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JOURNAL

The Giving List

29 OCT – 6 NOV 2026 | VOL 32 ISS 44 www.montecitojournal.net

Voice of theV illage

SERVING MONTECITO AND SOUTHERN SANTA BARBARA

Top Chef, Home Turf – Chef Rhoda Magbitang returns to Mattei’s Tavern alongside Executive Chef Kevin Malone for a culinary homecoming of local flavor, P.16

Blood, Sweat & Tutus – State Street Ballet gives Dracula a new lease on undead life with daring choreography and the Kronos Quartet’s live score, P.22

Explore more New Beginnings, page 30

Wild at Art – Painter Bill Davidson brings his colorful philosophy to SCAPE’s Sea to Summit exhibition, where art sales will help preserve More Mesa, P.24

Personal Effects More than 400 suitcases, countless forgotten stories. Photographer Jon Crispin spent six years documenting hundreds of abandoned suitcases, uncovering the personal histories of psychiatric patients whose belongings now speak for them. New Beginnings brings his remarkable photography project to Art & Soul Gallery (Story starts on p.5)

From Bard to Bark

Gene Tyburn traded scripts for pruning shears decades ago, though the former Hollywood actor still knows how to deliver a dramatic performance, page 6

A Clean Contest

Montecito’s Beautification Day returns November 7 with six districts competing for cleanup honors, plus community celebrations and a little friendly trash talk, page 18

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Celebrating History – Antonio Artese Trio Food Files – Two renowned chefs took on the The Willard Suitcases’ – Photographer Jon 36 16 5 ‘Crispin brings jazz to the historic Covarrubias Adobe, grill, colossal meats, and family-style fun at this spent six years documenting the belongings of former psychiatric patients, uncovering personal histories now coming to Santa Barbara

collaborative dinner set on Hartley Lawn of Mattei’s Tavern

continuing the SB Historical Museum’s season of cultural performances

Gene Tyburn sees it that way

Day brings volunteers together to care for neighborhoods and coastal trails

spaces that foster social connection, mental wellness, and lifelong learning

modern relationships, and golf tourney raises scholarship funds

the 1970s revived the flowing lines and romanticism of Art Nouveau

preservation of More Mesa

los Muertos celebrations and concerts

Montecito Health Coach – Public libraries offer Message from MA – Montecito’s six districts Beings Doings – Some guys have all the luck, 38 18 6 though more than books, providing free community compete for cleanup honors as Beautification it’s not clear if many-faceted tree wizard Montecito Moments – Maestro Nir Kabaretti 8 celebrates Elizabeth’s Appraisals – A 1979 Vandermark Your Westmont – College dedicates Boersma two decades with the Symphony, as the 40 20 glass lamp offers a colorful look at how Tennis Complex, downtown talk explores Arlington hosts a Beatles benefit and United Way gathers supporters

News Bytes – Ghost Village Road turns 30, 10 Bucket Curator’s Choice – Items from Cartographer On Entertainment – A frightful fury of ballet Brigade ribbon cutting, the new State 44 22 Thomas W. Dibblee, Jr. for Halloween weekend, plus Jewish cinema, Street Trading Post, and other tidbits Ojai, Nature, and the rejuvenated Wild all get Letters to the Editor – More on the Montecito Sheriff ’s Blotter their own film fests Sanitary District and upcoming elections 45 Tide Guide Calendar of Events – Halloween festivities Sea SCAPE – Landscape painter Bill Davidson 48 swarm 24 visits Santa Barbara with costumed parties, Montecito for SCAPE’s Sea to Summit Our Town – Montecito firefighters visit local 12 schools for hands-on fire safety lessons, while bar crawls, and live music, followed by Día de exhibition, where art sales will support the Bettina celebrates eight years at the Montecito Country Mart

14 4

he Society Edit – SEE International honors T three Humanitarians of the Year while celebrating its expanding efforts to provide free vision care worldwide Montecito JOURNAL

he Giving List – Executive Director 30 TKristine Schwarz shares how her own

medical struggles reinforced the importance of New Beginnings’ advocacy for underserved residents “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” – Abraham Lincoln

Classifieds – Our own “Craigslist” of classified 50 ads ini Meta Crossword Puzzles 51 MLocal Business Directory

29 October – 6 November 2026

‘The Willard Suitcases’ The Things We Carry

Over 400 suitcases, each with their own story to tell (photo by Jon Crispin)

by Zach Rosen

suitcase can tell you quite a lot about a person. Where they have been. What they value. Whether they pack sensibly or believe three pairs of shoes are entirely reasonable for a weekend away. Some suitcases, however, carry considerably heavier baggage. In 1995, more than 400 suitcases were discovered in the attic of the Willard Psychiatric Center in upstate New York. Their owners had spent much of their lives institutionalized, and the contents offered an extraordinary glimpse into the people they had been before and during their years at Willard. Photographer Jon Crispin would spend six years documenting these forgotten belongings, finding entire lives tucked among the clothing, photographs, letters, and everyday objects. This November, those lives will find a new audience in Santa Barbara when The Willard Suitcases comes to Art & Soul Gallery as part of New Beginnings’ 2026 Annual Benefit Gala programming.

An Eye for the Abandoned Crispin has spent much of his professional life photographing what other people have left behind. A longtime freelance photographer, he built his career shooting assignments for newspapers, magazines, Cornell University, and Ithaca College. Sports, theater, lectures, whatever needed documenting. The work paid the bills and allowed him to pursue his own photographic curiosities. Those curiosities often led him into abandoned buildings. 29 October – 6 November 2026

As a child, Crispin was fascinated by empty structures and the peculiar human habit of constructing elaborate places, occupying them for decades, and then walking away. By the early 1980s, that fascination had developed into a photographic project documenting abandoned nineteenth-century buildings on the grounds of functioning New York psychiatric institutions. One of the first was Willard. The sprawling psychiatric center had opened in the 19th century and eventually developed into a substantial community of buildings, farms, and facilities. When Willard closed in 1995, a curator from the New York State Museum discovered an extraordinary collection of luggage in its attic. More than 400 suitcases, left behind by people who had lived there. The curator was advised to preserve perhaps ten and dispose of the rest. He had other plans. He secured a truck, brought the entire collection to Albany, and saved the cases from being discarded. Museum staff then undertook the painstaking work of cataloging and preserving the contents. Nothing was considered too insignificant. Crispin remembers one toothpick carefully sealed in its own archival bag, complete with a catalog number. A toothpick. Not exactly the sort of artifact that ordinarily earns museum treatment. Yet that attention to detail would prove essential to understanding the collection. Crispin first encountered some of the suitcases in a museum exhibition in the early 2000s. Years later, the curator offered him access to photograph the collection. Crispin spent an entire day

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Montecito JOURNAL

Beings and Doings

If a Tree Falls in an Urban Forest by Jeff Wing

“T

he city should be reducing these trees greatly,” Gene Tyburn is saying. “Because they’re getting too big and they’re going to fall over. Why? Because the trees in the city are not pruned to stay standing in a wind!” Gene is holding forth with such impassioned urgency (and a healthy sampling of salty language) because a storm is coming, and the man knows from trees. He owned and ran the dayto-day operations of TLC Tree Care for some 40 years, tending to clients in SB and Montecito, rejuvenating sickly specimens, and diagnosing a tree’s hidden travails by inspecting its cambium; the thin, truth-telling layer of living, dividing cells just beneath the tree’s bark. Okay? “See the oak here to your left? It simply needs to be fed and sprayed because it has a fungus, a leaf fungus. You can see that by looking at it.” His early, fascinated forays into arboriculture found Gene traveling to

and his gang of unkempt badasses can be seen lurking in a stand of trees and taking wild potshots at U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon. So Gene’s affinity for trees goes back quite a ways. “Hollywood is just… I didn’t understand it then, but at that time in Hollywood your next door neighbor was an actor. Everyone was an actor! You go out for a job and there are hundreds of you!”

Baby Blue

Pistol-packing future arborist with attitude (courtesy photo)

England, Spain, Greece, France, Italy, Egypt, Russia, and the Middle East; an arboreal pilgrim soaking up internationally diverse approaches to civic horticulture. Perhaps most significantly, in Season 18, episode 1 of Gunsmoke, Gene

2026 Virtuosi 2027

The story of Gene stumbling into his sylvan new life as a tree savior is pure Frank Capra. We’ll get to that. Today Gene and I are driving around Santa Barbara in my swinging baby blue Toyota Camry (gift from a beloved departing poet), my passenger a variously cantankerous and laugh-wracked 89-year-old retired arborist. He is jabbing at trees through the windshield and hurriedly gesturing when he wants me to pull over. Alarm bells are ringing as a major weather event approaches, and everywhere he looks Gene envisions trees toppling into power lines. The man has a footnoted history of remonstrating against City of SB pruning rules, and his 2010 treatment of a tree at the corner of State and Calle Crespis landed him in court. The case was dismissed.

Storied Toronto choreographer Sally Tyburn, aloft (courtesy photo)

“The city tree department are a bunch of well-meaning people who love trees, love trees,” Gene says in forgiving tones, then opines sotto voce. “But they don’t know anything about them.” His voice starts rising. “That’s why these cities where we’ve had these storms are a disaster zone. Yeah. The trees fall into the houses. I’m not even talking about private trees. I’m talking about just city trees. Now if you want to get to private trees, that’s another situation.”

Beings & Doings Page 454 454

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Montecito JOURNAL

PROGRAM

CAMA’s Virtuosi season opens with Isata Kanneh-Mason and Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. For more than 50 years, Orpheus has performed without a conductor, with its musicians sharing leadership. HANDEL: Suite from Water Music (compiled by James Wilson) MOZART: Piano Concerto No. 27 in B-flat Major, K. 595 KATIE JENKINS: Elixir of Life (Orpheus Commission) HAYDN: Symphony No. 91 in E-flat Major, Hob. I:91

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29 October – 6 November 2026

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Montecito JOURNAL

Montecito Moments Twenty Years of Magic by Lisa Duncan

“H

e’s the most genuine, authentic human. Not a diva in any way, shape, or form,” declared Janet Garufis, who helped hire Maestro Nir Kabaretti two decades ago. Now Santa Barbara Symphony board chair, Garufis co-chaired The Magic of Music, a glittering gala celebrating Kabaretti’s 20th anniversary as Music and Artistic Director.

Held at the Music Academy of the West, the October 17 festivities drew an elegantly dressed crowd for cocktails, a Nir & Friends concert, spirited auctions, and dinner under the stars. Joining Garufis as gala co-chairs were Meg Burnham, Christie Glanville, and Anne Towbes. “Twenty years ago, he infused our wonderful organization with such energy and spirit and spunk,” recalled Towbes. “We’re hoping for 20 more.” During the concert, Kabaretti reflected

Nir Kabaretti, Anne Towbes, Christie Glanville, Meg Burnham, Janet Garufis, and Kathryn Martin (photo by Gregers Heering)

Kathryn Martin, James Tollios, with Deb and Tom Loeb (photo by Gregers Heering)

on his first rehearsal on that very stage. “I had no idea how meaningful the journey would become and how much it would change my life,” he told guests. Outside, Merryl Brown Events created an alfresco symphony of black and gold. Twinkling lights illuminated tables dressed with gilded flatware, champagne-colored napkins, candlelight, and lush peach-and-pink florals. A circular bar offered signature cocktails, while the silent auction featured an original violin-and-wildflowers artwork by Nir’s wife, Gaia Kabaretti. Auction highlights included a luxurious Milan getaway with the Maestro and a private conducting lesson featuring a baton once owned by legendary Zubin Mehta. Yet beneath the glamour lay a deeper purpose. When Garufis recently asked

Glittering at the gala are Anne Towbes and Nir Kabaretti (photo by Gregers Heering)

Moments Page 434 434

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29 October – 6 November 2026

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News Bytes

Letters to the Editor Letter to the MSD Board

by MJ Staff

oast Village Road is getting spooky as Ghost Village Road celebrates its 30th anniversary on Saturday, October 31. The beloved Montecito tradition brings more than 2,000 costumed children, parents, and pets to the Village for trick-or-treating, festive storefronts, and plenty of Halloween mischief. Local businesses will once again hand out candy, with favorites including Richie’s Barber Shop, known for its elaborate decorations, DJ, and photo opportunities. For grown-up ghouls, San Ysidro Ranch will transform its Speakeasy into a Halloween haunt through the spooky season, offering specialty cocktails and “bites that bite.” On October 30, the Ranch will also celebrate Día de los Muertos with live music, mezcal, and traditional sugar skull face painting. Reservations are recommended. Meanwhile, Montecito Country Mart will host its annual children’s costume contest, complete with balloons, trick-or-treat bags, and a pumpkin patch, adding another dose of Halloween spirit to the Village festivities.

New Trail Honors Carina Dee Velazquez The Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade, Santa Barbara County Public Works, and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians celebrated the newest section of the Carina Dee Velazquez Memorial Path with a ribbon-cutting this Wednesday, October 28, outside Santa Ynez Valley Christian School. The completed third phase connects Mission Drive to Homestead Lane along Refugio Road, improving access for pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians. The trail honors Carina Dee Velazquez, a 15-year-old student who was struck and killed by a vehicle in 2015. The ongoing restoration project aims to create safer connections throughout the Santa Ynez Valley.

Montecito Country Mart Last of the free movie nights will be on October 30 at 6 pm with the film Coco All good now to enter via the front door of Toy Crazy at the Montecito Country Mart. The front entrance glass has been replaced following the car crash incident on July 27, where it was boarded up for safety after the car was removed.

Firework Foundation Expands Its Reach Katy Perry’s Firework Foundation wrapped up its 12th Camp Firework this summer, welcoming more than 85 students ages 10-13 from Lompoc, Goleta, and Santa Barbara. Co-founded by Perry and her sister Angela Lerche in 2019, the foundation has now served nearly 1,000 young people through its three-day camps. Participants explored dance, music production, fashion design, kayaking, horseback riding, and other activities designed to build confidence and creativity. Beyond camp, the foundation’s Leaders in Training program now supports 38 high school students, while six former campers have advanced to college.

News Bytes Page 444 444

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Status of the regional alternative: The viable alternative to deliver the District’s wastewater to the City of Santa Barbara appears to have been placed on the back burner, delaying a comprehensive, sideby-side comparison of both options. Review of proposals: The Finance Oversight Committee was provided with

Letters Page 324 324

ear President and Fellow Directors, In carrying out my responsibilities as an MSD District director and Board Treasurer, I request a separately agendized Board review of the current alternatives-evaluation process, specifically regarding how different wastewater management strategies are being prioritized. To ensure protection of public funds and maintain full transparency for our ratepayers, it is important to provide a documented, balanced explanation of all long-term options. To help clarify our path forward, I would like the Board to address the following structural concerns regarding the 2-person Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project ad hoc, which has sole and exclusive access and control over both Southland

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Thurs, Oct 29 Fri, Oct 30 Sat, Oct 31 Sun, Nov 1 Mon, Nov 2 Tues, Nov 3 Wed, Nov 4 Thurs, Nov 5 12:17 AM 0.7 Fri, Nov 6 12:50 AM 1.1

1:10 AM 2:33 AM 4:06 AM 4:19 AM 5:07 AM 5:44 AM 6:16 AM 6:45 AM 7:13 AM

3.6 3.5 3.6 3.9 4.3 4.7 5.2 5.5 5.8

5:08 AM 5:58 AM 7:21 AM 8:26 AM 10:14 AM 11:29 AM 12:26 PM 01:14 PM 01:56 PM

2.7 3.0 3.3 3.2 2.8 2.1 1.4 0.7 0.2

11:41 AM 12:37 PM 01:47 PM 02:13 PM 03:43 PM 05:02 PM 06:08 PM 07:06 PM 07:58 PM

10 Montecito JOURNAL

Prioritization of options: The ad hoc’s primary focus has remained heavily centered on the option to rebuild the wastewater treatment plant, rather than evaluating multiple pathways concurrently. Please detail all contacts made with the City of Santa Barbara for regional treatment with dates, attendees, subjects, intentions and outcomes in the last 3-years.

Date: October 27, 2026 To: President and Board of Directors, Montecito Sanitary District (MSD) Cc: General Manager; District Counsel; Clerk of the Board Subject: Requested Board Review of Capital Project Options, Alternatives, and Funding Compliance

Montecito Tide Guide

Day

negotiations and contract decisions, and later, exclusivity over negotiations and contracts with the City of Santa Barbara. This ad hoc concentration of power raises a barrier to full Board transparency.

elow is a formal letter I submitted to the Montecito Sanitary District General Manager for distribution to the full Board of Directors regarding an issue that affects us all. Because California’s open-meeting laws limit how board members may discuss District business outside of properly noticed public meetings, I am also sharing this letter directly with the community. My goal is to ensure that residents have access to the same information provided to the Board, allowing everyone to stay informed, ask questions, and make their voices heard before any final decisions are made. Thank you for your continued engagement in our community.

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JOURNAL

30 Years of Ghost Village Road

Executive Editor/CEO | Gwyn Lurie gwyn@montecitojournal.net President/COO | Tim Buckley tim@montecitojournal.net Managing Editor | Zach Rosen zach@montecitojournal.net MoJo Contributing Editor | Christopher Connor Art/Production Director | Trent Watanabe Graphic Design/Layout | Stevie Acuña Director of Operations | Jessica Shafran VP, Sales & Marketing | Leanne Wood leanne@montecitojournal.net 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, Lisa Duncan 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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6.4 07:26 PM -0.6 6.0 08:35 PM -0.4 5.5 09:49 PM -0.2 5.1 09:56 PM -0.1 4.8 10:52 PM 0.1 4.6 11:38 PM 0.3 4.5 4.4 4.2

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29 October – 6 November 2026

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Our Town

Montecito Fire School Visits & Bettina Anniversary by Joanne A Calitri

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or Fire Prevention Month, the Montecito Fire Department made the rounds to the Montecito schools to educate the students and teachers on fire safety. The firefighters provided hands-on learning for the students, including how to use the fire hose, types of rescue gear, demos with the fire engine truck, and letting the students try on the official firefighter protective jackets, hats, and gear. The students had a great learning experience, as is evident in the photographs! Schools participating in the fire safety training this past week were Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Crane Country Day School. Crane Country Day School shared the event on their social media saying, “Safety first with our local heroes! In honor of Fire Prevention Month, our third graders received a special visit from the Montecito Fire Department! The firefighters parked right outside the classroom and met with students on the lawn for an interactive 30-minute session on fire safety, emergency preparedness, and community care. Students got a front-row look at the fire engine, learned about essential safety protocols, and asked thoughtful questions about what it takes to protect our neighborhood. Hands-on visits like these help turn vital safety lessons into memorable, real-world experiences!” And Our Lady of Mount Carmel added on their socials, “A big thank-you to Montecito Fire for taking the time to educate and inspire our students! We’re grateful for the heroes who help us stay safe every day.”

Firemen letting students try out the fire hose (courtesy photo)

This past week Montecito Fire visited Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Crane Country Day School (courtesy photo)

aka @sadisticshark appeared on the first episode of the L.A. show, POV with Chef televised on “Saucy Television.” He demoed creating a Margarita pie from dough to crust, courtesy of Gozney | Outdoor Pizza Ovens at The Benjamin in Hollywood.

Bettina Turns 8 Bettina is celebrating its 8th anniversary at the Montecito Country Mart, October 28 through November 1. They posted on their Instagram, “Almost 8 years in the pizza making!! Very excited for our anni coming up on October 28th! As usual we’ll be running our clam pie, along with other specials, starting 10/28 through 11/1. We’re leaning into some Italian classics this year with grilled oysters, wings, lasagna, tiramisu and thin/crispy pies. Pizzas and wings available lunch and dinner. Oysters and lasagna dinner only. Clam pie will also be available at our sis @tinaspizza.sb all week, all day. Resis available now at Bettina - Xoxox” And early last week, Bettina’s Chef Chris

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Joanne A Calitri is a professional international photographer and journalist. Contact her at: artraks@ yahoo.com

29 October – 6 November 2026

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29 October – 6 November 2026

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The Society Edit

SEE International Names Humanitarians of the Year and Honors Donors by Joanne A Calitri

n Saturday, October 17, SEE International celebrated their 2026 Humanitarians of the Year and top donors at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The SEE International 2026 Humanitarians of the Year are Kanika Agarwal MD, Rupert Chowins OD, and Michael Young OD. In honoring the humanitarians and the organization’s donors, SEE International President and CEO Don Bell shared, “In 2026, SEE will deliver the largest volume of free eye surgeries in its 50-year history, reaching more than 80,000 patients in developing countries around the world. But our impact extends beyond surgery. “Over the past year, more than 800 surgeons, optometrists, nurses, ophthalmic assistants, and community mobilizers participated in SEE-supported training programs. By investing in education

14 Montecito JOURNAL

and training, we are strengthening local capacity and helping build sustainable eye care systems in the countries where the need is greatest. “Here at home, SEE Vision Care clinics provide free eye care to more than 8,500 parents in Santa Barbara County each year. Changes to California’s MediCal program are expected to increase demand for our services in 2027. At a time of tight budgets and growing needs, SEE remains committed to ensuring that no patient is turned away. Our schoolchildren, seniors, veterans, and neighbors deserve access to comprehensive vision care, and SEE will continue working to make that care available to all.” Dr. Agarwal led SEE programs and education campaigns in 2026. She is known for her passionate involvement in humanitarian eye care and training, and completed SEE’s Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) L1 and L2 courses in 2022. With SEE, she

Society Edit Page 324 324

The SEE International 2026 Humanitarians with SEE International Board Members (courtesy photo)

29 October – 6 November 2026

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Montecito JOURNAL

Food Files

A Culinary Homecoming by Zach Rosen

ou can take the chef out of the kitchen, but sometimes the kitchen has a way of calling her back. For Chef Rhoda Magbitang, that call came from The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Collection, where the former executive chef returned this month with a Top Chef title under her belt and an appetite for a little culinary reunion. Joining current Executive Chef Kevin Malone, the two cooked up a family-style feast celebrating the Central Coast’s seasonal bounty. And with colossal beef ribs, massive prawns, and enough caviar to make a sturgeon blush, this was one homecoming worth loosening a belt for. Many of the attendees arrived adorned in Western wear to fit the ranch vibes of The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Collection. Musician Ellis Bryant strummed and sang in front of the barn, adding to the country ambiance. Guests grabbed cocktails from Gin’s Tap Bar or glasses of bubbly and wine from Piazza and Luna Hart as they snacked on passed bites. A slice of carpaccio wrapped around

a fork finished with a spicy bite that had me going back for several rounds. As the music wound down, the feast was ready to begin and guests started settling into the long rows of tables on the Hartley Lawn. Dinner was served family-style, with friends and soon-tobe-friends passing dishes and sharing stories along the table. Each of the four courses came with two dishes, and as is customary, the first course was salad. In the first, the sweetness of hearty heirloom tomatoes contrasted with tangy slices of fresh nectarine. A tomato vinaigrette and olive oil brought the two together with a dash of chives and herbs. Dollops of caviar contributed a salty component, the small sea pearls adding their distinct pop in the mouth with each bite. The caviar helped dialogue with the second salad, which blended grilled escarole with anchovies and pecorino. Pine nuts, lemon, and herbs dotted throughout made this dish almost a summery Central Coast take on the Caesar salad. Looking for a refill of the glass, I decided to switch over to the Hook Line + Drinker Hazy IPA from Draughtsmen

The tables are set and the audience is hungry

her culinary instincts around her grandmother’s food stall before moving to the United States at 17. Her career has since taken her through celebrated kitchens including Mélisse, République, Bazaar by José Andrés, and Chateau Marmont. She previously led the culinary program at Mattei’s Tavern, earning Michelin Guide recognition, before heading to Hawai'i as executive chef of CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani. Her victory on Season 23 of Bravo’s Top Chef

Aleworks. The smooth-bodied IPA, with its balanced bitterness and flavors of tangerine and passion fruit, seemed suitable for the rest of the evening and the upcoming course. But first, Chef Rhoda and Chef Kevin stepped in front of the crowd to say hello and introduce themselves and the meal.

Cooking Up the Past For Chef Rhoda, the evening marked a return to familiar territory. Born and raised in the Philippines, she developed

Food Files Page 424 424

Beautification Day 2026

Our Village, Our Home

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www.montecitoassociation.org

16 Montecito JOURNAL

29 October – 6 November 2026

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29 October – 6 November 2026

• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

Message from MA

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ather your neighbors, bring the family, and get ready for a morning of giving back and having fun! The Montecito Association invites everyone to join this year’s Beautification Day on Saturday, November 7, with check-in beginning at 9 am in the Upper Village, in front of Tecolote Book Shop. For more than four decades, this beloved tradition has brought neighbors together to care for the place we call home. Whether you are a longtime resident, new to Montecito, or simply someone who loves our village, you are invited to take part. It is an opportunity to meet new people, reconnect with friends and make a difference together. This year brings a little friendly competition with the Beautification Day District Challenge. Montecito’s six districts will compete to collect the most litter within their respective neighborhoods, with Montecito Association board captains leading their neighborhood teams. To find out what District you live in, visit our website: https:// montecitoassociation.org/about-us/board/ All volunteers will check in at the Upper Village, where they will receive this year’s Beautification Day T-shirt and cleanup supplies, connect with their district captain and enjoy a light breakfast provided by Rosewood Miramar before heading out. Volunteers can also choose to participate in a special beautification project along the Hammond’s Beach Trail, led by the Montecito Trails Foundation. It is a chance to give a little extra attention to a treasured route to the coast. Space is limited to the first 10 volunteers who sign up at the check-in table. This project will not count toward the District Challenge. Young artists have created posters for this year’s Children’s Art Gallery. The theme this year is “Our Village, Our Home,” and we invited children to illustrate what makes Montecito special to them. Local shop windows in the Upper Village will showcase the artwork during the week leading up to Beautification Day. Make sure to stop and check them out when you’re picking up your mail or shopping in the Village! After the cleanup, the community will reconvene in the Upper Village for live music, awards, and lunch provided by The Montecito Village Grocery, San Ysidro Ranch, and Lilac Patisserie, and prepared by Montecito firefighters. This year’s celebration will also honor our two Citizens of the Year, Dana Hansen and Michael Edwards, recognizing their contributions to our community. Community partners will also host information tables. Beautification Day offers families a simple way to serve together and reminds all of us how much we can accomplish when everyone lends a hand. Come with your neighborhood team, invite a friend, or arrive ready to make a few new ones. For event details, visit montecitoassociation.org/events/beautification or contact the Montecito Association at info@montecitoassociation.org or 805-969-2026. We look forward to seeing you on November 7. Let’s come together for ‘Our Village, Our Home!’

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29 October – 6 November 2026

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29 October – 6 November 2026

• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

Your Westmont

Generosity Serves Up New Tennis Complex by Scott Craig, photos by Brad Elliott

estmont celebrated a landmark moment for its athletic program with the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the brand-new Boersma Tennis Complex. The facility stands as a testament to years of vision, generosity, and commitment to student-athlete excellence. “For our tennis teams, this facility represents a significant step forward,” said Robert Ruiz, director of athletics. “It gives our student-athletes and coaches a place to prepare, connect and build the daily habits to sustain a strong program. It also sends a meaningful message: We believe in you. We value your experience, and we’re committed to helping you grow.” Head Men’s Tennis Coach Chris Elwood reflected on the program’s journey from its modest past, from memories around an old court shed, to the world-class complex now standing on campus. “On behalf of the tennis team, we are most grateful for your support and are

thrilled that this moment has arrived,” Elwood said. “Creating memories, community building and commitment to home – these three intertwining visions come to mind. This facility is one we will take pride in, take care of, share with others, and defend with our rackets to the best of our ability. It is our new home.” Lead donor and Westmont alumnus Ed Boersma (’85) spoke warmly about his personal connection to the college, where he met lifelong friends and his wife, Betsy (’87). “This project, which has spent many years in the development process from concept to completion, is well worth the wait,” Boersma shared. “Westmont played a pivotal role in my Christian journey, and so it’s been a joy and a privilege to be a part of the support and effort for this top-quality facility that will be enjoyed by student-athletes and the Westmont community for many decades to come.” Senior women’s tennis team captain Avala Elwood expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of all the student-athletes. “We love our new facility,” Elwood

President Gayle D. Beebe and Ed Boersma

complex on the college’s mission and student character. “This is a distinguishing landmark on campus and has elevated the tennis program,” Beebe said. “I am grateful for the Boersmas’ generosity, thankful to God that competitive athletes exist and that through competitive integrity we learn

said. “These courts have been the setting for numerous wonderful moments throughout my life, and the place where friendships were formed with teammates through a shared pursuit of faithful excellence. I’m so excited for our current teams and future Warriors to get to enjoy this facility.” Westmont President Gayle D. Beebe emphasized the broader impact of the

Westmont Page 414 414

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29 October – 6 November 2026

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29 October – 6 November 2026

• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

On Entertainment

Bite Into Ballet This Halloween by Steven Libowitz

arely three years into her tenure as Artistic Director of State Street Ballet, Megan Philipp, along with Executive Director Cecily MacDougall, has put together one of the more ambitious programs in the company’s history to open the 2025-26 season. Not only is Dracula, a dark shadow a world premiere, it also involves a new choreographer for the company in Nicolas Blanc in his first full-length work, and his first since leaving his 15-year residency with Joffrey Ballet. To top it off, SSB managed to snag the Kronos Quartet to perform composer Philip Glass’ score of the classic 1931 film written in 1998 in advance of its DVD release, and they’ll be appearing live on stage for both performances at the Granada October 30-31. “I’ve been trying to figure out a project to get Nicolas Blanc out here for quite some time,” explained Philipp. “We’d booked Halloween weekend at the Granada and wanted something of that ilk. When we came up with Dracula after hearing the score, everybody jumped on board right away, including the Kronos who were very excited. It all came together.” Everything takes its cues from the minimalism of Philip Glass’s score, including the set design and costumes (Kronos will don them, too). Blanc said he found the concept of having the score in place before creating the choreography wasn’t actually a limit on his imagination. “No, it was very appealing,” he said after a rehearsal last week. “Seventy minutes is pretty short, but it’s enough time to narrate a story, although it’s a very condensed version and not all of the characters of the book or movie are on stage.” Blanc said he was able to employ his developing choreographic style – which locals may already have seen via pieces that the Joffrey Ballet has performed at the Granada under the auspices of UCSB Arts & Lectures – to create the mood, the emotions, and the passion of Dracula.

“It all has a base in the canon of ballet, but I move away from that to something that is far more gestural and theatrical,” he said. That’s essential for a story as dramatic as this one. “It’s told through expression, not a lot of mime the way we know it, but through the quality of movement,” Blanc said. “Body language is how Dracula seduces Mina or Lucy, and even Jonathan Harker. My task as a choreographer is to come up with movements for the dancers that are provocative, or sensual, or fearful when the moment requires it.” Choreographing for the Joffrey, one of the world’s great companies, and as a guest for San Francisco Ballet and New York City Ballets, Blanc might have been wondering if the SSB dancers were up for his challenging choreography. No problem. The world premiere of Dracula, a dark shadow “What’s been wonderful is that they are takes place at the Granada on October 30-31 very, very committed to embracing my (courtesy photo) style,” he said. “They’ve taken on portraying the characters and communicating their emotions through movement. They are a very talented bunch of dancers. To be honest with you, I wasn’t sure that they would rise to the challenge, but they are fantastic.” Philipp said that was precisely the point of engaging Blanc. “It’s very difficult choreography, with characters that are more complicated and darker than anything we’ve done before,” she said. “This is a whole other world of sophistication. But the dancers are all really stepping up and thriving.” Despite having the time limitations, Blanc also added some aspects to the story, creating characters of undead souls, and fashioning a ballroom scene to get all of SSB’s dancers involved on stage at once. “Since the Kronos Quartet is on stage, the ballroom is taking place at Lucy’s mansion where the Kronos Quartet are actually the musicians playing. The Kronos are also going beyond the written score to create sound design to enhance the production,” Blanc said. “They’re working on using their instrument to produce the sound of the creaking of a door or the wind blowing.” Blanc also had a hand in the set design to be both minimalist to mirror the music, and adding contemporary aspects against very 19th century costumes, he said. “I love that contrast,” he said. Despite the drama of the Dracula story, State Street’s production is actually meant for the whole family to enjoy, with a recommended minimum age of just 7. “It’s not so much blood and guts and bats flying around,” Blanc said. “It’s focused on a strong romantic and psychological quality. People are fascinated by what’s mysterious, by what’s unknown, and the concepts of good and evil. But they’re not going to jump out of their seats with fear.” When the curtain closes after the final performance of Dracula, a dark shadow on Halloween, it won’t be the last we see of Blanc’s work in town this season. That’s

Entertainment Page 344 344

22 Montecito JOURNAL

“The vote is the emblem of your equality, women of America, the guarantee of your liberty.” – Carrie Chapman Catt

29 October – 6 November 2026

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29 October – 6 November 2026

• Voice of theVillage •

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Montecito JOURNAL

Sponsored by The Robert S Guttman Family Charitable Fund

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24 Montecito JOURNAL

Filming frenzy… Bill Davidson on location filming around the globe (courtesy photo)

by Lisa Duncan

“H

e’s all jacked up, ready to go!” Landscape painter Bill Davidson wasn’t describing an overenthusiastic art student. He was facing a Sierra Nevada black bear that had demolished a student’s cooler, scattered her painting equipment and consumed two caffeinated energy drinks. Missing part of a hind paw and having knocked over the student’s tripod, the bear inspired Davidson’s fitting nickname: “TriPaw.” It stared at him from about 25 feet away, apparently in no hurry to leave while there was still hope of more snacks. “I attract the bears,” he laughed. Fortunately, the acclaimed Monterey-based artist’s next appearance promises fewer encounters with wildlife and a rare treat for Montecito art lovers. Davidson is coming to the Music Academy of the West, October 30-31, to judge Sea to Summit, the annual exhibition of Southern California Artists Painting for the Environment (SCAPE), and to demonstrate how he transforms a blank canvas into a landscape painting. His visit has a purpose beyond artistic inspiration. The exhibition benefits the More Mesa Preservation Coalition, which is working with the Trust for Public Land and Santa Barbara’s Environmental Defense Center to acquire and protect 265 acres of coastal open space now for sale. The 170 new paintings from local painters, including scenes of More Mesa, will be offered, with a portion of sales supporting preservation. “There’s nothing better than being out in beauty,” Davidson said. His richly colored oils capture turquoise surf beneath rugged cliffs and golden poppies spilling toward the Pacific. But his wanderings also take him inland: he recently led a group of artists into the Sierra Nevada to paint autumn aspens, mountain streams, and waterfalls. He has taught in the Grand Tetons and around the world, designing workshops as experiences rather than conventional classes. “We’ll plein air paint for four days and eat and drink and have an adventure,” he said. TriPaw certainly delivered on the last part. Back home in Monterey, workshop students share dinners and sometimes karaoke. Two doctors once declared they wouldn’t sing; by evening’s end, Davidson could scarcely reclaim the microphones. Such exuberance might seem an unlikely second act for someone who spent 25 years as a trial lawyer in Atlanta. During his final five years in law, he took up painting and attended his first workshop. “I can teach way better than this. I just need to learn how to paint well,” he remembers thinking. Jury trial work had taught him to explain complicated ideas simply. He brought that same clarity to painting, making complex techniques easier for students to understand. He studied, practiced, and developed an approach built around the underlying structure of a painting: composition, shapes, and values. Today, the award-winning artist is a signature member of Oil Painters of America, the American Impressionist Society, and Laguna Plein Air Painters. His larger philosophy, however, is about much more than technique. In his essay “The Un Van Gogh-ish Art Journey,” Davidson rejects the tortured-artist myth in favor of a simple prescription: “Make a life that makes you alive.” “The better you feel about yourself, and the more fun you put into it, the faster

“Someone struggled for your right to vote. Use it.” – Susan B. Anthony (attribution uncertain)

Sea SCAPE Page 394 394

29 October – 6 November 2026

• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

Suitcases (Continued from 5)

Each object – from the personal to the mundane – tells something of the suitcase’s owner (photo by Jon Crispin)

the railroad tracks, and trips to purchase newspapers that he would then resell. He was fascinated by railroads and had compiled an alphabetical list of railroad stations across the United States. The entries offered something that official institutional records rarely provide. A sense of the daily routines, interests, and ambitions of an individual who happened to live at Willard. Crispin is careful about how those lives are portrayed. While psychiatric institutions have a complicated history, including serious abuses and people who should never have been confined, he resists the temptation to characterize every experience as identical. Some residents worked, traveled into nearby communities, and maintained interests beyond the institution. Many staff members cared deeply about the people living there. The photographs offer no convenient verdict. They ask viewers to consider the individual people themselves.

working with a single case and immediately recognized that the undertaking would require considerably more time. Two successful Kickstarter campaigns helped fund the work, supplemented by his freelance income. Over the next six years, he photographed each suitcase and their contents, creating an intimate record of people whose identities had largely been reduced to their time inside a psychiatric institution.

Personal Effects

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26 Montecito JOURNAL

The earliest suitcases date to around 1910 or 1915, with others extending into the 1960s. Their contents provide a peculiar kind of autobiography, assembled without the owners ever intending to tell their stories to strangers. There were postcards from distant places, letters, family photographs, cosmetics, clothing, and everyday household objects. Some suitcases were carefully packed. Others contained very little. Each offered a different set of clues about the person who had carried it. Crispin has a particular affection for ephemera, those modest objects that capture a moment in time before slipping out of fashion or use. One discovery nearly derailed his professional composure. Among the possessions was a Westclox Big Ben metal alarm clock, still in its original box, with its little dials intact. It even worked. Crispin found it irresistible. “I spent way too much time photographing it,” he admits, before realizing that the purpose of the project was not to assemble a personal antique wish list. Other discoveries were less amusing and considerably more affecting. One resident had kept a diary documenting the ordinary business of daily life. Breakfast, cigarettes, walks along

Behind the Camera One suitcase struck Crispin with particular force. Its owner had been a photographer who also had epilepsy. He had previously lived at an institution serving people with developmental disabilities and epilepsy, where he was asked to take photographs. When he insisted on being paid for his work, he was transferred to Willard. Among his possessions was his photographic equipment. For Crispin, the connection was immediate and deeply personal. His own adult son has cerebral palsy, and earlier in his life had suffered epilepsy. Handling another photographer’s belongings brought the

Suitcases Page 284 284

29 October – 6 November 2026

Performing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

Nemanja Radulović & Double Sens

Terrace Martin

Wed, Nov 4 / 7 PM / Campbell Hall

Fri, Nov 6 / 7:30 PM / Campbell Hall

“Remarkable technical command – flawless intonation and crisp articulation at any tempo.” The Classical Review

“One of the most talented, accomplished and respected musicians in hip-hop and jazz.” NPR

Min Jin Lee American Hagwon

Doug Varone and Dancers

Thu, Nov 12 / 7:30 PM / Campbell Hall

Sat, Nov 14 / 2 PM & 7 PM / Lobero Theatre

“Lee’s gift is her ability to write sweeping, magisterial books that take on ponderous political themes… and to make their unhurried quiet intrigues read like thrillers.” The New Yorker

“Varone’s ability to convey depths of emotion through highly charged, physically exciting choreography has made him a rarity among his generation.” The New York Times

Visit our website to view the full 2026-2027 lineup 29 October – 6 November 2026

(805) 893-3535 | www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu Granada event tickets can also be purchased at: (805) 899-2222 | www.GranadaSB.org

• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

Suitcases (Continued from 26 26))

The clock that caught Jon’s eye (photo by Jon Crispin)

history of institutionalization uncomfortably close to home. Here was someone with a familiar creative passion, someone who understood the value of his work and wanted to be compensated for it. Yet a medical condition had helped determine the course of his life. Such encounters gradually changed Crispin’s understanding of mental illness and the people living with it. The objects made their owners difficult to dismiss as anonymous patients or historical statistics. They had hobbies. They had opinions. They bought things they liked. They took photographs and saved postcards. They owned alarm clocks. In other words, they were people. That recognition has extended beyond the photographs. Crispin has heard from families searching for information about relatives who lived at Willard, and he has helped connect some with burial locations at the institution’s cemetery. The project has become a point of contact between families and histories that were often difficult to access.

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He also hopes it encourages conversations about contemporary mental health care and the ways society responds to people who struggle. “I put my photographs up on a wall, and I just hope it gets people talking about not only what was going on then but also what’s going on now, and how our society and culture deal with this issue of people who are, you know, struggling to fit in.”

The photographs have also inspired other artists to imagine the lives behind the luggage. Composer Julianne Wick Davis created a musical song cycle based on the collection, first performed in 2019. A British choreographer developed a dance work exploring the experiences of several Willard residents. Crispin welcomes these interpretations when they approach the material with respect. He is considerably less enthusiastic about attempts to sensationalize the institution through ghost stories and paranormal speculation.

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Zach Rosen is the Managing Editor of the Montecito Journal. He also enjoys working with beer, art, and life.

Unpacking the Stories

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The attention belongs to the people who packed those suitcases. There is an interesting contradiction in photographing personal belongings. The objects are ordinary, often inexpensive, and sometimes nearly meaningless without their owners. Yet arranged together, they become unmistakably individual. A camera, a diary, a postcard, an alarm clock. A toothpick worthy of its own archival bag. Four hundred suitcases filled with the small evidence of lives lived. And thanks to one curator with a truck and one photographer willing to spend six years unpacking this luggage, a few hundred stories that have not quite reached their final destination.

There is enough humanity in the suitcases without inventing hauntings. That humanity is what connects The Willard Suitcases to New Beginnings, the Santa Barbara nonprofit providing mental health counseling, housing assistance, and other services to community members in need. The organization has incorporated Crispin’s exhibition into its 2026 annual benefit, using the arts to encourage understanding of mental health and the people affected by it. Although the benefit gala has sold out, the photographic exhibition at Art & Soul Gallery offers the public an opportunity to experience the project. The gallery will host the exhibition November 4-8, with regular public hours Thursday through Sunday from noon to 5 pm. Sponsors will also attend a November 8 luncheon at The Grand on State, featuring musical selections from The Willard Suitcases. A full theatrical production is planned for fall 2027. For Crispin, the artistic response to his photographs has been gratifying, particularly because the project was never intended as a vehicle for promoting himself.

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The Giving List New Beginnings by Steven Libowitz

ew Beginnings Executive Director Kristine Schwarz doesn’t imagine that her recent difficulties with navigating the health care system come close to those of the nonprofit’s clientele, whose roadblocks to accessing care are just one of the challenges they face. In fact, that her experiences bore an eerie resemblance to one of the New Beginnings’ clients only increased her concern and dedication to making sure they get the help they need. After her recent hip replacement surgery, Schwarz encountered one snafu after another. Physical therapy wasn’t arranged as expected. In-home nursing visits didn’t line up with the timing for getting her bandages promptly changed and cared for. There were medication errors and efforts to sell her equipment she didn’t need, she recalled. “It was very different from when I had the other hip replaced a decade ago,” Schwarz said. “I have good insurance, I have a support network, and I can’t tell you how much I had to aggres-

sively advocate for myself to get the treatment that I needed. Every step of the way, people either didn’t show up, or even schedule a time. Medications were wrong. I thought to myself, ‘Wow, this really is a reminder for me of how important our services are for our clients because they don’t have the resources that I have, they don’t have the training and the skills and the experience that I have with more than 25 years in mental health and social work.’” The contrast was stark. “I know how to ask for help. Most of our clients don’t know who to call,” Schwarz says. “They wouldn’t know that they could call.” Indeed, New Beginnings has been serving low-income members of the community for more than 50 years providing counseling services and, more recently, help with safe housing, and access to care and case management, including for those living in vehicles or on the street. Such was the case with a recent client Schwarz recalls whose situation – a nurse who needed follow-up care after major surgery -- resembled Schwarz’s own, but

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for one crucial element; the client was living in her vehicle and a change in her insurance coverage had left her unable to access the local services she needed. “She’d just had major surgery and shouldn’t be recuperating in a vehicle, but there were no medical beds at one of the shelters, so they just discharged and that was that,” Schwarz said. Despite the client’s own professional nursing background, she’d become overwhelmed by her situation. New Beginnings staff identified the insurance issue, worked to change her coverage and connected her with a skilled nursing facility. “This is what we do every day, troubleshooting constantly and working to get problems solved,” Schwarz said. “We keep working until arrangements are done. The organization’s multidisciplinary team includes expertise in nursing, behavioral health, addiction, aging, employment and benefits. That range reflects how often a person’s needs overlap – securing housing may be inseparable from obtaining medical care, resolving a benefits problem, or finding support for a mental health condition – interlocking issues that don’t fit neatly inside a typical nonprofit’s approach. “Not only do we advocate for people, but we bring those services to them in their home,” Schwarz said. “We have an expansive number of projects and programs within the agency now including having staff out in the field, even working with people and bringing these types of services to them on the street. We have rapid rehousing and prevention and of course our in-house counseling center, which has a sliding scale that goes down to $1 or even just a quarter, if necessary.” Among the roadblocks for clients that New Beginnings addresses are the obstacle of waiting for services. Some clients face appointments for care many months away, even as their circumstances grow more precarious. The nonprofit’s relationships with local providers often is able to cut through the red tape to get people seen sooner, so the situation doesn’t worsen while an appointment, referral or decision remains pending. “We’re always thinking, ‘What can we do? Who can we call? How can we work it? Where do we take them?’” Repeatedly being dismissed or postponed can also change what people expect from the systems around them. Some clients become accustomed to accepting that help is unavailable, Schwarz says. Advocacy means continuing to pursue options when someone no longer believes there are any. Which brings us to New Beginnings’ 2026 Annual Benefit Gala, featuring The Willard Suitcases, a powerful exhibition by acclaimed photographer Jon Crispin that will be on display at Art & Soul Gallery in Santa Barbara November

“There never will be complete equality until women themselves help to make laws and elect lawmakers.” – Susan B. Anthony

New Beginnings has been serving low-income members of the community for more than 50 years (courtesy photo)

4-8. Highlighting the significant need for affordable mental health services, the exhibit features the 1995 discovery of over 400 suitcases in the attic of The Willard Psychiatric Center in upstate New York, when the institution was closing after 100 years. The suitcases had been stored since patients’ arrival, and Crispin’s photos of the contents reflect their stories in emotionally powerful ways that run from funny to strange and tragic, all with attention on humanity. Art & Soul is open to the public Thursday-Sunday afternoons, while Gala sponsors will enjoy a private event at the gallery and a luncheon on Sunday, November 8, at The Grand on State a block away where they will catch a special sneak peek of The Willard Suitcases musical that New Beginnings will present in fall 2027, including live performances of songs from the production. “Back then people were hospitalized for anxiety and depression, menopause and hysteria – all illnesses and diagnoses that today could easily be treated with therapy and or medication,” Schwarz said. “But they were put away because people didn’t know what else to do with them. Today, we have a lot of people who are dealing with a lot of the same types of issues in addition to poverty, which is where community support becomes essential.” The Willard Suitcases presentation is part of the nonprofit’s tradition of turning to the arts for telling compelling stories to connect the community to their work. “Narrative and story really help people understand the population that we work with in a context that’s not so preachy in your face,” Schwarz said. “It’s more relatable to the average person. The feedback that we get every year from people is tremendous. They come up to me and say, ‘Oh, now I get it.’” Visit https://sbnbcc.org for more information

29 October – 6 November 2026

FROM LOCAL WATERS TO GLOBAL CHANGE: PROTECTING OUR OCEAN AND PLANET NOVEMBER 12 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

SANTA BARBARA MARITIME MUSEUM AT 113 HARBOR WAY, SUITE 190 Join us on Thursday, November 12th, for an evening with The Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area, ClientEarth USA and The Redford Center. Enjoy a thought-provoking panel exploring the health of our oceans and hear how our panelists are working to protect and advocate for marine life. The Redford Center will be showing an exclusive segment from the film A Life Illuminated, and the Whale Heritage Area Foundation will also screen a clip from their new film Whales in a Changing Ocean. After the panel, join us for a sunset reception with light bites, drinks and live music outside of the museum overlooking the harbor. PLEASE RSVP BY NOVEMBER 6TH TICKETS: $10 FOR SBMM MEMBERS AND $15 FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC. FOR RESERVATIONS, EMAIL RESERVATIONS@SBMM.ORG, OR CALL (805) 456-8750 OR:

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29 October – 6 November 2026

• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

Society Edit (Continued from 14 14)) has worked in Ghana, Honduras, the Philippines, and Guatemala, where she helped lead a Travel to Teach program. Dr. Agarwal is active in the SEE Global Network, where she often speaks in its live lecture series and helps other volunteers find resources and get involved. Upon receiving her award, she said, “It is a privilege to be a part of the SEE family and the shared endeavor to reduce blindness worldwide. With this badge of honor, I hope to continue to develop international partnerships that share our goal of implementing and maintaining ethical, accessible, and self-sustainable eye care. Being a humanitarian is not only about volunteering time and donating money and materials. It is about staying true to my ethics and morals while empowering those I am helping to have the confidence to do the same.” Chowins has worked at SEE International since 2023 to ensure continuity of care for SEE Vision Care patients, including opening his SLO Noor Clinic during a provider transition and providing ongoing support during staffing shortages. He also connected SEE’s program to VSP Eyes of Hope, leading to a significant partnership that brought expanded vision services to North County Santa Barbara in August 2026. Bell added, “[Chowins] dedicated service to the people of Nuevo Progresso, Guatemala, with the Hospital de la Familia. Dr. Chowins’ commitment to serving underserved communities, both locally and internationally, exemplifies true humanitarianism.” Chowins on receiving the award, “In working with SEE regionally providing free eye exams and glasses to

Letters (Continued from 10 10)) those in need, and internationally as SEE supports a charity regional eye hospital in rural Guatemala, it has been a pleasure to host several SEE staff members at this hospital and to learn about the monumental work that SEE does all over the world. To be recognized by this revered group is an immensely proud moment of my life and career.” Since 1993, Dr. Young has partnered with SEE Vision Care through his private practice, supporting its mission to provide care to underserved patients weekly, where he is known across North County for his kind spirit and exceptional patient care. After retiring from private practice in 2023, he continued his commitment to service by joining SEE’s partner SAVIE Health in 2024, where he continues to provide vision care to patients today. Dr. Young commented that, “My ten-year association with SEE has been nothing but wonderful, and inspirational. I want to thank all those who have made this possible: My office staff, all the doctors at the Shepard Eye Center and California Retina to whom I have referred patients, as well as the SEE Vision Care and SAVIE Health staff. And thank you to all the SEE patients. They have been very gracious, considerate, and are the most appreciative patients that I’ve ever had. They have made everyone’s efforts to give the gift of sight so rewarding.” Donors attending the event included Brent and Sue Anderson, Keith Moore, Mark Cooper, and Ellie Smith, joined with SEE International Board members including Board Chair Scott Groff, Wright Watling, and Travis Morrow.

these points will help ensure the District chooses the most fiscally responsible and operationally sound strategy for our community. Thank you for your time and collaboration on this matter. Sincerely, Dorinne Lee Johnson Montecito Sanitary District Board of Directors and Treasurer SB LAFCO Commissioner

the Southland agreement in 2025 without a comparative review of other available proposals, such as the alternatives developed by ENGIE in 2023 to 2025. Did the District receive written or oral proposals from both Southland and ENGIE (or other potential bidders)? Why was the Finance Oversight Committee provided only the unsigned Southland agreement in 2025, without information on ENGIE’s negotiations, proposal or alternatives?

MSD Plans

Timeline of alternative assessments: The evaluation of the Santa Barbara alternative option was delayed for more than six months, and it remains unclear what specific project scopes, authorization dates, or additional costs influenced this timeline.

Since a neighbor shared her political opinion with the Butterfly Beach Association list, I felt compelled to research the topic and share an unbiased perspective as a fellow neighbor. I have no conflict of interest with the Montecito Sanitary District (MSD), nor did I ever expect to be researching how our local wastewater is treated. However, MSD’s operations do affect us all. They impact our local neighborhood where the plant and pipes are located, as well as the water quality at our beaches, particularly Butterfly Beach. And, of course, we are all affected by the costs being passed to us customers. The current plant on Monte Cristo was built in 1961 and expanded in 1981. I thought this would be just another side of the issue, but what I discovered was surprisingly interesting. Currently, there are two main perspectives on this issue: (1) Incumbents want to build a new plant at its current location, still without recycled water and (2) The challengers (Montecito Clean Water Group) want to connect Montecito sewage lines to Santa Barbara’s El Estero Resource Center plant.

Deliverables and expenditure tracking: With approximately $1.7 million allocated to the Southland study agreement, the District needs a clear summary of amounts paid, outstanding engineering drawings, and finalized deadlines to ensure a comprehensive presentation can be made to the full Board. The Southland agreement commencement/start date was September 10, 2025. The Board received draft materials of Southland’s agreement shortly before its April 22, 2026 meeting—nearly seven months after the start time of the agreement. The expiration date of the Southland contract date is July 31, 2027. At that time, is it the intention of MSD management and/or the ad hoc to add a new build, no bid extension to the Southland agreement to construct whatever specs Southland has developed in its first twenty-two months (a seeming conflict of interest)? This request seeks clarification of procurement, compliance, transparency, and any potential ethical or conflict-of-interest concerns. A thorough review of

New Montecito Plant Option: Montecito already has the highest

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“The right to vote is the crown jewel of American liberties.” – Ronald Reagan

29 October – 6 November 2026

FREE copies of Sea Change will be available while supplies last (pick up at event, one per household)

Rana Foroohar

Les Arts Florissants

Sea Change: America’s New Great Game in the Arctic Circle

The Magic of Monteverdi

Thu, Nov 19 / 7:30 PM / Campbell Hall

William Christie and Paul Agnew, Directors

Sun, Nov 15 / 4 PM / Lobero Theatre “Astonishingly beautiful… wonderful sensuousness of tone and rhythmic precision.” The Guardian (U.K.)

“Rana Foroohar has an uncanny ability to sense seismic shifts in economics and politics before the rest of us.” – Evan Osnos, The New Yorker staff writer and National Book Award winner

Sankai Juku

Meow Meow

TOTEM: Void and Height Direction, Choreography and Design by Ushio Amagatsu

Feline Festive

Fri, Nov 20 / 7:30 PM / Granada Theatre Unfolding through acclaimed Butoh company Sankai Juku’s signature blend of sculptural movement, visual precision and hypnotic stillness, TOTEM stands as the culminating statement of one of contemporary dance’s most influential visionaries.

Visit our website to view the full 2026-2027 lineup 29 October – 6 November 2026

Tue, Dec 1 / 7:30 PM / Lobero Theatre “Meow Meow delivers repeatedly in a packed program of comedy, absurdity, and mesmerising gratuitous talent.” Australian Stage

(805) 893-3535 | www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu Granada event tickets can also be purchased at: (805) 899-2222 | www.GranadaSB.org Lobero event tickets can also be purchased at Lobero.org • Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

Entertainment (Continued from 22 22)) because the Joffrey will perform two of his more recent pieces during their two days at the Granada in February. Meanwhile, Blanc hopes Dracula is merely the beginning of his association with SSB. “They’re growing as a company and it’s very exciting,” he said. “I think that in a few years State Street will rise significantly in national stature. I want to be a part of that.”

Selah Sorcières State Street isn’t the only local dance company hearing the call of vampires for Halloween weekend programming. Selah Dance Collective and Novus Contemporary Ballet – both run by Meredith Ventura – present Sorcière X Carmilla, a haunting double bill exploring witchcraft, desire, power, and “the dangerous women who refuse to remain contained.” Both Sorcière, choreographed by Chloé Roberts, and Carmilla, created by Ventura and Angelia Lane, were inspired by the Gothic imagination and its enduring fascination with women who exist beyond the boundaries of acceptable femininity, Ventura said in a press release.

The Novus Contemporary Ballet performs with Selah Dance Collective at Center Stage Theater from October 30 - November 1 (courtesy photo)

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Sorcière – French for “witch” – employs visceral contemporary movement to consider the histories, myths and fears projected onto women whose knowledge, bodies, and power resist social control, with the concept of a witch as not simply as a supernatural figure but an embodiment of transformation, rebellion, and feminine agency. Carmilla, which has its premiere at the shows at Center Stage Theater October 30-November 1, is a one-act inspired by Sheridan Le Fanu’s groundbreaking 1872 Gothic novella about a mysterious female vampire and her increasingly intimate relationship with a young woman, which was published more than two decades before Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The ballet sets to choreography one of literature’s earliest female vampires, whose mysterious and seductive qualities are inseparable from the story’s undercurrents of queer desire. Visit https://centerstagetheater.org

Focus on Film: Two Biggies this Week Just like Chanukah, the Festival of Lights that this year takes place starting early next month, the Santa Barbara Jewish Film Festival lasts for eight days, at least in its new format of expanded programming. But there are no miracles involved. The SBJFF has been growing since its founding years ago by Barbara Greenleaf, who will be honored at a VIP reception on opening night as part of the fest’s 18 programs featuring world-class international and independent documentaries, dramas, comedies, and shorts from Israel, Europe, Canada, and the U.S., plus filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, live performances, The festival celebrates the power of storytelling over a wide span of genres, with most of the movies never having been previously shown in Santa Barbara, save for one of the closing night screenings, the locally-produced Relatively Normal. The film premiered at SBIFF 2026, and features a talkback with filmmakers Amy Wendel, Jill Levinson, and Allison Chase Coleman moderated by Cheri Steinkellner following the screening. Among other titles screening during the November 1-8 festival are My Underground Mother, Nuremberg 45, For the Love of a Woman, Book of Ruth, UNraveling UNRWA, The Long Journey Home, and Bella, plus shorts programs and more. Two documentaries may be of special interest, including We Met at Grossinger’s, a feature-length

Entertainment Page 394 394

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Montecito JOURNAL

Celebrating History

The Concerto Întimo at the Covarrubias by Hattie Beresford

n Thursday, October 15, a blistering red sky slowly faded to lapis and released the suffocating heat of the day, and the scene at the Covarrubias Adobe came alive. Soft amber lights painted the adobe walls and spread out into the courtyard where the fountain splashed and the air freshened. Guests for that night’s Concerto Íntimo began to gather for a jazz program by the Antonio Artese Trio. A distinguished figure in the international music scene, Artese is a pianist and composer who likes to “versify in jazz and classical music.” Emiliano Lasansky (bass) provided the harmonic foundations and the lead at times while Christian Euman (drums) locked in the pulse and expertly accented the tunes, many of them original compositions by Artese. It was a magical evening of unique and lovely music in the tranquil ambiance of the Santa Barbara Historical Museum’s ancient adobes. And what an amazing musical year it has been so far at the Santa Barbara

Historical Museum. From the bouncing, cheerful rhythms and colorful costumes of folklorico to the sensuous beat of flamenco as sloe-eyed dancers swept the stage in thrilling leaps of twirling shawls, the beautiful courtyard of the museum has reverberated with Euterpean and Terpsichorean delight. Mezcal Martini cha-cha-ed in for Hispanic Heritage Month and played a salsa/cumbia inspired program for First Thursday and everyone took to the floor. It being First Thursday and a special occasion, the concert and dance was free! For Independence Day (celebrated on July 1 at the museum), the place rocked with the Doublewide Kings who were clearly born on the “Fourth of July.” Accompanying the music and dancing was a special pop-up exhibit that showcased historic Independence Day memories through photographs recently acquired through the purchase of the New-Press archives. Thanks to the efforts of museum, Santa Barbara’s history, in image and word, is being preserved for future generations. The dance and concert was a benefit for this expensive and labor-intensive enterprise of preservation.

The Antonio Artese Trio plucking a tune for First Thursday

stories of the year from her book, Way Back When: Santa Barbara in 1926. For more dance and music, the next Flamenco Íntimo performance will feature a program of exciting and sultry flamenco at the Covarrubias Adobe on November 15. And a word of bounteous thanks to the museum for the many years of allowing Montecito Journal to use images from its incredible photograph and document collections for the “Way It Was” series. Information about the museum, its events, exhibitions, and online archives can be accessed at the link below.

And there’s more to come. Next Thursday, November 5, from 5 pm to 8 pm, wine and music will again be available in the courtyard and beautiful antique shawls will be on display in the Arte de los Mantones exhibition. And if you’ve never heard the story of the Saint who gave Santa Barbara its name nor our town’s celebration of her, there’s also The Story of Santa Barbara exhibit. For more storytelling, on November 4, Betsy J. Green will give a talk on the 1926 New Year’s Eve party at the Carrillo Hotel (now deceased and reincarnated as the Canary Hotel) and all the best

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The Doublewide Kings celebrating Independence at the museum (photo by Fritz Olenberger)

36 Montecito JOURNAL

“A man without a vote is a man without protection.” – Lyndon B. Johnson

29 October – 6 November 2026

Letters (Continued from 32 32)) Sewage Treatment costs in the area. Plus, substantial increases are on the way. There will be a 14% increase on top of those rates going into effect this year and another 14% increase has been approved by the MSD board for each of the next four years. A consultant was hired for $1.7 Million last year to provide the proposed new plant’s design, but that project isn’t due to be completed until 2027. So the cost to build a new plant has not yet been established. But what the project doesn’t seem to include is replacement/extension of the discharge pipe in front of Butterfly Beach or any recycling of water. The current MSD treatment facility uses an 18” cast iron pipe installed over 60 years ago to discharge treated wastewater 1,500 feet off the coast of Butterfly Beach at a depth of about 35 feet. Given its age and material, there are concerns regarding the structural integrity of this pipe. Discharge may not even be making it to the end of the pipe considering the likelihood of cast iron pipe deterioration in salt water. Notably, the discharge pipe replacement is not part of the new facility cost and I haven’t seen any discussion of it or cost estimates. Connect to Santa Barbara El Estero sanitation facility: The Montecito Clean Water group says they have a better idea with a much lower price tag. Let’s pipe the sewage to Santa Barbara’s El Estero plant where they have excess capacity anyway. Since Coast Village Road is already connected to El Estero, it may be possible to tap into that system with about a mile of new pipe, pump station and storage to allow for nighttime pumping to the city’s facilities. The El Estero discharge pipe stretches over five times longer into the ocean and over twice as deep to provide safer and cleaner beach conditions. It also provides recycled water for outdoor use at parks, schools, the zoo, golf courses, homeowner associations and construction projects for dust control. The discharge through the city’s 42” outfall pipe is treated to secondary standards as is MSD. The MSD track record, however, has been spotty at best. For example, MSD has been fined for serious effluent violations and as recently as April of 2026, MSD test samples exceeded coliform levels by 700%. These violations and probably others have occurred without any public notice that I am aware of. Heal the Ocean agrees that consolidating sewage treatment to one main system in Santa Barbara has many environmental advantages. City of L.A. Sanitation serves 29 neighboring cities and agencies besides L.A. City itself. Each area/city doesn’t need its own treatment plant, but they still maintain their respective sanitation department 29 October – 6 November 2026

for important tasks of sewer collection and flow management. Below is a link to learn more, and attached is a summary flyer that compares plans. I have not been able to find fault with the comparison. After doing the work to dig into the MSD election, I am favoring The Montecito Clean Water group of Floyd Wicks, Chris Francis, and Woody Barrett. Do your research and be sure to vote. www.montecitocleanwater.com Best regards, John Sanford, Montecito Resident

Strong Recommendation The Eric Friedman described in the MJ endorsement of its chosen candidate for Santa Barbara Mayor is unrecognizable to me. “Cautious.” A “technocrat.” “Compromised.” The MJ is right that it takes a special person to lead successfully as Mayor in a “weak Mayor” system like Santa Barbara’s. I’ve watched Eric Friedman lead on our City Council and its Finance Committee for nine years. He is smart, kind, deliberate (and funny!). He says what he means and he means what he says. He has the highest integrity. And he listens and learns and focuses on solving problems, rather than using the Council as a platform for partisan political pontification. I strongly recommend a vote for Eric Friedman for Santa Barbara Mayor. Ken Saxon

In Support of Devon Wardlow I am a full-time resident of District 4 and am active in our community in a number of ways. In addition to having been in a leadership role in the Newcomers, I serve on the Riviera Association Board of Directors, as the Captain of the Mission Ridge Firewise Committee, as a Co-Caption for a Giving Circle or the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara, and regularly volunteer at a number of nonprofits including Transition House. All comments are personal and do not reflect my affiliation with any organization or party. While there are other good candidates for the District 4 Council, Devon Wardlow is by far the most qualified to handle the challenges that our community faces. Her five-year track record on the planning commission, including as chair, gives her the hands on experience that we need. Devon’s experience in working with cities and counties helping to craft public policies is an enormous asset and will help her to hit the ground running rather than learning on the job like some of the other candidates. She is fluent in the issues

that face our community including fire risk, housing affordability, economic development, and traffic safety. And, she has a track record of working across interest groups and building consensus. I love that this product of Santa Barbara has returned home after having served in a national role in the Obama administration and is so committed to helping our community thrive. I am troubled by some of the things that I am hearing from my neighbors about the misinformation that is being spread about Devon and her candidacy. While she has advocated for her employers, she is not a lobbyist and has a track record of working on the side of issues that favor residents. She does not work for Flock, a traffic surveillance company, but for a traffic safety company, Obvio. The record number of endorsements she has received from the SB County Democratic Party to the Sierra Club, the SB City Firefighters Association, Planned Parenthood and many current and elected officials with diverse views speaks to her depth of support. Thank you for your endorsement of Devon Wardlow. I believe that she will best serve both the residents of District 4 and our city as whole on the Santa Barbara City Council. Respectfully, Julie Chapman

Hey Montecito!!! Stop dumping wastewater off Butterfly Beach! Please support Barrett, Francis, & Wicks for the Montecito Sanitary Board. Ruston Slager

Speedy Solutions Several years ago a neighbor and I contacted City Councilman Eric Friedman on behalf of our homeowners association about the problem of cars speeding on Calle de Los Amigos. Eric immediately set up a meeting with appropriate persons on the city staff. He participated in the meeting and continued to monitor progress on our situation. Ultimately the city installed improved signage, two traffic islands, and newly painted pavement markings. The speeding problem has gotten better, although some people still drive too fast and probably always will. But we appreciated the way Eric Friedman responded quickly to our concern and worked seriously with us to find solutions. John Devereaux

No to Kristin Sneddon Kristin Sneddon is absolutely the wrong person for mayor. She is a principal architect of the harshest, most punitive and most destructive rent control system in the state of California. I have attended

• Voice of theVillage •

numerous City Council meetings and have observed that she does not listen to anyone who disagrees with her. She blithely agreed to eliminate the state exemption from rent control for single family homes (mostly owned by small landlords). She will continue to erode property rights if elected. If you want Santa Barbara to be the poster child for the destruction of an American city by rent control, then she is your candidate. If you want stability and progress, vote for Eric Friedman. Jay Hartz

Affordability Requires More Than Sympathy Affordability is on every candidate’s lips. I’m more interested in which policies they’re willing to change. California’s Legislative Analyst’s Office has identified barriers to homebuilding as a major contributor to high housing costs. We have spent years making homes difficult to build, then wondering why they’re difficult to afford. Carbajal supports buyer assistance and construction incentives. But I favor Bob Smith’s emphasis on expanding housing supply and examining additional land for development. I want more attention to what prevents homes from being built in the first place. Protecting the coast matters. So does allowing the people who work here to build a life here. The view is magnificent. The monthly payments are less photogenic. What good is an environmental utopian dream if no one can afford to sustain it? Nick Koonce

Right Mayor or Our Times My support for Eric Friedman started when I observed the skill he showed in running meetings. Discussions are constructive, opinions are respected, and decisions tend to be unanimous. As of late there has been serious division among the Council, at times even degenerating into name calling. Eric Friedman values consensus. But if that cannot be achieved, he can still move the agenda forward while being respectful of Council members who disagree. Eric Friedman thinks the funds have to be in place for the initiatives approved by the Council. At the New Vic debate, Ms. Sneddon said that if the City moves forward with a new initiative somehow the funding will follow. This type of spending is a good way to continue budget deficits and related problems. Eric knows the City needs to spend money on its aging infrastructure and take that into account when putting together the City’s budget. At this challenging time, he is the right leader for the City. Jeff Dinkin Montecito JOURNAL

Montecito Health Coach

The Unexpected Health Prescription: Why your Local Library is the Best Medicine by Deann Zampelli

n a world obsessed with biohacking, green juice cleanses, and specialized wellness routines, we often overlook one of the most powerful public health resources available to us. The public library. While we have traditionally viewed libraries as a place to check out books and see the occasional watercolor exhibition, modern public health research increasingly points to them as vital infrastructure for our mental, emotional, and cognitive well-being. This is more critical than ever. With the U.S. Surgeon General declaring loneliness a public health epidemic (with health risks compared to that of smoking) the library has evolved into a crucial prescription for social connection. Much of our daily life in modern society requires a financial transaction. Think about it. Meeting a friend? We gather in coffee shops, restaurants, or

fitness studios where our presence is contingent upon spending money. The library offers a rare, radical alternative: a public living room where you are welcome exactly as you are, for as long as you like, completely free of charge. Especially to those of us who love quiet, this has definitely been one of my happy places throughout my life. “I think one of the most important things libraries offer is a space where making connections is accessible to everyone,” says Brandon Beaudette, library director for the Santa Barbara Public Library system. “At a time when so much of daily life can feel transactional or increasingly isolated, libraries offer something different.” This non-transactional nature creates a unique sense of psychological safety. It allows the library to serve as what sociologists call a “third place” – somewhere that is neither home nor work, but essential to a healthy civic life and a grounded sense of self. It is also the great equalizer. Nobody is a higher-tiered member than

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I credit the library for fostering a genuine enthusiasm for reading in both of our children. When they were in preschool, I used to take them to what was then called ARF (Animals Reading=Fun). It was our weekly tradition, so much so that our kids had favorite dogs they would arrive early to get in line to read with. Priceless. Interacting with therapy animals has been scientifically proven to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and stimulate the release of oxytocin – the hormone associated with bonding and affection. For a child learning to read, Tallulah provides a non-judgmental, calming audience that transforms what might be a stressful learning curve into a joyful, health-boosting experience. But don’t expect a librarian (or anyone other than me) to shush you if you dare to speak out of turn. Apparently, that isn’t a thing anymore. And for those of you who might be noise sensitive like me, it can be a bit of a drag. I sometimes drop into the downtown branch for a change of scenery if I am struggling with my work. But I find that in their efforts to be more inclusive, they cannot have the same expectations of everyone in terms of maintaining the level of peace that we have historically come to expect. I asked Beaudette if I was a freak for being disappointed by this change, “I don’t think you’re an outlier at all. Wanting a quiet place to read, study, concentrate, or simply enjoy a book is a perfectly reasonable expectation of a public library. We do strive to be an accessible and inclusive library. That might mean making room for different needs and allowing our patrons to use spaces in different ways. Modern Libraries are also lively community spaces, so an expectation of ‘quiet’ may not always be what you will get in a library setting, especially in smaller branch spaces where there just isn’t the same amount of room for a ‘dedicated quiet space’.” Fair enough. Concerned about the welfare of these vital institutions, I asked our trusty library director what we can do to help. This is what we came up with.

another. Nobody is grading their muscle size or body fat against one another. The readers at the library probably don’t care what kind of car you drive. Loneliness does not discriminate by age, but it does manifest differently across our lifespans. Adults often find that making new friends outside of a workplace or structured environment is incredibly difficult. “It’s hard to make friends as an adult and social connection through events like story times, book clubs, cultural celebrations, technology classes, workforce development programs, and other activities can make that a little easier,” Beaudette notes. The health benefits of these programs ripple across generations. Raising young children can feel very isolating. The library’s early literacy and family programs – such as weekly story times like Baby & Me, bilingual Music & Movement, Explore Together, and LEGO Club – do more than just help children develop language, curiosity, creativity, and social skills. They give caregivers a vital space to connect, share experiences, and build support networks. “For teens, older adults, and people who live alone, the library can offer a sense of belonging and a reason to get out into the community,” says Beaudette. For seniors, this regular engagement is directly linked to lower rates of cognitive decline and depression. We don’t always need deep, intense conversations to feel connected. “Even small, everyday interactions with library staff or other visitors can help people feel seen and connected,” Beaudette adds. “I also think it is important to recognize that social connection doesn’t always mean participating in a group activity,” Beaudette explains. “Sometimes, alleviating loneliness begins with simply having a place where you feel comfortable being around other people, even if you aren’t directly interacting with them. A person can sit and read, work on a project, or enjoy a quiet afternoon in a public space and still experience the benefit of being part of a community.” This concept, often referred to by psychologists as “passive superficial sociability,” allows individuals to reduce cortisol (stress) levels simply by sharing a peaceful, productive environment with others. It provides the comfort of humanity without the pressure of performance. Beyond the intellectual and social benefits, libraries also host programs that offer direct, measurable therapeutic value. For instance, our libraries continue to host the incredibly popular canine literacy program. “The Santa Barbara Public Library offers a large selection of programs and yes, Read to a Dog is still available!” shares Beaudette. “You can read to Tallulah, a certified therapy dog, at both the Central and Eastside branches.”

“The right to vote is the basic right without which all others are meaningless.” – Lyndon B. Johnson

1. Get a library card! Even if you don’t use it (*though ideally, you will), the library gets more funding the more cardholders they have! 2. Tell a friend. Or invite one along to go check out your local branch. Browse the shelves, check out the activity calendar, investigate volunteer opportunities. 3. Go check out a book! The next time you think to buy one, and then remember you have been trying to cut down on clutter, go borrow one instead. Another reminder that sometimes the most powerful health remedy is right at your fingertips. Now please keep it down, I am trying to read.

29 October – 6 November 2026

Sea SCAPE (Continued from 24 24))

Entertainment (Continued from 34 34))

A painting fresh off the easel by Davidson (courtesy photo)

you’re going to grow,” he explained. An important influence was his aunt, Sister Maurus Allen, a Benedictine nun and theology professor who traveled widely, studied yoga in India, and encouraged him to follow his curiosity. When he mentioned taking art lessons, she urged him onward. She once told him, “Art is the only thing that can save the world.” “She was the most grateful person I’ve ever met in my life,” Davidson recalled. He likens a thoughtfully composed painting to a deliberately composed life. Both require knowing what matters, making choices, and building a strong foundation beneath the surface. “You get to choose what you want to paint. You get to choose how you want it to look. You’re doing the same thing with your life.” Davidson chose the Pacific coast, wide-open landscapes, and a life spent sharing their beauty. At Sea to Summit, SCAPE artists are using that same inspiration to help preserve More Mesa. Bill is bringing fresh oil paintings to the show. At the end of a painting day, Davidson asks students not whether they made a masterpiece, but “What did I learn?” Perhaps Sea to Summit poses a related question for Santa Barbara: What landscapes do we cherish enough to save? Sea to Summit | Music Academy of the West Friday, October 30: Exhibition 4-6:30 pm; free reception with music and refreshments, awards at 5 pm Saturday, October 31: Exhibition 10 am - 3 pm; Davidson’s free public painting demonstration 12-2 pm November 1-3: Three-day painting workshop, Santa Barbara Harbor, 9:30 am - 4 pm. $650. Register: scapesubmit@gmail.com. More information: s-c-a-p-e.org of moremesa.org

documentary from Paula Eiselt (Aftershock; 93Queen) that takes a joyfully nostalgic and deeply immersive dive into the famous hotel resort during the golden age of the Borscht Belt in the Catskills. Meanwhile, Dust Bowls & Jewish Souls: Another Side of Woody Guthrie, which was directed, written and produced by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Steven Pressman (50 Children: The Rescue Mission of Mr. and Mrs. Kraus), which explores Guthrie’s lesser-known immersion in Jewish culture and faith in 1940s New York and his deep bond with his mother-in-law, prominent Yiddish poet The Jewish Film Fest runs from November 1-8 Aliza Greenblatt. (courtesy photo) Speaking of SBIFF, the Jewish Film Fest represents the first festival outside of SBIFF’s own to take up residency at the recently refurbished McHurley Film Center downtown, bringing screenings to one of finest screens in town with upgraded sound, seating and other amenities. SBJFF is organized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara, which uses net proceeds to support its cultural programming, Portraits of Survival Holocaust education, and social support services. Visit www.sbjewishfilmfestival.org for the schedule, film descriptions, and passes

The 27th Annual Ojai Film Festival runs just six days, November 4-9, but the still-growing fest in the mountain village 35 miles from Santa Barbara will be screening almost 75 films from more than 30 countries at multiple venues over the span. The fest opens with the world premiere of the short musical documentary American Mosaic, which features Joe Sohm’s photography collating shots of all 50 states with a score by Peter Boyer, hosted by actor/activist Martin Sheen in person at Libbey Bowl. The official Opening Night Film on Friday night boasts the U.S. premiere of Everybody Digs Bill Evans, Grant Gee’s biopic starring Anders Danielsen Lie as the jazz legend at Chaparral Auditorium. Of local note, longtime Santa Barbara Oscar-winning actor Jeff Bridges and his brother Beau Bridges reunite in person for a special screening of Oscarnominated classic The Fabulous Baker Boys back at Libbey Bowl on Thursday, while Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone receive the Artists of Distinction Award accompanied by a 10th-anniversary screening of The Boss. There’s a special screening on Saturday at the Ojai Art Center of Paul Schrader’s not yet released The Basics of Philosophy, starring Jack Huston and Sofia Boutella in a story with a spiritual and moral crisis triggered by someone from the protagonist’s past. Industry insiders might enjoy Sunday’s Closing Night film at Chaparral Auditorium, In Memoriam, directed by Rob Burnett and starring Marc Maron as a vain, 60-year-old actor with a terminal cancer diagnosis who becomes fixated on securing a spot in the Academy Awards’ “In Memoriam” montage.

Visit www.ojaifilmfestival.com/2026 for all the details and passes

Film Festival Fever, Future Forward The film festival calendar gets even more crowded over the next two weeks, with four different entries, although two of them are a single day and the others just one weekend each. The 8th Nature Track Film Festival has scaled down to one night and relocated to the Alcazar Theatre in Carpinteria on November 5, when the single feature is Frost Without Snow and Ice by Norwegian filmmaker Asgeir Helgestad. There will also be a special compilation of “Bring Back the Wild” films by Santa Barbara filmmaker Michael Love – recipient of the 2026 NatureTrack Outdoor Icon Award – as well as a lineup of other short films.

Details at https://naturetrackfilmfestival.org

Visit the exhibition at the Music Academy of the West and help support More Mesa on Oct. 30-31 (courtesy photo)

29 October – 6 November 2026

Conversely, the Wild & Free Film Festival enters its second year with a larger slate that expands on its mission to present diverse adventure and environmentally focused films from around the world that may defy genre and veer into fiction. Forty films spanning six features and 34 shorts from 12 countries (including four world premieres and three U.S. premieres!) will screen November 6-8 at NatureTrack’s old home of Camino Real Cinemas in Goleta, alongside special events including an innovative Walking Panel at Ellwood Mesa. More next week. Visit www.wildandfreefilm.org

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Montecito JOURNAL

Elizabeth’s Appraisals When Art Nouveau Came Back by Elizabeth Stewart

ow we dressed in the 1970s was, in many ways, a restatement of the Art Nouveau fashions of the early 1900s. My old Deerfield High friends from the 1970s have sent me photographs of “our gang” – flowing hair, psychedelic shirts, bell bottoms – and we notice the saturated colors and sinuous lines of 1970s Art Nouveau everywhere. The reinvigoration of 1900 Art Nouveau became a predominant style after the countercultural revolution of the 1960s. We wore romantic, long, simple prairie dresses, Edwardian shirtwaists, oversized collars and belts, and cameo costume jewelry to match. Along these Art Nouveau lines of the 1970s, DD sends me a floor lamp with a 1979 Tiffany-style blown-glass shade in the Quezal tradition. The shade is attached to a standard floor-lamp fixture with a curving, arched reading-lampstyle brass support. The shade features a feather design – the signature vocabulary of many 1970s blown-glass artists – with hearts and vines in iridescent blue, green, and touches of lavender: wonderful colors for the era. The acid-etched signature on the shade reads Vandermark, for Jerry Vandermark, dated 1979. Vandermark became known for his perfume bottles and vases, many of which can still be found today as “vintage” objects. And this begs a question that continues to confuse people: Which Art Nouveau is it – 1900 or 1970? In 1972, Jerry Vandermark joined with glassblower Doug Merritt to make

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A close-up of the Tiffany-style blown-glass shade in the Quezal tradition The standard floor-lamp fixture with a curving, arched reading-lamp-style brass support

museum-quality Art Nouveau and Art Deco glass in the styles of Tiffany and Steuben, as well as cameo glass in the style of Gallé. I receive hundreds of emails from people asking whether they have a “real” Tiffany or Gallé shade. The 1970s artists were extraordinarily good at reproducing the vocabulary of earlier blown glass. But why did we all gravitate toward Art Nouveau in the 1970s? And why did music-poster designers love the psychedelic line of former Nouveau artists such as Alphonse Mucha? Perhaps the answer lies in the pendulum of art history, which seems to fluctuate between the geometric line and the organic line. Today we are firmly in the geometric stage: mid-century modern, clean lines, few curves, and little decorative embellishment. In the 1970s, we returned to the C-curve and S-curve, to serpentine organic tendrils and the suggestion of natural growth. Even typography participated. The vocabulary of Art Nouveau appeared on the covers of fantasy books. Somehow the organic lines of vines and tree canopies, combined with the romanticism of the nonlinear and the non-logical, were perfect for fantasy illustration. The American second edition of The Lord of the Rings, published in 1966, helped establish a romantic, mock-Art-Nouveau visual vocabulary that has remained a hallmark of fantasy escapism ever since. Two particularly influential exhibitions helped bring Art Nouveau back into public consciousness: the 1966 Aubrey Beardsley exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art’s 1970 exhibition of the work of Art Nouveau architect and designer Hector Guimard. These exhibitions helped spearhead the cultural revival of Art Nouveau. And then came the psychedelic poster. The great rock posters of the late

“The vote is precious. It is almost sacred.” – John Lewis

1960s and early 1970s “stole” the sinuous line from Alphonse Mucha and the other Art Nouveau artists, transforming it into something new. Mucha’s elegant women, flowing hair, ornamental borders, botanical forms, and curling typography became the visual language of a counterculture that was searching for something organic, romantic, sensual – and decidedly different from the rigid geometry of modernism. So when I look at DD’s 1979 Vandermark lamp, I don’t see a copy of 1900. I see 1970s Art Nouveau looking backward. And perhaps that is what makes the lamp so quintessentially of its time. Design and decorative art history rarely move in a straight line. It is a pendulum swing, not always equally balanced, between the organic and the geometric. Similar changes from straight to sinuous in well-known design periods may help explain this push and pull between form and line, and then back to line and form again: - The delicately bowed and graceful cabriole legs of Louis XV gave way to the geometric lines of Louis XVI, with straight-backed chairs, straight legs, and geometric inlay. - Art Nouveau morphed into Art Deco, with its streamlined modernism. - The geometric modernism of the 1960s swayed into the Art Nouveau revival of the 1970s. - The severe, straight, black-lacquer furniture of the 1980s, and the geometric colors of Memphis Design Style (founded in 1980 by Italian architect Ettore Sottsass and the Memphis Group) eventually gave way to the natural neutrals of the 2000s. All trends get dressed up again in new clothes and come back to haunt us.

29 October – 6 November 2026

Westmont (Continued from 20 20))

therapy before moving to Santa Barbara. She teaches part-time at Westmont and devotes the rest of her time to her clinical practice in the community. Her research and writing interests focus on rebuilding and rethinking how people love one another well in a fastpaced, technologically advanced world. She wrote the book Reimagining Your Love Story: Biblical and Psychological Practices for Healthy Relationships and created the Marriage Bootcamp e-course. The Westmont Foundation sponsors the lecture series, Westmont Downtown: Conversations about Things that Matter. Dr. Andrea Gurney examines how modern technology affects human relationships on Nov. 5

Vice President Reed Sheard, President Gayle D. Beede, Ed, Geurtje and Betsy Boersma, Alex Nizet and Vice President Doug Jones cut the ribbon.

Leading a prayer at the Boersma Tennis Complex opening

how to be great people, great citizens and great children of God.” Dave Odell, executive director of athletics, closed the dedication with a blessing over the courts, praying that the complex will serve as ground where character, perseverance, and lifelong community are built for years to come.

rates of loneliness, emotional burnout and relational breakdown continue to rise. “From swipe-based dating apps and

curated social feeds to frictionless AI companions, modern technology offers a convincing illusion of intimacy, delivering validation and comfort without the vulnerability, risk, or messiness inherent in real human relationships,” she says. “When we trade authentic connection for emotional ease and convenience, we end up feeling known by none and invisible to all.” Drawing from clinical case studies, psychological research and the realities of modern dating culture, Gurney unpacks why algorithmic connection leaves individuals feeling isolated and offers a hopeful, practical roadmap for reclaiming deep, durable and authentic human relationships. Gurney, a Westmont professor since 2005, earned a master’s degree in education in psychological services at the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate in counseling psychology at Northeastern University. She spent eight years training at Boston Children’s Hospital and completed predoctoral internships and a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School in individual, child, adolescent, couples, and family

Golfers Tee Off for a Cause The Westmont Classic Golf Tournament was a blazing success, raising more than $45,000 for student scholarships. About 90 golfers braved Santa Barbara Golf Club with temperatures in the low 90s on Oct. 17. The team that was scorching hot was Matt Hopper, Bob Nicholson, Tom Nelson, and Reed Sheard, which shot the lowest round and claimed top honors that evening at Mulligan’s Café. The Title Sponsors for the tournament were Terri and Eric Mozilo. Save the date for next year’s Westmont Classic on Friday, Oct. 15, 2027, at Sandpiper.

Scott Craig is manager of media relations at Westmont College

Talk Explores Reclaiming Connection in Digital Age Clinical Psychologist Dr. Andrea Gurney leads a Westmont Downtown Lecture, “Invisible in Plain Sight: Reclaiming Love and Connection in an Age of AI,” on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 5:30 pm at Westmont Downtown | Keith Center, 29 W. Anapamu St. The free lecture addresses how modern technology affects human relationships in an era defined by constant digital access. No tickets or reservations are required; seating is available on a first-come, firstserved basis. For more information, please call (805) 565-6051. Gurney says society lives in the most connected era in human history, yet 29 October – 6 November 2026

The 15th annual Westmont Classic Golf Tournament

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Montecito JOURNAL

Food Files (Continued from 16 16)) added another accolade to an already impressive résumé. Chef Kevin’s own history with Mattei’s runs deep. The Massachusetts native, who began cooking alongside his chef father, first joined the Tavern as a line cook in 2015. He returned in 2023 as Chef de Cuisine before being promoted to Executive Chef in 2025. His approach blends familiar classics with inventive touches, relying heavily on the farmers and purveyors of the Santa Ynez Valley. Between Magbitang’s travels and Malone’s local roots, the collaboration

brought two perspectives to a kitchen both chefs have called home.

On to the Next Course With introductions out of the way, the two chefs moved over to the grill and serving table set up on the lawn in front of the audience. Chef Kevin danced around the flames as he grilled up the next course. As guests talked amongst themselves, the enticing aroma of ridgeback prawns wafted over the lively babble of voices.

The surf swept in with a roasted black cod that was flaky but still brought a robust, buttery bite able to keep up with the beef ’s intensity. Grilled Finley Farms vegetables added a toasted note that highlighted the fish’s koji-squash glaze and the roasty ribs. With conversations lively yet waning and belts loosening, the chefs’ final farewell to the feast was a brown butter cake. Chantilly cream and slices of stone fruit laced a summery flavor through the rich, dense cake. By the last forkful, the long tables had become a gathering of well-fed acquaintances, the kind of convivial scene that Mattei’s Tavern has hosted in one form or another since its stagecoach days. For Chef Rhoda, it was a return to an old kitchen with a few new accolades. For Chef Kevin, another opportunity to show off the bounty of his backyard. And for the rest of us, a rather delicious reminder that a good family dinner can always make room for a few extra guests. Especially when someone else is doing the cooking.

Appetites sufficiently teased, dishes of massive prawns were laid out in front of the eager crowd. The hefty prawns – seasoned with uni butter, chiles, and verbena – sat on top of a Southern-style corn pudding that lent a comfy base of cream and sweet corn. Plates of Hope Ranch mussels cooked in chorizo and green garlic were added to the feast. While perhaps not the main point of the course, guests eagerly started dipping freshly baked toast into the mussels’ garlic-stewed juices, reveling in the powerful punch of the simple pleasure. The dinner crescendoed with a little surf and turf. And by little, I mean the beef ribs were described as “colossal,” and that was no exaggeration. The Flinstonian cut of meat came crusted in pistachios, which enveloped the tender beef in a crunchy layer and kept the meat from falling right off the colossal bones jutting out of the dish. Caramelized figs and onion mixed with the meat’s own juices into a saucy soirée of Maillard reactions.

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Chef Kevin and Chef Rhoda grilling up a storm

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42 Montecito JOURNAL

“Your vote is your voice.” – Michelle Obama

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29 October – 6 November 2026

Moments (Continued from 8) Kabaretti what he wanted his legacy to be, his answer came without hesitation: music education. Proceeds supported the Symphony’s music education programs, nurturing the next generation of musicians. Among those celebrating the milestone were Kathryn and Peter Martin, Mary Dorra, Jenna and Avi Reichenthal, Christine and Michael Holland, Rodney Baker, Pamela and Josh Grotstein, Robert Ooley, Deb and Tom Loeb, Shauna Quill, Howard Greils, James Tollios, Antonio Artese, Samantha Stout, and Tessa Kaganoff. After 20 years on the podium, the Maestro’s most enduring legacy may be the young musicians who will one day follow his lead.

All You Need Is Love “All you need is love,” sang The Beatles – and there was plenty to go around at Santa Barbara’s Arlington Theatre, where

The swinging ‘60s soirée benefited Adam’s Angels, Santa Barbara Humane, and the Get Together Foundation (photo by Priscilla)

an all-star cast turned back the clock to the swinging sixties for An Orchestrated Tribute to The Beatles, benefiting Adam’s Angels, Santa Barbara Humane, and the Get Together Foundation. The psychedelic extravaganza was spearheaded by Executive Producers Adam McKaig and Kevin Wachs, with Earl Minnis as presenting sponsor. Minnis, a supporter of the Get Together Foundation, spoke warmly about joining forces with McKaig and others sharing his commitment to helping people in need. Adding hometown star power, Katy Perry donated a signed guitar to the silent auction. Although the pop superstar was traveling, her father, Keith Hudson, personally presented it onstage, sharing her enthusiasm for the cause. Psychedelic rock legends Strawberry Alarm Clock joined Ron Dante (The Archies), Dennis Tufano (The Buckinghams), and The Tribe, with Santa Barbara’s Folk Orchestra bringing orchestral magic to Beatles classics. Backstage, Musical Director Phil Lo Presti explained the camaraderie among performers, many dressed in colorful 1960s garb. “We’re having fun up here because we want you to have fun,” he smiled. “It brings us closer together every time we do it.” Co-hosts Chris Carter and Catherine Remak kept the festivities rolling, while generous supporters included Julianna and Tom Dain, Jim Crook and Steve Hartmann of Milpas Motors, alongside Douglas Elliman, CalPrivate Bank, Occhiali, and Brander. Founded by McKaig and Melissa Borders, Adam’s Angels delivers clothing, food, toiletries, and essentials to neighbors experiencing hardship, while fellow beneficiaries support families and their furry companions. From psychedelic rock to everyday kindness, this magical mystery tour had a meaningful destination. After all, love is all you need – but a little help from your friends makes all the difference.

Red Feather Fête Ready to get the party started! (photo by Priscilla)

Silver orbs reflected twinkling lights, red gowns swept through the courtyard, and gentlemen in burgundy velvet added a dash of dapper sophistication as

Jamming at the Orchestrated Tribute to The Beatles (photo by Priscilla)

29 October – 6 November 2026

Red Hot Revelers from U.S. Bank with Andrew Firestone (photo by Isaac Hernandez)

United Way of Santa Barbara County rolled out the red carpet for its 29th annual Red Feather Ball. The suitably celestial theme, Infinite Horizons, transformed the Santa Barbara Historical Museum into a glittering galaxy of philanthropy, courtesy of event designer Merryl Brown. Presiding over the festivities was United Way President and CEO Steve Ortiz, seen chatting with retired board chair John Hanna, celebrating an organization dedicated to improving the lives of local children and families. Taking top billing among the evening’s benefactors was Diamond Title Sponsor U.S. Bank, whose representatives joined Andrew Firestone for a glamorous group portrait. Platinum Feather Sponsors included the Zegar Family Foundation and Carrie Towbes and John Lewis, with City National Bank, Manchester Capital Management, and American Indian Health & Services among Gold Feather supporters. Adding to the social sparkle were Scott and Ary Zegar, Dina and Dave Cantin, Houghton and Ben Hyatt, Amber Ortiz, Dacia Harwood, Vince Caballero, Ivan Castelo, Clayton Coleman, and United Way Board Members Cliff and Diane Lundberg, and Dustin Dodgin. Guests mingled beneath the stars, sipped wines donated by Santa Barbara Winery, and explored enticing auction offerings, including a Moroccan-inspired Palm Springs getaway. And with so many philanthropic stars gathered under the night sky, the future looked positively luminous.

Sightings Cameron Diaz attended the star-studded wedding of Rob Lowe’s son Matthew Lowe and Emily Markus at Montecito’s Rosewood Miramar Beach, debuting darker locks and a black silk minidress. Glamorous guests included Gwyneth Paltrow, Katy Perry, and Zoe Saldaña. Roaring back to Hollywood, Cameron stars in Netflix’s Bad Day, launching December 11, and reprises popular Princess Fiona in Shrek 5 coming out in 2027. Jennifer Aniston is getting Naughty! The Montecito actress stars in Olivia Wilde’s upcoming Christmas comedy as a mother battling her ex-husband for custody of their son. Her unlikely solution?

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Adding Sparkle and Shine to United Way are Amber Ortiz with Ary and Scott and Zegar (photo by Isaac Hernandez)

Red Feather Fanciers Dina and Dave Cantin (photo by Isaac Hernandez)

Track down Santa Claus, played by Peter Dinklage, and persuade him to testify in divorce court! The film, also starring Regina Hall, arrives November 2027. Montecito pop princess Katy Perry swapped California sunshine for Nashville star power last week, attending CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton. Among the famous faces was Carrie Underwood, who replaces Perry on American Idol. Next stop: Dubai, where Perry will ring in 2027 performing at the luxurious Atlantis, The Palm resort. Montecito JOURNAL

News Bytes (Continued from 10 10)) The foundation is also looking toward a permanent home with Gratitude Canyon, a proposed youth development campus in Goleta Valley. Inspired by longtime property owner Patricia Bragg, the project would preserve approximately 97% of the property as open landscape, providing space for outdoor recreation, arts education, and mentorship for future generations.

Unite to Light Anniversary Unite to Light to hold its 15th Anniversary celebration during the November 5th First Thursday from 5 to 8 pm at San Marcos Courtyard. The organization’s mission is dedicated to bringing light to people living without electricity. The event features illuminated artwork by local artists, live music and creative activities. Megan Birney Rudert, president & CEO of Unite to Light shares in her press release, “The Power of Possibility is a celebration of what we can accomplish when we come together to bring light to people who need it most. Each solar light represents an opportunity for someone to learn, receive essential healthcare, or feel safer and more connected. We’re grateful to everyone who has helped make this milestone possible and look forward to continuing this work with our community.” The event is free and kid friendly. Tickets for a dinner, a VIP area, and more available on their website.

411: https://unitetolight.org/thepowerofpossibility

The 12th Camp Firework welcomed more than 85 students ages 10-13 from Lompoc, Goleta, and Santa Barbara (courtesy photo)

State Street Trading Post

Curator’s Choice

Mementos of a Mapmaker

egendary Cartographer Thomas W. Dibblee, Jr., mapped the geology of more than a quarter of California – over 40,000 square miles! A descendant of José de la Guerra (famous commandant of the Presidio of Santa Barbara), young Dibblee got an early start appreciating the unique geology of our region. While still in high school, he created his first geologic map documenting the family’s enormous San Julian Ranch on the Gaviota Coast. To celebrate National Earth Science Week at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Librarian Terri Sheridan created a display of items from Dibblee’s papers, which are preserved in the Museum Archives. Library visitors can see various items of significance from Dibblee’s long career – from the booklet he made in the 1930s cataloguing his teenage marble collection to the President’s Volunteer Action Award he received from Ronald Reagan in 1983. Check out sbnature.org/library to learn more about visiting the Museum Library or Archives.

The State Street Trading Post opens on Nov. 7th (courtesy photo)

A new shopping destination is bringing independent makers, vintage finds, and a little old-fashioned mercantile charm to downtown Santa Barbara. State Street Trading Post, founded by a local family, brings together more than 30 small creative businesses under one roof, featuring everything from vintage apparel and furniture to handmade ceramics, leather goods, and housewares. The collection includes Santa Barbara favorites Parker Clay, known for its sustainably crafted leather goods, Pyre Studio, a women-owned ceramics business, and Westward General, alongside brands from Los Angeles, Brooklyn, and Paris. The Trading Post, 1105 State Street, occupies a historic State Street building dating to 1920, formerly home to C.M. Andera’s Department Store. Original brick, Santa Barbara sandstone, and redwood have been preserved, giving the space a century-old character. The concept aims to support independent businesses while reviving State Street’s tradition as a place to shop, wander, and discover something unexpected. There will be a grand opening party on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 3-6 pm.

New Summerland Fire Station

Items from the papers of Cartographer Thomas W. Dibblee, Jr.

44 Montecito JOURNAL

The Summerland Citizens Association (SCA) reports that at the Oct. 20th town hall meeting, the Summerland residents were invited for a presentation by Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District Chief Dan Stefano (newly appointed February 2026), regarding the proposed location for a new fire station. As we go to press, reports from that meeting are not yet published. Back in 2023, plans were discussed to assess the use of the 100/101 Innovation Place site in Summerland, right on the border of Montecito. That property was formerly the bluff-top QAD campus before being purchased by UC Investments via Regency Innovation Place LLC. Summerland’s current fire station #62 is located at 2375 Lillie Avenue. “Elections belong to the people.” – Abraham Lincoln

29 October – 6 November 2026

Become a Courthouse Docent

Beings & Doings (Continued from 6)

The Santa Barbara County Courthouse Docent Council is recruiting volunteers for its 2027 training class, beginning in February. Led by former County Architect Robert L. Ooley and preservation specialist Rodney Baker, the program includes 10 Saturday morning sessions exploring the landmark’s history and architecture. For more than 50 years, docents have guided visitors through the courthouse and staffed its Information Booth. Interested residents can apply through the Council’s website or visit the Courthouse Information Booth. Early applicants will receive an invitation to a November informational meeting.

As we toddle about this town of precariously situated trees, I gently query Gene’s acting past, his replies initially hesitant and grudging. Gene is a known quantity in the central coast arbor and is aflame with tree talk. But he tells a story about sitting next to Gunsmoke’s willowy, flea-bitten deputy, Festus – that familiar character actor completely unrecognizable in plain clothes on a studio bus. “Wow, Ken Curtis,” I murmur. Gene turns his head. “How the [he]ck did you know his name?!” He softens at this, my minutiae-crammed cranial shopping bag momentarily impressive.

411: https://sbcourthouse.org/about/becomingadocent.html

Girls Inc. Carp Announces Emergency Relief Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. Carpinteria (GIC) affirms this week that the organization is committed to emergency preparedness and community resilience as El Niño brings uncertainty about unpredictable and potentially dangerous weather. Collins, “Today, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria stands prepared to be activated as an emergency shelter in coordination with the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management, the City of Carpinteria, and the Red Cross – with a capacity to house up to 500 individuals when needed. GIC also offers training for families to make their own emergency preparedness plans and serves as a year-round resource for local girls and families. The Girls Inc. of Carpinteria campus, located at 5315 Foothill Rd. in Carpinteria, is well- equipped in the event of an emergency – with large indoor and outdoor spaces, an industrial-sized kitchen stocked with necessities, and basic supplies at the ready.”

Gene Tyrburn’s acting oeuvre ranged from The Outer Limits to That Girl to The Rifleman to Dallas (a sampling). Picture this young handsome guy headed to Hollywood with his Carnegie Tech BFA in hand and his head held high. In the 60s and 70s Gene is American TV’s prototypical “working guest star” – the versatile guy who can pivot from dusty Westerns and rubberized monster scifi anthologies to prime-time soaps. In Toronto for a movie job (1971’s The

Beings & Doings Page 464 464

SYBCI Honors Vets with Free Dental Services The Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic (SYTHC) will salute veterans with free dental services at its fourth annual Veterans Smile Day event on Thursday, Nov. 5, at the clinic’s Dental Department, located at 90 Via Juana Lane on the Santa Ynez Reservation. The event will provide veterans with complimentary dental exams, professional dental cleanings and oral health assessments, as well as blood pressure and diabetes screenings. Appointments are required, and new patients are welcome. Following their appointments, veterans will receive gift bags containing oral hygiene products and a military pin, along with complimentary pastries and refreshments. Call (805) 688-7070 to reserve an appointment.

2026 My SoCal Hospital Hero

Theatre Couplet: Sally tweezes a jittery Gene (courtesy photo)

SB Cottage Health has announced that Paula Gallucci, BSN, RN, CCRN, manager, Medical Intensive Care Unit, has been selected as a 2026 My SoCal Hospital Hero by the Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC). The honor recognizes employees across Southern California hospitals who contribute to outstanding patient care through embodying excellence, compassion, and dedication in their work every day. Paula was chosen for her extraordinary impact on patients, colleagues, and the hospital community. She leads with a unique combination of clinical rigor, creative energy, and boundless compassion. In a high-stakes environment, she brings the steady, inspired leadership that transforms a critical care unit into a place where people want to work – and patients and families feel genuinely cared for.

Local Philanthropists Honored for Community Impact The Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter has announced its 2026 National Philanthropy Honorees, recognizing individuals and organizations making a difference through charitable giving, volunteerism, and community leadership. Laura and Geof Wyatt were named Santa Barbara Philanthropists of the Year for their contributions to education, healthcare, the arts, environmental causes, and housing and food insecurity. Steve J. Noll received Ventura County’s Philanthropist of the Year honor for his support of youth education and science programs. Santa Barbara’s Volunteer of the Year is Lynn Cunningham Brown, whose service includes leadership roles with the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Pacific Pride Foundation, and Lotusland. Bank of the Sierra earned Ventura County’s volunteer honor. Eder Gaona Macedo and Jacy Yu share Professional Fundraiser of the Year honors, while Julianna Madrigal received the Youth in Philanthropy award. Dr. Tammie Helmuth was recognized as Champion for Social Justice. 29 October – 6 November 2026

M SHERIFF’S BLOTTER Verbal Street Fighting / 900 block Channel Drive Thursday, October 15, 19:51 hours Subject and a victim were called in as subjects fighting in the street. Upon arrival of law enforcement, they were both detained and both acknowledged a verbal altercation but claimed no physical contact. Upon further questioning, subject was arrested and was booked on 243(e)(1) PC (Domestic Battery). The victim became disturbed and had to be taken away by her parents. Transient Camps / Lookout Park Thursday, October 15, 09:30 hours Deputies contacted subject on the railroad tracks just west of Lookout Park after complaints of a transient setting up a camp. Subject had a no bail felony warrant. He was placed under arrest and booked. ER Testing Request / 900 block La Paz Road Friday, October 16, 21:46 hours SBCH ER staff reported the victim had come to the ER looking to be tested. The victim declined to report the incident to law enforcement and ER staff called as a mandated reporter. I contacted the victim who declined to speak with me about the incident.

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Montecito JOURNAL

JOURNAL

Beings & Doings (Continued from 45 45))

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s s i M er Nev ! e u s s I n A

this season’s possibly record-setting El Niño, which the overheated Pacific is presently stirring like a witch’s brew. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and partner agencies put the chance of this El Niño reaching historic strength at around 83%. Gene knows things, and everywhere he looks now he sees what the unenlightened do not: topheavy urban trees with proscribed root systems and gust-catching heads of dense foliage. “These trees, because they’re city trees sitting in a very little ground, can just tip over. They have root systems that are rather confined because they’re rooted in the sidewalk.” He points out the telltale signs of the subterranean root pruning and augmenting root barriers that stop these overanxious trees from buckling our expensive sidewalks and streets. He goes on at length about how proper pruning of a tree means making its canopy tastefully diaphanous, so that the living thing’s actual structure is visible, its branches

Reincarnate), he meets and later weds that city’s terpsichore crown jewel, a beautiful choreographer named Sally. His son is filmmaker and Vanity Fair writer Matt Tyrnauer. But by the time trees wander into Gene’s life (if you will) in the early 1980s he’s been at it for 20 years and he’s burnt. “I’m thinking to myself, ‘What am I going to do with my life? This acting career of mine, to which I was dedicated, is not working. It’s not working.’” Disconsolately driving in North Hollywood one day in the early ‘80s, he sees some workers, pulls over, and yells through the car window. “Some guys are pruning trees and I actually say to the guy on the ground, ‘How do you do this?’ I mean, I knew nothing. I’d never been in a tree in my [darned] life!”

Gene Therapy The approaching wind and water event which has Gene so wound up is

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Gene (in overalls at right) in Carnegie Tech (Mellon) student production of Erskine Caldwell’s Tobacco Road

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29 October – 6 November 2026

reaching skyward like an open, leaf-dappled hand, a sculpture a strong wind can pass through unabated. “Now you see these trees. These are Canary Island Pines. Look at the height. Look at the weight at the top!” and “…Here of course is a tree that’s dying back. This is going to have to be removed if it dies back any further…” and (with measured disgust) “They thin the bottom of the tree, which makes it look like they’ve been pruned, but they put the tree in more danger by having it grow heavier at the top! All those nutrients go into making the tree bigger!” Better targets for wind and rain, he means. Bigger isn’t always better, apparently, as has been noted in a range of other contexts.

Peripatetic Thespian Leaps Into Trees

Gene today at the Moreton Bay Fig, SB train station. Gesturing operatically.

Which makes for a handy segue into Gene’s acting epoch. What it may have lacked in statuette-attracting largesse, his career more than made up for in sheer variety and method-testing extremes. Gene has worked with the best. Tyburn went head-to-head with the great Hal Holbrook in the lauded ‘76 mini-series Lincoln, appeared with Sidney Poitier in Brother John (‘71), worked with George Segal, Richard

Widmark, Henry Fonda, and Santa Barbara kingpin Timothy Bottoms in Rollercoaster (‘77), paid his dues alongside Larry Hagman and Jane Wyman on Dallas and Falcon Crest resp., and sweated alongside Henry Silva and Dabney Coleman on a nerve-wracking episode of The Outer Limits (“The Mice,” ‘64) whose featured star beast could have been sponsored by Rubbermaid. Throw

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SAGE IV, 1125 COAST VILLAGE ROAD, MONTECITO, CALIFO 93108. SAGE IV LLC, 1125 COAST VILLAGE ROAD, MONTECITO, CALIFO 93108. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on October 23, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 20260002622. Published Oct. 29, & Nov. 5, 12, 19, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MISSION AGENCY PROCESSING & DRAFTING, LLC, 729 W MICHELTOERNA ST, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101. MIS29 October – 6 November 2026

SION AGENCY PROCESSING & DRAFTING, LLC, 729 W MICHELTORENA ST, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on September 24, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0002379. Published Oct. 29, & Nov. 5, 12, 19, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GROUNDED PHYSICAL THERAPY, 135 E CARRILLO ST, SANTA BARBARA, CALIFO 93101. GABRIEL R LOZA, 324 EAST FIGUEROA STREET APT D, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on

September 18, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0002344. Published Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CALIFORNIA HEATING & AIR, 4193 CARPINTERIA AVE, SUITE 3, CARPINTERIA, CA 93067. CALIFORNIA HEATING & RAIN GUTTERS INC, P O BOX 117, SUMMERLAND, CA 93067. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on September 10, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in

in James Arness and Lorne Greene to rep the six-shooter contingent (Gunsmoke and Bonanza), and we see in Gene Tyburn (né Eugene J. Tyrnauer) the very definition of a working actor. Yes, I’ve regaled Gene with my ill-received admiration. “You was on the TV, Mister!” This species of praise doesn’t hold a lot of water for the guy. He is humble and a little dismissive about his acting past, and grandiloquent about trees. Gene is also a librettist of original opera, as evidenced on tyburnoperas. com. From Bard to Bark, Tyburn is the complete artist. So how, exactly, did Gene morph from “unbathed frontier bad guy shooting at Matt Dillon” to “card-carrying dendrophile?” You may recall a gloomy Gene pulling his car over on a North Hollywood street and hollering at the tree guys working there. “I didn’t have an intelligent question to ask him, just… how do you learn this stuff?” Gene says. “The guy leans into my car, where I had a brand-new headset, brand new! He reaches in and takes the headset in the box and walks away, walks across the street!” Gene is nothing if not exclamatory, but if anything deserves a shouted soliloquy, it’s Gene Tyburn’s triple somersault off the stage apron and into botany; a landing he absolutely sticks, to his everlasting

happiness. “And he’s over there across the street in his truck. I mean, what the hell? What the hell is he doing?” Wild-eyed and gesticulating, Gene the actor is awakening from a long hibernation, hurriedly squeezing into his tights and entering stage left to gesture grandly at a packed house. It is a terrific thing to see. Gene Tyburn is, and clearly always has been, a contained shower of sparks. And here comes the play’s climax. “He walks back across the street and he leans into my car, and he throws something into my backseat. I turn around and he’s put a rope from the city, a city saddle, and a hand saw in my back seat, all brand new. I said, ‘What’s that? I-I-I don’t know anything about trees!’” Gene’s wide grin is that of a young novice who just got the part. “He says, ‘You’re in the tree business now.’”

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

MONTECITO SANITARY DISTRICT PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Montecito Sanitary District shall conduct a public hearing at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at its Board Room located at 1042 Monte Cristo Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93108 as well as via Zoom Meetings; meeting ID 861 1897 5917, to consider the adoption of Ordinance No. 26 of the governing board of the Montecito Sanitary District increasing the compensation of Directors of the Board pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 6489. The public may attend and comment by calling 1-669-900-6833 and entering Meeting ID 861 1897 5917 or by visiting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86118975917 Copies of the text of the proposed ordinance are on file with the clerk of the District Board and are available for public inspection at the Districts’ offices. See https://www.montsan.org/ Published October 29 & November 5, 2026 // Montecito Journal

my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0002277. Published Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THYNE REAL ESTATE GROUP, 205

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EAST CARRILLO STREET, 100, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101. JOHN J THYNE (III), 205 EAST CARRILLO STREET 100, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on September 18, 2026. This statement

expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0002348. Published Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026

Montecito JOURNAL

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Calendar of Events

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31

by Steven Libowitz ONGOING Soft Armor/Cradled Earth – Hannah Croshaw and Meiya Sidney’s duo exhibition examines temporal patterns within wisteria seed pods, paper, and stones, exploring both the smallness and immensity of these natural materials through writing, weaving, and sculpture. Croshaw’s work responds to her observations and interactions with wisteria pods since last winter, looking at how the pods build tension and break, considering a whole pod versus the sum of its parts, and considering if the naturally spontaneous splitting of the pods can be captured. She coaxes viewers into contemplating wisteria pods through twisted clay, inscribed text, collected pods, and written reflections. Sidney’s sculptural work emerges with layered processes of twisting, weaving, forming, burnishing, and waiting. In her installation, stones are formed within and scaled to her hand. Making recycled weft from Taiwanese daily calendars, she creates a visual abstraction of time through the foundational structure of a simple weave. By working with iron rich clays and semi-translucent papers, she draws on each material’s unique lifespan and memory, playing a paradox between fragility and permanence. The opening reception FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31

SCAPE Shapes More Mesa – Southern California Artists Painting for the Environment’s annual landscape exhibition at the Music Academy of the West is a two-day mini-residency in the Main Building, with a purpose that aligns with the subject. “Sea to Summit” features original artwork by members of SCAPE depicting and celebrating the coast, mountains, and open spaces of Santa Barbara County, including, most appropriately, More Mesa. Artwork will be for sale, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the More Mesa Preservation Coalition in its campaign to acquire the 265 acres of privately-owned lands. Why? In order to secure the landscape and habitat, protecting its threatened plant and animal species and preserving the ocean-front expanse for nature walkers to enjoy in perpetuity. Internationally acclaimed landscape painter Bill Davidson of Monterey serves as judge for the show and will also demonstrate his technique of landscape painting during the last hour of the exhibition on Halloween day, when the only fright lies in the thought of More Mesa getting developed. The opening reception on Friday night features live music and refreshments with an awards ceremony at 5 pm. WHEN: 4-6:30 pm Friday, 10 am-3 pm Saturday WHERE: Music Academy of the West, 1070 Fairway Road COST: free INFO: https://moremesa.org or https://scape.wildapricot.org

48 Montecito JOURNAL

Witch’s Ball 2026 – Something peculiar is coming to the Hilton this Halloween as the fourth annual Witch’s Ball has a new hocus-pocus focus for 2026. The Witch’s Circus offers a glamorous world of vintage circus tents, aerialists overhead, curious characters, hidden corners, and plenty of reasons to party with fellow revelers at the beachfront resort. Explore immersive rooms, popcorn, drinks, roaming characters, aerialists, and jugglers in the early evening. At 10 pm, gather around the center ring for the circus spectacle with Modern Tarzan & Ahn of Flow Motion Nomads, and featured performers from Elemental Aerial Arts, before the party continues with The Human Experience. Well-known Santa Barbara ecstatic dance DJs Ean Golden and KiaOra Fox will keep the mix going for the entire span of the night, spinning the beats for virtually any form of kinetic expression, with or without a partner. And at midnight, another world opens for the VIP after-party, which lasts until closing time at 2 am. Dress extravagantly, come with curiosity, and explore a world built for grown-up play. Ooh, scary. WHEN: 7 pm-2 am WHERE: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, 633 E Cabrillo Blvd. COST: $99+ INFO: www.thewitchsball.com from 5-8 pm on October 30 features both artists on hand to interact with as well as music by The Addis Collective, a Santa Barbara-based band that plays 1960s and 1970s-era Ethiopian jazz and Afrobeat music. WHEN: Exhibit through November 14 WHERE: Community Arts Workshop, 631 Garden St. COST: free INFO: www.sbcaw.org/upcoming FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 Scott Beams Back up to The Grand – Saxophonist Tom Scott – who sold out his debut at The Grand on State as one of the first guests in the Visiting Artist series – has enjoyed a remarkably diverse six-decade career that ranges from traditional jazz to pop (solos on Paul McCartney’s “Listen to What the Man Said,” Toto’s “Rosanna,” Blondie’s “Rapture,” etc.), folk-rock-jazz fusion (e.g. Joni Mitchell’s Court and Spark) to countless film and TV soundtracks. Back in May, Scott played with his on-and-off piano collaborator Roger Kellaway of Ojai. This time around, it’s a different Grammy-winner who will tickle the ivories: Chicago’s pianist Laurence Hobgood, the contemporary jazz pianist, composer, arranger and producer whose long run with vocalist Kurt Elling dates to the mid-1990s. Expect another eclectic mix of music. WHEN: 7-9 pm WHERE: The Grand, 1218 State Street COST: $59-$119 INFO: (805) 708-7670 or www.thegrandonstate.com

“Every election is determined by the people who show up.” – Larry J. Sabato

29 October – 6 November 2026

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Día de los Muertos, Part Dos – State Street marked the annual celebration – rooted in Indigenous and Latino/a traditions honoring those community and family members who have passed – with the procession and party on the plaza last Sunday afternoon. Now, on the actual official day, Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation and Mujeres Makers offer a community-centered Market & Craft Day of art, remembrance, and celebration just a block away at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park. The free, family-friendly cultural celebration’s vibrant and colorful offerings include free arts & crafts and other activities in the Presidio Orchard; face painting, workshops, and dance performances; DJ, Lotería, a photo booth, a Catrina Contest; and a community ofrenda (altar) to honor loved ones, with all attendees invited to bring a photo or memento to contribute. WHEN: 10 am-4 pm Sunday WHERE: 123 E. Canon Perdido St. COST: free INFO: www.sbthp.org/diadelosmuertos

down? PumpkinPalooza also features live sets from ‘90s cover bands Smelly Cat and Infinite Pumpkins. (Do they play other times of year, too?) A full bar with cocktails and food available from Cooney’s and the Public Market. Oh my goth! Costumes encouraged. Must be 21-plus to enter. WHEN: 7-11 pm WHERE: SB Public Market, 28 West Victoria Street COST: $21.59 INFO: https://djdarlabea.ticketsauce.com/e/pumpkinpalooza/tickets SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Lovett Goes Large – It’s only been 31 months since Lyle Lovett last appeared in town, that being a March 2024 gig at the Lobero billed with his Acoustic Group. That gig also featured a surprise guest shot from Chubby Checker, who popped up from the audience to sing “The Twist” and “Twist and Shout” in a true left turn from Lovett’s dry-witted country-Americana. We heard a fine assortment from the Lovett catalog, known for the singer-songwriter-guitarist’s unique way of blending elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues in his music, not to mention the wry stories and deadpan delivery. Now, he’s back in a slightly bigger room, this time with his Small Large Band, which features many of the same supporting players, including (storied) bassist Leland Sklar, pianist Jim Cox, guitarist Jeff White, and singer Amy Keys. Expect Lovett’s still-consummate renditions of longtime favorites “She’s Already Made Up Her Mind,” “Here I Am,“ “She’s No Lady,” “If I Had a Boat,” and “My Baby Don’t Tolerate,” among others, as well as a smattering of newer material and a handful of cover songs. It’s always a treat. WHEN: 7 pm WHERE: Campbell Hall, 574 Mesa Rd., UCSB campus COST: $115-$150 INFO: (805) 893-3535 or https://artsandlectures.ucsb.edu WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 Creepy ‘Crawl’-ies, Day and Night – Neither early birds nor night owls have to miss out on Halloween bar crawls today as different organizers sponsor two different events that barely overlap at all. The Fright Crawl Day Party features up to 800 people in costume taking over the city before the sun goes down – or at least invading four venues only made known to ticketholders. The live crawl map shares where the party is in real time, with all of the venues forgoing cover charges for wristband holders, while a human host moves along with the crowd. Live DJs spin the dance hits and Halloween classics all day while folks clad in creepy, cute, or clotted-in-crimson costumes that can withstand the broad daylight get their party on before nightfall. Then it’s time for the Santa Barbara Zombie Crawl, which features stops at eight different bars up and down State Street (and offshoots), including Sharkeez, Red Piano, James Joyce, Institution Ale, Wildcat, O’Malleys, Night Lizard Brewing Company, and Unbearable, with EOS serving as both check-in spot and after-party venue. Drink specials and free welcome shots at select venues. And if you choose the special Friday night crawl, you can still make it to a private part on Saturday night. WHEN: Day Party 1-8 pm Saturday; Zombie Crawl 7 pm-2 am Friday & Saturday COST: Day $15, Evening $25-$30 INFO: www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-fright-crawl-santa-barbara-halloween-day-bar-crawl2026-sat-oct-31-tickets-1998622180744 and https://santabarbarazombiecrawl.com SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 Pumpkin‑Palooza – DJ Darla Bea – who else? – not only spins the beats but is also the organizer for the rare Halloween night party that takes place on Saturday night. The event space at Santa Barbara Public Market is where you’ll find the killer bash that suggests “The world is a vampire” so why not party

Making Sens with Serbian Violinist – Renowned Serbian violinist Nemanja Radulović heads to UCSB Campbell Hall leading the chamber orchestra Double Sens, an ensemble he founded almost 20 years ago that unites musicians from France and Serbia with fearless virtuosity and infectious energy. Radulović is known for his rich expression and emotionally charged playing that transforms familiar works into surprisingly fresh live experiences, while the ensemble’s sound moves fluidly between classical repertoire, Eastern European folk influences, and contemporary expression, marked by rhythmic vitality, emotional intensity, and a strong sense of collective storytelling. Radulović and Double Sens have recorded eight albums together and now make their Santa Barbara debut with a program that pairs their take on Vivaldi’s Four Seasons – described as lean, agile, and crackling with spontaneity – and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade; pieces intended to fulfill Radulović’s artistic vision of breaking down boundaries between genres, traditions and styles. WHEN: 7 pm WHERE: Campbell Hall, 574 Mesa Rd., UCSB campus COST: $34-$73 INFO: (805) 893-3535 or https://artsandlectures.ucsb.edu

NOTE TO READERS 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. 29 October – 6 November 2026

• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING (805) 565-1860

ESTATE/SENIOR SERVICES

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PHYSICAL TRAINING & THERAPY

CASA HAULING

Stillwell Fitness of Santa Barbara In Home Personal Training Sessions for 65+ Help with: Strength, Flexibility, Balance Motivation, and Consistency John Stillwell, CPT, Specialist in Senior Fitness 805-705-2014 StillwellFitness.com

Storage, sheds, garages & attic clean outs Licensed and insured Call (805) 963-6909

HANDYMAN

Handyman serv. Montecito to Goleta Reasonable rates No material markup Many years serving the area Call to discuss your needed repairs Mark Williamson (805) 680-8025

PET CARE & HOUSE SITTING Experienced, dependable pet lover available for pet sitting, dog walking & house sitting. Flexible schedule, great rates & references available. Text Jessica: (312) 315-5035

SB CEMETERY LOCATION Two sites are available at the Santa Barbara Cemetery which together can accommodate either one casket & one urn OR two urns. Central: Block D, Number 31 Valued at $21,000 Offered at $16,000 (805) 455-9869 - Please text for the soonest reply.

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Michael Bolton, MD. Harvard-Trained Board Certified Psychiatrist. Specializing in Adult ADHD. BecomeYourAuthenticSelf.Com Insurance accepted.

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TRESOR

LOCAL CONTRACTOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

We Buy, Sell and Broker Important Estate Jewelry. Located in the upper village of Montecito. Graduate Gemologists with 30 years of experience. We do free evaluations and private consultation. 1470 East Valley Rd Suite V. 805-969-0888 PET/ HOUSE SITTING Do you need to get away for a weekend, week or more? I will house sit and take care of your pets, plants & mail. I have refs if needed. Call me or text me. Christine (805) 452-2385 CARPET CLEANING Carpet Cleaning Since 1978 (805) 963-5304 Rafael Mendez Cell: 689-8397 or 963-3117 PIANO LESSONS Openings now available for Children & Adults. Piano Lessons in our Studio or your Home. Call or Text Kary Kramer (805) 453-3481 LANDSCAPE WATERLILIES and LOTUS since 1992 WATERGARDEN CARE SBWGC 805 682 5750

50 Montecito JOURNAL

Local Montecito building Contractor accepting jobs big or small Low rates & free estimates Jim: (209) 471-7577 LIC #55818

Acupuncture and Massage for pain management and comfort care, digestion, and sleep specialist for in-home or in-office. Experience with paraplegic and palliative care, special needs. Licensed primary care provider for 14 years.

ELECTRICIAN Montecito Electric Repairs and Inspections Licensed C10485353 805-969-1575 AUTOMOBILES WANTED We Buy Classic Cars Running or Not. Foreign/Domestic Chevy/Ford/Porsche/Mercedes/Etc. We come to you. Call Steven - 805-699-0684 Website - Avantiauto.group TILE SETTING Local tile setter of 35 years is now doing small jobs only. Services include grout cleaning and repair, caulking, sealing, replacing damaged tiles and basic plumbing needs. Call Doug Watts at 805-729-3211 for a free estimate.

DONATIONS NEEDED Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary Menagerie 2430 Lillie Avenue Summerland CA 93067 (805) 969-1944

Kristen Swegles LAc., MTCM, CMP Kristenswegles@gmail.com (805) 729-5270 REVERSE MORTGAGE SERVICES Reverse Mortgage Questions? Talk to an Expert! All Inquiries Strictly Confidential GAYLE NAGY – NMLS 251258

805.448.9224 gnagy@gemcorp.com Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the CA Residential Mortgage Lending Act. 3625 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Suite 258 Westlake Village, CA 91362 NMLS 2427

Donate to the Parrot Pantry! At SB Bird Sanctuary, backyard farmer’s bounty is our birds’ best bowl of food! The flock goes bananas for your apples, oranges & other homegrown fruits & veggies. Volunteers Do you have a special talent or skill? Do you need community service hours? The flock at SB Bird Sanctuary could always use some extra love and socialization. Call us and let’s talk about how you can help. (805) 969-1944

$12 MINIMUM TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD It’s simple. Charge is $0.04 per character, each line with 31 characters. Minimum is $12 per issue. Photo/logo/visual is an additional $20 per issue. Email Classified Ad to classifieds@montecitojournal.net or call (805) 565-1860. All ads must be finalized by Friday at 2pm the week prior to printing. We accept Visa/MasterCard/Amex (3% surcharge)

“The future of this republic is in the hands of the American voter.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 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.

29 October – 6 November 2026

Last Week’s Solution:

By Pete Muller & Frank Longo For each of the first five mini crosswords, one of the entries also serves as part of a five-word meta clue. The answer to the meta is a word or phrase (six letters or longer) hidden within the sixth mini crossword. The hidden meta answer starts in one of the squares and snakes through the grid vertically and horizontally from there (no diagonals!) without revisiting any squares. PUZZLE #1 1 4

OW E D R O L O H O R S E A N D E S T O Y

O L D S M O R E A W A R D N E W T O S N A G

M B A H E A R D A D Z E S R I D E M E A D

G A G T O U R T H I N E S A N T A A N G S T

S O S W E S T P E T C O E V I A N G E N R E

R E G C O C A C H A R T F O C U S O O H S

HORSE

DRAWN

RIDE

GOING

WEST

STAGECOACH

PUZZLE #3

PUZZLE #2

Across 1 Boxer's side-to-side movement? 4 "Dreams" director Kurosawa 6 Half note, to Brits 7 Discombobulate 8 Lead-in to "admin" or "ops"

Down 1 Like current weather conditions? 2 Edible bits of pomegranates or litchi nuts 3 See 5-Down 4 Org. that offers a "Well-being Toolkit" 5 With 3-Down, tag or hide-and-seek, e.g.

Down 1 Eat up, so to speak 2 "I'm gonna ___ my knees and roll my stockings down" ("All That Jazz" lyric) 3 Irving or Berlin 4 It's hazardous when it raises its hood 5 Irving Berlin musical, e.g.

1 5

Down 1 Erasmus wrote a satire "in praise of" it 2 Part of un archipiélago 3 Nation playing in the World Cup, e.g. 4 The one here 5 Nation staging the World Cup, e.g.

6 7

Down 1 Apples often used to make applesauce 2 Fire up the crowd, maybe 3 Tools associated with wood chips and casino chips 4 He created Everlasting Gobstoppers 5 2024 NATO joiner: Abbr.

META PUZZLE

Across 1 Lead-in to keeps or kicks 4 Lead-in to mater or Lube 5 42-year man of letters on TV? 6 41-year partner of 5-Across on TV 7 "Somebody ___" (2024 Gwen Stefani single)

Across 1 Terrible-twos trial 4 The ones there 6 Word before "back" in the title of a Gwen Stefani #1 hit 7 Belief for both Muhammad Ali and Mahershala Ali 8 No place for a neatnik

PUZZLE #5

Across 1 A dramatic character might follow one 4 "Same here" 6 Type a post in all caps, perhaps 7 Title role for Sidney Poitier in a 1959 musical film 8 Necessitating squinting, say

PUZZLE #4

Across 1 Org. concerned with transmission fluids? 4 Slangy suffix with bowl or smell 7 With 2-Down, dazed in a boxing ring, say 8 Setting of the 2023 film "Society of the Snow" 9 English dramatist Thomas

Down 1 Songdom's "hottest spot north of Havana," in brief 2 See 7-Across 3 Common cavity contributor 5 Handled the intros for, say 6 Sounds of depression in doctors' offices?

Across 1 Opposite of irrelevant 4 Jel ___ (maker of Otter Pops and Pop-Ice) 6 Word before case or well 7 Art the Clown of the "Terrifier" films, e.g. 8 Trapped in a tight spot

Down 1 Motionless no longer 2 Its sign is often flashed for selfies 3 Young Danny's in-hotel ride in "The Shining" 5 Used a 6-Across, e.g. 6 One from Brit. Airways is on display on Manhattan's Pier 86

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urs of th Ho e

24 7

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7 Da

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Mini Meta

t of th e w

Bilingual Staff

Denise Richter

(805) 683-3636 3412 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Andrea Dominic RPh Sherry Saffarnia, PharmD Thomas Johnsonbough RPh. 1498 East Valley Road Montecito, CA 93108

Phone: 805-969-2284 Fax: 805-565-3174

Compounding Pharmacy & Boutique

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29 October – 6 November 2026

LAWN CARE SERVICE

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• Voice of theVillage •

Montecito JOURNAL

LUCKY’S brunch menu

• Morning Starters & First Courses • Bowl of Chopped Fresh Fruit with lime & mint 14 Giant Shrimp Cocktail ...................... 36 Grilled Artichoke with choice of sauce...... 18

• Sandwiches •

choice of hash browns, fries, mixed greens, Caesar, fruit salad

Lucky Burger, 8 oz., .................... 32 choice of cheese

Vegetarian Burger, 5 oz. ............... 22 choice of cheese (burger patty is vegan)

Burrata, seasonal marmalade, prosciutto .......... 25 French Onion Soup, Gratinée ............. 20 Matzo Ball Soup............................. 18

Fried Chicken Breast Sandwich....... 28 coleslaw, Carolina BBQ sauce, pickles

NY Cheesesteak Sandwich ...........................38 caramelized onions, mushrooms

Lucky Chili with cornbread, cheddar & onions ......26 Fried Calamari with two sauces .............................24

Pastrami Reuben ......................... 32 sauerkraut and gruyere on rye

• A La Carte •

• Salads and Other Specialties •

Brioche French Toast ......................................19

Iceberg Lettuce Wedge with Bacon .. 18 roquefort or thousand island dressing

with fresh berries, maple syrup

Waffle with fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup ...17 Cambridge House Smoked Salmon ............29 toasted bialy or bagel, cream cheese, olives, tomato & cucumber

• Eggs and Other Breakfast Dishes •

Arugula, Radicchio & Endive Salad ............18 reggiano parmesan, balsamic vinaigrette

Caesar Salad ............................. 18 with grilled chicken breast ....... 31 Seafood Louie ............................ 56 two shrimp, 2 oz. crab, avocado, egg, romaine, tomato, cucumber

choice of hash browns, fries, sliced tomatoes, fruit salad

Classic Eggs Benedict ..................... 26 with julienne ham and hollandaise

Charred Rare Tuna Nicoise Salad ... 55

Chopped Salad ............................ 26

Home Made Spanish Chorizo Omelet ...... 22

Cobb Salad tossed w/ Roquefort dressing 29

Wild Mushroom and Gruyere Omelet ... 22

romaine, shrimp, bacon, green beans, peppers, avocado, roquefort

Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict ........... 28

Lucky’s Salad ............................. 28

California Eggs Benedict ................. 26 with spinach, tomato, avocado

with avocado

arugula, radicchio, shrimp, prosciutto, cannellini beans, onions

Prime Filet 6 oz. Steak, & two eggs any style 64

arugula, radicchio, endive and sauteéd onion

Huevos Rancheros, two eggs any style 24

Sliced Steak Salad, 6 oz., ............. 42

Corned Beef Hash & two poached eggs 26

Old School Chinese Chicken Salad .. 32

Prime Filet Steak Frites, 6 oz. ................ 64

Dos Pueblos Abalone (4pcs) ........... 58

Mixed Vegetable Frittata w/ Gruyere ... 22

Jimmy the Greek Salad with Feta ..... 20

tortillas, melted cheese, avocado and warm salsa

join us for brunch saturday and sunday 9AM-2:30PM and for lunch fridays 11AM-2:30PM reservations via OpenTable or by phone 805-565-7540 1279 Coast Village Road, Montecito