3 minute read
Summerland Buzz
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
Kara Richard: Summerland Salon & Spa Q . With COVID-19 changing the way we interact as a community, how are you making it work through this difficult time and do you have any tips to share?
A. Here at the Summerland Salon & Spa, we’ve worked together as a team to think of innovative ways to stay in touch with our clients. One of those ideas was to create Virtual Salon & Spa experiences. Through consultations, facial and hair care kits, and coaching sessions, we are able to take care of our clients by video chat. This has been so much fun for all of us, and we love being able to still serve our community!
What is your favorite memory of living in Summerland?
Summerland has always been a hidden gem to me. I love how peaceful it is, and I feel so grateful to be able to live in and co-own a business in this little town.
My favorite memory of Summerland was when we had our first Summerland Block Party two years ago. It was incredible to see all our local businesses come together to create such a fun day. It was also the salon’s one-year anniversary, so it was definitely a special day for us.
Kara Richard of the Summerland Salon & Spa
Q. What special memories do you have of Summerland?
A. My fondest memories of the Summerland community come from when I first became a mother. Summerland is a wonderful family town and Summerland Elementary was (and still is) a wonderful school. Families would get together at The Nugget and at the beach. Cafe Luna was a hub, but unfortunately it closed. As a single, active woman, I adore the Summerland scenery – the beach, homes, and surrounding nature trails and vistas. And without the traffic, there’s one less complaint in our lives! Without the draw to Santa Barbara, many of us are much more content.
How is the coronavirus impacting your life?
The global pandemic is producing horrible effects with loss of lives, healthcare workers and farmers overworking, food waste, the prison and nursing home situations and economic disasters beyond imagination.
April 29 was day 29 of my furlough from work from Sansum Clinic. For most of my life, I have been an individual who tended to completely fill my life with work and pre/post-raising family I was engaged in many social events, especially planning my Meetup group: Santa Barbara Food and Farm Adventures. I also attended lectures, films, music events.
With all of these events gone, I am surprised how content I am. I am enjoying being more mindful, patient, and spontaneous. Time is a luxury. I am appreciating the various acts of
Gerri French, Clinical Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Educator
kindness I see in our world and my own ability to take time for others – sewing masks, cooking and sharing food (thank you farmers and people working in our food stores), exchanging jigsaw puzzles, social distance coffee dates and walks with friends. I am meditating, hiking, biking, doing yoga, and swimming in the ocean. I am also reading more than I ever have since my college years – all sorts of books I have collected. And watching a variety of films – I love many of the films Roger Durling has been recommending.
I will look forward to eating out with friends, going to thrift stores, and hugging people. •MJ
In times like these gardens provide comfort and joy Thank you for staying home and enjoying yours Chris and Lisa Cullen Montecito Landscape Filling gardens with joy for 50 years
