Ready for the Village 4th!?

READY FOR THE VILLAGE 4

Pete Jordano, If You Can Imagine!

Friday Night post-game dances, a ‘39 Pontiac, the Marines... this former Dodgers Bat Boy has some explaining to do, Special Section starts on page 21

Cold Spring

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but they always agree on getting together at the ranch to enjoy a fabulous lunch or girls dinner at The Stonehouse Restaurant

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Barbara’s own jittery adolescence. And Pete Jordano? Hoo boy… 30 Your Westmont – Stargazers may spot a comet June 20, biologist explored science and faith, and retiree balances fame and finance 32 Brilliant Thoughts – Tune in to Ashleigh’s musings on British broadcasting and what was on the old airwaves

origins trace

“No Kings” Protest – Thousands gathered last weekend along Cabrillo Blvd. in one of the largest protests in the area’s history 36 Elizabeth’s Appraisals – These Disney figurines tell of early licensing, ceramic factories, and why we need a failure beer 38 Spirituality Matters – The kids may be out of school but there’s still time for the adults to play with learning, nature, and the Tree of Life 41 Community Voices – Jeff Giordano writes in with a local and state-wide look at transitional housing efforts 42 In Passing – Remembering the lives of Leila Carpenter and Stephen Edward Geremia

Calendar of Events – Ladies of the Canyon, Kings of Klezmer, Women in a Golden State and more to enchant you this week 46 Classifieds – Our own “Craigslist” of classified ads, in which sellers offer everything from summer rentals to estate sales

Mini Meta Crossword Puzzles

Local Business Directory – Smart business owners place business cards here so readers know where to look when they need what those businesses offer

Photography: Alexis Adam

Our Town Montecito Association’s

Village 4th

by Joanne A Calitri

The Montecito Association Annual Village 4th committee, led by MA Events Chair Mindy Denson, has been working for the past year to make the 2025 July 4th celebration one for the books. The event is being co-sponsored by the Montecito Community Foundation.

This year’s Grand Marshalls are Cold Spring School Superintendent/ Principal Amy Alzina and MUS Superintendent Anthony Ranii, representing their schools and the community. During the photography session for this news story, I asked Alzina and Ranii for their thoughts on being named Grand Marshalls.

Ranii shared, “It’s a true honor to be selected along with my colleague Dr. Alzina. The schools are a huge part of this community, and we are happy to be a part of this wonderful Montecito tradition.”

Alzina added, “Like Anthony, I am super honored and excited to represent the community I love and live in, went to college in, and just excited to lead the parade and celebrate America!”

The Village 4th kicks off July 4, at the Montecito Fire Department for their annual pancake breakfast from 7-11 am. The parade start time is 11:30 am and goes down San Ysidro Road from Upper Manning Park to Montecito Union School, taking a left turn to Lower Manning Park where it ends.

All parade entrants will be entered to win in one of three categories: Most Patriotic, Most Entertaining, and Best Community Spirit. At the park, the events lineup includes a performance by the Music Academy of the West, a surprise local band, the pie-eating contest, and the tug-of-war contest between MUS and CSS. There are ticketed BBQ, beer garden, and non-alcoholic beverage concessions.

The Village 4th 2025 committee is: Amy Alzina, Anthony Ranii, Mindy Denson, Houghton Hyatt, Montecito Fire Chief David Neels, Lt. Rich Brittingham Nina Terzian, Christy Venable, Dana Hansen, Mike Edwards, Jillian Wittman Andrea Newquist, Cindy Feinberg, Conner Rehage, Andrew Schmoller Trish Davis

411: You can support the Village 4th via sponsorship at https://montecitoassociation.org/events/4th-of-july

Montecito Association’s Village 4th Committee (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

Executive Director Houghton Hyatt, Grand Marshalls Amy Alzina and Anthony Ranii, with Events Chair Mindy Denson (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

News Bytes

Local Scout Leads Flag Drive

by MJ Staff

Leo Brownstein, a Life Scout with Montecito’s Troop 33, is leading a community flag drive as part of his Eagle Scout project in collaboration with American Legion Post 49 and the Montecito Association. The drive will run from July 4 to July 18, with a flag collection box located at the Montecito Community Hall. Troop 33 will also host an information table at the Village 4th Manning Park celebration. The initiative offers residents a respectful way to retire worn American flags while supporting civic engagement and local scouting leadership.

Rotary Club of Montecito Awards Scholarships

The Rotary Club of Montecito honored 11 Santa Barbara City College students with Career Technical and Vocational Scholarships during a ceremony on April 15. The event, featuring remarks from Rotary and SBCC leaders, celebrated student excellence across diverse fields including nursing, journalism, drafting, cosmetology, and construction technology.

For over 25 years, the Rotary Club has partnered with SBCC to support students pursuing technical and vocational careers, awarding nearly $200,000 in scholarships to date. This year’s recipients were nominated by SBCC faculty from more than 60 Career Technical Education programs, evaluated on academic merit, leadership, and community involvement.

Grace Fisher Foundation Achieves Nonprofit Status

The Grace Fisher Foundation (GFF), a Santa Barbara nonprofit known for its inclusive arts programs, has officially become an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Formerly under a fiscal sponsor, this milestone transition empowers GFF to expand its impact and grow its community-centered initiatives. Founder

Grace Fisher called the move “a dream come true,” signaling new opportunities to enhance free programs for individuals of all abilities.

Adding momentum, GFF has received a $50,000 matching grant from a local family foundation. The summer-long challenge aims to double community donations, with new gifts matched dollar-for-dollar and increased donations from returning supporters also matched.

If fully met, the campaign could raise $100,000 – critical funding to keep all programs free. The foundation is also unveiling the GFF Hidden Haven, Santa Barbara’s first Sensory Room, created in partnership with Embrace Autism.

411: To donate or learn more, www.gracefisherfoundation.org

Eat for a Cause with Panda Express!

On June 28 from 10:30 am to 10 pm, Panda Express will donate a portion of their online orders to Healing Justice SB. A portion of all online orders will go directly to HJSB programming.

411: Order online at pandaexpress.com or its app. Use Fundraiser Code: 3841138 at checkout

The California Wine Festival Santa Barbara

The California Wine fest circles back to SB for a luxe weekend of wine and food pairings. Friday, July 18, from 6:30-9 pm: Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting at the Plaza del Sol, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort Saturday, July 19, from 1-4 pm. (VIP Entry at 12 pm): Main event at Chase Palm Park. The event will have a “Best Tri-Tip in the 805” contest, live music and interactive stations with BMW’s latest vehicles. Event for 21 and over only, ticketed. Full listings of wineries, caterers and events, see 411.

411: www.californiawinefestival.com

YOUR LETTERS MATTER!

The Montecito Journal thrives on community input… Have thoughts on a local issue? Comments on one of our articles? Contact us at letters@montecitojournal.net

Summer is here and we’ve got you covered with our in-stock assortment of square, octagon and rectangular umbrellas. Our selection includes aluminum and teak umbrellas as well as center pole and cantilever styles.

Montecito Miscellany

Change of Plans

by Richard Mineards

A gala to honor Meghan Markle as “a champion of underserved communities” has been scrapped because of Los Angeles’ erupting ICE protests.

Guests had paid a minimum of $1,500 to see the Duchess of Sussex, 43, give a speech at Saturday’s Night of Wonder bash at the city’s Natural History Museum.

But the star-studded event was cancelled after huge protests spiraled out of control with a heavy National Guard presence.

The museum in Exposition Park promised an enchanted garden setting with an immersive exhibition, live music and a lavish banquet with the cream of L.A.’s cultural elite, celebrities, and leading philanthropists expected to attend.

Local YouTuber Shares Views

Chynna Phillips has gone on a blistering tirade against actor husband Billy Baldwin confessing she was turned off during their first kiss, accusing him of

using “power and control” during the first years of their relationship and claiming he’s now jealous of her love of Jesus.

The former musician, 57, who converted to Christianity in 2022, opened up over her “complicated marriage” in a candidly honest video showed on her faith-based YouTube channel California Preachin’

In a shocking 16-minute rant, Chynna detailed a series of devastating problems the couple have had over the years, revealing that her newfound love of religion has driven a wedge between them.

She said Billy had struggled with her ‘Jesus Journey’ – feeling upstaged by the “big man” before she begged Jesus to help “heal and restore” their marriage.

“I think he’s just missing the mark a little bit and that’s where there’s a little bit of separation between us.”

I wish them well...

The View on Children

Former TV talk show titan Oprah Winfrey has revealed the late ABC news anchor and founder of The View Barbara Walters contributed to her decision not to have children.

Oprah, 71, raised the topic during Hulu’s new documentary Barbara Walters Tell Me Everything, according to the Daily Beast.

Walters, who I knew well in New York while being a regular guest on The View talking about the Royal Family, died in 2022 aged 93, and had adopted a daughter, Jackie, in 1968 with her second husband Lee Guber.

However, Walters had a difficult relationship with Jackie and, at one point, her daughter ran away from home for a month.

Oprah says Walters encouraged her to

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have children. “I remember her telling me there was nothing more fulfilling than having children and ‘You should really think about it.’”

“Okay, but I’m looking at you, so no!”

Oprah continued.

Rumors & Reviews

Rumors are abounding that singer Katy Perry’s and Orlando Bloom’s relationship is on rocky ground accords to the New York Post’s Page Six.

“It’s over,” one source told the popular column. “They are waiting for the world tour to end before they split.”

Her Lifetimes tour, currently in Australia, finishes Dec. 7.

The twosome first met in 2016 at a Golden Globes afterparty. They got engaged in 2019 and welcomed daughter Daisy Dove in August 2020.

Sources have also told People magazine that stress over the poor reception for her new album 143 had caused “tension” in their relationship.

Watch this space...

Fresh Blood

Orland Bloom’s latest adventure may sound like a new film plot.

Katy Perry’s British actor fiancé has

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Meghan understandably cancels L.A. gala because of ICE protests (photo by Fuzheado via Wikimedia Commons)

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Meeting at MA Sheriff’s Substation Location &

New Board President

by Joanne A Calitri

The Montecito Association June 2025 meeting was held on Tuesday, June 10.

Present were MA President Doug Black, 1st VP Leslie Lundgren, ED Houghton Hyatt; Board President Bill Babbitt, Sr. VP of Hospitality for the Rosewood Miramar Beach Philipp Posch, Deputy Chief for Supervisor Roy Lee, Aida Thau; community partners, MA board members, and residents.

The priority agenda item was the updates on the Montecito Sheriff’s Substation presented by Rosewood’s Posch. He reported via Zoom saying, “We [Rosewood Miramar Beach] were not aware of your meetings for a substation. This is something that has been on our mind for a while. We started actively talking with Lt. Rich Brittingham two months ago. After much consideration, we are going to do it to help the community. Both SBC Sheriff Bill Brown and Lt. Rich like our plans, and we are working on the details. I don’t know if July 1 is realistic for the opening of the substation, and we can’t commit to a timeline due to SBC permitting, which is something I don’t have control over. We are working very closely with the City of SB and with Lt. Rich. We need to follow the process. The timeline depends on the City and SB County. I would like to come back at a later date to present more when we have a timeline. We are trying to get this done over the next couple of months.”

MA Board member Patrice Serrani said that she did not hear about the Miramar as the location for the substation and was upset that it will be located at the Miramar and not in the upper village. She asked Posch to have the Miramar pay for

the substation to be at the upper village to be part of the community.

Her expressions of discontent were met with the following replies:

- Jacqueline Duran of the MA Safety Subcommittee said, “We knew that the upper village substation was only a temporary location, and that the Rosewood Miramar Beach is preferred by the Sheriff’s Department.”

- Andrea Newquist also on the subcommittee added, “We only had a oneyear lease on the upper village location that would not go any further.”

- Pertinent comments that concluded the discussion were from Lt. Rich Brittingham who explained, “Geographically, the upper village is a good spot, but we could not find anything for a long time that would work for the Sheriff’s Dept. With our substation at the Rosewood Miramar Beach, you are still going to have the units patrolling the area, and the fact that they [Rosewood Miramar Beach] are paying for everything is what we did not have at any other location. The Rosewood Miramar Beach is eager to get it done, they are on top of it. This will keep us [Sheriff’s Dept] in the area, so we don’t have to go back to our main station in Carpinteria to have our meals and write up our reports. At this point, to get what we [Sheriff’s Dept] need for this community, the deal we have with the Rosewood Miramar Beach is best for this community.”

With that Black moved the meeting forward.

Black stated that MA Board President Bill Babbitt submitted his resignation and acknowledged all Babbitt has done since joining the MA. Via zoom, Babbitt explained, “I’ve stepped back for a per-

sonal reason. I loved being part of the board and community for the past four years. Candy [Hedrick] will be great. Thank everyone for your commitment to the community.” With that, Black set forth the vote which was unanimous – voting in Board Member Candy Hedrick as the new Board President.

Cindy Chvatal attending by Zoom reported, “I am on the United Neighbors organization. We want Montecito to be aware of SB79 up now before State Assembly.

It will end our zoning as we know it. This bill by Scott Wiener was first brought up in January 2025. SB79 is a land use bill that will allow 65-to-75-unit apartment buildings to be located a quarter mile from a bus lane or rail lane. The state wants to take away local control of zoning. I want to be allowed to speak at your Land Use meeting and we want your support against this bill. It allows multiunit complexes without affordable housing and if the complex has affordable housing the unit can be higher in elevation.”

Babbitt commented that, “Sharon Byrne was part of United Neighbors and kept the MA informed. When SB79 came out I sent it to the MA Board. It does not immediately affect Montecito due to dedicated bus line and rail.”

Fire Chief David Neels announced the June 26 community meeting on Wildfire Preparedness at MUS with multiple first responder departments. He is asking that community questions be submitted prior to the June 26 meeting. Neels also asked that people stay vigilant for fire season and not be made complacent by the fog.

Thau reported on getting a USPS inspector to monitor Montecito mailbox delivery in response to the current mail crimes. Supervisor Lee is in discussion with SBC Parks about lifeguards for Butterfly Beach.

Nicholas Turner, General Manager for the Montecito Water District reported that the Montecito annual water quality report is now available online, and it met and exceeded mandatory expectations. He encouraged all to register for “Water

Montecito Tide Guide

Smart” to get real time information on water usage. He reminded that this is the time of year for budgets, and the water bill increase coming July 1 is part of a series of five increases through 2029. MWD will have a water station at the July 4th parade event.

Mindy Denson announced the two July 4th parade General Marshalls as Cold Spring School Superintendent/ Principal Amy Alzina, and MUS Superintendent Anthony Ranii. The Annual Village July 4th will have the Music Academy of the West performing at the lower Manning park.

Alzina and Ranii summed up the end of the school year and talked about the growth of their students who are graduating.

History Chair Trish Davis, reported that this month is the 50th Anniversary for our History office here at the library. She read about the issues the MA talked about 50 years ago, “Bees, bikeways, chickens, creeks, fire hazards, illegal rentals, illegal structures, noise, parking issues, signage, trash on the road, yard sales.” And that the people serving on the MA Board were not real estate agents!

For additional committee reports, check the MA website meeting minutes.

411: www.montecitoassociation.org

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

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

Managing Editor | Zach Rosen zach@montecitojournal.net

MoJo Contributing Editor | Christopher Matteo Connor

Art/Production Director | Trent Watanabe

Graphic Design/Layout | Stevie Acuña

Administrative Assistant | Kassidy Craner VP, Sales & Marketing | Leanne Wood leanne@montecitojournal.net

Account Managers | Sue Brooks, Tanis Nelson, Elizabeth Scott, Jessica Sutherland, Joe DeMello

Contributing Editor | Kelly Mahan Herrick

Proofreading | Helen Buckley Arts and Entertainment | Steven Libowitz

Contributors | Scott Craig, Ashleigh Brilliant, Chuck Graham, Mark Ashton Hunt, Dalina Michaels, Robert Bernstein, Christina Atchison, Leslie Zemeckis, Sigrid Toye, Elizabeth Stewart, Beatrice Tolan, Leana Orsua, Jeffrey Harding, Tiana Molony, Houghton Hyatt, Jeff Wing

Gossip | Richard Mineards

History | Hattie Beresford

Humor | Ernie Witham

Our Town/Society | Joanne A Calitri

Health/Wellness | Ann Brode, Deann Zampelli

Travel | Jerry Dunn, Leslie Westbrook

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

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Our Town’s Graduations Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

by Joanne A Calitri

Our Lady of Mount Carmel (OLMC) 2025 Eighth Grade Graduation –“Go Lancers!” – was held on Friday, May 30 at 2 pm at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. The graduates processed into the church to “Pomp and Circumstance,” wearing a traditional cap and gown in the school colors of blue and white. Students were adorned with flower leis, and gold or red cords awarded for different levels of scholastic achievement.

The over two-hour ceremony began with a mass, led by Pastor Fr. Lawrence Seyer with the students reading various passages. The music portion of the mass was led by Ms. Eun Kim

Following the mass, the graduation ceremony began with the blessing of the graduates’ handmade autobiography books, which they presented to their families with a long stem rose. OLMC Principal Tracie Simolon and the teachers – 8th grade homeroom teacher who taught Literature and Religion, Mary Beth Lee, Eun Kim, PreAlgebra & Science; Kyla Rightmer, Algebra; Angela Pangan, Writing; and Lauren Bergesen, History – recognized each of graduates for their unique gifts and talents.

The annual awards were given as follows:

Citizen of the Year: Emily Hayman and Cade McCallister

Altar Server: Vincent Simolon and Reid Olesen

Lancer of the Year: Levi Gritt and Mia Desales Spirit Award: Lillian Van Eyck

Simolon acknowledged the parents of the students and presented a certificate of recognition to parents for whom this graduation is for the last child they have sent through the school. Fr. Seyer and Simolon conferred the diplomas to the graduates and charged them as graduated.

The Student Address was given by the graduating class’s Student Body President, Madison Murphy, who recapped their experiences, friendships, and provided inspiration going forward.

Simolon concluded the program with her commencement statement to the graduates, “The Class of 2025 exemplifies what it means to be a Lancer! This class is filled with leaders and hardworking students, with servant disciples and high achievers. What stands out most about this group of students is the love they have for one another and how seriously they take the responsibility of being positive role models for their younger school mates. They set an example for our school community, and we look forward to cheering them on in their future endeavors!”

The OLMC Eighth Grade 2025 graduates are:

Skyler L. Carroll, Rockston C. Cavalli, Ruby S. Clay, Catherine A. Conlan, Nathalie L. Contreras, Mia N. Desales, Nathaniel H. Duva, Hudson H. Findley, Cailyn R. Gillen, Levi C. Gritt, Paul M. Hansen, Emily B. Hayman, Sarah L.

Graduations Page 144

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel grads with principal Tracie Simolon, Fr. Sawyer, and their teacher Mary Beth Lee (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

Hayman, Amelia S. Isaac, Celin Llanos, Cade D. McCallister, Madison M. Murphy, Ekaterina I. Nikolov, Reid A. Olesen, Nathan T. Orta, Jacob M. Perez, Bruno C. Rakowski, Noah J. Rodriguez, Vincent J. Simolon, Camila S. Tovar, Lillian P. Van Eyck, and Wentao (Steven) Zheng

Cold Spring School

The Cold Spring School Sixth Grade 2025 Graduation – “Go Dolphins!” – was held on Tuesday, June 10, at 8:30 am in the school’s auditorium. The front entrance fence to the school campus had an oversized black and white portrait of each graduate on view. Balloons and ribbons in the school colors and dolphin mascot decorated the auditorium where the program commenced with a slide show to inspirational music with photos of the grads at each grade level. Songs like “Kiss the Sky” by Maren Morris from The Wild Robot, accompanied the photos. The slideshow was put together by graduating student Wyatt Carlson. After the video, the grads processed to the stage and sang, “We’re All in This Together” by Matthew Gerrard and Robbie Nevil, led by Music Specialist Sara Di Salvo CSS Superintendent and Principal Amy M. Alzina EdD, opened the ceremonies with her welcome and thanks to the parents, grandparents, teachers, and staff. She asked the students to stand and thank their parents, which they did as a group on stage. Alzina, fighting back the happy tears, shared, “Your hearts are as powerful as your minds. In my 20 years as a principal, you are my favorite class, I have gone to college with some of your parents! As the school year draws to a close, I am honored to celebrate the incredible sixth grade class of 2025 at Cold Spring School. This group of students stands out not only for their academic achievements, but for their commitment to innovation, creativity, and compassionate leadership. Throughout the year, these students have embraced cutting-edge AI tools to personalize and enhance their learning experience. From diving into research and writing with support from Khanmigo, to expressing their creativity through Adobe Express, and music generation using Suno AI, they have demonstrated that when technology meets curiosity, the possibilities are endless. Equally inspiring has been their growth as leaders. Through Stephen Covey’s Leader in Me program, our sixth graders have developed the confidence, communication skills, and sense of purpose needed to be thoughtful, service-minded individuals.

Whether planning student-led initiatives, mentoring younger peers, or welcoming children from Los Angeles displaced by wildfires with compassion and empathy, they’ve led with heart and integrity. This class exemplifies what it means to be future-ready! They are equipped with the tools, mindset, and values to thrive in an ever-evolving world. To our sixth graders: thank you for the joy, inspiration, and leadership you’ve brought to Cold Spring School. We can’t wait to see all that you accomplish next.”

She was followed by the grads 6th grade teachers, Linda Edwards and Kelly Orwig, who each provided their comments. The commencement speech was given by Student Body President, Jake Miller, who said, “It hasn’t always been easy, we worked hard. Thank you to our teachers who believed in us even when we didn’t. Thank you to our families for cheering us on, always being there with love and support. We’ve done a lot together. Graduating means we are ready for what comes next. We are ready. We are strong, smart, and full of great ideas. As we walk out of here let’s keep being the best versions of ourselves. The future is full of possibilities, and it starts now. Congratulations class of 2025.”

Next came the presentation of awards by Alzina, and teachers Edwards, Orwig, DiSalvo, Ryan Francisco, Amber O’Neill, Jill Wolf, and Shekinah Bryant, as follows:

Graduations Page 204

Reduced

Shorter

The 2025 Cold Spring School grads with Superintendent/Principal Dr. Amy Alzina and the CSS teachers (photo by Joanne A Calitri)

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The Giving List

NatureTrack

by Steven Libowitz

Summer is often a slower season for NatureTrack, the nonprofit organization which was founded with the goal of creating opportunities for people of all ages to foster a lifelong fascination with nature. That’s because the main thrust of NatureTrack’s dayto-day activities is providing K-12 students with outdoor field trips in Santa Barbara County. NatureTrack takes the youngsters – many of whom have never previously been exposed to a true natural environment – to beaches, trails, and open spaces where they interact with their surroundings and learn from docents. These programs are specifically coordinated with their classroom teachers to emphasize, and align with, what students are currently studying in class.

Founded in 2011, NatureTrack has served more than 50,000 K–12 students through the cost-free, curriculum-aligned outdoor field trips.

Of course, school isn’t in session in the summer, so that activity slows down. But now the nonprofit has expanded with an

experimental, free, and family-friendly movie screening series at a local state beach. This new program came about through the request of a park ranger who had assisted on previous NatureTrack field trips. It’s an adjunct to the annual NatureTrack Film Festival that takes place in October.

“We show films that are from the archives of the festival; wonderful outdoor adventure, environmental films, all of which falls under the mission of connecting people to the natural world,” explained Sue Eisaguirre, NatureTrack’s founder and Executive Director. “We pull from the award winners and audience favorites over the years.”

This year the screenings will take place over six Saturday evenings at Refugio Beach on a grassy area by the Education Center. Campers, local residents, and visitors alike are all welcome, and everyone is encouraged to bring blankets and low-back chairs to enjoy the screenings. Not only is admission free as long as you mention the screening at the kiosk when you arrive, but the Education Center will also be open an hour before the screenings start at 7 pm for visitors to enjoy.

“We didn’t really promote it last year at all, so some nights were rather sparse, but there was one where we had 180 people there,” Eisaguirre said. “It was pretty crazy, but it’s such a nice evening event to watch these films outside under the stars by the beach.”

This summer’s screenings, which take place on June 28, July 19 & 26, August 16 & 30, and September 13, include Two Point Four, featuring an unusual family vacation where the foursome climb Norway’s national mountain, Stetind, by scaling its 2000 foot high vertical face. The kids at the time of filming were 9 and 5 years old. 8000+ chronicles filmmaker Antoine Girard, who is a paraglider, rock climber and high-altitude

mountaineer, over a month in Pakistan, where he flew a remote, challenging and groundbreaking 1,250-kilometer solo route through the Karakoram mountain range, reaching 8,157 meters of altitude to view the broad peak from above –setting a world record in the process. By Hand tells the story of Pismo Beach twins Casey and Ryan Higginbotham who travelled 2,200 miles from Alaska to Mexico on custom-built, 18-foot paddle boards carrying nothing more than two bags of gear and a camera, sans paddles, or a support boat.

NatureTrack will also have one of its special wheelchair devices called

NatureTrack will also have one of the Freedom Trax devices at the movie screening (courtesy photo)

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You’re Gonna Need a

by Steven Libowitz

Great White sharks are known to patrol the waters off Santa Barbara and even the coastline on a regular basis – an occasionally toothy swim zone barely a few hundred yards away from the Music Academy’s Miraflores campus. Tonight’s opening concert –by the fellows-powered Academy Festival Orchestra (AFO) – takes place Saturday night at the Granada, a little further away from the shoreline. Thankfully so, as the concert, which represents MAW’s first live-to-film performance in its history, features a screening of Jaws; Steven Spielberg’s career-launching and terror-inducing 1975 movie. In the film, a great white shark terrorizes swimmers and boaters on a fictional New England vacay destination called Amity Island.

Bigger Band

Also new to MAW is the evening’s conductor, Ben Palmer – Artistic Director of Covent Garden Sinfonia, and Chief Conductor of the Orchestra da Camera di Pordenone and Babylon Orchester Berli. Palmer is one of the world’s most sought-after specialists in conducting live-to-picture

Week @ MAW Page 374

(Continued from 14)

Alyssa Smelley Citizenship Award: Mila Elliott and Harrison Barlow

Principal’s Awards: Scarlett Kane and Mackenzie Bloom

Grit Award: Mila Hueber and William Walters

Outstanding Athletes: Makenzie Bloom, Colton Bryant, Griffin Sparks, Lachi

Jacobsen, Bodhi Hawkins, and Mila Elliott

Drama Award: Ellie Kane, Ari Bijan, Mila Hueber, and Jude Santos

Music Award: Asher Wheeler and Anton Rubi-Dentzel

Triple Threat: Evie Ohlgren

Art Award: Ava Daughters

STEAM Award: William Bakey, Oliver Roy, and Hope Weintraub

Creative Spirit: Meadow Stevens

Tech and Leadership: Tucker Copus

Math Award: Rose McQuade, Harrison Barlow, Lincoln Quivey, and Caitlin McCorkell

Writing Award: Alexis Montanaro and Kylee Denu

Personal Best: Ella Arconian , Scarlett Kane , William Waleters , and Wyatt Carlson

Alzina introduced the CSS Board, Michael Marino Esq., Trevor Pattison, Gabrielle Haas, Jennifer Miller, and Elke Kane Esq. Alzina, the board, and the sixth-grade teachers presented the diplomas, and the traditional reading of each students’ views of themselves 10 years from today.

Closing remarks were given by Alzina, followed by huge applause for the graduates and the annual MJ photo by yours truly. The Cold Spring School 2025 6th grade graduates are:

Ella Arconian, William Bakey, Harrison Barlow, Ari Bijan, Makenzie Bloom, Colton Byrant, Wyatt Carlson, Tucker Copus, Ava Daughters, Kylee Denu, Mila Elliott, Bodhi Hawkins, Mila Hueber, Lachlan Jacobsen, Ellie Kane, Scarlett Kane, Caitlin McCorkell, Rosalyn McQuade, Jake Miller, Alexis Montanaro, Evelyn Ohlgren, Lincoln Quivey, Oliver Roy, Anton RubiDentzel, Jude Santos, Griffin Sparks, Meadow Stevens, Louisa Walmsley, William Walters, Hope Weintraub, and Asher Wheeler

Jaws in Concert is the Music Academy’s first live to film production (courtesy photo)

Pete Jordano’s Lives

Beings & Doings

Pete Jordano’s Lives

by Jeff Wing

“The company was pretty small then, but lemme tell you – on a typical Sunday I would be washing my car.” His name is Pete Jordano and he is an institution. I’ve come to his office to interrogate him. He’s taking it well. “I drove a ‘39 Pontiac. While I would be washing my car, I’d have the radio on, and it would be an ad by H.J. Caruso – a big car dealer and Rick Caruso’s father.”

This is one of those stories. Pete Jordano knows everyone. This is not shorthand. Ninety years on Earth combined with a helplessly gregarious nature will swell the Rolodex to nutty proportions – never mind the decades Pete spent as free-range CEO of the sprawling company that bears his family name.

The man lives at the center of Santa Barbara lore across many categories – Corporate Legend, Tireless Philanthropist, Gilded Storyteller, Connected and Cherished Patriarch. Pete Jordano is a quiet giant. Alongside his longtime pal, chief ally, and power partner – a demure hurricane named Gerd Jordano – Pete has spent a lifetime lavishing on the Santa Barbara community all the love he feels for the place, its institutions, and the hardworking nonprofits that lift it. There are public figures, and then there are reflexive lovebirds who simply act on impulse to buoy the hometown’s heart and daily life.

For the Jordano family, 2025 is a nexus. Pete Jordano turned 90 in February of this year, Jordano’s proper turned 110, and current President/CEO Jeff Jordano marked his 35th year with the family project. This confluence of anniversaries comprises a moment. Sometimes a name will transcend its baptismal origins and become emblematic of an epoch, a culture – a warm, deep-seated sense of place and time. To this writer’s mind, that warming phenomenon summons names like “Jack Lemmon,” “Joe di Maggio,” “Sid Caesar,” “Dean Martin.” In the American Riviera the name “Jordano” is many-gabled, and deeply redolent of home in a town whose 20th century arc maps to the Jordano family’s own. Pete Jordano embodies these combined sagas.

“I’ve been so damn lucky,” Pete exults in an early summation. He offers a nod of assent. “And yeah, I’m a little nuts.”

At the Blue Onion with an Orangeade

The first Jordano Brothers Market opened at 706 State Street in Santa Barbara. The year was 1915. For perspective, that’s the year we discovered the planet Pluto. These 110 years later, Pete’s son Jeff – he of the Duke University MBA, 35 years in the company trenches, and probable fondness for aspirin – is President and CEO of Jordano’s and Pacific Beverage. At 500+ employees, revenues of $350M, 10,000 food service products and 1,300 beverages, (who knew that many beverages even existed in the world?) Jordano’s is the second largest such outfit in the state of California. By now it’s safe to say the Giordano brothers’ plucky “Hey, let’s open a little store” notion has been wildly vindicated.

Pete is today Chairman and energized ambassador of Jordano’s. But it was as CEO in 1975 that Pete orchestrated –though a storied combination of acute business acumen, interpersonal chutzpa, and “whiskers” – the company’s triumphant emergence from an abyss. And he did it with panache.

I’m ushered into Pete’s Goleta office by his longtime executive assistant Jo Ann, whose tactically arched eyebrows convey a “best of luck” sentiment. Pete Jordano is seated behind a desk the size of a pool table and greets me like an

Pete and Gerd Jordano (photo courtesy of the Jordano Family)

Pete Jordano with his Dad, Frank (photo courtesy of the Jordano Family)

Giacomo Giordano and Family, 1904 (photo courtesy of the Jordano Family)

Jordano Bros Store #1 at West Canon Perdido, following the annual Fiesta celebration in downtown Santa Barbara, August 1926 (photo courtesy of Jordano’s)

Jordano’s Store #1, 1915 (photo courtesy of Jordano’s)

1915 Jordano’s Ad for 1st store opening (photo courtesy of Jordano’s)

“It Wasn’t ‘Mr. Jordano,’ it was always ‘Pete.’”

We reached out to a number of Pete’s longtime chums and family members and asked them to weigh in on the subject of Pete Jordano. Dodgers bat boy, U.S. Marine, business legend, raconteur; to paraphrase Sinatra, Pete Jordano is a many-splendored thing.

Pete’s Santa Barbara “journey” has been defined by people – business contacts, customers, pals, and passerby. Pete is just the sort of beloved, decade-spanning, omnipresent local one would be tempted to crown the “Unofficial Mayor of Santa Barbara” – but we have the actual mayor of Santa Barbara on record here and don’t want trouble.

Joe Cole

Alison Hardey — Owner, Jeannine’s Bakery

I think I was probably eight years old when I met Pete. I was just an innocent little thing, and I was friends with his children. I lived on Mission Ridge Road and he lived on Las Tunas. I went to school with his sons, and we would race down this hill to get to school. And I would see Pete and Gerd and they’d be like, “Slow down guys!” His son Jeff and I used to practice tennis together all the time.

Having lunch with Pete is an experience because he knows everybody. He knows the waiters, he knows everybody in the kitchen. He heads back into the kitchen at these nice restaurants and talks to everybody and he’s pretty damn funny. And if you need something, if you have a problem, if you need a referral, he’s always had an open door. He’s easy to get ahold of. You can call him old school gentleman.

Joyce Dudley

Pete just struck me as kindness personified. He is an extraordinarily successful businessman, and I’ve had countless dinners with them. Always at some point I just grabbed chairs next to Pete and I say, “So how’s business?” And he always answered it the same way. He would tell me about the people who worked for him. And he would tell me what’s going on in their lives and their children’s lives and their grandchildren’s lives.

Jerry Shalhoob –Owner, Shalhoob Property Rentals

Henry Yang

Pete, together with Gerd, has helped shape the future of our university through his enduring belief in the power of education, athletics, and community. Pete has steadfastly supported our scholar-athletes over the past four decades through his Golden Eagle program, encouraging our students to excel both athletically and academically.

I went to work for Jordano’s in about 1966, for their meat company. We took a liking to each other, and he was very, very approachable. And he was, I think, about third man down on the Jordano totem pole in those days. I worked for him for seven years, and I started my own business in ‘73.

Ben Scott –

Pete’s second cousin once removed, Montecito Bank & Trust Director of Commercial Banking, Jordano’s board Member

So my grandfather and Pete were cousins, same generation in the business. I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved with the company for the last 17, 18 years as a member of Jordano’s board of directors. My dad worked for the company for 30 years.

Rich Block

Throughout all my 26 years at the zoo, he was always very encouraging, very supportive. I was at kind of a crucial point early in my zoo experience, and Pete was right there supporting me, encouraging me, and really – my being there 26 years is partly due to Pete. He consistently was very open in board meetings, and he didn’t always say things that I wanted to hear, but the reality is that’s exactly what you want. It’s such an important thing. And Pete was always very good about that.

Brian Escalera –co-owner, Ellwood at Goleta Beach

I got to know Pete through my father Albert Escalera, they went to Santa Barbara High School together. We also connected through UCSB Athletics, Men’s Basketball in particular.

Randy Rowse

He’s got that biggie, the handshake where he kind of pulls you up close to him. And like you said, he’s always got some jokes, but he’s always interested in talking. He always makes eye contact with you. He’s not working the room. When you are talking to Pete, he’s talking to you – the most important person in the room.

Janet Garufis

Pete’s retirement from the board was sort of bittersweet. We loved having him here. There’s no question about his commitment to this community and how important it is to him. I mean, his collection of Old Santa Barbara postcards. They’re famous, right? Pete’s been collecting postcards for, I don’t know how long. He is such a history buff, and he has really told stories through these postcards. He has thousands of them.

old friend. I’d sent ahead a short list of questions, and Pete now gingerly lifts the sheet of paper by the corner – as one would an oil-soaked rag – and sets it aside. “These I don’t want to talk about,” he says with finality. “No personal stuff.” But I ask him about teen life in ‘50s Santa Barbara and the man opens up like a two-dollar suitcase. Pete Jordano is a softie. Stop the presses.

“On a typical weekend or evening we would cruise from de la Guerra Plaza to the Blue Onion and back around again. I mean, if you ever wanted to see one of your buddies you would find him at the Blue Onion with an Orangeade. It was just a ritual!”

The genie is out of the bottle.

“After the Friday night ball games there were dances at the Rec Center on Carrillo. I was chairman of the Recreation Youth center there. And do you remember the name Gil Rosas? Gil was a piano player for the Youth Center. Everybody went to the dance at the recreation center after the Friday game.”

It’s customary to describe charismatic persons as having a “twinkle” in the eye, and Pete Jordano is no exception. Pete’s twinkle, though… well, the gentleman possesses what can best be called “Resting Mischief Face.” His default expression suggests an ongoing suppressed grin. If Pete Jordano were your kid with that face you might feel inclined to send him to his room. Ninety years in, and the man wears the mug of a 10-year-old cooking up a scheme. For all that, he is an open book.

“I was trying out for Santa Barbara High’s baseball team,” he says. “I grounded the ball and I got thrown out at first base. Coach Bud Revis yelled ‘$%!!*& Jordano! You run like you have a piano strapped to your back!’” Pete absolutely beams. “So I knew right then that I was probably not going to be an athlete.”

The Giordano Brothers’ Excellent Adventure

In the 1880s, a guy named Pietro Pomatto left his small village of Rivarolo Canavese in northwestern Italy to find work. Wandering somewhat afield, he found work 6,018 miles away in a future beach blanket bacchanal called Santa Barbara, at that time a frontier clapboard community fronted by the unreasonably beautiful Pacific and dotted with ranches.

Back home in Italy, Pietro’s pregnant sister Annetta was married to Giacomo Giordano. Pietro’s idea was to save enough money to bring his brother-in-law over to Santa Barbara, where Giacomo would find work and a place to live. Once settled and with savings of his own, Giacomo would bring his wife and child over. That was Pietro’s thought, anyway. Unbeknownst to Pietro, Giacomo and his brothers Matteo and Giovanni had made a pact: if one Giordano brother leaves the village, all three leave the village. That they did.

The brothers’ fortunes lay along separate paths. Giovanni heard of promising opportunities in Argentina and peeled off to try his luck in South America. He was never heard from again. Matteo and Giacomo continued on to the States and came in through NYC, where the 305’ Lady in the Harbor (as Sinatra affectionately called her) waved them in with the implicit and explicit promises inherent in her magisterial raised torch.

Sanober Khan

Jeff, Sharon, Pete, and Gerd Jordano (photo Katie Abbott Photography)

Jeff and Pete Jordano hoisting business-related brewskis (photo courtesy of Jordano’s)

Early Jordano’s delivery truck circa 1940s (photo courtesy of Jordano’s)

Jordano’s grocery store on Milpas (photo courtesy of Jordano’s)

Jordano’s Store #2, corner of San Andres and Micheltorena, 1932 (photo courtesy of Jordano’s)

Jordano’s Store #5, 3025 De La Vina Street, 1951 (photo courtesy of Jordano’s)

Jordano’s Store #12, San Luis Obispo, 1966 (photo courtesy of Jordano’s)

Jordano’s Store #17, 1018 Casitas Pass Road, Carpinteria, 1971 (photo courtesy of Jordano’s)

Jeff Jordano –

President

and CEO of Jordano’s, Pete’s son

Janet Garufis

–

President & CEO at Montecito Bank & Trust

I met Pete when I came to Montecito Bank & Trust in November of 2004. And he had been a member of the board for many, many years. Even then, he was one of our longest serving board members after our founders, Jerry Parent and Michael Towbes. I wasn’t a member of the board, but he always had a joke, always had something fun to say, always a compliment.

After college I worked for Gallo, and then after graduate school I worked for Seagram in New York and the Stroh’s Brewery in Detroit, Michigan. Certainly, I think the thought was to come back to Jordano’s and those were definitely industry-related experiences. And then after a couple winters in Detroit, I called my dad and said, ‘Hey, how about that family business thing?’

Joe Pasternack

When you think of Santa Barbara, when I think of the community of Santa Barbara, Pete Jordano is the first person I think of.

Joyce Dudley

Randy Rowse

He’s been a loyal friend. I always wonder about a company’s culture when it comes to employees. With Jordano’s, everybody – from a salesman down to the driver to the guy that was sweeping up – are always just very customer oriented, glad to see you. “What can I do for you?” Part of that is because Pete was a worker himself. I’ve caught him out there more than once, back in the old days, driving a forklift around his own warehouse. He never seemed to have lost that touch, that worker’s touch to the whole thing. Whenever I walked around with him and he was greeted by his employees, it wasn’t “Mr. Jordano,” it was always “Pete.”

Alison Hardey

Pete and Gerd watched me grow up almost like one of their own. And so then I ran off and went to Stanford, came back to Santa Barbara and I got involved in this business. Pete has been there looking out for Jeannine’s, looking out for me. ‘Hey, how’s everything doing?’ Over the years, every article we ever had in the newspaper about us, he’d have his secretary cut it out, put it on a plaque and send it to us.

Jerry Shalhoob

I worked my way through the meat company as far as a meat cutter. They made me a foreman, and then they put me in sales, and Pete made me a sales manager. And then he and I got real tight right about that time because I don’t know, he loved encouraging me. It was a great experience for me. And I have nothing but high regards. He was an unbelievable mentor and boss for me, taught me a lot of things, a lot of business skills. It was just a great experience.

Joe Cole –

Real Estate and Corporate Attorney, former Publisher ‘News-Press’, former President and Publisher ‘Santa Barbara Independent’ I first met Pete probably over 40 years ago when we served together on the zoo board. He had been out for a long time. He was a force of nature then. And then I was honored about 25 years ago when I was asked to serve on the board of directors of Jordano’s, and I’ve been on that board with him for at least the last 25 years.

Pete and I have very different politics, and we were very close friends. I said, ‘Hey, Pete, I’m going to run for DA.’ And he said, what can I do? I said, well, that’s a great question, and I think I’m going to need things like your support, you being very public about this, you telling your friends about me. And he just listened very carefully and he said, you have all that and more He goes, where do we start? I said, well, we could start with … – and he says let’s have a party at my house. Let’s have it in the garden of my house. Let’s start the campaign off there.

I remember when I made my public announcement at the courthouse, I told him what I was going to be doing. He gets there with a great big sign and he stands behind me and to my right. He just wanted any photographers there, any TV that was there to see that he was supporting me.

Brent Reichard

Pete was really instrumental as The Habit grew. We were partners, I never switched from Jordano’s the whole 40 some years I was doing it. I learned a lot in how I would treat everybody around me – what that meant to your employees. You’re just the same. You’re no better than anybody else. And you know some leaders and stuff that just have a different attitude. Pete is just a great guy. He’s a great guy.

Henry Yang –Chancellor, UCSB

Pete and Gerd are longstanding friends of UC Santa Barbara, and they have so enriched our campus and the broader Santa Barbara community in countless ways through their leadership and generosity.

Alison Hardey

Gerd is a big part of Pete. She has been nothing but a wonderful supporter of me, and being a woman in business. She’s been a mentor to me. To watch her be on the board of Cottage Hospital and all her involvement. She’s just an inspiration to me.

Ben Scott

Pete’s an incredible guy, dynamic guy, an entertaining guy, and he’s got so many great one-liners that are a combination of being spot on, and funny too. I’ve really enjoyed the time that I’ve been able to spend with him, which has been on and off I suppose my whole life, but really in a meaningful way the last 18 to 20 years.

Brian Escalera

I know what I’m going to get from Pete – the truth, whether I like to hear it or not. He said, “This is the way it is, and if you come to me, then you damn well need to listen to me.” I said, “okay!” [laughs]. My dad’s the same way, has that same belief as far as saying you have to give back; you have to aim at giving and not receiving, and it’ll come back in many ways. Pete is like my “Gramps.” He is someone who I respect and love very much and look to for advice regarding a multitude of things, especially business. Pete has always made time for me when I have needed his advice. He’s one of the most generous and well-respected individuals in our community and I’m so blessed to have him in my life. Pete, thank you for all you have helped me with throughout the years.

Travelling across the continent to California, Matteo would find work in the asphalt mines of Coal City, Illinois, and stay there for years, ultimately returning to Italy sometime after WWI. Giacomo would continue on to California and indeed be joined in Santa Barbara by Annetta and their firstborn, a son named Peter. The couple would have four more children; Josephine, John, Dominic, and the youngest of the sibs, Frank.

It was Giacomo’s firstborn Peter Giordano who, in a Goleta classroom, would inadvertently rechristen the family. At seven years old the kid’s stammering, uncertain command of English would drive his impatient 2nd grade teacher to the chalkboard, where she would phonetically scribble Peter’s last name – Jordano. The name stuck.

In an early formal photo, a regally stern-faced, mustachioed, and besuited Giacomo Giordano is surrounded by his (mostly) well-mannered family. Per the day’s custom, faces are attentive but unsmiling, everyone holding stock-still as their collective image is burned onto the photographic plate. In seeming anticipation of the outlandish century that lay just ahead, baby Frank – our Pete’s father – appears in his mother Annetta’s lap as a blur with an excited expression.

By 1915 the Jordano brothers – Pete’s father and three uncles – had parlayed a $500 loan from family into the opening chapter of a 20th century business dynasty. The brothers’ collective iron will – immigrant siblings determinedly putting shoulder to wheel – would see their fledgling business roll with hard-won momentum through a notably chaotic century.

For Pete’s Sake

“So I didn’t grow up in a fancy house in Bel-Air or anything like that. I lived at 1307 Cota Street – that’s a block below APS. Before World War II, the Dodgers had a farm club here, the Santa Barbara Dodgers.” Laguna Park was adjacent to the Jordano family home, and little Pete wasted no time squirming under the fence and introducing himself. “And so I became bat boy for the Santa Barbara Dodgers.” Minor League Baseball in SB would soon go on wartime hiatus.

Just a couple months after the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, Imperial Japanese Navy submarine I-17 would bob to the surface just offshore of Goleta, hurriedly man its deck gun, rake the Ellwood Oil Field, and skedaddle. Damage was minor, but a Japanese sub firing on Goleta rattled the entire state of California. For three summers thereafter there were no Dodgers at Laguna Park. But combat pilots training at the nearby Marine Corps Air Station began using Laguna Park for their own ad hoc baseball games, and guess who volunteered to be bat boy? Future Marine Pete Jordano. When the Dodgers farm club returned after the war… well, someone had to fetch those bats.

“Bottom line, I became bat boy for the Marines, and I became the bat boy for the Santa Barbara Dodgers.” The guy across the desk from me is smiling like he just got out of school for the summer. Ninety-years-old, my eye. “I was the envy of every kid, being a bat boy! Sounds crazy, I know…”

Graduating Santa Barbara High School (“‘…Once a Don Always a Don’ You’ve probably heard that one…”), Pete attended San Jose State. “I thought that if I went to someplace like UCLA I would come home all the time and it wouldn’t be good. So I went to San Jose State. Bottom line, I needed to be out there and grow.” Nascent leadership qualities quickly emerged, as well as the beginnings of a storied network.

“I became president of our fraternity and then president of the fraternity council. And that’s where I met [vaunted ‘84 Summer Olympics organizer, Time

Magazine’s Man of the Year, and sixth Commissioner of

Pete Jordano would later accept longtime friend Ueberroth’s entreaty and act as “Mayor” of the ‘84 Olympic Village at UCSB.

Following college, Pete joined the Marines, where he knew temperature extremes in the yin and yang category. “I went to cold weather training and lived in snow caves at Bridgeport, California for six weeks,” he says. “And then I also spent time in French Flats, the atom bomb test in Nevada, where I lived in tents in the desert.”

Baseball] Peter Ueberroth.”

Pete Jordano, Bat Boy extraordinaire (photo courtesy of the Jordano Family)

Pete Jordano, U.S. Marine (photo courtesy of the Jordano Family)

The Budweiser Clydesdales in front of Jordano’s market (photo courtesy of Jordano’s)

Left to right- Jeff Jordano, Tony Ramirez, Kim Jordano, Gary Ramirez, Gerd Jordano, Peter Jordano (photo courtesy of the Jordano Family)

Pete & Gerd at Zoofari (photo courtesy of the Jordano Family)

Mayor Pete and Gerd at UCSB’s Olympic Village 1984 (photo courtesy of the Jordano Family)

Henry Yang

Through his philanthropic support and dedicated service as a former trustee of our UC Santa Barbara Foundation Board for 41 years, he has helped us achieve so much over the years. His involvement, enthusiasm, and heartfelt support continue to inspire all of us. Pete and Gerd are both very special cheerleaders for our community, and we are deeply fortunate to count them among our most treasured members.

Brian Escalera

Brent Reichard –Former owner (with brother Bruce) of The Habit

I met Pete probably back in the mid-‘80s, would be my first recollection. I met him when I started The Habit and we just had the one store in Goleta. I’d heard a lot about him, and the first time I met Pete in person, I just loved the guy. I mean, he’s just authentic and he does what he says he’s going to do. That’s a breath of fresh air, especially nowadays.

Pete went with his sales rep from Pacific Beverage down to visit one of the stores in Santa Paula. In that store he saw someone in the beer cooler picking up a Coors. Pete told the gentleman to put the Coors back. “I’m the Budweiser distributor and I will pay for your beer as long as you always buy Budweiser from now on.” They went to the counter for Pete to pay, the gentleman thanked Pete for the beer and left. But he must have told his friends ‘the Budweiser guy is in the store and he is buying beer for everyone.’ So while Pete was talking to the manager of the store, a group of men approached and Pete ended up buying beer for everyone. Knowing the man Pete is, it’s – “I can’t buy for one and not the others.” He now no longer goes on the routes with the sales reps. [laughs]

Janet Garufis

Joyce Dudley –

Retired District Attorney of Santa Barbara County

I initially met Pete and Gerd through Debbie Davison. Debbie was throwing a prize birthday party for her then boyfriend Dennis, and she invited probably four couples. So Gerd and Pete were one of the couples. That was probably 20 years ago. Early on I sent Gerd a photograph of her, Debbie Davison and myself. I put it in a frame called family, and she refers to that all the time. So I would describe us as family.

He’s a great storyteller, and he would tell stories, especially in loan committee, so our lenders could hear. “I go and call on every single one of my customers. I make it a point of doing that.” I mean, he really believes that if you’re going to have a thriving community, you have to be a part of that. You have to do the work to help that be so, and there’s no question about his commitment to this community and how important it is to him. We’ve made him an emeritus director. He’s been an incredible piece of Santa Barbara history for such a long time, and I think about that, too. Michael Towbes and Jerry Parent and Pete Jordano – these were the guys that made this city what it is, and they were all on this board of this bank.

Joe Pasternack

I think Pete – and everyone maybe in this community would agree – is one of the most well-respected human beings in this entire community. He’s so, so generous. He and GERD are so generous and I’m just grateful to have him as a friend.

Rich Block –

Jeff Jordano

I would say one of my father’s great skill sets is the people side – in business and in the community. I think that’s where people know and love him. Hey, growing up in Santa Barbara with Pete and Gerd as parents, it’s an interesting experience. If you go dining with them, you have to expect to be interrupted. [laughs]

Joe Pasternack –Head Basketball Coach, UCSB

The first week I got the job here at Santa Barbara, I only knew one other family in town. And Pete had an event at his house for me, to introduce me to the community as the new head basketball coach. He did that for me, and I didn’t even know him.

Retired CEO, Santa Barbara Zoo

It was the zoo directly, but over time I got to know him better. Pete was probably the longest running board member at the zoo and something that will most likely never be equaled again. It was about 28 years.

Randy Rowse –Santa Barbara Mayor

Peter Jordano had been in business for quite a while by the time I worked at Chuck’s Steakhouse for Larry Stone. Pete and Larry went way back. And when we started the Paradise Cafe with my other partner, Kevin, Larry got together with us, and Pete helped us out tremendously. So we met back then, probably in the late ‘70s, early ‘80s.

For many years, I would see him twice a week at seven in the morning at the gym. He’s a former Marine. He’s stayed in very good shape over the years. And so I think between the board, the zoo, seeing him on the street and going out to lunch, seeing him at the gym, I’m like a lot of people. I think of him as a close friend. He probably has a hundred people in Montecito who think of him as a close friend, and they’re all right.

Alison Hardey

When I was a kid, I just felt like he just looked at me and thought, wow, she’s got something. And you never forget that. And that’s Pete, he’s that teacher. He’s hard, difficult, challenging, doesn’t let you off the hook – but he sees your unique capacity. He believes in people, and he’s there to even back it up.

Pete and Gerd have both done that, and that’s rare. They’re beloved to our community. Pete would always come by my office – “…is there anything I can do to help you?” He was always, always a believer in me.

Jeff Jordano

I lead with confidence because my father led with character. At 90 yrs, my father’s legacy remains our foundation.

Joe Cole

When Pete left the service and came home, he was not exactly handed the keys to the executive washroom.

“If I think about my success, I tell you I had a tough time as a kid growing up. I wasn’t raised with a silver spoon, and that made me a better leader and a better person. When I came back from the service, my three partners, which were cousins, put me to work for the company, which was wonderful. But here I had been groomed to be an officer and a gentleman, and I come back from service and I’m driving a truck. I mean, that was hard for my ego.”

Fast forward through decades of strategic gyrations and towering business challenges (two world wars and the Great Depression for starters), and by the early 1970s Pete is CEO of Jordano’s – a grocery juggernaut boasting 19 grand and bustling retail stores throughout Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties. But the day’s national grocery chains had begun roaming the landscape in search of conquest. When the Business Fates came calling, CEO Pete Jordano did what he had to.

Here I’ll madly oversimplify and change verb tenses. With Jordano’s retail grocery empire in decline and their creditors calling the cows home, Pete sees the family business through a transformative gauntlet that would have vaporized a lesser company. The retail stores are sold off to grocery megaliths and Jordano’s begins what will become a wildly successful new epoch. In 1977 Jordano’s Foodservice is born. Today Jordano’s is the second largest such distributor in California and 35th largest independent food service operation in the nation.

Pete and Gerd

Pete Jordano has done a lot and seen a lot. He’s a little uncomfortable talking about himself and he’ll periodically stop to throw cold water on what he fears may be a growing misperception. “In high school I always worked after school as a checker,” he says. “I had a job at the retail stores.” He perks up, ever the proud Jordano. “At one time we had 19 supermarkets!” His face slackens. He grins and waves a hand. “Oh, okay. You’re going to think I got the biggest ego in the world.”

On the contrary, sir. Or to put it another way – Ego Schmego.

Pete came right up through the middle of the cyclonic 20th century, in a beautiful seaside town that is more a part of him now than ever. He and his wife, Gerd (a SBHS Don of a later graduating class) have spent a lifetime throwing themselves at philanthropic and fundraising efforts, each having served on more boards than a first mate in the Age of Sail.

A sampling of what they have done for their hometown includes UCSB’s Golden Eagle Award Banquet for outstanding student athlete, and Westmont’s concurring event (since ‘95), Pete’s position as trustee of the UC Santa Barbara Foundation positioning him as a major financial backer of Gaucho sports, decade after decade; Gerd’s work with Hospice of Santa Barbara and her innovating the Compassionate Care Visitors Program there; and as Dons their having thrown their financial support behind SBHS’ new stadium, earning them the surprise of having a stadium forecourt – Jordano’s Plaza – dedicated in their honor. Pete and Gerd. It almost sounds like a ‘60s folk duo. The truth is something else again.

“There is no Pete without Gerd and no Gerd without Pete. They give each other life,” says Sharon Jordano

As for the subject of this story, 90 years is a wholesome slice of living, loving, and connecting – a memory palace whose halls, we can imagine, Pete roams with some regularity. Yes, Pete was once a kid – swimming through the minutes, scraping under fences, throttling up the Pontiac.

At 90, the comet tail of memory is filigreed and deep, even as Pete continues to navigate the streets he’s known forever, calling on customers, meeting dear friends, surprising kitchen staff and cracking wise. It’s been glorious, complicated, tangled; an avalanche of being and doing. Backward glances tether the man to the kid.

“It was a work ethic that I was taught, and that to me was good,” Pete says. “I was a really shy kid, and I worked my ass off. One of my jobs was to scrub the wooden floors every New Year’s Eve.”

He pauses and his eyes cloud. “What did New Year’s Eve mean to me?”

“Scrubbing floors?” I offer.

“Yes! Scrubbing floors! I didn’t know till college that the rest of the world spent that evening celebrating!” Pete goes quiet and smiles with sudden warmth. “Just think how lucky I was.”

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

Jeff and Sharon Jordano (photo Katie Abbot Photography)

Peter Jordano in Fiesta attire (photo courtesy of the Jordano Family)

Pete Jordano, Pacific Coast Business Times Hall of Fame induction 2011 (photo courtesy of the Jordano Family)

Budweiser scion Andy Busch, Peter, and Jeff Sept 15, 2019 (photo courtesy of Jordano’s)

Pete & Gerd Fiesta 2017 (photo courtesy of the Jordano Family)

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Your Westmont Viewing Stars Mars, Moon and Comet 29P

by Scott Craig, photos by Brad Elliott

The Westmont Observatory offers views of Mars, a comet, and the Whirlpool Galaxy on Friday, June 20, beginning at 8:30 pm and lasting several hours. Westmont hosts a free, public stargazing event on the third Friday of every month in conjunction with the Santa Barbara Astronomical Society, whose members bring their own telescopes to share.

Stargazers might catch a glimpse of Comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1, which is expected to make an appearance this month in Leo. The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) and its smaller companion NGC 5195 will also be on the celestial menu. The viewing will also feature breathtaking views of the craters on the moon, which will be a waning crescent.

The college’s powerful Keck Telescope is housed in the observatory, tucked between the baseball field and the track and field/soccer complex.

To enter Westmont’s campus, please use the Main Entrance off La Paz Road. The lower entrance off Cold Spring Road is closed to visitors after 7 pm.

In case of inclement weather, please call the Telescope Viewing Hotline at (805) 565-6272 and check the observatory website to see if the viewing has been canceled.

Biologist Tackling Divide Between Science & Faith Retires

During his 44 years teaching at Westmont, Jeff Schloss explored the fascinating relationships between biology and Christian faith. The author and co-editor of major works on biology and love, morality and religious commitment, he served for the last 15 years as senior scholar for the Biologos Foundation. He lectured and held fellowships at major universities worldwide and engaged popular audiences. His list of publications, presentations and talks extends for pages.

He has found it most surprising and gratifying to speak to secular colleagues at Harvard, Cambridge, Oxford and elsewhere as a scientist bringing a Christian perspective. “I’ve had the unanticipated opportunity to explore intriguing issues in stimulating venues, from tropical rainforests to Oxford seminar rooms,” he says.

Jeff’s interests extend beyond ideas; he appreciates how ideas are embodied in people. “Exploring ideas has led to deep friendships with folks across the disciplines, across the world, scholars and laity, Christians and firm atheists,” he says. “I’ve relished opportunities to openly share ideas – and lives – across fields and faiths.

“Yet the most joy comes from working with students. I consider teaching an investment in another’s life. But I had no clue how that investment would yield such delight in and appreciation for relationships with them — an unceasing wellspring of delight and gratitude. A number of students have become treasured, lifelong friends. And all remain subjects of my ongoing regard.”

Jeff has cherished taking students out into creation’s wonders (Yosemite alpine meadows, Michigan north woods, Costa Rican rainforests, New Zealand reefs) and leading them in research out of class.

The Westmont Observatory is open June 20

Brilliant Thoughts

Broadcasting, British Style

by Ashleigh Brilliant

As a child, I had grown up in America, in pre-television days – and radio was a major influence on my life. Since practically all the programs were commercially “sponsored,” their primary purpose was to attract and maintain customers in the form of listeners, which they did by providing entertainment, mainly in the form of comedy or different kinds of drama, with a big timeslot in the late afternoon directed at children.

But it was only because of World War II that I happened to be living in America, and when that War was over, my father – who was a British Government office-worker, or “Civil Servant” – had to go back to our home country of England, taking his family with him. As a result, I spent all of my teen-age years “over there.”

One of the biggest adjustments I had to make was to the entirely different radio system. Unlike that in the U.S., radio in the U.K. was non-commercial, and was entirely controlled by the Government, through an agency they had set up called the British Broadcasting Corporation, or BBC. Since no advertising was allowed, this system was funded by an annual fee charged to listeners (or later, to viewers) based on the number of receiver-sets they owned. There were only two stations. One, called the “Home Service,” was theoretically more formal. The other, the “Light Program,” was slightly more entertainment oriented. It was only on the Home Service that we heard what was considered the most important program of the day – the regular Evening News at 9 pm, nearly always with the same announcer (or “reader”), whose voice became very familiar. Practically every household in the country subscribed to a weekly paper called the “Radio Times,” which contained a listing of all the scheduled programs on both stations. One station had a regular “Children’s Hour,” which came on at 5 pm with a host named “Uncle Mac.”

The most important program of the year was the King’s Speech (later the Queen’s Speech) which was broadcast on Christmas Day. But, although all the programs at “Home” in Britain were government-controlled (and this was still in the days before tele-

vision) there were various ways that a listener with a strong enough radio receiver could get programs from abroad. Of course, many of them were in foreign languages. But there were at least three ways you could hear programs in English. One was actually American. In those days, when American forces were still stationed in large numbers in Europe, they had their own radio channel called the American Forces Network, or AFN – and many of their programs were relayed from the U.S. – though cleansed of commercials. This was one way I could keep in touch with the Country I had been so sorry to leave behind.

Another alternative was called Radio Luxembourg, from the small country next to Belgium from which they broadcast. They were actually allowed to record programs in Britain before broadcasting them from overseas. I was once in the studio audience of their quiz program, on which it was possible to win 300 Pounds – an enormous sum for a poor University student like me. (The BBC was not allowed to give large prizes.) Participants were selected at random from the studio audience, based on their answers to one test question. I was given a chance, and had only to know “What King of England had the longest reign?” I made a wrong guess, so never got on, and had to stay poor. (The correct answer was George III.)

But the BBC had one other form of competition – “pirate” radio stations broadcasting from ships that were anchored outside the three-mile limit; that is, in international waters. In a strange way, this led me to another kind of journalistic success.

In those days, the New Yorker magazine featured odd items – especially amusing mistakes from the pages of other publications, and sent in by readers. I happened to be living in London at the time and saw in the Daily Mail newspaper a report about one of those pirate stations, which had given as its mailing address a box number in “Graham Central Station, New York.” It was obviously written by some British reporter very unfamiliar with that City. I clipped it out and sent it in – and, to my delight, it was used in the magazine. Although I received a $10 payment, my name was never mentioned.

However, that was as close as I have ever come (so far) to true Fame and Fortune.

Ashleigh Brilliant born England 1933, came to California in 1955, to Santa Barbara in 1973, to the Montecito Journal in 2016. Best-known for his illustrated epigrams, called “Pot-Shots,” now a series of 10,000. email: ashleigh@west. net. web: www.ash leighbrilliant.com.

“No Kings” Protest Thousands Fill Cabrillo and Beyond in National Protest

by Zach Rosen

Asea of demonstrators filled Cabrillo Boulevard on Saturday as part of the nationwide “No Kings” protest, joining millions across more than 2,100 U.S. cities in opposition to what organizers describe as presidential authoritarian overreach.

Estimates for the Santa Barbara turnout ranged from 5,000 to as high as 18,000, making it potentially one of the region’s largest demonstrations in recent history.

In a teeming line stretching some two miles – from SBCC to the Chromatic Arch – protesters crowded sidewalks with signs, chants, and music, voicing support for civil liberties and opposition to recent federal actions. Many attendees cited concerns over immigration enforcement, proposed healthcare rollbacks, and the use of military force in civilian areas.

The protest coincided with President Trump’s 79th birthday and a $45 million military parade in Washington, D.C., commemorating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. Critics argue the parade was a lavish display at odds with recent cuts to public programs.

In a show of solidarity, Congressman Salud Carbajal addressed the crowd in both Santa Barbara and Ventura, saying, “No kings, no fascists, no dictators,” emphasizing the need to defend democratic values.

The peaceful Santa Barbara rally was part of a broader mobilization led by over 100 national organizations, including the ACLU, Indivisible, and Human Rights Campaign. Nationally, organizers reported over five million participants – surpassing turnout from April’s “Hands Off” protests by roughly two million.

Local demonstrations also took place in Ventura, San Luis Obispo, and the Santa Ynez Valley. Law enforcement and organizers noted a largely peaceful atmosphere across events.

WANDER YOUR WAY

While national headlines swirl, the Santa Barbara protest focused on community – neighbors, students, and families gathering to reaffirm shared values of justice and inclusion. With red-white-and-blue flags waving alongside signs calling for unity and accountability, the event was a reminder of the local voices driving national dialogue. Even as news outlets do battle with each other, the “No Kings” protests across the country reflected a unified commitment to core democratic values. In cities and towns nationwide, neighbors, students, and families came together under waving stars and stripes and hand-made signs to express solidarity and demand action.

IN THE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

Whatever way you choose to wander, begin in Buellton, California

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Thousands gathered along Cabrillo Blvd. with signs and chants for the “No Kings” protest (photo by Robert Bernstein)

The signs and costumes were also colorful (photo by Robert Bernstein)

Protesters formed a line along Cabrillo that stretched from SBCC to the Chromatic Arch (photo by Robert Bernstein)

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Elizabeth’s Appraisals Disney Figurines

by Elizabeth Stewart

Rsends me two Disney ceramic figurines from the 1950s, both under 6.5” – a dapper Jiminy Cricket, and a very frustrated Donald Duck with his fist raised in anger. These were sourced by R’s parents from a Disney artist… are they valuable prototypes or production pieces? The first of its kind is always most valued. The Donald figure made me ask: why is Donald so pissed off? Donald’s short tempered, intense outbursts may be analyzed as Intermittent Explosive Disorder – or alternately, the expectation of disappointment could be a cultural trait, common to both ducks and Danes (yes you read that right!).

The angry Donald figurine was made by Donald Brayton Company, here in California; the first company licensed to produce figures based on Disney movie characters. Brayton was a graduate of the Chicago Art Institute and moved to the artists’ colony of Laguna Beach, building a kiln into his garage at his home in 1927. Once it was out of the kiln, he painted his pottery (figural work and tableware) with distinctive colors: rose, strawberry, eggplant, jade, lettuce, chartreuse, gold, burnt orange. He had no shopfront, but he displayed his wares outside in the front yard of his Tudor Style bungalow. By 1936 a new wife had convinced him to create a factory on Pacific Coast Highway on a five-acre plot. The compound had a showroom, design facilities, and high-end kilns. At the factory’s productive apex, Brayton employed 150 artists, and won the contract for Disney ceramics.

Failing to resist the temptation, I read an article on Donald Duck and his anger problem by Kay Xander Mellish, who writes a blog “How to Live in Denmark.” My brother David has lived in Denmark

for 40 years. She says that Donald Duck is more popular and better known to the Danes than Mickey Mouse, the errant gentleman of Disney characters. Donald, on the other hand (whose name in Danish is ‘Anders And’ – Anders the Duck) is the underdog who doesn’t expect happy endings. Because of this, he gets angry when what he expected (an insult, a bad outcome, too much work, or unwelcome demands upon him) comes to pass. Mellish says the Danes identify with the underdog – they identify with low expectations, while the Americans, who revere Mickey, revel in individualism and high expectations. Americans expect good things; Danes will be expecting disappointment and are pleased when they are wrong. At the heart of Donald Duck’s

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comedic turns, and Danish humor, are unfulfilled high expectations.

Polls suggest that Denmark is the happiest country in the world. Danes are OK with dashed expectations, because for 200 years (1700-1900), due to loss of crops, people, and territory, Denmark was considered the poorest European country. Not anymore. When I last visited Copenhagen it was hip, trendy, and rich. Like Donald Duck, Danes have learned to turn repeated disappointments into humor or “self-irony” – the ability to make fun of themselves, the way Disney studios employed frustration and anger to create the humorous side of Donald. In fact, I learned that the Danish tradition of ‘kvajebajer’ (the failure beer toast) shows that once a Dane fails, he/she celebrates failure, happily and publicly owning up to the fact that he/she is not always the smartest person in every room. And he/she buys all friends a drink to celebrate the fact that we are all fallible HUMANS.

The Jiminy Cricket character is a production figurine from the 1940s modeled after the Disney film Pinocchio (1940s). This was made by Evan K Shaw, who created the expression of dapper dan confidence in the little cricket. The figure is charming, holds a briefcase and an umbrella, wears a jaunty top hat and, unlike the figures that came after this one, he does NOT have a green face, but a flesh-colored visage. Shaw opened a kiln called “American Pottery” in Los Angeles and was awarded a license to produce Disney characters. When a fire destroyed American Pottery in 1946, Shaw bought Metlox Pottery in Manhattan Beach and made this Disney character there. The property, once the pottery was closed, was purchased by the boutique Shades Hotel. The figure, as in the film, was to act as Pinocchio’s conscience, granted to him as such by the Blue Fairy. The Fairy endowed Jiminy as “lord high keeper of the knowledge of right and wrong, counselor in moments of high temptation, and guide along the straight and narrow path.” We all need a Jiminy. The value of Jiminy is $500 and Angry Donald is $600.

Why is Donald so angry?

Jiminy is here to provide him with some conscience

with nearly a dozen years’ experience. Palmer accompanied his wife, then-London Philharmonic Orchestra guest cellist Morwenna Del Mar when the LSO performed three concerts for MAW in 2019. Here he shares his process and his plans for the AFO via Zoom from his London office.

Q. Let’s start with why you have specialized in conducting live to film concerts?

A. Doing the timing is quite hard, but I love the challenge. It takes a lot of preparation, a lot of homework, and I do hours of study going through the score, even with films I’ve conducted many times before. There are not many conductors who can do it with really great accuracy whilst also enjoying themselves. Most don’t care about it the way I do. It requires a certain kind of temperament, because even as I’m throwing myself around conducting, I’m actually ice-cold inside. I don’t allow myself to have any adrenaline, any excitement because you have to keep the orchestra perfectly synchronized with the screen. Once play is pressed to start the movie, it just keeps running no matter what happens.

To me it’s like a historical performance, which I love, because unlike with Beethoven or Brahms, we know exactly what the composer wanted and how it was performed originally. We know the number of players, how the orchestra sits, how they were arranged, because we actually have firsthand evidence. For me, all the things that make me tick as a musician are still engaged when I’m conducting a film. There’s real excitement in Jaws to have the orchestra hit the musical (cue) at the moment (local fisherman) Ben Gardner’s severed head suddenly appears. I will make the Academy Orchestra play exactly how the orchestra on the soundtrack played.

To be the devil’s advocate, what’s the point? Why have a live orchestra if they’re simply trying to recreate the soundtrack?

Everything that you see on the stage is dangerous because it’s live, it’s fragile, it’s beautiful. It can even be spontaneous to a degree… I’m not just kind of hacking through to make sure things are in the right place. I’m actually trying to create a symphonic experience for the musicians and the audience. There are places in Jaws where you can let the soundtrack serve as a guide, and within that have a tiny bit of freedom. Some of the slower music is quite free. There is a lot of possibility for expression because John [Williams’] score is so orchestral.

Also, there’s often a battle in film between the spoken dialogue and the orchestral track, which was even more true in 1975 with a movie made on the sea. Jaws is problematic because a lot of the dialogue was mumbled and you don’t really catch it very well. So one of the things that I do conducting it live to picture is to have the orchestra drop down to make way for the dialogue and effects track then suddenly pop back up again in a few spots. You can actually make art – albeit in a really controlled way. It’s a nerdy thing to do, but I love it.

It’s also incredible to hear the audience reaction in a way they wouldn’t for a typical symphony concert.

An orchestra playing live to film is not new for Santa Barbara audiences as our symphony has been doing it for years, and a fair percentage of the musicians are from L.A. and actually work in studios on TV and film scores. But it will be new to a great number of the Music Academy fellows. What’s the trick to making that work in less than a week, especially since it’s also the first orchestral performance of the festival?

Most of us who are involved in the film with orchestra industry want to protect it, which is why not everybody’s allowed to conduct the films. We try to make sure they’re good orchestras playing these films. There are very stringent technical requirements so that it’s great wherever you go and watch Jaws all over the world. It’s rare to work with –essentially – not-quite-yet professional musicians for this. But I did it earlier this year in London and it was absolutely extraordinary. It only took about 25 minutes of the first rehearsal for me to stop making any kind of allowances for the fact that they weren’t professionals, which is what I’m expecting there and why I’m so excited about it. I tell the musicians that they should interpret my gestures very literally, and I will make it perfectly clear to them when I’m just really happy with things and they can carry on as they are, and the moments that I want it to just settle down or the moments that I need stuff to move on. It’s just tiny, miniscule, incremental adjustments so that, say, in 28 seconds, we hit something exactly on time for the screen. They have to balance listening to each other and playing well as an orchestra; but also in every single moment being open to the idea that I might need to put a little bit of gas or a brake.

At MAW there’s definitely also an educational alignment, in that we’ll use a click track for some of the cues – which I normally never do for any John Williams films – so that they have the experience. The whole experience is incredibly important because any orchestra that they might get hired by will be doing live to film concerts.

Week @ MAW Page 394

from June 20-July 20 at the Ojai Arts Center Theater, with Dracula due September 26. Info at (805) 640-8797 or www.ojaiact.org.

If you can wait about three weeks, you won’t have to travel all the way to Ojai to see Brooks’ barn burner of a comedy as SBCC Theatre Group is also producing Young Frankenstein from July 9-26 in the Garvin Theatre to open its 80th season.

Call (805) 965-5935 or visit www.theatregroupsbcc.com.

Come Together at the Ensemble

Ensemble Theatre winds up its 2024-25 season with one final weekend (through June 22) of Justice, a nearly new three-character musical that explores the first women appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court (Sandra Day O’Connor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Sonia Sotomayor) early in their lives and careers up through the height of their judicial power.

But the stage at the New Vic won’t be dark for long as ETC holds its annual benefit gala a week later on June 29. Join us on Sunday, June 29, 2025, for Curtain Up! – Ensemble Theatre Company’s annual fundraiser supporting vibrant, professional theater in Santa Barbara. This evening kicks off with a performance by The Folk Legacy Trio, the “Living Library” of folk music from 1950-70s, featuring songs by The Weavers, The Kingston Trio, The Limeliters, Peter Paul & Mary, The New Christy Minstrels, Tom Paxton, Joan Baez, and many others. But this is no cover band – the trio boasts George Grove, formerly with the Kingston Trio for 41 years; Rick Dougherty, former member of the Limeliters and Kingston Trio for 25 years; and Jerry Siggins, former lead singer for 27 years of the legendary doo-wop group, The Diamonds.

The concert is followed by a cocktail hour, gourmet appetizers, and a three-course dinner at the Santa Barbara Club two blocks away. Funds raised by Curtain Up! help sustain ETC’s education programs and community outreach.

Visit www.etc.org.

Drac’ is back (photo by Zach Mendez)

Spirituality Matters

School’s Out… And In

by Steven Libowitz

The summer session at SBCC’s School of Extended Learning – known fondly as Adult Ed in days of yore –is already underway, with a number of classes geared toward raising the spirit, awareness, or body-mind intelligence – both in person and online – with weekly or one-day options. The good news is that it’s not too late to enroll in many of the classes that have started. The even better news? Several of these summer classes have yet to begin.

Longtime SEL instructor Rodger Sorrow, a veteran of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) who also hosts a weekend long NVC convention each year, is once again leading his Nature and SelfHealing classes, including separate sections for beginner and intermediate hikers. Participants go for generally short and gentle walks on local beaches or through nature preserves – to explore self-discovery and practice self-healing techniques led by Sorrow. Students also receive nutrition and stress management techniques. Sorrow is also teaching his Essence of Compassionate Communication course,

which guides participants in listening and speaking more effectively by applying the NVC process founded by the late Dr. Marshall Rosenberg. Dr. Rosenberg led workshops himself for Adult Ed decades ago. Students learn how to reduce conflict while creating connections, how to improve relationships with clients, family and friends, as well as how to defuse difficult situations.

Michelle Checketts has been teaching her Body-Mind Medicine series since 2020. The current class focuses on Brain Longevity and includes material on how the body-mind complex can maintain healthy balance, or be responsible for disease. Students learn that living with physical or emotional stressors increases our risk of depression, anxiety, and common physical ailments. Topics include the psychosomatics of everyday life, including the relationship between stressors, regulatory peptides (hormones, prostaglandins, and neurotransmitters). Checketts also covers how medical evidence has found various means of restoring emotional balance, including psychotherapy, herbs, nutrition, yoga, homeopathy, and prayer, and teaches techniques to reduce stress.

Emotional Intelligence (EI) in the Workplace, which is slotted under the Professional Development section, is a one-day deep dive into using EI as a vital tool for being an effective and high-performing employee, supervisor, and leader – but you can surely apply the skills and practices in every aspect of life. Participants in the August 6 workshop taught by Erin Gorrell will explore the EI competencies of self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, and relationship management. Students will learn how to apply the tools and techniques for mastering each domain and how to create strategies using the EI framework to optimize one’s professional performance and working relationships.

Dr. David Cumes has a one-day class in late June and another one in early August, and these can both be taken either online or in-person. Architecture of the Soul, on June 28, examines how we guard the soul by seeking light or submitting to darkness. Students will discover how the negative and positive variables inhibit or enhance transformation, including belief vs. faith, understanding vs. wisdom, denial vs. truth, and doubt vs. trust.

On August 2, Cumes’ class Becoming: The Ultimate Triad on the Tree of Life covers similar territory, with an eye to mastering our path to spiritual transformation, leading to spiritual truth and our own divinity.

Now is also the time to consider classes for next season, as SBCC’s Fall 2025 School of Extended Learning registration starts July 8.

Visit www.sbcc.edu/extendedlearning for details and registration

Soulful Solstice

Elsewhere, for those who prefer marking Summer Solstice in nature rather than in a boisterous downtown parade and festival, Alexis Slutzky leads her last Land Listening & Earth Circle until autumn – from 2-6 pm on Saturday, June 21. Participants offer listening and attunement to the land as a gift, and receive the stories, experiences, and relational gifts in reciprocity. The event, held in a circle of community, starts with a group gathering in order to center together with attunement, context setting, orientation, embodiment and song, before heading off into individual encounters – with the elements, non-human beings, and the living world – to listen to the land. The event closes with a council circle to share and listen to the stories that arise – a gathering of collective wisdom for these times.

Today’s event, held as always in a park setting in Chumash territory only 10 minutes from downtown, also includes a special ritual for the summer solstice. Visit www.alexisslutzky.com/land-listeningearth-circle for details and registration

But it’s really fun and the music is incredible. With Williams, the composing is absolutely of the highest order. There are quite contemporary modern sounding sections, a pastiche baroque piece with trilling trumpets, and at one point it’s a Bach-like fugue, with a brilliant counterpoint that just happens to be perfectly synchronized to a movie. When we hit that point, my head kind of explodes – I can’t even really process how it’s possible. There are so many disparate musical styles, yet somehow they all actually work together.

I know you said you have ice water in your veins, but are you really not affected when the shark suddenly appears, taking up the whole screen?

Honestly, I get more affected by the music, by the intensity of a 90-piece orchestra really going for it. That’s emotive to me. It’s how my brain and heart are wired.

Jaws in Concert will be on Saturday, June 21, at the Granada

Friday, June 20: The annual Solo Piano Competition has a new twist this year, one that hearkens back to the bygone all-instruments Concerto Competition. In that original setting, the winner received not only a cash award and accolades, but also got to perform the full piece with the Academy Festival Orchestra later in the season. Today, five Solo Piano fellows will all be playing Beethoven’s “Concerto No. 3,” and the winner will later star in the Santa Barbara Symphony’s weekend concerts in January, when the ensemble will perform all five of the composer’s piano concertos, each with winners of competitions as soloists (11 am-5 pm; Hahn Hall; $55-$60)...

MAW’s Lobero Nights series gets going with the annual recital by the Takács Quartet, who celebrate their 50th anniversary (same age as Jaws!) with a program that features Haydn’s “String Quartet No. 59 in G Minor (‘Rider’),” Janáček’s “String Quartet No. 1 (‘Kreutzer Sonata’),” and Beethoven’s “9th Quartet in C Major, Op. 59, No. 3.” (7:30 pm; Lobero; $45-$70)

Tuesday, June 24: MAW’s String Quartet Showcase features the two fellows quartets finishing up the two-week seminar. One will perform selections from “String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 51, No. 2,” by Brahms and Gabriela Lena Frank’s “Leyendas: An Andean Walkabout,” with the other taking on Beethoven’s “String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135.” (7:30 pm; Hahn Hall; $45)

Wednesday, June 25: Three of today’s master classes are led by MAW veteran faculty, but it’s also the public debut of a new teaching artist – the first of 14 this summer – in Thomas Hooten, who (just incidentally) recorded John Williams’ Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra, conducted by the composer back in 2019 (3:30 pm; Weinman Hall; $10)... Tonight, Mosher Guest Artist Randall Goosby, the violinist who received a 2022 Avery Fisher Career Grant, plays a generous program of violin sonatas and chamber music that features two MAW alums. Pianist Zhu Wang features on Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges’ “Violin Sonata No. 3 in G Minor” and Ravel’s “Violin Sonata,” then the pair add Goosby’s brother, cellist Miles Tatsuo Goosby, for Mendelssohn’s “Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 49, Mvts 1 & 2.” The trio is joined by five current fellows for Beethoven’s “Septet in E-flat Major, Op. 20, Mvt 1,” thereby creating musical connections that bridge family bonds, artistic lineage and Music Academy history in a single concert. (7:30 pm; Hahn Hall; $65)

This week Mosher Guest Artist Randall Goosby will bow his way through plenty of violin sonatas and chamber music (courtesy photo)

WENDY GRAGG

just undergone a $14,000 two-hour treatment at a London clinic that claims to remove micro debris from the blood.

Orlando, 48, praised the treatment for ridding his body of a “toxic chemical.”

He shared a photo of him having the treatment at the Clarify Clinic new London’s Harley Street.

The company is the first in the world to offer the service and claims to remove between 90 to 99 percent of microplastics from the blood.

Where’s Security

An over-enthusiastic fan got through security to invade Katy Perry’s stage when she was performing in Sydney during her world tour.

The fan even put his arm around the Santa Barbara warbler as Katy tried to move away from him. Security guards eventually dragged him off.

“There’s never going to be a show like this, so enjoy it Sydney!” she told the audience.

Local Mom Cooks Breakfast

Montecito actress Gwyneth Paltrow has released a video of herself cooking topless in her gourmet kitchen.

The Oscar winner, 52, is sautéing sausages and eggs for a protein-packed breakfast in white pajama bottoms – and little else.

“This was a Tuscan inspired #boyfriend breakfast skillet,” she captioned the racy scene.

Calling 9-1-1

Following his TV series 9-1-1 Lone Star being cancelled after five seasons, Montecito’s Rob Lowe may be back in his role as a fire captain in a new ABC series, 9-1-1 Nashville with his brother Chad Lowe as executive producer.

“I’m just waiting for the phone to ring,” says Rob.

Faciane and Parker on Board

Venesa Faciane and Susan Parker have been appointed to the board of trustees of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

Originally from Fairbanks, Alaska, Faciane has called our Eden by the Beach home since 2000 and donated her time and talent to a variety of nonprofit organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club and Food from the Heart.

Parker grew up in Orange, California and is a graduate of California Lutheran University. Her previous board roles include the Downtown Boys & Girls Club, the Santa Barbara Education

Foundation, and Noah’s Anchorage. Currently she is President of the Hutton Parker Foundation, where she also serves on the grant selection committee.

Sightings

Taylor Armstrong of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills noshing at Olio Bottega... Kevin Costner checking out the Nugget in Summerland... Chris Pratt at Pierre Lafond.

Pip! Pip!

From musings on the Royals to celebrity real estate deals, Richard Mineards is our man on the society scene and has been for more than 18 years

Venesa Faciane (courtesy photo)

Susan Parker (courtesy photo)

Freedom Trax, which adapts manual wheelchairs into battery-powered all-terrain vehicles, enabling users to explore beaches, trails and open spaces across California – places previously difficult to access for wheelchair using adventurers. The organization has sponsored well over 400 Trax-assisted outings over the years, opening new horizons for veterans, seniors, students, and families with disabilities within and beyond Santa Barbara County.

“People really need to see Freedom Trax in person to understand them and realize that it’s just a small unit that creates this accessibility,” Eisaguirre said. “People realize how easy it is to use and that they can borrow one from us for free.”

The summer film series also serves as a promo for the main festival, which this year serves as a centerpiece of NatureTrack’s 15th anniversary celebration in October. It’s a shorter festival this year, but the movies will also return to a later screening in Los Olivos (where the festival was founded) and then hit the road in a tour akin to BANFF or the Mountain Film Festival.

Meanwhile, just last month, NatureTrack Foundation was named the 2025 Organization of the Year by the Association for Environmental & Outdoor Education (AEOE) in recognition of its outstanding work in environmental education and expanding equitable access to nature for all.

AEOE Executive Director Estrella Risinger, who presented the award, commended NatureTrack for its leadership in making nature more inclusive. “NatureTrack is a model of how environmental education can be both meaningful and accessible,” she said Risinger. “Their programs demonstrate the transformative power of connecting with nature – no matter your background or ability.”

Eisaguirre said that the recognition was incredibly affirming, noting, “Being acknowledged by our peers for advancing access and inclusion in environmental education is both humbling and inspiring.”

For NatureTrack, the annual statewide conference wasn’t merely about

Make your way to Refugio for NatureTrack’s new outdoor film series (courtesy photo)

accepting accolades – it was also a chance for four of its folks, including Program Director Abby Pickens and two volunteer docents, to mingle with more than 200 outdoor and environmental education professionals from across the state for hands-on workshops, peer learning, and community building under the theme “Rooted in Resilience: Cultivating Connection Through Outdoor Learning.”

“The programming, the conferences, the classes that they put on were just terrific,” Eisaguirre said. “There was a good vibe with all the people, they’re very focused on the environment but don’t want to give in to doom and gloom. You want to lift people up and make sure that they appreciate and respect the environment.”

Which of course is NatureTrack’s mission, one that gears back up in earnest by the end of August, as registrations open on September 2nd for the 2025-2026 school field trips season.

“We sell all of those out within a matter of days,” Eisaguirre said. “We end up every year with a long waiting list. With more financial support, and more volunteers, we could get all the kids out into nature.”

Visit https://naturetrack.org

Community Voices Homelessness Across the State &

In Our Backyard: Part 1

by Jeff Giordano

On June 10 our Community Service Department (CSD) provided the Board of Supervisors with their Annual Homelessness Update. Last year I focused exclusively on CSD’s very solid and data-driven work, but this year I thought I would widen the aperture with a two-part article that looked just a bit at state and city homelessness as well.

Much has been written about the $23B that California spent between 2020 and 2024 on homelessness, and while the number has been disputed, whether its $17B (which is probably more accurate) or $23B, it’s a whole heck of a lot of dough to spend on 187,000 individuals.

Fun Fact: A full 44% of our nation’s “chronically homeless” live in CA.

Someone who understands our legislative framework and the problem of homelessness across the state is Elizabeth Funk, the impressive Founder and CEO of DignityMoves. DM is a wonderfully innovative private sector solution that builds temporary housing funded exclusively by generous Not-for-Profit donors. DM builds modular units while partner public entities contribute the land and fund the ongoing operating expenses. There are three DM projects in our county and, as we will see in Part II, they are making a measurable difference, and we are lucky to have them!

According to Ms. Funk, Sacramento has somewhat contributed to the homeless crisis by “fiercely” focusing on permanent housing rather than devoting any resources to temporary alternatives. This has led to a uniquely CA problem where 68% of our homeless are on the street, which is VERY different than the rest of the country where only about 35% are unsheltered. Sad Fact: In San Francisco it takes up to 14 years to find permanent housing, so the lack of temporary alternatives is cruelly shortsighted given that 52% of their homeless are unsheltered.

What makes our legislative focus even more baffling is the reality of our regulations and labor costs that drive construction prices to as much as $700K per homeless unit. The genius of DM is that their housing units (not “shelters”) are considered temporary, skirting various rules and driving costs down to as little as $50K per unit. In an attempt to change our state’s focus, DM co-sponsored the Interim Housing Bill (IHB) with Senator Josh Becker which reduces regulations and expands interim housing. The Bill became law in September of 2024, with Senator Becker stating: “Interim housing is the missing rung on the ladder to permanent housing and the IHB will make available statewide a proven local strategy.” Ms. Funk, who praised SB as an “innovative leader” (DM works with just three other counties) also spoke about the IHB as a way to pull people from the streets “at scale.”

While there are many ways to attack homelessness, what the state’s statistics show is that simply throwing money at the problem does not work. Indeed, energizing a return to the dignity of self-sufficiency should be the goal. It’s this idea that the DM model seeks to address, because “you can’t treat on the street” and – according to Ms. Funk – only 17% of the newly homeless suffer from mental illness/drug addiction, making their return to society more realistic. Over time, however, this percentage of the mentally challenged can skyrocket to as much as 70%, making successful outcomes much less likely. In Part II we’ll chat with county and city folks about defining “success,” what the numbers tell us about 2024, and suggest ideas about how our cities (where 85% of our 4,000 or so homeless reside) can take a more proactive approach to the problem. I know it will be tough but try not to lose too much sleep waiting for Part II.

Jeff Giordano, SB County Resident

IN PASSING

Leila Carpenter: Stephen Edward Geremia:

Leila Carpenter passed away in her sleep, alongside family, on June 7. She was 83 years old.

Soft-spoken and reserved, Leila was a fiercely independent and loyal person. She grew up in southern Sweden, the middle of three children. She was a star tennis player and studied at Stockholm University. After moving to Manhattan Beach on her own, she became a physical therapist and met the love of her life, Dave, on a blind date. The two married in 1980 in Sweden, where they spent almost every summer of their lives together.

They moved to Montecito from Pacific Palisades in 1997. Leila became known as a prolific gardener — regularly sharing her flowers and fruits with the community — and avid golfer. She was an excellent cook who had stunning taste and a knack for telling it like was. She was in a class by herself; respected and adored by those who knew her.

Leila is survived by her husband, Dave; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle Carpenter and Matt Macdonald; two

brothers and their spouses, Leif and Lena Sjögren, Ulf and Anne Sjögren; two stepchildren and their spouses, Kim and Bill Robertson, Clay and Laurie Carpenter; as well as several nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren.

April 15, 1942 – May 10, 2025

Stephen Edward Geremia died peacefully on May 10, 2025, in Santa Barbara, California. He was 83 years old.

Born on April 15, 1942, in Providence, Rhode Island, Stephen was the son of Dorothy Townsend Lovell (born 1914 in Washington, D.C.) and Eduardo Geremia (1912–1986), originally from Vairano Patenora, Caserta, Campania, Italy.

After several family moves, Steve eventually settled in Hidden Valley, California. He attended The Webb School, an all-boys boarding school, where he developed a lifelong passion for tennis. He went on to earn a B.A. in Business from the University of California, Berkeley, followed by a master’s degree in business from the University of Southern California.

Steve returned to Ojai, California, where he ran Ladera Citrus Company –his father’s business. He also served on the board of Sunkist. Steve was a member of the Rancheros Visitadores from 1971 until his death. On the ride, he was known as “Hogfat.”

Steve went on to coach girls’ soccer at Santa Barbara High School for a number of years, and ultimately returned to his first sporting love – tennis – coaching the Santa Barbara High School tennis teams for five to six years. His legacy there remains strong.

Steve’s tennis coaching career can be summed up in these few short sentences by former SBHS soccer coach Aaron Webster: “Shortly after I was hired, I hired Steve to help out with coaching the tennis team, and then he took over for the next five years. That first year he came aboard was the best year SBHS had in a real long time, where Steve was promptly heading to CIF games in L.A. in a limousine, and kicking butt. That’s just the way he rolled! His coaching career reflected how he lived life – to some maybe outrageous, to others passionate.”

Sports were the great throughline of Steve’s life. He possessed a photographic memory, which allowed him to recall every statistic, college, and pre-professional milestone of thousands of athletes. On the radio talk show Talk Back to the Coach, he was known as “Mr. Football,” a colorful host whose encyclopedic knowledge of pro and college players made him a natural recruiter for Berkeley athletics. Whether it was soccer, football, baseball, or tennis, Steve had an uncanny ability to understand the tactical nuances and personal histories of athletes at every level. He brought that same insight and enthusiasm to coaching, touching the lives of many

players with his energy, vision, and wholehearted investment in their success.

As a coach, he was as boisterous as he was brilliant – an unforgettable presence on and off the field. Few did as much homework or had a better eye for spotting and nurturing young talent. The close connections he formed with his athletes endured over the years and often grew to include their children, forming a legacy across generations.

Son Teddy Geremia reflects that his dad’s favorite quotes were not meant for print.

Steve also had a deep love for cooking, a passion inherited from his Italian heritage. Anyone who visited was greeted with authentic Italian cuisine, made with the same passion he brought to everything else in life.

He had a tremendous love for his family. In his later years, he enjoyed frequent trips to Italy. Family was family to Steve – by blood or by bond, it didn’t matter, his love was the same. His grandson, Gunnar Geremia, was the apple of his eye, to whom he imparted a sense of humor well beyond his years!

Steve was predeceased by his sister, Gail Geremia Parr. He is survived by his son, Teddy Geremia; grandson, Gunnar Geremia; stepdaughters, Tiffany Doré and Natalie Trost; step-granddaughters Ava Doré, Ella Doré, and Vaughn Doré; and niece, Kimberly Townsend Palmer. He is also survived by former wife, Alexandra Geremia, with whom he shared the joy of raising their son, Teddy; and is fondly remembered by former wife, Pam Geremia. His colorful personality will be missed but never forgotten. Whether as a father, a coach, a husband, or a friend, the number of lives he impacted in the local community is immense.

Special thanks to Tamara Wallop and Leona Gray, who were instrumental in his care, and stayed with him until the moment he passed.

Memorial services will be held June 28 from 12-4 pm at Glenn Annie Golf Course.

“Westmont attracts students eager to explore, and we emphatically put them first – not as consumers who pay our salaries but as ones entrusted to us to nurture as they pursue their dreams and mature in their faith.”

For a biologist interested in theoretical, theological and philosophical issues, Westmont provided uniquely open opportunities for scholarship and teaching in each area. But students’ embrace of their faith and eagerness to ask questions enlivened new courses he introduced in ecology, evolution, bioethics, earth care, and biological and biblical views on love, human nature and social issues.

Jeff has taught 25 different courses and received Westmont’s Teacher of the Year award four times. But it means more to him to hear from a single student – or parent – about a difference it’s made. A legendary prankster known for his humor, casual dress and love of surfing, Jeff joyfully shares that his most cherished memories might be epic jokes dear students have pulled on him.

In retirement, he’ll continue teaching a class on biology and faith and pursuing several scholarly collaborations – and surf with his five grandchildren (his three sons live locally). “Transitioning is bittersweet,” he tells his wife, Melody, noting that he enjoys his students as much or more than ever. She replies, “You say that every year!”

Balancing Finance and Fame

Debbie Price caught the Hollywood bug when she glimpsed festival klieg lights.

“It was opening night of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival at the Arlington Theatre,” she says. “I saw Robert Mitchum, Jane Seymour, Kirk and Michael Douglas, Peter Cetera and others arriving – my first celebrity sightings.”

She has since attended 36 of the 40 SBIFFs, taking photographs of actors such as Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks, George Clooney and Tom Cruise. “One of my favorite photos was a collage I made of Mohammed Ali doing a magic trick,” she says, “Then I had him autograph it at another event.”

Debbie has retired after 36 years as an accountant in the Westmont Business Office. A bit of a local celebrity, she fielded interviews with reporters from News Channel 3-12, who asked her for the latest scoop about nominated actors and films. “I read articles by a friend who works for Gold Derby, the authority on Oscar races, so I have solid information to share,” she says.

Debbie served as an extra on her favorite show, The X-Files, 20 years ago. In between takes, she attended movie premieres, taking photos on the red carpet. Eventually she met a woman who got her into the Golden Globes and the SAG Awards for more than 15 years.

“I was hooked,” she says. “I loved taking pictures and trying to get them signed later. David Duchovny knows me on sight, and I have dozens of photos with him. In Hawaii, I ran into Tom Selleck filming Magnum, P.I. and then saw him 20 years later at The Tonight Show, where he signed my photos.” Her self-published books of signed photos rival celebrity magazines.

Debbie will spend her first year of retirement on the Villa View Odyssey, a residential cruise ship circumnavigating the world, trading celebrities for bears in Alaska, Hiroshima, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, swimming with whale sharks, camel trekking, shark cage diving and photographing game preserves in Africa.

At Westmont, she managed collections, student accounts, payroll and accounting, working wherever she was needed. “A core group of four employees stayed the same throughout my tenure, so that made coming to work each day a blessing,” she says. “It’s the people that make Westmont special.”

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Bids open at 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 3, 2025 for: 24STM1-3L10 STORM DAMAGE REPAIRS ON ALISAL RD ABOUT 6.4 MILES SOUTH OF STATE HIGHWAY 246 IN THE 3RD SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT COUNTY PROJECT No. 24STM1, FEDERAL AID PROJECT No. ER-15Y3 (012)

General project work description: Repave roadway, remove existing 48" CMP, reconstruct concrete headwall and install four 48" RCP pipes

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

The Contractor must have either a Class A license or any combination of the following Class C licenses which constitutes a majority of the work: C-8, C-12, C-13, C-31, C-50, C-51

The DBE Contract Goal is 0%

For the Federal Training Program, the number of trainees or apprentices is 0 Submit sealed bids to the web address below. Bids will be opened and available at the web address below immediately following the submittal deadline. PlanetBids https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43874

Complete the project work within 25 Workings Days

The estimated cost of the project is $ 475,000

A optional pre-bid meeting is scheduled for this project on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Alisal Rd MP 6.4 near 3250 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA 93463 This project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).

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

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

The federal minimum wage rates for this Contract as determined by the United States Secretary of Labor are available at https://www.wdol.gov/. Copies are also available at the office of the Department of Public Works – Engineering Division, 123 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

If the minimum wage rates as determined by the United States Secretary of Labor differs from the general prevailing wage rates determined by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations for similar classifications of labor, the Contractor and subcontractors must not pay less than the higher wage rate. The Department does not accept lower State wage rates not specifically included in the federal minimum wage determinations. This includes helper, or other classifications based on hours of experience, or any other classification not appearing in the federal wage determinations. Where federal wage determinations do not contain the State wage rate determination otherwise available for use by the Contractor and subcontractors, the Contractor and subcontractors must not pay less than the federal minimum wage rate that most closely approximates the duties of the employees in question. Inquiries or questions based on alleged patent ambiguity of the plans, specifications, or estimate must be submitted as a bidder inquiry by 2:00 PM on 06/27/2025. Submittals after this date will not be addressed. Questions pertaining to this Project prior to Award of the Contract must be submitted via PlanetBids Q&A tab.

Bidders (Plan Holders of Record) will be notified by electronic mail if addendums are issued. The addendums, if issued, will only be available on the County’s PlanetBids website, https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43874

By order of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Barbara this project was authorized to be advertised on 02/06/2024

Christopher Sneddon

of Public Works

Director

Published June 11 & 18, 2025 Montecito Journal

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Santa Barbara Financial Services; SB Financial Services; Montecito Financial Services, 432 W Valerio St, APT 4, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. PattersonSB, LLC., 432 W Valerio St, APT 4, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on June 10, 2025. 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. 2025-0001389. Published June 19, 26, July 3, 10, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Santa Barbara Creative Education, 632 East Ortega Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Avery J Almendarez Artigo, 6647 El Colegio Rd, Goleta, CA 93117. This statement was filed with the

County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on June 10, 2025. 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. 2025-0001392. Published June 19, 26, July 3, 10, 2025

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Capricorn Counseling Institute, 735 State St, STE 223, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Capricorn Counseling & Training Institute, INC, 1187 Coast Village Road STE 1-260, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on June 6, 2025. 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. 2025-0001359. Published June 12, 19, 26, July 3, 2025

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: CASE No. 25CV03093. To all interested parties: Petitioner Amber Leah Reinke filed a petition with Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara, for a decree changing name to Amber Reinke Richardson The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Filed June 4, 2025 by Terri Chavez. Hearing date: July 25, 2025 at 10 am in Dept. 4, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Published June 12, 19, 26, July 3, 2025

Jeff Schloss, an expert of biology and Christian faith, is set to retire

Helen Mirren poses with photographer Debbie Price

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Calendar of Events

by Steven Libowitz

ENDING THIS WEEK

Big Top Boogie – The motorcycles zipping around a steel cage were missing, as were any aerialists or acrobats, but a contingent of young performers and Circus Vargas ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson visited downtown last Wednesday. Dropping in on the open dancing portion of the weekly West Coast Swing event on the 500 block of State Street, the Vargas troupe was there to promote their current big top residency at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. The costumes, the quick exchanges, and the enthusiastic expressions conjured up the fun of the circus, sans captive trained animals or any act that may once have smacked of cruelty. The all-new 2025 Circus Vargas production – dubbed “Hollywood Dreams!” – spotlights the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown under the big tent, paying tribute to the Golden Age of cinema with stunts, juggling, clowning and much more. Acts include the “Globe of Death” caged (and gravity-mocking) motorcyclists, the Faltyny family unicyclists and jugglers, Vlastia’s eye-popping hula hoops, quickchange specialists Emelin and Dasha, Martii & Liina’s “Archery Thrills,” and the (acrophobe’s fave) Meza Troupe high-wire act.

WHEN: Through June 23

WHERE: Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real COST: $25-$85 (discounts for seniors and military) INFO: (805) 687-0766 or https://earlwarren.com/www.circusvargas.com

SUNDAY, JUNE 22

Kings of Klezmer – The Alhecama Theatre, former home of Ensemble Theatre Company, now serves as a charming and intimate center for cultural events. On an early Sunday evening, for instance, the cozy theater will host an evening of Klezmer music. Jointly presented by Chabad of Santa Barbara and Chabad of Montecito, the event promises soul-stirring music full of joyful rhythms and heartfelt melodies featuring Kings of Klezmer. The dynamic Los Angeles-based band known for their lively performances and deep love for Jewish musical heritage are led by clarinetist/saxophonist Leo Chelyapov, a Russian-born musician who immigrated to LA in 1992. The event launches Chabad’s annual Jewish Music Series, which brings vibrant Jewish music to the heart of our community, the concerts

SUNDAY, JUNE 22

Echoes of the Canyon – Ladies of the Canyon is, of course, the title of Joni Mitchell’s third studio album, recorded in the late 1960s when she was living in Laurel Canyon – that storied region of the L.A. foothills less than four miles from the famed Troubadour Cafe folkie haven. That album is highlighted by three of Mitchell’s iconic songs in “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Woodstock,” and “The Circle Game.” Ladies of the Canyon is also the name of a tribute show interweaving songs by Mitchell and her Canyon neighbors in Carole King and Linda Ronstadt Carla Buffa (as King), JK Jones (as Mitchell) and Robyn Roth (as Ronstadt) come together to celebrate the timeless music of the three legendary singer-songwriters whose compositions helped to define a generation. The heartfelt tribute –intended as a nostalgic and immersive concert experience celebrating the voice, artistry and influence of the icons – features a setlist replete with both beloved hits and deep cuts meant to capture the spirit, soul, and stories behind the songs that shaped the soundtrack of the era.

WHEN: 7 pm

WHERE: SOhO, 1221 State St.

COST: $15 in advance, $18 at the door

INFO: (805) 962-7776 or www.sohosb.com

SUNDAY, JUNE 22

The Inner World of ‘Outerworlds’ – The first solo museum exhibition in the United States of Iraqiborn and internationally renowned abstract painter Vian Sora tells the story. It is the story of how her multivalent paintings abstractly channel the tumultuous events of her life, ancient Mesopotamian history, and Iraq’s diverse natural landscapes. The exhibition contains approximately 20 of Sora’s major works, charting her growth as an artist spanning the years 2016 to 2023 since resettling in Louisville, Kentucky, and seeking to use abstraction to process all that she had lived through. Her painting has transformed into a high-powered dynamic practice of controlled havoc, with pieces that reflect an array of radiant colors that are splashed, poured and sprayed onto the canvas. Pigments run, accumulate, and clash, resulting in upwards of fifty layers of oil and acrylic paint in a single work giving a concrete form to the chaos of life. Outerworlds debuts at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, before traveling to co-organizing museums in Louisville and Houston.

WHEN: Today-September 7

WHERE: SBMA, 1130 State St.

COST: free with regular admission

INFO: (805) 963-4364 or www.sbma.net

paying tribute to the Lubavitcher Rebbe and honoring the Yahrtzeit (anniversary of the death) of Rabbi Yosef Loschak. Light refreshments will be served.

WHEN: 6 pm

WHERE: Alhecama Theatre, 914 Santa Barbara St.

COST: $25

INFO: www.sbchabad.org/calendar

TUESDAY, JUNE 24

Here We Go a-Carrolling – Clive Carroll is the veteran British axe-man and composer who boasts a wide array of genre-spanning compositions. He is also SOhO’s next performer in the venue’s ongoing series of concerts by guitarists celebrated for virtuosic fingerstyle and other techniques. Masterfully blending classical, folk and contemporary styles, Carroll has employed his unique tone and expressive dexterity, not to mention engaging concerts, to become one of the world’s premier acoustic guitarists.

WHEN: 8 pm

WHERE: SOhO, 1221 State St.

COST: $28 in advance, $32 at the door

INFO: (805) 962-7776 or www.sohosb.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25

Plastic-Free Expo – The Community Environmental Council and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper’s 4th annual Plastic-Free Expo features over a dozen local organizations, businesses and government agencies offering information and resources for eliminating plastic in every aspect of our lives. Meet the people and projects powering change and come celebrate groups who are making it easy to ditch plastic. Learn how to reduce plastic in your life and network with other like-minded folks while enjoying free refreshments and chances to win eco-friendly prizes.

WHEN: 6:30-8 pm

WHERE: CEC Environmental Hub, 1219 State St.

COST: $5 suggested donation

INFO: (805) 963-0583 or https://cecsb.org/events

THURSDAY, JUNE 26

Couple up to Keep the Beat – Back in February, SOhO hosted a Valentine’s Day Sweethearts Concert. The evening of music and community starred local musician couples sharing their songs in support of Keep the Beat, a program of the Santa

TUESDAY, JUNE 24

Saving Time in a Bottle – A.J. Croce is the son of famed late singer-songwriter Jim Croce, and has followed in his father’s footsteps as a musician, and now boasts almost a dozen albums in his own right, as well as a long career touring and recording with such bold-face names as B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, Leon Russell, Allen Toussaint, the Neville Brothers, Béla Fleck, and Ry Cooder, to name just a few. In 2023, Croce the young paid tribute to his father Jim, honoring his memory on the 50th anniversary of his final album with a nationwide tour that featured most of Jim’s hits and beyond. Now A.J is back with a show that extends Croce Plays Croce with more of his father’s songs, along with stories of the life and times of the legendary singer-songwriter, told through the eyes of his son. Accompanied by his band, A.J. will deliver a highly personal special performance of his father’s life work, along with songs from his own catalogue.

WHEN: 7:30 pm

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

COST: $63.50-$143.50

INFO: (805) 963-0761 or www.lobero.org

Barbara Education Foundation that provides instruments and funding for music education in Santa Barbara public schools. The couples and the cause are only too happy to congregate again, back at the restaurant/music club for another installment, this time dubbed “Summer of Love,” with seven pairs of connected performers (musically and romantically) including Donna Greene & Greg Loeb, Hans Betzholtz & Lisa Starr, Jan Ingram & Henry Garrett, Michael Andrews & Jessica Bortman, Misha Osborne & Scott Branch, Stan Krome & Kimberly Ford, and Mark Robert & Deb Carnal. The funds will once again be forwarded to the Keep the Beat program, which since 2003 has helped pay for music instructors and instruments, including collecting more than 2,200 instruments to repair and place with students in SB Unified music programs. Today, all K-6 students are receiving one 30–45-minute lesson each week with a credentialed music teacher, with curriculum that aligns with the California Standards for Visual and Performing Arts. Sing Hallelujah!

WHEN: 5:45 pm

WHERE: SOhO, 1221 State St. COST: $15 in advance, $20 at the door (SB Educators $10) INFO: (805) 962-7776 or www.sohosb.com

TUESDAY, JUNE 24

Women in a Golden State – Who says poetry is only to be read aloud during April, aka National Poetry Month? Certainly not Chaucer’s Books, which hosts a night of poetry readings from the new anthology Women in a Golden State: California Poets at 60 and Beyond, published by local imprint Gunpowder Press in May. Editors Chryss Yost and Diana Raab came up with the concept as they were contemplating completing six and seven decades on the planet, with a focus on the mythology and reality of being a woman of a certain age, especially in youth-obsessed California. The anthology invites readers to reconsider aging not as an end, but as an ongoing journey filled with beauty, strength and boundless possibilities. Through a diverse array of voices and experiences, the collection highlights the rich and varied lives and perspectives of older women, proving that age is no barrier to achievement, creativity or relevance. Tonight’s event – co-hosted by Yost, a former Santa Barbara Poet Laureate and co-editor of Gunpowder Press, and Montecito multi-hyphenate Diana Raab – will feature readings by Laure-Anne Bosselaar, M. L. Brown, Jina Carvalho, Fran Davis, Stephanie Barbé Hammer, Christine Kravetz, Shirley Lim, Kathee Miller, Perie Longo, and Dale Griffiths Stamos – the latter two fresh off weekend workshops for the truncated Santa Barbara Writers Festival. WHEN: 6 pm

WHERE: Chaucer’s, 3321 State St. in Loreto Plaza Shopping Center COST: free

INFO: (805) 682-6787 or www.chaucersbooks.com

THE EARTHQUAKE THAT BUILT A CITY

FIND OUT HOW THE 1925

EARTHQUAKE CHANGED

SANTA BARBARA FOREVER

SUNDAY JUNE 29 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

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PHYSICAL TRAINING & THERAPY

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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.

CLEANING Carpet Cleaning Since 1978 (805) 963-5304 Rafael Mendez Cell: 689-8397 or 963-3117

Tell Your Story

How did you get to be where you are today? What were your challenges? What is your Love Story? I can help you tell your story in an unforgettable way – with a book that will live on for many generations. The books I write are as thorough and entertaining as acclaimed biographies you’ve read. I also assist with books you write – planning, editing and publishing. David Wilk Great references. (805) 455-5980 www.BiographyDavidWilk.com

LANDSCAPE

Casa L. M.

Landscape hedges installed. Ficus to flowering. Disease resistant. Great privacy. Licensed & insured. Call (805) 963-6909

WATERLILIES and LOTUS since 1992

WATERGARDEN CARE

SBWGC

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

PIANO LESSONS

Openings now available for Children and Adults.

Piano Lessons in our Studio or your Home.

CLASSIC CAR FOR SALE

1930 Model A Ford

I’ve lived in Montecito for a long time and I want to stay here!

$10 MINIMUM TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD

It’s simple. Charge is $3 per line, each line with 31 characters. Minimum is $10 per issue. Photo/logo/visual is an additional $20 per issue. Email Classified Ad to frontdesk@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)

AVAILABLE TO WORK FOR THE

Available to work for the elderly Erik Miciano (805) 403-7712

34 Years of Homecare experience with excellent employment references

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

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