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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

–

and Doings – Strategic partners doing battle with coded communications?! It’s called Bridge and is attracting a new generation. Liz Heron leads the charge.

–

and Sue

from Les – Javier Tellez’s border wall installation where a human cannonball was launched from Tijuana into San Diego

22 nursing grads,

and

20 Letters to the Editor – Readers’ input on the upcoming June 2 election and the contentious State Street Master Plan

The Giving List – First 5 Santa Barbara County is bringing nature-based learning into classrooms across the region

29 Meet the Doctor – Radiology/Diagnostic Imaging Technician Winifred “Winnie” Leung, MD

Meeting at MA – Wildfire preparedness, public safety, and a well-attended leadership reception shaped the latest Montecito Association meeting

Sheriff’s Blotter 40 Calendar of Events – Nature-driven music at Jalama Canyon Ranch, Shakespeare with views at Elings, experimental art, symphonic youth, and more

42

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

Spoken Word – AI at the County’s Economic Summit, lithium as false panacea, and new literary voices shape this month’s speaking calendar Montecito Health Coach – Mother’s Day reveals the invisible labor, quiet sacrifices, and emotional glue holding families together 18 On Entertainment – Tom Scott and Roger Kellaway reunite at The Grand, Teen Star finalists, I Madonnari’s asphalt canvas, joyous butterflies at the museum, and more

43 Mini Meta Crossword Puzzles Local Business Directory

©2026

Hot Topics

Abatement, Emergency Access, and New Requirements

by Christina Atchison

The old adage, “April showers bring May flowers,” is not a complete bed of roses given high fire season predictions on the Santa Barbara County South Coast. Maeve Juarez is a wildland fire specialist with Montecito Fire Department and has been responding to wildfires across the Western United States for the better part of the last 28 years of her career.

She says the recent late spring rain is counterintuitive.

“The rain we’ve gotten locally has really just pressed the snooze button on our high fire season,” Juarez said. “Spring rain means we will have a larger grass crop, and in Santa Barbara County, nearly all fire ignitions are human-caused and strongly associated with roads, trails, and areas of human activity where grasses are often overgrown, dry, and ready to burn.”

As the summer months approach, our local sundowner wind pattern is likely to reemerge – commonly in July and again in the fall. A spark in dry grass, plus powerful downcanyon winds can lead to our area’s next big fire.

“Dry grass acts like kindling,” Juarez said. “It allows a roadside fire to move quickly and, once fire gets established in the brush, it becomes much harder to put out.”

That said, this snooze button period is an ideal time to prepare for high fire season and stay ahead of regrowth on Montecito properties.

Annual Hazard Abatement Inspections

In early May, all Montecito residences were mailed a notice from Montecito Fire Department about annual Hazard Abatement Inspections.

The mailer notifies residents that Montecito Fire will conduct property inspections starting June 1, 2026, to ensure all local residences meet the requirements set by state and local Fire Code.

The requirements focus on maintaining defensible space and roadside clearance, plus ensuring gates are functional and accessible by the Fire Department.

After the June 1 deadline, Montecito Fire Marshal Aaron Briner says engine companies will drive throughout the community conducting more than 1,600 property inspections from the public right-of-way.

“Our fire captains divide Montecito into six areas to complete their inspections,” Chief Briner said. “The inspections also serve as a great training opportunity for our firefighters. As they drive the district, they become very familiar with the narrow, winding neighborhoods that make up much of Montecito and can answer resident questions face-to-face.”

Emergency Access

One of the top priorities of a Hazard Abatement Inspection is to verify that our fire engines can reach your home in the event of any emergency without being impeded by access issues.

Hot Topics Page 314

PRIVATE PARADISE

Make sure your property is in the clear!

Beings and Doings

Bridge: the Gathering

by Jeff Wing

“The best characteristic in a partner is a good sense of humor,” declares Liz Heron “Why? Because sometimes you do absolutely idiotic things and you make idiotic bids. You don’t want a partner who’s going to scream and yell at you. You want the partner that’s going to be supportive and helpful and constructive.”

Yes…nicely stated, Liz. But idiotic bids? What is this, MFT for married Sotheby’s addicts? Maybe her next outburst will clarify.

“Once they’re in, we’ll show them what an amazing game Bridge is!”

Ah. Bridge! Why didn’t you say so? Bridge is the “card game” (devotees surely bridle at that undercooked misnomer) whose European origin story dates to 16 th century pub throwdowns, and later appropriation by 1) a frenzied aristocracy obsessed with the dynamic puzzle-solving nature of the game, and finally 2) the teeming masses, whose Bridge fever and regularized devotional gatherings to play

can seem positively monastic (potluck charcuterie notwithstanding).

Here is the buried lede: Liz Heron, having worked with a very successful flagship program in Seattle, is coordinating a one-week intro to Bridge for Santa Barbara’s card-carrying teens. Bridge Camp for Youth (BCFY) takes place June 15-19, from 5-8 pm at the Santa Barbara Bridge Center, 2255 Las Positas Road.

The weeklong camp is designed for Junior High and High School-aged fans of cardistry and, well, pizza. Bridge is a game so fervently taught by its players, what was conceived as a $100 camp is now FREE to the first 24 registrants (sbbridgecamp@gmail.com). This is a ringing example of how excited Santa Barbara’s Bridge-playing ambassadors are about spreading the joy.

To be clear: this is not a rambling “camp” in the usual sense, where periodically a harried Counselor in Training (CIT) hollers with cracking voice to summon the far-flung campers from their surreptitious game-playing. This a week of full-frontal game-playing. Did we mention the pizza?

Beings & Doings Page 324 Pizza, Partnership, and Cardinal Positions (courtesy poster)

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Montecito Miscellany Bridges & Backstories

by Richard Mineards

Montecito’s art-and-cinema crowd gathered in sophisticated black-and-white splendor this weekend for an intimate afternoon reception at Tamsen Gallery featuring a rare talk and Q&A with Hollywood legend Jeff Bridges. The mood was less formal lecture and more glamorous family reunion – the sort where everyone lingered over wine, stories, and laughter.

Surrounded by striking black-andwhite photographs from across his remarkable career, Jeff charmed the packed gallery with deeply personal tales from film sets spanning more than 90 movies. Guests listened intently as he reminisced about working alongside his father, Lloyd Bridges, on Sea Hunt, and photographing life on the set of The Fabulous Baker Boys with brother Beau Bridges. Sister Cindy Bridges added a warm family sparkle to the affair.

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Moderating the discussion was daughter Jessie Bridges, who proved wonderfully warm and engaging. “We’re here today to have fun and engage with everyone, and feed off each other’s creative energy,” she smiled, setting the tone for an afternoon filled with affectionate banter. The loving rapport between Jeff and Jessie gave the afternoon its real magic – less Hollywood Q&A and more intimate family storytelling around the supper table.

The exhibition also spotlighted Jeff’s beloved vintage Widelux panoramic

camera, used throughout his career to capture candid moments behind the scenes in Hollywood. Guests were fascinated to learn that the original factory burned down decades ago, and that Jeff and Sue Bridges are now partnering with Silvergrain Classics to revive the legendary camera with the newly launched WideluxX.

At one point, Jeff reflected warmly, “Photography is magic! You capture moments in time using just lights and shadows, and you hold that in your hand, and you realize – the extraordinary magic in life’s little moments.”

The exhibit’s nostalgic warmth also

Miscellany Page 274

Jeff Bridges gives his daughter Jessie a big thank you hug (photo by Priscilla)

Tamsen’s Mimi Wolfe and Lara Firestone with Jessie Bridges (photo by Priscilla)

Designer Rosemary Feinberg and Tam Firestone enjoy the patio (photo by Priscilla)

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News Bytes June 2nd California Election Important Information

by MJ Staff

In December 2024, the USPS changed the rules about how mail-in ballots will get collected, postmarked, and eventually counted. This had a profound effect on the number of ballots that can be rejected. Statewide, the number of mail-in ballots disqualified due to these changes increased by 400% between 2024 and the 2025 special election (Prop 50). In SB County, 2,647 ballots were tossed, representing a 1,500% increase from 2024 to 2025. It is important to know that standard mail with the USPS can take up to 7 days to arrive. To ensure that your vote counts, be sure to:

- Drop your ballot off on or before Election Day at the Drop Box provided

- The County Election’s Office located at 4440-A Calle Real, Santa Barbara, 93110

- Mail no later than May 22nd.

- Or Vote In Person on Election Day. Look for your polling place at the link provided below: 411: https://tinyurl.com/voterstrength

Ty Warner’s Four Seasons Biltmore Opening Still Pending

From here to the San Francisco Gate news and high-profile global travel magazines, updates on the proposed 2026 reopening of Ty Warner’s Four Season’s Biltmore remain a mystery with many speculating. Just take a drive past the resort and one clearly notes that construction continues, although many are hoping it will be open for the summer season. With its centennial noted as February 2026, in February the team went (again) before the Montecito Board of Architectural Review for a conceptual review of two twin cottages and other outdoor design changes.

Drew Clark, commercial director at Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts, a Santa Barbara resident since 2025 and a UCSB graduate, wrote to SF Gate’s April enquiry that, “…the Four Seasons Biltmore Montecito still does not have an opening date.” And their website banner, “Thank you for your interest in Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. The Resort remains temporarily closed and is expected to reopen in 2026 as we continue renovations and enhancements. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you back to our celebrated property upon reopening. Stay tuned for updates on our opening date, which will be shared here on the website.”

Summer Solstice Soirée

The Summer Solstice Celebration will bring its signature spirit of creativity and community to Montecito on Friday, May 23, with the return of the Summer Solstice Soirée, an elegant afternoon fundraiser supporting Santa Barbara’s iconic

News Bytes Page 384

Notes from Les Border Line Disorder

SJavier Tellez’s border wall installation, One Flew Over the Void (Bala Perdida) where a human cannonball was launched from Tijuana into San Diego (photo courtesy of INSITE Archive)

o much talk these days about our southern border. Not to mention Mexico has challenges with its own southern border. At least in our all new Riv mag you can see some positive interventions to the border space. Ronald Rael’s pink seesaws through the border wall may have created the perfect metaphor. What happens here effects there, and vice versa. As they will, politically separated kids used the wall as a medium for joined frolic. What do they understand that we adults resolutely do not?

The Riv showcases other fascinating border wall innovations as well. The Border Banquet was amazing and visually arresting (no one was actually arrested). And there’s the “Fandango Fronterizo” concert at the border that happens every year, with musicians and audience on both sides.

And the Riv also looks at a couple of less sane migration solutions people have tried. Some people have attempted to literally drive an SUV up and over the border wall. And the artist Javier Tellez once successfully shot a HUMAN CANNONBALL from Tijuana into San Diego.

This worked for two important reasons: 1: the man who did it was a professional cannonball (kids, don’t try this at home). And 2: said cannonball had a U.S. passport and had been pre-approved by the U.S. Border Patrol.

The Riv also asks the important question given the amount of legroom in coach and the problems with air traffic control and the TSA: is being shot out of a giant gun really the worst way to return to the States?

Montecito Tide Guide

Executive Editor/CEO | Gwyn Lurie gwyn@montecitojournal.net

newspaper

President/COO | Timothy Lennon Buckley tim@montecitojournal.net

Managing Editor | Zach Rosen zach@montecitojournal.net

MoJo Contributing Editor | Christopher Matteo Connor

Art/Production Director | Trent Watanabe

Graphic Design/Layout | Stevie Acuña

Administrative Assistant | Jessica Shafran VP, Sales & Marketing | Leanne Wood leanne@montecitojournal.net

Account Managers | Sue Brooks, Tanis Nelson, Elizabeth Scott, Donna Roberts, Joe DeMello, Thomas Mock

Features | Jeff Wing

Proofreading | Helen Buckley

Contributors | Scott Craig Chuck Graham, Mark Ashton Hunt, Dalina Michaels, Robert Bernstein, Christina Atchison, Leslie Zemeckis, Sigrid Toye, Elizabeth Stewart, Leana Orsua, Jeffrey Harding, Houghton Hyatt

Arts and Entertainment | Steven Libowitz

Gossip | Richard Mineards

History | Hattie Beresford

Humor | Ernie Witham

Our Town/Society | Joanne A Calitri

Health/Wellness | Ann Brode, Deann Zampelli

Travel | Jerry Dunn, Leslie Westbrook

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

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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 G, Montecito, CA 93108.

How to reach us: (805) 565-1860; FAX: (805) 969-6654; Montecito Journal, 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite G, Montecito, CA 93108; EMAIL: tim@montecitojournal.net

JOURNAL

Our Town

Art Foundation SB’s An Artful Affair

by Joanne A Calitri

It is time for the Art Foundation of Santa Barbara (AFSB) to hold its annual fundraiser for artists and collectors, titled An Artful Affair, on May 31, 4-6:30 pm, at the Santa Barbara Club’s outside garden area. Artists showing their works for sale are Andrea Anderson, Danuta Bennett, Rick Delanty, Manny Lopez, Wyllis Heaton, Chloé Hourdequin, Ray Hunter, Katherine Murray-Morse, Ann Sanders, Frank Serrano, and Nina Warner Ralph Waterhouse will be doing a “live quick draw” painting at the event, and Thomas Van Stein is donating a painting but will not be present.

To bring the details of the event to our readers, I was delighted to meet at the Santa Barbara Club on Thursday, May 14 with Art Foundation SB Board President Frank McGinity and the AFSB Board of Trustees – Katherine Murray-Morse, John Doordan, Diane Waterhouse, Maria McCall, and new Trustee Jeremy Tessmer –to talk about their fundraiser on May 31 and take their photo. On hand to coordinate was Linda Spann, general manager of the Santa Barbara Club.

I asked Frank McGinity for his remarks about the upcoming Artful Affair, and he said, “Art is important in our lives. The Art Foundation of Santa Barbara is pleased to support the many aspiring artists and youth art programs in Santa Barbara. An Artful Affair is just one of our programs. We also provide a tool for estate planning and contributions. There are many artists who live in the area and have a hard time selling their work. We are trying to help artists with this event, as well as people buying their art get to meet the artist who created it.” He also shared that attendees of the Artful Affair event will be able to visit the interior of the SB Club, which is a private club normally closed to the public; and that the SB Club is catering the event. The event is ticketed, see 411.

Katherine Murray-Morse was instrumental in the finer details of my interview below:

Q. How did the fundraiser come about?

A. The title “Artful Affair” was adopted several years ago; 2018 to be precise. It underscores the “art garden party” theme and the Art Foundation’s focus on local artists.

How are the artists selected?

Diane Waterhouse (Waterhouse Gallery) invited a number of the artists participating who are mainly representational or realistic artists. Other artists were invited by trustees or other committee members, for variety. In addition to landscape, still life and watercolor, floral and wildlife, one artist will be focused on abstract realism. Most if not all of the artists have been juried into professional art associations, such as the Santa Barbara Art Association or the California Art Club, they have participated in group exhibits or solo shows and won awards.

How many works of art will be at the event for sale, and are they new works?

Artists will exhibit up to 10 works each on dedicated panels (under their name) placed around the garden. The artists will be by their work. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet each of the artists closeup, speak with them about their work, learn what inspires them, and see their work individually. I would say some of the work may be newly created for the exhibit, each artist always wants to show their best and most current work.

Our Town Page 394

John Doordan, Katherine MurrayMorse, Maria McCall, Frank McGinity, Diane Waterhouse, and Jeremy Tessmer (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

Your Westmont

Nursing Pinning Honors 22 Graduates

by Scott Craig, photos by Brad Elliott

Twenty-two members of the seventh cohort of the Westmont Downtown | Grotenhuis Nursing program were pinned at a special ceremony to honor their accomplishments on May 7 at Montecito Covenant Church. The group included the college’s first nursing fast track graduate, who earned two bachelor’s degrees in just four and a half years.

“I am deeply grateful not only for the medical training but for the compassionate care we receive,” said President Gayle D. Beebe. “True healing begins when we are treated with dignity, care and respect, and nurses play an essential role in delivering the healing arts that restore us to full health.”

Nursing graduate Baylee Haas acknowledged the challenges faced during the program, including early mornings, late nights, and stressful moments. She reflected on the growth and resilience of the cohort, emphasizing the friendships and support system built during the program. “As we move forward into our careers, we will enter hospitals, clinics, and communities where people will trust us with their lives, and when those moments come, I have no doubt that each one of us will rise to meet them with the same determination, resilience, and compassion that brought us here today.

Nursing faculty Dr. Stephanie Curtis shared her experiences teaching the cohort and reflected on their growth and development. She emphasized the importance of embracing one’s unique gifts and calling. “In this journey that you’re on and about to embark, it will take time,” she said, “time for the vision you have for yourself to really come into alignment with the confidence and the competence in your knowledge and skills. That alignment is a great place to get to, but it’ll take a little while. So, in the meantime, you really have to find where your motivation comes from every shift, every day.”

She then read them her re-worked version of The Very Hungry Caterpillar tailored especially for them, called “The Very Nervous Nursing Students.”

In parting, Dianthe Hoffman, ABSN program director, said it’s remarkable to see how much the nursing graduates had grown not only in knowledge and skill, but in confidence, compassion, and character. “Every cohort leaves its own unique mark on this program, and you will be remembered for your kindness, resilience and commitment,” she said.

The new graduates are Shaya Alexander, Selena Anguiano Rubio,

Nicollette Arbaban Ghafouri , Charlotte Bloom, Tiara Budde, Chloe Clayton, EJ Dela Vega, Anna Foley, Morgan Gallagher , Kelly Gibson , Andy Gonzalez , Lyana Gonzalez , Baylee Haas, Haylee Jepsen, Renee Kim, Jasmin Lopez, Olivia Madarang, Justin Manzon, Yarenni Reyes Medina, Megan Tomczak, Asia-Mere Wernke, and Joseph Zamora

Grant Offers $2.4M for Future Teachers

The Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) and Westmont College excitedly announce a $2.4 million award to launch a new residency program providing tuition funds for students seeking a teaching credential and position in California public schools. Each student will receive a $33,000 stipend for tuition at Westmont and other living expenses, providing a yearlong, classroom-based pathway to the teaching profession.

The residency places teacher candidates in SBUSD classrooms three days a week for a full academic year. Candidates work alongside experienced mentors while completing graduate coursework at Westmont. Residents will actively support instruction and engage with students and develop their teaching practice.

The initiative aims to diversify the local workforce by recruiting teacher candidates who reflect the backgrounds of the students they serve with a specific focus on multilingual and first-generation college students. By providing tuition stipends to reduce financial barriers, the partnership creates a direct pipeline for local students into Santa Barbara

The latest cohort of nursing graduates

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The Spoken Word

AI, Yi Yi: Summit Sheds Light on the Phenomenon

by Steven Libowitz

The annual Santa Barbara County Economic Summit steps into the ultra-contemporary with its 2026 event, featuring a focus on Artificial Intelligence. AI is reshaping industries, workforces and local economies around the world, and the Economic Summit is bringing together three of the region’s leading voices to explore what it means for Santa Barbara County and beyond. Peter Rupert, UCSB professor of economics and executive director of the Economic Forecast Project since 2010, speaks on “How’s the Economy?” Igor Mezić – UCSB mechanical engineering professor and co-founder/chief scientist/CTO of MixMode AI, a Santa Barbara-based cybersecurity company – addresses “AI for Autonomous Everything (AIAE): Where Do We Stand and Where Are We Going?” Mezić worked in the past with DARPA and the Department of Defense to create algorithms for autonomous AI systems, and is the creator of the “Third-Wave” AI underpinning the MixMode platform. Santa Barbara native Zack Kass, who currently advises Fortune 100 companies and governments on how to lead in an AI-driven world after serving as head of Go-to-Market at OpenAI, is the author of the 2026 book The Next RenAIssance: AI and the Expansion of Human Potential. His talk on “AI and Societal Thresholds” is in keeping with his mission to demystify AI and build a brighter future. Tickets to the 4:30 pm May 21 summit at the Granada Theatre include the postevent reception and digital access to the 2026 Economic Outlook Publication. The first 500 people to arrive at the summit will also receive a free copy of Kass’ book. Visit www.granadasb.org

Spoken Word Page 334

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EMS Professionals

Montecito Health Coach

The Mother of All Days

by Deann Zampelli

“How was your Mother’s Day?” I asked a dear friend.

“My kids slept until noon. Then woke up and TEXTED me if I could make them breakfast.”

“How was your Mother’s Day?” I asked a client.

“My daughter texted me a picture of her dirty laundry pile and asked if I could do it before school tomorrow.”

“How was your Mother’s Day?” I asked my lovely, kind, and amazing hair stylist/friend.

“We surprised my mother-in-law and my mom by driving up north and taking them out. I reminded my husband to go pick up flowers for his mom. And he did. But came back without any for me.” We laughed. But it wasn’t entirely funny. Not all the moms I asked had disappointing displays of appreciation, but there were enough to bring my prior ruminating over this special day to the surface.

*My husband is very thoughtful and kind and after 28 years of marriage, he

still thinks of us all before he thinks of himself, so I am excluding him from the generalizations I make in this piece and including this caveat before I begin my rant.

Before I had our son, there was a tenyear period where I wasn’t a mother, and I didn’t have one either, so it was my least favorite day of the year. It was a stark reminder of the loss we suffered earlier in our marriage, and of the premature death of my own Mom. For me, I am sure this is another layer behind my reverence for this day.

So, when I became a Mom with a capital M, it was a daily reason to celebrate. And ever since, Mother’s Day remains one of my favorite days of the year, along with my children’s birthdays. I love that we are all together. I love the homemade cards the most, and the sentiments that are shared in them as their writing and ability for expression have developed over the years. I love that we take photos without anyone grumbling. I love that we all go eat somewhere fun, usually at the beach and super casual. I don’t want

Health Coach Page 344

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On Entertainment Great Scott! Legendary Jazz Artists Grace the Grand

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om Scott may not be a household name, but it would be safe to bet the farm that someone in your house has heard lots of Scott’s music. That’s his sax solo in the middle of Paul McCartney’s “Listen to What the Man Said,” Toto’s “Rosanna,” Carole King’s “Jazzman”, Blondie’s “Rapture,” and Steely Dan’s “Black Cow.” Not only is he the guy who plays sax and other reeds on Joni Mitchell’s “Court and Spark,” Scott also arranged this legendary album, which remains on a lot of singer-songwriter fans’ Desert Island Discs more than half a century later. Other session work includes recordings with Barbra Streisand, Quincy Jones, The Blues Brothers, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Pat Benatar, Carole King, and Aerosmith. Scott’s sax work also shows up on several significant movie soundtracks including Taxi Driver, The Jerk, Three Days of the Condor, Heaven Can Wait, Sea of Love, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Toy Story 2, Monsters Inc., and A Star Is Born. Scott served as composer, arranger and saxist on several other film scores, including Uptown Saturday Night, Stir Crazy, and The Sure Thing, while his TV composing and conducting credits cover the themes for Family Ties and Starsky & Hutch, plus background scores for Baretta, Cannon, Barnaby Jones, and Streets Of San Francisco. He was a musical director for the Academy Awards, the Emmy Awards, The Carol Burnett Show and The Pat Sajak Show, and had the same role on Mitchell’s milestone Miles of Aisles tour as well as road shows for artists as disparate as George Harrison and Olivia Newton-John.

Then there’s his 33 (!) solo recordings under his own name or that of his L.A. Express band that have collectively earned 15 Grammy nominations (including one this year) and three wins. Suffice it to say the saxman/arranger/composer’s list of credits tallies north of 2,000, running so long on his online bio that my hand got a cramp just scrolling through them.

And so long that not even Scott can recall them all.

“No, of course not,” he said over the phone from his L.A. home recently in advance of his gig at The Grand on State. “How could I? Some of the gigs were a couple of hours on records that didn’t become big hits and were just another day at the office for me.”

The lapse can occur even when he’s listening to one of his tracks, including a Diana Ross song where he thought, “That doesn’t sound like me” until it came to the sax solo two minutes in.

But even when called in to do a typical session with Ross, for instance – asked simply to come in and record a prepared chart – Scott takes it as a challenge.

“I always want to make it as good as I possibly can, regardless of the style of the music or whether I liked it or not,” he said. “For me, it was always thinking, ‘How good are you, Tom, as a musician; to adapt and sound like whatever you’re playing is set down with love and conviction, full of emotion and heart.’”

Far more interesting were the vast number of sessions where he was asked to fill the solo slot or come up with an instrumental passage to enhance a song.

That was the case with McCartney, especially because Scott was only noodling around without realizing the tape was rolling.

“I just thought I was warming up, fooling around with the groove and see what came out,” he recalled. “I didn’t realize I was being recorded before I stopped playing and saw that people in the sound booth were applauding. That’s what ended up on the record.”

Such moments are what kept him in the pantheon of First Call session players, in demand by musicians across the spectrum of styles and genres.

“I am reluctant to call myself an artist, but I very enthusiastically characterize myself as a craftsman. My craft is writing out parts, arranging, and in a sense composing, which of course I’ve done plenty of on my own albums.”

Legendary session musician Tom Scott takes on The Grand (courtesy photo)

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Letters to the Editor Vote Greene

Most people don’t know how important the office of Clerk-Recorder-Assessor is. We vote for that person because they oversee our records, property taxes, and perhaps most importantly, our elections.

That’s why we need someone who shows up and knows the work. That person is Melinda Greene

Melinda has been the Chief Deputy Clerk-Recorder-Assessor for 12 years, so she knows all aspects of the department. She’s very proactive about ensuring that we are protected from fraud in every area that she oversees. She’s gone the extra mile to get certified in all the areas covered by the job and keeps up with the latest developments in the field.

By contrast, the incumbent, Joe Holland, hasn’t been in the office in more than 18 months. When asked to present to the Board of Supervisors about election safety, he was a no-show, sending his deputy. He was first elected in 2002 – that’s 24 years ago. Whether it’s burnout or arrogance, he’s clearly not interested in doing the job we elected him to do.

Melinda offers the perfect balance of expertise and freshness. She will hit the ground running, with energy and commitment.

Please vote Melinda Greene for Clerk-Recorder-Assessor.

Sincerely,

Laura Selken, Santa Maria

Cars on State

I agree a thousand percent with Jeff Harding’s assessment of State Street (4/30-5/7, 2026). When I wrote my concerns to my councilman, Oscar Gutierrez, over a year ago, he assured me a survey had been taken and most citizens agreed keeping the promenade was a fabulous idea. I said no one asked me. I worked near State Street for many years. I saw the vacant storefronts on a daily basis. No one ever suggested the answer was to close the street to cars, but I remember rumblings to that effect. I rode my bike from the Westside to work on Figueroa for years. I like bikes and envisioned the safe cycling in European countries. This is not Europe. This is the USA where cars are supreme. The City thoughtfully built numerous parking lots to park said cars, and then go shop. This latest effort is silly and expensive and will finish off local retail.

Thanks, Mayor Rowse, for being the unpopular voice in opposition.

Cheryl Niccoli

Steyer for Governor

For me, the only choice for governor is Tom Steyer. Many worrisome issues plague California but eclipsing them all is climate change. Through my work as a natural history filmmaker showcasing animals and the environment for places like National Geographic, the BBC and PBS, it’s clear our rapidly warming world is becoming inhospitable to us all. Steyer has been focused on climate change since 2012. To those who say, “But he is a billionaire!” – I say it is true that early on he invested in oil and gas and other things that weren’t great but he broke with his company in 2012 when they wouldn’t divest from the fossil fuels. He genuinely wants to make amends. He will stand up to the fossil fuel industry and will fight for the renewals industry with equal vigor. I went to college with Tom and while I didn’t know him that well nor have I stayed in touch, I’ve watched him over the years, and he is the same Tom he was in college: whip smart, fiercely determined, and a good guy. When I heard him recently in Santa Barbara I felt he sincerely wants to make California the best it can be for his children and their children. Climate activist Bill McKibben said this about Steyer: “I can’t think of a more knowledgeable and committed climate champion in political life in America today.” Steyer has my vote, and for our kids and their future, I hope he has yours too.

Mimi deGruy

Absence Is Not Leadership

I was stunned watching Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor Joe Holland’s budget presentation before the Board of Supervisors.

Mr. Holland was unprepared, confused, and not present in the room. When pressed, he acknowledged that he has not been to a County facility in 18 months. When asked how he manages his department, he emphasized that he is available by phone. This is not leadership.

“

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book has some of the very best dialogue I have ever read (think Raymond Chandler), and author Michael C. Armour paints a gorgeous story with the prose as sweeping as the Santa Barbara vistas. I hope he returns with another. ”

– Leslie Zemeckis

Award-winning documentarian, best-selling author, actor and co-founder of the Santa Barbara Literary Festival.

Now available at Chaucer’s Books, Tecolote Book Shop and Godmothers

The Art Foundation of Santa Barbara Invites You To

For many years, Scott spent his days in the studios with TV, film scores, and recording sessions, then stayed up late into the night working on his original albums.

“I would sit at the piano and figure out some tunes,” he said, pointing to his extremely prolific father Nathan Scott, an in-demand soundtrack composer a generation earlier. “I guess it was my destiny. I don’t want to say addiction. Let’s say extreme obsession. Doing all those sessions allowed me the luxury of making my own records.”

Still active in both arenas at age 78, Scott is heading north to perform at The Grand on State, the intimate and sophisticated new jazz club located next door to the Granada Theatre, to pursue that great love. He’ll be the kid on the stage at the Saturday, May 23, gig as he appears with old friend Roger Kellaway, the Grammy Award winner and Academy Award-nominated pianist and composer who has recorded more than 250 albums.

“I’ve known him since I was 16, when the very first record that I did as a featured soloist was with his trio on a live album, Spirit Feel.” Scott said. “He’s one of the great musical geniuses of our time, able to play everything from Dixieland to avant-garde. We played together all the time in the late ‘60s, into the mid ‘70s. He even started on the tour with Joni Mitchell for Court and Spark.”

The acoustic duo set will focus on straight ahead jazz and pop standards from the Great American Songbook, including “All the Things You Are,” “Cottontail,” “Autumn Leaves,” “Days of Wine and Roses,” “Stella by Starlight,” and “Take the A Train,” among others.

Kellaway, who lives in Ojai, doesn’t play regularly anymore, but “he’s getting his chops back together for the gig,” Scott said. “When Roger puts his hands on the piano, every note he plays is magic. He’s still got every bit of the beauty of making music that he’s always had.”

Meanwhile, the show at The Grand in its final “soft opening” weekend represents giant steps toward claiming a place on the serious jazz circuit. Seats are very limited. Visit www.thegrandonstate.com/events

Teen Stars in the SB Skies

Sunday, May 31, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:30 pm. Purchase tickets online at artfoundationofsb.org. $88 each.

A portion of any work sold will benefit the Art Foundation of Santa Barbara. Wine and hors d’oeuvres catered by the Santa Barbara Club. Special “quick draw” landscape on-site by Ralph Waterhouse along with a Thomas Van Stein painting in our live auction at 5:00 pm.

FEATURED ARTISTS:

Andrea Anderson, Danuta Bennett, Rick Delanty, Manny Lopez, Willis Heaton, Chloe Hourdequin, Ray Hunter, Katherine Murray-Morse, Ann Sanders, Frank Serrano, Nina Warner, Ralph Waterhouse

Santa Barbara Club Garden 1105 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101 Info: 805-965-6547 or email receptionist@santabarbaraclub.org

Teen Star Santa Barbara, the local youth performing arts program originally based on the singing competitions American Idol, is set to produce its 17th showcase finals on Saturday, May 23, at historic Lobero Theatre. Which means the competitive event that eschews the nasty criticism in favor of encouraging words is now almost older than any of the area hopefuls aiming to take home the coveted crown. Teen Star’s mission is to provide talented young singers the opportunity to work with mentors – this year local songwriter and producer Adam Zelkind – culminating in a professional stage performance. The young singer, quite possibly performing for the very first time in front of a live audience, will gain priceless experience, build confidence, and bask in the glow of community support.

San Marcos High School boasts four of the 10 finalists on its roster, as well as one of the two alternates, with Cate School, La Colina Junior High, Ernest Righetti High, Dos Pueblos, Santa Ynez High, and Dunn School also represented. SMHS’s dominance is perhaps not surprising, due to the prominence of the Madrigals, the advanced choral ensemble that frequently represents the region at prestigious, invitation-only national festivals. But tenth grader Bradley Duran, a Montecito native, is the only Teen Star competitor currently with the choir.

Duran’s interest in singing dates back to age six, when he joined Santa Barbara Young Singers Club, which culminated in a performance at SOhO, during which nerves gave way to joy.

“I loved it,” he said. “I remember thinking, Oh, this is actually really fun.”

Once he started high school, Madrigals has been a major influence for Duran, largely due to the Director, Eleni Pantages, the UCLA Thornton School-grad who sang with the LA Master Chorale even after starting teaching at San Marcos.

“It’s such a great opportunity,” Duran said. “She puts in so much effort and work and it’s obvious she really loves what she does, which helps to motivate us. “ Entertainment Page 284

Montecito native Bradley Duran once again joins this year’s Teen Star Santa Barbara (courtesy photo)

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FITNESS THAT MOVES YOU

Westmont (Continued from 14)

teaching positions. Furthermore, the grant funds mentorship and program development to ensure the initiative’s long-term impact and reach.

“This grant is life-changing for our students and our future educators,” said Superintendent Hilda Maldonado. “By removing financial barriers for multilingual and first-generation candidates, we are building a workforce that truly reflects our community. We aren’t just training teachers; we are ensuring our students see their own potential reflected at the front of every classroom.”

“This investment allows us to grow our own educators and build a stronger, more representative teacher workforce for our schools,” said John Becchio, SBUSD’s assistant superintendent of human resources. “Through this partnership with Westmont, we’re preparing teachers who are deeply connected to the community and ready to serve our students.”

“Effective teachers develop through practice and strong mentorship,” said Sally Hawkins, assistant professor of education at Westmont. “This residency places candidates in classrooms from the start, allowing them to learn the craft of teaching while contributing meaningfully to local schools.”

clinical placements.

SBUSD’s John Becchio and Westmont’s Sally Hawkins

ciymca.org/2026 Join online or visit us in person, June 1 - 15!

“It’s powerful for students to see themselves in their teachers, who may have attended the same elementary, junior high or high school they do,” Becchio says.

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing awarded the fouryear grant through the Teacher Residency Implementation and Expansion Grant Program, the final round of state funding for residency programs.

With funding secured, SBUSD and Westmont will begin implementing the program, including recruiting the first cohort of residents for fall 2026, developing mentor teachers and coordinating

Prospective teachers must apply by June 10 at westmont.edu/teach.

Local Artists Featured in ‘Altered Realities’

Westmont highlights the talent of regional artists in the 2026 Tri-County Juried Exhibition, Altered Realities , from May 21-June 20 in the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art. Los Angeles-based curator, author and film producer Andi Campognone served as this year’s juror, facing the challenging task of narrowing down 468 entries from 222 regional artists. Ultimately, she selected 56 works by 50 talented local artists, including Marcia Burtt, Dug Uyesaka, and Joan RosenbergDent, for the final showcase.

The public is invited to celebrate the artists at an opening reception on Thursday, May 21, from 4 to 6 pm, with the official award announcements taking place at 5:15 pm.

The other featured artists include Tal Avitzur, Timo Beckwith, Sally Berry, Kit Boise-Cossart, Kevin Carman, Susan Read Cronin, Hannah Croshaw, Jeanne Dentzel, David Dixon, Lynn Dodge, Susan Drake, Bruce Everett, Valori Fussell, David Gallup, Kimberly Hahn, Lynne Hanna, Jeff Harris, Sol Hill, Kathy Leader, Fred Lehto, Jack Mohr, Laura Mullen, Bill Muneio, Logan Nevitt, Carol Paquet, Deirdre Stietzel Pope, Pecos Pryor, Frances Reighley, Sommer Roman, Nurit Ruckenstein, Eric Saint Georges, Sharon Schock, Marjorie Shipp, Kerrie Smith, Bora Sitar, Cynthia Stahl, Susan Tortorici, Dug Uyesaka, James Van Arsdale, Kristen Walker, Nancy Jo Ward, Nina Warner, Joyce Wilson, Sara Yerkes and Jana Zimmer

The Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum features local artists beginning May 21

Giving List Bringing Early Education into the Great Outdoors

by Steven Libowitz

First 5 Santa Barbara County was established in 1999 after California voters passed Proposition 10, a state constitutional amendment that imposed a 50-cent sales tax on tobacco products and directed those revenues to support early childhood development. Governed by the First 5 Santa Barbara County Children and Families Commission appointed by the Board of Supervisors to oversee the strategic implementation of those efforts, First 5 partners across communities advance health, early learning, and family support systems for young children. Its efforts are concentrated in four Focus Areas: Improved Family Support, Improved Child Health, Improved Child Development, and Improved Systems of Care. Its initiative for advancing child development in recent years has manifested in the championing of outdoor classrooms as an equitable, research-based

approach to early learning, specifically in the Transitional Kindergarten grade that now serves as a huge percentage of children’s introduction to public school. First 5 SBC works to ensure young children – especially those facing geographic, transportation, or neighborhood barriers – can engage with nature daily through supporting Model TK and Outdoor Classroom Design.

“We advocate for quality not only inside the classroom but also outside, because children that young really need hands-on natural environments in order to reach their developmental milestones,” explained First 5 Deputy Director Michelle Robertson, who is spearheading the outdoor classroom initiative. “These are research-based intentional learning environments where children are not just running around but actively engaging, and it’s advancing their development. Educators are starting to see how these environments for children really positively affect their learning.”

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It’s a simple concept, Robertson said.

“The idea is that anything that could be taught inside can also not only be merely taught but enhanced by being outside. Instead of a teacher demonstrating a science experiment or a math problem, you set up the environment outdoors and children actually are doing it themselves, learning by using natural materials.”

An additional benefit of the approach is that being outdoors lowers the stress levels of both the children and the teachers because, unlike an often-overcrowded classroom, there’s enough space outdoors to spread out, Robertson explained. That leads to additional advantages usually not available indoors.

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“There are physical benefits to just breathing fresh air, but outdoor classrooms also address obesity issues because the children are moving more,” she said. “So you get enhancements to education in math, science, and technology with problem solving opportunities and hands-on investigation, but also health benefits.”

The Outdoor Classroom initiative also directly addresses disparity in opportunities experience by children from different income-level families, Robertson said.

“Access to nature is an equity issue. There are kids who live in Santa Barbara County who’ve never seen the beach, who’ve never been to the mountains and who maybe even live in a ‘tree desert.’

Investing in this system that every kid is going to go through allows everybody to have access to these opportunities.

Doing that at schools is the most efficient method, because all kids go to schools. And it shouldn’t matter what school or which school district they go to, they should have the same opportunities, including the opportunity to engage with nature daily.”

Over the past five years, First 5 SBC has invested in replicable model outdoor classroom sites across Santa Barbara County’s public elementary school districts. The learning experiences are embedded into daily instruction rather than treated as an add-on. With eight districts already participating and completed sites at Oak Valley Elementary

and Harding University Partnership School, First 5 SBC is building a scalable framework that strengthens child development outcomes and supports educators. The organization has invested more than $1 million in outdoor classrooms and nature exploration areas to date.

Earlier this month, First 5 SBC hosted its inaugural Nature and Learning Research Forum at an appropriate locale of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, which already integrates outdoor learning into their own educational programming. More than 115 early care and education professionals, teachers, school leaders, researchers and advocates gathered to explore how outdoor learning environments support healthy child development, school readiness, and long-term community well-being. The event highlighted a growing body of research linking nature-based learning to improved cognitive development, social-emotional health, physical activity and stronger outcomes for young children, while also examining the longterm economic benefits of investing in outdoor learning spaces at schools and childcare centers.

The event reinforced First 5 SBC’s ongoing commitment to supporting environments and systems that nurture healthy development during the critical early years of life. Philanthropic help can work to enhance those efforts, as Proposition 10 funding has dramatically decreased over the years due to adult cigarette smoking in the state dropping by over 60 percent since 2000.

“As human beings, we’re really happy that tobacco use has gone down, of course,” Robertson said. “But as an organization that’s 100 percent funded by people’s vice, it also means our funding has gone down. We’re receiving only about a third of what we did 25 years ago. We’ve partnered with several local foundations in that time period and now we try to practice collective impact and leverage each other. But people helping to fund the initiatives makes a difference.”

Visit https://first5santabarbaracounty.org for more information

Clay “Coyote” Sipiora MS, SBMNH Nature Education Manager, speaking at the Networking Reception (photo by Jeremy Ball of Bottle Branding)

echoes Jeff’s ongoing community work with local nonprofit champion Mark Alvarado and brother Beau, filming a PSA for the Downtown Club promoting healthy eating and exercise for local children. A picture perfect creative collab, making more magic moments.

by Lisa Duncan

Julia’s Inner Circle

Summerland positively shimmered with culinary chic this week as the stylish set ascended to the gorgeous ocean view loft of Godmothers for the announcement of the 2026 Julia Child Award recipient. The sleek modern bookstore –a favorite of locals like Oprah, Meghan, and Gwyneth – proved the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of books, bubbles, and beautifully turned-out bon vivants.

Miniature crêpes floated through the crowd while rosé sparkled in champagne flutes, and elegant ladies in Riviera neutrals mingled beneath soaring beams with the sort of animated bonhomie Julia Child herself would surely have adored. Frankly, all that was missing was a giant wheel of brie and someone flambéing something dangerous in the corner.

The afternoon’s headline moment came with the announcement that chef Sam Kass would receive the prestigious 2026 honor. Kass, best known as White House chef and nutrition policy advisor to Michelle Obama and Barack Obama, was praised for championing healthier and more equitable food systems – very much in the spirit of Julia Child’s enduring culinary legacy.

The reveal was delivered by 2025 recipient Bobby Stuckey, who flew in

Cooney, Molly CarrilloWalker, Mary and Ron Werft, Marni Cooney, and Guy Walker

from Colorado and curated the afternoon’s wines with masterful flourish.

Leading the lively discussion was Eric Spivey, alongside celebrated NYC journalist and author Alex Prud’homme, Julia Child’s great-nephew and co-author of My Life in France. Philadelphia “Phila” Cousins, Julia’s statuesque sixfoot-tall niece – who famously accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Julia’s behalf from President George W. Bush – added touching reflections throughout the afternoon.

Among those spotted sipping and socializing were vintners Lisa and Bryan Babcock of Babcock Winery, Tamara Berndt of SBCE, and philanthropist and

Orchards & Opulence

Carpinteria blossomed into Riviera perfection this weekend as almost 350 glamorous guests gathered for Dreams in Bloom, the elegant gala benefiting Family Service Agency. Hosted at the

Miscellany Page 344

Lynda.com Co-founder Bruce Heavin. Positively délicieux, really. by Lisa Duncan

Alex Prud’homme, Eric Spivey, and Bruce Heavin enjoying Babcock rosé (photo by Priscilla)

Carlin Karr, Bobby and Danette Stuckey, with Adam Weiss in front of Godmothers (photo by Priscilla)

Ginny and Tim Bliss celebrate with family and friends (photo by Priscilla)

Michael

(photo by Priscilla)

Entertainment (Continued from 22)

For his solo slot at the Lobero, Duran will be performing “Far Away from Tulsa” from the coming-of-age folk-rock musical The Outsiders.

“It’s always so hard to choose one, but I can relate to the story, which makes it easier to perform, and it showcases several parts of my voice,” he said.

Should he be chosen by the judges and audience vote to advance to the three-person final round, Duran will sing “Walk,” the 2011 song by the Foo Fighters.

“It’s really different, but I also find a lot of meaning in the lyrics, which I love to express,” he said. “Both of them have big moments, too.”

Duran was also a finalist at last year’s Teen Star showcase at the Marjorie Luke, which perhaps gives him a leg up on the newbies. Winning would be fun, he said, although he wasn’t sure what prizes would come with claiming the competition.

“For me, it would mean a lot that people enjoy what I put out there,” he said. “It’s great when someone you never met before comes up to tell you they liked your song. Winning would be awesome, because it’s recognition for all the hard work that you’ve put into it.”

Might all this translate into pursuing a career in music?

“That was definitely my dream growing up, but now I have new passions,” he said. “It takes a lot of work and even more luck to make it. But music will always be in my life.”

Perhaps, he said, even in the context of becoming a music teacher.

“I’ve been really inspired by Ms. P,” he said. “I think I’d love teaching too.”

Visit https://teenstar.us or www.lobero.org

Memorial Day Means Colorful Displays

The annual I Madonnari Street Painting Festival returns to the historic Santa Barbara Mission this weekend for its 40th event. Some 40,000 people are expected to drop by not only to witness professional chalk artists labor for three days to create (under our watchful eyes) spectacular drawings on the blacktop plaza. The festival is also rife with delicious Italian food, three days of nearly non-stop music, a grab bag of other festivities, and opportunities for kids to do their own sanctioned street art. There are a number of special activities to mark the milestone anniversary, including returning artists turning up to create a massive illustrated square as the weekend’s centerpieces.

Visit https://ccp.sbceo.org/i-madonnari for details and a complete schedule for the free festival. It’s an explosion of color approximately as ephemeral as chalk drawing on asphalt but actually alive throughout its run. Give up? I’m talking of course about the beloved Butterflies Alive! exhibit that opens for the summer on May 23, the nearby Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History practically adjacent to the mission’s chalk festival. Visitors to the Sprague Butterfly Pavilion share the vibrant enclosed garden with nearly 1,000 live butterflies representing more than two dozen tropical species. It is a charmingly interactive display – the butterflies flutter freely about the vegetation and people, often alighting on enchanted visitors – and has been voted the best butterfly garden west of Virginia. And that’s a lot of West.

Visit www.sbnature.org

The annual I Madonnari Street Painting Festival is back this weekend! (photo by Wm B Dewey)

Meet the Doctor A New Series from Sutter Health

What drives someone to spend a life in medicine? In this new Q&A series, a group of leading local physicians share the moments that set them on their path, the breakthroughs shaping their fields, and the realities behind the work. Their answers are candid, occasionally surprising, and grounded in experience. Together, they offer a clear-eyed look at the people delivering care in our community and what continues to motivate them every day.

Meet Radiology/Diagnostic Imaging Technician Winifred “Winnie” Leung, MD

Dr. Leung is a fellowship-trained breast radiologist who has been practicing in Santa Barbara for the past 15 years. She earned her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine, completed her residency in Diagnostic Radiology at the University of Wisconsin, and pursued a fellowship in Breast Imaging at the same institution. She is board certified by the American Board of Radiology. An early adopter of advanced technologies such as tomosynthesis and whole breast ultrasound, Dr. Leung specializes in all aspects of breast imaging, including MRI and image-guided biopsy. Her clinical expertise is matched by her leadership in the community – she currently serves as Chair of the Santa Barbara Breast Care Alliance, an NAPBC-accredited breast center without walls, with Sansum Clinic and RidleyTree Cancer Center as founding participants.

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine, and how did you choose your specialty?

A. Honestly, I didn’t start out thinking I’d be a doctor at all – I was actually a philosophy major in college, happily buried in books and ideas. But I joined a new program called the Women in Science Project, mostly on a whim. They paired me with a young radiologist at Dartmouth Hitchcock, and our project involved looking at brain scans after seizures. That experience completely opened my eyes to radiology. Later, during residency, it became personal. My mother-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I saw how meaningful radiology could be in guiding women through such a vulnerable time. That’s when I knew breast imaging was where I belonged.

Can you share a moment in your career that really impacted you?

That experience with my mother-in-law really shaped me. It reminded me that behind every image is a person with a story, and that this work is about so much more than just reading scans – it’s about being there for people in some of life’s hardest moments.

What’s a common misconception people have about radiology?

People often think radiologists hide away in dark rooms, barely talking to

anyone. That couldn’t be further from the truth in breast imaging! My days are full of conversations and connections – sometimes it’s a quick reassurance that everything looks normal, other times it’s performing a procedure for someone who’s understandably nervous, and yes, it’s also sharing tough news and helping a woman take her next steps with our surgical and oncology teams. Over the past 15 years in Santa Barbara, I’ve even built longterm relationships with patients, seeing them through major life events, and sometimes even caring for their daughters or sisters down the road.

With technology advancing so quickly, how do you see it changing your field?

The big question I always get is: “Aren’t you worried AI will replace radiologists?” My answer is no! In fact, I’m excited about it. Early computer programs were clunky, but today’s AI tools are actually helpful. They can catch subtle cancers, flag women at higher risk, and help us personalize care. The best part is they give me more time to focus on what really matters – sitting with patients, listening, and supporting them through whatever comes next.

As Sansum Clinic begins a new chapter as part of Sutter Health, we remain united by a shared mission: to deliver compassionate, high-quality care to the communities we serve. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare on the Central Coast.

Sponsored by Sutter Health | Visit

Meeting at MA

May Meeting and Community Gathering

by Houghton Hyatt

At its recent monthly meeting, the Montecito Association welcomed community members and partners for a wide-ranging discussion focused on wildfire preparedness, public safety, advocacy efforts, and upcoming community events.

A major focus of the meeting was wildfire mitigation and emergency preparedness. Representatives from the Montecito Fire Protection District and the Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council shared updates on defensible space programs, prescribed grazing, roadside fuel reduction, home hardening assistance, and the evolving Zone Zero regulations. Montecito Fire highlighted its Neighborhood Chipping Program, defensible space surveys, and fuel treatment work throughout the community, while the Fire Safe Council discussed its expanding countywide efforts and Firewise USA certification opportunities that may help residents receive insurance discounts.

The board also received updates from

the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office regarding recent public safety incidents in Montecito, including illegal camping, trespassing, and stalking incidents targeting celebrities. Residents were encouraged to remain vigilant as summer activity increases.

Additional community updates were provided by representatives from First District Supervisor Roy Lee ’s office, including progress on the proposed gas-powered leaf blower ordinance and parking enforcement efforts near the Upper Village.

The Association also reviewed several ongoing advocacy efforts, including concerns regarding trash and hazardous materials reportedly being buried along the Highway 101 and Union Pacific construction corridor. The board voted unanimously to send a formal letter to CalTrans and other agencies requesting investigation and proper cleanup procedures.

The meeting included updates on several community initiatives and events. The recent Leadership Reception hosted by the Montecito Association brought together more than 100 community

leaders, members, neighbors, and guests for a memorable evening celebrating connection and community spirit. Planned by the Association’s Outreach Committee and graciously hosted by Mr. & Mrs. Bob Margevicius at their lovely Montecito home, the event featured wonderful conversation, networking, and fellowship in a beautiful garden setting. Guests were treated to a special performance from an opera singer, Matt Peterson, with the Santa Barbara Opera, while Patrick Braid of Montecito Gourmet poured his signature Montecito wines throughout the evening.

the Montecito Association continues to create opportunities for residents to connect, stay informed, and become more engaged in the community we all love.

The Association is preparing for the 30th Anniversary of the Village 4th celebration, which also coincides with America’s 250th anniversary. The Association plans to increase its visibility throughout the Village 4th festivities with additional outreach and community engagement opportunities. For more information on this year’s celebration, visit: montecitoassociation.org/events

The event was attended by several local leaders and community partners, including Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón , 1st District Supervisor Roy Lee, and new Montecito Fire Protection District Fire Chief Brian Fallon. Also in attendance were Rebecca Anderson (Lotusland), Shauna Quill and Mimi Do (Music Academy of the West) and Janet Garufis (CEO Montecito Bank & Trust.) Board President Bill Macfadyen welcomed attendees with remarks highlighting the importance of community involvement, civic engagement, and preserving the unique character of Montecito.

The evening was a wonderful celebration of togetherness and a reminder of the strong sense of community that makes Montecito so special. If you missed this event, we hope you will join us at an upcoming Association gathering. From community receptions and educational forums to the Village 4th celebration and neighborhood events,

To stay informed and engaged on the issues impacting Montecito, community members are encouraged to attend the Montecito Association monthly board meetings, which are open to the public and held on the second Tuesday of each month at 4:00 pm at the Montecito Community Hall. From wildfire preparedness and public safety to infrastructure projects, advocacy efforts, and community events, the Association continues to serve as a voice for the community. Residents and local businesses are also encouraged to become members to support this important work, receive regular community updates, and stay connected to the issues shaping Montecito’s future. Learn more about membership, upcoming meetings, and community initiatives at the Association’s website. www.montecitoassociation.org

The MA board and staff at the garden party (photo by Ben Hyatt – EventVault)

Houghton Hyatt is the Executive Director of the Montecito Association

Montecito’s semi-rural charm can present challenges to first responder ingress.

Low-hanging tree limbs are one of the most common and problematic hazards that our fire engines run into; literally.

Horizontal clearance of at least 10 feet and vertical clearance of at least 13.5 feet is required above the full width of driveways and roadways, as illustrated in the mailer sent to all Montecito residents.

Any tree limbs that obstruct first responder access will be tagged for removal and prompt a correction notice to be sent to the property owner.

Our firefighters also frequently find leaves and debris on roofs and in gutters, tree branches touching chimneys, dead trees, and tall, cured grass in need of trimming.

New Requirements in 2026

Captain/Assistant Fire Marshal

Robert Galbraith says there are some new requirements for residents to be aware of this year regarding hydrant clearance and Knox key requirements.

“When our firefighters are responding to provide aid in an emergency, the last thing that should slow them down is not being able to clearly identify the correct address numbers on a residence,” Galbraith said.

The Montecito Fire Code requires that new and existing buildings have approved address numbers that are clearly visible and legible from the street or road.

Another common hindrance to efficient firefighting operations is hydrant accessibility.

“Over time, hydrants can become concealed by hedges or other plantings that get in the way of firefighters quickly connecting hose,” Galbraith said.

All obstructions around fire hydrants must be removed and provide at least three feet of clearance around the circumference of the hydrant. This allows firefighters clear access to the hydrant and expedites firefighting operations.

Lastly, if your property has a gate, an approved Knox-brand key switch is required to allow firefighters to securely access your property. Rest assured, only the Fire Department has the key to access the “Knox box.”

During high fire conditions, Southern California Edison may preventatively shut off power, and electricity may also be lost during winter storm events. With that in mind, Montecito Fire Code requires all electronic vehicular gates to have an auxiliary power backup system.

How to Correct Violations

When hazard abatement violations are identified, property owners are mailed a letter detailing the necessary actions to remove the hazards as well as a date for a follow-up inspection.

“We generally allow property owners about two to three weeks to fix the identified issues and go through a re-inspection,” said Chief Aaron Briner.

He says the majority of our community does an exceptional job of meeting or even exceeding the required standards and refusals to comply are rare.

“Fortunately, the community takes wildfire preparedness seriously and we have not had any property owners fail to bring their occupancy into compliance in recent years,” Chief Briner said.

On average, Montecito Fire Department issues about 100 hazard abatement violations per year, mostly for poor access issues. Montecito Fire is committed to working collaboratively with residents to rectify violations.

When a fire captain identifies a unique situation that requires special attention, a member of our Fire Prevention staff is brought into the conversation to explore options to remedy the hazards.

Whether it is a dead tree, abandoned property with overgrown vegetation or other hazardous scenario, Montecito Fire Department helps identify hazards and works with property owners to ensure they are addressed for the safety of the community.

“We appreciate the community’s collaborative and proactive attitude toward hazard abatement,” said Montecito Fire Chief Brian Fallon. “This program ensures our firefighters can respond to any area of Montecito efficiently and greatly reduces our overall risk of severe wildfire impacts.”

To review hazard abatement violation information and details on how to correct issues, please visit www.montecitofire.com/hazard-abatement-inspections

Fluttering back

Experience a dazzling array of tropical species in a nationally acclaimed butterfly garden.

Photos by Gary Robinson

Montecito Fire will conduct property inspections starting June 1, 2026 (courtesy photo)

“I worked at the camp up in Seattle and we had 50 kids,” Liz says. She moved here to SB eight months ago with a Bridge enthusiast’s missionary devotion. “In Seattle we did a beginner track and a more intermediate advanced track, so some of the kids knew some of the skills from the previous year at the camp. In fact, one of the kids had placed in the Junior Nationals and was a very, very good player.”

Bridge presently counts tens of millions of feverish adherents all over the world, and efforts are globally afoot to draw a new generation to its pleasures. Bridge players both love and live the game, and some proselytize it with abandon.

“The best testament to that success was the young people who came back every year to the camp in Seattle,” Liz says. “We got like an 80% return rate.”

Significantly, young folk have already been avidly absorbed in a revered strategy card game since 1993, one that – like Bridge – boasts its own competitive international tournament circuit. To see it in action, some pleasant Friday evening during your walk downtown, glance through the broad shopfront window of Santa Barbara’s Metro Entertainment during their weekly Friday Night Magic confab. What’ll you see? Throngs of kids hunkered – with Bridge-like fervor – over their own card game du millénaire, a phenomenon called Magic: The Gathering. (More on the two games’ parallels later in this treatise).

Which is to say, deeply strategic card-playing is already catnip to many young adults. And Seattle? Seattle is of course the once and future epicenter of Grunge – an art form less given to bidding, trick-taking and collaborative puzzle-solving than to mosh pits alive with flailing, sweat-throwing, flannel-shirted slam-dancers – oh; and a 200dB polka combo called Nirvana. Seattle teens flocking to learn Bridge, that says something. And Seattle’s youth took to Bridge like fish to water. Even the small fry.

“At that beginner’s camp in Seattle, we had a seven-year-old who wanted to

learn to play Bridge. That was too young, really,” Liz says with a tone of mild regret. “You know, because of attention span.”

Bridge and the Batcave

The Santa Barbara Bridge Center (SBBC), like the Batcave just outside Gotham City, hides in plain sight – and is as central to our own town’s self-possession and civic heartbeat. No costumed superheroes in satin capes and tights emerge from the SBBC to do moonlit battle with ne’er-do-wells (that we know of), but the odd little building set almost surreptitiously into the corner of the Las Positas Center parking lot near Modoc has – since 1976! – been the warm, welcoming core of Santa Barbara’s energetic and familial Bridge community.

Yes, the Santa Barbara Bridge Center celebrates its 50th anniversary this very month (May, 2026). Over five SB decades, some 18,000 lamplit evenings have played out there, a constant and convivial parade of pals immersed in the friendship and cozily telepathic pursuit of this ~ 140-year-old mind sharing exercise called Bridge. And as Liz Heron points out, Santa Barbara’s unitary Bridge community is its own reward.

“Seattle is a big city with many Bridge clubs, yes. So there’s a women’s club, there’s North Seattle Bridge Club, there’s a Bellevue Club. You don’t quite get the sense of community that you do in Santa Barbara, where we have only one bridge club.” And as a measure of American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) table activity, Santa Barbara punches into the

upper tier of U.S. bridge clubs by table count. This would seem to promise fertile cultural ground here for waving young people in.

That – and the endorsement of the like-minded. Zach Grossack – the ACBL’s youngest Grand Life Master at 22 years old – speaks to his cohort in a short video wherein he touts his love for Bridge. He makes a good case. “It takes a couple hours to learn and then you have a game for a lifetime. Bridge is the most fun, complex game in the world and people don’t know about it!

I see people playing chess or (Settlers of) Catan, or Dungeons and Dragons, and I want to tell them ‘play Bridge!’ It’s so much more interesting!”

“We’re bringing one of the teachers down from Seattle and he is fantastic with kids,” Liz says. “That’s part of the dynamic, right? He’s fun, he’s exciting –he’s just somebody that they’re going to want to listen to and get excited about.”

Bridging the Gap

The Junior High and High School set have long been primed for Bridge but can’t have imagined a game whose essence both precedes and expands on what they cherish most in the Magic: The Gathering card game they all know and love.

Bridge is quite like playing Magic but with no deckbuilding, and lots more hidden information. As in Magic, the attentive player can ferret out this hidden information through sly observation. What truly adds another dimension of immersive complexity is this: in Bridge you are collaborating with a partner with whom you must strategically sync using a shared language. This communication between you and your partner is about silently signaling how to use the resources at hand (and in hand) – and evaluating how powerful your partnered resources can be. Coded collaboration is key.

Bridge Camp organizer Liz Heron caught the Bridge bug early. The fun is in the process.

“None of it is about luck,” she says. “It’s all about how well you play. You can’t say, ‘oh, they got better cards than we did.’” When she morphed from casual Bridge player to next phase

Bridge athlete, bells rang. “There was a time I’d never been to a tournament. So I started doing all that and just… the more I learned, the more excited I got about everything! And I was like, ‘Wow, this is really fun! ’”

Bridge, like any avocation worth truly pursuing, is a many-faceted world unto itself – a competitive milieu, a community; in some ways a smallish country in its own right with its own weather system, its own dialects. “Bridge” is an apt name for something so happily transporting. In this context, people cross for all kinds of reasons and sometimes discover themselves on arrival. Dear Montecito (and Santa Barbara) Teens; it could happen to you. Whaddya got to lose?

“There’s this great movie, a documentary, called Dirty Tricks,” Liz says. “A guy decides to sign up for his first bridge class at 11 years old, mostly because there’s a cute girl in the class. Well, the teacher’s watching the kid’s game play during the first session and asks him ‘… what’s that you’re doing, moving your fingers like that?’ The kid kept touching his fingers, and he tells the bridge teacher, ‘I’m counting how many tricks I can take.’ The teacher says, ‘If you stay after class, I want to talk to you.’ It’s a true story,” Liz says with delight. “And that kid ended up becoming the best bridge player in the world.”

What: Bridge Camp for Youth

When: June 15-19, from 5-8PM

Where: Santa Barbara Bridge Center, 2255 Las Positas Rd.

Cost: ZIPPO

More Info or to Sign-Up: sbbridgecamp@gmail.com

What Else: pizza …

Jeff Wing is a journalist, raconteur, autodidact, and polysyllable enthusiast. He has been writing about Montecito and environs since before some people were born. He can be reached at jeff@ montecitojournal.net

“Valor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul.”

Michel de Montaigne

Seattle ‘tween has yet to master impassive “Bridge face” (courtesy photo)

Zach Grosset, Bridge’s youngest Grand Life Master and hipster proof of concept (photo by Nicolas Hammond, CC Wiki Commons)

The beating heart of SB Bridge for 50 years this month. All the color is inside, where warm life has unfolded a trick at a time. (photo by Jeff)

Power Failure: Science Pub Considers the Lithium Dilemma

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s monthly event at Dargan’s Irish Pub brings Javiera Barandiarán, UCSB professor and director of the Center for Restorative Environmental Work, to talk about the unintended consequences of the desire to go to electric cars to reduce carbon emissions.

Her new book, Living Minerals: Nature, Trade, and Power in the Race for Lithium, offers a sobering investigation of the rush for lithium for electric vehicles, the problematic history of lithium mining, and the consequences for sustainability. The Science Pub event on June 8 explains her argument that decarbonizing society requires that we reckon with these inequitable environmental realities, or risk deepening our dependency on an unsustainable mining industry.

Visit www.sbnature.org

Park it at Maritime Museum Event

Next month’s installment of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum’s Distinguished Speaker Series, which takes place on June 18, brings Jill Zachary, Parks and Recreation director for the City of Santa Barbara, to talk about the history, cultural importance, and future vision of Santa Barbara’s coastal park system. The system ranges from the Douglas Family Preserve on the city’s western edge to the Andrée Clark Bird Refuge in the east, encompassing almost 300 acres of open space, six linear miles of beach, and a diverse range of recreational facilities. For more than 150 years, these public spaces have contributed to the cultural, recreational, ecological, and economic vitality of Santa Barbara, helping define the community’s enduring relationship with the coast.

Zachary’s presentation will provide an overview of the acquisition, development and evolution of the coastal park system over time and highlight recent restorations of historically significant community assets, including Plaza del Mar, Thousand Steps and the Cabrillo Pavilion, along with efforts to honor the heritage of the native Chumash at Ambassador Park, strengthen native habitat and wildfire resilience, and advance renewal plans for Dwight Murphy Field. The talk will be followed by a Q&A session. Visit www.sbmm.org

Chaucer’s Choices

Suspense meets sensationalism in Philippa Malicka’s In Her Defense. The debut novel concerns a celebrity libel trial which has riveted the country, a beloved TV star accusing her daughter’s therapist of brainwashing the young woman for the therapist’s financial gain. Someone on the periphery secretly wields the power to make or break the case but wrestles with her own hidden past in choosing whether to speak up. Kirkus Reviews praised the characterizations and the building suspense, noting “As the book goes on, more and more questions arise about victimhood, power, perspective. Many are unanswerable, all are fascinating. Readers will be on tenterhooks waiting for the outcome of the trial.”

London-based Malicka discusses In Her Defense in conversation with María Amparo Escandón, a New York Times best-selling bilingual author whose books include Esperanza’s Box of Saints and González & Daughter Trucking Co. and the recent L.A. Weather, which was featured on Oprah Quarterly, at 6 pm on Tuesday, May 26.

Gregory Orfalea has authored or edited 11 books, including Journey to the Sun: Junipero Serra’s Dream and the Founding of California. The latest novel by the writer-in-residence at Westmont College is Wonder + Shame. A historian disillusioned with his country during the 2016 presidential campaign returns to his ancestral home village outside Damascus, where the Syrian Civil War sees him and his cousin sent to an enormous Syrian refugee camp. There, against the backdrop of a world collapsing into power madness and self-serving deception, he attempts to organize an American-style baseball team of Syrian refugees. Orfalea discusses the book at Chaucer’s on Wednesday, June 3. Visit www.chaucersbooks.com

Oui, Oui, Tecolote

Claudia Hoag McGarry, actress, playwright, painter and more, has just published a memoir called I Wish I Had a French Cafe and Almond Croissants. The stories range from her childhood in New Orleans, to living in 1970s L.A. and decades in Santa Barbara raising children and beyond, creating a tapestry of poignant vignettes from her life while paying tribute to her parents’ and her in-laws’ legacy. The memoir ultimately celebrates resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of family ties across generations. The official bookstore launch, with talk and signing, takes place at Tecolote in Montecito on Saturday afternoon, June 6.

breathtaking foothills estate of Ginny and Tim Bliss, the sprawling organic avocado ranch offered a sophisticated modern farmhouse fantasy that made even seasoned Montecito partygoers go weak in the knees.

The evening celebrated this year’s honored award recipients: Ron Werft of Cottage Health, Marni and Michael Cooney, and Molly CarrilloWalker and Guy Walker, all warmly applauded throughout the evening. Assorted civic swells – including Gary Hart , Joan Hartmann , Roy Lee , Alice Patino, Bob Nelson, Randy Rowse , Salud Carbajal , and José Juan Ibarra, along with their reps – awarded certificates honoring the evening’s philanthropy and community spirit. Co-chairs Jon Clark, Scott Wester , and Carole MacElhenny helped bring the floral fête to life, while wines donated by Fred Brander kept glasses flowing.

A glamorous silent auction tempted bidders with signed collectibles from stars including Mark Wahlberg, Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez, James Taylor, and Lionel Richie, sparking bidding wars.

“Avocado Martinis” became the sensation of the night as guests, dressed in chic green-and-white elegance, wandered through the organic avocado orchards into lush gardens Candlelit tables and elegant florals by PacWest Blooms carried the orchard-inspired garden theme throughout the estate, beautifully continued by Omni Catering and Montecito’s own Marley Confections.

Fashion became the evening’s spectacle as ladies floated through the grounds in flowing floral gowns, Gucci sandals, and cashmere wraps while string quintet music drifted across the pool terrace. Among those spotted enjoying the floral fête were our own lovely Gwyn Lurie with Les Firestein, both looking fresh and fabulously festive.

Also attending the affair were Steve and Amanda Lyons, Becca Summers, Alex Weinstein, Craig Price, Janet Garufis, Maria McCall and Dirk Brandts, and Lorrie and Greg Forgatch. Especially fashion-forward were Mary and Jim Morouse, Susan Salcido, Marybeth Carty, Sharon Bradford, Susan Jackson, Dianne Duva, Andrea Cambern, and Heidi Maune. A blooming beauty of a bash. by Lisa Duncan

Sightings

Adam Levine back into full stadium-rock mode ahead of Maroon 5’s sprawling summer tour…

Meghan Markle brought Montecito elegance to Geneva on Sunday at the unveiling of “The Lost Screen Memorial,” focused on online child safety ahead of the upcoming World Health Assembly…

Jeffrey Katzenberg turned the Rosewood Miramar Beach into Montecito’s most glittering secret society with his ultra-private WNDR summit, quietly gathering tech titans, billionaires, media moguls, and assorted A-listers under a veil of near-comical secrecy… Ryan Gosling diving into deep preparation for Star Wars: Starfighter, the ultra-secretive new galactic outing directed by Shawn Levy

From Richard and Friends to all of you… Pip! Pip!

Richard sends his thanks for your many cards and good wishes, they are deeply appreciated. He reports that he’s improving every day, though there’s plenty of therapy ahead. Please continue sending your news and updates to his ever-helpful sidekick, Priscilla (805city@gmail.com).

fancy or expensive. Just good food we can eat together.

My first Mother’s Day we had dear friends up from L.A. to stay for the weekend. Their baby was a few weeks younger than ours, so we were all sleep-deprived, but glowing with happiness. On Sunday morning, I woke up and the husband who was visiting, (I will call him Dana, because that is his name) asked me if I would make everyone pancakes because I am “such a good cook.”

Wow. Not joking. His wife looked at him like he just grew a second head and for a moment I thought she was going to clock him in the face. Needless to say, my spatula prowess was not on display that morning but for about a minute I did consider using it as a weapon.

Being a mother certainly isn’t the only path to fulfillment, but for me, it is my favorite title and biggest pleasure and honor. (Full disclosure, some days I do feel like I am having a nervous breakdown and want to run away screaming, but most days, it is the honor/pleasure/ joy of my life.) But for those of us who are moms, we understand the millions of silent, invisible acts of love that we perform each and every day. There was a profound moment in the Apple series, An Imperfect Woman where Elisabeth Moss’ character is separated from her children, and she tearfully shares with her friend that every day she washes one whole apple for one daughter, and cuts another one up into pieces for the other. Her husband doesn’t know she does that each day, and she is worried about her children still feeling “safe” when that routine is broken. It was telling on so many levels and obviously reflective of some deeper issues, but the apples were a beautiful illustration of The Invisible Acts of Love, which is what I have been ruminating over lately.

That is what we do as moms a thousand times a day and why Mother’s Day means so much to so many. Comedians do bits on how not to screw it up and social media blows up with memes about the dos and don’ts. It’s a thing.

But where did Mother’s Day originate? I needed to know.

According to The Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, the origins of Mother’s Day are as complex as mothers themselves, “Mother’s Day in the United States has a history all its own – and it’s more complicated than greeting cards might lead you to believe. There were repeated efforts to establish a Mother’s Day holiday and conflicting ideas about what it should stand for and how it should be observed. From a call for women to improve global policymaking and seek peace, to a day to honor women’s work and role in the family, the history of the holiday reveals multiple insights into how mothers shape the world.”

On some levels, the holiday appears to be nothing more than a gratuitous and overly manufactured reason to sell greeting cards and inflate the price of flowers. But mothers have played a pivotal role since the dawn of time. Not to diminish the role of fathers, or allowing for mothers who weren’t present (or who were, but perhaps shouldn’t have been), this piece is just focusing on mothers and the role they play and why they should be celebrated every day, but certainly on the second Sunday in May.

Mothers are often the emotional backbone of the family. They can help shape the very character and resilience of the humans in their charge. I asked one of my mom groups for some of the roles they play and here is a sampling of what they shared: we are cheerleaders, chefs, therapists, chauffeurs, advocates, seamstresses, pediatricians, mediators, quarterbacks, party planners, ATMs, lifelines, Emotional Warfare Negotiators, #1 Fans, dog walkers, personal shoppers, stylists, safe harbors, and frontal lobes. And those were just the highlights.

As our oldest is getting ready to graduate high school, perhaps this is all a bit raw, and a stark reminder that I just had my last Mother’s Day with him at home. But my own vulnerability aside, it doesn’t negate either the roles we play or the importance of celebrating them.

Mother’s Day is viewed differently around the world. Here, we have brunch and buy flowers. In Mexico, it is always on May 10 and families wake their mothers at dawn with a mariachi band. I would immediately put my children, or myself up for adoption.

In other countries they have multiday feasts to honor both the living and the dead. Some use certain flowers as symbols of motherhood. Others create and award medals to their matriarchs. Some are carried through villages on pallets of flowers.

So next year, remember the mothers around you. Whether you have one, or are one, you certainly know one. Take a minute to acknowledge what that means. And say thank you. Trust me, that goes a long way.

And by the way, my Mother’s Day was absolutely lovely. Thank you for asking.

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

Poolside powerhouses at Bliss Estate (photo by Priscilla)

The Clerk-Recorder-Assessor’s Office oversees vital records, property assessments, and elections. We deserve a department head who is present, paying attention, and accountable.

Equally concerning is that Mr. Holland is collecting his full public pension while also receiving a full government salary. While this “double-dipping” may be legal, it raises ethical questions about stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

The voters choose the Clerk-Recorder-Assessor. With an election approaching, we deserve more from someone entrusted with essential public responsibilities. That person is Holland’s deputy, Melinda Greene

Even a glance at Ms. Greene’s website tells you how qualified she is, and how committed. Visit www.melindagreene.org and you’ll read all about her 12 years of experience as chief deputy, accumulating the credentials to be an expert: she’s a CPA, a CPFO CERA, Advanced Appraiser, and a Housing Finance Professional! She has experience in systems innovation, capital finance, and election integrity. And she’s an innovator who is committed to combatting fraud, elder abuse, and domestic violence.

Who do we want for the next four years in this job? Someone who has been there for 24 years and phones it in? Or an energetic experienced professional who shows up every day, keeps expanding her qualifications to do a better job, and is committed to providing the highest level of service?

Pick the person who has been showing up and doing the work, not the one staying home and collecting two salaries. Choose Melinda Greene.

Lee Heller

Santa Barbara, CA

Entertainment (Continued from 28)

Visiting with Veterans

The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1649 once again team up to present the annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25, at the seaside Santa Barbara Cemetery. The open air ceremony includes presentations and performances by the UCSB ROTC Color Guard; Gold Coast Pipe & Drum Band; David Gonzales and the Santa Barbara Choral Society, The Prime Time Band, and remarks from guest speaker Rear Admiral John Weigold. Activities will conclude with a spectacular flyover by The Condor Squadron – restored North American Aviation trainers originally flown during World War II. Visit www.pcvf.org/memorial-day-ceremony

Palm Tree Rocks Polo Club in October

SHERIFF’S BLOTTER M

Meth / 1000 block Coast Village Road

Monday, April 27, at 00:37 hours

Subject was stopped for several traffic violations observed on HWY 101 northbound. On contact with suspect it was determined he was under the influence of a controlled substance and he was arrested. The passenger was also determined to be H&S 11550 (Under the Influence) and arrested. A search of the vehicle incident to arrest yielded approximately 1 oz of meth and 1 oz fentanyl. Subject said everything was his and he was arrested for H&S 11351 (Possession), H&S 11378 (Intent to Sell), H&S 11364 (Possession of Paraphernalia) and H&S 11550 (Under the Influence). Subject was arrested for H&S 11550.

Public Intoxication / East Valley Road/Pimiento Lane

Tuesday, April 28, at 12:25 hours

Subject was contacted at the above location during a welfare check. The reporting party stated the subject was walking down East Valley Road and screaming to herself. When the subject was contacted, she was seated on the shoulder on East Valley Road, leaning forward. The subject spoke with extremely slurred speech, and a strong order of alcohol was emitting from her breath/person. The subject was arrested for violation of PC 647(f) (Public intoxication).

Beached Vessel / Lookout Park

Wednesday, April 29, at 09:11 hours

Incident report documenting a beached vessel. Officer located the vessel and tagged the vessel with notice to owner as well as Do Not Board signage. The vessel registration number was noted and the registered owner notified.

Mail Theft / 700 block Rockbridge Road

Monday, May 4, at 09:47 hours

Victim was contacted by Ventura PD and notified that suspects had been found in possession of victim’s mail. Victim was instructed to call the Ventura PD and formally file a report of mail theft.

Mail Theft / 700 block Ayala Road

Monday, May 4, at 10:06 hours

Victim was contacted by Ventura PD and notified that suspects had been found in possession of victim’s mail. Victim was instructed to call the Ventura PD and formally file a report of mail theft.

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

The Palm Tree Music Festival returns to Santa Barbara Polo Club fields on the weekend of October 10-11, just six days after the players pack up their ponies and pelotas for the season. The festival expands to two days for this second annual event, with a lineup that includes Palm Tree Crew Co-Founder Kygo, as well as The Chainsmokers, T-Pain, Zedd, The All-American Rejects, Loud Luxury, Natalie Jinju , Frank Walker , and Myles O’Neal . Ticket tiers start at $429 for the festival that boasts an elevated VIP-informed vibe with premium spirits, blue chip food vendors, and unparalleled access to their favorite performers in a truly sophisticated setting. Visit https://palmtreemusicfestival.com/ events.

“MONTECITO

Stefanie is caring and generous, she gets the job done. Highly recommend her, you will be happy with her services. - Ceci V.

STEFANIE HERRINGTON ATTORNEY

559 SAN YSIDRO RD., STE. J MONTECITO, CA 93108 (805) 293-6363 MONTECITOLAWGROUP.COM

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

NOTE: THERE IS A SUMMARY OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT ATTACHED

NOTA: SE ADJUNTA UN RESUMEN DE LA INFORMACIÓN DE ESTE DOCUMENTO

TALA: MAYROONG BUOD NG IMPORMASYON SA DOKUMENTONG ITO NA NAKALAKIP LƯU Ý: KÈM THEO ĐÂY LÀ BẢN TRÌNH BÀY TÓM LƯỢC VỀ THÔNG TIN TRONG TÀI LIỆU NÀY

(The above statement is made pursuant to CA Civil Code Section 2923.3(c)(1). The Summary will be provided to Trustor(s) and/o r vested owner(s) only, pursuant to CA Civil Code Section 2923.3(c)(2).)

YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED MARCH 15, 2023. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.

Notice is hereby given that on June 12, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at the Main Entrance to the County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, County of Santa Barbara, State of California, Thyne Berglund & Co., Trustee, whose street address is 1290 Coast Vil lage Road, #200, Santa Barbara, CA 93108, and whose telephone number is (805) 8692224, will sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, the real property described below.

The real property is located in an unincorporated area of the County of Santa Barbara, State of California. It is commonly kn own as 869 Via Campobello, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. The county assessor’s parcel number for the property is 067-082-005. The following is the legal description of the property:

THE LAND REFERRED TO HEREIN BELOW IS SITUATED IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREA OF SANTA BARBARA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AND IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

LOT 23 OF TRACT NO. 10086, IN THE COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AS PER MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 54, PAGES 28, 29 AND 30 OF MAPS, RECORDS OF SAID COUNTY.

APN: 067-082-005

The sale will be made without covenant or warranty regarding title, possession, or encumbrances to satisfy the obligations secured by and pursuant to the power of sale conferred in that certain Deed of Trust (the “Deed of Trust”) dated March 15, 2023, executed by HARIKLIA PAPADAKI, an unmarried woman, and PAUL POLIZZI, a married man as his sole and separate property, as joint tenants, as the original TRUSTOR, with EQUITY WAVE LENDING, INC., a California Corpo ration, as the original TRUSTEE, and EQUITY WAVE LENDING, INC., a California Corporation, as the original BENEFICIARY, which Deed of Trust recorded on March 28, 2023, as Docu ment No. 20230008662 in the Official Records of the County of Santa Barbara, State of California.

A Notice of Default and Election to Sell Under Deed of Trust containing an election to sell the described real property under the above Deed of Trust was recorded on September 8, 2025, as Document No. 2025-0027408, Official Records of Santa Barbara County, California.

The beneficial interest under the Deed of Trust was assigned by Equity Wave Lending, Inc. to Midnight Ocean, LLC, a Californi a limited liability company, by Assignment of Deed of Trust recorded on January 13, 2026, as Document No. 2026-0001049, in the Official Records of Santa Barbara County, California;

Thereafter, the beneficial interest under the Deed of Trust was subsequently assigned by Midnight Ocean, LLC to Anchor and Oa k LLC, a California limited liability company (“Beneficiary”), by Assignment of Deed of Trust recorded on May 15, 2026, as Document No. 2026-0016653, in the Official Records of Santa Barbara County, California, and Beneficiary is the present holder of the beneficial interest under the Deed of Trust;

The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee’s Sale is estimated to be $457,005.00. However, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary’s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier ’s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the Trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable.

The undersigned was appointed and substituted as Trustee to the above Deed of Trust by a substitution dated May 15, 2026, and recorded on May 15, 2026, as Document No. 2026-0016697, Official Records of Santa Barbara County, California.

This Notice is given in compliance with a written request made to the Trustee by the Beneficiary.

NOTICE TO

POTENTIAL BIDDERS:

If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property.

You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction , you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of whic h may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property.

NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a co urt, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable , the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (805) 869-2224 or visit this internet website www.thyneberglund.com, using the file number assigned to this case, CA26-051501. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflec ted in the telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale.

NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (805) 869-2224, or visit this internet website www.thyneberglund.com, using the file number assigned to this case CA26-051501 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no mo re than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase.

Dated: May 18, 2026, Thyne Berglund & Co., Delfina Hall, Agent for the Trustee

Published: Montecito Journal, May 21, 2026

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Bids open at 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 11, 2026 for: ORTEGA HILL - N. JAMESON BIKE CONNECTION IN THE 1ST SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT

COUNTY PROJECT No. 864054

General project work description: New bike path and sidewalk

The Plans, Specifications, and Bid Book are available at https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43874

The Contractor must have either a Class A license or any combination of the following Class C licenses which constitutes a majority of the work: C-8, C-12, C13, C-31, C-50, C-51

Submit sealed bids to the web address below. Bids will be opened and available at the web address below immediately following the submittal deadline. PlanetBids https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43874

Complete the project work within 55 Workings Days

The estimated cost of the project is $ 2,040,000

A optional pre-bid meeting is scheduled for this project on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Intersection of N. Jameson Ln, Sheffield Dr., Ortega Hill Rd This project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).

A contractor or subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal, subject to the requirements of PCC Section 4104, or engage in the performance of any contract for public work, as defined in this chapter, unless currently registered and qualified to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code (LAB) Section 1725.5. It is not a violation of this section for an unregistered contractor to submit a bid that is authorized by Business and Professions Code (BPC) Section 7029.1 or by PCC Section 10164 or 20103.5 provided the contractor is registered to perform public work pursuant to LAB Section 1725.5 at the time the contract is awarded.

Prevailing wages are required on this Contract. The Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations determines the general prevailing wage rates. Obtain the wage rates at the DIR website https://www.dir.ca.gov/

Inquiries or questions based on alleged patent ambiguity of the plans, specifications, or estimate must be submitted as a bidder inquiry by 2:00 PM on 06/05/2026. Submittals after this date will not be addressed. Questions pertaining to this Project prior to Award of the Contract must be submitted via PlanetBids Q&A tab.

Bidders (Plan Holders of Record) will be notified by electronic mail if addendums are issued. The addendums, if issued, will only be available on the County’s PlanetBids website,

https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43874

By order of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Barbara this project was authorized to be advertised on 10/17/2023

Christopher Sneddon Director of Public Works

Published: Montecito Journal, May 21, 2026

arts festival. Held at a private Montecito estate, the event will combine art, music, performances, and philanthropy in a festive poolside setting.

Guests can expect live music from guitarist Quique Hernandez-Black, performances by ElectriCirque and La Bohème, and tastings from local restaurants, wineries, and breweries. The event will also feature curated live and silent auctions showcasing original artwork, experiences, and artisan goods from beloved Santa Barbara creatives and businesses. Featured artists include Larry Vigon and Stephen Holland, among others.

Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Summer Solstice Celebration, helping fund its free annual parade, festival, and community arts workshops. This year’s Solstice theme, “WAVE,” promises another colorful season dedicated to artistic expression, energetic participation, and joyful community connection.

Editor’s Note: This was printed in last week’s edition as taking place at the Community Arts Workshop, please note the location is in Montecito

Montecito Country Mart Updates

- La Ligne is under construction at its location between Toy Crazy and Emily Joubert.

- Montecito Cleaners has moved out and MCM owner Jim Rosenfield has assured me that he will update me “soon” as to what will happen with that spot.

- Merci (across from Vons) launched dinner service Thursday through Monday from 5:30-9 pm in March.

World Ocean’s Day

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center on Stearns Wharf invites the community to celebrate World Ocean’s Day with free admission and a full day of ocean-themed activities on June 6, 10 am to 4 pm. Community partners include The Nature Conservancy California, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, UCSB Marine Science Institute and Long-Term Ecological Research,

Santa Barbara Surfrider Foundation, The Cultured Abalone Farm, Celebration Cruises (Lil’ Toot!), Sunflower Star Lab, Channel Islands Cetacean Research Unit, Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, CSU Long Beach Shark Lab, and the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara. Each partner will offer unique insights into ocean research, conservation, and maritime culture.

Local Awards Winners

- The Carpinteria Association’s 67th Carpinterian of the Year Award (given out in April 2026) went to Dr. Jim Campos, a local historian and lifelong Carpinteria resident. He worked for the Carp Unified School District for 30 years.

- The Santa Barbara Foundation’s 2026 Citizen of the Year award went to Marybeth Carty, another Carpinteria resident. Carty has supported the local community with her philanthropy and volunteer work and serves as the executive director for the Natalie Orfalea Foundation.

MOXI Brunch

More than 140 supporters gathered at MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, for the annual Power of MOXI Brunch, raising $55,000 to support the museum’s educational outreach programs. Funds from the April 28 event will help provide free field-trip admissions for Title I schools, afterschool programs, summer camp scholarships, and expanded community partnerships.

Held among MOXI’s interactive exhibits, the event blended philanthropy with hands-on learning. Guests participated in a playful engineering challenge before hearing from UCSB Psychology Professor Zoe Liberman and MOXI educators about the role of curiosity and creativity in child development.

MOXI President and CEO Robin Gose also previewed a major upcoming addition: a new watershed exhibit planned for 2027. Public officials and community leaders joined the celebration, underscoring MOXI’s growing impact as a hub for accessible science and creativity-spurring education in Santa Barbara.

Jennifer Felder, Robin Gose, Kristen Nesbit (courtesy photo)

What are the mediums being shown by the artists for this event?

A range of mediums will be displayed, depending on each artist and their particular style or “voice.” For example, landscape “plein air” paintings, are typically oil on board or acrylic on board. It may also be oil or acrylic on canvas. One of the artists, Ann Sanders, also does landscapes in pastel. There are several artists who specialize in watercolor, on special paper. Several of the artists exhibiting are also members of “The Oak Group” to raise awareness for preservation of open spaces. In addition, there may be mixed media – a combination of several media, oil or acrylic paint and colored pencil or charcoal plus layering. It just depends. There will be some fine art photography, landscape or still life, on Exhibition Fiber. I don’t believe there will be sculpture in this exhibit.

As this is a fundraiser, what specifically are the proceeds being used for?

Ticket proceeds are meant to cover the cost of the event, to help bring awareness to local artists and their art – one aspect of our mission. In addition, funds have and will be used to help preserve, restore, and maintain works of historical merit, such as the relining and cleaning of a Fernand Lungren painting, and museum glass to help protect Borein etchings and watercolor paintings from fading and degradation.

Fernand Lungren and Edward Borein were early Santa Barbara artists who created the art colony that was of outsize importance in the early 20th century. The Art Foundation also raises funds to support young local aspiring artists through education and mentorship with established artists.

411: www.artfoundationofsb.org www.santabarbaraclub.org

Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara 22nd Grantee Event

The Women’s Fund of SB (WFSB) held its 22nd Anniversary Grantee event at the Lobero Theatre on Wednesday, May 13. The total grants awarded this year amounted to $1,275,000, given in various amounts to ten grantees.

The organization states the amount raised by their members is a record, and that the funding effort is an important one. Board Chair Carolyn Jabs said, “It’s no secret: these are challenging times for nonprofits, the people they serve, and the donors who support them. For myself, I’ve found the Women’s Fund is the best antidote to discouragement. It is truly a joy to work with other committed women who understand the impact we can have when we pool our resources for the common good.”

Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara’s 2025-2026 Grantees are:

AHA! (Attitude, Harmony, Achievement) – $150,000 gap funding over two years to sustain in-school social-emotional learning programs led by facilitators to help teens build emotional management, deep listening, and social skills.

Angels Foster Care – $60,000 to replace an aging vehicle with a new hybrid SUV to transport foster children to medical appointments, court hearings, and family visitations.

Community Partners in Caring – $62,500 to support new staff to recruit and train volunteers who will provide door-to-door transportation and social interaction for local seniors and adults with disabilities.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GREEN SEASONS LANDSCAPING, 1625 LAGUNA ST, 4, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. SIMON RAMIREZ, 1625 LAGUNA ST 4, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on May 11, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that

this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0001243. Published May 21, 28, and June 4, 11, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: NURTURE WITH CARE, 5151 TABANO WAY, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. CAROYLN M IBRAHIM, 5151 TABANO WAY, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. This

Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County – $200,000 gap funding over two years for a full–time school therapist to provide mental health screenings, crisis response, and counseling local junior high and high school students.

Friendship Adult Day Care Center – $82,500 to hire a transportation co-ordinator and part-time driver to provide safe, reliable facility transport for members living with dementia.

Mission Scholars – $150,000 over two years to partially fund a staff position for one-on-one mentorship, career coaching, and leadership workshops to help low-income first-generation students apply for college, graduate, and secure employment.

Planned Parenthood California Central Coast – $200,000 gap funding over two years to keep the Santa Barbara Health Center open and provide essential reproductive healthcare to patients.

Santa Barbara Meals on Wheels – $100,000 gap funding over two years to sustain existing affordable food delivery services and wellness checks for homebound seniors living in the city of Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara Rescue Mission – $150,000 to remodel an existing storage space into an eight-bed dormitory to provide stabilization and trauma-informed care for women awaiting addiction treatment.

Veggie Rescue – $120,000 to purchase a refrigerated truck to safely transport and deliver surplus fresh and packaged food to its nonprofit partners 411: https://womensfundsb.org

statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on May 6, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0001215. Published May 21, 28, and June 4, 11, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The

following person(s) is/ are doing business as: PRICE, POSTEL & PARMA LLP, 200 E. CARILLO STREET, SUITE 400, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. CRAIG A PARTON & TIMOTHY E METZINGER, 200 E. CARILLO STREET SUITE 400, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on April 23, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County

Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0001065. Published May 7, 14, 21, 28, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SUPERIOR MOBILE BRAKE & AUTO SERVICE, 214 S CANADA ST , 49, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. JOSHUA A KRZY-

WONSKI, 214 S CANADA ST 49, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on April 27, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0001121. Published May 7, 14, 21, 28, 2026

Roxana Petty, Dr. Jacqueline McDonough, Hilda Zacarias, Lisa Brabo, Kathryn Westland, Tracy PfautchBlock, Cassie Lancaster, Jenna Tosh, Rolf Geyling, and Eryn Shugart (photo by Isaac Hernandez)

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Calendar of Events

by Steven Libowitz

SATURDAY, MAY 23

AD&M’s MFA Show – The Art, Design & Architecture Museum hosts the 2026 Master of Fine Arts exhibition Fault Lines , featuring the work of graduating artists Tiffany Aiello , Alexis Childress , Hope Christofferson , Emily d’Achiardi , Negar Farajiani , Vivek Karthikeyan , and KeyShawn Scott . The show, up for only two weeks, brings together each artist’s physical and conceptual lines of inquiry into a shifting, evolving conversation, where close investigation reveals fruitful tensions and the possibility of new worlds. These artists break with linearity and overturn those expectations that oblige lines to merely mark boundaries. Collectively their work asks visitors to examine their own perceptions of fault lines – not only splits, but unexpected openings in existing realms both constructed and imagined. Visit the website for details on each artist’s approach.

SATURDAY, MAY 23

Music of the Living Landscape – White Buffalo Land Trust’s Spring 2026 Artist-in-Residence is Nathan Sherwood Liang, a San Francisco–based composer who collects sounds from nature, including birdsong, flowing water, windswept grass and more. Liang creates original music using these field recordings, tones created from ecological data in collaboration with scientists and orchestral instruments to create immersive sonic experiences. In a culmination of his six-week residency living and working on the land at the Jalama Canyon Ranch Center for Regenerative Agriculture, whose environs he has allowed to shape the music, he will be performing a progressive musical performance this evening presented in the very space that inspired it. Liang will be joined in the three live performances by Santa Barbara-based singer and flutist Jane Hahn and violinist/composer Darrell Conrad of Santa Maria for the mini-concert on the land, with pairings of seasonal bites by Barbareño and curated wines by Sandhi. Come prepared for light walking on uneven ground… Coming up next month on June 13 is Summer Field Day at the Ranch, where visitors can discover innovative ways White Buffalo is increasing biodiversity, building soil, supporting a healthier water cycle and improving climate stability across its 1,000 acres to experience firsthand what a thriving, regenerative food system can look and feel like. Visitors will enjoy a walking tour of the ranch’s pastures, vineyard and native oak woodlands stopping for discussions of the regenerative principles of each agricultural system. Back at basecamp, guests can taste products from White Buffalo Land Trust’s food brand Figure Ate.

WHEN: 4-7 pm May 23; 10 am-1 pm June 13

WHERE: Jalama Canyon Ranch, 3635 Jalama Rd., Lompoc

COST: $75 May 23, $25 June 13

INFO: www.whitebuffalolandtrust.org/attend-courses-events

SATURDAY, MAY 23

Shakespeare in the Park – Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum returns to town with its signature production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, transforming Elings Park’s Godric Grove into an enchanted forest where the human and fairy realms collide. The merry romp of a comedy conjures a world of wonder, magic and romance where misunderstandings, mistaken identities and the pain of potentially unrequited love are all joyously reconciled through revelries and the enduring power of nature. Theatricum, the half century-plus Topanga Canyon company, takes full advantage of the tree-and stone-lined open-air amphitheater atop Elings that boasts both intimacy and lovely mountain and city views – and famously features a large oak tree that actually grows through the stage. The mid-afternoon setting only enhances the merriment.

WHEN: 2 pm

WHERE: Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Rd.

COST: $10-$40

INFO: (805) 569-5611 or http://elingspark.org

WHEN: Opening reception 5:30-7:30 tonight; exhibit through June 7

WHERE: UCSB campus, across from the lagoon

COST: free

INFO: (805) 893-2951 or www.museum.ucsb.edu

SATURDAY, MAY 23-SUNDAY, MAY 24

The ‘Shadows’ Know – The quote “If we shadows have offended” is the famous opening line of Puck’s epilogue in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, serving as a gentle apology to the audience and a suggestion to view the actors as mere “shadows” and the entire experience as a fleeting dream. But the concept of shadows shows up in darker forms in many other of the Bard’s works, from Macbeth’s “Life’s but a walking shadow” to Julius Caesar , where Brutus contemplates “Between the acting of a dreadful thing / And the first motion, all the interim is / Like a phantasma, or a hideous dream.” Some of today’s theatrical teens take on the tender and terrifying aspects of Shakespeare’s theme as Lights Up! Theatre Company presents Shadows at Center Stage to close out the ninth season of its Acting Intensive program. Weaving excerpts from Macbeth , Dream , Twelfth Night, Hamlet and more, Shadows travels through the darkness of human experience and into the light.

WHEN: 7 pm May 23, 2 pm May 24

WHERE: Center Stage Theatre, 751 Paseo Nuevo, second floor COST: $29 general, $12 seniors/students INFO: (805) 963-0408 or https://centerstagetheater.org

SUNDAY, MAY 24

Youth will Serve – The Santa Barbara Symphony Youth Ensembles come together on one stage for their Spring Finale Concert, which features musicians from all three of the ensembles run by the the symphony’s education program: The Camerata Ensemble (beginner), Philharmonia Orchestra (intermediate)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27

Calidore Heralds Assanis’ Arrival – Today is the official inauguration of Dennis Assanis as the sixth UCSB Chancellor, with events starting at 11 am with a livestream of the actual inauguration for the public (https://chancellor. ucsb.edu/inauguration/livestream). That’s followed at 3-4:30 pm by the Inauguration Academic Symposium at UCSB’s Corwin Pavilion celebrating the university’s academic excellence with David Marshall, executive vice chancellor and provost/distinguished professor of English and Comparative Literature. Marshall will moderate a conversation with eight professors representing a wide swath of academic endeavors and fields of study at UCSB. Town and gown merge more melodically at the Lobero Theatre tonight, where the Calidore String Quartet will perform in concert. The CSQ have a long-standing connection to Assanis, the former president of University of Delaware, since the quartet first became artists-in-residence at UD in 2017, where they now serve as faculty members and the Distinguished String Quartet in Residence. The highly-decorated Calidore, praised for performing with a unity that allows them to “speak, breathe, think and feel as one” and whose discography features a landmark complete Beethoven cycle and the acclaimed album American Tapestries, will play Haydn’s “String Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 33, No. 2, ‘The Joke;’” selections from Wynton Marsalis’ “String Quartet No. 1, ‘At the Octoroon Balls;’” and Korngold’s “String Quartet No. 3, Op. 34.” All of the events are free.

WHEN: 7 pm

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

COST: free

INFO: (805) 963-0761/www.lobero.org or https://chancellor.ucsb.edu/inauguration

and Santa Barbara Youth Symphony (advanced). Co-Music Directors Dr. Daniel Gee and Marisa McLeod have devised a program that spans a wide variety of musical styles and traditions, from spirited folk-inspired pieces and cinematic favorites to beloved classical masterworks. Highlights include Copland’s energetic “Hoe-Down” from Rodeo, Juan Pablo Contreras’s vibrant “La Silla,” selections from Leroy Anderson’s “Irish Suite,” and a combined Philharmonia Orchestra and Youth Symphony performance of Dvořák’s “A New World Festival.” The concert will also feature Youth Symphony alumnus/2025 Santa Barbara Symphony Youth Concerto Competition winner/ two-time recipient of the Santa Barbara Music Club Scholarship, Jeffrey Hough Pattison – returning to the ensemble to perform as soloist for the first movement of Max Bruch’s “Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor.” As an adjunct event, Santa Barbara Symphony Principal Flute Amy Tatum leads an open masterclass, coaching three Youth Symphony musicians at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church at 5 pm Thursday, May 14. WHEN: 4 pm WHERE: Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.

THURSDAY, MAY 28

This entertainment calendar is a subjective sampling of arts and entertainment events taking place in the Santa Barbara area for the next seven days or so. It is by no means comprehensive. Please also see my feature stories elsewhere in this issue for more events. In order to be considered for inclusion in this calendar, please submit information – including hi-res photos –by 12 noon Wednesday eight days prior to publication date. Email: slibowitz@yahoo.com. COST: free INFO: (805) 963-0761/www.lobero.org or https://thesymphony.org/education.

At Long Last, Zito – Blues-rocker Mike Zito started singing half a century ago at the age of five and by his late teens he had begun his career in the St. Louis area music scene. But it took him another 20 years to become a recording artist outside of self-releases, signing with Eclecto Groove Records in 2008. Since then, however, he’s been making up for lost time, releasing almost 20 albums, touring extensively around the world, and drawing nominations for 14 Blues Music Awards. He has won six BMAs, including those for the heaviest categories: Album, Artist and Song of the Year. Life Is Hard, a deeply personal and sonically bold record that cemented Zito’s place among the genre’s elite in 2025, has been followed by this year’s Outside or the Eastside, another strong disc from the dedicated blues-rocker. Further extending his reach, Zito makes his Santa Barbara debut performing for the Santa Barbara Blues Society in a space that offers tables and chairs, rows of seating, and plenty of room for dancing to the grooves.

WHEN: 8 pm

WHERE: Carrillo Recreation Center, 100 E. Carrillo St.

COST: $35 general, $45 VIP seating, $10 students

INFO: (805) 668-6884 or www.sbblues.org

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27

Face the Facts – The film-in-progress Our Faces Will Always Be Japanese: Civil Liberties Stories from Carpinteria explores the connections between the internment of Japanese Americans across the country and civil liberties injustices in Carpinteria during the 1940s. The documentary features archival photographs and audio from the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History’s collection; several of the nearly 1,000 newly digitized images from the local Fukasawa, Ota and Satow families; and contemporary interviews with Carpinterians whose families were integral to the story of California’s Central Coast post-World War II. Screening of a 45-minute cut of the film will be followed by a short panel discussion with filmmaker Brent Winebrenner, John Fukasawa Jr. and Tommy Dyo, descendants of families featured in the film.

WHEN: 6 pm

WHERE: Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria

COST: free

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

NOTE TO READERS

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PHYSICAL TRAINING & THERAPY

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ELECTRICIAN

Montecito Electric Repairs and Inspections Licensed C10485353 805-969-1575

TILE SETTING

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

CARPET CLEANING

Carpet Cleaning Since 1978 (805) 963-5304

Rafael Mendez Cell: 689-8397 or 963-3117

PIANO LESSONS

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

CONSTRUCTION

General Building Design & Construction Contractor William J. Dalziel Lic. B311003 – 1 (805) 698-4318 billjdalziel@gmail.com

Local, Reliable Property Management. We care for your rentals. FoothillPM.com 805-698-4769

PET CARE & HOUSE SITTING

Professional, dependable pet lover available for pet sitting, dog walking & house sitting. Flexible schedule, great rates & references available. Call or text: (312) 315-5035

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

MACC CONSTRUCTION

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We specialize in ADU construction Kitchen and bathroom remodeling Decks

COASTAL HOME & PET CARE

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Second Home & Vacation Property Management

In-home Sitting • Walks • Visits Discreet • Insured • Excellent Local References coastalhomeandpetcare.com Call/Text 805-689-8078

SB CEMETERY LOCATIONS

Two sites available at the Santa Barbara Cemetery which together can accommodate either one casket & one urn OR two urns.

Central: Block D, Number 31

Valued at $21,000

Offered at $17,000

Call (805) 455-9869 – Please text this first for quick reply

FOR RENT

MONTECITO Single Car 14’ x 20’ Garage, Uncovered Parking Spaces, & Storage

• Single Garage 14’ x 20’ - $450/mo.-1 available

• Uncovered outdoor parking spaces$225/mo for a car, boat, or trailer

• Storage 8’x12’ - $225/mo

• Storage 7’x10’ - $175/mo

Call Trider

Montecito rare opportunity: 3 adjoining burial plots in the limited-availability Central Section (Block L). Each plot accommodates 1 casket and 1 urn (or 2 urns), for a total of 6 interments. These grouped plots create a family area in a beautiful, established location overlooking the Bird Refuge in one direction and the ocean in the distance in the other. $18,000 each plus $1,000 transfer fee per plot. (805) 453-3868

HANDYMAN

glass

• Massive primary suite w/ dual commodes, jetted soaking tub with separate shower, and view deck

• $19,500

Call Trider Real Estate at: (949) 306-2526 DRE Lic. No 00530719

John’s

PET & HOUSE SITTING

Responsible college sophomore home for summer who can care for your pets and home. Reliable, non-smoker, with car. Excellent refs available. Avail 5/22-6/12, 6/25-8/18. Text Blake (she/her) at 805-969-0586

UCSB Dean’s student seeks to House/Pet sit Available 7/31 to 9/10

Responsible w/ Great References Vincent Gumbs - (310) 985-5930 vincentcgumbs@icloud.com

ByPeteMuller&FrankLongo

Foreachofthefirstfiveminicrosswords,oneoftheentriesalsoservesaspartofa five-wordmetaclue.Theanswertothemetaisawordorphrase(sixlettersor longer)hiddenwithinthesixthminicrossword.Thehiddenmetaanswerstartsin oneofthesquaresandsnakesthroughthegridverticallyandhorizontallyfrom there(nodiagonals!)withoutrevisitinganysquares.

"EDtv,""EdWood,"or "MisterEd,"e.g.

Likepassagesmarkedwith a"p"

Across

1 Theytendtomakesports fanstense,forshort

4 Eponymofapopular dingbattypeface

6 With5-Down,besides

8 Xeroxalternative

9 Bavarian___(Dunkin Donutsoption)

1 NetflixseriessetinOsage Beach,Missouri

2 Rhinoceros ssmaller relative

3 Settingof"AdAstra"and "RebelMoon"

5 See6-Across 7 TCBYportion?

Rankthings

Dinnerfolloweronmanya date

Abbawhosaid"Israelisnot anaviary" 9 Hide'spartner

Across

1 Scammers preferred targets,presumably

5 See3-Down

7 "That'swhatIlike" sloganeer

8 Spring'sopposite,interms oftides

9 DinosaurinPixar's"The GoodDinosaur"

"NightAlways___"(2025 Netflixcrimethriller)

Illustratorproducer

Popstars?

Putascrewdriveraway,say

Suffixofsugarnames

Down

1 "EmissionsReducer"maker

2 Squaring-offsetting

3 With5-Across,whata corporatecriminaltriesnot toleave

4 Compositionofmanycat scratchingposts

Across 1 Stockmark

6 Opera___(musicalgenre)

7 2019romanticdramafilm withfoursequels

8 TessaYoung,forJosephine Langford,inallfive 7-Acrossfilms

9 Fro-___(somedesserts,in brief)

Down

1 Jamboreegp.

2 Cook,inaway,asbeans

3 Androiddevicethatdebuted in '77?

4 Bohrforwhomtheelement Bohriumisnamed

5 Benervyenough

6 Weight-lossoptionthat sucks? METAPUZZLE

Across

1 Cornflourdoughusedto maketortillasandtamales

5 PennameofnovelistMarie LouisedelaRamée

7 Currentlyairing

8 Reacttobeing6-Down, maybe

9 LikeKyrstenSinema,since 2022:Abbr.

Down

1 Somestampedesounds

2 WhatOpheliaFrumpisto WednesdayAddams

3 WhereMosestooktwo tablets

4 TakeaBedazzlerto,say

6 Dumbstruck

PUZZLE #