another fine property represented by
•Graduate of UCLA School of Law and former attorney (with training in Real Estate law, contracts, estate planning, and tax law)
•D edicated and highly trained full-time support staff •An expert in the luxury home market
Remember, It Costs No More to Work with The Best (But It Can Cost You Plenty If You Don’t)
Designed by renowned architect Jack Warner, 2000 Sandy Place offers one of Montecito’s most spectacular vistas of the Santa Ynez Mountains. Situated within the guard-gated Birnam Wood Golf Club on a 1.28-acre knoll, the property enjoys a long, private driveway, unparalleled privacy, and sweeping 180-degree views from nearly every vantage point. Residents enjoy access to Birnam Wood’s world-class golf course, tennis, pickleball, croquet, and dining. The Upper and Lower Villages of Montecito, Butterfly Beach, the San Ysidro Ranch, and Rosewood Miramar are all just minutes away. OFFERED AT $9,450,000
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management was created specifically to help our most affluent clients address the complex, multi-generational challenges of managing significant wealth. We partner with individuals, families, and foundations to enhance lifestyles, build lasting legacies, and navigate opportunities in a changing world.
5 Beings and Doings – The Search Dog Foundation’s canine/human teams are on the ground in Venezuela, dogs that were themselves rescues skipping nimbly over wreckage in search of the living
6 Purely Non-Political – Jim Buckley takes a nostalgic look back at his time in Montecito and the first Village 4th
8 Montecito Miscellany – Dinner among the llamas and silkies at Wanderment Farms, ETC’s annual Curtain Up! Gala, and the SB Writers Conference
10 News Bytes – 4th of July Montecito style, Music Academy at the art museum, Hot Springs trail updates, and other tidbits
Letters to the Editor – A World Cup moment with the Qatar team at Rosewood, plus a passionate defense of audiobooks Tide Guide
12 Polo, Prom, & Pals – A Senior Prom, Summer Polo Soirée, and the 50 year anniversary of Friendship Center’s enduring commitment to the community
The Society Edit – More than 200 vintage and custom vehicles rolled into Carpinteria for the 29th Annual
Jeanine J. Burford
Senior Vice President
Private Wealth Advisor 805-695-7109
jeanine.burford@ morganstanleypwm.com
Jerrad Burford
Senior Vice President Private Wealth Advisor 805-695-7108
Burford Group at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management 1111 Coast Village Road | Montecito, CA 93108
jerrad.burford@ morganstanleypwm.com
16 Your Westmont – Alumna opens downtown art gallery and grant prepares grads for lives of purpose
18 This Week @ MAW – Michael Werner and the Music Academy’s percussion fellows get ready to transform IKEA lamps and more into extraordinary rhythm at PercussionFest
20 Meet the Doctor – Upper Extremity Surgeon Corina Brown MD
21 Petite Wine Traveler – A sold-out afternoon beneath the museum oaks showcased the remarkable diversity and hospitality of the local wine country
24
Pup Culture – Amy Peer answers about Buddy’s jumping at the door and gives a-paws for Gavin Behr of Montecito Social Dog Club
26 Montecito Health Coach – The pursuit of perfect health metrics can sometimes distract from the simple goal of feeling healthier every day
27 Elizabeth’s Appraisals – A handcrafted inlaid box reveals centuries of artistic exchange linking Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East
29 ‘Condor Express’ – The iconic whale watching vessel also throws a good party with some fun tunes
30 Stories Matter – A richly atmospheric mystery, an extraordinary true crime investigation, and two inventive thrillers headline this month’s reviews
31
The Giving List – Hillside’s National Disability Independence Day festival opens its arms to you, celebrating inclusion, community, and the belief that independence looks different for everyone
32
The Spoken Word – Solutions-oriented conversations, conservation, consciousness, and compelling new books headline this month’s spoken word events
On Entertainment – SBCC’s Anything Goes, PCPA’s Frozen, the Musical, and graphic designer Barbara Boros’ graphic work on display
33
Spotlight Coast Village – Specials and highlights along Coast Village Road
38 Curator’s Choice – Red gorgonian, Eugorgia daniana Sheriff’s Blotter
40 Calendar of Events – Up this week… both 1st Thursday and 4th of July events to bring a little color to the area
42
Classifieds – Our own “Craigslist” of classified ads
43 Mini Meta Crossword Puzzles
Local Business Directory
by Jeff Wing
Venezuela, located at the northernmost tip of South America, occupies a typically enviable spot in the middle of the tropics. Gaze northward from a beach there and you’re taking in both the Caribbean and the mighty Atlantic. The country also sits atop a tectonic meeting place, a boundary where the Caribbean and South American plates meet in a transform fault system. Also called a strike-slip, this fault separates two argumentative tectonic neighbors. The Caribbean and South American plates have been pressing and sliding horizontally against each other for millions of years with unimaginable force. Grinding along at a lateral velocity of about 20 mm (0.8 inches) per year – approximately the rate at which your toenails grow – brute friction kept the tectonic tussle on the undetectable lowdown; until June 24 when the plates massively slipped.
“The absolute magnitude of the devastation,” says Denise Sanders, “and how concentrated it is in the very densely populated areas that they’re working in… they’re very, very aware of the fact that there are many people still missing in the very large buildings that collapsed upon themselves.” Sanders is senior director of Communications and Search Team Operations for the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, and she’s referring both to the six human/ canine teams trained by the Search Dog Foundation and deployed to Venezuela, and to the larger task force of which those teams are a part; USA-2 out of Los Angeles County. The Search Dog Foundation is an intricately devised and exactingly trained human/canine partnership begun in 1996 whose sole
mission is to find living people trapped in rubble. Anywhere in the world.
“I’m sure when they return from Venezuela, we’ll debrief and we’ll hear what they’ve learned, just as we’ve done when they’ve deployed to Turkey or Nepal or Japan, or Haiti, all the way back in 2010. We learned a lot from those deployments and so we were able to replicate some of the search scenarios.” In 2017, the SDF’s privately funded National Training Center (NTC) launched in the woods near Santa Paula. NTC is not a grassy field where tennis balls are thrown and fetched, but a sprawling, 145-acre nightmare mockup of all the possible disaster scenarios for which SDF’s canine rescuers are rigorously and lovingly trained. A map of the NTC includes such place names as Rubble Pile, Train Wreck, Collapsed Freeway, Tilted House, and more.
Beings & Doings Page 254
Jim Buckley
My family (wife Helen, son Tim, daughter Lily) and I moved to Montecito on July 4, 1986, so this short recollection of Montecito and Santa Barbara seems appropriate, particularly during this time of year.
Our house on Middle Road was already 40 years old. The good news for us was that we had found the flat, usable acre I insisted upon, along with a good-sized swimming pool and a small one-bedroom “cottage” in the back. The single-story ranch home was designed in 1937, just 12 years after an earthquake shook the area, so the adobe-style brick walls were fitted with steel rebar every six feet, making it virtually earthquake proof. World War II held up its construction, and it wasn’t finished until 1946. The two-car garage was made of redwood, and all the flooring was real oak. It was somewhat expensive for the time, but still within reach of a middle-class income earner.
The bad news was that the roof was made of cedar shingles, which were then already 40-years old. We hardly saw any rain that first year (there was talk of a drought), so it wasn’t until our second year in the house that we realized our roof was not rain proof.
Not at all.
We didn’t have enough pans to catch the water that leaked from the various points in the ceiling. The cedar was charming, but until it swelled with water, was unreliable, and since it hadn’t rained for nearly 20 months or so, it was dry and brittle. It wasn’t until the water had seeped into the wall-to-wall carpeting in the dining room and living room that we discovered the beautiful oak flooring underneath. We polished the floors and replaced the roof with concrete shingles.
The house had three wood-burning fireplaces, which we used extensively, especially the one in the living room. We spent nearly 40 friendly and comfortable years in that home and miss it still. The circle of friends we made over those years, some of whom have now passed on, made life in Montecito a consummate pleasure.
Our Christmas parties were special, as nearly 100 family, friends, and guests, crowded around impresario Peter Clark at the piano and Erin Graffy, who led the song fest, which always featured Barry DeVorzon’s “It’s Christmas Once Again in Santa Barbara.” Sadly, both Peter and Erin are gone now, but the memory of their blissful performances remains vivid and alive.
The Santa Barbara we moved to was, for want of a better term, a Free Zone. Our first Fiesta featured open drinking of beer and margaritas along the entire stretch of State Street and a parade of one of the largest contingents of silver-tinged saddled horses and riders in the U.S. On the beach, particularly West Beach, families and groups of friends would dig deep holes in the sand big enough to include upholstered chairs and couches, dining room tables, even television sets, along with an array of personal fireworks, and the groups regularly fired bottle rockets upon nearby sandlords and each other
Non-Political Page 344
by Richard Mineards & Friends
“Without AI, they both would have died,” said Margo Redfern, recalling the Friday night one of her mini cows went into labor at Wanderment Farms. Alone on her hilltop farm in Toro Canyon with no vet available, the woman who once launched products for Microsoft and Yahoo in Palo Alto suddenly found herself using AI for something Silicon Valley probably never imagined. Guided step by step by AI instructions, Margo reached in, carefully repositioned the calf, and
delivered the baby herself, saving both mother and calf.
It was the perfect introduction to a farm tour and chef dinner unlike any other.
Leading guests across the breathtaking 56-acre panoramic property overlooking the Pacific, with the Santa Ynez Mountains rising behind, Margo introduced not only vineyards, olive groves, flowers, and pastures, but an unforgettable cast of four-legged furry personalities.
“He’s a bit fragrant to impress the ladies,” Margo laughed, introducing River, the resident billy goat. “The girls think he’s fabulous!” She added, punctuating with a chef’s kiss. A few steps later, fluffy
silkie chickens named Yoko Ono, Chicken Nugget, and Meryl Peep stole the spotlight with their fluffy newborn chicks, while some of the silkies are now delighting students at Montecito Union School.
“You’re the vet, the marketing person, the accountant – you’re everything,” Margo said, explaining why AI has become one of her most trusted farmhands, helping with everything from farm records to late-night emergencies. The tech doesn’t stop in the barn. Margo also runs the farm’s Shopify, where lucky locals can purchase weekly harvest boxes, fresh eggs, farm tours, chef dinners, and seasonal experiences – all while she spends most of her days doing what she loves most: working the land.
“The Earth, our beautiful home, is a living thing... Our mother has a
Miscellany Page 354
ZHANG
At Goodwin & Thyne Properties we follow a simple, yet powerful principle when representing real estate buyers and sellers- always do what is best for you, our client. We are an integrated team of clientcentered, comprehensive, connected, collaborative, and committed Realtors®, Brokers, and Attorneys servicing Santa Barbara, Ventura, Ojai, the Central Coast, LA and beyond.
We take pride in hearing our clients say we treat them like family, because – we do. It’s at the core of what makes us different.
Operating from that place means there’s nothing we won’t, and can’t, do to get you the property, deal, and overall outcome you’re looking for. No matter how big or small, complex or simple, we’ve seen and done it all. We look forward to working with you.
Re altors ® / Broker s / Attorney s
by MJ Staff
Montecito’s favorite Independence Day tradition returns on Saturday, July 4, as the 30th Annual Village 4th brings neighbors together for the beloved World’s Shortest Parade, followed by a community celebration in Lower Manning Park. The day gets an early start with the Montecito Firefighters’ Association Pancake Breakfast from 7–11 am at Fire Station 91 (595 San Ysidro Road), a longtime tradition benefiting the Montecito Firefighters Charitable Foundation. The Village 4th parade steps off at 11:30 am, with live music, a community picnic, pie-eating contests, tug-of-war, family games, and a beer and wine garden to follow.
Looking for an elegant way to end the day? San Ysidro Ranch will once again host its celebrated Fourth of July festivities, offering festive dining, live music, and the resort’s signature blend of luxury and Americana in one of Montecito’s most iconic settings.
As you celebrate, Montecito Fire Department is reminding residents that all fireworks – including “safe and sane” fireworks – and beach bonfires are illegal throughout Montecito due to heightened wildfire danger. Leave the fireworks to the professionals and enjoy the City of Santa Barbara’s display at West Beach while helping keep the community safe this holiday.
News Bytes Page 344
Montecito resident Keith Yeager traded FIFA gear during an exchange with FIFA/Qatar football club staff, one local example of promoting international friendship and cooperation, at the Rosewood Miramar on June 25th.
The Qatar team was well hosted by Montecito, staying at the Rosewood Miramar hotel as their base camp, and training on Westmont’s Thorrington Field. Mr. Yeager gave the Qatar football club staff the official USA/ FIFA jersey (purchases support FIFA’s youth outreach programs to promote life skills and responsible values), and was presented with an official Qatar/ FIFA scarf. Qatar’s Sports Scientist Fabio Francioni enthused that all of Montecito had been friendly and welcoming.
Deborah Dunn
Ms. Zampelli is a thoughtful writer, which is why I was disappointed to see her recent column discourage people from listening to audiobooks in favor of printed books.
Reading a printed book is a wonderful experience, but audiobooks should not be viewed as a lesser substitute. For many people, they are the difference between reading more books and reading none at all.
We don’t really need any scientific studies to know that listening to stories is the oldest form of literature. For tens of thousands of years, long before the invention of printing, or even writing, humans shared knowledge, history, and entertainment through the spoken
Executive Editor/CEO | Gwyn Lurie gwyn@montecitojournal.net
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MoJo Contributing Editor | Christopher Matteo Connor
Art/Production Director | Trent Watanabe
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Account Managers | Sue Brooks, Tanis Nelson, Elizabeth Scott, 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
by Zach Rosen
As guests arrived for Friendship Center’s third annual Senior Prom this spring, there were dresses to admire, jackets to straighten, old friends to greet, and a dance floor waiting just a few steps away. Volunteers and Richie’s barbers gave guests makeovers. Corsages were pinned. Music filled the room. Members arrived hand in hand with spouses, children, caregivers, and friends.
For a few hours, the focus shifted to dancing, laughter, and simply being together. It was a clear reflection of what Friendship Center has provided to Santa Barbara County families for half a century.
This year marks the nonprofit’s 50th anniversary.
Since opening its doors in 1976, Friendship Center has become one of the area’s important resources for older adults living with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other forms of dementia, while providing something equally valuable to their families: peace of mind. Throughout each week, members participate in art, music, movement, games, conversation, and meaningful social engagement in a safe, welcoming environment. At the same time, caregivers receive something that is often in short supply: a chance to work, run errands, recharge, or simply breathe, knowing their loved one is surrounded by trained professionals and genuine compassion.
As awareness of dementia continues to grow, so has the need for Friendship Center’s services. The organization has steadily expanded over the past several years, increasing the number of members it can serve while staying true to a promise that has defined it since the beginning. Through a sliding-scale payment system, no one is turned away because of an inability to pay.
Like many nonprofits, Friendship Center marks its milestones by bringing its community together. This summer, that celebration takes the form of its second annual Summer Polo Soirée, returning to the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club on Friday, July 17. Guests will enjoy an afternoon of polo, light bites, desserts, cocktails, and a silent auction while learning more about the organization during its milestone year.
Last year’s inaugural event introduced this new tradition, pairing one of Montecito’s signature summer pastimes with an opportunity to spotlight Friendship Center’s work. With the organization celebrating its 50th anniversary, this year’s gathering serves as another chapter in that celebration and a chance to share what’s ahead.
Those plans extend well beyond a single afternoon.
by Joanne A Calitri
Hello Loves! For this week’s Society Edit I visited the 29th Annual Rods and Roses Car Show in Carpinteria on Saturday, June 27, which honors the late great Indie 500 and NASCAR racing legend Andy Granatelli, whose lovely, devoted wife Dolly still lives in their Montecito home by the ocean. Yes fans, I have been there and still have Dolly’s business card! The Granatellis were vibrant and most generous to our town’s local charities, and Sheriff’s Dept. Honored with Granatelli is the late Michael Armand Hammer (chairman and CEO of the Armand Hammer Foundation), who served as the lead sponsor and prominent participant in the Carpinteria Rods & Roses car show.
The car show is the “baby” of the superlative Carp resident who makes things happen, and heads the Avo Fest and the Alcazar Theatre, Mike Lazaro, owner of Carp Events. Show volunteers start with Lazaro’s family members, Josh Pangan, Leo Pangan, and Siena Kelly; and Lazaro’s partner Jessica Wax. The judging booth announcer was Dennis Mitchell, owner of Carpinteria Valley Radio. John
Palminteri emceed the parade with Kelly.
As I walked the show with marketing magnate Leigh-Anne Anderson, we met local businessman Arnie Sturham who owns the newly opened Arnie’s Rooftop Bar on the second floor of Linden Square. Sturham jumped into supporting the local community event with his car entry, a 1987 Mercedes SL560 convertible in custom willow green with camel interior. For the photo op, we asked his bar manager Trina Armitage to join. Arnie’s was packed, as the views of the car show from the terrace were amazing, and peeps were securing their seat for the World Cup Soccer games. Next, we had to stop by Bettina’s second location, Tina’s Restaurant at Linden Square.
Society Edit Page 364
by Scott Craig, photos by Brad Elliott
Abstract acrylic painter Josephine Tournier Ingram’s (’00) growing art career eventually collided with domestic life. As demand for her work surged, canvases began taking over her home.
“Paintings were spilling into the guest studio,” she says. “And then I discovered spaghetti on one of them.”
Realizing her home studio had officially been outgrown, she knew it was finally time to secure a dedicated gallery space.
Moving into Gallery Josephine near the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens at 133 E. Anapamu St. feels like a sort of homecoming. She and her husband, Jared (’00), used to live a few blocks away after they graduated from Westmont College. The space is the former home of longtime flower shop Victor the Florist and, more recently, Parker Clay. The gallery, which is open by appointment, celebrates its first 1st Thursday Art Walk on July 2.
As an art major at Westmont, Ingram says all her classes came easy for her, except one: painting.
“That was a tough class for me,” she says. “I felt like my paintings were terrible.”
Her first break came shortly after graduation when she landed a graphic artist position at Powell-Peralta Skateboards in Goleta. After five years, she began receiving enough freelance work that she went solo.
From those challenging painting class
days, she held onto some small canvases through a couple of moves.
“Jared kept telling me, ‘You should just get rid of these, you’re never going to paint on them,’” she says.
But once they bought their home and their second child was born, something shifted.
“I put him in the BabyBjörn, I pulled out my acrylic paints and did a layer, let it dry, moved on, did another layer,” she says.
Her second son, who is now 12, is neurodivergent and a talented, creative illustrator.
“I don’t know if it was because of him, our connection, but everything flowed out of me, and I started painting, painting, and painting,” she says.
Ingram, raised by French and German parents in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, hung her first painting in 2014 at her house and proudly posted a picture of it on social media. A professional ski racer near her hometown saw it and commissioned her to make another one just like it. The client then ordered a second one.
“That’s honestly how it started,” she says. “Jared told me to not do it for money, keep it as my passion, do it for love when I want to, so I have no pressure.”
She describes her paintings as an exploration of light, transformation, memory and place through layered abstraction. She also considers herself a storyteller, reflecting the persona of her patrons in her work.
“That’s what’s so fun about commissions, it’s not about me,” she says. “I’m inspired by them, by the colors of their house or their stories, and honoring those stories is a cool experience.”
She regularly donates her artwork to local schools and nonprofits, including CALM, which holds its annual Calm at Heart luncheon on Nov. 6 at Rosewood
Westmont Page 364
by Steven Libowitz
Michael Werner’s 2026 Music Academy of the West experience began well before the majority of his percussion fellows even arrived on the Miraflores campus. That’s because Werner, a 1990 MAW alum and longtime faculty percussionist who is principal at the Seattle Symphony during the rest of the year, was a faculty member for MAW’s inaugural High School Intensive. He appeared in the first public concert in the Teaching Artist Showcase, performing sections of Jeff Scott’s chamber piece “Silenced Angels Speak” with Kenneth Thompkins on the slide brass.
“It started with a bongo solo, which, I mean, sign me up anytime I can do that,” said Werner, who also played marimba and tubular chimes at the Hahn Hall concert with the trombonist.
Those instruments will be among the more staid that Werner, fellow faculty percussionist Joseph Pereira, and the five percussion fellows will employ at the annual PercussionFest, which this year comprises two almost identical concerts at Hahn, including a pointedly more accessible performance for families in the afternoon. But with both programs, the concept is a multi-pronged approach.
“I try to pick things that will challenge the students, but also be rewarding for both them and the audience,” Werner said. “We want it to be accessible but also highlight the creativity of our instrument which can show up in almost infinite forms.”
A perfect example is “Click,” by Mary Ellen Childs, which has three percussionists each playing claves, a pair of solid wooden sticks that are better known as rhythmic backbones of salsa, son and rumba. The Village Voice called the piece “a fiendishly complex game of pattycake”.
Werner wouldn’t object to that description.
“It really focuses on the relationship between physical gestures and music,” he said. “That’s how the different events are described and how you study the piece. One part
is about how you’re hitting the sticks together with windshield wiper motions and circles. So there’s a lot that happens beyond the sound that’s being produced, and a lot of choreography which makes it a very visual piece.”
Seeing as well as hearing is a big part of the pieces exclusive to the afternoon show, including Mark Ford’s “Head Talk,” which finds the five musicians seated in a semi-circle with drumheads – detached from the drum – and sticks.
“It’s very theatrical because they’re not just hitting the heads – they’re rolling them back and forth and throwing them in the air,” Werner said. “It’s a lot of fun for the audience.”
Youngsters will also appreciate “Clapping Music,” by early minimalist composer Steve Reich, which simply features two percussionists clapping, in sync or in syncopation. The evening show will feature Reich’s “Mallet Quartet,” a much more complex three-movement piece that challenges neighboring musicians by displacing the melody on vibe or marimba by an eighth note.
Aliayta Foon-Dancoes’ “LIGHTEN UP” is one of the more, well, enlightening pieces on the evening program, as it calls for the percussionists to play desk lamps
Week at MAW Page 374
“
e
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
What drives someone to spend a life in medicine? In this 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.
Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine, and how did you select your particular specialty?
Prized for their unique character,
A. Having the privilege of growing up in Santa Barbara, and being the daughter of a physician, I knew I wanted to go into medicine by the time I was in college. However, after graduating, I realized the world is a very large place and I wanted to find my way outside the beautiful bubble that is our town. My travels took me to Machakos, Kenya – where I taught in a vocational school and worked in a hospital –and to Sydney, Australia – where I worked in a drug discovery lab. After a few years in research, I realized my true calling was in direct patient care. I took my MCAT (the test for medical school admission) in Singapore – and got possibly the worst food poisoning ever during the test. I returned to attend medical school at UCSD. Although undecided on a specialty upon entering medical school, I took an elective in orthopedic surgery my first year. I saw a total hip replacement, where the patient was able to walk again after not walking for years. Being able to help restore such a tremendous amount of function in someone’s life is an incredible gift to be able to give to another human.
Can you share a moment in your career that profoundly impacted you?
When applying to an orthopedic residency, every mentor I spoke with about the application process said not to write about tearing your ACL, since apparently every applicant has had this injury, and it inspired them to go into orthopedics. I did this in reverse when I tore my ACL mountain biking in my first year of practice. It was an incredibly challenging experience from injury to rehab, but it made me a better doctor. I am extremely grateful for the surgeon who put me back together and got me back doing what I love (which happens to be inordinate amounts of cycling). It has made me much more capable of talking patients through the recovery process both physically and mentally after surgery. It’s also made me so grateful to be part of field that can have such a profound impact on someone’s life!
Who has been a mentor or role model in your life, and what did you learn from them?
Although I arrived at my career choice by an independent path, my mother is also an orthopedic surgeon who has practiced in town for 35 years. Her passion for her profession appeared to be contagious. It’s such a privilege to be one of the few mother-daughter orthopedic surgeon teams. To this day, I will run cases by her. She is very passionate about what she does. It’s inspiring to see her advocate and care for her patients.
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.
by Jamie Knee
This past Saturday afternoon beneath the oaks at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, the Santa Barbara Wine Festival once again reminded me why it is one of the most beloved wine experiences in our region. With a glass in hand, Mission Creek nearby, and a collection of Santa Barbara County wineries, local culinary purveyors, and a few Central Coast neighbors pouring and serving across the museum’s beautiful grounds, it felt like wine country had gathered in one magical outdoor room.
As a Santa Barbara wine writer, wine presenter, and founder of Petite Wine Traveler, I attend wine events throughout California and around the world. Yet this food and wine event remains one of my favorite local experiences because it captures what people travel here to find: elegant wines, seasonal flavor, generous hospitality, beautiful weather, talented makers, and that unmistakable Santa Barbara sense of place.
People come from around the world to experience Santa Barbara County wine. They come for the pinot noir and chardonnay of the Sta. Rita Hills, the Rhône varieties of Ballard Canyon and Los Olivos, the old California spirit of the Santa Maria Valley, and the coastal light that seems to soften everything it touches. At the Santa Barbara Wine Festival, locals get to experience that same world class wine culture in our own backyard, under the trees, in one of the city’s most treasured settings.
This year’s sold-out festival unfolded in classic Santa Barbara fashion, with sunshine, low 70s, and guests drifting through the museum’s oak woodland campus from one pour to the next. The setting is part of its magic. Garden paths, native trees, stone buildings, dinosaurs, and Mission Creek give the afternoon a sense of wonder, as if wine country has slipped quietly into a natural history story. This is not a ballroom tasting. It is Santa Barbara wine outdoors, relaxed, convivial, and beautifully rooted in the land.
Now in its 38th year, the Santa Barbara Wine Festival is one of the Museum’s largest annual fundraisers, with net proceeds supporting nature and science education programs. The mission feels beautifully aligned with the experience. Wine begins with soil, water, weather, sunlight, and careful farming, making the museum’s natural setting an especially fitting place to taste the region.
The festival offered a delicious snapshot of Santa Barbara County’s range, with enough Central Coast breadth to remind guests how much wine culture surrounds us. SAMsARA Wine Co. was, as always, a standout for its coastal elegance and precision. Fiddlehead Cellars brought the kind of history and personality that makes Santa Barbara wine feel both classic and alive. Brander Vineyard, a longtime Los Olivos name, reminded guests of the region’s deep sauvignon blanc legacy, while Rancho Sisquoc
Wine Traveler Page 284
Lang Lang, piano
Fri, Oct 9 / 7 PM / Granada Theatre
Program: Mozart, Beethoven, Albéniz, Granados and Liszt Nemanja Radulović & Double Sens
Wed, Nov 4 / 7 PM / Campbell Hall
Program: Vivaldi and Rimsky-Korsakov The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Portraits of Bards, Titans, and Legends
Wed, Feb 24 / 7:30 PM / Granada Theatre
Leif Ove Andsnes, piano
Fri, Mar 12 / 7 PM / Campbell Hall
Program: Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas No. 30, 31 and 32
4 events - Save 20%
Les Arts Florissants
The Magic of Monteverdi
William Christie and Paul Agnew, Directors Sun, Nov 15 / 4 PM / Lobero Theatre
Hilary Hahn, violin
Matthias Goerne, baritone
Yekwon Sunwoo, piano
Wed, Dec 2 / 7 PM / Granada Theatre
Danish String Quartet
Tue, Feb 23 / 7 PM / Campbell Hall
Program: Gabriella Smith, Ravel and Beethoven
Yuja Wang, piano
Tue, Apr 20 / 7 PM / Granada Theatre
Every time our doorbell rings my dog Buddy rushes the front door like a maniac! Barking uncontrollably, jumping and scratching at the door. In order to open the front door without him jumping all over our guests, I have to grab Buddy by the collar, open the door, and greet our visitors hunched over. It can take up to 10 minutes before he reaches some state of calm. I am beginning to realize I cannot live this way. This is crazy… help!!
Buddy is two and a half years old, a Bernedoodle, and weighs 45 lbs. He had a few lessons when we first got him and that is it for training. He is house broken and very lovable.
A:Thank you for reaching out. It is one of the last sentences of your letter that gives me hope that this will change… “I AM BEGINNING TO REALIZE I CANNOT LIVE THIS WAY.”
Until we acknowledge our role in our dog’s behavior by allowing it to continue, it will not change (barring his losing his hearing in old age, when he can neither hear the doorbell or run and jump).
When we add a dog to our family it’s like adding a child. It is our job to teach them what we want. Whether it is behavioral or obedience focused, we must invest the time to show them. I always tell my clients you have two choices when you get a dog: you can either change how you live in your home to accommodate to their behavior; OR, YOU can invest time and TEACH them how you want them to live in your home. It’s really that simple. Remember, offering no message is itself sending a message . If you don’t respond in a constructive and appropriate way that clearly tells your dog you do not like their behavior, you are telling them it is okay.
Given the fact that Buddy has not had much obedience and behavior training to tap into when exhibiting his front door behavior, for now I’d recommend having him on a leash whenever company is expected. Have an extra leash by the door in case a delivery truck arrives unannounced. Given his size and breed, I’d probably recommend a corrective collar so you don’t get pulled to the ground.
Meanwhile, Buddy is young and will be with you for many years to come. Getting some professional help might be a good consideration so you can learn how to teach Buddy in the most effective way. Before hiring someone, make a list of ALL the behaviors you want to change so you create the most harmonious relationship. You will need to incorporate obedience work as well, so your daily homework includes lots of repetitive positive work with Buddy, verses a lot of correction-driven exercises. This Balance in training is VERY IMPORTANT!
Be sure to find someone you feel comfortable with, who is consistent, sets high bars, and is loving all at the same time. Consistency, clarity, and warmth are integral to a dog’s ability to understand your message and learn. They love to learn and the experience of training your dog is the most incredibly bonding thing you can do for your relationship with them. Dogs are so very smart… raise your bar!!
Amy Peer
by Amy Peer
Ihave known and worked with Gavin Behr, the owner and operator of Montecito Social Dog Club (MSDC), for over 25 years. Gavin, a transplant from South Africa via Southern California, has been a welcome addition to the Santa Barbara community for over eight years. He has brought to our community a professional, trustworthy, reliable, loving and caring dog walking service with a stellar track record of 26 years (includes 22 years of servicing LA’s westside).
Impressed from the moment we met, I feel so lucky to know and work with Gavin. It was in 2000 when I began using his services for many of my clients, as well as myself. A firm believer that dogs need outdoor activities and continuous socialization, sometimes hiring an outside company to help provide this service can help when our schedules don’t permit us to do this ourselves.
The dilemma becomes finding someone you can trust to care for your dog(s)/our four-legged children. This is a business that requires no certification or even knowledge of dogs. To enter this business all one needs is a leash and a way to market oneself as a dogwalker.
I personally wouldn’t hand any of my children to a complete stranger without doing a deep dive into their business and client referrals. Dig as deep as you want into Gavin’s business… it is stellar! I have trusted him with my dogs for a quarter of a century!!
In 1987 Gavin left South Africa and moved to Southern California to join his family. Trying different industries for many years that weren’t satisfying, it was on a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains one Saturday morning where he had an epiphany. So many people hiking with their dogs… what about weekdays when they were all at work (pre-COVID). The Dog Walker was born!
Gavin worked hard and built a very successful company in LA’s westside. But he was not happy living in a city and longed to return to an environment that was more similar to where he grew up; Capetown, South Africa. When he came up to explore Santa Barbara, he knew he was home… the mountains, the beaches, and a wonderful small-town vibe.
When I moved up here this year it was like slipping my feet into my most comfortable pair of slippers. Gavin showed up in his beautiful fully outfitted van, loaded the dogs and off they went on their very first group beach walk. I knew, as always, they were in good hands. All dogs that are in his groups are first screened for disposition and temperament to ensure the safety of all the group. He maintains the same strict policies as always: No Mountain Hikes, No Dog Parks, and No Dog Beaches. He and his staff of 10 walkers are so professional, attentive and kind. MSDG offers group, semi-private and private beach and neighborhood walks M-F: and, if requested, will also do weekend walks, and provide transportation to groomer and veterinary appointments.
Visit www.thedogwalker.org/santa-barbara
Sanders explained to me on another occasion that the whole of the enormous, rolling compound, a selection of actual toppled buildings, derailed freight trains, and in one instance a collapsed house with an airplane sticking out of it, are built to code.
“The search scenario itself,” Sanders says, “what is to the dog that scent picture , we’re able to replicate that on our campus where we have training props of all kinds, including a collapsed freeway. We do have an area that mimics a neighborhood hit by an earthquake or other natural disaster. The teams have trained on something similar to what we’re seeing in the media images out of Venezuela.”
Few phenomena highlight frank human frailty like an earthquake. You can flee from the approaching effects of this or that calamity, but when the ground under your feet goes haywire you’re at the mercy of the tumbling “world” itself. So it was that on June 24, at 6:04 p.m. local time near San Felipe, Yaracuy, Venezuela suffered what geophysicists are calling a “seismic doublet.” On that late afternoon, two explosive quakes detonated under northern Venezuela, separated by a scant 39 second interval. Nature has no volition, but sometimes these
“accidents” can look like wanton cruelty. The immense release of energy that caused the first 7.2 quake also transferred stress further down the fault system, causing another huge slip – the larger 7.5 magnitude quake on the heels of the first. The combined subterranean detonation has been calculated as having the explosive force of 180 to 260 Hiroshima atomic bombs, causing the loose sediment of the Yaracuy Valley to undergo concussive liquefaction, the ground itself dynamically lurching like a semi-solid, or a tablecloth being whipped free of crumbs.
High-rise buildings in the hardest hit areas of Venezuela – the coastal state of La Guaira, the capital city of Caracas, the adjacent surrounding states of Miranda, Aragua, Carabobo, and Falcón – vertically pancaked or toppled like toys. Survivors report hearing the immediate screams of the trapped when the buildings came down. The chaos and complexity of the wreckage, the various difficulties of picking up a scent, have been trained for.
“We know that they can handle diffuse scent,” Sanders says. “For instance, when we’re seeing these multi-story apartment complexes that have collapsed and we have to assume there could be victims beneath the surface wreckage, teams have trained on Beings & Doings Page 394
by Deann Zampelli
As a board-certified health coach, I often find myself bridging the gap between clinical health data and sustainable behavior modifications. During this past year, it has been evident that we need these bridges more than ever. With an onslaught of information available at our fingertips 24/7, the amount of “health tips” we are being offered can seem overwhelming, and ironically, can be detrimental to our health.
VO2 max, Macros, Sleep Score, Step Count, Supplement Routine, Creatine, Hormones, Glutathione, Microplastic Levels, Parabens, and Heart Rate Variability… oh my! These are just a handful of health metrics currently being tracked by those looking to improve their health. I do this for a living, and even I am overwhelmed.
According to the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, “While consumer wearables can boost motivation and identify physical patterns, over-tracking can be actively bad for you. Experts warn it can trigger health anxiety, encourage obsessive behaviors, and erode your connection to your body’s natural cues.”
But how much data is too much? Well, it depends on how often you find yourself tracking your data, and which data are causing you the most concern. University College London states, “Constant tracking is often associated with anxiety and body dissatisfaction … and daily biometric variations that aren’t always 100% accurate.” So, we are hyper focusing on numbers that might not even be right?
The 10,000 steps metric, for example, started as a Japanese marketing campaign for one of the first wearable step trackers and – somewhat ironically – turned out to be a fairly accurate benchmark for the average person’s daily activity target. Clearly that number varies greatly depending on your lifestyle habits, but it remains a benchmark for those seeking to increase their daily movement. But when does tracking turn to obsession?
I love seeing my step count each day. And while I don’t actively monitor it throughout the afternoon, it does remind me to keep moving when I have been sedentary for too long. As a writer and a coach, some days I am often sitting for longer than I would like and the reminder to move every hour is a good one. It also feels like a form of accomplishment. I don’t know if that is a good thing or a bad, but as we are in London as I write this, I genuinely feel disappointed when my aching legs see a number like 16,000 steps when I feel like I have walked 30,000. Knowing this about myself, I understand how people can become obsessive about it.
Over 30 years ago, my sister and brother-in-law stopped wearing watches of any kind as a cardiologist friend told them that checking their watch all the time would increase their stress level and ultimately be detrimental to their health. Could this now 94-year-old physician have been on to something?
Tracking macros for example (which is short for macronutrients and refers to proteins, carbohydrates, and fats) has become a more mainstream way to lose weight and maintain weight loss. But according to the National Eating Disorder Association, extreme tracking and calorie counting can lead to ‘Orthorexia Nervosa.’ “The term ‘orthorexia’ was coined in 1997 and means an obsession with proper
or ‘healthful’ eating.” Some of the signs and symptoms of orthorexia they share include: “Compulsive checking of ingredient lists and nutritional labels, an increase in concern about the health of ingredients, cutting out an increasing number of food groups, and an inability to eat anything but a narrow group of foods that are deemed ‘healthy’ or ‘pure.’”
Ultimately, the best health metric is not found on a screen, but in how we feel.
However, there is a valuable place for wearables, not only for meeting your health goals, but for serving a medical purpose as well. People with health conditions can monitor their heart rate and keep an eye on any irregularities. Diabetics can wear glucose monitors to help them monitor their sugar levels. Oura rings can track sleep disorders through monitoring oxygen levels and respiratory rates which can help diagnose sleep apnea. Like most things in life, it isn’t the device itself, it is how we use (or overuse) it.
With this in mind, here are a few tips to ensure your health tracker is working for you and not the other way around.
1. Unless you are navigating a medical condition that requires frequent monitoring, use your data as an overall body of work rather than an hour-by-hour gauge. Use these tools as more of a long-term analysis rather than micromanaging everything you eat and every hour you sleep.
2. Turn off daily streak notifications. Again, as with the above, unless there is a medical reason for you to be notified every time you close another ring or circle on your Garmin, Oura, Fitbit or Apple Watch, remind your tracker who is boss. You check in with it when you want information.
3. Be sure some of your exercise or workouts are “unplugged.” Go for a walk in the sunshine just because it is good for you and it feels nice, rather than as a means to up your step count or to speed walk your way to a VO2 max increase.
4. Schedule times or days that are tracker-free. If you are at a friend’s birthday dinner, or a family gathering, do you really need to count your steps or track your macros?
5. Think about what you are really using the tracker for. Is it to increase your hydration? Great. Most of us need to drink more water. Is it to make sure you aren’t binge-watching Netflix for six hours without a break? Good call. If, however, you have lost track of why you are tracking, maybe it is time for a bit of a data detox? Consider regrouping; take a break from the social media that is telling you why you need IM-8, rho liposomes glutathione, creatine, a protein creamer for your coffee, and how to live to 150.
Ultimately, the best health metric is not found on a screen, but in how we feel. Somewhere in all of this is the perfect balance of the data working for us and not letting the pursuit of a perfect score ruin the joy of living a healthy life.
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.
by Elizabeth Stewart
HHhas a large jewel box that encompasses three cultural styles across ten centuries, yet it is neither rare nor particularly pricey. It is a vintage handmade inlaid box that draws from the traditions of Moroccan, Syrian, and Spanish woodworking artisans. How is this possible, and why can’t this appraiser locate its exact origin?
The answer is that the box speaks of the exchange of art, culture, and craftsmanship between Moorish Spain (called Al-Andalus) and North Africa (often called Hispano-Moorish or HispanoMaghrebi), extending all the way to the opposite end of the Arab world in Syria. The box has a design that spans a cultural loop dating back to the Arab-Islamic Empire, the world’s largest land empire from 632 CE to 1258 CE.
This box contains hints of the Umayyad Caliphate (661-750 CE), whose woodworking craftsmanship is the answer to why this type of object is described both as Damascus work and Hispano-Moorish work. The Umayyad Caliphate, which likely originated this style of craftsmanship, was the first major Islamic dynasty and was based in Damascus, Syria. The style spread throughout the entire ArabIslamic world and continued under the long-lived, culturally rich, multicultural Abbasid Caliphate (750–1258 CE), centered in the City of Peace, Baghdad, Iraq. These artistic traditions were ultimately carried to Spain during Moorish rule from 711 to 1492 CE.
The box itself reflects the Golden Age of Islamic tile and mosaic work, with intricate geometric inlay – an art form perfected in the Arabic-Andalusian architecture of the Alhambra, from which many of the arabesque motifs are derived. My brother lives in Spain about
two hours from this wonder of the world and arranged a private tour for us – the highlight of my last 40 years! Our entire group of four siblings, assorted spouses, and children crammed into a minivan to travel to the palace. As a Santa Barbarian, I was thrilled to see echoes of Santa Barbara in the Alhambra. Even the road from Málaga to Granada reminded me of the hills of Santa Ynez.
Of course, while the rest of the family was admiring the grand vistas and discussing where to have lunch, I was busy photographing door hinges, carved wood ceilings, and geometric tilework. At one point I believe my relatives lost track of me entirely, only to discover me studying a decorative panel with Paul, my engineer brother and David, my culturally diverse brother of seven languages (he translated all my questions). Every family seems to have one member who wanders off; in ours, it is apparently the appraiser.
Thus we add another layer of cultural relevance to HH’s box: this style tradition is part of our style tradition, too. The same Hispano-Moorish influence that shaped the Alhambra would centuries later influence architecture,
decoration, and design throughout Southern California and especially Santa Barbara.
The box may also have its origin story in either Granada or Córdoba, both centers of this type of tile and wood inlay. Traditional woods used in Southern Spanish and North African boxes include cedar, walnut, and thuya, often inlaid with mother-of-pearl, bone, and, in earlier examples, ivory.
Following nearly 800 war-torn years of The Reconquista, Moorish rule in Spain ended and Jews and Muslims were forced by the victorious Catholic power structure to flee. Many of these refugees settled in Morocco, where they preserved and perpetuated Andalusian design principles. In Morocco, marquetry boxes such as HH’s took on the flair of Berber design traditions, adding yet another layer to their cultural story.
Pulling together all the elements of wood marquetry – called wood intarsia inlay or taracea – HH’s box is clearly a 20th-century Nasrid Revival lidded box drawing inspiration from the final Islamic dynasty of Spain, the Nasrids. The box is also part of the late 19th- and early 20th-century Hispano-Moorish style that we know so well in Santa Barbara, a style that drew its breath from that era’s Romantic Revival in architecture and design.
The box is worth approximately $500.
Elizabeth Stewart, PhD is a veteran appraiser of fine art, furniture, glass, and other collectibles, and a cert. member of the AAA and an accr. member of the ASA. Please send any objects to be appraised to Elizabethappraisals@ gmail.com
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offered the generous charm of the Santa Maria Valley.
I also loved tasting Riverbench, known for both sparkling and still wines, along with CrossHatch, Margerum, Toccata, Kaena, La Lieff, and Acolytes by Our Lady of Guadalupe. Renegade Wines brought the lively perspective of a Santa Barbara wine shop, adding another layer to the afternoon. Each table told a slightly different story of our local wine culture, from polished and familiar to playful and new.
SUNDAY THRU THURSDAY 7:30 AM - 10:00 PM
SUNDAY THRU THURSDAY AM - PM 7:0010:00
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AM7:0012:00AM
The food was an essential part of the afternoon as well. Mendocino Farms and Convivo brought cheerful, satisfying bites, while Jessica Foster Confections added the pleasure of chocolate and wine together.
Throughout the grounds, local restaurants and makers helped turn the tasting into a true Santa Barbara food and wine experience.
What makes this event so special is not only the quality of the wine, though that is certainly there. It is the feeling of the day. Winemakers pour
for neighbors, longtime friends find one another beneath the trees, visitors discover new favorites, and Santa Barbara’s food and wine community feels wonderfully alive.
For anyone wanting to understand Santa Barbara Wine Country, the Santa Barbara Wine Festival is a beautiful place to begin. It offers the essence of the region in one afternoon: world class wine, local flavor, natural beauty, and the reminder that some of the most memorable wine travel experiences can be found right here at home.
Jamie Knee is a Global Wine Communicator, Wine Media Personality, and International Wine Judge & Educator, named one of the “Top 50 Most Influential Women in Wine.” Follow her @petitewinetraveler.
by Zach Rosen
There are few places where summer feels quite as complete as it does from the deck of a boat at sunset. The day’s heat softens, the Santa Ynez Mountains begin to glow pink, dolphins occasionally ride the bow wake, and the Pacific settles into that familiar golden calm that somehow makes everyone slow down.
For decades, the Condor Express has built its reputation on showing visitors and locals alike the extraordinary wildlife that calls the Santa Barbara Channel home. Every whale watching excursion is led by expert naturalists from the Channel Islands Naturalist Corps, transforming each outing into both an adventure and a floating classroom. Humpback whales, blue whales, gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, and countless seabirds all make appearances throughout the year, and the company’s Whale Watch Guarantee reflects just how confident the crew is in the experience they provide. If Mother Nature refuses to cooperate, passengers receive a complimentary return trip.
Of course, during my own recent whale watching trip, that was hardly a problem… 35 humpback whales (with the boat closely watching 17), 3000 common dolphins, and 60 California sea lions. The Condor Express blog actually keeps track.
Sipping on an Irish coffee, I watched on in our aquatic front yard as a mother whale went by with her calf playfully rolling around. Scores of dolphins zipping past the boat in their own jocular way.
Yet while whales remain the headline attraction, the Condor Express has also become known for another summer tradition. Its Sunset Music Cruises have long offered locals an opportunity to experience the Santa Barbara coastline from a different perspective, pairing live entertainment with an evening on the water. This year, the series grows larger, adding new performances while continuing returning favorites that have developed loyal followings over the years.
While the Condor Express has offered sunset cruises for years through signature events like its annual Broadway cruise,
Soprano Deborah Bertling and tenor William Simpson singing on last year’s Broadway Cruise (photo by Priscilla)
this summer’s schedule is its fullest yet. Alongside longtime favorites, the company has expanded the lineup with additional themed evenings, giving guests more opportunities to enjoy a sunset from the deck.
Each cruise combines live music with panoramic coastal scenery, creating an evening that feels equal parts concert and ocean escape. Guests can relax with a drink from the onboard bar, watch the coastline slowly transform under the setting sun, and enjoy performances that are intentionally matched to the laidback rhythm of an evening cruise.
Among this year’s lineup is a July 5 performance by local favorite Deja Vida. Led by David Segal, the band has earned a loyal following for its mellow blend of rock and reggae, providing an easy soundtrack for an evening on the water. They’ll return for a second performance on September 20, giving guests another opportunity to enjoy one of the season’s signature cruises.
Returning on July 19 is the annual Broadway Hits cruise, one of the Condor Express’ longest-running musical traditions. A favorite among local theater lovers, it once again transforms the vessel into a floating stage as Broadway classics drift across the water beneath a summer sunset.
August 2 brings an entirely different atmosphere with the Hawaiian Cruise. Featuring authentic Hawaiian music performed by a musician from Hawaii, complete with ukulele and island classics, the evening leans into the relaxed spirit of the Pacific. Between the ocean breeze, warm summer temperatures, and tropical soundtrack, guests may briefly forget they’re only a few miles off the Santa Barbara coast. The cruises also offer a chance to experience the Condor Express itself in a different light. The 75-foot quad-jet catamaran was designed for comfort as much as performance. Its twin-hull design provides exceptional stability on the water, while spacious outdoor viewing decks and comfortable indoor seating make it equally inviting whether guests spend the evening dancing,
Condor Express Page 334
Afeast for all the senses is the debut novel by Catherine Kurtz entitled Feast. I have never read anyone who describes food in such a visceral, gorgeous, creative way, not even from renowned food critics. Kurtz is a painter and food writer and sets her debut novel in 1880s London. Minah has an unusual gift. Her sense of taste begins in her nose. She is able to identify exactly where the fruit tree is that bares the peach that inhabits the pie. She can taste the most minute spice or the acidic soil of the vegetable. Her gift is also a curse. Her childhood has not been easy, and
by Leslie Zemeckis
when she escapes to France, she manages to secure employment at a castle as a lowly servant, but soon comes to the Duc’s attention when she smells that his meal has been poisoned. Grateful, the Duc makes Minha his personal poison taster. She resides in the castle which becomes more like a prison every day. As a poor mixed-race girl without any family or friends, her gift sows distrust amongst the other servants and amusement amongst the Duc and his decadent friends who feast until they can burst, forcing Minah to taste dish after dish, reciting all the ingredients until she is ill. Her life changes when she helps rescue a starving stranger, stealing food for him and falling in love. This book is so gorgeously written that foodies and non-foodies alike will fall in love with the details of taste.
‘The
Estella can’t seem to escape home and a father who is, to say the least,
demanding. When her father dies and her mother goes missing, she returns to the Hudson Valley to teach at a small university. She can barely afford to remain in the family home, with its dark memories and clues to secrets her father was keeping. Mary Anna Evans brings a compelling mystery to The Dark Library a story about family secrets and second chances. I enjoyed the slower, atmospheric pace and the longings of a woman who can’t seem to leave her past or the influence of her overbearing father behind. Labeled as a gothic historical mystery, it is set in the 1940s during WWII. The house is forbidding enough, and then there is the mystery of what happened to her vanished mother, a disappearance for which father may be responsible. Footsteps, a figure in the dark spying, an open window.
‘Catch
the Devil’
Do not miss the extraordinary Catch the Devil by journalist Pamela Colloff This true story is about a predatory con
man of many decades and the destruction he leaves in his wake. Not only is it a page-turner but an important story about how the court system was used to benefit one man and send others to harsh sentences, including death row. It is a true tale of crime, with serious consequences that are still being decided today. Colloff does an up close and personal dive into the story, interviewing the con man himself. She does a granular deep dive into a little-known story about Gulf Coast man Paul Skalnik – serial husband, grifter, and State’s informant – who helped send dozens to prison and death row; locked away men prosecutors in Florida were determined to punish whether they were guilty or not. This is a riveting, heartbreaking, and ultimately shocking read about a con man who exploited a system that rewarded self-serving informants offering little to no evidence.
Don’t forget to throw Jessica Payne’s Somebody Worth Killing into your beach bag. Like most moms, Nadia tries to balance school pickups and PTA meetings with the demands of her job. It isn’t easy, especially when you are a hired assassin and admitted psychopath, two traits Nadia does her best to keep from her loving family. When she gets orders to take out a big shot bad guy, she considers it the assignment of a lifetime. Until learning the target is her very own husband.
Though a bit far-fetched for me, this was just the escapist read I needed and I enjoyed every hilarious moment.
Leslie Zemeckis is an awardwinning documentarian, bestselling author, and actor. The creator of “Stories Matter,” co-sponsored by SBIFF, and the co-founder of the Santa Barbara Literary Festival.
by Steven Libowitz
Americans across the country and around the world will be marking the nation’s 250th anniversary this Saturday on July 4th, and perhaps a more impactful celebration of independence three weeks later, when Hillside hosts a festival at its Hidden Valley campus to celebrate National Disability Independence Day. It’s the second year for the festival, which takes place Saturday, July 25, from 11:30 am to 3 pm, and is a decidedly all-inclusive family-friendly event open to the entire community for people of all abilities.
Disability Independence Day commemorates passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the landmark civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against those with disabilities; the largest minority group in the world. According to the World Health Organization, around 15% of the world’s population – more than one billion people – live with some form of disability, a number that is expected to increase as the world’s population ages, and as more people survive injuries and illnesses that would have been fatal in the past.
The lack of accessibility and social inclusion is an international issue, as people with disabilities are often excluded from education, employment and other opportunities, and may face other discrimination and stigma. Hillside, a home in Santa Barbara for some 50-plus people suffering from some of the more severe developmental and/or intellectual disabilities, has served the community for more than 80 years, and has seen its own services and approach evolve. Hillside not only provides 24-hour medical care and individualized therapeutic treatments, but also offers life-skills training, engaging recreational activities, and off-campus outings that are designed to promote
residents’ abilities and greatest possible level of independence. Despite the challenges inherent in living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Hillside residents are able to focus on what they can accomplish through intentional programs, look at ways to eliminate obstacles, and seek opportunities for growth and independence.
The Independence Day festival is part of Hillside’s continuing effort to integrate its residents more fully into the community, celebrating the residents’ achievements, abilities, and diversity where they live.
“We haven’t done much in the past – most organizations haven’t, actually – beyond celebrating it internally here at Hillside,” explained Angela De Bruyn, Hillside’s Director of Employee & Community Relations. “We thought a
festival with a carnival atmosphere would be a great way to engage the community on site. We get out into the community a lot, which is great, but this is a chance for the community to come to us.
All of our residents will be in attendance, so it’s a great opportunity to meet them. They’re always excited to interact with people whenever they can.”
Admission is free, as are many of the activities, including the Santa Barbara Bubble Guy – a balloon animal twister – face painting, a petting zoo and even a cake walk. Optional tickets are available for the carnival games. Visitors can take a turn playing at the slime station or paint a birdhouse. Hamburgers, hot dogs, tacos, drinks, popcorn, ice cream, and cotton candy will be available for purchase as will Hillside Honey, harvested from Hillside bees and produced by San Marcos Farms. A beekeeper will be on hand to show attendees the thriving live hive onsite.
DJ of Ability Chris Benedict will play his dance-inspiring music from 12-2 pm, while a raffle, with drawings all day long as well at the end of the event, provide chances to win prizes, including one of three wonderful gift baskets.
“Partner agencies like Tri-County Regional Center, Alpha Resource Center, PathPoint, Grace Fisher Foundation –local nonprofits we collaborate with who provide supportive services for the disabled – will be in attendance with
their own tables to provide educational outreach for the community about their activities,” De Bruyn said.
The festival is only HIllside’s latest way to break down remaining walls between the residents and community members by having visitors come to where the residents live.
“People of all abilities, all backgrounds and all stories live here,” De Bruyn said. “They live together, they learn together, they grow together. We’ve been more than a care facility for many years. We’ve been a home.”
FOR DETAILS or to purchase carnival and raffle tickets for Hillside’s National Disability Independence Day festival, visit https:// onecau.se/hillsideauto2026. For information about supporting Hillside and the residents, or sponsoring the festival, visit www. hillsidesb.org, or contact Cheryl Sweeney, Chief Development Officer, at csweeney@hillsidesb.org or (805) 687-0788 x123.
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John W. Ambrecht, JD, MBA — Founding Partner Leticia Martinez, JD — Managing Partner
by Steven Libowitz
Between the inaugural Santa Barbara Literary Festival and the 52nd annual Santa Barbara Writers Conference, an almost incalculable number of authors were in town speaking about their works over the last two months. Now things slow down a bit for the summer, especially with UCSB Arts & Lectures on hiatus until late September. But there are still author signings and bookstores around town as well as speaker series, poetry readings and more for our warmer weather months.
The second event in the new Spotlight Santa Barbara series at the Lobero Theatre is a panel discussion around the topic of “California’s Problems, Santa Barbara’s Choices,” more specifically how to solve the existential problems facing the state and the local area including high costs of living, high poverty, homelessness rates, housing shortages, uncertain water supplies, subpar educational outcomes and healthcare challenges. On Thursday, July 23, Noozhawk’s publisher Bill Macfadyen, a longtime Montecito resident, moderates the panel, which will attempt to take a bite out of these seemingly intractable issues. Panelists will include Pete Peterson, dean of Pepperdine’s School of Public Policy; UCLA Professor of Economics and Hoover Institution Senior Fellow Lee Ohanian; former two-time Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin, the CEO of the Central Valley Community Foundation; and Kristen Miller, president & CEO of the Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce.
The event opens at 6 pm with “Cocktails & Community Dialog” on the esplanade in front of the theater, followed by the 7 pm panel.
Next up: “Free Speech Under Fire: Greg Lukianoff on the New Age of Censorship,” with the New York Times best-selling author, lawyer, free-speech warrior, and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, at the Lobero on Thursday, October 8. Visit www.spotlightsb.com
Could there be better timing? It’s been just a few weeks since the Santa Rosa Island fire was finally contained, and here comes a talk about “A Deep Dive into Island Conservation.” Jennifer Sachs, senior development officer at Island Conservation, will take the dais in the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum’s
Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series on Thursday, July 16 to explore how restoring island ecosystems helps protect biodiversity, strengthens climate resilience, and improves ocean health worldwide. Island Conservation is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring islands for both nature and people through collaborative, science-based conservation strategies. Working closely with local communities, scientists, and conservation partners, the organization focuses on holistic restoration to bring back biodiversity; the foundation of all healthy sustainable ecosystems benefitting both terrestrial and marine environments.
Sachs will provide an overview of the organization’s global initiatives and its impact across island ecosystems, with a special focus on conservation efforts connected to California’s Channel Islands and sites of maritime significance, offering regional context for the global work being undertaken. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.
Visit www.sbmm.org
Diabolical deeds, our subjective senses and surgical saves are the subjects of book talk & signing events at the midtown store this month. Inspired by a true story of resistance during the Armenian Genocide, Never Hide from the Devil is a powerful coming-of-age novel about friendship, survival, and impossible moral choices in the face of unimaginable horror.
Author N. T. McQueen shares about the work of historical fiction on Wednesday,
by Steven Libowitz
The Broadway musical Anything Goes dates back to 1934, the beginning of the Golden Era of American theater, hitting the stage via a collaboration with composer Cole Porter and script co-written by legendary wit P. G. Wodehouse. But while the classic has been around for nearly a century, local audiences will see a lot that’s new when SBCC Theatre Group presents Anything Goes as its big summer musical show at the Garvin Theatre.
The musical is set on a luxury liner where Billy Crocker has snuck aboard to try to pry his heartthrob, heiress Hope Harcourt, away from her engagement to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Helping him in this endeavor are the fast-talking nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and a gangster called “Moonface” Martin, who is also hiding out. Three of the actors in those principal roles are making their SBCC debut in Kaitlyn Diffenderfer, a Westmont graduate who studied musical theater at Pepperdine (Hope); Sam Malone, a New Zealand native who lives here after time in L.A. (Billy); and Atalia Zahrndt (Reno), a singer-dancer who graduated from UCSB with a math degree.
“I have not worked previously with much of the cast, which is unusual for me here at SBCC, but a ton of people came out to audition from near and far, mostly because of the tap dancing,” explained Director Katie Laris. “That a lot of them are local just happened to work out.”
Indeed, tap dancing is a massive part of Anything Goes, which has several big production numbers including the title song and “Blow Gabriel Blow,” set pieces that boast more than 30 people on stage doing tap numbers. The dancing in all dimensions is even a bigger part of the show in the 2022 adaptation – which will be making its area debut at SBCC – in that rather than adding additional Porter songs as many earlier versions did to take advantage of his hits, the focus in this production was on vastly upping the dance numbers to nearly double.
“We’ve been rehearsing about six to eight hours every night, a lot more than usual,” Laris said.
“The choreography is wonderful, but it’s a lot. Everything is really coming together now.”
The 2022 revision also updates the script for contemporary sensibilities after the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements, removing racial references from plot points, among other changes.
“It really did need to be revised to get rid of some of the weird stuff,” Laris said.
But everything that gives Anything Goes its long-lasting charm remains intact, from its madcap romantic tale aboard a cruise ship complete with mistaken identities and disguises, to the sheer volume of Porter songs that include “You’re the Top,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” and “It’s De-Lovely.”
“The music is so great, some of the best songs that ever played on Broadway,” Laris said. “And there are so many funny characters and clever plot twists. It’s such a fun summer musical with a happy ending. Being distracted and entertained and getting to live happily in a kind of cloud of nostalgia is just what we all desperately need right now.”
SBCC Theatre Group’s Anything Goes performs July 8-25 in the Garvin Theatre. Visit www.theatregroupsbcc.com
Thermally speaking, it will likely be toasty warm up on Solvang when PCPA recreates ice castles and snowmen on the stage of the Festival Theatre with its production of Frozen, the Musical, starting Sunday. The temperature extremes – some created by advanced digital LED screens, others simply a function of falling temperatures as evening turns to night – are just part of the charm at the delightful downtown amphitheater. It’s all about staging a fully professional production of the Broadway hit – in its regional theater debut! – to maximum effect, including using snow machines, and smart scenic and costume design to accommodate rapid changes. More crucially, the top-notch creative team will deliver a story that rises above most animated movie adaptations.
“There’s a level of dimensionality in terms of the relationships, psychology and emotions of the characters that surprises people,” said Director Mark Booher, who is helming a final production after 27 years as PCPA’s Artistic Director and Dean. “There’s a lot more going on than in the feature film. Frozen, the Musical runs July 5-August 2. Visit www.pcpa.org
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s movie-themed art gallery in the new McHurley Film Center’s new exhibit is showing work by graphic designer Barbara Boros, who created the official posters for 18 consecutive festivals as well as the now-iconic logo for SBIFF. Boros designed the artwork
Friendship Center continues to evolve alongside the growing needs of local families. Its transportation program is now fully operational, making it easier for members to attend daily programming. Herencia Latina continues providing culturally responsive services for Spanish-speaking families. The organization’s Carpinteria satellite location offers a smaller, more intimate environment focused on conversation, creativity, and social engagement.
Another recent addition is the Memory Café, held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at the Louise Lowry Davis Center in downtown Santa Barbara. Developed in partnership with Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation, the free gathering welcomes individuals with early-stage memory loss alongside their loved ones. Rather than functioning as a traditional support group, the program encourages conversation, activities, and connection among people navigating similar experiences. No reservations are required, making it an approachable introduction for families looking for resources or simply a place where they’ll be understood.
The Summer Polo Soirée will also serve as the public launch for Friendship Center’s larger 50th anniversary celebration this fall. Planned for September 26 and 27, the weekend will include the organization’s first dementia conference alongside an alumni picnic celebrating the many members, families, volunteers, and staff who have shaped Friendship Center over the past five decades. Organizers hope to reconnect with people from every era of the nonprofit’s history, gathering stories and celebrating the community that has grown around it.
It is, in many ways, a celebration of relationships.
That has always been Friendship Center’s greatest strength. While programs continue to expand and services evolve, the organization’s mission has remained remarkably consistent. It is about creating moments of connection
for people who too often face isola tion. It is about helping caregivers feel supported, and recognizing that even as memories change… joy, laughter, friendship, and belonging never lose their value.
You could see all of that on the dance floor during Senior Prom.
Some couples knew every step. Others simply swayed together. Volunteers eagerly filled in as dance partners. Family members laughed alongside loved ones. No one wor ried about perfect timing or polished steps. What mattered was sharing the moment, enjoying each other’s compa ny, and remembering that there are still plenty of reasons to smile.
As Friendship Center looks toward its next 50 years, it continues to expand its reach while holding onto the values that have guided it since 1976. New programs, additional services, and upcoming anniversary celebrations all reflect an organization that continues to evolve alongside the families it serves.
The Summer Polo Soirée offers one more opportunity to mark that milestone. Set against one of Montecito’s hallmark happenings, the afternoon will celebrate not only the sport on the field, but also the community that has helped Friendship Center become a lasting fixture in Santa Barbara County. After five decades of service, there is plenty to celebrate. Visit fcsb.org/polo for tickets and more information
• Lilac | Happy Hour: Tuesday through Sunday from 3 to 5 pm | Featuring $10 wines by the glass, including Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, and a GSM blend
- Introducing Afternoon Tea: Tuesday through Sunday from 3 to 5 pm | Featuring a selection of teas with petite pastries and tea sandwiches | $65 for two guests
• Lion’s Tale | Happy Hour: Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 5:30 pm
- All Night Happy Hour | Monday from 4 pm to 12 am
- Burger & Martini Sundays | Get 1/2 off any house martini with the purchase of any burger.
- SB Jazz Collective | Every Wednesday from 6:30 to 9 pm
- Live Music | June 11 & 18 from 6 to 8 pm | Sticky Tables: Guitar-led throwback instrumental covers
• LOCAL | Happy Hour: Monday through Wednesday from 4 to 6 pm | Thursday through Sunday from 3 to 6 pm
• Monte’s | Happy Hour in the bar and lounge area: Wednesday through Sunday from 3 to 5 pm | Offering a selection of snacks, $10 house martini, discounted select glasses of wine, and $5 Pacifico!
- Farmers Market: On the deck! Friday from 10 am to 1 pm
• Renaud’s Bistro | $6 Almond Croissant Tuesdays (includes chocolate almond croissants)
SHOP
• Faherty | Montecito’s Stars, Stripes & Summer Sale: July 1-6 | Select Styles 25% off.
Condor Express (Continued from 29)
socializing, or simply leaning against the rail watching the coastline drift by. That same versatility has also made the vessel increasingly popular for private charters. Weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate gatherings, family celebrations, and milestone birthdays all find an unforgettable setting aboard the boat. Rather than simply renting the vessel, the Condor Express now offers a turnkey experience for weddings, connecting clients with trusted local partners for catering, photography, entertainment, flowers, officiants, transportation, and other event services. Couples can exchange vows surrounded by ocean views while guests celebrate against the backdrop of one of California’s most beautiful coastlines. Still, this summer’s expanded Sunset Music Cruise schedule offers one of the best ways to experience everything the Condor Express has to offer. It com-
bines the spectacular scenery, comfortable cruising, and welcoming atmosphere that have defined the company for decades with an evening of live entertainment under Santa Barbara’s signature sunset. After all, whales aren’t the only reason to peaceably scan the blue horizon. A lamplit evening on the water is its own reward.. Visit condorexpress.com
Zach Rosen is the Managing Editor of the Montecito Journal. He also enjoys working with beer, art, and life.
with equal firepower. It was mayhem on a virtual battlefield with Old Glory flying in front of nearly every campsite. There were no “enemies,” only joyful combatants.
I can honestly say that I too loved the smell of incendiary devices in the morning. Back in Montecito, Montecito Association president Diane Pannkuk and Dana Newquist, owner of a funky little shop in the upper village next to the post office called Montecito Video (and yes, we all rented our movies from him or from Captain Video on Coast Village Road), conspired to create The Village Fourth, a parade of residents who’d march down from the top of School House Road, through the parking lot at Montecito Union School and across San Ysidro to lower Manning Park. It was surely one of the shortest Fourth of July parades ever. We had no permits and never asked anyone’s permission, but the whole village seemed to have turned out. The only local media to mention that there would even be a parade (there had never been one before) was the Montecito Journal, which I had founded and owned at the time, so I was naturally proud of the turnout.
The local Boy Scout troop (33, I believe) headed up the parade and Dana managed to corral some of his car buddies to decorate their vehicles with patriotic bunting. Internationally known Montecito resident Jonathan Winters, in full U.S. Marine dress regalia, marched as our very first Village Fourth Grand Marshal. Even newly arrived Ty Warner attended, throwing hundreds of his signature product –Beanie Babies – out to parade watchers from the back of his vehicle.
After directing traffic and the parade participants, Dana got behind the wheel of his vintage firetruck to bring up the rear and to signify the end of the march. As many as could hop on the back (including me) jumped aboard. We were armed, naturally, with water pistols and other paraphernalia. Diane’s husband, Terry Pannkuk, loaded up with a giant water cannon, and a knockdown splash party took place with water balloons flying and squirt guns blazing as we negotiated the 600-yard parade route.
There were hot dogs, hamburgers, and freshly baked cookies waiting for us in booths in Manning Park before and after we all sang the national anthem with hands on hearts. I don’t remember who led the singing, but I believe it was a young lady from the Music Academy of the West. A Montecito Union-Cold Spring School tugof-war, potato sack races, and a pie-eating contest ensued.
Those were the days…
There are no more “open drinks” allowed on State Street, the Fiesta Parade has moved over to Cabrillo. The Village Fourth is back after a short hiatus because of COVID-19, and Dana and Mindy Denson have made sure it continues, though the water guns and Big Squirts were banned after the pandemonium of that first pageant.
Gangbangers from Ventura and other parts discovered the fun of West Beach anarchy and trouble resulted; that too is now verboten.
News Bytes (Continued from 10)
July 12, from 12-3 pm: The Mart is hosting a Wimbledon Viewing Party for the Men’s Singles Final game at the Mart in partnership with British brand, Sunspel. Watch the match in the courtyard on the full sun outdoor TV. There will be strawberries and cream at Sunspel and rosé for purchase in the courtyard.
July 30, 12pm: This mini-series of engaging afternoon concerts and conversation at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art features select Music Academy of the West fellows performing repertoire of their choosing, inspired by SBMA’s new exhibit, As if in a Dream: History, Fantasy, Future. Curated by James Glisson, chief curator & curator of Contemporary Art, the exhibit occupies two voluminous galleries and explores unconscious thoughts, dreams, and imagination.
411: www.sbma.net/events/beyond-conversation-dialogues-music-through-art-2
Effective June 22, the Montecito Fire Protection District reports it, “…has expanded Advanced Life Support (ALS) coverage by adding a continuously staffed firefighter/paramedic position to Medic Engine 92 at Station 92 that serves the western portion of the district. What does this mean for our community? Previously, medical emergencies in Station 92’s response area often required a two-person paramedic squad from Station 91 to respond alongside Engine 92 to provide advanced medical care. Now, residents who call 911 for a medical emergency can expect a four-person ALS-capable fire engine to respond, bringing advanced lifesaving care – including cardiac monitoring, IV medications, advanced airway management, and other critical interventions –directly to the scene. By enhancing paramedic coverage throughout the district, we’re improving response capabilities, strengthening firefighter safety, and delivering the highest level of pre-hospital emergency medical care to the Montecito community. We are proud to continue investing in the people, training, and equipment that help keep Montecito safe.”
The Montecito Trails Foundation in conjunction with the Los Padres Nation Forest Association reported this week trail updating work on the Hot Springs Trail. The team was led by MTF Board Member Chris Russo on May 1. His team consisted of 20 volunteers from the Google Quantum Lab AI, Goleta. This is the second such effort this year. Volunteer work continues all summer on SB backcountry, Ojai,
411: https://lpforest.org/los-padres-volunteer-season
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Los Padres National Forest. That means no more backcountry campfires, but stoves are still OK with a fire permit. Campfires are still allowed in Designated Campfire Use Sites (i.e., car campgrounds) across the forest.
411: https://lpforest.org
July 11, 6-8 pm: special presentation of the 2026 Sundance Institute Indigenous Film Tour at the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center. The evening’s program includes the documentary feature film, Aanikoobijigan [ancestor/ great-grandparent/great-grandchild] and a second film, from Sundance Institute supported filmmaker, Isabella Madrigal, titled Menil and Her Heart. Light refreshments will be available, and a special moderated Q&A with filmmaker Isabella Madrigal will take place immediately following the screenings. FREE, reservations required.
411: https://tinyurl.com/SYCM-Sundance-July
fever,” says Demi Moore in the opening moments of the new No.1 documentary Groundswell. Narrated by Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson and produced by Santa Barbara filmmakers, Margo touts the film as inspiration for her farming philosophy. What began in the U.K. as a global movement has taken root in our little Eden by the Sea, where Margo is proving regenerative ag can help restore the planet – one fabulous farm at a time.
That vision extends to the table. Libby Holland, Wanderment Farms’ chef-artist-in-residence, creates seasonal menus inspired entirely by what is harvested that week. Raised in Toronto and classically trained in Europe, she now crafts gourmet chef dinners overlooking the Pacific using ingredients gathered just steps away.
“It’s been one of my life’s honors to work here, and work with Margo,” Libby said. “When you’re a kid and dream about the world’s most beautiful places... look at this view – this is it!”
Judging by the laughter, the farm feasts, the healthy soil beneath everyone’s feet, Margo Redfern is already making the positive difference she set out to create – and a few mini miracles to boot.
by Lisa Duncan
“I was one of those kids that didn’t know where he belonged,” Brian McDonald, artistic director of Ensemble Theatre Company, told supporters at ETC’s annual Curtain Up! Gala. With a smile, he recalled his mother watching him dress up as Shirley Temple for Halloween and thinking, “Maybe this guy is a theatre kid.” She took him to see The Wizard of Oz, where he stood on a chair through the entire performance so he wouldn’t miss a moment. It was a story that perfectly captured why guests had gathered – to help
ensure more young people have the chance to discover the same life-changing magic of theater that Brian found as a child.
The evening unfolded in two memorable acts. The first featured a lively musical revue at the New Vic Theatre, blending beloved Broadway songs, comedy, and heartfelt reflection. The second moved to the Santa Barbara Club, where guests gathered for cocktails, a gourmet dinner, and spirited fundraising. Among those enjoying the celebration were Susan Berger, Eliot Bromley, Teri Bibb, George Bifano, Dr. Bob Weinman, Cheryl Goldberg, and Mary Dorra joining fellow theater lovers for an evening of generosity and community.
Auctioneer Keith Fox kept the room laughing as a Chicago theatre getaway sparked such spirited bidding that two trips were awarded to Janet McCann and Gary Justice. The excitement continued when two walk-on roles in ETC’s upcoming production of Rent inspired another bidding war, with Laura Wyatt and Board Member Ellen Robinson each claiming the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step onto a professional stage.
“The quality of theatre here punches above its weight,” observed Dan Creasey, who spent his career at Harvard Medical
Justice, Meg Burnham, Helene Segal, Robin Cerf, Joan Rutkowski, Robert Turbin (photo by
School and, with his wife, Carolyn, were longtime subscribers to Boston’s Huntington Theatre before moving to Santa Barbara. “We were surprised after moving here, considering it’s such a small town in many ways. ETC is amazing.”
After dinner, an ensemble of ETC singers brought the evening to a close with a performance of “Seasons of Love,” from the upcoming show Rent. It was a fitting reminder that great theater doesn’t simply entertain – it helps people find where they belong.
by Lisa Duncan
“The theme for this whole panel today is this: Just start!” declared Stephanie Barbé Hammer, summing up the lively final panel discussion at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference. Moderated by novelist Nancy Klann-Moren, the conversation quickly became less about writing books and more about building a successful writing life.
When asked how they juggle writing with everything else, the answers were refreshingly honest. “I don’t sleep,” joked novelist Rick Shaw. “I have a puppy that wakes me up at 6 am!” laughed Melinda Palacio, Santa Barbara’s recent Poet Laureate, adding that she still relies on a paper calendar and handwritten lists. Lisa Angle compared readers to loyal dogs: “They like consistency, and they like routine. Be consistent with your posting.”
Rachel Sarah Thurston encouraged writers to think beyond the next chapter. “It’s about discovering your soul’s mission as a writer,” she said. “Set annual goals, then break them into quarters, months, and weeks.”
Hammer followed with another practical tip: “Do your writing first. When your brain is tired, then do your social media.”
Mary Hill-Wagner captured the spirit of the conference perfectly. “This conference is like Build-A-Bear. You can pick and choose and make it what you want it to be. You can come having written nothing, or written 50 books, and you’ll still learn something.”
Perhaps Rick Shaw offered the best advice of all: “Get over yourself. Get past the imposter syndrome. Trust yourself. Trust your story. Pull the trigger.” by Lisa Duncan
Zoë Saldaña marked her 49th birthday at home with filmmaker hubby Marco Perego-Saldaña and their sons, while celebrating another milestone – becoming the highest-grossing lead actress in cinematic history… Justin Bieber surprised hockey fans last Friday at the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo by stepping onstage to announce the Toronto Maple Leafs’ No. 1 overall pick, Gavin McKenna, celebrating devotion to his hometown team… Jennifer Aniston going viral by teaming up with makeup mogul Charlotte Tilbury at a joint glam-session event to spotlight her haircare brand, LolaVie, while revealing that Tilbury’s foundation has long been one of the Montecito actress’s favorite secrets.
From Richard and Friends to all of you… Pip! Pip!
We talked a bit with Dani Van Steen who is the GM of Bettina Montecito and Tina’s! She asked her Head Chef Reed Roudabush to prep two menu items for our photo op, a pepperoni pizza and salad to go. We tried to visit a few more spots, but the lines outside DART Coffee and fellow libation locations were #gigamongous.
This year the show had over 200 vehicles, ranging from power cars, classic European models like Ferraris, Porsches, and of course, American cars from 1920s Ford Model A, 1932 Ford Roadsters, 1950s Chevy Thunderbirds, 1960 Ford Mustangs, Corvettes and custom modified cars and trucks. Trophies are given at three levels: Merchant Trophy, People’s Choice via attendee votes, and the Driver’s Choice.
Featured winners are:
- Rods Custom Classic Award: Mike Mashburn with his 1957 Chevy Bel-Air
- The Crown Classics & Exotics Custom Award: Eric Smith with his 1965 Chevy Corvette Stingray
- The Mac Brown Award: Victor Prego with his 1956 Chevy S-100
- The STP Award: Scot Crijarovish with his 1968 Dodge Challenger RT
- Driver’s Choice Award: George Harrison with his 1955 Chevy Wagon
The event included a stellar performance by 11-year-old singer-actress Soleil Perry singing the National Anthem, and a demo by the Carpinteria High School cheerleaders. At around 12:30 pm, there was a call to all the show entries to “rev up” their vehicle engines in memory of Granatelli and Hammer. The car show was immediately followed with a Carpinteria Independence Day Parade down Linden Avenue with local schools, Boy Scouts troops, teen lifeguards, bag pipers, organizations, and pets.
The funding raised from the show goes to local nonprofits, clubs, and youth organizations, many who are given a space at no charge to set up a booth for donations and to provide information about their organization. Among those were California Women for Agriculture, Future Farmers of America students, the Lions Club of Carpinteria, Carp Women’s Club, Carpinteria Cares for Youth, and local Rotary Clubs. Rods and Roses’ Premier sponsor is Crown Classics & Exotics, who has backed the show for years. Check their socials for more photos and info!
Till next week my loves! Xx JAC
Miramar Beach. There, the winner of her auction lot will be able to choose their custom painting at the gallery during a private champagne gathering with friends.
Ingram serves on the Westmont Art Council and regularly keeps in touch with her mentors: art professors Scott Anderson , Tony Askew , and Sue Savage Chris Rupp (’00), interim director of the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art, installed the art at the gallery, while Kristen Walker (’08) serves as Ingram’s graphic designer.
A grant of nearly $100,000 from the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) will fund a strategic, institution-wide Westmont program encouraging students to explore potential careers early in their college experience.
“Helping students develop vocationally takes a village,” says Lori Ann Banez, director of Westmont’s Career Resource Center (CRC). “The grant will fund the creation of a versatile, one-unit course delivered by qualified staff members outside of the CRC, expanding our reach and capacity to serve students.”
A collaborative team of Westmont faculty and staff will develop the course, which will equip students to pursue meaningful roles after graduation. This curriculum development committee includes Banez, Araceli Espinoza, director of community and campus partnerships for admissions; Kailie Grinder, director of Intercultural Programs; Jonathan Hicks, assistant professor of theater arts; Christine Seibert, assistant director of environmental studies; Lesa Stern, professor of communication studies; and Nathan Snyder, associate director of the CRC.
The CRC will administer the project, which emerged from a data-driven analysis of the activities of recent alums. The center identified a meaningful correlation between engagement in career development activities, including assessments, career events, and internships, and increased vocational discernment, professional readiness and successful transitions beyond college.
“We want every student to discover who they are, what interests them, and what they value so they can explore their options and achieve clarity and confidence to pursue what’s next,” Banez said.
The customizable course allows different academic departments and co-curricular programs to integrate specific modules into their existing courses or programs. Faculty and staff who embed these elements will receive stipends, ensuring that vocational formation becomes a widespread institutional priority.
Two qualified staff partners will deliver the course, and other faculty and staff will earn specialized certifications in the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to expand the number of people guiding students through their self-discovery.
The initiative seeks to look beyond traditional employment metrics by measuring long-term student well-being. Westmont plans to incorporate questions from Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program into its annual First Destination Survey to formally evaluate how effectively the college shapes graduates for lives of purpose.
NetVUE, a program of the Council of Independent Colleges, supports and enriches vocational exploration and discernment among undergraduate students. Financial support of NetVUE comes from a combination of membership dues and the generosity of Lilly Endowment Inc.
from IKEA (it’s specified) along with vibes – a work that requires an explanation sheet for the symbols on the score.
“They use a musical staff but, say, an F natural means turn the lamp on for the duration of the value of the note,” Werner said. “You have all of these keys that you have to go through and learn a new language.”
Gene Koshinski’s “Ingrained” is scored for txalaparta, a Basque folk instrument made up of a set of large wooden boards – the title references both the materials used and the art form rooted in Basque culture.
“That piece is difficult but is going to be a lot of fun,” said Werner, who is performing “Ingrained” with fellow Isabella Butler
The work is immediately followed by Mansoor Hosseini’s “Confrontation,” which Werner said turns on its head the idea that percussionists in a recital may often play across to the other person’s instrument, and switch instruments for a passage; meaning there a lot of cooperation and coordination that has to happen.
“You have to work well with each other, especially on something like ‘Ingrained ’ ‘Confrontation’ basically says, ‘Hey, what if we didn’t work well together?’ It’s a really fun piece for snare drum and a floor tom that looks at what might happen if you didn’t get along.”
Which of course won’t be the actual case with the musicians on the July 8 concerts or anytime else during the summer. Indeed, having the PercussionFest early in the summer brings benefits to the studio beyond the fun of the concerts.
“We’re all immediately forced to quickly understand the way we play music and experience rhythm because we will be rehearsing all day long for 10 days to put that program together,” Werner said. “It really sets us up for the rest of the festival to just know each other really well less than two weeks in.”
This first week of the Music Academy summer festival proper – meaning with the fellows, who largely arrived after the two-week High School Intensive – is a bit truncated in event offerings. But buckle up: Lots more is coming before the season closes on August 8.
Thursday, July 2: Tonight’s second Teaching Artist Showcase of the summer closes with Mendelssohn’s “Octet in E-flat Major, Op. 20,” which will be played by the combined Takács and Maple Quartets, with the 20-year MAW mentors and this year’s Emerging Artists String Quartet mentees share the stage. What makes it even more memorable; it’s the last time cellist András Fejér will grace our local stages as a member of the Takács, the vaunted string ensemble whose all-Beethoven recital at the same venue last weekend induced whoops and hollers. (7:30 pm; Lobero Theatre; $10-125)
Friday, July 3: The 100-strong fellows-powered Academy Festival Orchestra makes its 2026 debut under the baton of Miguel Harth-Bedoya, the maestro who also conducted last year’s season-closing Mahler concert at the Granada. The fare this time around? Gershwin’s beloved jazz-tinged classic “An American in Paris” paired with Brahms’ “Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73, ‘Pastoral,’” another staple of the repertoire. (7:30 pm; Granada Theatre; $10-125) MAW has added a new twist to the event with the option to expand your evening downtown at Bistro Amasa inside the historic Upham Hotel (1404 De La Vina St.), where your concert tickets are the gateway to an exclusive three-course prix fixe menu ($50) before the performance.
Saturday, July 4: Time was at the Music Academy that the fourth of July was just another day at Miraflores, with master classes and even performances in the evening
pushing patriotic celebrations aside. Then in more recent years the place shut down in full for the 4th, like many an institution around the country. That’s still largely the case, but this year the brass and percussion fellows are slated to kick off the compact Village Fourth parade down San Ysidro Road. It’s not The Music Man’s 76 trombones leading the big parade – there’s only four of those fellows in total – but it’s still pretty cool. (11:30 am; Upper Village)
Monday, July 6: Mosher Guest Artist Missy Mazzoli , one of a number of living American composers making their local debuts at MAW this summer, also inaugurates a new series of talks with the guest artists with today’s Composer Chat. The Grammy-nominated Mazzoli has had her music performed worldwide by leading orchestras, ensembles and soloists, including the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Kronos Quartet and many more. Her operas, which include Breaking the Waves , Proving Up , and The Listeners , have received international acclaim for emotional intensity and contemporary relevance. No doubt today’s talk with Conor Hanick will cover the upcoming debut of the revived Picnic Concert Series that features the world premiere of her “Piano Études” performed by the Music Academy’s six solo piano fellows in a concert Mazzoli is curating on July 10, and her piece “Lies You Can Believe In,” which will be played by Mosher Guest Artist Jennifer Koh and several fellows on July 23. (1:30 pm; Weinman Hall; $10)
Tuesday, July 7: Think of it as the return of Tuesday@8. Only instead of the typical varied chamber music programs performed at the Lobero by the MAW Teaching Artists (aka faculty & guests) beginning at, yes, 8 pm – the new Sonata Nights features the faculty collaborative pianists pairing with other instrumental teaching artists back on the Miraflores campus and a half hour earlier. Tonight’s fare includes sonatas by Charles-Marie Widor with Margaret McDonald and flutist Marianne Gedigian, Prokofiev with Natasha Kislenko and violinist Sibbi Bernhardsson, and Mendelssohn, with longtime department chair Jonathan Feldman and veteran MAW cellist Alan Stepansky. Future series shows are slated for July 7 & 28, and August 4. (7:30 pm; Hahn Hall; $10-50)
Wednesday, July 8: The percussion fellows and faculty do double duty in two separate concerts for this year’s PercussionFest at Hahn Hall. The 4 pm family friendly performance is followed by an Instrument Exploration Station outside on the plaza. See interview with Michael Werner above. (4 pm & 7:30 pm; $10-$65)
Steven Libowitz has covered a plethora of topics for the Journal since 1997, and now leads our extensive arts and entertainment coverage
Thursday, July 9: MAW’s x2 Series – which partners teaching artists with fellows side-by-side in chamber music recitals – debuts for the season with a doozy, as more than a dozen instrumentalists in total play three works that span centuries, instruments, and approaches. Bach’s “Concerto for Violin and Oboe in C Minor, BWV 1060R,” sets the stage, followed by “Portraits of Langston,” by another important contemporary American composer in Valerie Coleman. Baritone Byron J. Mayes – who was a fellow in 2020-21, a former Chrisman Studio Artist with Opera Santa Barbara, and a doctoral candidate at UCSB – narrates two of the suites that serve as Coleman’s take on Hughes’ poetic memories of Harlem and Europe. Dvořák’s “Piano Quartet No. 2 in E-flat Major, Op. 87,” closes the evening. Future x2s follow on the next three Thursdays, July 16, 23 & 30. (7:30 pm; Hahn Hall; $10-65)
July 8… Paul Skokowski’s Sensing Qualia: Solving the Hard Problem of Consciousness draws on neuroscience, physics and philosophy to provide a naturalistic framework for studying qualia in the physical world – our subjective, interior, conscious experiences of nuanced phenomena like color, taste, pain, smell, and more – and explores the limits of qualia in the rapidly emerging world AI. The executive director and co-founder of the Center for the Explanation of Consciousness at Stanford University discusses his sensory naturalism theory with Santa Barbara psychiatrist Dr. John A. Cervantes on Tuesday, July 21… In Great Saves and Terrible Losses: The Journeys of a Surgeon, Dr. Anthony Goodman recounts memorable events from his career as a surgeon from 19671993, including stints at hospitals and as a surgical medic in Vietnam, in the era before CAT scans, MRIs and minimally invasive surgery greatly reduced risks of operations. He also covers his second
career as a professor and coping with his own mild Alzheimer’s diagnosis, subjects that will likely come up in his conversation with his wife, Maribeth Goodman at Chaucer’s on Wednesday, July 29. Visit www.chaucersbooks.com
Bestselling author Carol Snow sets her newest novel, The Girl on the Beach , in Santa Barbara, where a missing four-year-old child disappears into the Pacific Ocean on a perfect August afternoon, tearing a formerly formidable family apart. The switchback roller coaster of a psychological thriller builds to a final jaw-dropping twist, which will likely not be discussed in detail when Snow appears in the Upper Village bookshop on Saturday afternoon, July 18. Visit www.carolsnow.com or https:// tecolotebookshop.indiecommerce.com
Though plantlike in appearance, this is actually a specimen of a soft-coral colonial animal. It’s Eugorgia daniana, a species of gorgonian. Unlike their hard-coral cousins, gorgonians don’t build reefs but are still capable of creating impressive structures. A gorgonian’s body has a firm internal axis that looks like a dead tree. Depending on the type of gorgonian, that axis is made up of either a complex protein known as gorgonin or tiny calcified hard parts known as sclerites. The tiny individual animals – called polyps – secrete the axis and sclerites collectively. Over the organism’s lifetime, individual polyps are born and die, but the distinctive branching pattern that connects them endures. Undisturbed colonies have been known to live for 300 years. This specimen is one among millions of marine invertebrates preserved in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s collections and stewarded by Associate Curator of Invertebrate Zoology Vanessa Delnavaz,MA.
for festivals spanning 2004-21, the latter one from her hospital bed before sadly passing away a few months later. Seeing those designs up on the walls of the expanded art house theater shows the evolution of both her approach and the festival itself.
The theater itself will screen the tour of six award-winning short films from this year’s Sundance Festival (the final Sundance to be held in that festival’s 40-year founding home of Park City, Utah) starting Friday, July 3.
The Ojai Film Festival has tapped two film industry veterans to take
MAnything Goes plays at SBCC’s Garvin Theatre from July 8-25 (photo by Ben Crop)
over the top leadership positions at the mountain village festival that dates back more than a quarter-century. Richard Sven Shelgren , whose genreand-media-spanning experience has earned honors at Cannes, the Clios, the Emmys and MoMA, has been named festival director, while Theodore Melfi , whose credits include writer/director/producer of the Academy Award-nominated Hidden Figures and critically acclaimed St. Vincent , will serve as artistic director. The pair are in position for the 27th annual fest November 6-9.
Sexual Advances / 600 block Olive Mill Road
Monday, June 15, at 16:12 hours
Victim had repeated unwanted sexual advances from a coworker, who also repeatedly touched his buttocks and told him he wanted to have sex with him. The victim was at a party with the suspect and went to sleep in a bedroom. The victim woke up to the suspect naked next to him stroking his chest and the suspect left when told to do so. Follow-up to be completed.
Multiple Violations / Channel Drive
Tuesday, June 16, at 20:17 hours
Subject was stopped in the unincorporated community of Montecito, after violating CVC 22450(a) (failure to stop at a stop sign). The investigation revealed additional violations of CVC 5200(a) (no rear license plate), CVC 12500(a) (unlicensed driver), CVC 16028(a) (no proof of insurance), and CVC 4000(a)(1) (expired registration). The motorcycle was impounded and towed by 805 Towing.
Assault/Battery / 200 block Hot Springs Road
Wednesday, June 17, at 12:40 hours
Deputies responded to a homeowner and gardener engaging in a verbal altercation over an unpaid bill. During the altercation both men came into physical contact with one another in a narrow part of the sidewalk between a mailbox and a wall. The gardener collided with the mailbox, lost his balance and fell to the ground, causing injury to his back. The gardener claimed the homeowner deliberately pushed him into the mailbox and wanted charges filed against him. The homeowner claimed the gardener was in his face, threatening him with a rake, and he walked into the mailbox, losing his balance. There was no conclusive evidence to support either version of events. The gardener was transported out of caution. The report was forwarded to DA for review.
Job Site Theft / Channel Drive
Thursday, June 18, at 08:33 hours
The reporting party stated that two of his workers had their tools stolen from the jobsite overnight, totaling over $7,000. No surveillance footage existed at time of report.
word. Storytelling around campfires was humanity’s original library. Audiobooks are not a departure from that tradition; they are a modern extension of it. Audiobooks allow us to make productive use of time that would otherwise be lost. Commuting, exercising, walking the dog, doing household chores, or waiting for an appointment can all become opportunities to enjoy a novel, learn history, or explore new ideas. Far from replacing reading, audiobooks often expand the amount of literature and non-fiction people consume.
They also make books more accessible. A smartphone can hold an entire library and accompany us almost everywhere. Audiobooks are especially valuable for people with busy schedules that leave little uninterrupted time for sitting down with a printed book.
Audiobooks also offer a degree of privacy. Whether someone is listening to a classic, a romance novel, a celebrity memoir, or a thriller, they can enjoy the book without feeling self-conscious about what others might think of their reading choices
Audiobooks are also remarkably affordable. Through Libby, the free phone app, our public library provides access to thousands of audiobooks at no cost to patrons. Many people are already carrying a library in their pocket and may not realize it.
None of this diminishes the pleasure of reading a printed book on the beach or in a favorite chair. But rather than discouraging audiobooks, we should celebrate them as another pathway to literature, learning, and lifelong reading.
I would encourage anyone who has never tried one to download Libby, borrow a book from the library, right from where you are currently sitting, and discover what you have been missing.
Stephen Dougherty
Montecito Fire Protection District
In the Matter of the Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 -27 Health and Safety Code Section 13893
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the preliminary budget of the Montecito Fire Protection District for fiscal year 2026 -27 was adopted by the Board of Directors of said District on June 22, 2026, and is available for inspection Monday through Friday, between 8:0 0 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Montecito Fire Protection District, 595 San Ysidro Road, Santa Barbara, California and on the District’s website.
NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that on September 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., the Board of Directors will meet at the Montecito Fire Protection District, 595 San Ysidro Road, Santa Barbara, California, for the purpose of adopting the District's final budget at which time and place any person may appear and be heard regarding any item in the budget or regarding the addition of other items.
This Notice shall be published in accordance with California Health & Safety Code Section 13893.
By order of the Board of Directors of the Montecito Fire Protection District, State of California, this 22 nd day of June 2026.
Published June 25 and July 2, 2026 / Montecito Journal
If you have a legal notice that needs publishing, we can help! We publish Fictitious Business Name Statements, Court Summons, and Name Change Petitions. Email your submission to legals@montecitojournal.net by 2:00 PM Monday for publication in that week’s issue. For rates or publication requirements, please contact us at the same email address.
scenarios where the live human odor is deeply buried, or it’s so far under this concrete it’s coming up the sides and it’s more diffused. The dogs’ training is an experience that they can absolutely fall back on, and not something brand new they’re having to figure out in the moment. That is what it is all about at the Search Dog Foundation; making sure that they have that training in place long before they step off the plane or off of that truck.”
At this writing the official death toll from Venezuela’s spontaneous twin quakes has risen to at least 1,719 fatalities, with 5,034 people confirmed injured. Geologists warn that these figures will scale upwards. 46,600 to 50,000 people remain missing as rescue teams swarm the sometime unstable rubble of collapsed high-rises. The NSD training is in large part defined by the unbreakable bond between the canine and the handler, who have effectively partnered for life. It’s no surprise they travel to these devastated hot spots together.
“They deployed under the Department of State and so they flew military,” Sanders says. “As you can see in one of the photos, the entire task force, again, it’s 75 people, six canines and something close to 80,000 pounds of supplies, equipment and machinery, are all loaded onto the cargo plane and they all travel together. They travel as a big team and they land together, unload together, they set up their base of operations.”
Venezuela has taken an unimaginable blow, but when the lights dim, international borders fall and the human species shines. The UN has deployed over 2,245 specialists, 140 search dogs, and has activated its UNOSAT satellite imaging to guide rescuers through the fields of debris. The U.S. government initially pledged $150 million and later increased its commitment to over $300 million in direct humanitarian relief. Rescuers, medical supplies, and heavy machinery have poured in from Latin American and Europe. Israel’s IDF Home Front Command has dispatched a highly specialized engineering and emergency response delegation. India’s Army Field Hospital unit has set up portable hospitals at the La Rinconada Racetrack in Caracas, the UAE has donated direct relief funds, and the UK has provided seismic listening technology and drones.
Perhaps most significantly (at least in the realm of full, heartening circularity) many of SDF’s dogs are themselves rescue dogs. I had the privilege of witnessing, at the National Training Center one sunny day, the ceremonial partnering of these life-saving canines with their handlers. To imagine what these directed teams, these paired friends, are sent to accomplish – whether across
the seven seas or across the U.S. – is to understand the bond, the power inherent in the bond and, in these emotionally dire assignments, the sheltering strength of friendship.
“I think having your canine partner at the end of the leash with you probably helps a lot for the canine handlers,” Sanders says when asked about the degrees of trauma associated with this work. The dogs in the field have been trained such that they are engaged in a loving and joy-filled exercise and they nimbly traverse broken urban hellscapes in search of the living.
“They don’t care where it is,” Sanders says with a smile. “These dogs get to be there with their favorite person in the world, doing their favorite thing. There’s something really wonderful about that. Amidst the heartbreak and the devastation, to know that these dogs go from rescued to rescuer – not because they have to, not out of desperation, but because they absolutely love what they do, and they love the people they’re working with…” Sanders breaks off. Venezuela is undergoing a generational tragedy of the deepest, most wounding kind.
“It’s about the victims. It’s about saving lives with those dogs that are down there now. So for us it’s high stakes,” Sander says. “But for these dogs it’s the best day they could possibly imagine, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
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
by Steven Libowitz
1st Thursday Entertainment – Longtime local blues legend Morganfield Burnett & Da Blues do the 1st Thursday thing in June, entertaining the masses on the 800 Block of State Street with a gritty style some might compare to Jelly Roll Morton, although sans the piano. Burnett is band leader, frontman, lead vocalist and harmonica player with Brad Wisham on drums, Howard Miller on guitar, and Gary Santino on bass… Dance to live salsa music with Mezcalito in the El Paseo Courtyard at One Thread Collective (22 El Paseo), where you can also explore handwoven accessories and homewares made by Indigenous women and original works of art by Chiffon Lark at its six-year anniversary party! Enjoy local wine, snacks, a prize giveaway and discounts on handwoven goods where every purchase supports Wayuu weavers in Colombia… SBIFF’s Santa Barbara Filmmaker Series (916 State Street) features Ralph Torrefranca’s narrative short film Fil-Am, which shares the story of a 16-year-old Filipino kid who is forced to leave his old life behind for the terrifying new world of Santa Barbara. Screenings every half hour from 5:30-7 pm. Showtimes 5:30 pm, 6 pm, 6:30 pm, and 7 pm.
WHEN: 5-8 pm
WHERE: Lower State Street and side streets
COST: free
INFO: (805) 962-2098 or www.downtownsb.org/events/1st-thursday
Concerts in the Park – The popular city-sponsored series that brings pop and other bands to the lush setting of the Great Meadow in Chase Palm Park (just across the street from East Beach!) kicks off with a local band The New Vibe, whose funk with a hip hop twist is launching the free, family-friendly summer tradition this year. The single 90-minute set winds up before the sun goes down so nobody gets afraid of the dark. Next week (July 9): Jason Libs and the Liberation, will find the Red Piano regular donning his guitar and fronting a band playing hits of the last 50 years. As always, concertgoers are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnics (but no alcohol) to enjoy the evening of free music amid sea breezes under the late afternoon sun.
WHEN: 6-7:30 pm
WHERE: Chase Palm Park, 300 W. Cabrillo Blvd.
COST: free
INFO: (805) 564-5418 or www.santabarbaraca.gov/gov/depts/parksrec/ recreation/events/parkrec/concerts.asp
ENDING THIS WEEK
Happy History – Santa Barbara Historical Museum’s pop-up photo exhibition, Stars, Stripes, & Santa Barbara , features past Independence Day memories captured by Santa Barbara News-Press photographers; a series of surprisingly festive photos of parades, fireworks and other celebrations on display in the museum’s courtyard. The exhibit closes on Sunday, but first there’s a 1st Thursday courtyard dance party for the cleverly curated July 4th/American jukebox songs from DJ Darla Bea , plus free drinks including wine and beer and more festive activities.
WHEN: Through July 5 (closed Saturday)
WHERE: Santa Barbara Historical Museum, 136 East De la Guerra Street
COST: free
INFO: 966-1601 or www.sbhistorical.org
THURSDAY, JULY 2
1st Thursday – After five months showing the photography of Oscar-winning longtime local actor Jeff Bridges , Tamsen Gallery (1309 State) now turns to historic pics of British rock and roll icons. Before They Were Legends is an exhibition of rare trial proofs from the archives of Bob Bonis, an amateur photographer who befriended the Beatles and the Rolling Stones in the early days of both bands, eventually accompanying them as their tour manager in the United States and Europe during the 1960s. The photos capture intimate, unseen moments of the legendary bands during their groundbreaking tours from 1964 to 1966, providing a rarely seen view of music history… The gallery next door, Art & Soul (1323 State) comes back stateside for its new show, Summer of Art & Soul , featuring Viridian Shores by Lucia de Miguel, a series of immersive coastal paintings inspired by travel and wonder, plus new summery works from the Atelier Collective’s six resident artists and guest sculptor Kai Bostwick … A new 1st Thursday entry joins the fray a block down State Street, as Jeanne Dentzel (1213 State, Unit I) opens her working studio to display new painted collages of a New York summer. Copies of her fine art book Social Surrealism will also be available… Also in the new department: Gallery Josephine (133 E. Anapamu), a contemporary art gallery and artist studio where founder Josephine Tournier Ingram ’s inaugural exhibition features her decade-long exploration of light, memory, and place, through layered abstract paintings inspired by Santa Barbara and the luminosity of Paris… Sullivan Goss (11 E. Anapamu), the much older kid on the block, celebrates Nicole Strasburg ’s The Whole is Greater , the artist’s 10th solo exhibition at the gallery that reveals the exciting evolution of her work… Between the two, although a block west, Seimandi & Leprieur Gallery (33 W. Anapamu) marks their 1st anniversary with YEAR ONE , a group exhibition marking the mini-milestone by bringing together artists from the gallery’s first five exhibitions. S&L focuses on contemporary works by acclaimed artists from France and the United States, with a decidedly Francophile bent to their curatorial vision… Across the street, REH Contemporary Studio & Gallery (12 W. Anapamu St.) is also both gallery and studio for Ruth Ellen Hoag , who will be showing newly minted figurative paintings, while visitors can also go behind the scenes to peruse work in progress.
WHEN: 5-8 pm
WHERE: Lower State Street and side streets
COST: free
INFO: (805) 962-2098 or www.downtownsb.org/events/1st-thursday
Above it all by the Beach – Elevate your Independence Day at Hotel Californian with two different parties on the rooftops, and/or with a heightened experience at ground level with a holiday afternoon affair. The Court of Califia Lawn (36 State Street) opens to all at 2 pm with a curated market featuring local artists and makers, food and drinks at an outdoor Grill Station, and live music with Rudy Love and The Encore in a collaboration with the Galavant organization. At 6 pm, the action moves skyward to the Californian’s twin rooftops, where guests can experience two distinct vantage points for live music, hand-crafted cocktails and what is essentially a frontrow seat to the spectacular waterfront fireworks show that blasts off barely a block away. The Mirador Rooftop has the more exclusive, high-energy and sophisticated space with the best unobstructed view of the waterfront, curated light bites, and live DJ set by Val-Mar Records. The Serena Deck offers sweeping views of the sky framed over the vibrant Court of Califia Lawn in a fluid, dynamic outdoor party with a live DJ set by Rudy Love geared toward dancing. Rooftop access is standing room only, exclusively for guests aged 21 and over.
WHEN: Daytime 2-6 pm; evening from 6 pm on WHERE: Hotel Californian, 36 State Street
COST: Daytime free; Mirador $50, Serena $25
INFO: www.hotelcalifornian.com/calendar.aspx
SATURDAY, JULY 4
Independence Day of Yore – Goleta Valley Historical Society’s 52nd annual Old-Fashioned 4th of July brings back a classic community celebration that used to be the hallmark of towns and villages across the country. Celebrate Independence Day with tractor rides, pony rides, and other kids’ activities including, yep, face painting. There will also be exhibits by Central Coast Vintage Machinery Association, Santa Barbara Model A Ford Club, and Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society. Food trucks can feed your family while you enjoy the alternately rustic and bucolic grounds and the music by Americana Cats and The Paradise Kings.
WHEN: 11 am-4 pm
WHERE: Rancho La Patera & Stow House, 304 North Los Carneros Road
COST: $20 general, $10 kids
INFO: (805) 681-7216 or www.goletahistory.org
Fireworks for the 4th – Surprisingly, Santa Barbara isn’t doing anything special to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary other than its usual daylong activities which transform the waterfront near Stearns Wharf for a full day of family-friendly activities. The fun begins with live music at the West Beach Bandstand on the sand, with live sets straight through from noon to 9 pm when the fireworks begin. Among the acts are East Valley Road, False Puppet, and Rockshop Academy, with the ubiquitous John Palminteri serving as emcee. Coincident with all these goings-on, vendors set up along the Cabrillo Boulevard sidewalk with both food – ranging from hot dogs and kettle corn to açai treats – and every manner of sparkly and jangly wares. Then all eyes turn westward to watch the 20-minute pyrotechnics show that lights up the sky, the beach, the water, and friendly, awed faces. Visit https:// tinyurl.com/SBCA-4th-July-26
Amped-up at the Alcazar – The fireworks (figurative) head indoors down in Carpinteria, where bands pay tribute to two electrifying and ultimately American rock and rollers. The night kicks off with a high-voltage homage to guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani before the powerhouse Van Halen tribute features their biggest hits and Sammy Hagar-era gems (sorry, Nerf Herder) full of slashing guitars, soaring vocals and unstoppable energy. It’s arena rock inside an intimate, 198-seat venue with a boosted sound system. But leave the sparklers at home.
WHEN: 7 pm
WHERE: Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria
COST: $30 & $40
INFO: (805) 684-6380 or www.thealcazar.org
SATURDAY, JULY 4
Light up the Night – Goleta is giving the drone laser light show a go for a second year in a row in their Fourth of July celebration, turning to computer-controlled flying machines instead of actual pyrotechnics. Last year’s all-American theme will likely be even more patriotic for the nation’s 250th anniversary, with up to 250 drones illuminating the sky in a choreographed show at Dos Pueblos High School’s football stadium. Everyone can experience the spectacular event for free, with pre-show activities featuring music by DJ Darla Bea, line dancing on the field, games, and more entertainment, including a performance by Brynn Wood, the 2026 Teen Star Santa Barbara. Seating will be in the grandstands or on the field, where low-back beach chairs and blankets are encouraged.
WHEN: 6-9:30 pm
WHERE: Dos Pueblos, 7266 Alameda Ave., Goleta
COST: free INFO: www.cityofgoleta.org/july4
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.
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K-9 PALS need volunteers to be foster parents for our dogs while they are waiting for their forever homes. For more information info@k-9pals.org or 805-570-0415
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