Montecito's Year in Review 2015

The best things in life are

MINEARDS’ MISCELLANY

FREE 31 Dec 2015 – 7 Jan 2016 Vol 21 Issue 52

The Voice of the Village

S SINCE 1995 S

Alec Sherwin’s origami wreath puts 18-year-old in the fold with Children’s Action Network, p. 6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, P.8 • SEEN AROUND TOWN, P.14 • ON ENTERTAINMENT, P.32

MONTECITO’S YEAR IN REVIEW

2015

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

• The Voice of the Village •

31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 5 Editorial

For part three of MJ’s Montecito Mysteries series, Chris Sneddon of SB County Public Works and Dick Shaikewitz from Montecito Water District Board provide insightful answers

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Montecito Miscellany

Gigi Hadid and Victoria’s Secret; Portia de Rossi dishes about dieting; George Lucas on fatherhood; ETC welcomes Charlie Rohlfs; Dick Law’s Law & Order; student Alec Sherwin; PAL holiday dinner; Leslie Ridley-Tree hosts party; gypsy jazz at SB museum; and sold-out show honors the queen

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Letters to the Editor

Paul Musgrove’s sign language; Ray Link writes about Caruso and McCaw projects; Mary Anne Williams on the menu; Dolores Johnson revs up about Motor Classic; and David McCalmont sounds off about students and the future

10 Village Beat

Kelly Mahan reflects on action-packed and controversial 2015, with a comprehensive chronicle of Montecito businesses, projects and plans, retirements, anniversaries, Westmont College, and more

14 Seen Around Town

Lynda Millner attends the United Way’s Red Feather Ball; Lobero Theatre Associates serve up tea; and Casa del Herrero board’s thank-you party

32 On Entertainment

Steven Libowitz reports on 10 instrumentalists from MAW; Opera SB expands residency program; and Ojai music fest

33 Legal Advertising 34 Your Westmont

The college’s board of trustees welcomes a trio of members: Dave Gehring, Tom Nguyen, and Jim Richardson

36 Classified Advertising

Our very own “Craigslist” of classified ads, in which sellers offer everything from summer rentals to estate sales

Choose a real estate team with the knowledge that matters.

37 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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• The Voice of the Village •

31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

Editorial

Building

by Bob Hazard

Mr. Hazard is an Associate Editor of this paper and a former president of Birnam Wood Golf Club

Montecito Mysteries Unraveled: Part 3

O

Peace of

Mind

ver the last two weeks, we have heard from Rick Caruso (Miramar); Craig McCaw (Peabody’s on Coast Village Road); mayor Helene Schneider (Cabrillo Interchange and Olive Mill Interchange on the 101); and Caltrans District 5 director Timothy Gubbins (widening of the 101).

This week, Chris Sneddon, deputy director of the Transportation Division for Santa Barbara County Public Works, and Dick Shaikewitz, president of the Montecito Water District Board (MWD) weigh in.

Chris Sneddon

Q: Ortega Ridge Road, which has been closed since November 20, is a main emergency evacuation route for residents between State 192 (East Valley Road) and the Sheffield interchange to the 101, and to the Summerland community with its Evans and the North Padaro Lane interchanges.

When will Ortega Ridge Road be re-opened? Are the cracks down the middle of the road an indication of dangerous ground shifts that make the road unsafe for the future?

Any estimate of either time or cost for a repair?

A: We are working to get one lane open to traffic in the next four to six weeks.

This work includes getting a gas meter and lateral moved, then grading the north shoulder to accommodate traffic. There will be stop signs with reversing controls (cars approach, stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear, then go).

The cracks are a result of the roadway embankment failing. It cannot support the weight of traffic on it. It is imperative people abide by the closure, as added weight could compromise the road further. If the embankment fails completely, we will re-evaluate and may need to completely close the road again.

As far as an estimate on time or cost for the repairs, we are currently assessing options for implementing a long-term repair as soon as possible. Given the

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Monte ito Miscellany

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

F

ormer Montecito Union School student turned supermodel Gigi Hadid recently landed her dream job by walking in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York.

And her modeling career seems to be going from strength to strength as she was announced as the new Global Brand Ambassador by designer Tommy Hilfiger.

The 20-year-old peripatetic beauty will also create a capsule collection of clothing, footwear and accessories – including watches and sunglasses – for the U.S. brand in collaborations with the designer, launching in time for the 2016 runway season.

She will also debut a new fragrance, celebrating her unique take on modern style, fused with Hilfiger’s signature “classic American cool” heritage.

“I never thought I would be asked to design a capsule collection. so it still feels like a dream that Tommy approached me to collaborate,” says Gigi. “His company is one that I genuinely like and have been a fan of for my entire life. Tommy is the easiest, most fun person to work with.”

Weight to Go At the height of her battle with bulimia, actress Portia de Rossi weighed a worrying 84 pounds.

It began, she has since explained, when she started out in the modeling industry at age 12 and went over a week without eating after she was told by her agent to diet.

Two decades on, and the now happy and healthy spouse of Montecito-based TV talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres has reflected that the pressures of conforming to Hollywood’s unrealistic expectations certainly played on her psyche.

“I was obviously very affected by it,” Portia, now 42, admitted during an appearance on Australian television.

Asked whether the industry imposes unrealistic standards, particularly when it comes to young people, the Arrested Development star explained that while it still does, she’s hopeful it is slowly getting better.

“It’s funny, because 20 years ago I would’ve said absolutely,” she said.

Remaining positive on the changing future of film and TV, Portia went on:

• The Voice of the Village •

“Now people want to see themselves, they don’t want to look at a pretty young thing as much as they want to see themselves reflected and see life as it really evolves.

“It’s a really interesting time... but obviously the pressure to conform to unrealistic expectations still exists. It does exist to a degree, and I think it’s worse for really young girls.”

As an example, she gave pop stars.

“You can’t be a successful female singer these days unless you’re under 25 and are prepared to never wear pants again.”

Portia opened up about the beginnings of her eating disorder in a documentary series It Got Better, where she revealed she once went 10 days without food to prepare for a modeling audition as a child.

“I felt tremendous responsibility when I was 12 years old, and I was put on a catwalk,” she said. “My modeling agents had told me to go on a diet. So I didn’t eat for 10 days before that.”

The actress, who is starring in a new Australian film Now Add Honey, said she felt awkward at auditions where she was sometimes bullied.

It was after one such audition when a young Portia became bulimic for the first time.

“I got in the car after the event and just opened up a bag of my favorite candy and put my whole head in it,” she said. “And I think s***, what have I done? I just undid two weeks worth of dieting.

“I mean, I’m 12 years old, So then I vomit. Erase the feelings with food, erase the food by vomiting. But you’re still left with the shame.”

In her 2011 memoir, Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain, Portia wrote that the dangerous habits from her early years resurfaced when she landed her first major role as Nelle Porter on Ally McBeal in 1998.

She sparked fears for her health when she stepped out revealing a gaunt appearances and would cause concern again, on and off over the following years.

Years later, having recovered from the eating disorder, the star revealed the extent to which she’d been starv-

MISCELLANY Page 204 31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

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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 D, Montecito, CA. 93108. You can also FAX such mail to: (805) 969-6654, or E-mail to jim@montecitojournal.net

Never Assume

T

hank you to Michael Edwards for sending in the photo of the Coast Village Road “Sign Restoration” Project sign (“Sign of the Times,” MJ #21/50), and to the Montecito Journal for printing it. I know all the parties involved are thankful for the exposure.

Mr. Edwards is right to say the signs are “quite old. I would say from the early 1970s.” He is wrong, however, to say “infested with termites,” as they dined and split 20 years ago.

Mr. Edwards is also incorrect to assume I was using Bondo (a 2-part epoxy used in metal auto body repair) as the filler. Here I am compelled to reveal my secret: my filler was fortified plaster, tinted to a light-tan color, like Bondo. It is true, as Mr. Edwards suggests, that Bondo and exterior wood don’t mix. This plaster recipe I use, however, was good enough for the Romans, so it is good enough for me!

I will now pledge to provide a

“lifetime* guarantee” (*my lifetime) to these two orphan signs and look forward to the coming enhancements along this strip of Santa Barbara.

Paul Musgrove Sign maker Santa Barbara

The System is Not Working

I read with great interest your questions to both Rick Caruso and Craig McCaw on the status of their projects (“Montecito Mysteries Unraveled: Part 1, MJ #21/50). Both projects are progressing at a glacial pace due to the myriad bureaucracies through which they must navigate. These projects are long overdue and will represent a significant upgrade to our community. In the case of Peabody’s, Mr. McCaw is replacing a burnt-out building with an attractive restaurant serving healthy food. He should be given a medal for his efforts by the City

rather than running into constant roadblocks.

When sophisticated entrepreneurial billionaires cannot get their wellplanned projects done, what chance is there for regular people to start a new business here? The system needs a massive overhaul.

Ray Link Montecito (Editor’s note: That it took nine months to get approval for Paul Musgrove to repair the signs at either end of Coast Village Road should tell you all you need to know about why the “system needs a massive overhaul.” – J.B.)

Too Trendy

As a regular reader of your paper, I would like to suggest to Craig McCaw that he should seriously consider changing Oliver’s from a proposed Vegan menu back to the old Peabody’s menu with a less pricey tab. As we know, most of the new, trendy restaurants are upscale and pricey and more often dined by visitors to our area. How about something casual, friendly and for the locals, and maybe even an out-oftown visitor, please.

Thank you for your continued success with the Montecito Journal.

Mary Anne Williams Montecito (Editor’s note: We agree with your sentiments on this. We sorely need a Peabody’s-like eatery in this end of the world. Unfortunately, that is not likely to happen in your or my lifetime. With the “minimum wage” heading upwards of $15 an hour, and the cost of providing “ObamaCare” eating into profits, nobody in the restaurant business will be able to afford to offer a medium-priced menu,

at least not with table service. The U.S. is blissfully headed toward a Europeanstyle system in which young people cannot find work because they are not worth hiring at such an extravagant cost. So, it’s fast food – which itself will become more and more automated for the same reason – or counter-service-only for the rest of us. – J.B.)

A Gala Gala

On Sunday, December 20, the Montecito Motor Classic committee presented a check to the Santa Barbara Police Foundation (SBPF) and the Santa Barbara Police Activities League (PAL). The 4th Annual Montecito Motor Classic was held the weekend of September 25 and featured a Friday night gala, a Saturday Senior Home Vintage Car Tour, and on Sunday the car show itself, which honored the Ferrari Dino and showcased over 125 cars in categories ranging from Best Preservation to Hot Rod/Custom.

A highlight of the car show was the 2nd annual Future Car Designers and Model Car Building competition, which featured model cars designed by members of PAL. Sponsored by Michael Hammer and Andrea DeRosso, M.S., the youngsters created their models during five workshops conducted at PAL’s Teen Center under the direction of sergeant Todd Johnson and PAL officer Bryan Kerr. Police officers and volunteers were on hand to serve pizza, to assist with the model car building, and to mentor the youth.

The cars were judged by renowned car designer Mark Stehrenberger and Daniel Vehse.

For the fourth year in a row, the

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

Publisher Timothy Lennon Buckley Editor At Large Kelly Mahan • Managing Editor James Luksic • Design/Production Trent Watanabe Associate Editor Bob Hazard

Advertising Manager/Sales Susan Brooks • Advertising Specialist Tanis Nelson • Advertising Exec Kim Collins • Office Manager / Ad Sales Christine Merrick • Proofreading Helen Buckley • Arts/Entertainment/Calendar/ Music Steven Libowitz • Columns Erin Graffy, Scott Craig, Julia Rodgers • Gossip Thedim Fiste, Richard Mineards • History Hattie Beresford • Humor Ernie Witham, Grace Rachow Photography/Our Town Joanne A. Calitri • Society Lynda Millner Travel Jerry Dunn • Sportsman Dr. John Burk • Trail Talk Lynn P. Kirst Medical Advice Dr. Gary Bradley, Dr. Anthony Allina • Legal Advice Robert Ornstein Published by Montecito Journal Inc., James Buckley, President PRINTED BY NPCP INC., SANTA BARBARA, CA Montecito Journal is compiled, compounded, calibrated, cogitated over, and coughed up every Wednesday by an exacting agglomeration of excitable (and often exemplary) expert edifiers at 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite D, Montecito, CA 93108.

How to reach us: Editorial: (805) 565-1860; Sue Brooks: ext. 4; Christine Merrick: ext. 3; Classified: ext. 3; FAX: (805) 969-6654; Letters to Editor: Montecito Journal, 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite D, Montecito, CA 93108; E-MAIL: news@montecitojournal.net

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

• The Voice of the Village •

31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

Armand Hammer foundation under the direction of Michael Hammer has been our presenting sponsor.

Thank you to all the committee for helping raise awareness of the value of PAL and the SBPF. Stay tuned for information on the 5th Annual Montecito Motor Classic to be held on Coast village Road on September 25; the gala will be held on September 24. www.montecito motorclassic.com Dolores Johnson Montecito Motor Classic co-chair (Editor’s note: And a gala gala it was. Thanks especially to you and Dana Newquist! We look forward to the 2016 combined K-9 Unit demonstration-law-enforcement tools exhibition and a night of partying. – J.B.)

Marxist Studies

Issues of race, class, environment, and gender flavor everything taught today’s college students in large public universities. It’s drilled into their craniums in all courses and departments. They can’t escape the long arm of the Left. Nothing is taught as straight knowledge anymore.

Nothing!

“Race and Class Issues in Shakespearean Works” was part of an English Department syllabus I came across. I’m sure the academic revolutionary vanguard has found ways to introduce race, etc. into math and engineering courses. Never pass up an opportunity to propagandize a captive audience while under their tutelage. And the students’ rich daddies are paying for this intellectual pabulum-pollution, as well as the general taxpayers.

So, it’s not surprising if someone from the Right comes on campus with mischief in his/her mind and makes fools of these unknowing, unthinking “student scholars.” It’s not hard to do. They are trained to be the “anti-scholar!”

University students are taught and trained to find corruption and oppression everywhere in American

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and Western culture. After all, America and the West was built on imperialism, bigotry, chauvinism, and racism. They are trained to root out new and sub-conscious examples of white male superiority, which had become part ‘n’ parcel of the fabric of this unjust, immoral civilization. This is what is instilled in students’ minds in place of knowledge and wisdom from all the generations that preceded them. Most graduates of large public universities couldn’t tell you the year the U.S. Constitution was signed into effect, but they all can tell you the month and year a large oil spill off the shores of Summerland (near Santa Barbara) was the beginning of the modern environmental movement worldwide.

Someone masquerading as a reporter walked around campus and stopped willing students, interviewed them, and asked them to sign a petition to ban Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” from commercial radio stations because the song is inherently racist: The song implores the listener to find joy, peace, and serenity in “White Christmases” only.

The faux petitioner found many willing people to sign this bogus document.

Young people are so weak, malleable, tolerant, and susceptible to others these days that a certain percentage would sign anything they’re asked because they don’t want a confrontation with anybody about anything, and they maybe think it’s rude to deny someone what they want.

But a good many “non-white coeds” became so enthused and embroiled that someone had “uncovered” another “micro-aggression” in our contaminated culture, and were only too happy to petition those in power to expunge this evil song from their “approved” playlist.

Just another reason why the number of “Merry Christmases” in our future may be numbered!

David S. McCalmont Santa Barbara •MJ

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

9

Village Beat

by Kelly Mahan

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 Village Properties and the Calcagno & Hamilton team. She can be reached at Kelly@montecitojournal.net.

Montecito’s Year in Review 2015

As we say farewell to 2015 and usher in 2016, we bring you our annual recap of Montecito happenings. From new businesses opening, seasoned businesses closing, and projects making progress, to retirements, events, and more, it was a busy year in Montecito. While this list is far from all-inclusive, it’s a look back at many 93108 happenings.

Projects Progress

S

everal significant endeavors made their way down the pike this year; here’s the latest: The Miramar Arguably one of the most significant things to happen this year was the approval of Los Angeles-based Rick Caruso’s Miramar Hotel & Resort project, a move eight years in the making.

In late January, Montecito Planning Commission voted 3-2 to approve the third (and newest) iteration of the development, but not before revising and adding several conditions to it. The daylong hearing was continued from the hearing the previous month, in which the commissioners brought up several issues related to water usage, parking, and traffic impacts. In response to those subjects, Caruso’s team showed further revision to the plans, which include moving the beach club from the west side of the property to the east, widening Miramar Avenue to accommodate greater fire access, angling parking stalls on Eucalyptus Lane, and adding sound walls to increase the safety of the parking lots in relation to the nearby All Saints by-the-Sea. Parking continued to be an issue for the commissioners, despite County planners explaining that multiple parking analyses showed that the 436 spaces on-site and 87 off-site were adequate. Matt Middlebrook, Caruso’s executive vice president of development, explained to the commission that the project provides 2.6 parking spaces per room, compared to 1.6 spaces per room at the nearby Biltmore Hotel, and 1.03 spaces at the El Encanto in Santa Barbara. “Even when we are at 100-percent capacity, during peak demand, we still have a surplus of 35 spaces,” Middlebrook said, adding that the team estimates an average occupancy rate of 76 percent.

After many comments from the public regarding their desire for the commission to move the project forward, the commission modified several conditions regarding both parking and event capacity (in order to minimize water usage, traffic impacts,

10 MONTECITO JOURNAL

and overflow parking during events).

The approval came with a promise from Caruso that he adhere to parking conditions including distributing employee decals, employing a traffic coordinator, reporting traffic counts, implementing a parking education and disciplinary plan, and more. Conditions for events include capping the event capacity at 350 (down from 400), and restricting the number of events to three per day.

Commissioners Joe Cole, Michael Phillips, and Sue Burrows voted in favor of the project with conditions; chairperson J’Amy Brown and vice chair Jack Overall voted against it.

Days later, two appeals of the approval were submitted to the County: one from neighbors Richard and Dana Pachulski, and the other from Caruso himself.

The neighbors’ appeal, submitted by their attorney Robert Silverstein, stated that the Pachulskis’ peace and enjoyment of their property would be negatively impacted by the approved project, both by the location of the hotel’s bungalows, the loss of existing street parking, and by the lack of adequate on-site parking for hotel guests, employees, and special event attendees. Silverstein also stated that the environmental document used for the project was insufficient, and cited issues with water availability as cause for appeal, in addition to the accusation that the undertaking was severely under-parked. The Pachulskis asked the board of supervisors to overturn Montecito Planning Commission’s (MPC) approval of the hotel project, stating the decision was an abuse of discretion and not in accord with either the Coastal Zoning Ordinance, the Montecito Community Plan, and CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) guidelines.

Mr. Middlebrook, who submitted an appeal on behalf of Caruso, explained issues with the restricted number of beach club memberships and event attendees, MPC’s decision to extend the time period before which parking conditions may be reviewed, and the imposition of a condition relating to excursion buses. The appeal stated the beach club membership restrictions (which MPC revised from 200 to 100

Developer Rick Caruso was finally given the green light to build his Miramar Resort

at the opening of the hotel), and the mandatory review period of 36-42 months after opening were inconsistent with the economic goals of the hotel. The appeal also cited parking analysis prepared by the County’s Public Works department, which verifies that the on-site parking is sufficient to serve a beach club membership of 300, with 100-percent hotel occupancy. The appeal also asked that the conditions be changed so parking review occurs earlier, which has bearing on whether the beach club membership may increase, and asked the Board of Supervisors to restore the original event capacity to 400.

In April, the Board of Supervisors (BOS) heard only Caruso’s appeal, as the Pachulskis withdrew their appeal prior to the hearing. Mr. Middlebrook told the supervisors the MPC’s added conditions were the last remaining hurdles to developing the site, and that financing was already in place. The BOS set forth a condition allowing the 200 starting beach club members – which Caruso asked to be increased from the MPC’s condition of 100 members – with a stipulation that Caruso add additional parking spaces to accommodate increases to the membership, if deemed necessary.

Caruso will ultimately be permitted to have up to 300 beach club members, if, after 24-36 months after opening the resort, he proves that parking is not an issue. The board also agreed to increase the number of event attendees to 400.

It’s estimated the Miramar will bring the county $2 million per year in tax revenue, with $450,000 of that earmarked for the general fund. The projected Transient Occupancy Tax revenue for the endeavor will likely be $1.5-$2 million per year. Caruso bought the property back in 2007 and has since revised the cottage-style plans for the hotel a number of times.

The project includes 200,000 square feet of development, including a main building with a ballroom, conference facilities, meeting rooms, and a spa, as well as a beach club, activity center, 170 guest rooms, a screening room,

• The Voice of the Village •

an ocean-front restaurant, two pools, new landscaping, a sound wall, and four employee dwellings.

The following month, in May, Caruso formally announced he had chosen Rosewood Hotels & Resorts to manage and operate the Miramar, called Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito, which he predicted would be open in 2018. The company manages 18 luxury properties in 11 countries, with 11 new hotels under development.

The Rosewood collection includes The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas, and Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris, and others.

Later in the year, we would see “the suits” of Caruso’s team back in County offices, with meetings with Montecito Board of Architectural Review (MBAR) in November and December. MBAR members were tasked with reviewing design and landscaping details of the project, ensuring the venture’s conformity with Montecito design guidelines. The project is required to adhere to a number of design conditions, which regulate various areas of the plan including landscape, lighting, signage, the design and character of the architecture, and more. MBAR granted preliminary approval of the designs in November, but would not agree to final approvals at their latest hearing on December 14, citing a lack of design details.

We anticipate the project will be granted final approval by MBAR sometime in January 2016, with construction expected to begin in the spring, after the predicted El Niño rains.

Casa Dorinda The proposed update to Casa Dorinda’s Master Plan was a hot topic in 2015, with the project landing on the agendas of the Montecito Association (MA) Board and its Land Use Committee, MBAR, and MPC, where, after three days of hearings on the project, planning commissioners asked for a focused EIR on the most controversial aspect of the endeavor: the redesign of the historic bridge on the property.

The project has been in the works internally for the last decade, and in 2014 was officially submitted to the county and announced to the community. The proposed plans will add new development to the 48-acre campus, including 31 new residential units, memory care facilities and personal care facilities, a new dining facility, new maintenance facilities, a new bridge, new driveways, a new entry gate and walls, and associated landscaping and improvements.

This Master Plan update, according to Casa executive director Ron Schaefer, would likely be the last expansion of 31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

the campus, as the current conditional use permit sets a cap on number of residents to 360 (there are currently about 320 residents; once finished, the project would bring that number up to 357.) The campus currently houses 30 buildings, including living units, memory care, personal care, and skilled nursing units, a service yard, administrative building, medical center, auditorium, dining room, wellness facility, staff residence, and pool.

Over the year, the project underwent several changes after Casa reps held several meetings with neighbors.

In July, MBAR reviewed the project for the third time, reviewing changes including moving the trash compactor farther away from neighboring homes, shifting the location of cottages, moving some maintenance facil-

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ities into the basement of one of the buildings, and constructing various sound walls to assuage the concerns of neighboring residents on Bonnie Lane and Wyant Road. In September, the Montecito Association board gave its thumbs up to the plans, applauding the Casa team’s open-dialogue process that helped appease the neighbors. This was a shift from last year, when the MA took issue with the fact the project did not have a full Environmental Impact Review (EIR), and instead, a Mitigated Negative Declaration was being used.

In October, the project was in front of Montecito Planning Commission for over eight hours; the case was continued after commissioners asked for more time to review documentation and revised conditions from the applicant. In December, a special continuance hearing was held, as well as another eight hours of testimony from staff, Casa reps including architects and board members, and members of the public. Commissioners continued to have several issues with the proposed project, including the new bridge and its impact on nearby trees, the 12,000 square feet of building slated to take place in a conservation easement, the increased density of use on the property, parking, ingress and egress issues,

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11

VILLAGE BEAT (Continued from page 11)

and whether the project would be subject to Montecito Growth Management Ordinance (MGMO) regulations.

It was continued again two weeks later, when county counsel came back saying that MGMO regulations could not pertain to the project. Despite hearing from County Flood Control, civil engineers, architects, biologists, and a historian, who agreed rebuilding the bridge was the best option, commissioners asked for a focused EIR on the redesign of the bridge.

The applicant quickly appealed that decision, and the appeal will likely be heard by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors early next year.

Amid the forward push with expansion plans, Casa Dorinda also hosted its first annual Resident Wellness Fair in April, inviting 23 organizations to present information on topics such as senior fitness, mental acuity, prescription interactions, elder fraud and abuse, heart health, situational awareness, volunteer opportunities, preventative health care strategies, disaster preparedness, and more. In May, the campus celebrated its 40th anniversary with a champagne toast, kicking off a weekend of anniversary celebrations to mark the birthday of the historic Bliss estate.

Fire Station 3 In February, the Montecito Fire Protection District (MFPD) Board held

a meeting regarding moving forward with suggestions made by engineering firm Citygate, which completed a Standards of Coverage study of the entire District in November 2014.

Citygate concluded that the current two-fire-station model in Montecito cannot provide equitable response times throughout the district, a fact largely used to justify the need for a third station.

Citygate suggested that in addition to adding Fire Station 3 to serve the currently underserved eastern portion of the district, that MFPD possibly consider a triangular configuration, which would ideally include moving Station 1’s fire equipment closer to the coast, at a fourth, smaller station site on San Ysidro Road, and turning the future Station 3 into a smaller, more residential station. The result would be lower response times across the area that MFPD serves.

In July, a draft EIR for Fire Station 3 was released by the district’s consulting firm, AMEC, which had been working on the new EIR for nearly two years. The original EIR for Station 3 was challenged by a group called Montecito Agricultural Foundation, who contended the document contained major omissions. Superior Court judge Thomas Anderle agreed, and mandated that a new and better EIR be prepared, addressing sever-

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A rendering of Westmont’s Leadership Center, which is slated to be constructed on the campus next year

al issues that were omitted in the original. Since the lawsuit in 2013, the District lost its option to buy the potential property on which to locate the third fire station: a 2.55-acre portion of the Palmer Jackson Ranch on the 2500 block of East Valley Road.

The 237-acre property and estate is currently on the market for $125 million. The land was determined to be the best fit to provide better fire coverage in the east end of the District, which is the main impetus for building the station in the first place.

The Fire Station 3 project includes parking, living quarters, administrative offices, apparatus bays, a 35-foot hose-drying tower, and two driveways. According to the draft EIR, the project would require approval of the MFPD Board of Directors, as well as subsequent consideration of a Major Conditional Use Permit (CUP), a Parcel Map Waiver, and issuance of a Certificate of Compliance with the Subdivision Map Act by the County of Santa Barbara.

In December, we told you about the District’s intention to purchase the vacant property on the corner of San Ysidro Road and San Leandro Lane, in an effort to achieve the triangle approach many years down the road.

As part of the escrow process, MFPD is required to prepare an Initial Study and Draft Negative Declaration that identifies potential environmental impacts associated with the acquisition of the land. The 30-day public review period for the Initial Study and Negative Declaration closes on January 14, 2016, and a public hearing about the site acquisition will take place in front of the MFPD Board of Directors on Monday, January 25, beginning at 2 pm.

Westmont (Master Plan and Verizon) Westmont College made headlines this past year, as two major projects on campus made their way down the pike.

In April, college reps were in front of Montecito Board of Architectural Review, garnering further conceptual review of the Leadership Center, a new facility proposed for the campus as part of Phase II of the school’s Master Plan. The new residence hall project is part of the new Westmont Institute for Global Learning and Leadership, and will house students participating in leadership programs, as well as some of the platforms

• The Voice of the Village •

included in the institute. The facility features three buildings east of Van Kampen Hall: two are residential and one is multipurpose. Each one will be set on caissons to float above the site and preserve the existing oak woodland root environment. The two residential buildings – which will fit a total of 140 students – will feature modernly designed suites that open to outside walkways. During the school year, each suite will house two students; a central kitchen on each floor of both buildings will allow students to prepare their own meals. The third building can be transformed for multiple uses: sliding walls and movable furniture can accommodate six different set-ups, including configurations for lectures, banquets, and welcome ceremonies. Story poles were erected on the campus in late April, followed by a second meeting at MBAR. At the same time, MBAR also saw story poles for a Verizon facility on the rooftop of Voskuyl Library, and recommended that the antennae be lowered and screening improved to reduce possible visual impacts. The project included adding 16 antennae (some six feet tall, some four-anda-half-feet tall) on the northwest, northeast, and southwest corners of the rooftop, as well as related equipment closer to the center of the roof.

The library already houses electronic equipment and an emergency generator. The project is part of an effort to increase cellular range capacity in the area. It was approved by MPC in May and returned to MBAR for final design approvals in August.

In July, MPC spent five hours reviewing the Leadership Center project, which required a revision to the Master Plan. A revised CUP was also required, allowing for an increase to the maximum development per phase from 60,000 square feet to 67,000 square feet. The MPC agreed that the revisions were all consistent with the Montecito Community Plan.

The project then went back to MABR, where it was granted final approval in December.

Westmont hopes to commence construction on the venture in the spring of next year.

YMCA This year, we saw the return of the YMCA expansion project, which had

VILLAGE BEAT Page 184 31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

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13

Seen Around Town

by Lynda Millner

Red Feather Ball

U

nited Way of Santa Barbara County gave its 19th Red Feather Ball. As president/ CEO Paul Didier said to me, “I have been to all 19.”

The Honorary Chair in Perpetuity is the late Katherine Abercrombie. She created the Red Feather Ball in 1997 and dubbed its name after hearing that during the Depression era the Community Chest campaigns had the red feather as a symbol. She and husband Stewart co-chaired the event for the first three years. Katherine suggested that the women wear red and the men red bow ties with their tuxes.

We still honor that tradition today.

While having cocktails on the Coral Casino terrace, we were entertained by a tall man (on stilts) in a white tux and top hat. The ocean waves were lighted for a stunning view while guests browsed the silent auction.

This year’s honorees for the Abercrombie Community Excellence Awards were Janet Garufis and Santa Barbara Foundation with Ron Gallo as its leader. The United Way Board saluted them. To Janet, “For all the

Dennis Forster with United Way president/CEO Paul Didier, vice president Steve Ortiz, and Cynder Sinclair at the Red Feather Ball 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.

Gloria Montano and Magda Arrroyo with the stilts man at the Red Feather Ball

support, leadership and volunteer hours. We are so privileged to count you as a friend.” To the Foundation, “For delivering change by building philanthropy, strengthening the nonprofit sector and solving community

challenges.”

Janet began her career as a bank teller 42 years ago. She rose through the ranks and now head up Montecito Bank & Trust. Her credits go on for two pages in the program. I think Bob and Val Montgomery’s tribute says it best. “Janet here, Janet there, Janet Janet everywhere. Thanks for being at the heart of our community.”

Major Max Fleischmann and a forward-thinking group that wanted to enrich people’s lives locally began the Santa Barbara Foundation in 1928.

SEEN Page 164

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• The Voice of the Village •

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SEEN (Continued from page 14)

Shanghai Girls among others.” She’s one of my favorites.

That’s also the day when the guests all wear hats. It’s hats on to Hats Off.

Docent Party

Lobero Auxiliary tea co-chairs Eileen Mielko and Leslie Haight with president Janet McCann Red Feather Ball United Way honorees Janet Garufis and Ron Gallo, who represented the Santa Barbara Foundation

There is hardly a nonprofit or an essential community project that has not benefited from the Foundation. It was the benefactor funder of the capital campaign to purchase and redesign the current United Way office building. They also assisted with flood repairs after the 1995 storms.

Andrew Firestone ably emceed the event and led the live auction.

Presenters were Salud Carbajal and Michael Towbes. Dr. Peter MacDougall is the Abercrombie Alumni Committee chair. The event committee was Bobbi Didier, Amber Ortiz, Stephanie Sokolove, and Anne Towbes. John Wigle chairs the board.

The event was 100-percent underwritten so all the funds can go to help two major programs: Fun in the Sun and United for Literacy. Fun in the Sun has a nurturing program for low-income children and their parents. The summer learning dramatically improves reading, math, social, and behavioral skills and has won a highest award from John Hopkins

University. They can’t keep up with requests from schools. United for Literacy has three programs: parent education, access to books, and online literacy. These work together to engage families learning and literacy skills from prenatal age to senior citizen. These services provide life-changing educational improvement to 5,000 disadvantaged Santa Barbara County children and families.

So it is with children who learn to read fluently and well: They begin to take flight into whole new worlds as effortlessly as young birds take to the sky. – William James

Holiday Tea

The Lobero Theatre Associates always give an annual and proper tea with the addition of a little champagne at the Four Seasons Biltmore. The lobster tea sandwiches were to die for.

The only thing missing were hats and gloves. Does anyone remember those?

All guests brought an unwrapped toy that was given to CALM for distribution over the holidays. Part of the tea tradition is having Fredrik Rosvall

Lobero executive director David Asbell, annual fund director Marianne Clark, sponsorships and special events Jessica Simon, and director of development Jim Dougherty at the Auxiliary tea

16 MONTECITO JOURNAL

provide the background music on the piano.

The executive director of the Lobero, David Asbell, remembered that the Associates began 43 years ago. Marilyn Schuermann, one of the founding members, was unable to attend this year. As he noted, “We appreciate your Associates support so much. You gave us the wonderful courtyard behind the Lobero. Also a concert grand piano, fixed up the kitchen and more.” All the funds raised by the Associates goes to various projects at the theatre.

Tea co-chairs were Leslie Haight and Eileen Mielko. Some of those ladies helping me eat sandwiches were Joan Crossland, Margaret Slater, Sandy Stahl, Susan Jackson, Danielle McCaffrey, Suzanne McCaffrety, and Karen Byers.

To highlight what an important part the Lobero plays in our community, last year the theatre was in use 196 days or nights. It served as the home stage for 31 local organizations and hosted more than 400 local youth performers.

President Janet McCann announced that March 10 would be the annual Hats Off luncheon. “The guest speaker is author Lisa See, who has written China Dolls, Peony in Love, and

The board at Casa del Herrero gave their annual thank-you party for all the docents and volunteers. The decorations, lighting, and crystal chandeliers in the trees were still there from the gala fundraiser a few days before.

That week was also time to begin the Casa tours for the holidays, when the upstairs and downstairs are all dressed in Christmas finery, and hot apple cider and cookies are served.

The dining room table was filled with a delicious cold buffet of salmon and salad. The butler’s pantry was bursting at the seams with desserts brought by the docents. Some of those sitting down to dinner in the Loggia were Jane and Bruce Defnet, Diane and Larry Disharoon, Paula and Bruce Emmens, Jane and David De Selm, Linda and Bob Van Buren, and Lore Dobler. The lady who keeps us all in line is docent director Susannah Gordon with Molly Barker as executive director at the helm.

The committee that organized and set up this event was chair Jo Thompson, with much help from Sue Skenderian and Laura and Stuart Wilson. Jo and husband Willard have a unique house. It’s a former guesthouse for the Steedmans, who built Casa del Herrero in the 1920s and is located on the 11-acre estate. Years ago when the head gardener lived there, his baby son was born on the kitchen table. I met him at a luncheon one day.

When he learned I was a docent there, he remarked, “I’m Ed Hartfeld, the baby that was born in the kitchen.”

He’s now of classic age.

Casa del Herrero is one of four National Historic landmarks in Santa Barbara, which includes the courthouse and the Mission. Give yourself a treat and take a docent-led tour of 90

The Casa del Herrero docent party committee Sue Skenderian, Stuart and Laura Wilson, and chair Jo Thompson

• The Voice of the Village •

31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

17

VILLAGE BEAT (Continued from page 12) A rendering of the proposed YMCA project, which came back on the county planning scene in 2015

not been reviewed for over three years.

The Master Plan update for the facility was still very much alive, according to YMCA representatives, who shared it with the MA Land Use Committee and MA board in November. Last seen

by Montecito Board of Architectural Review in December 2012, the project was halted to conduct more traffic, noise, and parking studies, according to YMCA executive director Mike Yamasaki. The MA board ultimately decided to send a letter to the Montecito Planning Commission voicing concern about parking related to the project. MPC was scheduled to hear the project November 18, but YMCA reps asked for a continuance, citing the need for more time to incorporate neighbor and MA board feedback into project revisions.

The YMCA is requesting a revised conditional use permit to update the 50-year Master Plan, for the purpose of renovating, enhancing, and expanding the existing facilities on the 4.25-acre, Santa Rosa Lane site. The revised conditional use permit would allow for the demolition and reconstruction of existing buildings and the construction of several new buildings, as well as the continuation of existing programs including a selection of recreational, fitness and well-being programs for all age groups, and licensed pre-school and after-school day care programs. The proposed project includes an enhanced two-story main building, a new preschool building, a natatorium with a new indoor pool and updated locker room facilities, an expansion to the current pool, and a gymnasium to cover the current outdoor sports court.

YMCA reps are working on obtaining a more solidified parking agreement with Santa Barbara County Parks & Rec, in order to use the lower manning park parking lot for overflow vehicles. We expect to see the YMCA at Montecito Planning Commission in 2016.

Montecito Country Club September marked the closure of golf play at Montecito Country Club (MCC), with much-anticipated renovations starting, a process expected to take over a year. MCC owner Ty Warner had been making plans for the course renovations since 2009,

18 MONTECITO JOURNAL

renovations are expected to be finished in 2017.

School Happenings

T

hree Montecito Schools moved forward with major campus improvements this year, among other school happenings.

A portable building on the Cold Spring School campus will be removed as part of project to build to a new administrative building

Montecito Union School was recognized as a Green Ribbon School this year, as plans to update the campus continue The Montecito Country Club closed its golf course this year, as a new redesigned course is underway

but had hit several roadblocks over the years, most recently issues with water availability. The redesign, a new Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, was expected to take place in 2014, but with Santa Barbara in a Stage 2 drought at that time, Warner’s team could not risk being in the middle of construction if the drought level was raised, which it ultimately was in May of this year.

Despite the Stage 3 drought, permits were granted to begin construction, which began in November. The course renovation plans include features to significantly improve the club’s efforts to conserve water, including a new water-saving irrigation system, a more drought-resistant turf, conversion of existing potable water lines to recycled water lines for all landscape, and a reduction in irrigated turf from 95 to 75 acres. The existing turf will also be cut farther back from trees on the property, and a water feature on the course has been removed from the plans.

In addition to the course, a remodel to the clubhouse will take place beginning early 2016, which comprises a renovated pool complex with a family pool and lap pools, new locker rooms and lounges, new fitness rooms, an improved dining venue, renovations to the kitchen, and more. Exterior improvements include a new member event lawn, a new golf cart storage building, updated parking lots, a new upper maintenance facility, and extensive landscaping.

The course, clubhouse, and other

In January, the Montecito Union School Board voted to re-elect Mary Kirkhart, who was already on the board from 2010-2014. She joined Chad Chase and Les Mayfield, who were elected last year, and returning board members, president Gwyn Lurie, and clerk Peter van Duinwyk.

In September, the school was recognized as a Green Ribbon School, an honor bestowed upon just 16 in the entire state of California. To mark the occasion, the school hosted a group of administrators and teachers from nearby schools and districts including Santa Barbara Middle School, Laguna Blanca, Santa Barbara Unified, SB Charter School, and Ventura Unified.

Also in attendance were First District supervisor Salud Carbajal, and representatives from the offices of Lois Capps and Das Williams; the large group was given a tour of the campus and the efforts that helped earn the Green Ribbon School honor. Those efforts encompassed increased bike parking, waste diversion including recycling and composting, removal of hazardous materials including pesticides and cleaning products, the removal of carpeting with noxious chemicals, daily UV index monitoring via the school’s Weather Station, less paper usage due to an increase in digital documents, organic gardening, the addition of a refillable water station, and dozens of other efforts.

In October, MUS board president Gwyn Lurie gave an update on the plans for campus improvements at the school, nearly one year after the failure of Measure Q, the $27,150,000 school bond measure that was on the ballot in November 2014. The school

• The Voice of the Village •

board spent the year discussing and listening to the community on how to move forward. While they decide whether they will go for another bond measure, the board is moving forward on maintaining the current buildings, including performing much-needed health and safety improvements on the main school building and the kindergarten building. The school’s facilities committee is also looking into rerouting the south parking lot, to decrease school traffic on San Ysidro Road, and looking into securing the perimeter of the school. As part of the maintenance project, students will need to be relocated for one or two years, and Lurie said the board is discussing whether to house them in portable buildings, or add a new permanent building on the southwest corner of campus.

On the Cold Spring School campus, many board meetings in 2015 were spent discussing plans for reconfiguring the property, with the goal of making it safer and more secure. In April, the CSS board was presented with preliminary plans, designed by architects Kruger Bensen Ziemer, which included removing the portable classrooms at the entrance to campus, and building a permanent structure to house administrative offices, one classroom, and an employee boardroom. The purpose of the new building, which is slated be Spanish in style, is to create a functional gateway onto campus on the Cold Spring side, one of the school’s two access points.

Bringing the office from the middle of campus to the entrance has been a goal of the school board for years, and in the last few years has become high priority.

The project is expected to cost $2.2 million, of which $1.6 million is already available in the school’s general fund. The board, which gave positive review of the plans in April, gave the green light to the endeavor in May, after a full review of the school’s financial health. While District staff is still compiling various financing options, the remaining $600,000 will likely be funded through private financing. A small capital campaign may also be used at the end of the 31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

breaking with a ceremony in October, inviting students, parents, and members of the media to hear headmaster Joel Weiss discuss the project, which is estimated to cost $4.5 million, which had been raised by Crane families.

Hellos & Goodbyes

A

look back at those we welcomed and to whom we bid adieu in our local business districts in 2015.

Crane School’s headmaster Joel Weiss welcomed parents, teachers, and students at a groundbreaking to mark the beginning of construction on the Oak Quad project

project to purchase furnishings for the new building. If the planning process goes as planned, construction on the campus remodel could begin as early as summer 2016.

Also in May, Cold Spring celebrated the 125th anniversary of the school; 200 people helped celebrate with hot dogs and chili, live music by Jason Campbell and the Drive, and activities on the campus. A commemorative redwood tree was planted in honor of the occasion.

Over at Crane Country Day School, construction began on the Oak Quad project, the next portion of the school’s Master Plan Update. School reps and architects were in front of Montecito Board of Architectural Review in July and August, both times taking suggestions to lessen the bulk of the cluster of buildings, as well as roof lines.

The project, which has been revised multiple times over the last two years, includes three new buildings including one to house two English classrooms, one to house two math classrooms, and a multipurpose building (the Design Center) that can be used as a workshop space or delineated into three separate classroom areas.

The project is to be built on the northwest corner of campus, built around a large oak tree to form a sort of “quad.” The venture also includes faculty offices and bathrooms, covered outdoor spaces outside of the classrooms, sitting areas, an amphitheater space, garden areas, and a new chainlink fence.

The Oak Quad project is to match the campus’ Magnolia Quad and Olive Quad, which are set farther back on the 11-acre parcel. The building of the project is the next step in preparing for the demolition of two of the school’s older buildings (one built in 1928 and one in the 1950s), to eventually make way for an expanded Cate Hall (the school’s theater and auditorium). Earlier phases of the Master Plan remodel included a new kindergarten in 2011, as well as a completely repaved and redesigned parking lot and drop-off loop, which was finished in 2014.

The school marked the ground31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

Coast Village Road In January, we saw the closure of Xanadu Bakery in Montecito Country Mart. The bakery was located on the property for roughly 33 years, and owned by Sepi and Mike Mashhoon, since 2008. Two years after they purchased the bakery, an electrical fire in the shopping complex forced the Mashhoons to close the bakery for 18 months. It was rebuilt from the ground up, and modernized with dark wood paneling, granite countertops, and ample indoor and outdoor seating. In the two years since reopening, Mrs. Mashhoon says there were constant issues with Montecito Country Mart owner James Rosenfield, including disputes over the lease, rent, signage, and marketing, as well as a lawsuit stemming from the fire. Mrs. Mashhoon was outspoken about the disagreements, posting on Xanadu’s Facebook page that she would rather close the bakery’s doors than continue to do business with Rosenfield. The bakery, which was open seven days

Jan Oostdijk and George Rutgers opened (and then closed) JANGEORGe in late 2015

Bree’Osh bakery opened in October, owned by Nelly Mousseau and Pierre-Yves Henry

Jeff and Susanna Menelli opened Menelli Trading Company in December

Whiskey & Leather owners Zee Chew and Ariel Hujar opened their store in November

Shannon Noormand opened Crushcakes in the former home of Your Cake Baker. The bakery then closed four months later.

a week, offered more than 100 different types of cookies, cakes, pastries, Danishes, and more, as well as a full coffee, smoothie, breakfast, and lunch menu. It closed its doors January 11.

Also at the Mart, March brought the opening of Merci to Go, a take-out eatery featuring fresh French-inspired offerings from husband and wife team Stephane and Elizabeth Colling.

The small shop is located between Kendall Conrad and Read ‘N’ Post.

The Collings prepare their food in an industrial kitchen nearby and offer

VILLAGE BEAT Page 224

Lisa Stern opened the women’s clothing and accessory store, Chasen, in January at Coast Village Walk

Xanadu owner Sepi Mashhoon closed her Coast Village Road bakery in January

Let the good that is old continue and let the rest perish. – C.J. Cherryh

MONTECITO JOURNAL

19

MISCELLANY (Continued from page 6) ing herself, living on just 300 calories a day, while hiding it from castmates and friends.

She would also take up to 20 laxatives a day.

But the Scandal star says she managed to find acceptance in herself after hooking up with Ellen, who she married in 2008.

Father Figure George Lucas wants to be known as a good dad (photo

by Neon Tommy)

His name is synonymous with Star Wars, but mega-producer George Lucas, who owns a beachfront home in Carpinteria, wants to be known first and foremost as a good father.

But Lucas, 71, who recently picked up a Kennedy Center honor and created the Indiana Jones film franchise, says he prefers to be known as a “great” dad to his four children.

He also reveals he is “at peace” with his decision to sell Star Wars and hand over the directorial reins to JJ Abrams.

However, he did act as creative consultant on the latest film, which is breaking box-office records and getting rave reviews from critics worldwide.

“I made that decision because I looked at the future,” says Lucas. “I

looked at the fact that I was going to have a baby. I looked at the fact that I was married, and I looked at the fact that I wanted to build a museum, and I looked at the fact that I wanted to make experimental films,” he told CBS Morning News.

“So my life was going on a different track. So that started the ball rolling.”

Lucas adopted his daughter Amanda with his first wife, Marcia, in 1981. They divorced two years later, and he went on to adopt two more children, Jett and Katie, who he raised as a single father.

He added that he gave up directing after making his first three Star Wars movie because “once I was a dad, it was like a bolt of lightning struck me.”

And in 2013, Lucas married Mellody Hobson and the couple now have a two-year-old daughter, Everest.

Order Restored

As Easy as ETC Ensemble Theatre Company has a new director of marketing to succeed veteran publicist James Breen.

Charlie Rohlfs has just moved to our Eden by the Beach from Washington, D.C., where he was mar-

Dick Wolf relocates TV series empire from New York to Chicago (photo by Angela George)

Charlie Rohlfs joins the Ensemble Theatre Company

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keting and development director for Opera Lafayette.

Under his direction, the company experienced dramatic increases in attendance in New York and Washington, a 10-performance, soldout residency at the Opera Royal in Versailles, France, and increased funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

Charlie, who graduated from Hofstra University, has also enjoyed successful stints at the award-winning Shakespeare Theatre Company, and the Strathmore Hall Music Foundation.

He is also a musician, actor, and writer.

Perfect for the role.

Montecito uber-producer Dick Wolf has been in a New York state of mind for 25 years with Law & Order, which lives on in endless reruns and the primetime spinoff Special Victims Unit.

Now in its 17th season, Law & Order: SVU is a holdout from a bygone era as Wolf, who used to boast actress Drew Barrymore as his neighbor, turns his attention to Chicago, where he’s busy building another empire.

He started with a working-class soap opera Chicago Fire – now in its fourth season – and then launched a darker crime drama Chicago P.D. a year later and a hospital drama Chicago Med, with Oliver Platt and S Epatha Merkerson, which premiered in November.

The Windy City delivers a unique alternative to the familiar TV landscapes of Manhattan and Los Angeles.

“Chicago embodies unapologetic, old-fashioned values of right and wrong and how you should act,” says Dick. “We now have three shows that are going to interact seamlessly with each other.”

Stay tuned.

Smart Alec Student Alec Sherwin is still making waves in the international world of origami.

• The Voice of the Village •

Alec Sherwin with a money-raising origami wreath

Alec, 18, who attended Marymount School and has been practicing the 17th-century Japanese art of paper folding since the age of six, excelled himself with a massive origami wreath that was Santa Barbara interior design company Cabana Home’s submission to the Children’s Action Network annual holiday wreath auction in Holmby Hills, featuring oneof-a-kind wreaths created by celebrities, artists, jewelers, fashions, and interior designers.

The intricate geometric wreath went for nearly $1,000 for the charity that helps find families for children waiting adoption.

“It was unquestionably one of the most talked-about wreaths at the event,” says Steve Thompson, Cabana Home’s co-owner.

A most impressive creation.

Hot Tamales An eclectic array of tamales rather than turkey featured on the menu for the Police Activities League’s 15th annual Family Holiday Dinner at the Cabrillo Pavilion Arts Center when 181 guests, mostly children, sat down to a Yuletide repast.

Retiring police chief Cam Sanchez joined friends and colleagues serving the food buffet style, while a realistic looking Father Christmas kept the youngsters amused.

MISCELLANY Page 264

With two of the many children and some adults waiting to meet Santa is Mark, Santa Barbara Police chief Cam Sanchez and Keanu (photo by Priscilla)

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VILLAGE BEAT (Continued from page 19)

Gene Dongieux opened his wealth management company, Ariadne Wealth Management, in the new Plaza Montecito building

Kate McMahon opened a new iteration of her namesake store above Tre Lune on Coast Village Road

it from the small store for meals at home or on-site at the Mart’s array of tables. Items include traditional baguette sandwiches, quiche, salads, grains, and family-style dinners, as well as an offering of cakes, cookies, brownies, and more. The simple menu features produce and products from local farms.

Over at the neighboring property, Coast Village Walk, Lisa Stern opened Chasen, a women’s clothing and accessory store located at the former home of Montecito Sports, in January. Chasen offers an array of brand names, including James Jeans, Love Stitch, Language Tees, Gwen Stefani’s newest line (DWP) and more, in addition to jewelry from The Dowry, a handful of Voluspa candles, and handbags and clutches, among other items.

The Coast Village Walk center is home to Sakana, Occhiali, Blenders in the Grass, Antoinette, Vons Pharmacy, and Starbucks, and in December, Coast Village Walk owners Jim and Debby Longo began a new tradition with the first annual Holiday Fete. The event was a kick-off to holiday shopping, and included complimentary food and wine, models wearing the latest fashions, and live music.

At 1180 Coast Village Road, we saw the opening of Menelli Trading Company in December. The Menellis purchased the property in March 2013, and since then have been working hard to remodel and reopen the space, which was originally built in 1931 as a gas station. In the 70s, the building was home to a hot tub store, followed by Village Pool Supply, and more recently, Coast Village Rug Company. The building now serves as an office space for Jeff Menelli, who has had his tile and design business for more than 38 years, as well as a retail and showroom space, which allows designers, contractors, and home owners a place to feel and see a variety of floorings, countertops, and tiles. The retail portion of the store houses carefully curated array of art, candles, decorative throws, vases, and other various interior design ele-

22 MONTECITO JOURNAL

E Madison opened its doors in March, in the former home of Maison K

Whistle Club owner Rebecca Blair opened her boutique in Olive Mill Plaza in July

February brought the opening of The Honor Bar, a popular bar and eatery

Michael Calcagno and Nancy Hamilton opened their real estate office in Plaza Montecito in September

ments, all of which are “fair trade” pieces.

This year marked a change for a major building on Coast Village: 1101 Coast Village Road, the former home of Hayward’s, had been vacant six years until early November, when locally owned clothing boutique Whiskey & Leather opened. Owners Zee Chew and Ariel Hujar decided to open their own boutique together after working together in the retail world for several years. Whiskey & Leather carries a wide variety of both boutique brands and well-recognized brands, from Adina Reyter jewelry, Hudson jeans, Scotch & Soda clothing, Marie Turnor handbags, Make Smith leather goods, 7 Diamonds outerwear, and many more. There is also a small offering of home décor, and everything in the store is for sale, including interesting furniture pieces that are used to display products.

Just a week later, the building, which had been subdivided into four smaller spaces, also became home to JANGEORGe, a boutique interior design company and store owned by Jan Oostdijk and George Rutgers. The couple started their interior design business more than 20

years ago in their homeland, Holland, and then brought their “comfortable-yet-modern aesthetic” to the states, opening their first American store in Key West in 2009, followed by a store and office in Sag Harbor, New York, a year later. After vacationing in Montecito, the couple decided to open a store on Coast Village Road, becoming bi-coastal in both their business and their home life. Sadly, the couple closed up shop abruptly on December 19, telling us the closure was due to unexpected developments in their lives, which forced them to close the business and move back east.

At 1150 Coast Village Road, 2015 saw the closure of Your Cake Baker, which was open for less than a year when doors closed in April. The following month, Shannon Noormand opened a Montecito location of her popular eatery Crushcakes. The graband-go bakery offered pastries, croissants, and cinnamon buns, as well as a daily soup special, quiche, and hand-made savory potpies. The eatery was not open long: Noormand closed the bakery just four months later in September, saying that recent business acquisitions had forced her to make the tough decision to shut

• The Voice of the Village •

Crushcakes’ doors in both Montecito and Isla Vista. Other Crushcakes locations are still open in Santa Barbara and Carpinteria.

October 1 brought the opening of Bree’Osh, a cheeky take on the name of the French buttery pastry, in the space formerly occupied by Crushcakes.

Owners Nelly Mousseau and PierreYves Henry moved to Santa Barbara from Paris to open the shop, which offers breakfast and lunch items made with the soft, slightly sweet bread.

Egg sandwiches, French toast, and hot and cold lunch sandwiches served with an arugula salad are the main items, with sweet brioche rolls available with chocolate, pralines, orange blossom, and other sweets.

Across the street, Kate McMahon opened a new iteration of her popular namesake store, which originally closed in 2011 after a decade in business on Coast Village. The new store, also called Kate, opened in September.

It’s located above Tre Lune, and offers Kate’s own line of knits, called Kakoon, among other carefully curated items. Nearby, E Madison opened in March, at 1159 Coast Village Road.

The interior design firm and retail store is owned by Courtney EllisDever and offers furniture and décor for every room, from couches and ottomans, to throw blankets and pillows, headboards, picture frames and mirrors, vases, candles, kitchenware, and much more.

At 1165 Coast Village, Home Care Assistance opened a new office in June. One of more than 120 offices nationwide, Home Care Assistance is a provider of non-medical, in-home senior care, offering programs focused on holistic care and longevity. Farther down the road, City National Bank opened in February, the first branch in the Central Coast area. The Montecito location provides private client services only.

In Olive Mill Plaza (1235 Coast Village Road), clothing boutique Whistle Club opened in July, in the space once home to Summer For Kids and most recently, pop-up versions of Crazy Good Bread and JuiceWell, which closed last year to open more permanent locations in the Santa 31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

Modern and Contemporary paintings, sculptures, and prints. The Mertens used the space for many art exhibits and openings, as well as for conducting appraisals and evaluations, curatorial services, authentications, and framing and installation services.

We’re told a clothing boutique is expected to open there in early 2016.

Upper Village Andi Newville opened Viva Oliva in the former location of Best Dressed Monk

Gary Craig opened The Gallery in July

Barbara Public Market. Whistle Club, founded by Rebecca Blair, features a selection of women’s apparel, gifts, and accessories. From dresses to bathing suits, jumpers, jeans, blouses, shoes, purses, and more, Blair says the store is West Coast casual infused with East Coast charm. She also serves espresso drinks and cold-brewed coffee from Portland-based Stumptown Coffee Roasters, keeping shoppers and shopping partners caffeinated and happy. In the same building, lululemon’s children’s division, ivivva, took over the space formerly occupied by Montecito Beach Club, which closed its doors in September after less than a year of operations. The ivivva store is a showroom of active wear designed for tweens and young girls: think leotards, tights, shorts, yoga clothing, hoodies, jackets, and accessories (headbands, workout bags, etc.) Because the shop is considered a showroom, only key pieces from the ivivva line are available for purchase, and the store is open just three days a week: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

At 1255 Coast Village Road, new building Plaza Montecito saw the opening of Ariadne Wealth Management, a multi-family wealth management office founded by investment advisor Gene Dongieux.

A month later, in February, The Honor Bar opened its doors. The first-come, first-served restaurant is owned by Hillstone Restaurant Group, and is open for both lunch and dinner, seven days a week. The menu features premium sandwiches, salads, and signature cocktails, as well as a mostly local wine list. Items include a kale and chicken salad, burgers, sharable appetizers, and the famed Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich from the Honor Bar in Beverly Hills.

June marked the opening of HR Home, an interior design studio and retail showroom. Originally founded

by Maureen Hemming and Ashley Ramsey, the business has changed names and owners since its opening: it’s now called MH Home, and Ms Ramsey is no longer involved with the company. Next door, in September, the newest Plaza Montecito tenant opened its doors: real estate team Calcagno & Hamilton, which is affiliated with

Village Properties. Founded by principal owners Michael Calcagno and Nancy Hamilton, the team offers an array of real estate services, including a full concierge service.

Toward the end of the road, clothier Best Dressed Monk (1275 Coast Village Road) closed its doors in February after 14 months in business.

The shop, which carried “attire for the mindful man,” continues to offer their elegantly casual men’s attire and accessories online and eventually through catalog and Internet ordering, according to owner Allen Gold.

Founded by Allen and his partner, Kira, the company features a line of pants, shirts, scarves, jackets, jewelry, and jeans, using quality sustainable textiles and Los Angeles-based manufacturing. Opening in its place was Viva Oliva, a specialty olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and artisanal food shop at owned by Andi Newville. Viva Oliva was formerly located in Paseo Nuevo for four years, and Newville spent two months making over the vacant space after Best Dressed Monk closed. Newville offers different flavors of olive oil, infused with everything from basil, to chipotle, to Meyer lemon, and more. She also carries other specialty oils, including truffle, sesame, and walnut, and an array of aged balsamic vinegars from Modena, Italy. Also available: olives, tapenades, mustards, jams, chutneys, specialty crackers, local gourmet popcorn, nuts, chocolates, and an array of various gourmet cheeses, as well as non-food items.

In July, The Gallery opened next door to Viva Oliva, featuring fine-art exhibits from a variety of emerging and established artists. The Gallery is owned by Gary Craig, an artist and gallery partner, and longtime friends Marjorie Layden and Linda Evans.

Layden, a fine-art dealer well known for her extensive collections of Asian art and antiques, is the former owner of Layden Fine Art Gallery, which was located at 1266 Coast Village Road for many years.

Across the street, Mertens Fine Art Gallery closed its doors in November after six years in business. Owners Alexander and Maria Mertens specialized in American and European

31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

several retail shops, including Elu by Christina Nicoletti, Julianne, Country House Antiques, Hogue & Co., House of Honey, Jenni Kayne and Jenni Kayne Home, William Laman, and San Ysidro Pharmacy. Other tenants include Randy Solakian with Coldwell Banker, Montecito Coffee Shop, and American Riviera Bank, which, in July, announced a merger with The Bank of Santa Barbara.

Montecito Milestones

F

rom Montecito Association happenings, water woes, changes at Montecito Library, the uproar over short-term vacation rentals, and Coast Village road projects, to musical chairs at MBAR and MPC: 2015 brought us lots of news stories, many of which you could only find in the pages of the Journal

Lana Marmé closed her namesake shop in the upper village in November

In November, Lana Marmé, the namesake shop of owner Lana Marmé, closed after 35 years. The shop, which Lana first opened in 1980 on Coast Village Road with her mother Mileva Susnar, under the name The Last Resort, has had a few incarnations over the years, finally landing in the corner of the upper village about two decades ago. The shop had been a beloved staple for many Montecito ladies, in part due to the dedicated customer service from Lana and her longtime employees.

In December, tenants in San Ysidro Village in the upper village came together for a holiday party to celebrate the season. Owned by developer Richard Gunner and his wife, Mimi, the center is home to

Montecito Association Happenings At their 67th annual meeting in January 2015, the Montecito Association said goodbye to outgoing president and retiring director Ted Urschel, as well as five other directors: Tom Bollay (land use chair), Dick Nordlund (served two terms, and served as president), Monica Brock Peterson (served as secretary for several years), and JB Rodgers, who was appointed for a partial term in 2014.

Six new directors were appointed: Aaron Budgor, Bob Kupiec, Kathi King, Peter Dealy, Sylvia Easton, and Monica Babich. Cindy Feinberg was appointed as president of the Association, with Bob Williams appointed as 1st vice president, Cliff Ghersen as 2nd vice president, Trish Davis appointed secretary, and Tom Schleck as treasurer.

VILLAGE BEAT Page 244

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23

VILLAGE BEAT (Continued from page 23) Cypress trees were removed along East Valley Road

Cindy Feinberg was appointed as president of the Montecito Association

Montecito Association had several accomplishments in 2015, including persuading the County Board of Supervisors to begin ordinance revisions to address the growth in use of residential properties for shortterm vacation rentals, helping County Planning & Development with rule

changes regarding building height and size on Montecito hillsides, establishing a water committee to monitor drought developments, sponsored a community meeting on flood preparedness in anticipation of a wet winter, and discussing and taking positions on several pertinent development projects that may affect the character of Montecito. In March, the MA’s

Quality, Style, Comfort.

Darlene Bierig resigned from the Montecito Water District in March

This year’s Village Fourth grand marshals: MUS board member and former MA president Peter van Duinwyk and Tecolote Books owner Mary Sheldon

Land Use Committee unanimously voted to send a letter to Caltrans in support of its suggestion to remove seven cypress trees on East Valley Road, located in the public right-ofway; the trees and their stumps were removed over the summer.

The Association also held its annual Village Fourth celebration. Two grand marshals were named, a man and a woman: Tecolote Book Shop owner Mary Sheldon and MUS board member and former MA president Peter van Duinwyk. In November, Mindy Denson and Jean von Wittenburg co-chaired another Beautification Day, with Sue Burrows being honored as Citizen of the Year.

The Montecito Association History Committee office celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. A grant from Montecito Community Foundation enabled a remodel of the office, which allows volunteers to appropriately preserve the documents, maps, and treasures donated to the office over the last four decades.

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Water News At the beginning of 2015, we reported on several meetings discussing the state of the drought in Montecito, including Montecito Water District’s (MWD) plans to move forward with multiple options for desalinization.

In March, more than 200 District customers packed the Montecito Union School auditorium to hear the board discuss the proposed water shortage emergency surcharge. The objective

• The Voice of the Village •

Tom Mosby announced his retirement as MWD general manager in August

of the surcharge, which ultimately passed, was to restore financial stability to MWD by temporarily adjusting revenues and to offset the District’s financial deficit. The increased revenue from the surcharge allows the District to continue to provide safe and reliable water, meet bond covenants, maintain the District’s credit rating, fund additional supplemental water purchases, and continue progress on long-term water supply, including continuing to study the $70-million desal plant. Without the surcharge, the District would have been out of compliance with debt covenant obligations, its credit rating would have decreased, and the District would not be able to purchase more supplemental water, which it did multiple times throughout the year. In September, the surcharge was increased.

Just three days after the contentious surcharge hearing, MWD board president Darlene Bierig announced her resignation after four years on the board, a move she said was due to mounting responsibilities in her personal and professional life. Board director Dick Shaikewitz took over the role of president, and in July, Charles A. Newman was appointed to fill the vacancy. In August, general manager Tom Mosby announced his retirement, after 25 years with the district. After receiving 81 applications to fill the position, the District chose Nicholas Turner, the GM at a small

VILLAGE BEAT Page 284 31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

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25

MISCELLANY (Continued from page 20)

SBPD deputy chief Frank Mannix; PAL president John Van Donge holding Ivan; Riley Harwood, SBPD PIO; Jeanette, Keylin and SBPD chief Cam Sanchez (photo by Priscilla)

Andrew, Marcos Martinez, guest speaker; Judith Lugo, PAL program director; Arleen, Jim Dixon holding Bella; Sandra Vargas, Adrian, Peter Vargas and Pedro Vargas from their catering service serving all guests (photo by Priscilla)

Community Service Projects high school students pursuing college are Adrian Contreras, Esmeralda Esparza, Angelica Esparza, Wendy Ayala, Lynda Carpio, Angel Nunez, with officer Bryan Kerr, SBPD PAL program officer; Cristian Martinez, Naomi Abrego, and Pablo Macias (photo by Priscilla)

SBPD reserve officer Richard Yee; Gisela Flores, president; Santa Claus with Fernanda sitting on Santa’s lap; SBPD officer Blake Burgard, and PAL board members Courtney Gutierrez with her father, Officer Adrian Gutierrez (photo by Priscilla)

Samantha, Jesus, Melissa, Ivan and Brian with Judith Lugo, PAL program director; and Michelle Meyering, Donor Development director with the Christmas plush animal “huggies” for the attending youth (photo by Priscilla)

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Judith Lugo, program director for the charity which helps 1,000 people each year with a $400,000 annual budget, says the festive occasion is one of the few times during the year when financially challenged families can sit down as one and feel the Christmas spirit.

After the dinner, every child received a wrapped gift from St. Nick.

Tree’s Company Social gridlock reigned at the Montecito home of mega-philanthropist Leslie Ridley-Tree when she hosted her annual bounteous Christmas bash.

Leslie, decked out in an elegant pine-green gown with a stunning emerald and diamond necklace and earrings, greeted the 200 guests before they entered the magnificently decorated drawing room.

Among those participating in the seasonal cheer, catered by Michael Hutchings were Lynda Weinman

• The Voice of the Village •

and Bruce Heavin, Mike and Anne Towbes, Brooks and Kate Firestone, Mary Collier, Corinna Gordon, Jelinda DeVorzon, Larry Feinberg and Starr Siegele, Tom and Eileen Mielko, Thomas Rollerson, Hiroko Benko, mayor Helene Schneider, Thomas Rollerson and Michael Erickson, Michael and Nancy Gifford, Sally Jordan, Gwen Stauffer, Rich Block, Robert and Christine Emmons, Richard Weston-Smith, Peter Kavoian and Ray Winn, Dolly Granatelli, and Milt and Arlene Larsen.

Birds of a Feather Gypsy jazz greeted Santa Barbara Beautiful revelers for their annual holiday beano, held this year at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

Board members and more than 100 guests wearing their best feathered outfits flocked to the event in Bird Hall, including newly elected presi31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

Ginny Brush, County Arts commissioner and SBB Board member, with Marylove Thralls, at Bird Hall, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

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Royal Treatment While Queen Elizabeth is enjoying her annual Christmas sojourn at Sandringham, her 20,000 acre estate in Norfolk in the east of England, an event being held in honor of her 90th birthday has sold-out within hours of tickets being made available.

The 25,000 ducats, priced between $80 and $200, went on sale at 9 am with all four nights for the event, featuring 900 horses and 1,500 participants – including famous actors, musicians, and artists – in the Home Park, next to Windsor Castle, from May 12 to May 15 being quickly snapped up the same day.

The most expensive seats are situated next to the Royal Enclosure and include access to a hospitality suite.

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

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

•MJ

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The New Year has taken possession of the clock of time. – Edward Payson Powell

27

12/18/2015 12:32:35 PM

MONTECITO JOURNAL

VILLAGE BEAT (Continued from page 24) public utility district in Kern County, as Mosby’s replacement at a special board meeting on December 14.

Short-Term Rentals A major milestone that occurred this year was the Montecito Planning Commission’s consensus to ban short-term vacation rentals (STRs) in Montecito. At their November hearing, commissioners were asked to provide direction to help develop specific zoning ordinance amendments that would address the short-term rental of residential properties, an issue that current zoning ordinances do not presently address.

For several months at the beginning of the year, County staff had been conducting public outreach via meetings and public forums, to get a sense of how residents felt about STRs. The Montecito Association conducted its own outreach, polling members via a survey last fall; they also formed a subcommittee to look into the issue.

In October, the MA board supported a complete ban of short-term (30 days or fewer) vacation rentals in residential zones in the county.

More than 200 people submitted comment letters for the MPC to take into consideration. The key issues against STRs, according to county planner Jessica Metzger, deal with residential compatibility, noise and parking nuisances, housing stock, and lack of regulation, resulting in safety and accessibility concerns. Those residents in favor of allowing STRs cite tourism revenue and defrayed mortgage costs that come from renting out their homes on a short-term basis.

Metzger outlined four approaches for the MPC to consider. The first was to allow STRs in all zoning districts, but regulate them. The second approach was to prohibit STRs in zoning districts that do not currently allow transient lodging. The third approach was to allow homestays – in which the owner of the property is on the premises during short-term tenancy – in specific zones with regulations, and the fourth approach was to

keep “status quo,” making no changes to the zoning ordinance. Metzger then went through what each of these approaches would entail, including possible ways of regulating STRs with permits, noise and parking standards, and other regulations.

When the discussion returned to the commissioners, the consensus was that short-term rentals are not compatible with the Montecito Community Plan, which protects the semi-rural character of the community. With the MPC’s clear direction on the issue, County staff, after hearing input from the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission, will spend time preparing new ordinance language for the commissions to review and adopt in spring of 2016.

Lower Village Projects Some other happenings on Coast Village Road this past year: at Coast Village Plaza (1187 Coast Village Road), the removal of two 65-foot specimen pine trees was approved by the Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation Commission as part of a project slated for the building, which includes new decks and outdoor dining areas, remodeling of the outdoor stairs, decks, and patios, a revised site landscaping plan, and the alteration of the driveway at the northeast portion of the parcel. The decision was appealed by the Montecito Association to the city council, which, in October, ultimately denied the appeal and upheld the impending tree removal. Here’s the Scoop, the gelato shop downstairs at Coast Village Plaza, announced its plans in April to relocate upstairs, in the former home of Objects, next to Giovanni’s Pizza. That move is expected early 2016.

On the corner of Middle Road, little construction progress was made at the former site of Peabody’s, owned by Craig McCaw. Peabody’s closed in 2012, and McCaw says he hopes to reopen the remodeled restaurant in 2016, despite still having permitting issues at the City level. In June, McCaw announced

Two pine trees on Coast Village Road will be removed as part of a remodel project at 1187 Coast Village Road

The unmaintained signs (pictured here) on either end of Coast Village Road were beautified by Paul Musgrove. The project was funded by Montecito Community Foundation and Montecito Rotary.

Peabody’s on Coast Village Road saw little construction progress, despite owner Craig McCaw’s hope to have the replacement restaurant open next year

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28 MONTECITO JOURNAL

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he had partnered with a new operator and management team to run the restaurant once open: Matthew Kenney Cuisine, which is known for its locally sourced vegan menu items. Major utility work took place near the property for two weeks in November, which included updating all underground utility lines that service the site, including water, sewer, and electric, followed by repaving of

• The Voice of the Village •

the asphalt.

In August, the newly remodeled Chevron Station opened after nine months of construction. The property was remodeled to include a larger retail store in place of the former service bays, with the addition of a tunnel car wash. The car wash is not expected to be up and running until early 2016.

Also happening on Coast Village 31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

this year: Montecito and Santa Barbara sign maker Paul Musgrove was commissioned to repair the dilapidated signs on either side of the road, a project paid for by the Montecito Community Foundation and Montecito Rotary.

Library News This past year, we saw a number of changes to Montecito Library, beginning with patrons seeing new upgrades first thing in January, including a new automatic check-out machine, book shelves to hold new books displaced by the machine, new computers, and a new central table outfitted with upgraded computer ports, wiring, and Wi-Fi to replace several old tables of various heights and sizes. The upgrades were thanks to a generous donation by library patron Marie Morrisroe, who had the idea to establish a Technology Fund to help the library keep up with changing technology.

Funding the library was a big topic in 2015, as only one-third of Montecito Library’s operating budget comes from the county of Santa Barbara; onethird comes from the Friends of the Montecito Library (FOML), and the other third comes from a trust (which the City of Santa Barbara administers) made up of bequests to the library.

In 2008, this fund equaled more than

Montecito library welcomed new librarian Tatiana Johnson

$400,000, but since county funding has dwindled and state money has disappeared, this money has been used to make up the difference. The Friends had been supplementing donations with reserve funds to keep the library open, as well as buy new books, DVDs, and audio books for adults and children. Despite this, July marked the closure of the library on Mondays, and shortened hours on Saturdays. This brought the operating hours down from 45 hours to 36 hours per week.

A few weeks after the reduction in hours, the FOML Board unanimously agreed to focus its fundraising strategy on building the library endowment by moving to a more sustainable funding model. The investments are

being divested of CDs as they mature and into a conservative portfolio of stocks and bonds. After the Friends of the Montecito Library meets its annual budgetary commitment with the County, remaining gifts will be used to boost the endowment. FOML have also launched a $1.4-million campaign to ensure the future of Montecito’s 105-year-old institution. The Friends of the Montecito Library has a board of 15, with 500 newsletter subscribers, several of whom volunteer their time at the library. To learn more about Friends of the Montecito Library, visit montecitolibraryfriends.org.

In the spring, Montecito Library welcomed a new library supervisor, Tatiana Johnson, after the library spent six months “sharing” Carpinteria librarian Tara O’Reilly.

Johnson, who has worked for several Santa Barbara public libraries over the last several years, was offered the librarian position after budgets were re-evaluated.

Also at Montecito Hall: Montecito Association’s Land Use Committee, in August, discussed a project that would add an ADA access ramp to the south side of the property, allowing wheelchair access to both the library and meeting room. MA executive director Victoria Greene reported that she

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29

VILLAGE BEAT (Continued from page 29) Geri Ventura, shown here with chief Chip Hickman, retired from the district in November

Daryl Hansen, Montecito’s UPS driver for 29 years, retired in June

director Susan Keller was appointed to fill the vacancy on the commission; Keller resigned from her position on the Montecito Fire Protection District in order to take the post on MPC. Sylvia Easton, who was appointed to the MA board in January, resigned from that position to take Keller’s place on the MFPD board.

In July, Joseph Kirkland was appointed as new president of the Rotary Club of Montecito. Kirkland had served as board member, secretary, and president-elect for the Rotary Club.

Sam Maphis departed from Montecito Board of Architectural Review in February, after 12 years on the board

Susan Keller was appointed to the Montecito Planning Commission in July

Sue Burrows resigned from the Montecito Planning Commission in May, after eight years of service

30 MONTECITO JOURNAL

Montecito mailman Bob Neustadt bid adieu to his route after 30 years of service to the postal service

Kevin Taylor was hired as division chief of operations for Montecito Fire Protection District

had been working with the County’s architect, who put together a plan to add a ramp to the backside of the building. The plans call for removing and relocating the staircase, and adding a ramp, which would cost approximately $45,000. Since the property is County-owned, land use permits and design review are not required.

The Land Use Committee discussed several ideas for better ADA access, including committee member Tom Bollay’s suggestion to add a sidewalk on the west side of the building leading to the handicap space in the back parking lot, and removing some of the landscaping on the side of the structure to accommodate a new sidewalk.

Bollay offered to draw up the plans, with Greene saying she would share the idea with the County’s architect.

for 29 years. Over his long career, Hansen delivered hundreds of packages to Montecito business owners and residents on a daily basis, maneuvering his big brown truck through our neighborhoods and business districts. In July, Hansen said his goodbyes to friends and business owners at a farewell party at Here’s the Scoop’s patio.

In March, a joint MPC and MBAR hearing started off by recognizing three former MBAR members and one former planning commissioner, with First District supervisor Salud Carbajal thanking them for their years of service on the respective boards.

Former MBAR members Sam Maphis, Don Nulty, and Tony Spann served on MBAR since its inception back in 2003; Nulty and Spann stepped down in 2013, with Maphis announcing his departure in February. Thiep Cung was appointed to fill his vacancy.

Former Montecito Planning commissioner Dan Eidelson was also honored for his service; he served on the commission from 2009 through 2014, and recently was re-appointed to the Montecito Association Board of Directors. In May, planning commissioner Sue Burrows also announced her resignation from the commission after more than eight years of service, making her one of the longest-serving commissioners since the inception of the commission in 2003. In July, MFPD

Retirements & Successors Two of Montecito’s most wellknown servicemen retired in 2015: mailman Bob Neustadt and UPS driver Daryl Hansen. Neustadt retired in January after nearly 30 years of service; the last 16 of which was spent on his Montecito route, which encompassed all of Coast Village Road, Coast Village Circle, the neighborhoods around Hermosillo, Los Patos Way, and the Butterfly Beach community.

We marked Hansen’s retirement in June, when he left his post as Montecito’s UPS driver, a title he held

• The Voice of the Village •

Fighting Fires Over at MFPD, the district board recognized the promotions of three employees (Jordan Zeitsoff, Scott Chapman, and Drue Holthe) and the hiring of two new chief officers: shift battalion chief Alan Widling and division chief of operations, Kevin Taylor. November marked the retirement of longtime administrative assistant Geri Ventura, who spent 22 years at the district as an integral part of operations. Ventura’s successor is Joyce Reed, who joined the Montecito Fire Protection District after working for the Carpinteria/ Summerland Fire District.

The District contended with one wildfire and several structure fires over the year, following a February disaster drill near the Miramar Hotel property which allowed multiple agencies – Montecito Fire Protection District, CarpinteriaSummerland Fire Protection District, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, and Montecito Emergency Response and Recovery Action Group (MERRAG) – the opportunity to work together in a realistic emergency scenario.

Two residential structure fires occurred within 12 hours of each other on April 26 and April 27. The first blaze originated from a 50-ft by 50-ft mulch pile burning on a property on Picacho Lane, which spread to nearby vegetation and extended to the single-family residence. The second residential fire, on Loureyro Road, led to the death of resident Lorraine Mathilda Schmerzler. The 31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

blaze, which occurred early in the morning, was determined to be an accident, likely caused by a compromised table lamp cord. In September, MFPD personnel responded to a reported structure fire on East Valley Road, in the Valley Club.

Upon arrival, personnel found black smoke coming from a single-story guest cottage, and it was realized the fire originated in the basement.

A housekeeper was in the cottage when the blaze started, was alerted by the smoke detector, and safely exited the building without injury.

In August, MFPD chief Chip Hickman gave a presentation at Montecito Planning Commission regarding the District’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), a framework that enhances wildfire protection by reducing fire hazards while balancing ecological management and fiscal resources. The workshop marked the second time the preliminary plan had been discussed in a public forum; MFPD held a workshop at Fire Station 1 back in June.

In October, we brought you a preparation reminder article after several devastating wildfires broke out throughout California. The takeaway: sign up for NIXLE, a subscription alert program that is free to the community. NIXLE was put into use

after the Tea Fire, when it was realized that Reverse 911 systems had many failures due to power outages and burned phone lines.

Not even a month later, the Gibraltar Fire broke out in the early-morning hours of October 29. The 21-acre fire was contained less than a week after it began, and in an exclusive interview with Chief Hickman, he credited the quick containment on a successful collaboration between local agencies, the open tanker base in Santa Maria, up-staffing in preparation for the wind event that took place the evening before, and a collaboration with Westmont College, who opened Lovik Field as a landing zone and water pickup zone for helicopters. Another factor in the success of the Gibraltar suppression was vigilance among Montecito and Santa Barbara residents, who were kept informed with HEARO radios, Reverse 911 systems, and NIXLE.

Thank You!

As always, we’d like to extend a big “thank you” to our supporters, advertisers, writers, and most importantly, our readers, without whom we would not be able to put this publication together week after week, for more than 20 years.

We’ll see you in 2016!

•MJ

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S e a s on ’s G r e e t ing s

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We extend our warmest Wishesto you and yours this

Holiday Season and throughout the New Year. w w w. b p w. c o m

31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

MONTECITO JOURNAL

31

On Entertainment

by Steven Libowitz

MAW Alums are Ten for Ten

T

he 10 young instrumentalists from the 2015 Music Academy of the West summer festival who were chosen as Zarin Mehta Fellows arrive in New York City the day after New Year’s for their 10-day appointment with the New York Philharmonic Global Academy Fellowship Program.

In the second year of a four-year partnership between the two institutions – which culminated last August with the orchestra’s sold-out debut at the Santa Barbara Bowl, surely the community classical music highlight of the year – the fellows enjoy a once-in-alifetime immersion experience that the Philharmonic’s music director Alan Gilbert describes as “a window into the real life of the orchestral musician.” During their January 2-11 stay, the musicians will take lessons from and closely shadow their instrumental counterpart members of the New York Philharmonic, rehearse chamber repertoire in preparation for a private performance at The Morgan Library & Museum, perform mock auditions, and join the Teaching Artists of the New York Philharmonic Education program on visits to two New York schools in Queens and the Bronx. The fellows also rehearse – and may even have the opportunity to perform – with the New York Philharmonic for concerts on January 7-9 and 12, in a Strauss and Wagner program led by Gilbert.

The fellows, who range in age from 20-30, were selected by audition from among the 65 MAW instrumentalists last summer. They are Carl Anderson, double bass; Benjamin Hoffman, violin; Maki Kubota, cello; Nikolette LaBonte, horn; José Martínez, tuba; Rebecca Reale, violin; Rainer Saville, trumpet; Samuel Sparrow, clarinet; Mark Teplitsky, flute; and Naho Zhu, bassoon. We may see some of them back here at the Miraflores campus this coming summer, when the Music Academy of the West festival gets underway again June 13 through August 6.

More for MAW and Mosher

Opera Santa Barbara has dramatically expanded its artist residency program for 2016. The newly named Mosher Studio Artist Program will enable four young singers to both study and perform in the area for a full four months this year, a sea change from the previous program over the last seven years in which the singers spent just five weeks in town in training and rehearsals prior to

32 MONTECITO JOURNAL

Alan Gilbert, N.Y. Philharmonic music director, to oversee MAW instrumentalists

Steven Libowitz has reported on the arts and entertainment for more than 30 years; he has contributed to the Montecito Journal for more than ten years.

each of the company’s three annual opera productions.

Now, thanks to a new arrangement with the Mosher Foundation – which also created and sponsors the Mosher Guest Artist series at MAW – OSB will host the four vocalists along with an apprentice vocal coach for 17 weeks, during which time they’ll not only take part in the company productions but also conduct more extensive outreach activities throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, including coachings and master classes with top industry directors and conductors.

Among the first group of participants, who will be here January 18 through mid-May, is mezzo-soprano Molly Clementz, a doctoral candidate at UCSB, representing a first for OSB in its new related partnership with UCSB in which qualified voice students are eligible for consideration in the Mosher Studio Artist Program.

Clementz and the others will not only continue the previous program’s series of free noontime concerts at the Santa Barbara Public Library, but also tour local elementary schools as part of OSB’s Opera Lab, which uses improvisational theater techniques to encourage children to create their own operas. The singers will also offer previews of Opera Santa Barbara productions to com-

munity groups such as retirement homes and Rotary clubs, and also take part in a new series of “pop up” or “flash mob”-style performances from Thousand Oaks to Santa Maria, at shopping malls, public libraries, farmers markets, school lunchrooms, and similar locations.

And of course, the Mosher Studio Artists also will perform secondary roles in OSB’s upcoming productions of Gaetano Donizetti’s romantic comedy L’elisir d’amore (The Elixir of Love) on March 4 and 6, and Puccini’s oneacts Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi on April 22 and 24.

OSB, by the way, was founded in 1994 as Santa Barbara Opera by Marilyn Gilbert and her late husband Nathan Rundlett, longtime Montecito residents.

For more details, and to purchase tickets to the operas or request a “pop up” performance, contact Opera Santa Barbara at 898-3890 or online at www. operasb.org.

Sound of Music, Ojai Style

The Ojai Music Festival has announced the program for its 70th anniversary, which takes place June 9-12, the weekend before the Music Academy’s summer festival begins. Acclaimed opera and theater director Peter Sellars is the music director for Ojai’s milestone festival, taking the programming reins after previous appearances in 1992, when he directed a daring version of Stravinsky’s “Histoire du Soldat” with frequent Ojai music director Pierre Boulez, and in 2011, when he directed the critically acclaimed world premiere of the staged production of George Crumb’s song cycle “The Winds of Destiny.”

This time around, Sellars gets to direct the whole festival, and he has programmed a slate of events firmly in keeping with Ojai’s long-held spirit of pushing boundaries and challenging audiences musically and intellectually.

Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho will be on hand to showcase several of her works including the American premieres of the chamber version of “La Passion de Simone” and her newest dramatic creation “Only the Sound Remains”. Ojai will also present a commissioned work by Pulitzer Prize-winner Caroline Shaw of Claudia Rankine’s seminal book Don’t Let Me Be Lonely, and the world premieres of “Josephine Baker: A Personal Portrait” with arrangements and music by percussionist/ composer Tyshawn Sorey, plus a new work by Cuban composer-conductor Tania León for YOLA (Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles), new to the festival, and ICE (International

• The Voice of the Village •

Contemporary Ensemble), which made its Ojai debut last summer.

Also returning to Ojai is soprano Julia Bullock, who joined MAW alumnus tenor Ben Bliss as soloists for the West Side Story Concert Suite No. 1 portion of the NY Phil concert at the Bowl last August; she’ll be featured in the Josephine Baker piece.

Other Ojai debuts include the Grammy-winning vocal collective Roomful of Teeth, Egyptian singer Dina El Wedidi and Indian Carnatic singer Aruna Sairam.

Kaija Saariho’s Only the Sound Remains, her newest operatic creation, is a sequence of two Japanese Noh plays in versions by Ezra Pound.

Pushing boundaries of typical concert times, Feather Mantle will be performed in the early morning while Always Stron, will get its domestic premiere just before midnight, both staged by Sellars outdoors in the amphitheater at the Ojai Valley School. Performers include countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, baritone Davone Tines, Roomful of Teeth, Calder Quartet, percussionist Dustin Donahue, flutist Camilla Hoitenga, kantele (a traditional Finnish plucked string instrument) player Eija Kankaanranta, and dancer Laurel Jenkins.

Shaw’s new work, once again composed for the ensemble Roomful of Teeth, who will also be reprising her Pulitzer Prize-winning Partita for 8 Voices at the festival.

Following many classical music outfits around the country, including MAW last summer, Ojai is continuing its deepening connection to the community, including presenting free family concerts as part of the regular festival schedule for the first time. The Sunday concerts will feature music written and performed by, with, and for children and “anyone who is ready to listen to the world with fresh ears.” Phyllis Chen will compose, perform and “trigger a participatory cascade of toy piano mania and magnificence,” and YOLA joins ICE for the Tania León piece followed by a second world premiere of a new work written by Los Angeles teenager Sharon Hurvitz.

Also new is a free party on the main street of neighboring town Santa Paula on Sunday night, with ICE, Dina El Wedidi, Aruna Sairam, Roomful of Teeth and other artists pitching in to expand the geographic boundaries of the festival half an hour east.

As always, more information, full schedules of events including preliminary concerts and talks, details on the artists, season and individual concert tickets, and much more are available on the festival’s website, www.OjaiFestival.

•MJ org.

31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

PUBLIC NOTICE City of Santa Barbara NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Santa Barbara will conduct a Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 12, 2016, during the afternoon session of the meeting which begins at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. The hearing is to consider a request that the proposed development at 402 South Hope Avenue (APN 051-240-017), for Santa Barbara Auto Group (BMW and Audi), be designated a Community Benefit Project pursuant to Santa Barbara Municipal Code §28.85.020.A.3, and reserve 4,447 square feet of nonresidential floor area to the project from the Nonresidential Growth Management Program’s Community Benefit category.

You are invited to attend this hearing and address your verbal comments to the City Council. Written comments are also welcome up to the time of the hearing, and should be addressed to the City Council via the City Clerk’s Office, P.O. Box 1990, Santa Barbara, CA 93102-1990.

On Thursday, January 7, 2016, an Agenda with all items to be heard on Tuesday, January 12, 2016, will be available at 735 Anacapa Street and at the Central Library. Agendas and Staff Reports are also accessible online at www.santabarbaraca.gov; under Most Popular, click on Council Agenda Packet. Regular meetings of the Council are broadcast live and rebroadcast on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. on City TV Channel 18. These meetings can also be viewed over the Internet at www.santabarbaraca.gov: Point to Government, point to City Hall, and click on Mayor & City Council; click on City Council Meetings, City Council Meeting Videos, and then click on the Video link for the meeting date.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to gain access to, comment at, or participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator's Office at 564-5305 or inquire at the City Clerk's Office on the day of the meeting. If possible, notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements in most cases.

(Seal) /s/ Matt Fore Acting City Clerk Services Manager Published December 30, 2015 Montecito Journal

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Knowlwood Staff; KW Teaching Staff, 1675 E. Valley Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108.

Crandall Edwards, 2765 Williams Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. Tom Horton, 1281 Franciscan Ct. #5, Carpinteria, CA 93013. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on December 16, 2015. 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) by Tara Jayasinghe. FBN No. 2015-0003472. Published December 30, 2015, January 6, 13, 20, 2016.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as:

ECOLAWN; ECOLAWN SB, 555 Flora Vista Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109.

Manifest Building, INC, 555 Flora Vista Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on December 11, 2015.

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) by Tara Jayasinghe. FBN No. 2015-0003441. Published December 23, 30, 2015, January 6, 13, 2016.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Be Home Be Happy, 5082 Calle Real Unit B, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. Solomon Asefa, 5082 Calle Real Unit B, Santa Barbara, CA 93111.

This statement was filed

31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on November 30, 2015.

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) by Noe Solis. FBN No. 20150003342.

Published December 23, 30, 2015, January 6, 13, 2016.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: AXIA Holdings, INC, 820 State Street, 3rd Floor, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. AXIA Holdings, INC, 820 State Street, 3rd Floor, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on December 10, 2015. 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) by Adela Bustos. FBN No. 2015-0003438. Published December 16, 23, 30, 2015, January 6, 2016.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Carlstedt Property Management, PO Box 4563, Santa Barbara, CA 93140. Eric Carlstedt, 21 Crestview Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Karrie Crane, 21 Crestview Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93108.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on November 20, 2015. 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) by Jan Morales.

FBN No. 2015-0003298.

Published December 9, 16, 23, 30, 2015.

EDITORIAL (Continued from page 5)

cost, complexity, utility coordination, and potential permitting required for the repair, it will be on the order of months or potentially longer. We should have a better idea of the scope, cost, and schedule in the next couple months.

Meantime, we apologize for the inconvenience and ask the traveling public to abide by the traffic controls in place.

Please feel free to call or e-mail me with questions, or for updates as things progress at (805) 568-3064 or e-mail: csneddon@co.santa-barbara.ca.us.

Dick Shaikewitz

Q. Assuming moderate to heavy El Niño rains in January, February, and March, do you favor an end to water rationing penalties and an end to emergency drought surcharges in Montecito? What progress are you making in your negotiations with the City of Santa Barbara to share desalination water?

A: Please understand that I am only one of five MWD directors. It takes a majority vote of all the directors to take any action.

To your first question, my answer is “Yes,” especially as to allocations and penalties. But please remember, the water allocations, penalties, and surcharge were a response to this ongoing exceptional drought. MWD has had much less water to sell, great conservation by its customers, and, unfortunately, continuing long-term high fixed expenses. A further complication is the State’s continuing requirement for a 25-percent decrease in water usage.

To your second question, in the 1990s, MWD, after a vote by our customers, along with the City of Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, and other water districts in the county, committed hundreds of millions of dollars for, at that time, what was considered to be a long-term, reliable, drought water supply from the State Water Project. Unfortunately, we are all still paying lots of money, but getting little to no water.

The City of Santa Barbara has requested that all current desalination negotiations be kept confidential. Being able to acquire desalinated water from the City on a long-term, reliable basis under terms that are fair and reasonable to both parties could be our drought solution. But we must be certain that this doesn’t end up like another State Water Project. There are myriad problems we are trying to solve. We are doing our due diligence and this takes time.

The City and MWD both have diversified water supplies, and the use of these in a prudent manner is necessary to keep the cost of water for both districts’ customers as low as possible. Unfortunately, the addition of desalinated water is very expensive and will cause our rates to increase. If and when we reach a possible agreement, we will inform our customers, and the matter will be decided using a cost-of-service study, one or more public meetings and a Proposition 218 process. It is our customers who will be paying for the water, and we want to be sure this is what they want.

•MJ

DADIANA

SALON • COSMETICS • NAILCARE • FRAGRANCE • BATH & BODY GIFTS • HAIRCUT, COLOR AND HIGHLIGHT SPECIALIST

D IANE M EEHAN OWNER

“COME IN FOR AN IMAGE CONSULTATION”

DADIANA • 1485 EAST VALLEY ROAD #10 • MONTECITO

(805)969.1414 • WWW.BEAUTYKEEPER.COM

Give Yourself the Gift That Keeps Giving Learn Alternative Ways to Take Care of Yourself, Your Family, and Your Pets — First Time Offering — Six Month Comprehensive Training in Energy Healing & Alternative Care. Small group trainings will be held in Santa Barbara beginning January 30, 2016. I am delighted to have the opportunity to share the knowledge I have gleaned over the years. I welcome anyone who has an interest in this profound, alternative way of being. Please join me in this powerful, transformative process!

Gloria Kaye, Ph.D.

314 E. Carrillo Street, Suite 10 Email: drgloria@drgloriakaye.com Web: www.drgloriakaye.com Direct: 805.701.0363

Resolve to keep happy, and your joy shall form an invincible host against difficulties. – Helen Keller

Please call for more information or visit my website to view the full program brochure.

MONTECITO JOURNAL

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1

st

Your Westmont

Annual

by Scott Craig (photos by Brad Elliott) Scott Craig is manager of media relations at Westmont College

Three Join Board of Trustees New Year’s Eve Party

Thursday, December 31st 8pm - 2am Montecito Events Center 30 Los Patos Way

$150 per person: Includes two glasses of Champagne Table of 6 - $1,000: Includes two bottles of Champagne VIP Table of 6 - $1,500: Includes two bottles of Dom Perignon Premium Table of 10 - $2,500: Includes two bottles of Dom Perignon & Caviar Sumptuous hors d’oeuvres and desserts will be served Complimentary Valet Parking by Signature Music by DJ Fab

Cocktail Attire or Black Tie Advanced Reservations Required Limited Seating 21 & over Proceeds benefit:

Fine Wining & DAncing Canceled: Friday, December 18th For tickets visit www.nippers.com or call 805-681-1315

34 MONTECITO JOURNAL

China International Capital Corporation’s Tom Nguyen

T

Dave Gehring of Guardian News and Media

he Westmont Board of Trustees has welcomed three new members: Dave Gehring, advisor for Guardian News and Media; Tom Nguyen, managing director of U.S. sales for China International Capital Corp. (CICC); and Jim Richardson, senior management consultant and director for Alexandria Real Estate Equities. The 29-member board oversees the operations of the college.

Gehring, who graduated from Westmont in 1993, worked at Google and YouTube before joining the Guardian in 2014. His work focuses on developing business models that will support quality journalism in the digital economy. As a trustee, he is interested in improving journalism programs and courses at Westmont.

“I would love to figure out how to get more Christians into the top tier of the journalism world,” he says. “I spend a lot of time in those newsrooms and when topics of religion come up, it can be frustrating. Christians need to be in those newsrooms helping to make decisions about what the public understands.”

Nguyen, a graduate of Pepperdine University, earned an MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. Before joining CICC, he was managing director at Bank of America, head of international sales at Deutsche Bank, head of global markets in Vietnam for Deutsche Bank and vice president in equity sales at Merrill Lynch in Chicago. Nguyen says he wants to connect Westmont to Wall Street. “I have grown up in the Wall Street business, and it can use more Christ-centered people,” says Nguyen, whose daughter, Mackenzie, attended Westmont. “The Wall Street culture desperately needs the types of leaders that are produced here.

• The Voice of the Village •

Jim Richardson, Alexandria Real Estate Equities consultant

“I would also love to help expand the global footprint of Westmont through various programs or by being a global voice for Westmont.”

Richardson, whose daughters Carly ’16 and Frannie ’18 attend Westmont, has been in executive leadership positions in the commercial real estate industry for several decades. Most recently, he served as president and board member with Alexandria Real Estate Equities, a New York Stock Exchange real estate investment trust that is the largest global investor and developer of Class A urban campuses dedicated to life science and technology enterprises. He serves on a variety of private company and non-profit boards and advises and invests in young companies and entrepreneurs.

“I have a passion for investing in the next generation,” he says. “Westmont’s holistic approach to developing men and women of character by combining rigorous academics with Christian spiritual formation is unique and critical. These young leaders are going to influence the world in a very different way than their secularly educated •MJ counterparts.”

31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

The Orlando Consort

Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour

SUN, JAN 10 / 4 PM (note special time) HAHN HALL, MUSIC ACADEMY OF THE WEST

THU, JAN 14 / 8 PM / UCSB CAMPBELL HALL

$30 / $9 UCSB students

“The Monterey Jazz Festival has a reputation for doing things right… And when the tour comes to town, you had better pay attention.” Kansas City Star

Silent Cinema and Medieval Music – The Passion of Joan of Arc

featuring Ravi Coltrane, Raul Midón, Nicholas Payton, Gerald Clayton, Joe Sanders and Gregory Hutchinson Tickets start at $25 / $10 UCSB students

A Hahn Hall facility fee will be added to each ticket price

Do not miss the acclaimed British ensemble The Orlando Consort and its live vocal music accompaniment, a thrilling complement to the profound imagery of this 1928 silent film.

Up Close & Musical Series at Hahn Hall sponsored by Dr. Bob Weinman

Tommy Emmanuel FRI, JAN 22 / 8 PM UCSB CAMPBELL HALL Tickets start at $25 $15 UCSB students

Santa Barbara Debut

Founder of Khan Academy and Author of The One World Schoolhouse An Afternoon with

Salman Khan

Education Reimagined

“Widely considered to be one of the best living acoustic guitarists… that fingerpicking style that sounds like he is three guitarists at once put him on the map. He’s the type of artist you have to see to truly experience.” Los Angeles Magazine

SUN, JAN 24 / 3 PM (note special time) GRANADA THEATRE Tickets start at $25 $15 UCSB students

2015 Women’s World Cup Champion Finalist: Women’s World Player of the Year Presented in Association with UCSB Athletics

30th Anniversary Tour

An Evening with

Carli Lloyd TUE, JAN 26 / 6:30 PM (note special time) ARLINGTON THEATRE Tickets start at $15 $5 all students and youth (18 & under) Meet Carli in person! A limited number of meet-and-greet tickets are available for $125 / $75 all students and youth (18 & under) An Arlington facility fee will be added to each ticket price

A Granada facility fee will be added to each ticket price

Event Sponsors: Susan & Craig McCaw With support from our Community Partner the Orfalea Family

Culture Clash

Muse & Morros: True Stories - Real People WED, JAN 27 / 8 PM UCSB CAMPBELL HALL Tickets start at $25 $15 UCSB students

“Three fiery, passionate, funny and incredibly committed master storytellers.” Orange County Weekly From the borders and in the margins, safe houses, streets and jails, comes a night of poignant and often hilarious voices and true stories of unforgettable people.

(805) 893-3535 / www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu Media Sponsor:

Arlington event tickets can also be purchased at: (805) 963-4408 Granada event tickets can also be purchased at: (805) 899-2222 www.GranadaSB.org 31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

MONTECITO JOURNAL

35

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING (805) 565-1860 (You can place a classified ad by filling in the coupon at the bottom of this section and mailing it to us: Montecito Journal, 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite D, Montecito, CA 93108. You can also FAX your ad to us at: (805) 969-6654.

We will figure out how much you owe and either call or FAX you back with the amount. You can also e-mail your ad: christine@montecitojournal.net and we will do the same as your FAX).

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

Architect seeks INVESTMENT PARTNER Builder/General Contractor preferred with local construction experience.

Dev. start up, prefab SFR prototype.

Full scale home display at Builder Home show, innovative, functional, unique, economic, quick build, $600k for 2 yrs.

Investment or loan, w/stock.

No agents, no reps, no solicitation pls (310) 801-8660 q.parker@icloud.com ART/ANTIQUES

Oil Gold Leaf Swan Painting 30” x 44” $3500.

A pair of Gold Leaf magenta magnolia floral paintings 12” x 14” each $1900.

805 563-2526. Private offering.

BEAUTY & SPA SERVICES

Forget Lash Extensions ~Try a Lash Perm.

We perm your lashes creating beautifully curled natural lashes that last 8-12 weeks. $65 Call Riverblue Salon Spa 565-1999 SPECIAL/PERSONAL SERVICES

LASTING LEGACY Preserve your life story as a precious gift for loved ones and future generations.

Autobiography, Family History or Biography of a Loved One. David Wilk (805) 455-5980. Wilkonian@sbcglobal. net. Ask to see previous books I’ve written and references.

Family Historian available to help you create a written account of your life that will preserve your past and become a cherished legacy for future generations.

There is no time like the present to give the gift of a lifetime! Lisa O’Reilly, Member Association of Personal Historians 6846514 or www.yourstorieswritten.com PHOTOSHOP RETOUCHING & EDITING for all your holiday needs! 20 years experience, $35/hr Call Melissa 805-566-0163 Over 25 Years in Montecito

Over 25 Years in Montecito

MONTECITO MONTECITO ELECTRIC ELECTRIC

EXCELLENT R EFERENCES EXCELLENT REFERENCES • Repair Wiring • Repair Wiring • Remodel Wiring • Remodel Wiring • New Wiring • New Wiring • Landscape Lighting • Landscape Lighting • Interior Lighting • Interior Lighting

(805)969-1575 969-1575 (805)

I will ghostwrite your memoirs or personal story turn it into a book or a movie.

Professional writer of 30 published books. Guaranteed Quality Services. Jay North www.OneGlobePress.com.

Free Consultation 805-794-9126

weight management and program design. Private in-home or gym training.

Very discrete and trustworthy. Personal references upon request.

Call for a free 30 minute consultation.

(805) 218-3047 HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

COMPUTER/VIDEO SERVICES

VIDEOS TO DVD TRANSFERS Hurry, before your tapes fade away. Now doing records & cassettes to CD. Only $10 each 969-6500 Scott.

PHYSICAL TRAINING/COACHING

Fit for Life

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 PHYSICAL THERAPY Improve the Way You Move-Improve the Quality of Your Life. Josette Fast, PT- 35 years experience. House calls 805-722-8035

www.fitnisphysicaltherapy.com STLLWELL FITNESS Specialized InHome Fitness Strength Building, Endurance, Energy, Flexibility and Balance John Stillwell, ISSA Certified Specialist 805-705-2014

Personal Trainer/Restorative Exercise Specialist 25 years of experience, trained in Europe, specializes in injury rehab and prevention,

$8 minimum

I can help your family clean up after Parties/ events.

Clean up “ guest room”. Prep for events, greeting, organize the room.

I can do weekend/day/night job & make your holiday party “memorable and pleasant”.

Minimum 3 hrs. Call to make an appt.

Jina 805-320-2773.

MOVE MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Santa Barbara Relocation Services www.SantaBarbaraRelocationServices. com Personalized Move Mgmt Solutions.

We manage your complete transition!

Delivering peace of mind to one client at a time.

Free In-home Consultation. Kip Glover 452-4423 Plan-organize-disposepack-move-setup new residence-home close.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

77.57 Acres vacant land on Helendale Road near Adelanto, CA. $271,495 zoned RL5 . sb903cc(at)gmail.com

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

NancyHussey.com Nancy Hussey Realtor ® 805-452-3052 Coldwell Banker / Montecito DRE#0138377 Happy New Year!

SHORT/LONG TERM RENTAL

CARMEL BY THE SEA vacation getaway. Charming, private studio.

Beautiful garden patio. Walk to beach and town. $110/night. 831-624-6714 Santa Barbara Short Term fully furnished Apartments/Studios.

Walk to Harbor & Downtown.

Day/Week/Month 805-966-1126 TheBeachHouseInn.com Mesa House for Rent www.MesaRental.info OUR WEB SITES FOR YOU Homes and Condos For Sale www.MontecitoHouses.info www.MesaHouses.info www.GoletaHouses.info www.RivieraHouses.info Coastal Properties BRE 01208634 Berni Bernstein BRE 00870443 705-4867, keviny42@hotmail.com

Cimme Eordanidis

Realtor, ABR, GREEN Village Properties License: 01745878 (805) 722-8480 email: cimme@ villagesite.com Ready to end 2015 on a strong note by buying, selling, or investing in a property?

Please call me and let’s get started!

ESTATE/MOVING SALE SERVICES

PR SERVICES

Marketing and Publicity for your business, non-profit, or event. Integrating traditional and social media and specializing in PSAs, podcasts, videos, blogs, articles and press releases. Contact Patti Teel seniorityrules@gmail.com

THE CLEARING HOUSE, LLC

Recognized as the Area’s Leading Estate Liquidators – Castles to Cottages Experts in the Santa Barbara Market! Professional, Personalized Services for Moving, Downsizing, and Estate Sales .

Complimentary Consultation (805) 708 6113 email: theclearinghouseSB@cox.net website: theclearinghouseSB.com Estate Moving Sale Service-Efficient30yrs experience. Elizabeth Langtree 689-0461 or 733-1030.

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD $8 minimum

STATE LICENSE No. 485353

It’s Simple. Charge is $2 per line, and any portion of a line. Multiply the number of lines used (example 4 lines x 2 =$8) Add 10 cents per Bold and/or Upper case character and send your check to: Montecito Journal, 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite D, Montecito, CA 93108.

Deadline for inclusion in the next issue is Thursday prior to publication date. $8 minimum. Email: christine@montecitojournal.net

www.montecitoelectric.com

Yes, run my ad __________ times. Enclosed is my check for $__________

STATE LICENSE No. 485353 MAXWELLL. HAILSTONE MAXWELL L. HAILSTONE 1482 East Valley Road, Suit 147 1482 East Valley Road, Suite 147 Montecito, California 93108 Montecito, California 93108

36 MONTECITO JOURNAL

• The Voice of the Village •

31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY (805) 565-1860 local expertise. national reach. world class.

BUSINESS CARDS FOR VOL 20#48, Dec 10, ’14

Kevin O’Connor /President

Hydrex Rob Adams | 805-560-3311 (805) 687-6644 • www.OConnorPest.com 228 W. Carrillo Street, Suite A Free Estimates Same Day Service Merrick Construction Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Residential • Commercial • Industrial • Agricultural www.lee-associates.com Bill Vaughan Shine Blow Dry Musgrove(revised) Valori Fussell(revised) PORTICO FINE ART GALLERY Lynch Construction ART CLASSES Good Doggies Beginner to experienced welcome.

Pemberlysmall classes | convenient parking 1235 Coasteyelash Village Rd. Santa Barbara/Montecito, CA 93108 Beautiful Spa) Beautiful (change to Forever For more information call (805) 695-8850 Luis Esperanza Simon Hamilton

www.MontecitoVillage.com® Broker Specialist In Birnam Wood. Member Since 1985

www.BirnamWoodEstates.com BILL VAUGHAN 805.455.1609 BROKER/PRINCIPAL

CalBRE # 00660866

SIGNMAKER Give the Gift of a Sign

GIFT CERTIFICATES paulmusgrove.com • 252-3356

CAREGIVING REFERRAL SERVICE www.filcaremanagement.com • Full time/Part time Caregivers • Meal & Menu planning • Escort to medical & personal appointments • Light housekeeping

Filcare

1024 Rosewood Avenue, Camarillo, CA 93010

When you need experienced care at home…

LLC

NON-MEDICAL IN HOME CARE

There’s no place like home.

FIREWOOD

El Niño ?? Praying for rain??

Get ready now, Abundant Firewood! $50-400. Seasoned, well split.

Oak, mix & stove wood 805-895-2099 or 967-1474

31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

www.LuxeLionDesigns.com

lic. #63623

$25 for play day $40 for overnight Carole (805) 452-7400 carolebennett@cox.net

805.426.0990

PIANO LESSONS Santa Barbara Studio of Music seeks children wishing to experience the joy of learning music.

(805) 453-3481.

lic. #102-816605

Loving Pet Care in my Home

24 Hour & Live-In Care Experts www.HomeCarePlusLLC.com

TUTORING SERVICES

(805) 200-8881

Just Good Doggies

Non-Medical

In the Privacy and Comfort of Your Own Home

HOME C are PLUS

Luxe805 Lion Designs 705 9799

Bonded & Insured

CEMETERY PLOTS

Sunset at SB Cemetery Rare double plot overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Side by side burial for 2 or inurnment, up to 4 urns. Current value: $116,000. Please call 805-886-7930 Leave message for more information.

All offers considered.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

K-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.

MONTECITO JOURNAL

37

SEVILL A LUXURY RESIDENCES FROM $1,250,000 - $2,135,000. OVER $100 MILLION SOLD IN 2014.

805.770.5300

HomesInSantaBarbar a.com

CalBRE: #01206734

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. CalBRE #s: 01499736, 01129919

38 MONTECITO JOURNAL

• The Voice of the Village •

31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

WHEN IT COMES TO JUMBO LOANS, NEW AMERICAN FUNDING HAS MORE TO OFFER. JUMBO NICHE PLAYER Program Benefits:

• 15% Down Payment to $2M

• Bank Statement Loan in Lieu of Tax Returns

• Loans to $15 million

• Foreign Nationals to 65% LTV

• 20% Down Payment to $5M

• Up to 10 Financed Properties • Cross Collateralization for Down Payment

Adam Black

Bromi Krock

Branch Manager NMLS# 266041

Senior Loan Consultant NMLS# 254423

Cell: 805.452.8393 adam.black@nafinc.com branch.newamericanfunding.com/Montecito

Cell: 805.705.6669 Bromi.Krock@nafinc.com

Montecito Branch | 1165 Coast Village Rd. # A | Montecito, CA 93018 Branch locations all throughout Coastal Southern California Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act License. NMLS ID #6606 All products are not available in all states. All options are not available on all programs. All programs are subject to borrower and property qualifications. Rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. All products are not available in all states. All options are not available on all programs. All programs are subject to borrower and property qualifications. Rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. © New American Funding. New American and New American Funding are registered trademarks of Broker Solutions, DBA New American Funding. All Rights Reserved. Corporate Office (800) 450-2010. 9/2015

31 December 2015 – 7 January 2016

MONTECITO JOURNAL

39

Platinum Ring with 4.51 Carat Center Diamond

812 State Street • Santa Barbara • 966.9187 1482 East Valley Road • Montecito • 565.4411 BryantAndSons.com Consecutive Winners of News Press Readers’ Choice Award and Independent Best Jewelry Store Award