtor who has lived on the Riviera for 30 years. He also owns sundry store MATE in the Vons shopping center next to Rory’s Artisanal Creamery. Ron and I discover we have 42 mutual Facebook friends. He agrees to share his story in order to help others; “I got McKenna 15 years ago… she came right on the heels of the death of my last dog. I wasn’t really intending to get another dog and… long story short… she found me and… I’ll never forget… I took her down to Miramar Beach for the first time and I asked her if she wanted to live with me and she wagged her tail and that was it… we developed this incredible bond.”

Ron’s voice breaks... I give him a

moment to recover… then gently ask, “What kind of a dog was she and how did you get her?”

“She was a ….”

Ron stops again… apologizes… then resumes… “…she was a Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer mix… and,” his voice breaks again… “…. she… ah… Sorry… she… we had this… intuition between us… where we could… where I could communicate with her without actually speaking and it was all in the eyes… between the two of us... the way my head moved… she would just know… if we were going to the beach… or if I wanted her to get off the bed… we knew just purely by the way we looked at each other.

She was… just a really… an extremely special dog. I saw this (her death) coming for a while… and one day… she just told me… just by the way she looked at me… that she was done… that she had had enough.”

“So… I,” Ron struggles to go on, “Yeah I just… I just... made the decision and I got the date… and I really would have preferred to have a vet come to the house and do it… but yeah she... helped me through some of the toughest times in my life… the death of my mother… and a few other things that were very difficult. She was unconditional love… something that you can never get from a human... you can only get from a dog… People who don’t have dogs and have never had dogs probably won’t understand what I’m saying.”

There is a long silence.

“How did you and McKenna find each other?”

“She came from Palm Springs… somebody just didn’t want her… they drove by the home of a friend… and literally took her out of the car and

“I don’t believe in astrology; I’m a Sagittarius and we’re skeptical.” – Arthur C. Clarke

threw her over the fence into my friend’s garden.”

“They threw Mckenna over the fence?”

“Yes… she was just a puppy… and somebody wanted to get rid of her so they threw her into my friend’s backyard”.

“Oh my God… what an amazing story.”

“Yes… And my friend found out I had just lost my dog and he called and said, ‘look I’m going to just get her in the car and drive her up to you in Santa Barbara.” And it was… it was just love at first sight… she was this beautiful golden… kind of a taupe-colored dog and she looked like her nose had been dipped in a pot of black paint. Bright beautiful eyes… and with so much affection for me the moment we met… and I for her.”

“How amazing that a tragic case of abandonment could turn into such a love story!”

“Yes yes yes… McKenna lived the best life… we were inseparable… we’d cruise around in my old ‘88 Jeep to Miramar and Fernald Point and she just had a great life… a Santa Barbara life for a dog. She was lucky. We both were.”

We both chuckle.

“Humans are pretty much the only primates that make companions outside of our own species. Why do you think that is?”

“I think God put them on this planet to teach us how to care for each other... not just as human beings… but as animals on the earth. I kind of feel sorry for anyone who doesn’t have a dog and I try to tell every person I know to get one. There are dogs out there who need you more than you need them… and you might just find that this dog could rescue you in a way you may not even know you needed to be rescued.

“Anyway,” Ron continues, “I don’t think humans are the only species with pets. Because McKenna most definitely adopted me.”

Thank you, Ron, for sharing your story of love and loss.

And Fortitude.

The interview is cathartic for me… reminding me we all have our stories of pain and loss and grief. That it’s not the circumstances that come our way.

It’s how we handle them.

Ron’s post on Nextdoor has generated dozens of responses from his neighbors… encouraging him to get another pup and hang in there while dealing with the loss of his beloved McKenna. The outpouring of support is a reminder… that right now maybe you can’t physically see your friends and neighbors. But that doesn’t mean they’re not there.

We have each other.

And our dogs.

•MJ 30 April – 7 May 2020

MUS PARADE

by Kelly Mahan Herrick

O

n Wednesday, April 22, hundreds of Montecito Union School students, Montecito residents, and members of the community came outside their homes and businesses to wave to dozens of MUS teachers and administrators, who drove their cars in a “parade” throughout Montecito.

“Our teachers and staff miss seeing the students’ faces on a daily basis, and we wanted to spread a little happiness across Montecito,” said MUS superintendent Dr. Anthony Ranii, who was seated in a teacher’s passenger seat and used a megaphone to say hello to students during the parade. “It was a great turnout,” he said.

Sixth grade teacher Kim Berman organized the effort, with the help of executive assistant Autumn Noe and administrative assistant Med Salgado, and local Sheriff deputies and Montecito firefighters, who participated in the parade. MUS encouraged families to maintain social distancing from other families, while the parade made its way down San Ysidro Road to Channel Drive, along Coast Village Road, Hot Springs Road, and East Valley Road, down Sheffield Drive, and back up to Montecito Union on Santa Rosa Road.

Many students and their families made signs for their teachers, who they haven’t seen in person since the stay-at-home order was put into effect on March 19. Several teachers painted their names on the sides of their vehicles, and were met with applause and cheers when they drove by their students.

Here are some photos from the celebratory afternoon.

•MJ

30 April – 7 May 2020

• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

31

Summerland Buzz

Essentials for elevated living

by Leslie A. Westbrook A third-generation Californian, Leslie, currently resides in Carpinteria but called Summerland home for 30 years. The award-winning writer assists clients sell fine art, antiques and collectibles at auction houses around the globe. She can be reached at LeslieAWestbrook@gmail.com or www.auctionliaison.com

Itching to Re-Open deliveries – the food chain – it didn’t make sense if we are trying to slow the spread down,” Kyle noted.

That being said, I did see Meg Ryan picking up take-out on one of my many visits (Austin’s black porridge is orgasmically good).

“In a very short period of time, we built a team and a culture that doesn’t exist many places. All of this was really, really important to us. We feel so grateful to have the team that we have,” said Bechtel, “We were committed up front to putting together a really extraordinary team to provide a level of service that you don’t typically find in places like this.”

Acknowledging that there is so much that is still unknown about COVID-19 and how the future bodes for retail, Kyle and Susie are nonetheless preparing for brighter days and gearing up to re-open with an expansion into the building next door (the former Gentleman Antiquarians space) to showcase pieces privately to clients and designers. A container of pieces from Europe recently arrived, and pieces stacked in their Carpinteria warehouse will be moved here as well.

“W

Field + Fort is California cottage chic (photos by Leslie Westbrook)

e’re itching to get open and…” said Kyle Irwin, “Welcome everybody back!” business partner Susie Bechtel chimed in, finishing her business partner’s sentence. The duo opened their highly anticipated Field + Fort design shop and café in Summerland just this past November to great acclaim – only to shutter the doors some four months later, thanks to circumstances beyond everyone’s control. “We’ll be back and better than before! That’s the plan,” Irwin cheerfully promised on our recent Zoom chat.

Their design showroom features carefully curated “essentials for elevated living” that include beautiful, high-end antiques and home furnishings – many pieces sourced from Europe – as well as tasty pantry and tasteful gift items. But more than that, Summerlandians (and others) were anxious for a place to gather and nosh in the ‘hood. Field + Fort not only provided a beautiful space with indoor and outdoor seating and a communal dining table, but a stellar breakfast/brunch menu from kick-ass chef Austin Moore, a native Santa Barbarian who returned to his Santa Barbara roots after cooking stints in Portland, Oregon.

When COVID-19 hit, Kyle and Susie decided it would be safest to protect their “terrific” staff of 25 employees, whom they continue to keep on the payroll. A few are still working in Irwin’s interior design side of the business.

Spread the News: ‘Fort Is Stopping the Spread

“We made the bold decision on the 15th of March to close,” said Bechtel. The next day the California order came from the Governor. I asked if they thought about pivoting to take-out food, but the café was a small part of the business and the logistics were too complicated – especially with so many “unknowns” about the virus.

“We weren’t set up to do take-out, since we don’t do dinner. Our thought on take-out was that it still required so much of our staff to be there – and then Close partners Irwin and Bechtel remain socially distant

Field + Fort’s Grand Re-Opening Will Be Bigger and Better Than Ever

“The new showroom will be another thing to open up with!” said Kyle, adding, “Yesterday we were at the store, spacing tables out and removing tables with the thought – and in preparation of – what’s to come. We want to be able to hit the ground running on Day One.” In the meantime, Irwin, a talented designer, is keeping busy with two interior design projects in Los Angeles and in Santa Barbara.

“It’s been crazy! It’s hard to move furniture and keep social distancing,” he admits, acknowledging other challenging logistics such as an upholsterer and a critical metal shop that had closed.

Things at Field + Fort might look and feel a bit different when they reopen, per Gavin Newsom’s predictions for restaurants and retail, including fewer chairs at the communal table.

To hear them tell it, Irwin and Bechtel’s “thing” was all about community and bringing people together. They admit that they have to figure out the quandary of how to bring people together – while keeping them physically distanced.

“Talk about a place where hugs are a part of the interaction! That habit alone is going to be hard to break,” said Bechtel, concluding, “Kyle and I love Summerland. It’s such a special little community and we’ve always felt that way. Since opening, and being there every single day, we have even more appreciation for it.”

Socially Distant but Very Much Socially Conscious and Engaged

Even after just a few months in business, Field + Fort is missed in Summerland and although many can’t wait for the showroom, café, and life in general to reopen, a big bravo to Kyle Irwin and Susie Bechtel for taking care of their employees’ wages during the interim, thanks to those successful first few opening months. It sure will be swell to see Chef Austin and the entire terrific team sooner, rather than later – in masks and gloves, if required – as well as friends and neighbors for a great big embrace, in whatever form it may take.

Air hug anyone?

A Final Thought

32 MONTECITO JOURNAL

Adam’s Angels has expanded beyond delivering grocery and essential supplies to those who are housebound – they are now distributing clothing to the homeless as well as others in need. A new website has been launched courtesy of other “awesome citizens” David Dart and Melissa Malayna. Sign up to volunteer, register for assistance, or donate funds for supplies at www.

AdamsAngels.life. This an easy way to help your neighbors and founder Adam McKaig – who has been footing a lot of the out-of-pocket costs – in addition to doing yeoman’s labor.

•MJ “Trouble knocked at the door, but, hearing laughter, hurried away.” – Benjamin Franklin

30 April – 7 May 2020

SEEN (Continued from page 14)

ly able to declare her independence and renamed her estate “Lotusland” named after the rare Indian flowers in her lotus pond. Where they bloom used to be the swimming pool for the estate. They symbolize spiritual renewal, a perfect symbol for Madame.

purchased the Theatre des Champs Elysees in Paris as a venue for her.

In 1931 she refused to leave Paris to live with her husband in Chicago so he divorced her on the grounds of desertion.

Ganna Walska Pivots

By this time Ganna was no longer young, her singing career less than ideal, and her fourth marriage over. It was time for a change and her “Truth” and “Great Purpose” of her life was reinvigorated. She gave up fancy parties and declared there would be “no more waiting for Prince Charming!” But she drew men like a magnet. Next she met Harry GrindellMatthews, inventor of a supposed “Death Ray” – an experimental device that could disable car engines, in theory, by remote control. Ganna and Harry shared a love of opera, but she thought him quite unattractive.

He became depressed and stopped working. The government intervened because “her indifference might kill him before his invention for detecting submarines and defending London could get to the War Ministry.” He turned out to be another jealous husband so Ganna left him for America because of the impending World War II. Ganna later learned by telegram

30 April – 7 May 2020

“Tibetland” Becomes “Lotusland”

One of the many topiaries at Lotusland

that Matthews died of a heart attack in 1941. Whether or not his Death Ray was involved is unknown.

Always Room at the Top

While in New York, Ganna began to write her memoirs, called Always Room at the Top. She was still doing spiritual seminars and yoga lessons with Theos Bernard, known as “The White Lama.” He was called that because of

his experiences in Tibet. Even though he was 20 years younger he became Ganna’s main interest. He’s the one that encouraged her to purchase an estate in California known as Cuesta Linda, and the newlyweds renamed it “Tibetland.” Ganna paid $40,000 for it in 1941. Ganna and Bernard eventually married in a secret Las Vegas ceremony. But he still had fierce mood swings (apparently he never found his inner peace through yoga). So after a contentious divorce Walska was final-

• The Voice of the Village •

Ganna lived in the big house on the Cuesta Linda estate (designed by architect Reginald Johnson who did the Santa Barbara Biltmore) but eventually moved next door to the George Washington Smith designed pavilion using its Moorish-style patio as an outdoor living room. Smith is also the one who constructed the pink wall around the perimeter. Ganna kept a room in the main residence for her beloved cockatiels. And then she spent the next 43 years making this 37-acre estate into a botanical wonder. One of her landscape designers explained, “Madame Walska has an artist’s feeling, using plants instead of paints for stage settings.” She died there on March 2, 1984 leaving her entire estate as a legacy for the public to see. Lotusland has recently completed a $6 million makeover to its Japanese Garden as time marches on.

I think Ganna would approve.

•MJ

MONTECITO JOURNAL

33

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We can’t wait to see you in the store again, but until then to get your fashion fix or to just say “hey” please email kevinfrank@kfrankstyle.com or katiefrank@kfrankstyle.com or call or text 805-722-0194 to shop new Spring and Summer arrivals.

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

35

SANTA BARBARA IN A GLASS

by Gabe Saglie Gabe Saglie has been covering the Santa Barbara wine scene for more than 15 years through columns, TV and radio. He’s a senior editor with Travelzoo and is a leading expert on travel deals, tips and trends. Gabe and wife Renee have 3 children and one Golden Retriever named Milo

Clink for a Cause: Couple Selling Unique Wine Glasses to Aid Restaurants Wine Collective is donating 50% of the proceeds from their new shatterproof tumblers to a fund for COVID-affected restaurant workers. The four pack sells for $40 and features a golden California backdrop with a heart in red, pink, teal, or silver.

nary is you can’t tell – until you pick it up – that it’s not glass,” says Boggs.

“Our tumblers also hold their shape, just like glass, unlike the give of some of those cheaper plastic glasses. And the rim is really smooth.”

Making it especially well-suited for sipping poolside or at the beach or in the middle of a forest: they are, for all intents and purposes, shatterproof.

“If you drop it on the floor, it just bounces,” says Boggs. It’s a qual-

Wine Outside was founded by SBCC professor Sarah Boggs and her husband, Peter Oblander. The pair has two daughters, Maddie, 14, and Grace, 10.

S

arah Boggs likes to reminisce about living out her formative years in New Orleans.

“People were constantly outside, constantly enjoying neighbors and friends, constantly going to festivals,” she recalls.

“And they were always drinking!”

Her move to Santa Barbara provided much of the same: an outdoor-driven lifestyle and plenty of good wine to drink. “We’re always outside, hiking or going to the beach, and the weather is mostly perfect,” says the mother of two and professor of English at Santa Barbara City College.

But one thing was missing: “I just wanted to be able to drink good wine outside from a nice, unbreakable wine glass.”

Boggs and her husband, Peter Oblander, a geologist and environmental consultant, launched Wine Outside in 2015. The premise of their side business: provide a drinking vessel that looks good, feels good, and makes sipping outdoors safe and convenient, even elegant.

Wine Outside features a diverse line of 18-ounce stemless tumblers that look a whole lot like crystal.

“One of the things that’s extraordi-

“Shuddering awe is mankind’s noblest part” - Oswald Spengler

Juan de Arellano Basket of Flowers (ca. 1664); Museo del Prado, Madrid

Driven by the COVID fallout, the company introduced limited

edition glasses printed with logos in the shapes of California and Texas. Fifty percent of the proceeds go to people in the food and beverage industry affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

ity that actually makes our glasses indoor-friendly, too, especially in households with thirsty kids and mishap-prone adults who want something simple but stylish from which to sip.”

The Wine Outside products are made from Eastman Tritan, a plastics alterative – a co-polyester – that is tough, lighter than glass and warp-resistant. Importantly, the glasses are free of industrial chemicals like BPA and EA. And they are dishwasher-safe.

The glasses sell throughout the South Coast, including Santa Barbara Gift Baskets, the Riviera Towel Company, and the El Capitan Beach Store. Gelson’s and the gates-side sundries shop at the Santa Barbara Airport

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printed with logos in the shapes of California and Texas – golden backdrops with a single heart in red, pink, teal or silver. Fifty percent of the proceeds from the sale of these glasses – $40 for a set of four and $24 for a pair – go to the Southern Smoke Foundation, whose emergency drive provides funds to people in the food and beverage industry who are affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

“Being a foodie, and going out to eat a lot, I really feel for restaurant workers,” says Boggs. “It’s one of the most obvious parts of our community that needs our support.”

•MJ

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carry them, too, at $25 for a four-pack of plain glasses or a two-pack of glasses printed with a Santa Barbara logo.

The Canary Hotel in downtown Santa Barbara uses them for their guests’ welcome pour at check-in and when the rooftop bar – with those awesome 360-degree views – is open.

And now, a new set of Wine Outside glasses. Two weeks ago, driven to act by the COVID fallout, the company introduced a limited edition of glasses

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30 April – 7 May 2020

MISCELLANY (Continued from page 24)

insults. I can talk to them. I could say your mother was a hamster and your father smelled like elderberries. All you have to do is send money.”

John is currently trapped in Los Angeles where he had been visiting his daughter, Camilla, before the coronavirus pandemic left him stranded in the U.S.

Charley Egan elected to the board

Big Spender Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow doesn’t come cheap!

The Montecito actress, 47, has published an article on her Goop website with advice for the perfect “date night” during the pandemic lockdown, but it costs nearly $4,000.

The tips are the same whether on a video date or enjoying a romantic night with your partner to make the most of being stuck at home together.

The article recommends 17 items considered essential for the date night, all handily available from Paltrow’s wellness website at a total cost of $3,700, without food or drink.

The cheapest item is a $24 mascara, while only a $250 Harry Josh hair dryer will do, with a $900 silk dress

by Ulla Johnson. Other items include a gold cutlery set, $300 plates, a $370 decanter, $107 dessert plates, and a yak down throw.

fiancé Orlando Bloom is currently like her 2008 hit “Hot N’Cold.”

The tony twosome are reportedly experiencing some “ups and downs” during her pregnancy with their daughter.

US Weekly quotes a friend of the duo saying the relationship between the 35-year-old American Idol judge and the 43-year-old Lord of the Rings star has “changed since she got pregnant.”

“Katy is dealing with the nerves of being a first-time parent and Orlando is stressing about having a baby in their lives at this time,” says the pal.

“Katy is elated and very happy about becoming pregnant. She has always wanted to be a mom.”

Bumps in the Road Santa Barbara warbler Katy Perry’s relationship with her British actor

Congrats to Charley Montecito real estate broker Charley Egan has been elected to the board of

The best little paper in America (Covering the best little community anywhere!)

Executive Editor/CEO Gwyn Lurie • Publisher/COO Timothy Lennon Buckley Editor At Large Kelly Mahan Herrick • News and Feature Editor Nicholas Schou Associate Editor Bob Hazard • Copy Editor Lily Buckley Harbin Arts and Entertainment Editor Steven Libowitz

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directors of the Center for Successful Aging.

Egan, who works at Village Properties, is a graduate of UC Santa Cruz and also earned a Masters at the University of Southern California.

He is also certified as a senior real estate specialist, a designation designed to help realtors meet the special needs of seniors. For 20 years Egan has also hosted educational seminars including for first time home buyers and homeowners facing foreclosure.

He is also a volunteer at the Hospice of Santa Barbara and has worked with Freedom 4 Youth and Homeboy Industries.

Fergie and Friends The Duchess of York, ex-wife of Prince Andrew, has launched a daily YouTube show reading a series of children’s books to entertain youngsters during the coronavirus lockdown.

In the first episode of “Storytime with Fergie and Friends,” the 60-yearold put on a very animated performance reading the children’s classic Hairy Maclary by Lynley Dodd.

During the clip, the mother of princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, Queen Elizabeth’s granddaughters said she will be joined by other “friends” in future episodes...

Rest in Peace On a personal note, I mark the passing of legendary New York restaurateur Sirio Maccioni, who has died at his home in Tuscany, Italy, aged 88.

Working as a maître d’ at the historic women-only Colony Club in the late ‘60s, he opened his landmark eatery Le Cirque at New York’s Mayfair Regent Hotel on Park Avenue in 1974, before moving to the Helmsley Palace in 1997.

Le Cirque, where I would eat lunch regularly with an old friend, Maldwin Drummond, grandson of Chicago newspaper and department store magnate Marshall Field, launched the careers of many top chefs, notably Daniel Boulud, during its more than 40-year run, and was attended regu-

Sightings have been suspended during the coronavirus, given the social distancing edict from California governor Gavin Newsom.

They will return when the restrictions have been lifted.

Pip! Pip! – and be safe.

Readers with tips, sightings and amusing items for Richard’s column should e-mail him at richardmin eards@verizon.net or send invitations or other correspondence to the Journal.

To reach Priscilla, e-mail her at pris cilla@santabarbaraseen.com or call 805-969-3301.

•MJ

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30 April – 7 May 2020

larly by the likes of Jackie O, President Ronald Reagan, and countless Wall Street heavyweights, socialites and celebrities.

I met President Richard Nixon for the first time there when he was dining with Alexander Haig, his former White House chief of staff and Secretary of State under Reagan. He had bought a 1871 townhouse a tiara’s toss away on East 65th Street.

I vividly remember Sirio acting as doorman at the late publishing tycoon Malcolm Forbes’s socially gridlocked memorial service at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church on Park Avenue in February 1990, just a year after Malcolm’s legendary 70th birthday bash at his Palais Mendoub overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar in Tangier, when I flew in a chartered Air France Concorde from the presidential hangar at Kennedy Airport after breakfasting on food catered by Le Cirque.

An old friend, Archduchess Michaela von Hapsburg, the granddaughter of the last emperor of the Austro-Hungarian empire, Franz Joseph 1, who resided at Vienna’s 1441-room Schönbrunn Palace and died in 1916, was being denied entry to the 900-guest event, so I stepped in, explained who she was, and we both went in together past the velvet rope.

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Spirituality Matters

by Steven Libowitz “Spirituality Matters” highlights two or three Santa Barbara area spiritual gatherings. Unusual themes and events with that something extra, especially newer ones looking for a boost in attendance, receive special attention. For consideration for inclusion in this column, email slibowitz@yahoo.com.

Krishnamurti Foundation’s May Gathering Zooms Online

C

an the Mind Be Quiet?

That’s the timeless and perhaps uber-timely theme in the novel coronavirus era for Krishnamurti Foundation America’s annual May Gathering, which in our “old normal” times would draw hundreds of higher-consciousness seekers to the KFA’s bucolic grounds in Ojai, reminiscent of the days when the Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti himself would conduct talks each spring. This year, of course, the gathering will be confined to live streaming as we remain confined to our homes.

The topic was one Krishnamurti, who was considered one of the greatest philosophical and spiritual figures of the twentieth century, pondered for decades as part of investigating such areas as the nature of the mind, the value of meditation, the potential for psychological revolution within human relationships and bringing about radical change in society. He actually wrote about the query of a quiet mind himself in one of his publications.

“The human mind is never alone,” he wrote in a work of the same name as the theme. “It has so many experiences, is burdened with so many words, the memories of so many things stored deep within itself, the impressions, the conclusions, the opinions, the propaganda that has been put into the mind. It carries it wherever it goes – on a walk, in the air, sitting quietly, ruminating about things, or in the solitary cell of the prisoner or the monk. It is never alone…”

Virtual May Gathering The 2020 May Gathering, which takes place this weekend, May 2-3, via the Zoom platform, features more than a dozen different talks from a variety of speakers on topics related to many aspects of Krishnamurti’s teachings, an enormous body of work that some have estimated at more than 100 million words, representing 60-plus years of appearances around the world. His charge to the Foundation at his death in Ojai in 1986 was to spread his uninterpreted teachings around the world. That mission will be fulfilled via the airing of two recordings of Krishnamurti’s teachings which will open each day’s sessions – “To Watch Without Any Movement of Thought” and “What Makes Us Change?” – both from public talks in Ojai in 1983, the latter not coincidentally a conversation with polio vaccine developer Jonas Salk. The speakers that follow are all scholars of and/or former colleagues and students of Krishnamurti, many of whom have either written or edited a recent relevant book, said Jaap Sluijter, KFA’s Executive Director and the curator of the gathering.

Among them are Mark Lee, a trustee of the KFA and its former Executive Director for 20 years who has had a half-century association with the Krishnamurti teachings and the Foundations, and served as first director of the Oak Grove School in Ojai, which was founded by Krishnamurti in 1975; Michael Mendizza, an author, educator, documentary filmmaker and former trustee of the KFA who has co-created three biographical

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documentaries and educational programs about the life and insights of Krishnamurti; Professor Krishna, who first met and heard Krishnamurti in 1957-58 and was a Professor of Physics at the Banaras Hindu University in 1985 when Krishnamurti asked him to take charge of the Rajghat Education Centre as its Rector and Principal of the Rajghat Besant School; Stephen Smith, who served as coordinator of the Krishnamurti Centre in Ojai, and is the editor of the Krishnamurti book Insights into Education; and David Edmund Moody, Ph.D, who was the first teacher and later the director at Oak Grove before earning his doctorate and later writing three influential books on Krishnamurti. (More on Moody below.)

Also on the roster are four younger scholars who are early on their paths of research and study into the philosopher-educator’s teachings.

Jaap Sluijter – who has a Masters in Mechanical Engineering and has worked as a design engineer in the fields of camera systems and musical instruments before joining the KFA – talked about Krishnamurti’s work and influence, its applicability to our current situation with the COVID-19 virus, and what the gathering encompasses over the phone from his home in Ojai.

Q. Why are we still studying Krishnamurti today, more than 30 years since his death? How does his work apply to our current times?

A. Krishnamurti traveled around the world as philosopher-educator on topics of consciousness and tried to tell people about human potential, the possibility to be free and fulfilling the potential to be connected with everything. The emphasis of what he was saying was that we should not believe what we are thinking. Don’t accept authority, your own or others, because anything you believe gets in the way of seeing, looking directly to what’s going on. And you can’t find freedom through knowledge. Any form of authority gets in the way, so don’t fol-

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More directly, how do you think Krishnamurti might have responded to COVID? I think on the one hand he’d say that how we use Nature as utilitarian,

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“Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy.” – Benjamin Franklin

I’m imagining that philosophy seems hard to accept but perhaps even more important during our current crisis with COVID-19.

It’s particularly relevant to these times. How do we come to a different kind of society? He would say it is from the individuals who have freed themselves from attachment to the past who can create something new.

The gathering can be helpful because it continues the teachings for people who are interested in these concepts – whether already relatively familiar with his work or brand new to it. They are the speakers, and also something for those of us who feel isolated and don’t have the chance to meet often with people who share that interest.

There’s a big longing for people to meet and connect with others, and learn not just through a book, but with each other. The gathering in person is also a place to meet and engage with like-minded people, but we’ll do our best to recreate that online with Q&A sessions after each presentation. It’s hard to do that without a physical presence or opportunity to look everyone in the eye. But Zoom lets us meet the demand, the longing for connection. Already more than 1,000 people have signed up, which is unheard of for us, many more than before. I think that means that COVID-19 has been a catalyst for people to look for more sources where they can engage.

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low anybody. He was rigorous about that, adamant even. Which is why he didn’t like people seeing him as a guru. His was the pathless path of the non-guru guru, to fit him into the traditional framework. The purpose of the foundation and the event is to continue educating people that the real problems of life and the world are related to our consciousness. It’s not something from the outside in.

30 April – 7 May 2020

without caring, has its consequences, that the virus is a manifestation of how we feel so disconnected with nature, which is why we exploit it and ravage Nature without a second thought. But he might also look at it from the point of view of people in prison, that the crisis is an opportunity to reflect and learn about yourself, to take advantage of the slowing down and limited interactions by reflecting on your life.

You have the opening presentations after the audio of Krishnamurti’s talks.

What’s on the menu?

I’ll give an overview of the day, and talk about what’s inspiring me at the moment in Krishnamurti’s work and developments relevant to the current situation, and also educate people about what the Foundation is doing. On Sunday, my talk leads into a conversation that will cover some of the material we had put together for the upcoming conference that had to be canceled. We’ll bring those topics out in dialog form, go into some of his questions, such as how evolution might have gone wrong for humans to have become non-free.

We plan to look at how his self developed in relation to his work, and bring in the topics that the later talks will cover.

Can we end by me asking about your path? How does a mechanical engineer go from designing camera systems and musical instruments to spending his time promoting the work of Krishnamurti?

I feel it was somehow inevitable… You look at the state of the world and the state of yourself, and at a certain point spirituality and psychology and philosophy just seem more important.

What Krishnamurti was pointing at looked like the most sane thing (addressing those areas) that I’d read. That’s why I’m here. It seems pretty urgent for the world.

(Krishnamurti Foundation America’s annual May Gathering takes place 8:45 am - 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3.

Admission is free. For more information, the schedule, speaker bios and registration, visit https://kfa. org/maygathering2020.)

Moody’s Musings on Krishnamurti in the U.S.

David Moody’s latest book, Krishnamurti in America, focuses on the latter part of the philosopher’s life, including controversies over his struggles with an earlier foundation, and an affair with a woman 30 April – 7 May 2020

in Ojai that only came to light after his death, areas that previous biographies ignored. The book is subtitled “New Perspectives on the Man and His Message,” which Moody said was also meant to help dispel the idolization of Krishnamurti as a guru or prophet.

“I wanted to re-cast his philosophy and put it in a different light,” Moody said. “The conventional image was that he was a religious and spiritual figure, and if people read his talks they’ll experience some kind of enlightenment and maybe escape from all of their troubles. There’s some truth to that point of view, but it overlooks the vast majority of what his philosophy was really about. It was at an entirely different level, that of ordinary psychology and the regular psychodynamics of everyday life. That’s the center of gravity of his teachings. If you come to them thinking that he’s going to be your guru and tell you how to meditate, you’ll be disappointed.”

That’s partly why Moody wanted to explore the philosopher’s time in America and Ojai, including the long affair.

“People only learned about it after he died, and her daughter wrote a book about it, and they were shocked,” he explained. “Many of his followers assumed he was purely spiritual being who had no interest in sex.”

In other words, perhaps, think of Krishnamurti more as Freud than the Buddha?

“Well, it’s hard to find a particular figure who would be comparable,” Moody said. “He deals with the anxieties of everyday life – the fears, the motivations, the conflicts in relationships, loneliness, desire, issues at that level. The book is about how to understand his holistic approach to the nature of psychology, dealing with the issues of everyday life but looking at consciousness as a whole.

Even Freud’s broad view was more fragmented.”

Asked to speculate on how Krishnamurti might have viewed COVID-19, Moody pointed me toward his most recent piece of writing, an essay on the topic published on his blog in late March.

You can read his fascinating take here: www.davidedmundmoody. com/2020/03/24/krishnamur ti-and-the-coronavirus.

Other Offerings Out of Ojai

Gay and Kathlyn Hendricks’ Ojai-based Foundation for Conscious Living has created a number of new resources for meeting the coronavirus crisis on the home page of the organiza-

tion’s website, where visitors are able to connect with its Restoring Resourcefulness faculty for coaching and education about how to shift from fear to create wellbeing and creative connection. Short weekly gatherings where people can practice presence as well as giving and receiving loving attention are part of the offerings, as is free access to what the Foundation calls its most powerful transformation process: F.A.C.T.: Facing, Accepting, Choosing and Taking Action. The center’s Restoring Resourcefulness faculty has been exploring F.A.C.T. with the notion and emotion of fear itself; rather than leapfrogging over fear, denying or controlling it, what might happen if you turned your attention and curiosity to the actual experience of fear? Other “Fear Melter” strategies, from the Hendricks, who lived in Montecito for several years before relocating to Ojai, and an exploration of fear signatures – unique fear patterns that generally occur among four patterns – including how to recognize and befriend that fear, are also online and available for free. Visit https://foundationforconsciou sliving.org.

Sheltering in Love Workshop

Barbara Rose Sherman – a Yoga Alliance E-RYT-500 Certified Instructor who is also a UCLA Trained Mindfulness Facilitator (TMF) and UCLA Mindfulness Awareness Practices affiliated instructor as well as a Certified Meditation Teacher (CMT) – invites everyone to join her online to nourish and nurture yourself during the coronavirus crisis. Sherman will lead a restorative yoga/meditation workshop conducted via the Zoom meeting platform featuring guided meditations and mindfulness practices. The event is meant to calm your mind, soothe your nervous system, and create spaciousness in your heart. All levels of yoga practitioners, including those new to yoga, are welcome.

Prepare for the 3:30-5:30 pm workshop on Sunday, May 3, by arranging for a quiet place to practice free from distraction where you can use a yoga mat, an eye pillow (or washcloth, for the stay-at-home era), two yoga bolsters (or two couch cushions), and three folded blankets (or three beach towels).

Register for the $25 class online at https://www.santabarbarayoga center.com/workshops, then join the virtual classroom at https:// zoom.us/j/8173108221. Nurses, physicians, and first responders are invited to attend for free, with gratitude.

•MJ

• The Voice of the Village •

NOTICE OF HEARING The City Council of the City of Santa Barbara has set a public hearing on May 19, 2020 beginning at 2:00 p.m. to introduce and subsequently adopt, by reading of title only, an Ordinance of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara to Declare Existing Law By Amending Santa Barbara Municipal Code Section 30.295.040.P Pertaining to the Definition of Hotels and Similar Uses. This meeting will be conducted electronically via the GoToWebinar platform, as described in more detail below.

On Thursday, May 14, 2020, an Agenda with all items to be heard on May 19, 2020 will be available online at www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/cap. Agendas and Minutes are also accessible online at www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/cap.

IN ORDER TO PROMOTE SOCIAL DISTANCING AND PRIORITIZE THE PUBLIC’S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING, THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA ISSUED EXECUTIVE ORDER N-29-20, WHICH ALLOWS THE CITY COUNCIL TO HOLD MEETINGS VIA TELECONFERENCES OR OTHER ELECTRONIC MEETING FORMAT WHILE STILL MEETING THE STATE’S OPEN AND PUBLIC MEETING REQUIREMENTS. AS A PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY PRECAUTION, THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS WILL NOT BE OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. COUNCILMEMBERS MAY PARTICIPATE ELECTRONICALLY. THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA STRONGLY ENCOURAGES AND WELCOMES PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DURING THIS TIME. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS: TELEVISION COVERAGE: This meeting will be broadcast live on City TV-Channel 18 and online at www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/citytv.

See SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CityTVProgramGuide for a rebroadcast schedule. An archived video of this meeting will be available at https://www.santabarbaraca.gov/gov/cityhall/council/meeting s/videos.

ELECTRONIC PARTICIPATION: Join the Meeting electronically by clicking on the meeting link which will be found on the meeting agenda. You will be connected to audio using your computer’s microphone and speakers (VoIP). A headset is recommended. You can also select the option to use your telephone, but you must use the GoToWebinar software to interact with the meeting. Select “Use Telephone” after joining the webinar and call in using the numbers listed on the agenda that will be posted online.

Oral comments during a meeting may be made by electronic participation only.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDIZED ITEMS: Members of the public wishing to speak on this matter must “raise their hand” in the GoToWebinar platform by selecting the virtual hand icon during the presentation of that item. The “raise hand” icon is generally located on most devices in the upper right hand corner of the screen. When persons are called on to speak, their microphone will be activated and they will be notified to begin speaking. Each speaker will be given a total of 3 minutes to address the Council. Pooling of time is not permitted during meetings conducted electronically.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: If you need auxiliary aids or services or staff assistance to attend or participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator's Office at (805) 564-5305. If possible, notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will usually enable the City to make reasonable arrangements. Specialized services, such as sign language interpretation or documents in Braille, may require additional lead time to arrange.

Published April 29, 2020 Montecito Journal

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Bam Playing Cards, 1914 Emerson Ave. Apt A, Santa Barbara, CA 93103.

Mackenzie Fixler, 1914 Emerson Ave. Apt A, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on April 16, 2020. 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), filed by John Beck. FBN No. 20200000978. Published April 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, 2020.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Little Alex’s, 1024 A Coast Village Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108.

Doxa Chara Inc., 1024 A Coast Village Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on April 20, 2020. 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), filed

by Brenda Aguilera. FBN No. 2020-0000993.

Published April 22, 29, May 6, 13, 2020.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CinemaCamera, 3011 Paseo Del Refugio, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. Peter Fremont Mahar, 3011 Paseo Del Refugio, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. Sara Jane Mahar, 3011 Paseo Del Refugio, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on April 1, 2020. 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), filed by John Beck. FBN No. 2020-0000901.

Published April 22, 29, May 6, 13, 2020.

MONTECITO JOURNAL

39

REOPENING (Continued from page 21)

taken out the overly complicated SBA loans and are hoping to navigate the process. But the entire burden is on them.

They didn’t choose to shut their bar down. If they reopen it has to work. Their reputation and livelihoods depend on it. Pandemic or not, if the doors open and customers don’t return, or they get frustrated because of limits, or don’t feel safe, Brandon and Misty won’t make their rent and loan payments and will have to shut down.

The question becomes how the City will attune itself to work with business owners like the Ristainos. Will the city relax regulations or create new ones Mayor Cathy Murillo allowing the bar to spill out on to State Street?

“Look at all the pictures of the bars in Sweden,” Brandon offers. “Everyone’s sprawled outside far enough away from each other. But they’re out there drinking, and it looks awesome. The vibe looks cool. As cool as it can be during a pandemic.” In Portugal the government is helping businesses by giving them ratings for how well they are adhering to the safety rules.

The City Doesn’t See it that Way

The two most powerful figures in Santa Barbara City leadership are the Mayor Cathy Murillo and Paul Casey, the City Administrator. In fact, at the top of the City Administrator’s job functions are “strategic planning and policy development.” But when asked whether it was time to re-imagine city government to address our current economic and medical nightmare, as a challenge and opportunity for reinvention, Mr. Casey responded, “We are a council manager form of government, meaning I have seven elected officials as my boss,” Mr. Casey explained. “They appoint a City Administrator, me, to run the dayto-day operations of the City organization. They are the policy makers. They are the ones who vote and adopt law. I’m here to execute.”

When reminded that he is a key leader and someone the council looks to for advice to deal with the litany of terrible statistics cited by UCSB economist Dr. Peter Rupert, he calmly offers a counter narrative by the economist Christopher Thornberg with Beacon Economics, who is noted for saying that he believes the pain of the coronavirus-induced shutdown will be short lived. “I see a good bounce back, and obviously that is not the same opinion held by others in the market.”

Whether one agrees with Thornberg or not, it seems even in that more rosey scenario that difficulties lie ahead and leadership is required. When asked after the city council meeting what drives his decisions, what is his overriding concept and where does he see the city going, Mr. Casey once again demurs.

“I think it’s unrealistic and unfair to expect me to already have that answer to something unprecedented, unforeseen. I don’t think you can predict exactly how it’s going to happen. I think the question is a little unfair to say come on Paul, where’s your vision.” However when asked about the importance of his leadership in this moment, Mr. Casey has a ready answer.

“I am providing internal leadership to the 1,500 employees of this organization,” he says. “It’s a large organization. I am providing leadership to my staff and providing leadership to the council and support them in their decision making. But I think it’s unfair to expect me to be the sole component.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Murillo Patrols the Beaches

Catching up with the mayor we found her making a tour of the city in her car driving along Cabrillo Boulevard. “I’m busy eyeballing the beaches to make sure they’re not overcrowded,” she offered from her Bluetooth headset. “I went up to Shoreline Park, that looked good. Leadbetter looked good, West Beach.

Now I’m on East Beach and we have firefighters down here with their trucks and stuff, keeping an eye out to make sure there’s no big social gatherings. I made a little video and put it on Facebook. All of my Facebook is open to the public,” she added.

When asked for a comment on her silence in the face of Dr. Rupert’s presentation at the April 21 City Council meeting, she took a moment to respond.

“It was a little doom and gloom, but I have to stay positive,” she said. “We’ve known for a long time that it’s urgent to diversify our economy in terms of tourism.”

I asked the mayor if Mr. Casey and the Council are willing to unify to change things significantly in terms of supporting local business, especially when

40 MONTECITO JOURNAL

businesses like Brandon Ristaino’s have such challenges of reinvention ahead?

“Well, if you remember the experimental weekend and the popups, that was Nina Johnson’s work along with me,” the Mayor recounted, “I have to give her credit. If this is your question about unifying, I convened some meetings with people who had ideas about popups. We were going to do business popups.

But Nina is a risk taker. I mean, we closed the street. People loved playing basketball in the middle of the street. So those kinds of risks, yeah, we’re willing to take.”

So, What’s the Larger Plan?

Many in Montecito remember a similar amorphous official response to the debris flow in 2018. Historically Montecito has had seven or eight debris flows in the last 104 years. But the response was squarely placed on homeowners to shoulder the risk. Providing ambivalent caution about what was coming, County experts suggested that people could evacuate at their option. The result was that most did not evacuate, and twenty-three of our friends and neighbors perished.

The surreal nature of City Council’s nonchalance to our imminent troubles may be just another example of human frailty in the face

of adversity. Similar scenes may be happening all over the country as cities, counties, and states grapple with the unfathomable. But (an) underwhelming response from the City will be as deadly to businesses and our well-being as the disease itself.

The Moment is Escaping Us

As usual it’s beautiful and quiet in Santa Barbara which can make it difficult to understand that we’re in a liminal moment between sheltering in place and venturing out, where testing is inadequate and a whole range of rules and new ideas have yet been put into place for our safety. Depending on how this moment is handled, we are either at the precipice of an extended economic disaster or, perhaps, an economic rebirth.

A Fork in the Road

Unlike many cities and counties around the world, Montecito and Santa Barbara’s greatest assets are our human resources. We live in the midst of some of the best minds in the financial, entrepreneurial, and creative worlds. These are people who have volunteered before and would likely volunteer their time and brain power to help innovate, reinvent, and design the new normal. Now is the time for foundations to create the public private partnerships and immediately engage in the challenge of re-envisioning Santa Barbara’s future.

Opportunities Await

We need to put ourselves on the forefront of testing and raise a local fund to fully test with County oversight. In Santa Clara, a city twice the size of Santa Barbara, the county spent $200,000 to test everybody in order to have a clear path toward treating the disease and reopening.

Working with local architectural talent we need to develop a cohesive vision plan for a post-COVID world. We need to open commerce, and develop a plan to extend restaurants and bars, so they have extensive outdoor space to compensate for distancing restrictions and to create a sense of joy. We need to focus on the redevelopment of the empty structures already downtown. We need to prepare for homeless increases by taking over empty hotels or pay for those hotels at reduced rates. We need to create public works projects for labor and artists.

We must create weekly City Hall forums so local businesses can be heard and articulate their needs.

But in order for all this to happen, our public officials need to put aside past patterns of behavior and mobilize to design our own custom recovery that creates a clean slate and a new future for Santa Barbara. It’s great that the city’s leaders seem to be optimistic, hoping for the best. But as we all know, hope is not a plan.

•MJ

“The world is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.” – Bertrand Russell

30 April – 7 May 2020

VILLAGE BEAT (Continued from page 10)

and new customers who have never eaten with us before. I’m happy to be here,” Furlati said. The restaurant is located at 1187 Coast Village Road.

For more information, visit www. cadariorestaurants.com.

Viva Oliva Moves Downtown

Dario Furlati, owner of Ca’ Dario Restaurants, has opened his newest eatery on Coast Village Road

Enoteca Primo, and Ca’Dario Pizzeria.

“Ca’ Dario was always closest to my heart,” he said about the Italian eatery which bears his name. He went on to open Ca’ Dario Cucina Italiana in Goleta a few years ago, as well as Pizzeria Veloce, located in the Santa Barbara Public Market. His flagship Ristorante on East Victoria Street remains as busy as ever – prior to stay-at-home orders – a fact he attributes to his dedicated team of chefs and longtime front-of-house staff. “We really are like a family,” he said.

The newly-remodeled Ca’ Dario Montecito, located in Coast Village Plaza in the former home of Giovanni’s Pizza, next to Here’s the Scoop, has been outfitted with handsome dark wood accents and tables, cozy booths, and a long bar facing an open kitchen. “We wanted to make it feel like ‘Ca’ Dario’ feels downtown, without having to go downtown,” Furlati said.

Once stay-at-home orders are lifted, the restaurant will also offer heated patio seating.

For now, the restaurant is open from 4-8 pm daily for dinner takeout orders via GrubHub, Restaurant Connection, or by calling the restaurant directly at (805) 884-9419. The temporary menu includes a selection of Dario’s signature pastas, pizzas, and entrees, including recipes gleaned from the Italian kitchens of his grandmothers.

There are also family-sized meals available.

Once stay-at-home orders are lifted, the restaurant will eventually offer its full menu, promising the same authentic Italian cuisine as the other locations. Longtime favorites include Ravioli Al Burro e Salvia (ravioli with browned butter and sage), Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese (spinach pasta with traditional meat ragout), Costata Alla Fiorentina (a 16 oz grilled rib eye steak with stewed white beans), and an array of fresh salads, appetizers, and homemade desserts. The restaurant will eventually be open for both lunch and dinner.

“I’m looking forward to welcoming familiar faces who know our cooking, 30 April – 7 May 2020

The new shop will allow them to offer even more carefully curated items.

“We have loved being in Montecito, and we hope to see our customers again soon when we reopen at our new location,” Amanda said, adding that she and Sven are in the process of renovating the new space and expect to be open in the early summer. In the meantime, customers can still order their favorite products online, at www. vivaoliva.com.

MWD News

Amanda and Sven Dybdahl have moved their specialty olive oil shop, Viva Oliva, to State Street

Specialty olive oil and artisan food emporium Viva Oliva has closed up shop on Coast Village Road, leasing a larger space in downtown Santa Barbara, at 927 State Street, across from the Apple Store. Owners Amanda and Sven Dybdahl say they have enjoyed being part of the Montecito community since taking ownership of the shop a couple years ago, which was located at 1275 Coast Village Road.

Originally founded by Andi Newville, the shop was located in Paseo Nuevo for four years before opening on Coast Village Road in 2015. Newville started the store after realizing the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil, and began sourcing high quality olive oils from both California and around the world.

The oils are housed in fustis: stainless steel tanks which house and dispense the oil while protecting it from heat and light. Newville eventually decided to move out of state, and the Dybdahls, who hail from New Zealand, purchased the shop in 2017 and revamped the interior and branding, offering an array of artisan goods from small-batch purveyors and kitchen/serving items.

In addition to the vast selection of specialty olive oils and vinegars, the offerings include Ojai jellies, Jilli Vanilli vanilla products, Marshall’s Haute Sauce, specialty popcorn from Santa Barbara Popcorn Company, olives from Santa Barbara Olive Company, pickled goods from Pacific Pickle Works, and truffles from Chocolats du CaliBressan, which are infused with Viva Oliva’s own balsamic vinegar, plus many others. The store also has a selection of cheeses and salamis, as well as home goods including olive wood products, hand towels, cookbooks, candles, and more. They also offer custom gift baskets, which are a favorite during the holiday season.

Montecito Water District’s Board of Directors held its regular monthly meeting this week as scheduled. The agenda included Juncal Dam spilling on April 6, 2020. Jameson Lake reached updates on the status of a 100% capacity with the rainfall received in early April. (Photo Water Supply Agreement credit, Alan Prichard, Dam Caretaker) with the City of Santa Barbara and the that we must continue to move swiftRate Study. “These projects remain on ly and put resilient plans in place for schedule to be completed and ready the District’s future water needs. This for Board consideration in June,” community knows that things can said General Manager Nick Turner. change overnight, and we must be Proposed rates will be mailed to cus- prepared.” tomers for review in mid-May, and MWD is conducting business as include “desalination,” which refers usual to the extent possible during to the cost of the pending 50-year the COVID-19 pandemic response.

Water Supply Agreement with the Customer service staff is available City of Santa Barbara. by phone and email during busiThe Board also reviewed a prelimi- ness hours (8 am to 5 pm, Monday nary presentation on Future Demand – Friday), operations are regular, and and Water Supply Options prepared repairs are still being made as needed.

by Steve Bachman. Dr. Bachman is on However, all major capital improvecontract with the District to prepare an ments are temporarily on hold. For update to the water supply report he example, “Smart Meter” installation completed in 2007. While many of the began in January, 2020 and approxirecommendations from the past plan mately half of the meters in the District have been implemented, the District’s were upgraded before the project was current water supplies remain unreli- halted in mid-March due to the coroable. This became evident during the navirus. Customers will be notified as recent historic drought that spanned soon as these projects resume. from 2012 to 2018 and left the District All Board Meetings are open to the nearly solely dependent upon the public and accessible by teleconferavailability of supplemental water ence. More information can be found and the operation of the State Water in the Agendas and Packets menu Project facilities. available on the Water District’s “Our constituents fully expect us web site: www.montecitowater.com. to continue working on these critical Meeting times are posted to the online initiatives. We were elected to do a District Calendar and participation job, and we must fulfill our obliga- is encouraged. For assistance please tions,” stated Director Cori Hayman contact call (805) 969-2271 or email at a meeting earlier this month. “If customerservice@montecitowater. anything, current conditions show us com.

•MJ

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

41

MJ’s Guide to Local Online Shopping

by Claudia Schou & Megan Waldrep

When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Go Shopping – Remotely

I

n these tough times, it’s important to support local businesses while also practicing social distancing. To that end, when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit California and changed life as we know it, the Montecito Journal changed its local events listing page to a Grab & Go section featuring local restaurants that remain open for takeout and delivery. But many other types of local businesses also offer online shopping in addition to their brick-and-mortar locations, and this flexibility will hopefully keep our local stores open and their employees working. With that in mind, we now offer the following guide to local businesses that remain open for both online ordering and pick-up as well as delivery services for local customers.

J. McLaughlin “I had somebody come in to return an online order and she looked around and said, ‘I just want to stay here and shop, it’s so happy,’” store manager of J. McLaughlin Diana Romero said. The woman called her soon after to book an appointment, one of the ways J. McLaughlin has pivoted during stay-at-home orders.

For the time being, business is conducted through phone or FaceTime appointments, emails, and virtual sip & shops which donate a percentage of sales in that time period to a local charity. They also offer curbside pick-up, no contact home delivery and complimentary shipping and gift wrapping. “I just delivered something to Casa Dorinda through their security guards,” Diana said.

It was a shock for Romero when J.

McLaughlin, a clothing and accessories retailer of 150 boutiques, decided to close its doors. Client outreach was the initial answer, using the company’s intricate database to search local customers and find out their specific interests. “I used that to promote the sale we’re having right now, which is for forty percent off for some of our spring collection,” Diana said. She’s also posting new arrivals to Instagram as much as possible. Aside from browsing online, Diana places stacks of the April and May catalog outside her door and as you flip through the pages, you may recognize the backdrop. Both catalogs were shot in Santa Barbara and Montecito, the first time the Brooklyn, New Yorkbased company styled a photoshoot out West. The catalog was shot by part-time Montecitan Matt Albiani

J. McLaughlin is known for their “happy collections,” Montecito store manager Diana Romero said.

Getting Through This, Together.

The April and May J. McLaughlin catalog was shot in Santa Barbara and Montecito by part-time Montecitan, photographer Matt Albiani

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“My relationship with American Riviera Bank was key to getting a PPP loan. Finally, I’ll be able to sleep for the first time in a month.

Now my focus is restoring all my employees’ jobs.”

— Carlos Luna, Owner at Los Agaves, right, with brother and co-owner Christian

42 MONTECITO JOURNAL

“Everything that used to be a sin is now a disease.” – Bill Maher

AmericanRivieraBank.com 805.965.5942 Santa Barbara • Montecito • Goleta San Luis Obispo • Paso Robles

30 April – 7 May 2020

who co-owns Mate Gallery and Mate Men’s Shop with partner Ron Brand.

Diana also leaves poppy flowers near her door for people to take with them. According to Diana, flowers, catalogs, and personal shopping is “just a way to lift everyone’s spirits and create a little normalcy.”

To make an appointment or place an order, customers are encouraged to contact Diana through email at dromero@jmclaughlin.com, to text or call her personal cell phone at (805) 320-8784, and one can also call the boutique at (805) 770-3100 to leave a message.

Fess Parker Winery

805-688-1545 www.fessparker.com Renowned family owned and operated winery offers curbside pickup at the winery for customers and wine club members or $10 flat shipping in U.S. The winery offers bottles on special in the “Spotlight” section of online wine shop. Skype or FaceTime concierge service of wines is available. Reach out to Barrett@fessparker.com to connect.

Glamour House Intimate Apparel

805-969-5285 Shopglamourhouse.com Serving Montecito since 1965, this shop offers sophisticated and elegant lingerie, nightgowns, pajamas, robes, and leisurewear.

J. McLaughlin

1253 Coast Village Road, Montecito (805) 770-3100

Angel Montecito One of five Wendy Foster boutiques throughout Montecito, Santa Barbara, and Los Olivos, Angel Montecito is the Coast Village Road touchstone for all things Wendy.

Though each boutique operates with separate buyers and aesthetics to match a varying customer base, all have joined together to create an online shopping experience with over three hundred styles from all five locations currently available.

“This is a service that we have never offered before, so it’s been a wild, yet rewarding ride taking our business online and assisting customers virtually,” brand director Michaela Donahue said.

Wendy Foster boutiques – which include Wendy Foster Montecito, Wendy Foster Sportswear, Wendy Foster State Street, Wendy Foster Los Olivos, and Angel Montecito – are offering 30% off every purchase with the code SHOPLOCAL at checkout along with complimentary shipping and local delivery for orders over two hundred dollars. Local delivery and pick-up are available upon request. Hop on the easy-to-navigate website and find Wendy’s signature “soft and strong” attire as well as hats, handbags, summer scarves, and jewelry (some jewelry even includes a gift with purchase). The Wendy Foster brand has been a cornerstone of Montecito style since the ‘seventies and Wendy and her staff are “beyond appreciative of the outpouring of support from local shoppers as well as our friends from all over the country.” The collection of Wendy Foster curated styles can be found at wendyfoster.com/shop and shoppers are encouraged to check back often for new styles which are added daily. “The best way to reach any of our stores is by emailing online@wendyfoster.com or filling out the contact form on our website,” Michaela said. “We 30 April – 7 May 2020

Imagine Artful Things Wendy Foster boutiques have defined Santa Barbara style for over 40 years

are also available by phone Monday through Friday from 10 am to 2 pm at (805) 565-1599.”

Angel Montecito

805-565-1599 www.wendyfoster.com Complimentary local deliveries may be arranged Monday through Friday by contacting online@wendyfoster. com. Skype/FaceTime consultations are available to discuss styles. Free shipping on purchases over $200.

Eider Studio

805-969-2617 www.eiderstudio.com Fine linens, towels, and soaps with 15% off soaps for locals with free local delivery and free shipping for orders over $300. For product information, please telephone or email info@eiderstudio.com.

Epiphany

805-686-2424 www.epiphanywineco.com Exquisite quality wines made in the Santa Barbara region available for curbside pickup at the winery for customers and wine club members or $10 flat shipping in U.S. The winery offers bottles on special in the “Spotlight” section of their online wine shop. Skype or FaceTime concierge service of wines is available.

Reach out to Barrett@fessparker.com to connect.

The Farmacy

805-880-1207 thefarmacysb.com Santa Barbara’s most popular cannabis dispensary remains open for business, with online ordering and both expedited pickup and delivery available to Montecito residents.

805-695-0220 info@imagineartfulthings.com Contemporary gifts and wares for all occasions, with up to 30% off all purchases for local residents. Curbside pickup or complimentary local delivery is available. Please contact the shop directly to arrange a personal shopper and video consultation.

Jenni Kayne

805-309-0550 www.jennikayne.com Curated luxury essentials for the wardrobe and home with up to 25% of on best-selling styles. Complimentary same-day delivery for Montecito residents based on inventory and staff availability. Virtual appointments are available. Please reach out to Rissa at 949-533-1625.

Liquor & Wine Grotto

805-969-5939 montecitovino.com Operated by certified Sommelier Brian Brunello and Jason Herrick, this shop on Coast Village Road is Santa Barbara’s premier wine destination and remains open for business. For homebound or self-isolating Montecito customers, delivery is also available.

Maison K

805-969-1676 Maisonkstyle.com This boutique shop offers imported furniture and chic home decorations along with travel-inspired clothing and accessories.

Mountain Air Sports

805-962-0049 mountainsports.com Whether you’re in the mood for kayaking, fishing, rock climbing, trail hiking, skiing, or skateboarding, this shop, operating in Santa Barbara since 1975, has you covered. Email info@ mountainairsports.com.

• The Voice of the Village •

Norvell Bass Cleaners

805-687-8113 Nbcgreencleaners.com Founded in 1933, this green technology-based dry-cleaning service boasts two locations in Montecito and Santa Barbara and will pick up your laundry at your door and return it to you so long as you live anywhere between Goleta and Carpinteria.

Raoul Textile Store

805-899-4947 www.raoultextilesstore.com Raoul Textile Store’s newly launched website is an elegant and evolving presentation of the Raoul aesthetic, offering shoppers a glimpse at Sally McQuillan’s sought-after textiles as well as a selection of chic and sophisticated decorative art, furnishings, lighting, and home accessories. Curbside pickup or complimentary local delivery is available through May. Virtual textile/decor consultations via Skype/FaceTime may be arranged by calling the shop.

Third Window Brewing

805-979-5090 www.thirdwindowbrewing.com Purveyor of fine, Belgian-inspired craft brews made with local ingredients. Tap list available online with free deliveries from Goleta to Carpinteria and free shipping within California on orders over $50. Preferred pricing on to-go orders for crowlers priced at three for $30, which have been popular as a way to sample new beers on tap. Reach out to the craft brew master Kris@thirdwindowbrewing.com to connect.

endy Foster Montecito & W Sportswear

805-565-1506 www.wendyfoster.com Wendy Foster ’s contemporary/ sportswear women’s clothing and accessories boutique offers 30% off all purchases with code SHOPLOCAL at checkout.

Complimentary local deliveries may be arranged Monday through Friday by contacting online@wendyfoster.com. Skype/FaceTime consultations are available to discuss styles. Free shipping on purchases over $200.

William Laman Furniture and Garden Antiques

805-969-2840 www.williamlaman.com Sophisticated and functional antiques, accessories, and garden décor on sale with free shipping available on select items online. Deliveries may be arranged by staff based on availability. A virtual consultation and curbside pick-up may be scheduled by calling the store directly.

•MJ MONTECITO JOURNAL

43

JERRY (Continued from page 12)

property and not physical loss of the property; however, the actual policy language is key here. What is physical loss of the property? The physical loss of your property means that you have lost the functional use of your property. The insurance companies protest that a policyholder needs to show some sort of tangible physical damage to its property in order for the insurance coverage to apply.

In fact, in liability insurance policies, the insurance companies define property damage to mean “physical injury to tangible property.” In effect, they are trying to import that definition into their property policies where it may not exist. There is ample case law in California that physical loss means loss of function and that the policy language is at a minimum, ambiguous. The general rule of thumb is that ambiguous insurance policy language written by an insurance company is construed in favor of the policyholder.

These may sound like arcane distinctions, but they can mean the difference between coverage and no coverage for your losses.

Not only are these property policies all risk policies, but once you satisfy the threshold of showing physical loss of or physical damage to the covered property, the burden of proof then shifts to the insurance company to show that an exclusion or a limitation can be used by them to try to avoid your rights to your coverage, i.e. paying you. The party charged with the burden of proof has to show that their interpretation is more likely than not. In our experience a tie typically goes to the policyholder.

44 MONTECITO JOURNAL

In this context, coverage for business interruption and lost income often is due to an Order of Civil Authority that prohibits access to your business premises.

In California today, we are all subject to an Order of Civil Authority issued by the Governor on or about March 15, 2020, directing that we shelter in place. As a consequence, there are tremendous income losses incurred by many businesses. Some property policies have coverage extensions that are designed to cover lost business income incurred by necessary compliance with an Order of Civil Authority, but you must carefully examine the terms and conditions. Depending on that language

refers to the inability to access your business premises because of some unforeseen cause. One example given by the insurance industry, believe it or not, is when the circus comes to town and an elephant parks himself or herself in front of your store and customers cannot get into your store. Clearly, you can’t get in and you can’t get out. That incident would fall under ingress/ egress coverage.

This coverage extension can be a companion to business loss due to of an Order of Civil Authority. For example, if the 101 is closed and people cannot access your business. But again, beware potential arguments from the insurance company that the inability to access your property

When it comes to the unusual circumstance of the insurance implications of this pandemic we are at the start of a long judicial and legislative process, but the first step is to pull out your property insurance policy and read the policy language.

in your policy, the insurance company may still argue that the Order of Civil Authority be connected to physical damage.

We have been down this path before. For example, after 9/11, the New York City Mayor closed downtown NYC to traffic and services.

Although the attack was on the West Side of NYC, the Order of Civil Authority also included the East Side of NYC which had not been physically damaged. Businesses located on the East Side also lost substantial business as a result of the Order and had to challenge their insurance companies to recover their damages.

The coverage extension for an Order of Civil Authority often specifies that it only applies where your property is located within a specified distance of other property directly affected by the Order of Civil Authority. For example, some property policies only provide coverage for property that has lost business because of an Order of Civil Authority if they are within five miles, or adjacent to or within 1,000 feet of another property directly affected by the Order of Civil Authority. These geographic limitations raise a novel question in this context where an entire state is enveloped by the same Order of Civil Authority.

What is ingress/egress coverage?

Ingress/egress coverage is another coverage extension sometimes included in a property policy that

was the result of physical damage elsewhere.

What is Dependent Properties coverage?

Dependent Properties coverage is, in effect, coverage for losses caused by damage to properties in your supply chain. Generally, these are properties owned by third parties which you depend upon to provide materials necessary to run your business or to receive your product. Where these dependent properties experience loss or damage from a covered cause that then impacts your business, you may be able to recover under dependent properties coverage.

Dependent properties may seem like an elusive concept. Here are two real life examples. First, a magazine publisher hires a printer who suffers an ice storm and cannot print the magazine. The magazine publisher’s income losses due to the inability of its supplier to print and deliver the magazine are covered by the Dependent Property coverage. Second, a local private school loses tuition income as a result of the mudslides and the evacuation of its students’ homes. The homes are the Dependent Properties upon which the school relies to “supply” its students.

Do property policies contain any exclusions that get the insurance company off the hook?

Maybe – it will depend on the

“I’ve always wanted to go to Switzerland to see what the army does with those wee red knives.” – Billy Connolly

terms and conditions of your particular policy and the circumstances of your loss. Here are some exclusions attempted by insurance companies in the context of Coronavirus to-date.

Virus Exclusions

The most prevalent and most difficult exclusion to wrestle with is some form of a virus exclusion that specifically contains the term “virus.” We have seen many versions of virus exclusions in the policies that we have examined and they are by no means universal. There are also some insurance policies that provide specific, though often heavily sub-limited coverage for damages caused by a virus or by communicable diseases. We shall leave it to the courts to determine the extent to which these provisions expand or limit coverage.

Loss of Market

A loss of market exclusions refers to damages caused by loss of market or unfavorable business conditions.

For example, if a competitor comes to town and takes away some of your business, that’s the way it goes and that lost business is not usually covered by your property insurance policy. On the other hand, a loss of market exclusion should not take away coverage because of lost business caused by a covered event such as a fire.

Pollution Exclusion

Some insurance companies may also try to rely upon a traditional pollution exclusion to defeat coverage. If your policy contains a pollution exclusion, you should carefully examine the scope of its language and whether “pollutant” is a defined term – that could be construed to include a pandemic.

The Insurance Implications are Only Just Beginning

We are aware of at least 15 coverage actions on file in various courts throughout the country raising many of the issues discussed in this article and that number is growing each week. In addition, legislation has been proposed at the Federal level and in various states to cover losses that would otherwise be paid for by insurance. When it comes to the unusual circumstance of the insurance implications of this pandemic we are at the start of a long judicial and legislative process, but the first step is to pull out your property insurance policy and read the policy language.

•MJ 30 April – 7 May 2020

Thoughts of Gratitude

805 STRONG

The Montecito Journal invites you to publicly recognize and thank the many frontline and some of the less obvious heroes of our community who, at great personal risk, are working to provide the many vital services we depend on to keep us safe.

Your thoughtful message will be printed and delivered to 15,000 homes and stands in and around Montecito, Summerland, Carpinteria and Santa Barbara.

Logos and photos are welcome too!

Deadline: Sunday evening for that week’s paper

SIZES OF GRATITUDE:

• FULL PAGE 9"x 12" • HALF PAGE 9"x 6" • 1/4 PAGE 5"x 6" • 1/6 PAGE 5"x 4" • 1/8 PAGE 5"x 3"

"Thank you to the UPS, Post Office and FedEx delivery men and women in our area who ensure we receive everything we need during this period of isolation. David and Mary Bates."

“Mr. and Mrs Jones wish to extend profound gratitude to Maria and everyone at the bakery for getting up at 4am every day to make our bread.”

For more information please contact:

James Darnborough | JamesD@MontecitoJournal.net | 805.895.9338

30 April – 7 May 2020

93108

• The Voice of the Village •

Thank you for your support!

MONTECITO JOURNAL

45

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING (805) 565-1860 MORTGAGE SERVICES REVERSE MORTGAGE SERVICES Purchase and Refinance Products Ask about the new Jumbo Reverse Equity Line.

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ITEMS FOR SALE TRESOR

Klutter Kutters of Santa Barbara.

Now running errands! Organize, DeKlutter, Move. We are Comprehensive Senior Move Management Specialists. Call Karen and Pam at 805-669-6303 www.KlutterKutters.com MOVING MISS DAISY

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY LET’S CONNECT! #follow @molasses_jones on Instagram Send ca$h support: 5708 Hollister #258, Goleta, CA 93117

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.

ESTATE/SENIOR SERVICES THE CLEARING HOUSE, LLC

French Lessons All levels & ages welcome.

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46 MONTECITO JOURNAL

PHYSICAL TRAINING

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

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by The National Assoc Of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) and The American Society of Estate Liquidators (ASEL).

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SPECIAL SERVICES

FRIENDS, CLIENTS, and CUSTOMERS During these uncertain times and in the immediate future, we will not be hosting Estate Sales. The safety and health of the community is our priority. Let’s continue to look out for each other!

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

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

er’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

Grocery shopping delivery services & errands available!

Stay home stay safe www.sbgroceryrun.com Patricia Guerrera 805-637-6334

$8 minimum

REMOTE TRAINING AVAILABLE Customized workouts and nutritional guidance for any lifestyle.

Individual/group sessions.

Specialized in corrective exercise – injury prevention and post surgery. House calls available. Victoria Frost- CPT & CES 805-895-9227

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.

STEVEN BROOKS JEWELERS Appraisals for Estates and Insurance Graduate Gemologist ~ Established 1974 Sales of Custom Designed and Estate Jewelry Purchasing Estates sbjewelers@gmail.com or 805-455-1070

DONATIONS NEEDED Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary Menagerie 2340 Lillie Avenue Summerland CA 93067 (805) 969-1944 Donate to the Parrot Pantry!

At SB Bird Sanctuary, backyard farm-

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD

It’s Simple. Charge is $2 per line, each line with 31 characters.

Minimum is $8 per week/issue. Photo/logo/visual is an additional $20 per issue.

Email text to frontdesk@montecitojournal.net or call (805) 565-1860 and we will respond with a cost.

Deadline for inclusion is Monday before 2 pm.

We accept Visa/MasterCard/Amex “If you’re going to tell people the truth, be funny or they’ll kill you.” – Billy Wilder

Over 25 Years in Montecito

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ADVERTISE IN THE LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY (805) 565-1860

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BUSINESS CARDS FOR VOL 20#48, 10, ’14 RealDec Estate Appraisals

The Result is in Our Name Proudly serving the Santa Barbara area for over 30 years, Blue Water Pools offers comprehensive pool, spa, and fountain service for both commercial and residential clients

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Take-Out Meals From Moll Take-Out Mollie Take-Out Meals FromMeals Mollie’sFrom On State!

Alltasty Mollie’s tastysoups, soups, fromMine Min All ofofMollie’s from All of Mollie’s soups, fromtasty Minestrone to Lentil different oneto tochoose choose from) areav (8(8 different (8 different one to chooseone from) are available atfrom) $7 per are serving.

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Ciao! Stay safe and healthy!

Ciao!

Staysafe safeand andhealt hea Ciao!

Stay

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• The Voice of the Village •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

47

Harmony 4.01 Carat Cushion Cut Platinum Ring with Pink Diamonds

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