Our Town

by Joanne A. Calitri

Joanne is the News Correspondent for the Montecito Journal since 2002. If you have a story for this column kindly call the office at 805-565-1860 with your name and contact info. Gen X’ers NEXT Tech: Windows That Power Buildings

Technology, at the Four Seasons Biltmore Coral Casino Montecito, presented by power technologies. on renewable energy technology and identifying organic solar as the research the best (and top ranked) Materials Department in the world.

Growing up on the beach and in the water in Carpinteria helped forge a the intersection of environment and economics at UC Santa Cruz and Stanford and ultimately, my whole career. My work has been focused on driving practical and innovative solutions to climate change. Whether in a policy or advocacy role at nonprofits, like Environment Now Foundation or Energy Independence Now, working to shape policy to drive investment and adoption of new sustainable technologies, or in an operational role implementing these solutions for clients while at Innovo Energy Solutions or with a portfolio of commercial buildings in Los Angeles. I volunteer on the Boards of the Environmental Defense Center in Santa Barbara and the UCLA Law Institute on Climate Change and the Environment. My belief is that so much critical work and systemic change still needs to occur to protect our natural environment both on the Central Coast and in the much broader fight against climate change.

For me, NEXT Energy is truly the culmination of years of work at the intersection of energy and environment. Empowering windows and glass facades to produce onsite renewable energy for buildings is such an elegant and compelling way to make the built environment part of the climate solution. I was lucky enough to meet Corey just as he was working to spin the technology out of UC Santa Barbara’s #1 Materials Department. We were introduced by a family friend, Michael Crooke, the former CEO of Patagonia, who was aware of my work on energy and buildings. Michael had heard about Corey’s groundbreaking work and his winning idea coming out of the Technology Management Program. It’s been a great match, and we’ve worked exceptionally well together

The NEXT team with inventor Corey Hoven (third from right in the back row) with their prototype solar Where are the materials sourced and manufactured? window for commercial buildings winning the Most Disruptive Technology Award from the Pacific Coast We source most of our materials from third-party chemical suppliers. Our Business Times and UC Santa Barbara Office of Technology & Industry Alliances proprietary semiconducting materials are synthesized at our facilities in Santa

Our town’s innovative business, Next Energy Technologies Inc. (NEXT), a Barbara and we are manufacturing our prototype windows here as well. solar technology company with the motto “Windows Power Buildings” is co-founded by Gen-X’ers Corey Hoven PhD, Chief Technology Aesthetics, economy, and renewable energy? Officer, from Montana and Daniel Emmett CEO from Carpinteria and a Cate NEXT’s invisible solar technology is seamlessly integrated into windows and School graduate. It was Corey’s research and studies in Materials Science, glass facades, allowing buildings to power themselves with clean, cost-effecorganic photovoltaics, with a dose of Anthropology studies on the barriers to tive, solar energy solution, thereby reducing their carbon footprint and making sustainable renewable energy, where his research team won the UCSB 2010 New buildings resilient and energy independent. Our technology is based on organic Venture Competition that became NEXT in 2011, and prompted a meeting with semiconductors, which have the unique ability to absorb infrared light, but Daniel. An early investor and a long time NEXT Board member is Montecito have increased transmission in the visible spectra. This is not something posresident, Jim Dehlsen, former head and founder of Clipper Windpower. sible with conventional photovoltaics and allows significant energy generation

NEXT won the 2019 Central Coast Innovation Award for Most Disruptive with little to no aesthetic impact to the window. The Pacific Coast Business Times in collaboration with UC Santa Barbara Office of Sales and distribution date and cost? Technology & Industry Alliances. Other awards include the Wells Fargo Innovation We anticipate ready for a sales and distribution date in 2022 (full production). Incubator Award, the Municipal Green Building Conference Sustainable Cities Tech Smaller scale production (pilot) in the second half of 2021. By 2030 California Challenge Award, the Hanely Wood HIVE 50 Award, the South Coast Business & Efficiency Strategic Energy Plan includes 100% of new commercial buildings Technology Awards Rising Star Award 2019, and a $2,500,000 award from the U.S. will be designed to zero net energy standards. An estimate with NEXT winDepartment of Energy’s SunShot Initiative Technology to Market funding program dows is producing up to 60% of the building’s energy load. This dual use of the (T2M3) to accelerate the research and development of next generation solar window makes our solar technology extremely cost competitive.

Diving into a phone and e-interview with Daniel, Corey, and Jeff Horowitz, Is this projected for residential? Director of Business Development and Partnerships: NEXT is primarily focused on the commercial building sector due to the

Q. Corey, what was your core inspiration to research organic light emitting diodes applications for our technology in the residential market for smart window and photovoltaics in terms of device design, and overall renewable energy? applications that can benefit from the same core technology we’ve developed

A. I’ve been passionate about renewable energy ever since I was a kid. I grew for buildings. For example, our transparent solar coatings could be printed up in Missoula, Montana. In grade school I built a scale model of my granddirectly onto residential window glass to provide onboard power for (smart) father’s wave energy system he designed before he passed away including a windows in your home that have some sort of built-in functionality (e.g. IoT 300-gallon water tank to test it. I earned my B.S. in Physics in 2005, focusing sensors, dynamic tinting, or automatic open and close). area I wanted to pursue, and a B.S. in Anthropology at the same time, focusing Is this U.S. based sales only? on barriers to sustainable energy development, at Southern Oregon University. We plan to roll out globally. Our business model is to sell our technology, I came to the UCSB materials department to pursue my PhD because that was materials, and coating services to glass manufacturers and window fabricators the best place to make progress on organic solar. It didn’t hurt that it was also through license agreements.

The world urgently needs solutions to global warming and this one is a game What’s next for NEXT, in one year, five years, and by 2030? changer. Buildings consume 40% of the world’s energy. Organic semiconducWe are laser-focused this year on passing reliability and industry certification tors were invented at UCSB by Alan Heeger, which has some amazing propertests, and demonstrating pilot manufacturing with our supply chain partners. ties including the unique ability to fabricate photovoltaics that are transparent We’re also looking to close another round of financing from a combination to the human eye. I went to graduate school at UCSB to study those semiconof corporate strategics, venture firms, family offices, real estate owners, and ductors because I believed in the promise they held. We had a lot of work we developer. In a few years we anticipate being in full-scale production with our had to accomplish, but we are finally extremely close to production. However, I U.S. fabrication partner and in a position to commercialize with top window am really just one piece of an absolutely amazing technical team that is equally manufacturers and in coordination with leading construction, glazing partners, as passionate about this technology and fighting climate change as I am. and architecture and development customers. In addition, we are aware of

Daniel, talk about your pursuit of renewable energy and partnering with Corey? it so when it is ready to implement we will test how it fits into our windows.

since the company’s inception. enormous market opportunity and environmental impact. That said, there are “bird safe” windows in commercial buildings and are tracking the progress of strong connection to the natural environment for me, and drove my studies at 411: https://www.nextenergytech.com •MJ 2 – 9 July 2020 • The Voice of the Village • MONTECITO JOURNAL 41

LETTERS (Continued from page 29) commitments and accomplishments: the choices you have made throughout your life to qualify you for consideration to speak to us readers. And we accepted and embraced you because of your history and your history of choices.

Floyd and Rayshard too have a history of choices they have made. And by their history of choosing drugs and alcohol and disregarding our civil authorities, and their history of jail and prison as criminals and as dangerous to society, they both chose to put themselves into the hands of law enforcement time and again. And sometimes got caught. They made mistakes, cops make mistakes, I make mistakes, you make mistakes… But most of us learn to not do it again and go a different direction.

What the cop did to Floyd was grievous and we all agree that this particular cop was and will be punished by law enforcement.

But to conclude that because all people are flawed, therefore Floyd and Rayshard and your own history Gwyn, have no bearing on how you are known by us today is ludicrous. So, because Floyd and Rayshard and all people are flawed, Floyd and Rayshard can present us with their criminal histories and now be the Editor of The Montecito Journal? Or your housekeeper? Or babysitter? Or Accountant? Or your Husband?

I hear what you are trying to say, but you’ve used a canon instead of a fly swatter to kill one little fly.

I hope you and yours are doing well during these difficult days of Covid19 and Protests.

Roberta-Anne Bernard

Heads Up

Regardless of your politics, Montecito needs to know SBUSD and SB City Council passed BLACK LIVES MATTERS DEMANDS that were privately agreed to in advance of public meetings behind closed doors. Unlawful agreements. Do you care?

Healing Justice is BLM. As stated on its social media accounts, it is affiliated with National BLM the source of its DEMANDS, training, funding, and marching orders. Nationally, Shaun King calls the shots to be implemented locally by Krystal Farmer Siegart, former SBCC Student Trustee.

After agreements are obtained for locals to meet “Demands,” statutes, renaming of schools and streets, churches are targets. Anti-Semitic attacks on Jews started June 2 in the Fairfax District. Destruction of private property is on-going.

On the record, SB Mayor Murillo outright lied multiple times to resident Sullivan Israel, to me, colleagues and constituents to intentionally mislead the public and destroy any remain42 MONTECITO JOURNAL ing trust in leadership. She stated the City’s demand agreements were not with BLM. Concurrently, ‘BLM Healing Justice’ posts victory of its control of both City and school board.

Intimidation, humiliation, threats and shutting off Freedom of Speech was the successful MO implemented for 20 months by Krystal to take control of SBCC, before she left for Germany. The SBCC Foundation Donors chose to ignore or support.

This movement has little to do with black prejudice, discrimination, and the multiple injustices which MUST be fixed. Rather, the goal of BLM is to ‘destroy to transform’ America.

BLM Healing Justice is recruiting local kids with stipends now for leadership positions. Follow BLM Healing Justice, Darcel Elliott/ Das Williams, and leadership media posts. Heads Up.

Denice S Adams

Might Makes Right or Do Black Lives Matter

I am outraged by the blatant disregard for life the “American police force” demonstrates. I say “American police force,” because all of the city police forces are similar. We have seen the bad behavior across our country from law enforcement in innumerable cities. All the individual police departments seem to act as one, as if they were a brotherhood, a club. Not only are their militaristic methods similar, the brutality appears over and over across our nation.

Just a few of the events we’ve seen in recent days are the choking a man to death, pushing a 75-year-old man over backwards so he cracked his head on the street, beating peaceful protesters with batons, gassing peaceful protesters, pulling the mask off a protester and spraying him in the face with mace, smashing the car window of two young people and tasing them, twisting the arms of arrested protesters, slashing car tires in a K-Mart parking lot, ramming protesters with police cars, police drawing their guns and threatening to shoot protesters, and all in order to cause pain and punishment to people who are exercising their constitutional rights. These are just a sampling of the abuses we’ve witnessed, not to mention those which have taken place behind the scene. These cops see protesters as the enemy, rather than the upholders of our civil rights.

There are not just a few bad apples. The problem is systemic and the rot goes all the way to the core. The entire system of policing in the U.S. is corrupt. Police officers of every precinct are trained to take down dangerous criminals, but that is the tactic they use against descent citizens as well, and against mild law breakers undeserving of death at the hands of those who have taken an oath to protect us. Perhaps the majority of police officers are not bad, but the system and the culture in which they operate is. It allows abuse with impunity. Even those cops who do not commit the crimes directly are often complicit in supporting the evil-doers by lying, covering up, under-reporting or keeping silent.

Applauding “good cops” at a time such as this, when there are so many bad ones, does nothing to change the system and stop the abusive culture. If a cop is good, let that officer show it by opposing the bad ones and exposing that criminal cop, not by supporting his or her behavior. In the case of the Floyd murder, the other officers should have had the authority to restrain and stop the “so-called” rogue cop. And the next step should have been to arrest him for attempted murder before Floyd was choked to death. Of course, this is laughable under the present system. The “cop club” would never allow it. The police force supported by the police union and even the judicial system would not agree to that. Good cops who did take appropriate action and “whistle-blow” would not be protected. They would be ostracized and rejected by the other officers, and would be run out of the department.

The culture of “might makes right” is so entrenched in our police force, that officers feel empowered to operate without consequence. Those who do so are “legal thugs.” Those committing these terrible crimes have continued to do so for so many years that abuse of citizens has become a normalcy in their ranks. But murder is murder, abuse is abuse, whether that behavior comes from a private citizen or from an officer of the law. I am convinced, if any citizen committed the terrible abuses we now see openly by police on TV and internet, that citizen would find a new home in San Quentin. And that is where many cops belong. Where is their punishment?

Over and over, we hear that it is just a few bad apples. But we have had a bad situation for as many years as I can remember in my 69 years. We have heard complaints, but there was always an explanation for the abuse by cops as witnesses for their own kind. Now we are able to see it first hand in the cell phone movies. And still we hear the explanations from cops: “The old man tripped,” “the assailant attacked me,” the man pulled a gun on me.” We never hear: “I pushed him” or “he pulled a cell phone on me” or “he pulled a hairbrush on me.” Why is that? If the police abuse we have seen on TV since the demonstrations these past weeks is any indication of police work, then we can guess what goes on behind the scene and in normal times when no cameras are rolling.

The present system of law enforcement must be broken. Their military tactics must be broken. Bad cops must be broken. The entire system must be dismantled, and only after thoughtful consideration and care, should it be rebuilt.

We’ve seen some recent accountability of officers charged with felonies. That is a step in the right direction, but it must go much further. Even as the days pass since the event which set the present revolution into being, more and more cops are committing terrible crimes against citizens.

An entirely new system must emerge with better officers and a better culture. Police must continue to be trained to fight hardened criminals, but they must also be trained to deal with decent people, as most of us are. The change of law enforcement should start with suspending every police officer and having him or her reapply for the job under heavy scrutiny. Those who are re-hired receive bonuses, the others can find work elsewhere. If each police department did this with ten officers at a time, the police force could continue to operate during the transition. While this process would be in progress, necessary changes to laws would also have to be enacted to build a whole new police culture in which police are not elite, and certainly not above the law. It would be a much healthier environment for people to trust police, than fear them, as so many of us do, even being white.

But it is not only our law enforcement system which needs overhauling. Our entire legal system, judicial, prison and probation systems need overhauling as well. And we citizens share the guilt. There is a lack of opportunity in poor communities, and that is more likely to lead to criminal behavior. If the privileged offered more opportunities to those in need, there would be less reason to resort to crime. And it is also clear that the smallest infraction by certain groups of our society is more punishable than that committed by others. Our entire society needs to change and become more compassionate to the underprivileged.

I am so proud of the young people of this country who have taken to the streets in such force in the cause of Black Live Matter. My faith in the country of my birth, which had been waning over the past decades, has been restored by this movement. I thank each of you. I hope change is coming, and I commit to supporting an overhaul of our laws and institutions to ensure that this appalling history of injustice ends.

Haik Hakobian •MJ 2 – 9 July 2020

VILLAGE BEAT (Continued from page 12) COVID-19 in Montecito

Last week two popular restaurants on Coast Village Road closed their doors temporarily out of an abundance of caution, as a staff member at one of the restaurants tested positive for COVID-19. Lucky’s and Tre Lune, both owned by Gene Montesano, closed on Thursday, June 25; they are both expected to be reopened by the end of this week. “Although we were not required to close, we did so in the interest of the safety of our guests and staff,” said Lucky’s GM Leonard Schwartz.

Schwartz reports that a staff member at Lucky’s reported to management last week that he had possibly been exposed to the virus outside of the restaurant, and he did not return to work pending his test results. Once his test came back positive, management decided to close the restaurant and instructed all 65 staff members to get tested. As of press time there have been no other positive cases at the restaurant. Since Lucky’s reopened earlier in June, every staff member is required to have their temperature taken before each shift, and wear face masks and gloves in addition to social distancing. One staff member on every shift is also responsible for extensive surface cleaning, wiping down tables and chairs and other high-touch surfaces between guest seatings, Schwartz said. Lucky’s will reopen as soon as a minimal number of staff reports negative test results, so the restaurant can be fully staffed before reopening, which is expected by the weekend.

Over at Tre Lune, a staff member also reported that he had been exposed to someone outside of work and felt sick; his test ultimately came back negative but management felt it was the right thing to do to close the eatery and send staff for testing. Tre Lune is expected to reopen in the coming days.

In the Upper Village, a staff member at Montecito Village Grocery had a close family member come down with the virus; because the staff member had no symptoms, he was not able to get a COVID-19 test, but was assumed positive and was quarantined out of an abundance of caution. Grocery owners Michael and Roxy Lawler tell us no other staff members have tested positive for the virus. “Because we are considered an essential business, we’ve been dealing with this proactively since the beginning of the pandemic,” Roxy said, adding that every staff member is required to have their temperature taken before each shift, and masks and gloves are mandatory. “We are taking this very seriously,” she said. All customers are also required to wear masks while shopping, and maintain six feet of 2 – 9 July 2020

Lucky’s on Coast Village Road closed temporarily last week due to a staff member’s positive COVID19 test. The eatery will reopen later this week.

social distance from staff and other shoppers. The Lawlers tell us the store is sanitized extensively throughout the day, and they believe that the precautions they take are effective, Laguna Blanca’s Kindergarten Instructor and 2020 Faculty Excellence Award winner, Mieke Delwiche, is given they have not had any positive beloved by her students and fellow faculty members cases at the store. “These precautions Staff at The Montecito Club and the In addition to guiding her kinderwork if they are done effectively,” Sandpiper have been laid off. gartners, Delwiche is a natural leader Roxy said. Warner’s other Montecito resort, and is highly regarded by her peers

The number of COVID-19 cases San Ysidro Ranch, reopened in June. for her nearly 20 years of teaching in Santa Barbara County continues expertise. This was especially apparto rise, with cases in unincorporated Santa Barbara County (which includes Montecito and Summerland) Kindergarten Instructor Honored ent this year when Laguna made the quick shift to remote learning in March. Her leadership as a certified at 51 cases as of press time. The City “Creative. Passionate. Dedicated.” Seesaw Ambassador was instrumenof Santa Barbara has seen 284 cases as These are the words most frequenttal in keeping the learning going withof press time. This Wednesday, July 1, ly used to describe Laguna Blanca’s out interruption. She quickly became Health Officer Henning Ansorg has Kindergarten Instructor and 2020 the go-to person for many as she ordered the closure of all bars, pubs, Faculty Excellence Award winner, continued to eagerly share and impleand breweries due to the increasing Mieke Delwiche. Since 2009, Delwiche ment technology tips and tutorials number of cases. has ushered in scores of youngsters to that eased the minds of staff members

For up-to-date information about Laguna while opening their hearts and and families as they moved to sucCOVID-19 in the County, visit www. minds to a love of learning. cessful online learning. publichealthsbc.org. Always holding herself to the highKindergarten is a special milestone est expectations, Delwiche has the year, for both children and parents. Biltmore’s Future Uncertain enviable ability to offer an integrated, thematic curriculum that balances rigor with engagement. “Through a As an expert blogger and vlogger, Delwiche keeps parents well-informed with exactly what’s happening in the

Rumors have been swirling about range of activities that spark wonclassroom. Parents can regularly see the extended closure of Montecito’s der, she encourages her students to their kindergartener in action with Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore, explore, inquire, and imagine,” says her daily blog posts. This strong parwhich has been closed since March colleague and Second Grade Instructor ent-teacher connection is so important due to the pandemic. Hotels in the Mrs. Vance. and appreciated by Delwiche’s kincounty were cleared to reopen on Perhaps the most rewarding praise dergarten parents. Friday, June 12, but the Biltmore’s comes from First Grade Instructor Native to Carpinteria, Delwiche doors have remained closed, leaving Elyse Vanetti, who considers herpursued a bilingual teaching credenstaff members and nearby locals wonself lucky to be the recipient of stutial at the University of San Diego dering what the future holds for the dents taught by Delwiche. “Mieke’s before returning home and teaching iconic resort. students enter my classroom with a for five years in a bilingual class

We’re told that existing reservastrong foundation in reading, writing, room at Canalino Elementary School. tions have been canceled through and mathematical skills,” explains During that time, she earned her July 15, and any new reservations Vanetti. “They are already reading, Master’s in Education from Cal are not being booked until 2021, which is not the norm for beginning Lutheran University with an emphabut it’s unclear when the resort will first graders.” sis in teaching reading. Mieke and her reopen. Rumors range from an extenThe success of Delwiche’s students husband, John, have four children, sive remodel being planned, to an speaks to her many creative and and she has served as the beloved kinupcoming sale of the property, but engaging teaching styles. She is known dergarten teacher for her three youngour inquiries to public relations staff on campus as the “master of differenest children. have gone unanswered. Staff at the tiation,” making lessons accessible for The Laguna Blanca School Faculty Biltmore have all been furloughed, all. Gifted in identifying what each Excellence Award recognizes recipwith employee-sponsored benefits student needs in a lesson, she creates ients – nominated by their peers – paid through June 30. activities tailored to those individual for their demonstrated excellence in

Senior leaders of the Four Seasons needs. According to her colleagues, teaching and their dedication to the report they are working with the ownit’s not unusual to walk into her classschool and its students. Thanks to ership of the resort on a reopening room and find six differentiated cenan endowment from alumni parents date, but nothing has been decidters where students are working interSteven and Marilyn Gutsche, recipied on as of press time. The Coral actively on concepts with the support ents receive a cash award and a $3,000 Casino, The Montecito Club, and they need to stretch their learning. The stipend for travel, workshops, equipSandpiper Golf Club, which are also extra care and attention Delwiche puts ment, and teaching materials. owned by Biltmore owner Ty Warner, into her classroom space provides a For information about Laguna remain closed as well, with members valuable immersive environment for Blanca’s programs, contact 805-687-2461 not paying dues during the closure. young learners. or visitwww.lagunablanca.org. •MJ • The Voice of the Village • MONTECITO JOURNAL 43

ENTERTAINMENT (Continued from page 11) tures a different superstar guest joinwho will perform on an elevated stage SANDS: Samonsky Sings Sinatra, which ing Messina, a veteran whose career on site, with hi-def video projected on stars Broadway leading man Andrew dates back to the 1960s with Buffalo four huge screens on all sides of the Samonsky crooning not only smoky Springfield, the 1970s band Poco, the stage. favorites from Ol’ Blue Eyes such smash hit duo Loggins & Messina

“Getting out and going somewhere as “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and a long solo career. John McFee and being with other people while and “Fly Me to the Moon,” but also from the Doobie Brothers, Messina’s watching a live performance in perSammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin and Santa Ynez Valley neighbor, drops son, even if you have to stay in your other famed singers of the era when in on August 17. Timothy B Schmit, car, just seemed like something that the Rat Pack ruled Las Vegas, martinis the bassist and vocalist for Poco and, was important to do,” Burns said. were the drink du jour, and the early later, the Eagles, shares the stage with “We’re so grateful we were able to find morning show at the Sands was the his former bandmate on August 18. people who are so talented and live place to be. Samonsky – who will be And Kenny Loggins, Messina’s forwithin drive-in distance who wanted backed by a nine-piece swing band mer neighbor in Montecito back in to help.” performing arrangements created by the 1980s and early 1990s, joins his

The series kicks off July 6-8 with the Quincy Jones – is a Ventura native former partner on August 19, echoing Drive-In Hits, starring Tony Awardwho has starred on Broadway and on the “Sittin’ In” sessions that launched winner Christian Hoff, Travis Cloer, PBS in South Pacific, The Mystery of Loggins’ career and spurred the duo and friends who have logged zillions Edwin Drood and others, most recently to great heights. of performances of Jersey Boys and a veteran of the National Tours of The “That’ll be really a landmark thing Million Dollar Quartet on Broadway Bridges of Madison County and Come to have those guys all together in and on the road. They’ll be offering From Away. situations we haven’t seen them for a their signature harmonies and smooth “We’re doing it as a kind of Vegas while,” Burns said in an understatemoves on selections from those setup so you get to feel the ambiance ment. shows as well as song cycles by Sam of the era,” Burns said. “Some band The series closes out on September Cooke, The Everly Brothers, Smokey members used to play with those 7-9 with MUSIC OF THE KNIGHTS: Robinson, and Brian Wilson. singers, so it’s just really cool, and The Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber,

“Hearing those kinds of tight harthere are also a lot of great multimeElton John, and Paul McCartney, pairing monies and a whole lot of songs that dia images so you really get the feel the trio of show and song superstars were a part of that era when the driveof Sinatra late night in Vegas, with based on the fact that each has earned in and hot cars and jukebox hits were his pals coming around to sit in with the British title of “Sir.” None other at their height just seemed like a sweet him.” than Ted Neeley, the original star way to start things off,” explained August 3-5’s offering is Forever of Broadway Jesus Christ Superstar, Burns, who conceived of, curated, or Plaid: The 30th Anniversary Concert, will be among those to interpret the co-created each of the entries. featuring a one-again updated concert knights’ night of music, which spans

July 20-22 brings 2AM AT THE version of the perennially popular such songs as “I Don’t Know How jukebox musical that finds its creto Love Him,” “Don’t Cry for Me, ator Stuart Ross responding to the Argentina,” “The Phantom of the moment. This special anniversary Opera,” “Circle of Life,” “Can You concert edition actually reunites some Feel the Love Tonight,” “Your Song,” of the original performers, creating a “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” double dose blast-from-the-past ver“Yesterday,” “Hey Jude,” and many sion of the show about four loveable more. Broadway stars Teri Bibb and nerds – friends from the high school Davis Gaines will be among the cast A.V. Club in the ‘50s – who dreamed delivering the hits. of becoming a guy group like their “We’re still signing up more singidols The Four Aces, but never made ers,” Burns said, adding that they’re it to their big concert when a bus crash about to book a vocalist from The Lion took their lives. For this show, they’ve King among others. “We want the cast been somehow summoned from the to be something spectacular, so we’re afterlife to bring a little heavenly harcustomizing the songs for the final mony to a discordant world and to cast.” make the album they never got to Burns emphasized that safety came make in life with songs delivered in first in all of the production decifour-part harmony including “Three sions, and all CDC guidelines will be Coins in the Fountain,” “Love is a observed for attendees, singers, and Many Splendored Thing,” and “Rags musicians. “There won’t be a backto Riches.” stage area, so the singers will also be “Stuart has written some new timewaiting in their cars and they’ll be ly dialogue where they’re coming brought to the stage one at a time and back to Earth in a way that’s related kept six feet apart. We’ve got drum to all the strife that’s happening in plexiglass between the performers so our world because we need a moment we can meet or exceed the state stanof harmony,” Burns said. “And it’s dards to be sure we would be taking amazing, because these guys who care of people.” were in the original show are now all kind of theater royalty, fantastic Tickets for the events range from $15 performers. For them to come back to $99.50. Visit www.rubicontheatre.org out there to do this thirty years later or call (805) 667-2900 for details, FAQs, is super fun.” reservations, and more information. Singer-songwriter fans should take note of the August 17-19 trio of conStream Three for Free certs, when it might be worth booking RTC has also another gift for theater space for all three nights, as the show, lovers this month by offering free titled Jimmy Messina and Friends, feaviewings of Arlene Hutton’s Nibroc 44 MONTECITO JOURNAL “Liberty is the breath of life to nations.” – George Bernard Shaw Trilogy via Vimeo recordings of the award winning works directed by the company’s own Katherine Farmer. Nibroc is a set of three plays about the challenges of a young couple living in Kentucky and Florida in the 1940s and early 1950s, following May and Raleigh from their meeting through the war years and then a decade into their marriage. Rubicon Theatre is able to share two free digital performances of each of the plays – Last Train to Nibroc, See Rock City, and Gulf View Drive – through the usually pay service DigitalTheatre.com, and they are the first U.S. company able to use the London-based platform. The plays star Erik Odom, Lily Nicksay, Sharon Sharth, Clarinda Ross, and Faline England, and will screen only twice over Vimeo over three successive weekend, July 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26. Register for the free screenings in advance at www.rubicontheatre. org/nibroc-trilogy.

ETC Easing Re-entry to Theater

Ensemble Theatre Company has announced a hybrid approach to cope with COVID for its upcoming 2020- 21 season, which will consist of four plays, including spring productions of American Son and Tenderly that were originally scheduled for the previous season that was interrupted by the pandemic closures. The remaining two plays are reportedly set to be one-person shows playing to a sparse house to meet social distancing requirements. The titles and the specific show dates for the season will be announced closer to reopening, which as of now is still planned for October. Due to potential reductions in seating capacity to meet pandemic rules, all performances will initially be offered only by general admission, but ETC is selling new flex passes that provide the same discount and benefits as its normal subscriptions. Pass holders who for whatever reason prefer to attend from home will have access to each production, which are said to be mounted with open end dates, via live streaming.

While the virus has certainly created havoc with programming, the postponement of American Son, which artistic director Jonathan Fox had just begun rehearsing when the stay-athome order was announced, might be a case of fortunate timing as the work by Christopher Demos-Brown – which is about the family strife, racial tensions, sexism, and potential police brutality issues that arise when an African-American mother reports to her local Florida police station that her teenage son is missing – takes on added timeliness in the wake of the current Black Lives Matter protests and anti-racism movement. Call the ETC box office at (805) 965-5400 or visit www.etcsb.org/boxoffice/sub scriptions. •MJ 2 – 9 July 2020