Working Together – At the MA meeting, Hands Across Montecito remains a central focus, showcasing collaboration between outreach teams and local leadership, P.14
Care for Paws – More than pet sitting, today’s pet nannies offer personalized, full-time care tailored to each animal’s routine, health, and personality, P.22
Milan Evenings – Somewhere between aperitivo and dinner lies apericena, a generous, lingering way of dining that invites conversation and community,
Electric Arrival
The Longbow Speedster makes its Montecito debut, blending lightweight design, electric power, and four-wheeled rocketry in a striking new form, page 8
Artistic Meridian
A century of artists passed through Meridian Studios, shaping Santa Barbara’s cultural landscape in a space pointedly designed for creatives, page 20
P.32
Three new fire chiefs step into leadership in the area as One805 expands support for readiness, coordination, and responder mental wellness with its endowment fund (Story starts on page 5)… With 27 years in fire service, new Montecito Fire Chief Brian Fallon takes the helm, emphasizing wildfire preparedness, coordination, and long-term community protection (Story starts on page 24)
ChATSBa
I want to take my mom to the very best brunch this Mother’s Day! Where should I take her to celebrate?
Without a doubt, the very best brunch is served at the Stonehouse Restaurant at San Ysidro Ranch. Not only will they serve a fabulous three course brunch with champagne, they will also have a fresh flower cart and custom scent bar to blend your own fragrance as sweet and special as mom! She will really feel loved!
Great idea! How do I make a reservation?
Just give them a call at 805-504-1964 to make a reservation between 10am and 1:30pm on Sunday, May 10!
Suggested: CALL 805-504-1964
SERVING YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS FROM CARPINTERIA TO GOLETA
Beings & Doings – One805’s rock n’ roll mission of mercy crescendoes with the Endowment Fund, offering our First Responders wellness in perpetuity
Montecito Miscellany – The MClub goes to the zoo, a new electric super car goes on display, and it’s open season for the SB Yacht Club
Local News – Montecito Fire gives a word of caution after multiple rattlesnake bites, plus updates on the Los Padres Forest Notes from Les – The soft brutalism of Tatiana Bilbao featured in the newest Riv magazine Tide Guide
Our Town – These Explore Ecology environmental honorees are all doing their part to bring green into the classroom and beyond
Meeting at MA – Hands Across Montecito, new Fire Chief Fallon stops by the April meeting, plus other
The Giving List – Heal the Ocean’s new leadership builds on a legacy of science-driven action with an eye toward climate adaptation Spirituality Matters – Sound meditations, a jaw-dropping spiritual documentary, Buddhist teachings, and a provocative memoir round out the calendar
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18 On Entertainment – A James Taylor tribute, a 92-year-old’s one-woman show, high school Sondheim, the SB Fair, and MAW tickets round out this week’s entertainment
20 The Way It Was – A look back at the artists that painted and graced the Meridian Studios throughout its over 50-year-long history
22 Pet Nannies – Not your average dog sitter… Household Staffing’s pet nannies can work 40hour weeks in highly personalized roles
24 Hot Topics – Meet the new Montecito Fire Chief Brian Fallon, who was sworn in on April 1, after Chief Neel’s retirement
26
Montecito Health Coach – A misnamed coffee order becomes a lesson in radical acceptance and everyday resilience
28 Meet the Doctor – An introduction to Orthopedic Surgeon Jessica Cohen-Brown, MD
30 Elizabeth’s Appraisals – Another reader sends in a different kind of bride basket, this one telling of Chinese wedding customs
32
Petite Wine Traveler – There is a magical moment between aperitifs and dinner and it is called apericena
34 Far Flung Travel – Chuck paddles up to Drakes Bay where the bulls are out to play and the pelicans are searching for fries
35 News Bytes – Ladies’ Social at Chabad, Stand by Mother screening with ShelterBox, CycleMAYnia grants, and other tidbits
36 Your Westmont – Students take part in the National Model United Nations in New York, and two juniors honored for servant leadership
38 Curator’s Choice – A lepidochrome print of Hyalophora cecropia Sheriff’s Blotter
44 Calendar of Events – Women and Water, butterflies on the page, Earth Day in Alameda Park, touring Hadestown in town, plus more happenings
46
Classifieds – Our own “Craigslist” of classified ads, in which sellers offer everything from summer rentals to estate sales
47 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
Beings and Doings
Three New Chiefs, Two Days, One805: Bracing Santa Barbara
County’s First Responders
by Jeff Wing
Atemperate summer evening. A young woman leaves her apartment barefoot to walk the rural neighborhood and revel in the season. Fading sun paints low-lying clouds a manic champagne pink, nightbirds begin swapping their melodious gossip, and all is right with the world. Three blocks from home our pedestrian rounds a corner to find a split-level craftsman with bales of fire billowing out of a second-floor window and cries of alarm coming from within. Without pause or calculation she breaks into a sprint, crosses the lawn and enters the house.
The Good Samaritan is a totem of our baseline faith in reflexive human altruism, and that faith is rewarded time and again in spontaneous acts of rescue. “Self-sacrifice” seems too harsh an expression, but that crucial moment of deliverance will indeed manifest as willingness to risk one’s own life in service to someone else’s. This is the unarticulated animating spark of the First Responder; a selflessness often cast as “heroic.” That well-meant adjective can’t begin to approach the truth of the First Responder’s minute by minute reality.
In Santa Barbara County, the work of the First Responder exists at the curious intersection of beauty and unpredictability. A region variously defined by coastline, deep shadowed canyons, and forested mountains carries a unique set of risks – wildfire, debris flow, shifting weather patterns, coastal emergencies, occasional water scarcity – all bound to a landscape whose conditions are as unpredictable as the topography, and as rife with surprises.
First Responders increasingly navigate these, and more urban challenges facing communities everywhere: medical emergencies tied to addiction, mental health crises, resource strain, and incidents of violence that require both immediate response and long-term resilience. For those in the field, witnessing and addressing such a complex matrix of deeply human trauma becomes part of the job. The transference of that trauma onto the career First Responder is as inevitable as a natural law. It’s just a question of degree.
Readiness is Power
Fire Chief Brian Fallon , newly appointed in Montecito after serving as Chief in the Cities of both Victorville and Lompoc Fire Departments; Fire Chief Dan Stefano, bringing Orange County experience to CarpinteriaSummerland; and SB County Fire Chief Garrett Huff, who has grown within the ranks locally in Goleta; these men now lead departments across Santa Barbara County at a critical time. It’s never been clearer that unflagging mission investment – in equipment, in tactical coordination, and in the people who do the work – is paramount. In this context, “community” is not just a byword.
“Stepping into Montecito, what stands out immediately is how deeply this community supports its first responders,” Chief Fallon says. “That support, paired with strong resources, creates an environment where we can focus on readiness and response at the highest level.”
Since the 2018 Montecito debris
Beings & Doings Page 64
Newly appointed Montecito Fire Chief Brian Fallon at this swearing in ceremony (courtesy photo)
flow, One805 has thrown itself at readiness, funding equipment now used across fire, law enforcement, and emergency response agencies throughout the county. From mobile
command centers to defibrillators, and from metal-bending jaws of life to detailed thermal imaging, this evolving menu of tech improves the range and speed of response, and the life-saving array of rescue options on the ground – tools to match the collective skill, diligence, and humane momentum of the Responders themselves.
Garrett Huff, Santa Barbara County Fire Chief, plainly states the facts. “Having access to this level of equipment and technology changes how we operate,” he says. “It allows our teams to respond faster, coordinate more effectively, and ultimately do their jobs more safely in the environments we work in.”
Though departments serve distinct communities, emergency response across Santa Barbara County is inherently interconnected, and has to be.
“Our people and our communities remain our primary considerations,” says Dan Stefano, Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Chief, “both those who serve and those who we serve. Our ability to respond most effectively depends on how well we all collectively work together. Having a clear alignment of resources and support across departments strengthens the entire system, not just one agency.”
A Rescue Endowment
In recent years, that system has begun to fiercely address a need that for too long was subsumed by the sufferer. This need has always been less visible and arguably more insidious for that. First Responders have ever been walking away from these scarring experiences with the trauma taken aboard intact and pushed down to the sub-basement so they can capably move forward to the next emergency, and the next. The effect can be corrosive.
This aggregating impact of repeated exposure to trauma has become an increasing focus across departments
Not only recognizing this bleak reality but profusely responding, One805 has made mental wellness a central part of its mission. To date, the organization has funded approximately 3,000 hours of trauma-informed counseling, along with retreats, training programs, and immediate support following critical incidents. Annual investment in these services is approaching $250,000, supported by a reserve fund of approximately $750,000.
The long-term goal is to build a $10 million endowment dedicated to First Responder mental wellness, ensuring that support is not only available, but sustained in perpetuity.
For retired Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig, who now leads One805’s mental wellness efforts, the goal is rooted in long-term accountability and obliges a new species of “equipment.”
“There’s a growing recognition that taking care of our teams means more than just equipping them for the call,” Hartwig says. “It’s about making sure they have the support they need to continue doing this work over time. We’ve learned what happens when those support systems aren’t in place. The commitment now is to ensure
Beings & Doings Page 244
Fire Chief Dan Stefano is the new Fire Chief for the Carpinteria-Summerland district (courtesy photo)
Fire Chief Brian Fallon served in both Victorville and Lompoc Fire Departments before coming to Montecito (courtesy photo)
Montecito Miscellany
Electric Elegance
by Richard Mineards & Friends
Montecito’s Eden by the beach was positively purring this past weekend, as a decidedly electric affair unfolded behind the discreet gates of the Spirit House, home to Xorin Balbes. The occasion? An exclusive afternoon launch fête for the sleek new arrival on the motoring scene – the Longbow Speedster.
Guests, an eclectic crowd comprised of the well-heeled and wonderfully curious, mingled through sun-dappled gardens with something chilled in hand, while
light bites circulated with ease. Among those in attendance were Kasey Carll, Elle Frimat, Sabrina Afifi, Helen Lash, Stephane Colling, and Jim Crook of Montecito Motors.
But the true scene-stealer sat gleaming with quiet confidence: a gorgeous green convertible, the Longbow Speedster, a study in sculpted sophistication and spirited engineering. This featherweight charmer tips the scales at just 1,973 pounds – 40 percent lighter than a Lotus Emira V6. With a single rear-mounted e-motor delivering roughly 270 horsepower, it’s expected to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 3.5 seconds, with plans to
hit the road next year in a limited production run of 150 units planned for 2026 –proof that, in this case, less truly is more. Behind this beauty are co-founders
Daniel Davey and Mark Tapscott, Chapman devotees with a passion for light, fast, agile machines. Having worked at Tesla and Lucid, they’ve seen what works – and what doesn’t. Alongside Swedish tech investor and former X Shore CEO Jenny Keisu, they’ve created an electric sports car Colin Chapman himself might well have approved. As Company COO Tapscott put it, it’s “a
modern sports car that doesn’t look like something from the future nobody wants to drive and doesn’t look like a pastiche of something from the past.”
As golden hour cast its glow, one thing was clear: in Montecito, even a motorcar debut feels like a most marvelous garden party – with just a hint of horsepower. by Lisa Duncan
A Wild Vision
At a recent gathering hosted by Montecito Bank & Trust’s MClub,
Page 334
If your heart wants to go places, it needs a place that’s recognized for excellence in cardiac care. For all your heart needs.
Miscellany
Daniel Soukup, John Green, and Mark Tapscott (photo by Priscilla)
Mark Tapscott, Chris Fossek, and Daniel Davey (photo by Priscilla)
Kasey Carll, Mark Tapscott, host Xorin Balbes with his sheepadoodle Yosi, and Daniel Davey (photo by Priscilla)
JUST SOLD
This beautiful, gated Mediterranean estate was expertly acquired with competing buyers through a highly structured process. Executed in coordination with a 1031 exchange, this complex investment purchase required concurrent closings, involved multiple entities, and precise timing across multiple real estate transactions. With careful negotiation, disciplined execution, and thoughtful orchestration, the entire process was navigated with clarity and control, delivering a seamless result where the stakes were high and every detail mattered.
This is what high-level execution looks like.
Local News Notes from Les Montecito Fire and LPFA Alert on Rattlesnake Bites, and More
by Joanne A. Calitri
Montecito Fire has done two rescues of people with snake bites in April so far. They are urging everyone to be vigilant.
Montecito Fire reports, “April 12, at 3:38 pm, the Montecito Fire Emergency Team responded to the Buena Vista Trail for an injured hiker who was reportedly bitten by a rattlesnake. The female hiker was approximately three-quarters of a mile up the trail when she was bitten on the ankle. She did not have adequate cell service to call 911 but was able to send a text to a loved one, who then contacted emergency services. Dispatchers were able to communicate with the patient as she made her way down the trail. Because she had a whistle, dispatchers instructed her to blow it repeatedly to help first responders locate her. Montecito firefighters, along with SB County Search and Rescue personnel, located the patient and transported her to the trailhead using a stokes basket and wheel. From there, she was transported to the hospital by AMR ambulance.
A previous incident had occurred on April 7, when “a 22-year-old female hiker was airlifted to a hospital Monday morning after being bitten by a snake on the Cold Spring Trail near Montecito Peak.”
The Los Padres Forest Association (LPFA) is alerting community that there is an increase in rattlesnake bites, seven so far this year, with snakes leaving their dens earlier than prior years due to warmer weather, even as more people are hiking, biking, and running with headphones on – making them even less aware of the snakes. Of the seven bites, two resulted in fatalities. Three of those bites occurred in the Los Padres: Rose Valley, Cold Spring Trail, and Buena Vista Trail. The LPFA advises hikers to stay
aware, listen and look at your surroundings, and treat snakes with respect while out on the trails – adding that if you are bitten; stay calm, don’t move, and call for help.
In Other News
April 22 - 23: For Earth Day on April 22, the Ojai Ranger District is set to lead a trash and micro trash cleanup of Tar Creek, from 9 am to 2 pm. The next day, April 23, will see two projects undertaken. One will finish the work on the Ojai Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail; and the second will honor Patrick Lieske with a memorial cleanup at the Glass Factory on East Camino Cielo. Lieske was a Forest Service Biologist who passed away in 2024 May 1: The Seasonal Gates across the LP Forest are set to open on May 1. Due to the dry winter, a few gates have already opened for the season, and these include Santa Barbara Canyon Road, First Crossing, and the roads around Tecuya Ridge. Make sure to call the District Office to ensure gates are open before you make your way to your favorite trailhead. It is also reported that there is lots of water flowing in the creeks, streams, pools, and more in the backcountry.
May 6: Montecito Fire Blood Drive – in partnership with Vitalant Blood Donation Center – will host a community blood drive on May 6, 11 am to 3 pm at Montecito Fire Station 91, 595 San Ysidro Road. Sign up online.
LPFA reported in February ’26, it is currently over 125% of annual rainfall and trending to make it over 150% by the end of the season. LPFA is hiring temps for Forestry Tech staff in all five districts, apply online.
411: www.montecitofire.com https://lpforest.org/
The New Riv Is Out Now! Keeping It Rael and Celebrating “Mexcellence”
The new Riv design mag “The Long Road from Prada Marfa to Montecito” is finally out. The Riv always has its finger on the design pulse, and if there’s not a story in there that gets your juices flowing, you might want to check your own pulse.
What you’ll find between the heavy card stock covers of our Spring issue is, as you know, some of the best architecture and design happening not just in Montecito, but in the world.
For our Spring ish, the Riv was lucky to interview, among other enormous talents, one of the greatest architects working today: the mother of “soft brutalism,” Tatiana Bilbao
They say soft brutalism is hard to pull off, but Bilbao makes it look easy. Bilbao, who also teaches at Yale when she’s not designing museums or highend residences, has also designed (and built) truly gorgeous affordable housing in Mexico. Yes, Mexico, a country where “the right to housing” is actually written into the constitution, and where “affordable” means a price of $8,000 –and that’s to purchase, not per week.
Still not intrigued? The new Riv also features the human cannonball who
Montecito Tide Guide
shot himself over the border wall from Tijuana into San Diego. The well-attended effort not only successfully landed the projectile in San Diego, that performance is now in the permanent collection of The Guggenheim. So what does all this have to do with Prada Marfa? Read the new Riv to find out!
Account Managers | Sue Brooks, Tanis Nelson, Elizabeth Scott, Joe DeMello
Features | Jeff Wing
Proofreading | Helen Buckley
Contributors | Scott Craig Chuck Graham, Mark Ashton Hunt, Dalina Michaels, Robert Bernstein, Christina Atchison, Leslie Zemeckis, Sigrid Toye, Elizabeth Stewart, Leana Orsua, Jeffrey Harding, Houghton Hyatt
Arts and Entertainment | Steven Libowitz
Gossip | Richard Mineards
History | Hattie Beresford
Humor | Ernie Witham
Our Town/Society | Joanne A Calitri
Health/Wellness | Ann Brode, Deann Zampelli
Travel | Jerry Dunn, Leslie Westbrook
Food & Wine | Melissa Petitto, Gabe Saglie, Jamie Knee
Published by:
Montecito Journal Media Group, LLC
Montecito Journal is compiled, compounded, calibrated, cogitated over, and coughed up every Wednesday by an exacting agglomeration of excitable (and often exemplary) expert edifiers at 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite G, Montecito, CA 93108.
How to reach us: (805) 565-1860; FAX: (805) 969-6654; Montecito Journal, 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite G, Montecito, CA 93108; EMAIL: tim@montecitojournal.net
Tatiana Bilbao, mother of Soft Brutalism (photo by Ana Hop)
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Our Town 10th Annual Explore Ecology’s Environmental Stewardship Awards
by Joanne A Calitri
The 10th annual Environmental Steward Awards by Explore Ecology were presented at an informal luncheon on Thursday, April 16, at the Cabrillo Pavilion for the second year in a row. The awards were established in 2016 by EE Executive Director Lindsay Johnson and Marketing/Communications Director Jill Cloutier and coincided with the annual SB Earth Day event.
Nominees and winners are voted for online by anyone who lives in SB County. The categories are SB County School Students, Teachers and Assistants, and Environmental Clubs. For 2026, there are 15 awardees representing sustainability, waste reduction, environmental education, climate resilience, and organic gardening.
Walk and Roll program.
- Juana Zarate, Silvia Hernandez, and Rosa Herrera: Teachers at Just for Kids Preschool in Lompoc, this team has fully embraced garden-based learning, inspiring their students to care for plants and nature from an early age.
- Jacob Pepper: An educator at Anacapa Middle School, Jacob leads the Environmental Science Club, where students are working toward an ambitious goal of reducing campus waste and consumption by 30%.
- Isabella Marill: A teacher at Midland School in Los Olivos, Isabella set up an environmental club, conducted a campus-wide environmental audit, and is developing a comprehensive stewardship plan.
School Support Staff:
Following a reception, group photos by the EE photographer, and a welcome by Johnson, each winner had their moment at the podium.
The 2026 winners are:
Students:
- West Lang: At Santa Ynez Valley Charter School, a swarm of bees was disturbed at recess, leading to screaming chaos from students. Enter West, 4th-grade beekeeper. After school, West safely collected the bees and relocated them, ensuring that no bees or students were harmed!
- Hunter and Sophie Costa: Sophie (Monte Vista Elementary) and Hunter (La Colina Junior High) are dedicated garden advocates who have participated in every garden and campus beautification event at La Colina this year.
- River Peace: A senior at Midland School (Los Olivos), River is leading efforts to transition the school farm toward a climate-resilient, perennial system – work that will have a lasting impact beyond his time on campus.
- Jade Garcia: An environmental activist and secretary of the new Santa Barbara High School Environmental Advocacy Club, Jade helped organize the Make Polluters Pay walkout at SB High School, mobilizing her peers around climate action.
Teachers:
- Lisa Lisle: A 5th grade teacher at Brandon Elementary who led a schoolwide transition from plastic sporks to reusable utensils, Lisa maintains native planter beds outside her classroom and is the lead staff member for her school’s
- Leise Thomason: A science specialist at Santa Barbara Charter School in Goleta, Leise has developed garden programs, composting systems, and waste reduction initiatives, including a mini reuse station inspired by Art from Scrap.
- Bree Valla: Superintendent/Principal of Vista del Mar Union School District in Gaviota, Bree is guiding the transition to the Vista Institute of Environmental Studies, reducing food waste through local partnerships, and implementing a seasonal, locally sourced school menu.
Clubs:
- Planet Protectors: Although they are small, this group of dedicated Kindergarten to 1st graders at Canalino Elementary is making a big impact in keeping their campus clean, while learning and practicing environmental responsibility.
- Cabrillo High School Aquarium: What started in a small classroom at Cabrillo High School with one tank, one student, and one teacher… is now one of the largest public aquariums on the Central Coast.
411: https://exploreecology.org
Joanne A Calitri is a professional international photographer and journalist. Contact her at: artraks@ yahoo.com
Meeting at MA April Board Meeting with Hands Across Montecito Update
by Houghton Hyatt
The Montecito Association Board of Directors held its April meeting with a featured annual update on Hands Across Montecito (HAM), the community’s coordinated homeless outreach initiative, alongside regular reports from local agencies and updates on key Association priorities.
Representatives from CityNet and Earthcomb, core partners in the HAM program, presented a comprehensive look at the progress made over the past year and the continued evolution of this collaborative effort. CityNet leads professional outreach in the field, working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness to build trust and connect them with services, housing opportunities, and long-term support. Their consistent, relationship-based approach remains central to the program’s effectiveness. Earthcomb shared updates on its work addressing environmental impacts, including debris removal and ongoing
Rancho Tajiguas Preserve, Santa Barbara, CA April 27-29, 2026
site monitoring in areas of concern. Their efforts are carefully coordinated with outreach teams to ensure that cleanup activities are conducted thoughtfully, balancing environmental stewardship with compassion and respect for those being served. Together, these partners reflect the strength of the Hands Across Montecito model, pairing proactive outreach with practical, on-the-ground solutions. Board members noted that this coordinated approach continues to make a meaningful difference in the community. Residents who would like to support this ongoing effort are encouraged to contribute, with donations directly supporting outreach and response work in Montecito.
In addition to the HAM update, the Board received regular reports from community partners. Montecito Fire’s new chief, Brian Fallon, outlined departmental priorities, including enhancing emergency response capabilities, improving communication infrastructure, and expanding neighborhood chipping programs aimed at reducing wildfire risk. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
also provided updates on recent activity and ongoing public safety efforts in the area. Additional updates included progress from the Montecito Sanitary District on its sewer rehabilitation project and rate study, as well as highlights from our local schools, which are in the midst of a vibrant spring season filled with events, programs, and student achievements.
Membership growth remains a positive trend for the Association, with approximately 34% of the annual goal achieved in the first quarter. Expanded outreach efforts and the introduction of new membership offerings, including a business membership program, are helping to broaden engagement and strengthen connections across the community.
Not yet a member? Now is a great time to join the Montecito Association and stay informed, engaged, and connected to the issues that matter most to our community. We’ve also introduced new Business Membership options, including a Business Directory on our website, offering local businesses increased visibility and a way to connect directly with Montecito residents.
Looking ahead, the Association announced its upcoming Upper Village Sip & Shop, scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, from 4 to 6 pm across both sides of Highway 192. The event will bring together local businesses offering refreshments, special promotions, and a welcoming atmosphere for residents to connect, explore, and support the Upper Village.
EPIC International Summit
Sponsorship opportunities are now open for one of Montecito’s most cherished traditions, the Village 4th of July Celebration. This year marks a truly historic occasion: the 30th anniversary of the Village 4th alongside the nation’s 250th anniversary. With an expected record turnout and an expanded celebration, community support is more important than ever. Sponsoring the event is a unique opportunity for local businesses and families to be part of this milestone moment—celebrating community, tradition, and country, while helping ensure the continued success of this beloved event. Sponsorship details are now available online.
The next Montecito Association board meeting is scheduled for May 12th. Find out more on our website: www. montecitoassociation.org
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The Giving List Heal the Ocean
by Steven Libowitz
HSpirituality Matters
Music and Meditation x 2
by Steven Libowitz
Hall at the Music Academy of the West, limited to 70 people, takes place at 2 pm on Tuesday, May 12.
TVisit Heal the Ocean this weekend at the Earth Day Festival in Alameda Park and learn how to get involved (courtesy photo)
eal the Ocean began back in August 1998 shortly after Hillary Hauser published an editorial in the Santa Barbara NewsPress called “Another Day at the Beach?” following closure of local beaches due to unsafe bacteria levels. The citizens’ action group turned official 501(c)3 nonprofit quickly came to fame for its 15-year effort known as the South Coast Beach Communities Septic-to-Sewer project – which eventually removed ultra-polluting septic systems from seven miles of the Santa Barbara shoreline surrounding the internationally known Rincon surfing point. Since then, HTO has successfully worked to upgrade wastewater treatment plants, initiate recycled water studies and plans, spur groundwater studies, inaugurate Styrofoam recycling/repurposing, provide free doggy bags on the beaches, has fought to fix leaking abandoned oil wells, spearheaded beach cleanup programs and, quite notoriously, coordinated the safe removal of beached boats washed ashore by major storms – all with co-founder Hauser still at the head of the organization.
Giving List Page 374
he Music & Meditation Santa Barbara series co-founded by pianist Antonio Artese winds up its quite successful first full season next month when flutist Jill Felber joins the pianist in a onehour offering that brings together the timeless beauty of live music with the calming practice of guided meditation. Each concert is designed as a journey, first inward via a 15-minute guided meditation led by Jessica Kolbe, offers a bridge from silence to sound by gently preparing listeners to enter a space of awareness and presence to receive the music with openness and calm.
Felber, who recently retired from the UCSB faculty, will play solo and alongside Artese on a program that includes the second movement of Claude Bolling’s “Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano,” which had a full reading at Faulkner Gallery earlier this month as part of the La Piazza festival (with Felber watching in the first row). She winds up a smart season that also saw cellist Ani Aznavoorian, violinist Jessica Guideri and harpist Laurie Rasmussen previously serve as guests. The intimate event at Weinmann
Visit https://musicandmeditationsb.com
ATMA at Lehmann
Another event billed as An Evening of Music & Meditation takes place this week on Saturday, April 25, at Lehmann Hall –NOTE that this is the 450-seat Lehmann Hall on the UCSB campus, not the MAW’s Miraflores venue. The ATMA Ensemble (Alliance for Tradition in Musical Arts) performs Indian classical music as part of a special collaboration between LA-based The Music Circle and the local Institute of World Culture (which also offers weekly study circles at the Concord House on Chapala Street). This event promises to transport audiences beyond the ordinary, weaving live musical performance and meditative experience into a single transformative evening honoring the profound connection between sound, stillness and the human spirit. The group’s mission is deeply rooted in honoring the legacy of Indian ragas while infusing
Spirituality Page 374
janis joplin
On Entertainment Twice the Taylor, All the Fun
by Steven Libowitz
Why would anyone choose to go to the Granada on Saturday night for Santa Barbara Records’ second annual Locals & Legends concert, “Celebrating the Music of James Taylor,” when the iconic 78-year-old singer-songwriter himself will be in town just 11 days later? Well, there’s several reasons aside from the fact that tickets to Taylor’s sold-out concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl will set you back somewhere between $200-$3,700 as of this writing.
Taylor will have a fine backing band on his May 6 concert, but then so will Saturday’s show, as LA’s James Raymond and Steve Postell are once again joined by Santa Barbara stalwarts Randy Tico on bass, David Delhomme on keys, Jesse Siedenberg on pedal steel/dobro, and Austin Beede on drums; not to mention SBR exec and guitarist Tariqh Akoni – the Santa Barbara native whose other job is Josh Groban’s longtime music director – with Miriam Dance and Lois Mahalia adding harmonies and some lead vocals. To top things off, singer-songwriter Glen Phillips (of Toad the Wet Sprocket and solo career fame) has been added as special guest.
In addition, SB Records has once again hired the Santa Barbara Symphony under maestro Nir Kabaretti to play brand new orchestrations commissioned by SBR for every single song on the show. What makes the Locals & Legends concerts so special, though, is that the SBR label artists – who this time around include Omar Velasco, Céleigh Chapman, Mendeleyev, Will Breman, and Jess Bush – not only cover a personally-selected Taylor song, including “Carolina in My Mind,” “Fire and Rain,” and “Country Road,” but also perform one of their own originals that was inspired by him.
“Getting two very different views shows the depth of their artistry,” explained Akoni. “You see where they came from and how they’re influenced. James Taylor is such a great template because he’s obviously at the pinnacle of songwriting and artistry, so he’s perfect to use as a touchstone.”
Akoni pointed to Velasco, who will sing “Something in the Way She Moves” for his cover song. “He has such a beautiful fragility in the way that he approaches the song, it almost shines a new light on the music,” he said.
The performance intersection of the Granada Theatre and a symphony orchestra provides a unique opportunity for the five artists – some of whom may never appear here again. This is part of the reason Akoni created the concerts.
“It’s very aspirational and makes you dig deeper for the concert, but also grow in your artistry so this can be a stepping-stone for your career.”
Having both their Taylor covers and original songs fully orchestrated for the symphony is another gift to the artists, Akoni said, particularly as the arrangements come from Carl Rydlund, who worked for years with Hans Zimmer and John Williams, and has composed many film soundtracks.
“At the end of the concert I love to present them with the score of their music,” he said.
Hearing the symphony in yet another pop setting, beyond its now annual concert with the Doublewide Kings, increases the community’s connection with the symphony, exposing the orchestra to potential new fans. It’s a win-win-win for everyone.
And if Saturday’s concert just whets your appetite to see Taylor in person on May 6 – nobody said you have to choose.
Visit www.granadsb.org
Grand’s Granada Connection Continues
The folks who run the Grand on State – the piano jazz dinner club still in its soft opening phase – are no fools. They’ve been tying their weekend event into whatever’s going on at the Granada Theatre just one door down. With the James Taylor tribute show on tap at the big venue, the Grand is going with “How Sweet It Is” as the theme for the April 23-25 show, connecting to both the Taylor hit and their newly-hired Chef Marguerite Cerredo’s sweet assortment of small plates, dinners, and dessert treats.
Thursday at Grand tantalizes with two shows in one night, with singer Miriam Dance – who will be featured at the Granada tribute – joining bassist Tino Tafarella and pianist/co-owner Brian Mann for the early set, and the full Antonio Artese Trio (Artese, Tafarella and drummer Matt Perko) holding forth for the late show in the first non-Mann show at the Grand. Friday brings back vocalist Leigh Vance along with bassist Randy Tico and Mann, and adding trumpeter Phil Rodriguez, while Saturday splits things up to accommodate those heading to the Granada with the Miles Julian Trumpet Duo early, and singer-saxist Colin Richardson and bassist
Entertainment Page 434
Mary Bridget Davies Photo: Jason Niedle
Summer Vibes!
The Way It Was Artists of the Meridian Studios: A-C Redux
by Hattie Beresford
Dworked at the Meridian Studios as they strove to reach the apex of their careers.
esigned by George Washington Smith and Carleton Monroe Winslow in 1922-23 and 1925 respectively, the Meridian Studios campus on De la Guerra Street has seen more than its share of renowned artists. It is no wonder that artists were drawn to the complex. Not only was the architecture and concept appealing (north facing studios combined with living quarters), but “meridian” signifies the point of highest development, the peak or zenith of the profession. Between 1922-23 and 1977, more than nineteen artists lived and/or
Hartwell James Ayles (1898-1975) lived and worked at the Meridian Studios from 1925-1927. Not much has been written about Ayles and perhaps he is one of those artists whose work has become obscured by time. He taught at Santa Barbara School of the Arts in late 1920s and exhibited at the Santa Barbara Art League in 1929 and at the Bartlett Gallery in Los Angeles in 1931. He and his wife were active with the Community Arts drama branch for which he built and painted scenery and props as well as advertising posters. (Sources: Edan Hughes’ Artists in California, 1786-1940; Ancestry.com, contemporary newspapers)
J. Dwight Bridge (1893-1974) was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and became a pupil of Albert Herter at the Art Students League in New York. In 1920, he was in Santa Barbara working out of various studios and renting various homes with his wife Caroline – Albert Herter’s (former) daughter-in-law, and widow of Bridge’s best friend and Albert’s son, Everit Herter. In 1922/23, Bridge and Caroline became the first to rent a studio at the Meridian. He also became involved with the fledgling Community Arts Association drama branch both as a set designer, poster designer, and actor. In 1933, Bridge had an existential crisis and left his family and fortune to tramp around the world. He became known as the hobo artist because he painted
Way It Was Page 404
The colorfully patinated Meridian Studios is a charming historic enclave that has hosted a rich palette of artistic talent for over 100 years (photo by Hattie Beresford)
Dwight played the role of King Arkal in Alfred Herter’s fundraising extravaganza for the Community Arts Association, Pelléas et Mélisande (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)
Wed, Apr 29 (new date) / 7:30 PM
UCSB Campbell Hall
(registration recommended)
Martín Espada, winner of the 2021 National Book Award and a defining voice in American poetry, confronts injustice with lyrical power, celebrating the dignity of working people and illuminating issues of inequality, labor and immigration.
in Conversation wit h Pico Iyer
Wed, May 13 / 7:30 PM
UCSB Campbell Hall
A fearless voice for ecological awareness and positive social change, author and activist Terry Tempest Williams joins Pico Iyer to explore the role of imagination in seeking justice and stewarding the future of the planet. Social Justice Advocate and National Book Award-winning Poet
Pet Nannies
Full Time for Four Legs
by Zach Rosen
The rise of the “pet nanny” might sound like a novelty (or even a novel), but spend a few minutes inside the world of high-end domestic staffing and the picture sharpens into something far more nuanced. The increasingly important role reflects a rising need – a quiet and highly specialized system designed to support households whose lives move at a pace that traditional pet care cannot accommodate.
Household Staffing has seen growing demand for pet nannies, a role that reflects how deeply integrated animals have become within the modern household. Rather than relying on traditional boarding or drop-in care, clients are seeking consistent, in-home support tailored to their pets’ daily routines and specific needs. The agency approaches these placements with the same level of care exercised with any domestic role they staff, focusing on compatibility, reliability, and attentiveness. Whether managing structured schedules, supporting health needs, or simply providing
companionship, pet nannies are placed as dedicated professionals whose presence brings continuity, stability, and a high standard of care to the home.
What often goes unseen is the complexity behind these roles. The pet nanny role extends far beyond that of a dog walker or sitter, often obliging a 35-40 hour work week and requiring structured routines, medical awareness, behavioral sensitivity, and the ability to move seamlessly with the rhythms of a private home. In many cases, these professionals become a constant presence, maintaining continuity for animals whose owners may travel frequently or need to balance demanding schedules. The emotional dimension carries equal weight. Pets hold a central place in these households, and their care receives the same level of attention as would be given any other member of the family.
The industry continues to evolve alongside this shift. Demand has expanded quickly, fueled in part by social media visibility and a broader cultural emphasis on animal well-being. That visibility also invites skepticism, with questions around necessity and perception. Missing from
that conversation is the deliberate nature of these decisions. Clients seek consistency, safety, and a high standard of care in environments where time is limited and expectations remain high.
I spoke with Household Staffing Director of Operations Olivia Fountain about what goes into selecting the specialists who will be helping care for those fluffy wonders that play such a central role in our world.
Q. How does the hiring process work for a pet nanny?
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A. So they do the initial interview with the recruiter who’s actually in communication with the client. The client tells us everything they want, but mostly it’s a personality thing that is a 100% match and feels right to the client. Our recruiter interviews the candidate, makes sure they have good experience, and we check their references. Then they’re submitted with a profile to the client. The client decides whether they want to interview – typically we start with a video interview. If they’re really interested, they bring them in for a trial. Most of our positions we do a one-week trial where the pet nanny truly does the job for a whole week. Then the client decides if it’s the right fit or not.
What kind of vetting do you do for candidates?
We make sure that they have really good references… and we do contact their references. We also do a background check – Social Security number trace, address history, nationwide criminal, federal criminal, county criminal, motor vehicle records search, and a social media check. Some people require a drug screening, and I’ve also had clients do their own background checks, including hiring a private investigator. Everybody’s different about what they do, but that’s what we do.
What would you want readers to understand about Household Staffing and your services?
We truly just care so much about our job. We are very, very particular about who we put in somebody’s home. It is our entire livelihood. Our President Starla Smith has been doing staffing since 1999 and purchased the company in 2013, and there’s nobody that cares about these families the way she does. We are so particular and kind, and we’re not going to sugarcoat anything. We’re going to do our best to put the right person in your home. It’s a personalized search. The recruiter working with you is the one interviewing candidates—it’s not just pulled from a database. Personality is everything. You can have the best résumé in the world, but if you’re not the right personality fit, it will never work. That’s something we’re so passionate about, and I think that’s why we are so successful.
Visit https://householdstaffing.com/
Mariscos Calabreses
Olivia Fountain is the Director of Operations at Household Staffing (courtesy photo)
Zach Rosen is the Managing Editor of the Montecito Journal. He also enjoys working with beer, art, and life.
they are consistently in place, and for the long term. This is about taking care of the people who take care of our communities.”
That commitment extends beyond equipment and programs. In a region where the cost of living continues to rise, supporting first responders has an effect on the area’s ability to attract and retain the people who choose to serve here.
One805’s annual concert has also become a meaningful extension of that impact. Each year, hundreds of first responders are invited to attend as guests of the organization, with approximately 1,000 first responder tickets to be donated in 2026 alone. The evening brings together community members and world-class performers who donate their time, creating a shared moment of recognition and appreciation for
those who serve on the front lines. This year the annual concert will be spread across two evenings, with none other than Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, and an 80-decibel blues balladeer named George Thorogood. Let’s brace ourselves.
The endowment campaign itself was launched in December with a $1 million donation from a single donor and a matching donation from One805. It now stands at over $2.5 million. One805 is seeking pledges and legacy gifts to reach the $10 million target as rapidly as possible. Richard WestonSmith, COO of One805, spells it out with characteristic brio.
“This is a critically important legacy we are building” he says. “It will benefit not only the current generation but will ensure the mental wellness of every future generation of Santa Barbara County first responders.”
Hot Topics Meet Montecito’s New Fire Chief
by Christina Atchison
On April 1, the Montecito Fire Protection District Board of Directors formally appointed Brian Fallon as Fire Chief following Chief David Neels’ retirement on March 31. As Montecito Fire’s Public Information Officer, I sat down with Chief Fallon to learn more about him and what he hopes to accomplish at the helm of our organization. Here is our conversation:
Q. Where are you from originally and when did you become interested in a career in public safety or firefighting?
A. I’m from Riverside and I became interested in firefighting in junior high thanks to my uncle who worked for Havasu Fire. Whenever he visited, his work stories sparked something inside me. My dad worked in law enforcement so going into a public safety profession felt like a natural path for me.
to Riverside Community College to complete the firefighter academy in 2004. While I was in school, I was still working for AMR and gaining experience as a paramedic in busy Riverside County, and was as well a reserve firefighter for Riverside County Fire.
In 2005, I was fortunate to be hired as a firefighter/paramedic for Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District. I worked my way up the ranks of firefighter, engineer and captain. I was a captain for about nine years there and at that time, I earned my degree in Fire Science Administration through Waldorf University.
Tell me about your background prior to joining Montecito Fire Department.
Right out of high school, I went to Riverside Community College to become an EMT and got hired with AMR in Riverside in 1999. I attended paramedic school at Mount San Antonio College in 2002 and returned
I had been with Rancho Cucamonga Fire for 16 years and loved it there. I was hoping for an opportunity to promote to battalion chief when I learned the City of Victorville was looking for battalion chiefs in 2021. It was a gamble to leave the department that had been my home for so many years, but I was excited by the opportunity to be innovative and progressive at Victorville where they were in the process of professionalizing their department.
We were running 24,000 calls a year in Victorville and I learned a lot as a chief officer there, both operationally and administratively. I was offered the Fire Chief position there in May 2022.
Hot Topics
Chief Fallon brings 27 years of fire service and public safety experience to Montecito
Chief Brian Fallon’s wife, Amber, pins on his badge during a special department ceremony on April 1
Retired Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig now leads One805’s mental wellness efforts (courtesy photo)
Garrett Huff was serving locally in Goleta before becoming the new Santa Barbara County Fire Chief (courtesy photo)
Montecito Health Coach
My Starbucks Name Is Katie: Leaning
in to life’s frustrations
by Deann Zampelli
My parents’ favorite pastime was arguing with each other. The earliest indicator of this was my name. My Dad wanted to call me Deanna and my mom wanted to call me Diane, or some version of that truth. Hence, Deann with no “e” at the end. Or Dean with two ‘n’s. “Dean, party of 2.” “May I speak to Dean Zampenelli?” Why people also need to add another syllable to my otherwise normal last name I have never figured out. It happens. And in the grand scheme of life’s complexities, it isn’t a beef I am going to die on (I know the expression is hill but I have two teenagers, so please indulge me).
However, around five years ago I was in Mammoth with my kids and the guy at the coffee place took my order. He asked me for my name, and just to shake things up, I gave him my family’s nickname for me: DeeDee. I
smugly paid for my overpriced half caff soy latte with cinnamon and went to wait with the other undercaffeinated early risers.
“Katie?” they called out a few minutes later. “Katie?” Half caff soy latte with cinnamon powder?” The odds of there being two such ridiculously high maintenance orders seemed somewhat unlikely, so I rolled with it. “Yes, I’m Katie,” I sheepishly replied, feeling simultaneously shady and victorious at adopting a new name so suddenly. Would I feel different being Katie? Does Katie wear brighter lipstick or have a whimsical phone case?
Hence, the adoption of my Starbucks name, which I now use for any reservation. The only problem is, I sometimes forget. My mobile app still says Dean with two ‘n’s. So, when I go to ask for my order, I sometimes say Katie and when the order for Dean with two ‘n’s arrives I look like a demented coffee stealer. But I am learning to not only just deal with it, but to lean into the annoyances
of life. It is a combo platter of acceptance, perspective, and tolerance. I am realizing, for example, that more people talk on the speakerphone in public than not. I am the one with the problem for finding it rude. And my Starbucks name has now become a funny joke with my friends. Having a Starbucks alter ego is all the rage it seems.
If you are overreacting in rage to minor frustrations, reevaluate your current situation and priorities. Everyone becomes
fed up with something, but a psychologically healthy person deals with it.
According to Psychology Today , “Radical Acceptance” is accepting a situation as it is without fighting it or approving of it. It just becomes what it is. A reality you need to deal with.
Being called the wrong name is a trivial example of this but can nonetheless become a daily annoyance. Think of how many times each day people say your name. I have always told our kids that you can’t control what other people do, but you can control how you respond to it. This is how we direct our own path. This is how we direct the narrative.
Think about it this way. If you are out in the world and someone steals the parking space you are waiting for you can either get pissed off and have an altercation with them OR you can give them your best “I am really disappointed in you” face and get on with your day. Scenario one has your stress hormones surging, which will take around an hour to regulate depending how stressful your body has perceived the threat to be or, you can just carry on as the more evolved being that you are.
Daily stressors, or “micro-stressors” can be bad for our health. Especially if they are chronic. Like people saying your name wrong each and every day.
Psychology Today goes on to say, “Any minor irritant can push someone over the edge. Many presenting problems in therapy are petty annoyances that most everyone experiences. Treatment involves realizing this fact and how to better cope. A minor irritation, a ‘petty annoyance,’ can be the straw that breaks the camel’s back under chronic stress.
If you are overreacting in rage to minor frustrations, reevaluate your current situation and priorities. Everyone
becomes fed up with something, but a psychologically healthy person deals with it. Minor setbacks and petty resentments can breed resentments, impairing mental health.”
The idea is that by dealing with the day-to-day stressors (the parking spot, the late kid, the smelly co-worker), we avoid the big bang that can occur when we bottle these frustrations up. Here are a few tips to get you started.
1. Always a good standby – pause, breathe, evaluate. Before you react or shove down your feelings take a beat to pause, enjoy a few deep breaths and give your frustration a container while you evaluate it. This way it won’t seep into the rest of your day, your life, your psyche. Think about the level of importance it carries. About what might have motivated this to occur-engage your empathy.
2. Practice your own version of Radical Acceptance. By admitting to yourself that life can be full of little annoyances, it prepares you for the next time. You won’t be as surprised or thrown off. “Oh, here we go again” you might say to yourself after your parking space was just snaked by a lime green Tesla.
3. Create a little mantra for yourself. It gives you an immediate tool to pick up before you go postal. Some examples might be: “It’s just life.” “Yes, people can suck, but they can also be amazing.” Or “You are fine. You are safe. It’s ok to be annoyed, but don’t let it take over and win.” Those kind of things.
4. Remind yourself that most of the time, this isn’t about you. If you accept that people can be oblivious or tone deaf or downright rude, you can often start to see things from other people’s perspective. In the moment, this realization can take the sting out. It doesn’t mean that we don’t do things in life that might provoke others’ actions, it just validates what you already know; most of the time, very little is about us.
In the meantime, have some fun with it. You never know what might happen. It turns out Katie likes to wear hats. And it has nothing to do with the fact that she might sometimes take the wrong drink and is therefore incognito. If she does, please forgive her. It isn’t you. It’s totally her.
Health and humor in the MJ National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach trained at Duke Integrative Medicine, Deann Zampelli owns Montecito Coaching & Nutrition. She also has a Masters in Clinical Psychology and has been a resident of Montecito since 2006.
Meet the Doctor
A New Series from Sutter Health
What drives someone to spend a life in medicine? In this new Q&A series, a group of leading local physicians share the moments that set them on their path, the breakthroughs shaping their fields, and the realities behind the work. Their answers are candid, occasionally surprising, and grounded in experience. Together, they offer a clear-eyed look at the people delivering care in our community and what continues to motivate them every day.
Meet Orthopedic Surgeon Jessica Cohen-Brown, MD
What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine, and how did you select your specialty? I have been fortunate to have practiced orthopedic surgery for 35 years. My entire practice has been at Sansum, now Sutter Health. I grew up however, not in California, but upstate New York. After college I worked for the soil and water conservation district in upstate New York. As part of this job, I traveled through many rural districts and really enjoyed the small-town environment. I decided to return to school, and at that time my aspiration was to return to a small town as a family physician. However, during medical school I received an award for academic excellence. I was treated to a dinner, and the speaker was a hand surgeon who gave a talk on replantation for traumatic amputations. These were groundbreaking surgeries, so inspirational.
After completing my Orthopedic residency, I trained under that physician while specializing in upper extremity surgery. I was the first women to have completed that Orthopedic residency program. At that time, only 4% of orthopedic surgeons were women. While that experience had its challenges, it has provided a wonderful career.
What is one misconception people often have about your field?
One of the common misconceptions about orthopedic surgeons is that they are regarded as too technical. I do not find this to be entirely true. I find the technical aspects of the job still rewarding.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
One of the things I have enjoyed most about my career is my patients. Many of them have become friends. I have been lucky enough to have inspired my daughter to go into the same career as I have. She is also an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in upper extremity surgery. She is now my partner for three years at Sutter Health. We are one of the first of three mother-daughter orthopedic surgeon pairs in the United States. We collaborated and published an article in the journal of Surgical Orthopedic Advances on a technique I developed to treat avascular necrosis of the metacarpal head, an extremely rare condition characterized by temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to the long bones located between the wrist and phalanges of the fingers, resulting in loss of bone tissue.
Can you share a moment in your career that profoundly impacted you?
In addition to day-to-day practice at Sutter Health, I try to give back to the community. I have had college students shadow me, and recently I was on the medical team for the Santa Barbara Half Marathon. One of the most unique experiences I have had was when I was fortunate enough to spend several years working simultaneously at the Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic. It gave me an opportunity to learn firsthand what the Native American experience is like since the clinic is on tribal land. The Chumash community was very welcoming. I was invited to private social events and have remained friends with my colleagues from my time there. Outside of medicine, I spend time working on my ranch with my husband. We have two horses, two cats, and 12 chickens. I think the most important part of life, however, is finding a balance. Work is important but so is life outside of work. After 35 years it has been a wonderful career, but it will be the people that I remember forever.
As Sansum Clinic begins a new chapter as part of Sutter Health, we remain united by a shared mission: to deliver compassionate, high-quality care to the communities we serve. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare on the Central Coast.
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Elizabeth’s Appraisals Chinese Rattan Bride Basket
by Elizabeth Stewart
has a tall, rectangular, two-tiered rattan Chinese basket circa 1900. She was inspired to write me because of my previous article on Victorian Bride’s Baskets. Her Chinese basket is ALSO a bride’s basket traditionally given in the Guo Da Li pre-wedding processional during the betrothal or engagement period, a gift from the groom’s family to the bride’s family. Though the Guo Da Li pre-wedding ceremony dates to the Zhou Dynasty about three thousand years ago, the traditional Chinese bridal or betrothal basket – often known as “come home” baskets or wedding baskets – emerged as a formalized tradition around the turn of the 20th century. The baskets became a popular export from China to England and the U.S. from 1880-1930s, advertised as tea or sewing baskets from Canton.
The content and composition of the basket was, in the 19th century, meant to show the financial status of the groom’s family, and the festive delivery of the basket to the bride’s family was a show of respect. Wedding baskets are not to be confused with fine Chinese lunch baskets, which will usually have a layer of insulation inside. These betrothal baskets symbolized the bride’s transition into her new family, as she will soon move into her husband’s family home, serve his parents, honor his ancestors, and become a member of his household and his relative’s households in the patrilinear tradition. The third day after the wedding, the bride and groom would return to the bride’s home where she would be treated as a guest, signifying a break with her natal family. Thus the wedding basket festival was a bittersweet event.
Join Jamie Knee, Petite Wine Traveler, for intimate wine dinners, in home wine tastings, and unforgettable wine journeys inspired by her travels through the worlds most exquisite vineyards. Uncork your curiosity- book your next personalized wine experience today.
The content and composition of the basket was, in the 19th century, meant to show the financial status of the groom’s family, and the festive delivery of the basket to the bride’s family was a show of respect.
JW’s basket is just one of the traditional styles of wedding baskets: hers is hand woven rattan with a bamboo structure and a bamboo arched handle which is wrapped with rattan. It is about 18” high and is in two parts; each a rectangular container, with the top rectangle having a lid. This was evidently a basket given by a family of lesser means. A wealthier family might have offered the bride’s family a basket made of Shandong Elm, of a box shape of two squares, or a bamboo tub-shaped basket with a band of auspicious enameled flowers and dragons around the girdle. The finest had calligraphy of the names of the families and poems offering both good wishes and the hope of many offspring. The best baskets were completely lacquered (called a bakul siah) in tones of amber and red. The color red is considered a lucky color symbolizing prosperity, joy, and vitality.
The baskets contained gifts, but not just any gift; the objects carried in these baskets were symbols of the couple’s future lives together. The first category of gifts were dowry items: food, jewelry, and clothing. A procession complete with music might carry more than
one of these baskets. If the family had money, a second basket might contain special objects of red – for instance red wine, packets of red containing coconut, or dragon or phoenix shaped candles. Accents of red and gold symbolize wealth, beauty, and good beginnings. The Four Treasures were often carried in these baskets: gold, dried fruit, dried seafood, pig’s feet (today canned or tinned pig trotters are used), abalone for abundance and wealth, fat choy for prosperity and good fortune.
A basket like JW’s might have been painted in 1900 or accented with live peony beds and blooms symbolizing fertility and prosperity.
The tradition of gifting pre-wedding baskets is strong today. “Gift Hampers Hong Kong,” creates lavish wedding baskets, “Chinese Pre Wedding Hampers” filled with symbolic favors. Baskets may be presented by any well-wisher and are not specifically from the groom’s family to the bride’s family.
The correct contents recommended by Gift Hampers Hong Kong for modern-day Wedding Hampers are baskets with lucky fruits, such as jujubes for wealth prosperity and fertility; peanuts for health, longevity, life, growth, and flourishing love; and mandarin oranges for wealth and prosperity. Longans might also be included for good luck, lotus seeds for prosperity and offspring, and grapes with seeds – thought to bring prosperity and offspring.
Painted features include dragon and phoenix images for a fruitful and loving marriage, successful endeavors, and offspring. Well-wishers can order a four, six, or an eight-hamper package for the pre wedding Guo Da Li ceremony. The four-hamper package includes gourmet delicacies, wine, gifts, fruit and golden coconut. All packages contain Hang Heung, the Chinese Bridal cake. Benefactors can order six or eight hampers of dried seafood and six to eight hampers of dried and fresh fruit. The most expensive series of eight hampers will cost $1,800.
JW’s vintage 1900 wedding basket contents were simpler, and the gifts contained only what this one basket could hold. Afterwards, the basket was kept during the couple’s marriage in the home and contained sewing implements. Today it is valued at $400.
Elizabeth Stewart, PhD is a veteran appraiser of fine art, furniture, glass, and other collectibles, and a cert. member of the AAA and an accr. member of the ASA. Please send any objects to be appraised to Elizabethappraisals@ gmail.com
This Chinese wedding basket was of modest means
WENDY GRAGG
Petite Wine Traveler Milan’s Apericena Moment
by Jamie Knee
BREAD
Earlier this year, my husband and I spent time in Milan doing one of my favorite things in the world, discovering a city by the way it eats and drinks. I have always loved aperitivo in Italy. It is one of those simple pleasures that makes life feel instantly more civilized. A glass arrives, something small and savory appears beside it, and the day softens. But this time in Milan, I found myself thinking more deeply about something just beyond aperitivo, called apericena, that gloriously generous middle ground between a drink and dinner. The moment I understood it more fully, I felt an immediate sense of recognition. I have never been particularly devoted to the classic American idea of dinner, one large plate with a prescribed arrangement of protein, starch, and vegetables. I have always preferred nibbling. A few beautiful things on the table, a glass of wine, something warm, something salty, something indulgent, and the freedom to linger. Quite often, my husband and I find ourselves doing exactly that, both at home and while traveling. In Milan, it felt as though we had found a city that understood the instinct perfectly.
Apericena is, at heart, a social ritual. More substantial than aperitivo, but less formal than dinner, it invites people to settle into the early evening with intention. Usually enjoyed between about seven and nine, it might mean a spritz with a tagliere of cheeses and salumi, a Negroni with small plates, or a glass of wine with focaccia, pizzette, olives, and something deliciously local. It is not rushed. It is not overly structured. It is built for conversation.
And that, I think, is part of its genius. One of our favorite stops was Camparino in Galleria, just beside the Duomo, where Milan’s aperitivo culture still feels sensationally intact. The setting is historic and elegant, the sort of place where you feel the city’s style and confidence immediately. It is a lovely place to begin with a classic Campari cocktail and absorb the atmosphere of old Milan. Then there is Bar Basso, which feels essential. Famous for its Negroni Sbagliato and beloved for its old school personality, it is one of those places that reminds you drinking culture can still have charm, character, and a sense of theater. It was one of the places that made me appreciate how apericena is not only about what is on the table, but about the world that gathers around it.
Somewhere between aperitivo and dinner lies apericena
Apericena consists of myriad small bites and glasses of wine or spritz
Wine Traveler Page 364
Charles Hopper, president & CEO of the Santa Barbara Zoo, shared his vision for the SB Zoo’s future. Introduced by the bank’s Chief Strategy Officer Megan Orloff, who described him as a devoted dad, doting grandpa, and visionary leader with boundless energy, Hopper captivated the room with his passion for conservation and community.
Known for his fondness for the zoo’s red panda, Ruby, and her magnetic presence, Hopper’s leadership is as memorable as the animals he champions. Since succeeding Rich Block, Hopper has continued to build on the legacy that made the zoo the #1 attraction on the Central Coast, surpassing even Hearst Castle. Under his direction, the zoo is focusing on four key areas: people, place, purpose, and performance.
With a unique background as a U.S. Air Force veteran, MBA graduate, and former executive at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Hopper is committed to transforming the SB Zoo into a hub for education, research, and conservation. Hopper’s strategic plan aims to make the zoo a leader, including an exciting partnership with California State University Channel Islands to develop a Conservation Center, projected to break ground in 2028. The zoo is already engaged in vital species restoration efforts, such as the California Condor and Channel Island Fox, and recently launched a pilot program for the California Red-Legged Frog.
Additionally, Hopper announced extended zoo hours until 7 pm through September 7th, inviting families to experience the SB Zoo during the golden hour. “We want to be the zoo of the Central Coast,” he said, underscoring the zoo’s
role in protecting this biodiversity hotspot. Hopper’s vision for the zoo is clear: it’s evolving into an institution that serves not just the community, but the planet. He said, “We need everyone’s support to make a difference for conservation.”
MClub members had the special opportunity to meet a female tawny frogmouth named Jarrah, an Australian bird known for its owl-like appearance and expert camouflage. The event was tastefully decorated in a vibrant zoo theme by Beverly Cavaliere, and MClub members enjoyed a fabulous catered lunch by Rincon Catering, plus time to explore the zoo, and even a ride on the zoo train. To learn more about SB Zoo initiatives or to support their efforts visit sbzoo.org.
Wildlife aficionados included: Hiroko Benko, Andrea Newquist, Suzanne
Miscellany Page 394
May 6, 2026
11 a .m. - 3 p.m. Fire Station 91 595 San Ysidro Road
Simon Priest, Suzi Schomer, Charles Hopper, Megan Orloff, Maria McCall, and Lloyd Kurtz (photo by Priscilla)
The MClub getting up close and personal with Jarrah, a female tawny frogmouth (photo by Priscilla)a
Jill Nida and Gary Simpson along for the ride (photo by Priscilla)
Far Flung Travel
Sandspit Convergence
by Chuck Graham
The incoming tide and building westerly swell were sweeping across a broad, gritty sandspit at the mouth of Drakes Estero at Point Reyes National Seashore. As I steadied my kayak inside a counterclockwise eddy, it was the only spot that was relatively calm among a surging rip tide and cresting waves.
The sea conditions forced all the sea and shorebirds to move away from the tip of the sandspit. Marbled godwits, long-billed curlews, whimbrels, sanderlings, western snowy plovers all had to find higher ground, scampering just beyond the high tide mark. There were only two species that remained at the fringe of the littoral, seemingly unaffected by the daily trend.
Every time I’ve looked at a map of Drakes Estero, it always reminded me of a gnarled hand with long, crooked fingers, maybe something out of a horror movie. However, each finger extends to the back of a bay, and each is a haven for wildlife.
Seasonal Mainstays
Every time I’ve paddled the six-mile round trip, out-and-back kayak excursion, I’ve always counted on plump American white pelicans roosting near the mouth of Drakes Estero. Migrating south from their breeding grounds in Montana, Idaho, and southern Canada, North America’s largest pelican doesn’t spend time on the ocean diving for food. Instead, they seek refuge in bays, sloughs, and rivers, preferring to stay on the waterways near the almighty ocean. However, during the winter, whether they want to or not, American white pelicans must share that massive sandspit during the winter after northern elephant seals have arrived following their lengthy annual migration from the frigid Aleutian Islands. Subadult male elephant seals pushed out by the dominant beachmasters are still large, at least a couple thousand pounds each. And although those subadult males don’t
get to mate with females, if they survive the oncoming year, they’ll continue to mature and challenge the dominant bulls as those big brutes patrol their beaches and harems. In the meantime, the subadult males create pecking orders on fringe beaches, and inside the mouth of Drakes Estero.
It’s comical watching a group of American white pelicans sidestep in unison across the beach, as girthy male elephant seals galumph their way across the strand. Their droopy proboscis’ flop and swing around as these massive seals search for their sweet spots along this rugged shoreline. They have zero regard for the second biggest animal on the sandspit, completely ignoring these pearly-white pelicans.
From the seat of my kayak, I had the best vantage point in the wetland. I gently spun around in the counterclockwise eddy, as I watched the bow of my kayak swirling with the incoming tide and the cresting current. Bull northern elephant seals are seemingly immoveable objects. With incoming tides and crashing waves they don’t budge, but at 16-feet-long and weighing a svelte 3,000 to 5,000 pounds, it would take an impressive force of nature just to nudge a burly bull.
Drakes Bay is massive, and it’s become another growing northern elephant seal colony, one of a handful located up and down the central and northern California coast. The first confirmed birth of a northern elephant seal was in 1981. Since then, their numbers have gradually climbed. As of January 2026, nearly 1,300 seals uti-
lize the beaches surrounding Point Reyes where the historic lighthouse towers over turbulent seas. There’s not a lot of depth to the secluded beaches within Drakes Bay. During extreme high tides elephant seals lay along the narrow strips of beach side-by-side resembling giant sausages pushed up against the beige-colored bluffs inside Drakes Bay.
The sandspit and adjoining beaches in Drakes Bay is the refuge where pecking orders are established. Mock fighting takes place not only on the beaches but also inside the shallows of Drakes Estero all the way to the monument commemorating the explorations of British explorer Sir Francis Drake.
Proboscis Perspective
The berm on the northeast side of the sandspit was steep, a part of the beach that constantly fluctuates with ever-changing sea conditions, but on this day, it offered the best perspective from my kayak. It involved the American white pelicans huddled on
the sandspit, the berm so steep that I was looking up at the gawky birds from my kayak. A solitary northern elephant seal bull displayed some of its dominance on the southerly fringe of the breeding colony. I was still situated in the counterclockwise eddy, away from the rip tide and the surging incoming tide. It allowed me to stay put and watch the lone bull entering the water well below the sunbathing pelicans. When the bull elephant seal entered the sea, it vanished into the swift-moving water. Several minutes passed as I waited patiently for it to resurface, it was difficult to anticipate where it might pop up. When it did, it offered some great perspective from my kayak. As it blew saltwater out of its floppy snout, it was between me and the creamy-white pelicans who completely ignored the bull’s impressive bellows that carried across the mouth of Drakes Estero.
It was the power of the ocean and the largest seal in North America converging on a lonely strip of beach. Their only audience was a flock of disinterested pelicans ruffling their white feathers, and an intrigued paddler in a blue kayak.
Chuck Graham is a freelance writer and photographer based in Carpinteria, where he also leads kayak tours and backpacking trips in Channel Islands National Park
It’s a bull’s life…
See, seals and pelicans can share the beach in peace
These marbled godwits aren’t playing… okay maybe they are
“Kiss meeee!” “No”
News Bytes Chabad Montecito Ladies’ Social
by Joanne A Calitri
Mushkie Loschak, wife of Rabbi Chaim Loschak, is hosting a ladies’ social event titled Focaccia Garden Art, where you can learn how to make focaccia, supplies provided. There is socializing, baking, and a light meal, gluten free available, tickets required.
The Alcazar Theatre was filled to capacity for a special Earth Day-inspired screening of Stand by Mother, a family-friendly environmental film created by director Kerrilee Gore in collaboration with ShelterBox USA. The fantasy film, starring Emmett Long and Disney Channel actor Dakota Lotus, delivers a message of environmental stewardship, empathy, and youth empowerment.
The event resonated strongly with younger audiences, who responded with enthusiasm and curiosity during a post-screening discussion with ShelterBox USA President Kerri Murray. The conversation highlighted the organization’s global disaster relief efforts and sustainability initiatives, including reducing single-use plastics and lowering emissions.
Blending storytelling with real-world impact, the evening underscored the growing role of young people in advocating for climate awareness and meaningful change.
CycleMAYnia Awards Mini-Grants to Expand Countywide Bike Events
Thirty community-led events across Santa Barbara County will receive funding through the CycleMAYnia 2026 mini-grant program, with $8,000 awarded to support activities during National Bike Month in May. The grants, distributed by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG), were selected from 54 applications and reflect a growing enthusiasm for cycling throughout the region.
This year’s events span a wide range of offerings – from group rides and biketo-movie nights to safety workshops, scavenger hunts, and family-friendly outings – designed to make biking more accessible and inviting for riders of all ages and abilities. Activities will take place countywide, from Santa Barbara and Summerland to Santa Maria and New Cuyama.
With the 2026 theme “Pedal Forward,” CycleMAYnia continues to promote healthier, more sustainable transportation while building a stronger bike culture across the community.
‘Textual Integration’ at Rubenstein Chan
Rubenstein Chan Contemporary Art presents Textual Integration, a dynamic group exhibition running April 18 through May 31, with an opening reception on April 18. The show brings together artists from across the region who use language as a central visual element, blurring the line between reading and seeing.
Through diverse mediums – from neon lettering and layered text paintings to photographic and sculptural works – the exhibition explores how words can function as form, texture, and meaning. Highlights include Linda Ekstrom’s Prayers for Peace, incorporating texts from multiple global traditions, and Tom Pazderka’s evolving list of historical figures rendered in paint.
A special evening of ekphrastic poetry readings led by Santa Barbara Poet Laureate George Yatchisin is set for May 14, further bridging visual and literary art.
Finch and Fork Spring Tea
On April 26, Finch and Fork will host an Alice in Wonderland-inspired Spring Tea and Cocktails event at SBDT’s Kimpton Canary Hotel. This is one of a dozen upcoming events celebrating Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, and more. 411: www.canarysantabarbara.com
SB Culinary Experience Tix Online
One week of SB Culinary Experience x Wine Tasting event slated for May 11-17, in partnership with The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts.
The Julia Child Foundation’s signature honors, The Julia Child Award, will be announced and presented on Friday, May 14, at Godmothers Bookstore Summerland. 411: https://sbce.events
SBMNH 38th Annual Wine Fest Tix on Sale
Heralded as a don’t miss getting tickets annual event, the SB Museum of Natural History’s annual Wine and Food Festival is on for June 27, with tickets on sale now. 411: https://tinyurl.com/SBMNH-Wine26
Rancheros Visitadores
Near $2 Million Milestone for Cancer Care
The Rancheros Visitadores are continuing their long-standing tradition of philanthropy, raising more than $1.9 million in support of local cancer care through the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara. The nearly century-old group will gather in the Santa Ynez Valley for its annual ride beginning May 2, kicking off with a parade through Solvang and a community celebration at Mission Santa Inés, where a ceremonial check will be presented.
More than 750 riders from across the country and around the world are expected to participate in the event, which honors both tradition and community impact. Funds raised support critical services at the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, including patient navigation, genetic counseling, and nutrition support.
Now in its 14th year supporting the Foundation, the Rancheros Visitadores remain one of its largest contributors, helping ensure access to essential cancer care for patients throughout Santa Barbara County.
Dr. Vejas Skripkus Joins Cottage Health
Cottage Health announces Dr. Vejas Skripkus has joined its Primary Care Center. He is a board-certified physician specializing in family medicine, with a strong emphasis on health care delivery to the college age population and healthcare leadership, promoting wellness through preventive medicine. His clinical interests include care of the whole family including children; reproductive health and contraception management; HIV prevention, including PrEP. He provides long-acting reversible contraception options for his patients and performs minor procedures in the office as well.
New Docents Join SB Courthouse Tours
Six new docents have completed training and are now welcoming visitors to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, continuing a tradition that spans more than 50 years. The graduates finished an intensive 10-week program led by former County Architect Robert L. Ooley and docent Rodney Baker, gaining deep knowledge of the Courthouse’s history, architecture, and craftsmanship.
As one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic landmarks, the Courthouse offers free daily tours, with docents serving as guides, educators, and stewards of the historic site. In addition to leading tours, they assist visitors, support school programs, and contribute to ongoing preservation efforts.
“Swing for the Million” Campaign
Elings Park is calling on the community to step up to the plate with its new “Swing for the Million!” campaign, aimed at renovating the Castagnola Softball Complex. A generous donor has pledged $1 million toward the $1.2 million project, contingent on Elings Park raising the remaining $200,000 by May 1.
411: https://tinyurl.com/Elings-Swing-Donate
Carp Sanitary District Earns Statewide Recognition
The Carpinteria Sanitary District has been named the California Water Environment Association’s “Collection System of the Year” for 2025 in the Small System category, marking the third time the district has received the prestigious statewide honor. Presented at the CWEA Annual Conference in Sacramento, the award recognizes excellence in system performance, innovation, and cost-effective operations.
Serving approximately 16,500 residents, the district recently completed a comprehensive cleaning and inspection of its 45-mile sewer system, utilizing advanced technology such as digital video inspections and computerized mapping. Officials credit the achievement to a dedicated team focused on continuous improvement, enhanced maintenance, and strong customer service.
The district’s efforts have resulted in minimal sewer overflows and a strong compliance record, helping protect public health and the environment across the Carpinteria Valley.
Your Westmont Students Earn Top Honors at National Model UN
by Scott Craig, photos by Brad Elliott
Eighteen Westmont students traveled to New York earlier this month with Katherine Bryant, assistant professor of political science, to participate in the National Model United Nations conference as part of their International Organizations and Law course.
The students, who were chosen to represent Slovakia, worked alongside nearly 3,000 of their peers from all over the world to address pressing global issues, ranging from nuclear weapons to sustainable transportation.
“Through it all, I could clearly see the fruits of their liberal arts education shining through,” Bryant says. “Students thoughtfully engaged with the issues at hand and worked fruitfully with others as they crafted their final resolutions.”
She says reaching a compromise can be incredibly difficult as emotions run high, sleep is in short supply, and the language and structure of the agreement is highly technical.
“They exemplified all that we hope is imbued in a Westmont student,” she said. “In fact, our head delegate Emily Lindblad of Edmonds, Washington, was approached by several others who shared with her how highly Slovakia was being regarded in many committees, in particular their excellent character and demeanor, as well as their strong level of preparedness. I couldn’t be prouder of how our students represented themselves and Westmont College.”
Four Westmont students won awards for their position papers, including Chaz Keith of San Diego and Samson Rakhshani of Huntington Beach, who represented Slovakia in General
Assembly 1; and Lindblad and Rahel Kebede of Goleta, who represented Slovakia on the committee for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
“It is always great to see students recognized for their hard work! This was actually Emily’s second time winning a position paper award, as she also won when we attended the conference two years ago and she represented Thailand.”
On the last day, the group was able to visit the UN General Assembly Hall for closing ceremonies. “The UN, which is such a key actor in so many issues we discuss in international relations, was a definite highlight,” Bryant says.
For many students, this was their first time in New York City, and they thoroughly enjoyed exploring the city, visiting Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Times Square, Central Park, MoMA, the Metropolitan Museum, Broadway, the Brooklyn Bridge and Grand Central.
Two Juniors Embody the Spirit of Servant Leadership
Juniors Avala Elwood of Carpinteria and Isaiah Conway of Spring Valley won David K. Winter Servant Leadership Awards for their selflessness and humility as effective leaders. Angela D’Amour (’01), dean of students, presented the 26th annual awards to the students on April 10 at chapel in Murchison Gym.
“Being a servant leader in our culture today is rare and desperately needed,” D’Amour said.
Elwood, a political science major, serves as a captain of the women’s tennis team, and has created an uplifting team
Westmont Page 384
For something more contemporary, Dry Milano offers a different take, pairing excellent cocktails with gourmet pizza in a way that feels distinctly modern Milan. Moebius also stood out for its lively cosmopolitan energy and elevated small bites, while La Coloniale charmed me for an entirely different reason: it has that old-world wine bar soul that makes a simple glass and a beautifully composed board feel like more than enough. What struck me most was not only where we went, but what apericena makes possible. It creates a natural third place, that increasingly important space that exists outside home and work, where people can gather regularly, comfortably, and without the pressure of making an entire event out of it. Americans are talking more and more about the disappearance of third places, and with good reason. We are craving spaces where connection can happen more naturally. Somewhere to go that is welcoming, sociable, and easy. Milan, it seems to me, has long understood this. Apericena creates exactly that kind of space, one where the evening can unfold naturally rather than arrive fully programmed. You can stop for a drink and a
few beautiful bites, or stay long enough for it to become dinner. You can meet a friend, bring your spouse, gather with colleagues, or simply enjoy the quiet pleasure of being among other people doing the same.
The American version of happy hour often feels more transactional. Drinks come first, food is extra, and the whole experience can feel designed to keep things moving. Apericena is more generous. It assumes that if people are given a lovely setting, something good to drink, and a few appealing plates to share, they may wish to stay, talk, and let the evening take its time.
That is a very European kind of wisdom, and one I would love to see embraced more fully here. Because apericena is not only charming, it is useful. It creates atmosphere in those in between hours, encourages hospitality without requiring excess, and offers couples, friends, and communities a ritual that feels elevated without becoming formal. At its best, it allows food and wine to do what they do best, not merely feed us, but bring us together.
Milan gave us many stylish memories on that trip, but apericena may be the one I most want to bring home. Not only because it is delicious, though it certainly is. Not only because it is chic, though Milan does chic exceptionally well. But because it answers something many people seem to be searching for right now; community.
Media Personality, and International Wine Judge & Educator, named one of the “Top 50 Most Influential Women in Wine.” Follow her @petitewinetraveler.
Cheers to apericena!
Jamie Knee is a Global Wine Communicator, Wine
Westmont students represented Slovakia at the NMUN (courtesy photo)
The Winners: Rahel Kebede, Samson Rakhshani, Chaz Keith, and Emily Lindblad (courtesy photo)
But late last spring, for the first time in its more than 25-year-history, Heal the Ocean transitioned to a new executive director with Karina Johnston ’s appointment as successor to 80-year-old but still seemingly tireless Hauser (who remains involved as strategic director). Johnston’s career has paralleled HTO’s ethos of being grounded in science-based solutions and community engagement. A board-certified environmental scientist and certified ecological restoration practitioner, Johnston’s expertise spans coastal restoration ecology, water quality, and coastal policy.
What HTO also has that’s even newer is a revised mission statement, one that adds to its original purpose and focus: “Heal the Ocean focuses on reducing ocean pollution and providing science-based solutions to improve the health of our ocean and resilience of our coasts to benefit people and wildlife.” It’s that second part about resilience that signifies a subtle shift in emphasis, highlighting attention on the significant issue of global warming, which causes the ocean to expand, creates stronger storms and rising sea levels; climate-related waterfront dynamism that is eating into the Santa Barbara coastline at an ever-increasing pace.
The expansion of HTO’s purpose coinciding with the arrival of Johnston is no accident; much of her expertise and experience is in the field of coastal adaptation and resilience.
“There’s a really strong intersection between some of the vulnerable parts of our coastline and the potential for ocean pollution,” she said. “A lot of our coastal infrastructure is vulnerable to sea level rise as are our coastal communities. So while we still have a ton of programs and projects on directly reducing ocean pollution, we’ve added helping our coastal areas become more resilient to sea level rise,” she explained. “That involves a lot of partnership and support and advising, for example, on the city of Santa Barbara’s waterfront adaptation plan, several dune restoration projects, and understanding and helping plan for vulnerable coastal infrastructure relocation or protection. We’re working with UCSB on shoreline adaptation planning … There is an inescapable vulnerability that we have to acknowledge. Long-term adaptation planning could involve relocating coastal infrastructure. But in the short term, we can buy time by implementing things like dune restoration projects.”
Other coastal resilience projects involve guiding people to an understanding that seawall as protective
armor actually increases erosion, so we have a pressing need to develop more nature-based solutions, Johnston said.
“We’re available to support those different pathways,” she said.
As with efforts to reduce ocean pollution, HTO has dual focuses of aiding local governments and agencies who are working in the coastline resilience space, but also investigating which projects they can help implement or lead. Sometimes the projects co-exist.
“Wetland restoration, for example, is tied to flood protection but also has really substantial water quality benefits because wetlands are great at being sponges for toxins and bacteria,” Johnston said. “A healthy wetland means a healthier nearshore ocean environment.”
To be sure, HTO still has most of its focus on its core mission, which includes significantly expanding on the Styrofoam recycling/repurposing project. Earlier this month HTO purchased and installed a foam compressor at one of partner Marborg’s facilities.
“That dramatically raises the ability to locally process much more foam,” Johnston said. “We’ve kept over 80,000 pounds of Styrofoam out of landfills and out of the ocean to date.”
There are myriad environmental organizations in nonprofit-dense Santa Barbara, of course, which is exactly how it should be, Johnston said, describing the sector as a Venn diagram.
“Each of our organizations has a different specialty, but then we also fold in and support each other in our efforts,” she said. “Some areas overlap, but there are so many different ways to approach the issues.”
That Venn diagram will be evident at this weekend’s Earth Day Festival in Alameda Park, where dozens of environmental nonprofits and organization will staff tables and booths to share materials and discuss their work.
Readers should feel free to pop by HTO’s booth to meet Johnston and other staff members and volunteers in that casual space, find out more about what’s been happening with the organization and how to get involved.
“It would be wonderful to have people stop by and say hello and get information or share ideas,” Johnston said. “We’re really excited about the great work going on and thrilled to be part of the celebration of everybody working so hard for the environment.”
Visit www.healtheocean.org
them with fresh, passionate expressions that reflect both tradition and innovation. ATMA is itself a model of social and artistic connections and understanding between diverse groups of people, specifically South Indian and Western (jazz) musicians, as the ensemble features Aishwarya on violin, Jaden Lehman on guitar, Ray Belli on drums, A.V. Krishnan on Ghatam under the guidance of artistic director/percussionist Guru Vinod Venkataraman. Traditional compositions in a unique time signature will be performed in various Indian classical ragas with the spirit and verve of jazz.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/ATMA-Ensemble-UCSB
Dishing with Dawa to dip a toe into Buddhist meditation
Fresh off Bodhi Path Santa Barbara’s just-concluded Spring Retreat, the center’s resident teacher Dawa Tarchin Phillips holds a Q&A session on his traditional monthly Thursday night offering at Bodhi Path’s La Cumbre Plaza location. All are welcome at the April 23 event, where Dawa will respond to queries and clarification requests about Dharma practice. Whether you’re newer to the path or a seasoned practitioner, the 7-9 pm session is offered as a warm and welcoming opportunity to ask questions and deepen your understanding of the practice.
Bodhi Path TAs handle a special twoweek dive into a question that often comes up in entering and maintaining spiritual practice. Relating to a Spiritual Teacher, slated for May 7 & 14, considers how as consumers of the postmodern era, we often reject the need for wholesome discipline, concentration and insight, then find ourselves frustrated with the state of the world, feeling victimized by our own and others’ negative outlooks, thoughts and behavior. The new course covers the different kinds of spiritual teachers and how to recognize and learn from them, progressively building a strong personal practice grounded in an authentic path of awakening to open the heart, deepen fulfillment and move toward self-mastery and liberation.
The following Thursday, May 21, is the annual Saga Dawa Celebration across the country’s various Bodhi Path centers, a gathering online that honors the life and enlightenment of the Buddha. During the auspicious period on the calendar, it is said that the effects of our actions –both positive and negative – are greatly magnified, making it a powerful time for practice, generosity and reflection. At the celebration, participants come together to honor Saga Dawa through meditation, recitation and the cultivation of compassion and wisdom, joining a wider community of practitioners around the world observing this meaningful time. All are welcome to participate in this celebration. Visit the website (https://bodhipath.org/centers/ sb) for the Zoom link.
Selfish as Spiritual?
Lifestyle clothing brand Faherty co-founder Kerry Docherty’s provocative new memoir ultimately serves as a brave reminder that choosing yourself isn’t a betrayal of others, but rather a reclining with the truth. Docherty’s just published Selfish: Unlearning, Reclaiming & Telling the Truth chronicles her determination to put prioritizing other people’s needs on the back burner in order to “feel seen,” as an artist, activist, poet and romantic, from stealing simple moments for herself to leaning deeply into her passions and refining her purpose. In chronicling her efforts to reconcile capitalism with her own heart’s desire, Docherty offers a twisting, sometimes conflicted journey that has led to a more satisfying self-understanding.
On Sunday, April 26, at Godmothers in Summerland, Docherty will discuss the journey with Molly Rosen, the founder of the Brooklyn Writers Collective, an international creative community devoted to the power of personal narrative, and now-Montecito-based actress Jordana Brewster, best known for playing Mia in the Fast & Furious franchise and playing Denise Brown in the first season of the FX true crime anthology series American Crime Story on the O.J. Simpson case. Visit https://godmothers.com
Great experience! Very kind and knowledgeable, I’m very grateful to have found them, they knew exactly what I needed and made me feel super comfortable :) - Angelica C.
MONTECITO
atmosphere. She arranged to have role models speak with the team and organized team chapels and other gatherings for teammates to share devotionals.
“Avala’s influence extends into the classroom and the broader campus community,” D’Amour said. “She is always intentional about supporting others. Her ability to lead with compassion and clarity fosters an environment where individuals feel valued, confident and empowered to succeed.”
Conway has served as a resident chaplain for the past two years and as a student leader representative for outreach events for the physics and math departments.
“Isaiah truly enjoys lifting others up, which is a very rare quality in our competitive world,” says Professor Adam Goodworth. “He actually views success as others doing well and him playing a role in this lifting up of others reaching their potential and living the life God wants.”
SHERIFF’S BLOTTER M
Stolen Piano / 400 block Barker Pass Road
Monday, April 06, at 13:51 hours
In March of 2023, the victim hired a piano moving company to pick up a piano (valued at about $5,000) and store it in the company’s storage facility somewhere in Los Angeles. The victim has paid moving and storage fees totaling about $3,500 so far. The victim was ready for the piano to be delivered to his home in Montecito, so he called the company to have it delivered to the address above. The victim was given the date of 1/24/26 as the delivery date. The date has come and gone, and the victim has never had his piano delivered. All attempts to contact the moving company have been in vain and unanswered.
Elder Abuse / 100 block La Vuelta Road
Tuesday, April 07, at 10:19 hours
Deputies responded to the residence after the District Attorney’s Office mentioned there was possible elder abuse occurring at the residence. Deputy responded to the residence and interviewed the involved parties, after which the deputy determined the subject was victimizing two of the individuals living in the residence. Follow up ongoing and will be handled by patrol.
The award is named in honor of David K. Winter, who served as Westmont president for 25 years and modeled both skilled leadership and a huge servant’s heart.
“I am so grateful for every class that I have with Isaiah in it because I know that he will set an example that will immediately positively impact all of the other students in the class,” says Professor Anna Aboud
Curator’s Choice
Looking at this moth “picture” may topple you into the uncanny valley – it’s mostly a real moth, from a species now known as Hyalophora cecropia. This page from a rare book in the library at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History features an astounding type of print: a lepidochrome. For each image, a prepared specimen of a butterfly or moth was pressed onto printing paper treated with a thin coat of gum arabic adhesive. Everything you see of the moth’s wings here is real. The body of the moth is a hand-colored engraving. This book – Moths and Butterflies of the United States – was written by Sherman Foote Denton. The one-to-one specimen to image ratio kept Denton busy collecting and preparing over 50,000 moths and butterflies to complete just 500 copies of his three-volume book, published in 1900.
Prowling Through Trash Cans / Santa Elena Lane
Wednesday, April 08, at 15:42 hours
Deputies were dispatched to the above-mentioned address following report of a male adult subject going through trash cans and yelling to himself. Upon arrival the subject was found asleep and intoxicated in a planter. The subject was medically evaluated, arrested and booked into SBJ.
DUI / Middle Road
Wednesday, April 08, at 23:17 hours
Subject was observed committing multiple traffic violations, including rolling through a stop sign, passing the white stop line, failing to yield the right-of-way, and not using a turn signal. During the stop, subject admitted to drinking two glasses of wine. They provided a PAS result of 0.086% and a chemical test result of 0.07%. Based on their driving pattern, admission, and test results, subject was arrested for driving under the influence in violation of 23152(a) CVC.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: STEVIE ACUNA GRAPHIC DESIGN, 218 SANTA YNEZ CT., Santa Barbara, CA 93103. STEVIE R ACUNA, 218 SANTA YNEZ CT., Santa Barbara, CA 93103. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on April 10, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000935. Published April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ELECTRICIRQUE ENTERTAINMENT LLC, 522 W CARRILLO ST APT 3, Santa Barbara, CA 931015450. ELECTRICIRQUE ENTERTAINMENT LLC, 522 W CARRILLO ST APT 3, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-5450. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on March 6, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the
Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000547. Published April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: RECOVERY AND STRENGTH, 522 W CARRILLO ST APT 3, Santa Barbara, CA 931015450. MOORE STRATEGIC VENTURES LLC, 522 W CARRILLO ST APT 3, Santa Barbara, CA 931015450. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on March 9, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000565. Published April 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: AMADOR PAELLA, 25 S. SALINAS ST, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. OCEAN RESTAURANTS LLC, 25 S. SALINAS ST., Santa Barbara, CA 93108. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on March 30, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.
Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000841. Published April 2, 9, 16, 23, 2026
NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ROSEBOPS FLORAL, 602 LITCHFIELD LANE, Santa Barbara, CA 931091228. JESSICA M PERSHE, 602 LITCHFIELD LANE, Santa Barbara, CA 93109-1228. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on March 24, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000789. Published April 2, 9, 16, 23, 2026
Mark your calendars, Butterflies Alive! opens at the Museum May 23
A lepidochrome print of Hyalophora cecropia
DKW Award winners Isaiah Conway and Avala Elwood
Lawson, Gary Simpson and Jill Nida, Contessa Diane Brighton, Lloyd and Lillian Kurtz, Karen Poythress, Simon Priest, and Dirk Brandts
by Maria McCall
Buoyant Beginnings
If ever there were a day to remind one why life in this Eden by the beach is simply jolly good fun, it was the Santa Barbara Yacht Club’s 154th opening day – a sun-splashed, sea-swept celebra-
tion of sailing and society. As the second oldest yacht club on the West Coast of North America, tradition met festivity in splendid style.
The 2026 season set sail with a natty nautical race – sails snapping, skippers shouting, and sleek sloops slicing through sapphire seas. Shoreside, a stylish set gathered in sunlit splendor, sporting Riviera chic and dockside dandyism, with Hawaiian shirts adding bold, breezy bursts of tropical flair.
The trophy presentation brought
MONTECITO GROUNDWATER BASIN GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY AGENCY NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2026 9:30 A.M.*
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, at a special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Montecito Groundwater Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (Agency) to be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 9:30 A.M.*, the Board will hold a public meeting to consider adoption of the following Resolution:
1. Resolution No. 24: Resolution of the Montecito Groundwater Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency Continuing a Groundwater Sustainability Fee for Fiscal Year 2027.
The Agency is proposing to continue the existing parcel fee as it was established by Resolution No. 4 in June 2020, with no increase in the fee or change in the methodology by which the fee is calculated. The Agency will continue to collect the fee on the property tax rolls, as in previous years.
The purpose of the fee is to fund the costs of the Agency’s groundwater sustainability program, including the implementation of a Groundwater Sustainability Plan adopted under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. Information concerning the fee is available for public review at www montecitogsa.com
At the public meeting oral and written presentations may be made and/or heard concerning the fee
*The public meeting will be conducted in person at the Agency office located at 583 San Ysidro Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Remote participation information will be available on the meeting agenda posted at the Agency office, on the website www.montecitogsa.com, and by calling 805.324.4207
clinking applause and cheeky champion’s charm, with the boat Rock and Roll, owned by Bernie Girod, taking home a trophy. The board of directors looked on, with Treasurer Dennis Boneck and Geoff Slaff toasting the season. The Jefferson Cannon Award was presented to Eric Stokke, adding a note of distinction.
Boy Scout Troop 33 delivered a crisp Presentation of Colors, followed by a reflective pause as the “Eight Bells” Ceremony for sailors in memoriam was presented by Laura Wilson
In attendance was a convivial cast
including Commodore Matt Wilson, Mayor Randy Rowse, Brenda Blaylock, race committee regulars Rob McGee and Jane Washington, along with Kevin McTague, Ed Shifferns, Trish Davis, Marilyn Goodfield, and Scott Vincent – a veritable sea of seaside sparkle. Then came the festive feast – a Mexican buffet of tantalizing tacos, exuberant enchiladas, and gloriously green guacamole. Margaritas flowed as the bar buzzed with boisterous banter and tales of tactical triumph.
Published April 23 & 30, 2026, Montecito Journal
Miscellany Page 424
Trish Davis, Marilyn Goodfield, Scott Vincent, enjoy spring sunshine (photo by Priscilla)
Bernie Girod rocks his trophy for Rock and Roll (photo by Priscilla)
portraits to earn money as he hiked and hitchhiked ever westward. (Sources: Art and Artists in Southern California; Ancestry. com, contemporary news articles)
Ettore Cadorin (1876-1952) was born in Venice, Italy. The pursuit of art was in his blood for all male members of his family since the doges had been artists. His father was a sculptor of wooden statues, and his brother was a painter. Cadorin created numerous funerary monuments in Europe, and, when still a young man, he sculpted two large marble statues for the Royal Palace on Piazza San Marco in Venice.
At the request of the Italian government, Cadorin went to New York City in 1915 to lecture on methods used to protect works of art from bombardment. He also lectured on Italian Art at Columbia University for two years and exhibited his own work.
In the 1920s, he moved to Santa Barbara to teach drawing and sculpture at Santa Barbara State Teachers College.
He took a studio at the Meridian from 1924-26. During this time, he created a memorial named Resignation at the Santa Barbara Cemetery for the Walter Cobb family as well as a marble Irish Cross for the Clark family.
In 1926, he was commissioned to create sculptures for the post-earthquake County Courthouse. He advertised for models for the Spirit of the Ocean fountain and 400 people applied. The two he selected were sister and brother, Maya and Wolfram Sexauer, 16 and 14 years old respectively. They posed nude, individually, for three hours a day, three days a week, for six months. They accepted 50 cents an hour for the work until their mother learned that Cadorin was being paid $5,000. Labor negotiations ensued, and the mother and Cadorin settled on 75 cents an hour.
Cadorin also sculpted the statues of Justitia and Ceres above the archway of the Court House and the large medallions depicting Agriculture and Industry. In 1930, Cadorin created a bronze sculpture of Padre Serra for the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. In the 1940s, he and his wife moved to San Francisco. (Sources: Wikipedia; Ask Art; www.decomposingsb. com/?p=363; Art and Artists in Southern California, Artists of the American West) Huguette Marcelle Clark (19062011) was the daughter of the infamous William Andrews Clark (1839-1925), copper baron and former senator from Montana who purchased an estate called Bellosguardo in Santa Barbara in 1923. W.A. Clark was a great patron of the arts and his mansion in New York was a virtual art museum. No wonder then, that his daughter Huguette was offered painting lessons in her teens. Her instructor was the popular Czech-Polish artist, Tadeusz Styka (Tadé), who also painted several portraits of the Clarks.
As an artist, Huguette embraced painting Impressionistic views of Japanese
subjects, especially geishas in intricately patterned robes and ornamental headdresses. Japonisme being popular at the time, she collected books on Japanese culture as well as actual kimonos, brocaded silks, and other accessories. Not confined to just this one subject for her work in oils, she also painted self-portraits and cityscapes. In 1929, the Corcoran Art Gallery in Washington, D.C., which had become a beneficiary of W.A. Clark’s art collection, exhibited six of Huguette’s paintings to favorable reviews.
In 1933, her widowed mother, Anna LaChapelle Clark, tore down the old Bellosguardo and commissioned the construction of a new one. Unable to paint at home, Huguette opened a studio at the Meridian for the years 1933-35.
In her later years, Huguette continued
her interest in art and owned the works of many of the world’s masters. When she died at age 104, her will became the object of an acrimonious lawsuit. Today, the Bellosguardo Foundation has stewardship of the estate and offers tours and programs. (Sources: Montecito Journal magazine, “Moguls and Mansions: William A. Clark” by Hattie Beresford; Empty Mansions by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr.; city directories) Hedvig Collin (1880 to 1964) was a Danish portrait and landscape painter as well as illustrator of Scandinavian fairytales. The most famous of these was her book entitled East of the Sun and West of the Moon, which she penned and illustrated. She was on a tour of the United States when WWII broke out in Europe, and she was unable to return. In the dedication, of Wind Island, which was finished and published in Santa Barbara, she explains her situation.
“This little book reminds me of the days when Denmark was invaded. I was at that time a guest in the mountains of California. On my way back to the ocean which separated me from home, I passed Santa Fe. There a real American girl opened her home for me so that I could overcome my confused thoughts in peace and plan my future. Later I wrote this book in this girl’s beautiful ranch home, I thank you, Faith Wait.” Collins had a studio at the Meridian during the war years of 1944/45. (Sources: various internet sites, city directories)
Bridge’s portrait of his wife, Caroline (courtesy photo)
Lovie and Ettore Cadorin on their wedding day in 1912 (Courtesy Santa Barbara Historical Museum)
Dwight Bridge’s odyssey made national headlines (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)
Self-portrait of Huguette Clark (courtesy photo)
Cadorin sculpted the grand façade of the new Santa Barbara Courthouse (Courtesy Santa Barbara Historical Museum)
In 2023, the Santa Barbara Historical Museum hosted an exhibit of Huguette Clark’s work (courtesy photo)
Collin Campbell Cooper (1856-1937) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1856. At a visit to the fine art gallery at the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia, he first realized a desire to paint. He enrolled in the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts,
and in 1886 he took his first trip abroad, making studies of the cities and landscapes of Holland and Belgium and sketching the dykes.
After four years painting and studying abroad, he returned to the United States and was, as he says in his autobiography, “struck by the artistic possibilities of our American streets and great skyscrapers and the crowding traffic.” His impressionistic work on these themes earned him great critical acclaim.
In 1915, Cooper submitted six paintings to the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco for which he won a gold medal for oil painting and a silver medal for watercolor. Cooper and his wife Emma traveled to California to visit the Exposition, and entranced by the domed Palace of Fine Arts, Cooper proceeded to paint several views of it. The Coopers then traveled throughout California, painting cityscapes and towering mountains.
When his wife died in 1920, Cooper made the decision to move to Santa Barbara where he taught at the Santa Barbara School of the Arts while continuing to travel to the East and to Europe. In 1924, he established a studio in the Meridian Studios, which he maintained until 1937. His neighbor, wealthy Montecitan David Gray, had an office in the adjoining studio and became a friend and great patron of his work. Gray hung a collection of Cooper’s paintings in the new Cabrillo Pavilion, which Gray had built, operated, and donated to the City of Santa Barbara in 1927.
Cooper once claimed that the greatest compliment he had ever been paid was when a man at an exhibition of his paintings approached him and said that Cooper had made him see the familiar cityscape of New York in a completely different way. To see the world through Cooper’s eyes, Santa Barbarans need go no farther than Santa Barbara City Hall where the paintings that once adorned the walls of the Cabrillo Pavilion now hang.
(Sources: Cooper autobiography in “name file” at the Gledhill Library of the Santa Barbara Historical Museum; Deborah Epstein Solon’s “California and Beyond” in Lasting Impressions: Colin Campbell Cooper, the 2010 exhibition catalog of the Santa Barbara Historical Museum; Art and Artists of Southern California.)
Note: This article was first published in January 2014. It has been updated and photos added. The Meridian “alphabet” will continue in subsequent editions.
Hattie Beresford has been writing a local history column for the Montecito Journal for more than a decade and is the author of several books on Santa Barbara’s historic past
“ You will remember this novel–its hero and characters and scenes–for a long time. A big-hearted story of desperation and courage, crime and redemption, love and loss–it is as entertaining as it is moving. ” –Fannie Flagg
Hedvig Collins circa 1910 (photo via Wikicommons)
Illustration from Wind Island (photo by Hattie Beresford)
Collin Campbell Cooper (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)
A dapper David Gray, wearing natty plus fours, poses outside his office at the Meridian Studios (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)
Cooper became fascinated by the buildings of the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition in San Francsico, and subsequent travels in California convinced him to make Santa Barbara his home (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)
We were focused on building a progressive and inclusive department culture while meeting the community’s needs. One of the things I’m most proud of in my career was the work we did to open a fifth fire station in Victorville. An area of the city was clearly not receiving adequate service so we came up with a comprehensive program to cover staffing, costs, needs, and how this station would impact our automatic aid cooperators. It was a huge collaborative effort with the city council and my command staff, and the community saw an immediate benefit to having an additional fire station.
My wife and I have always loved vacationing in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, and we dreamed about relocating here if there was ever a job opportunity in the area. Again, it was an unexpected career change but in January 2023, I accepted the Fire Chief position with Lompoc City Fire.
During my three years in Lompoc, it became immediately clear how important relationships and partnerships are in this county. I got to know all the fire chiefs in Santa Barbara County through our local Fire Chiefs Association, and we worked together on initiatives like the ground ambulance project and opening the Regional Fire Communications Center. I can genuinely say we share the same goals and mission for public safety and are committed to working together regardless of the patch on our uniforms.
What drew you to apply for the Fire Chief position in Montecito?
Over the last few years, I’ve gotten to know Chief Neels well and learned about the South Coast. What I find to be unique about Montecito is that this place has the combination of three things a fire chief needs to be effective and progressive – one; a supportive, forward-thinking Board of Directors, two; internal support from an eager, dedicated workforce, and three; strong community support. That alignment of support absolutely drew me here, along with the robust programs Montecito Fire has worked hard to build. In addition to providing excellent emergency services, this department has exceptional fire prevention and public information
Peter van Duinwyk, President of the Montecito Fire Protection District Board of Directors, reads the oath of office to Chief Fallon.
programs that really allow Montecito Fire to be successful for the community.
What do you see as the biggest challenges of Montecito Fire and our community?
How do you plan to tackle those issues?
As a Fire Chief, it is my job to be a risk manager. The Montecito community has several target hazards that I am focused on; one of those is the inherent wildfire risk. Enhancing existing programs and creating new methods to combat the dangers of wildfire are my focus, especially as we move into high fire season. The Montecito Fire Department is an all-risk organization, meaning that we are equipped to handle any and all emergencies that occur in this community. My goal when I leave here is to ensure that Montecito is one of the safest communities possible. I also understand that we will never be completely free from these types of dangers, but we will be prudent in doing everything we can to mitigate the issues we are aware of while also searching for additional risks.
You have moved around in the last five years of your career – talk about why you made those changes and your plans for your time here in Montecito.
I have moved around and those changes were always driven by my desire to make a difference. I had that opportunity in Victorville and in Lompoc, and now in Montecito, thanks to the alignment of support from the department, the Board of Directors, and our community. I feel like I am in an ideal place and I look forward to many years of service in Montecito.
We’re looking forward to welcoming your family into the Montecito Fire Family. Can you share a little bit about your family?
My wife, Amber, and I have already felt so warmly welcomed to this department and community – it’s amazing. We have four grown children who we are very proud of and even as they get older, we are always looking for opportunities to bring our kids together for family time. Amber and I enjoy golfing, fishing and exploring the outdoors – more reasons why we feel exceedingly grateful to be relocating to the beautiful South Coast.
Miscellany (Continued from 39)
As the sun softened over the harbor, the season had set sail in splendid form – a natty nautical knockout with signature seaside swagger.
by Lisa Duncan
Sightings
Orange Crush – Zoe Saldaña making headlines in a bold, orange velvet high-low asymmetrical gown by Alaia with tapered pants and Cartier jewelry at the “Oscars of Science” 12th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony… Earlier last week Zoe celebrated new gallery openings at LACMA with Eva Longoria and Anne Hathaway…
Doting Dad – Ryan Gosling spotted on a daddy-daughters outing with darling Esmeralda and Amada… Mom Eva Mendes shared in a new People interview published Friday that she and Ryan prioritize “date nights”, meaning lots of fabulous femme fatale company for Ryan.
Getting Hot – Kenny Loggins prepping for the world premiere of his new documentary, Kenny Loggins: Conviction of the Heart, scheduled for the “Hot Docs” Film Fest next week in Toronto, Canada…
Great Scott! – Christopher Lloyd, at 87 years young, frolicking with fans over the weekend taking pics and posturing on panels at the Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo in Alabama, where he reminded fans, “Your future is whatever you make it. So make it a good one!”…
Shutterbug – Jeff Bridges showing his first-ever hometown photography
Richard sends his thanks for your many cards and good wishes, they are deeply appreciated. He reports that he’s improving every day, though there’s plenty of therapy ahead. Please continue sending your news and updates to his ever-helpful sidekick, Priscilla (805city@gmail.com).
exhibit, Jeff Bridges Pictures at Tamsen Gallery, and getting set to return as Kevin Flynn in the new Tron sequel, expected to be a major blockbuster of the year…
Insta-official – Scooter Braun posting and making it official last week he’s sweet on Sydney Sweeney Thrillin’ and chillin’ – Robert Zemeckis currently directing the thriller The Last Mrs. Parrish , starring Jennifer Lopez , slated for a 2026 release…
Causing a Racket – Maria Sharapova on Saturday night also rocking the red carpet at the same Breakthrough Prize Ceremony, debuting a new ‘do – a swank cut by hair stylist to the stars, Adir Abergel. Maria also hosted a sold-out launch event last week for her new podcast Pretty Tough, where she interviews high-performing women in business and leadership. Game, set, match…
Slashing like Zorro – Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones slashed the price of their Irvington, NY, riverfront mansion by a cool $2.25 million, now listing it at $9.75M, a steal so good it should be outlawed… Bearded Bravado – Brad Pitt filming in Amsterdam and Athens, accompanied by his girlfriend, Ines de Ramon He was seen sporting a weathered gray beard for his role as Fred Scully, with a deep dive into the 80’s vintage set, totally rad, Brad.
From Richard and friends to you all… Pip! Pip!
“Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Yachting in handsome Hawaiian style (photo by Priscilla)
Jim Connolly joining Mann for the late set.
We suggest stopping in soon before the word gets out and the intimate joint gets jammed. Visit www.thegrandonstate.com/events
Same Sh*t, Different Generation
Carole Eglash-Kosoff might be older than your grandmother, but a cursory peek at the title of her new one-woman show, I’ve Seen This Sh*t Before, makes it clear this is not your typical grandmother’s type of theater.
Eglash-Kosoff swears constantly throughout the 92-minute show – yes, timed to match her age – but that’s just a natural reaction to no longer caring what anybody thinks of her, she said.
“It turns out when you’re 92, you can get away with saying almost anything,” she said.
The show is actually the novelist-playwright-documentary filmmaker’s sixth produced script, but the very first in which she is herself performing. Mostly because... who else would?
The idea came when Eglash-Kosoff was searching for a new topic to write about after creating works about apartheid, the Civil War and her brother’s time as an orchestra leader at the Sahara Hotel in the early years of Las Vegas. She has written a book on the turbulent Southern California fashion industry in the 1980s (where she worked for many years), and “By One Vote,” a book whose dozen stories chronicle events that shaped American history as the result of a single deciding vote.
“A friend said, ‘You’re old. You’ve seen everything. Just pick something.’ So with all of the craziness going on these days, all I could think was that I have absolutely seen this sh*t before. The play actually came out of the title.”
Stories, jokes and blue language abound in the play, which is aided visually by some 100 projections and familiar American songs played by a trio of piano, bass and sax at the beginning and end, and sprinkled throughout the play for scene setting and transitions.
The upshot is that having lived through the Great Depression, World War II, and dozens of other political, economic and social crises, Eglash-Kosoff remains upbeat and hopeful.
“We have always had some degree of divisiveness in this country, although it’s gotten worse,” she said. “We’ve lost tolerance and empathy and respect for a difference of opinion. But half the country didn’t want to go into World War II or recognize Israel as a country in 1948. We’ve always had radical opinions. So in the end, I truly believe that the middle of the country will survive the extremes on both ends.
“The show is the craziness of a 92-year-old woman who literally has lived through all of this nuttiness before,” Eglash-Kosoff said. “I’m convinced that we’ll come out fine at the other end.”
Carole Eglash-Kosoff performs I’ve Seen This Sh*t Before Saturday & Sunday, April 25-26, at Center Stage Theater. Visit www.centerstagetheater.org
High Schools Stage Spring Musicals
Springtime means flowers, sunshine, and thoughts of romance, but (at least in the area high school’s theater departments) it’s also the season for massive musical undertakings, bringing Broadway shows into the on-campus auditoriums. As in all years, the three big public schools have staggered their shows, with each having only a single overlapping weekend, meaning you can easily catch all three.
First up is Santa Barbara High’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (April 24-May 3), director Gioia Marchese’s take on the Shakespeare tale not normally produced as a musical. With music from the 1960s to ‘70s and a broad stroke of gender reversal roles, Marchese’s Dream sounds like a fun forest fantasy of magic, mischief and music. Visit www.sbhstheater.com
From sweet magic and meaningless mischief, we migrate to murder and mayhem in San Marcos High’s Sweeney Todd (April 30-May 9), Sondheim’s story of the demon barber of Fleet Street avenging injustice and combating poverty and hunger in terrifying ways that just happen to include lower-animal-friendly meat pies. Director Shannon Saleh’s staging and the students’ take on the challenging show – including the special effects – should be eye-opening, and perhaps give new meaning to the phrase “a close shave.”
Visit www.smhstheaterdept.com/event
Closing out the season, but thematically falling somewhere between the two, Dos Pueblos’ Curtains (May 7-16) is a musical murder comedy that involves investigation of a killing that occurs during a Broadway production. Set in 1959, the setup of backstage murder mystery plots has a Sherlock Holmes vibe with music and lyrics by Kander & Ebb of Cabaret and Chicago fame. Emily Libera directs the student-starring production of what is essentially an over-the-top love letter to theater.
Visit www.dphstheatrecompany.org/shows
Time to Make your Music Academy Plans
Changes have been sprouting up fast and furious in the less than three years since Shauna Quill took over at Music Academy of the West as president and CEO, including big turnovers in faculty, some trimming and realignment of the performances and master classes, as well as a staffing reconfiguration, including new Vice President of Artistic Planning Indigo Fischer and the new post of Creative and Artistic Advisor held by longtime faculty pianist Conor Hanick
This year brings an even more radical adjustment, in that much of the first two weeks of the season are now focused on a new program offered for exceptional musicians ages 14-18 from across the country, truncating the traditional fellows-powered program to six weeks.
What hasn’t changed? The exceptional nature of the summer festival that brings together spectacular faculty, young musicians, a huge variety of concert and other performance settings, and the most picturesque campus – all within walking distance of much of Montecito.
With subscription tickets already on sale and single tickets being made available April 30, now is the time to secure your selections to avoid sellouts squelching your plans. Visit https://musicacademy.org
All’s Fair at the Showgrounds
The Santa Barbara Fair & Expo returns to Earl Warren Showgrounds for two long weekends, April 23-26 and May 1-3 (courtesy photo)
The Santa Barbara Fair & Expo returns to Earl Warren Showgrounds for its 2026 event, once again spanning two long weekends – April 23-26 and May 1-3 – and bursting with entertainment, animals, activities and (of course) screaming good times at the carnival. This year’s theme of “Your Beach Town Fair” celebrates Santa Barbara’s coastal spirit with fun-in-the-sun festivities for all ages, including special free admission days for seniors, and unlimited ride wristbands for kids of all ages.
New this year is the Rodeo 101 Experience where kids can learn to rope, and otherwise discover the traditions of rodeo in advance of the Showgrounds’ second annual Santa Barbara Rodeo slated for July 31-August 2; moving this year to the weekend before Old Spanish Days Fiesta to avoid conflicts. The carnival boasts more than 30 thrilling rides including new entries and old favorites (like the hair-raising Zipper) plus games and fair food all across the midway. Fairgoers can also upgrade their experience with a Fast Pass add-on, offered in limited quantities each day, that allows guests to skip the regular ride lines.
The live entertainment runs the gamut, from local and visiting bands to magic shows and hypnotists, while exhibits include farm animals, agricultural activities, community exhibits and a local art show. As always, free off-site parking at Hope Elementary School parking lot (3970 La Colina Rd.) which includes a trolley ride to the fairgrounds – an attraction in its own right. The free trolley picks up & drops off every half hour on the hour, beginning 30 minutes prior to fair opening and ending 30 minutes after fair closing.
Get the full schedule, ride list, details and tickets online at https://earlwarren.com/events/santa-barbara-fair-and-expo
Santa Barbara High’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is from April 24 to May 3 (courtesy photo)
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Calendar of Events
by Steven Libowitz
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
Women and Water – The Women Making Change initiative and The Alcazar Theatre are teaming up for an afternoon panel with female leaders from water-related fields followed by a film screening. Women and Water celebrates and supports women leading in the care of our most valuable natural resource, starting with the discussion highlighting women’s influence and successes in water sports, the maritime world, conservation, and more. Jaime Diamond, co-owner of Stardust Sportfishing and CEO/general manager of Santa Barbara Landing, moderates the panel featuring Jena Shoaf Acos, who specializes in water and public agency law, advising cities and districts on groundwater management and SGMA compliance; Holly S. Lohuis, a marine biologist and educator in Carpinteria who works with Jean-Michel Cousteau and Ocean Futures Society; and Ava Schulenberg, assistant director of
Bountiful Butterflies – Butterflies Alive!, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s famous and nationally ranked summer exhibit of live butterflies, doesn’t open for more than a month in the museum’s spectacular Sprague Butterfly Pavilion. The now annual fluttering takes place from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, but butterflies will be “taking wing” on paper sooner than that at the museum thanks to a beautifully unique exhibition of rare antique natural history prints depicting butterflies and moths displayed alongside actual specimens. The Collectors: A Life in Lepidoptera traces that passion among naturalists, artists, and collectors, from the early eighteenth century to the present day, for studying butterflies and moths. Much of this insectoid enthusiasm and detailed discovery is laid at the feet of a certain Maria Sibylla Merian, who risked life and limb for Lepidoptera in 1699. The exhibit – which features beautiful hand-colored antique natural history prints, specimens and tools – spans the centuries from early entomology to the present day while paying public tribute to four recent donors of specimens, showcasing the gifts and dedication of keen lepidopterists Ken Denton, Thomas E. Dimock, and Paul and Sandy Russell, whose contributions have significantly expanded the Museum’s Entomology Collection.
WHERE: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol Rd. COST: Free with museum admission
INFO: (805) 682-4711 or www.sbnature.org
SATURDAY, APRIL 24-SUNDAY, APRIL 26
Earth Day Festival – Now in its 56th year, the Community Environmental Council (CEC)’s Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival remains not only one of the longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the country but also, as is typical for many Santa Barbara events that are similarly outsized for the population, among the largest on the West Coast. The two-day festival focuses on both fun and education, with eco-friendly vendors, booths from like-minded nonprofits, multiple workshops and presentations, a large Green Car Show with free “Ride & Drive” experiences, plant-forward food court, a Beer & Wine Garden, family-friendly Kids Zone and lots and lots of live music. Saturday’s main stage acts include Salty Strings, World Dance for Humanity, Doublewide Kings, Spencer the Gardener and No Simple Highway, while Cornerstone, False Puppet and The Caverns all perform on Sunday. This year’s Environmental Heroes/award recipients are a pair of local environmental supporters who, though they approach the issue from different angles, both align with this year’s theme of “Our Power, Our Planet,” a global call to action emphasizing the collective strength of communities to drive climate solutions and protect the health of our environment, economy and future. Megan Birney Rudert is president & CEO of Unite to Light, which works to expand access to clean, affordable solar light and energy in off-grid communities worldwide; and Assemblymember Gregg Hart is a steadfast advocate for protecting California’s environment and coastline whose decades of actions include the upcoming inaugural California Ocean Summit in Santa Barbara. Do your part and leave the (non-electric) cars at home – or at least carpool – to join thousands of attendees in the beloved community tradition.
WHEN: 11 am-8 pm Saturday, 11 am-7 pm Sunday
WHERE: Alameda Park, 1400 Santa Barbara St. COST: free INFO: (805) 963-0583 or www.sbearthday.org
Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara and executive director of the California Lobster & Trap Fishermen’s Association. The panel will be followed by a screening of Battle of the Blues, a 25-minute documentary examining the majestic blue whales found off the Southern California coast, covering the beauty, historical challenges, and uncertain future of the largest animals ever to live on Earth.
Clean Comedy at Casino – Bill Engvall, the veteran stand-up comedian, actor, and TV show host known for his clean and family-friendly yet relatable wit, appears tonight in the Samala Showroom – the very heart of Santa Barbara’s slots-andtable-games mecca. Engvall’s 40-years in the biz includes releasing eight solo stand-up comedy albums sparked by his 1996 debut Here’s Your Sign, which topped Billboard’s Comedy Chart for 15 straight weeks, reach No. 5 on the country album chart, and even made the Top 50 on Billboards Top 200 Album Chart on
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
TUESDAY, APRIL 28-WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29
Singing Back into Hell – Long before Anaïs Mitchell’s Hadestown scooped up eight Tony Awards (not to mention a Grammy) in 2019, and even half a dozen years before the imaginative musical had its world premiere at New York Theatre Workshop off-Broadway in 2016, Mitchell brought the project to Sings Like Hell, Peggie Jones’ late and lamented singer-songwriter-and-beyond series at the Lobero back in 2010. It was a concert version of a musical that reimagines and intertwines the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice with the story of Hades and Persephone. Set in an industrial underworld, the jazz-tinged folk opera followed the young lovers as they navigated challenges beyond the original myth and was brilliantly delivered by a full 14-strong “cast” at the Lobero. Since then, Hadestown has been produced in shorter versions by both Santa Barbara High School and Lights Up! Now the Broadway touring version makes its local debut at the Granada even as the original production continues unabated in New York at the Walter Kerr, a run interrupted only by the pandemic closures. Which means it’s the first time in our town you can catch the full professional performance of the genre-breaking musical whose themes make manifest the struggle of industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love.
WHEN: 8 pm
WHERE: Granada Theatre, 1214 State Street
COST: sold out (resale from $213) INFO: (805) 899-2222 or www.granadasb.org
the way to being certified platinum representing more than a million copies sold. Engvall also co-launched the enormously successful “Blue Collar Comedy Tour” concert films and starred in his own sitcom, The Bill Engvall Show, from 2007-09.
WHEN: 8 pm
WHERE: Samala Showroom at the Chumash Casino Resort, 3400 E. Hwy. 246, Santa Ynez
COST: $79-$130
INFO: (800) CHUMASH (248-6274) or www.chumashcasino.com
SUNDAY, APRIL 26
Come to KoMaGa – Three virtuoso instrumentalists have formed an unlikely trio that puts together harp, fretless bass, and percussion to explore a fusion/ experimental/jazz/ethnic musical crossover in a mostly acoustic format. While the KoMaGa Trio’s moniker might sound like baby-talk – it actually comes from combining the first two letters of their last names – the actual sounds they produce most decidedly are a wise and mature foray in world music. KoMaGa is Motoshi Kosako, a self-taught harpist who once was principal harpist of
Stockton Symphony and has won jazz competitions; Michael Manring, famed for his long tenure in the 1980s as house bassist for Windham Hill Records, has been pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the bass guitar ever since; and percussionist/tabla player Christopher Garcia, an improviser, composer and educator versatile on a number of drums from around the world. The show is part of SBAcoustic’s SOhO series.
WHEN: 7:30 pm
WHERE: SOhO, 1221 State St., upstairs in Victoria Court
COST: $27.50
INFO: (805) 962-7776 or www.sohosb.com
THURSDAY, APRIL 30
Art & Wine
ation’s annual LIVE Art & Wine Tour is growing in its 24th year, much as the former Downtown Organization expanded its name. The self-guided tour offers an extraordinary culinary and artistic adventure through the heart of downtown in an ultra-elevated version of its monthly 1st Thursday events. The evening begins at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum where guests receive a commemorative wine glass and plate, and a map highlighting the evening’s tasting locations. This year, said locations may surprise and counterintuitively delight as a cadre of non-usual suspects transform their digs into pop-up galleries and tasting rooms. These stops include: Jeff Shelton Architect Studio, Drift Ocaso, Silver Wines, Thrifty Beaches, SuperMoss, and Jessica Risko Smith Interior Design Studio. Attendees will sip world-class wines, sample signature bites from local restaurants, and experience live art in progress, including poetry, ceramics, painting and much more. Then it’s back to the museum for the amped-up Final Party, featuring even more local hors d’oeuvres and dishes from food purveyors including opal Restaurant, Dusk, Fresco, Crepería El Chisme, Finch & Fork, Poke House, The Copper, Mony’s, Montecito Gourmet, and Buena Onda, plus additional spirit and wine tastings from almost two dozen providers, a silent auction and live music from The Groove Collective. The tour is Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association’s primary fundraiser, with proceeds supporting the revitalization of downtown Santa Barbara; a diamond whose facets include such initiatives as the Vacant Window Beautification Program, 1st Thursday Art Walk, downtown art installations and enhanced, non-ostentatious maintenance and security.
WHEN: 5:30-9:30 pm
WHERE: Santa Barbara Historical Museum, 136 East De la Guerra Street
COST: $85
INFO: www.downtownsb.org/events/art-and-wine-tour
NOTE TO READERS
This entertainment calendar is a subjective sampling of arts and entertainment events taking place in the Santa Barbara area for the next seven days or so. It is by no means comprehensive. Please also see my feature stories elsewhere in this issue for more events. In order to be considered for inclusion in this calendar, please submit information – including hi-res photos –by 12 noon Wednesday eight days prior to publication date. Email: slibowitz@yahoo.com.
Tour Takes Off – The Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Associ-
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Sat, May 2 / 6 PM (note special time) / UCSB Campbell Hall
“The foremost ambassador of contemporary chamber music.” Polar Music Prize Citation
A powerhouse collaboration between the boundary-pushing Isidore Quartet and charismatic cellist Sterling Elliott, featuring Schubert’s transcendent Cello Quintet. West Coast Premiere Kronos Quartet
Santa Barbara Debut | A Juilliard-born Collaboration Isidore String Quartet with Sterling Elliott, cello
Thu, May 14 / 7 PM / Hahn Hall
MacArthur Award-winning Choreographer A.I.M by Kyle Abraham
Tue, May 12 / 7:30 PM / Granada Theatre
“Lush movement, infectious music, and magnetic dancers.” The New York Times
Philip Glass and
The Poets
Featuring Music by Philip Glass (not present)
Performed by Timo Andres, piano and Taylor Mac, spoken word with special guest appearances by Lucinda Childs and San Francisco Girls Chorus
