A Mezzo Homecoming – Raised in Goleta, polished in Manhattan, and based in Florence… Xeni Tziouvaras returns to sing Greek Christmas traditions, P.6
Coast Village Sparkle – Carolers, cocoa, Santa, and community spirit fill Coast Village Road as the 3rd Annual tree lighting draws a festive crowd, P.14
Ringing Forward – A symbolic bell, heartfelt testimonies, and a $10 million goal redefine One805 and the county’s commitment to its frontline protectors, P.18
SHOCK & AWE
Village Roots
Hattie Beresford traces East Valley Road’s unpredictable evolution across decades… spanning Home Club dances, the Montecito Store, and the shopping center we know today, page 11
Body Reset Montecito blends Miha Bodytec technology, recovery tools, and personalized training for a workout unlike anything you’ve tried.
Co-founders Jillian Muller and Paige Duncan introduce EMS to Montecito with top-tier tech, serious results, and plenty of sparks (Story starts on p.5)
The Right Call
After 48 years of local dispatch, Montecito and the county open the RFCC, improving response times and eliminating jurisdiction boundaries, page 22
Richie’s hosts its annual holiday drive for DVS and Adam’s Angels, p.12
Miles Davis and John Coltrane Centennial Jan 27 / Granada Theatre
Juan Diego Flórez, tenor
Feb 7 / Lobero Theatre
Ballet Festival: Jerome Robbins
Curated by Tiler Peck
Mar 3 & 4 / Granada Theatre
Taj Mahal and Patty Griffin Feb 17 / Arlington Theatre
Two Nights! Two Programs! Feb 24 & 25 / Arlington Theatre
Miranda July Jan 20 / UCSB Campbell H all
Tango After Dark
Feb 1 / Lobero Theatre
Nicola Benedetti Jan 28 / Campbell Hall
For your family. Advice matters.
Jerrad Burford
Senior Vice President Financial Advisor
805-695-7108
jerrad.burford@ morganstanleypwm.com
Jeanine J. Burford
Senior Vice President Financial Advisor
805-695-7109
jeanine.burford@ morganstanleypwm.com
Coast Village Road | Montecito, CA 93108
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Montecito Health Coach – Putting EMS to the test: a 20-minute workout that delivers major muscle activation – and serious soreness
Beings and Doings – Once a theater kid at DP, today this mezzo-soprano is based in Florence. Yeah, that Florence.
Montecito Miscellany – Betty Fussell debuts her witty new memoir as MClub explores Unity Shoppe’s century-old mission of dignity and care
News Bytes – A mix of community awards, charitable campaigns, sustainable projects, book releases, and more across Santa Barbara Tide Guide
The Way It Was – Tracing East Valley Road’s evolution – from Home Club and early stores to Montecito Hall and today’s village center
Our Town – Richie’s Barber Shop leads heartfelt holiday giving as Montecito prepares for Hanukkah, Christmas, and seasonal celebrations
The Society Edit – Holiday splendor on Coast Village Road plus St. Vincent’s fashion show fundraising for families in need
16 On Entertainment – From Julia Newmann’s choral premiere to Grace Fisher’s showcase and a milestone Nutcracker, Santa Barbara stages sparkle
18 The Bell Rings for One805 – A historic $10M endowment aims to secure long-term mentalwellness care for Santa Barbara County’s first responders
20 Your Westmont – Engineers turn remotecontrol car chaos into championship, museum hosts local artist talk, and the fresh sport of STUNT to start at Westmont
22 Hot Topics – Why calling 911 first matters: Montecito Fire explains new regional dispatch and faster emergency response
26 An Independent Mind – Reflecting on Ken Burns’ The American Revolution and the enduring ideals that continue to shape America
28 Body Wise – A moving coming-of-age memoir reveals how swimming, myth, and memory shaped Hendrika de Vries’ journey home
29
Elizabeth’s Appraisals – A Goodwill thrift store find reveals centuries of cross-cultural design – from al-Andalus to Algeria, Cuba, and Santa Barbara
32 Home for the Holidays – The MJ guide to shopping and feasting locally for the holidays
41 Curator’s Choice – Carrier shells and their strange hoarding habits
42
Foraging Thyme – Sweet, crunchy sugar snap peas take center stage in a nutrient-packed profile and vibrant weeknight recipe
49 In Passing – Remembering the life and impact of Llewellyn “Llew” Goodfield Jr.
55 Trees & Holiday Cheer at the Miramar – A photo collage from Rosewood’s tree lighting celebration
56
Calendar of Events – From choral masterpieces to Las Posadas, boat parades, and family nights – your guide to this week’s holiday happenings
58
Classifieds – Our own “Craigslist” of classified ads, in which sellers offer everything from summer rentals to estate sales
59 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
Montecito Health Coach
Body Reset Montecito: Stimulating Your Muscles into Shape
by Deann Zampelli
As they placed the electrodes onto my hosed down vest (to help the electrical current conduct more efficiently), images of every spy movie I had ever seen flashed before my eyes. My host and local resident, Jillian Muller , gleefully shouted at me to fire up my glutes and to crank it up. And fired up my glutes were. As I followed an avatar on the $25,000 machine in front of me, I lunged and planked my way through a 20-minute circuit purported to give the benefits of a 90-minute workout. Days later I was still feeling the burn.
Welcome to EMS. Electrical Muscle Stimulation; the core offering behind the new studio set to open in January. Co-founders Jillian Muller and Paige Duncan (who is also the wellness director) met when Muller experienced EMS with her for the first time. She was so impressed that she offered to partner with Duncan, and the rest is history in the making.
Along with Ashley McNary , who will be director of studio operations, they plan to offer both membership options and single-use fees for the
$200 per-session experience. Body Reset Montecito will also offer lymphatic drainage massage and Red Light Therapy (RLT); but the star of the show is the EMS itself.
While using EMS as a workout supplement is a relatively new development, the concept of using electrical currents for muscle stimulation has been around for millennia, with evidence pointing to the ancient Egyptians as first using electric eels for pain relief. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that EMS as we currently know it was used to train athletes both for performance and recovery.
So what is it really? Electrodes are placed over the muscle area that is to be stimulated. Impulses are then sent to the muscles telling them to contract, mimicking the body’s natural nerve signals.
But before you get stimulated (what?), you first put on a base layer (with no undergarments on in order to allow for maximum contact between the impulses and your body), then you are tightly fitted with a vest that has been dampened. Next, the electrodes are placed on various contact points all over the vest; arms, back, waist, glutes, etc. Finally, the battery cable is attached making you feel like some sort of middle-aged, barefoot Transformer. Once you are connected, the Miha Bodytec – the same machine used at The Mayo Clinic – starts its magic. The vibration starts as a fuzzy tickle and as your captors gradually crank up the intensity the tickle becomes less funny. It doesn’t hurt , it just reminds you who is boss. Because it is. You aren’t doing the heavy lifting either
Health Coach Page 464
Paige Duncan giving instructions to her client (courtesy photo)
The Miha Bodytec is top-of-the-line in EMS technology
Beings and Doings Xeni Tziouvaras is Dreaming
at the Granada Theatre in downtown SB by Stephen Schwartz – famous for writing musicals like Godspell, Pippin, Wicked, and many others. The show was called Seance on a Wet Afternoon and was actually commissioned by Opera Santa Barbara. That show really sparked my interest, as it seemed to bridge the gap between opera and musical theater. Shortly thereafter, I went down the rabbit hole. I became hooked and knew I had to try it myself. By the next summer I was in the local opera chorus at the Music Academy’s summer program!”
Graduating from DP then, Xeni earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, established herself in Florence, Italy, and now performs with leading orchestras and opera companies around the world.
“I actually came to love opera a little later in my theater life,” Xeni explains. “I was obsessed with musical theater, and the first full opera I saw was a new work
But circling back to this coming Saturday’s Sounds and Stories of Greek Christmas benefit concert… what does Greek have to do with Christmas? (As is painfully obvious, this is a rhetorical
Beings & Doings Page 484
Xeni strikes a pose at the Florentine High School of Arts & Sciences (photo by Michele Monasta)
Xeni as Carmen in the Venti Lucenti/Maggio Musicale production of the eponymous opera (photo by Michele Monasta)
OCTOPUS AND SUMINAGASHI
by Dwight Hwang
Montecito Miscellany
‘How to Cook a Coyote’ with Betty Fussell
by Richard Mineards & Friends
Casa Dorinda was abuzz as legendary food writer Betty Fussell welcomed an excited audience for the launch of her new book, How to Cook a Coyote: The Joy of Old Age. Sparkling with her cheeky sense of humor, she declared, “Live each day as if it were your first and last!” She shared her limelight with acclaimed photographer MacDuff Everton, who took Betty’s portrait for the cover of her book.
Coyote… it’s what’s for dinner (courtesy photo)
Mary Heebner, Joan Tapper, Brooks Firestone, Jerry Parent, Judy Milam, Tucky Fussell, Beth Leddy, Susan Case, Dirk Brandts, and Penny Arntz by Maria McCall
A Dash of Holiday Cheer: MClub Tours Unity Shoppe
The volume traces her move from Manhattan to Montecito and tackles everything from fading eyesight to the wild metaphorical coyote that stalks her thoughts. Fussell serves up a recipe for savoring life to the very last drop. Guests were treated to a tasty array which included “Coyote Pie” (actually made of braised beef) and Coyote Cocktails. (We didn’t ask.) The James Beard honoree and Silver Spoon Award winner had a long line of fans holding her books to be signed!
Notables included: MacDuff Everton,
Commitment
Safer Montecito
Reduced
Shorter response times to alarm activations and emergencies.
Montecito Bank & Trust’s MClub gathered in the Kenny Loggins Community Room at Unity Shoppe for an uplifting afternoon to learn about one of Santa Barbara’s most treasured charities. Executive Director and CEO Angela Miller-Bevan delivered an informative presentation on the organization’s fascinating history, and how today this community cornerstone serves more than 52,000 residents each year with groceries, clothing, job training, and essential support.
Unity Shoppe’s roots reach back to 1917, when civic leader Pearl Chase founded the Council of Christmas Cheer to support mothers whose husbands were serving in World War I. Decades later, in 1972, Barbara Tellefson joined Pearl Chase and pledged to carry the mission forward.
Tellefson’s dedication led to the first of a series of permanent buildings in downtown. Its transformation to Unity Shoppe in 1987 was energized by entertainer Kenny Loggins and KEYT’s
annual telethon. Tom Reed signed on in 2002 for 20 years to help Barbara Tellefson grow the organization into a sustainable year-round charity, providing not only food, clothing and toys, but also job training, school supplies, disaster relief, and special gifts for seniors. Tellefson’s insistence on preserving every client’s dignity remains the heart of the organization today.
Angela Miller-Bevan continues the legacy and works with stars Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Duane Henry, Jeff Bridges and country singer Brad Paisley – who are all devoted to the mission. In 2012, Brad Paisley and his family volunteered at Unity Shoppe while visiting Santa Barbara and were so taken by how the mission was executed, they committed the next few years to replicating the model in their hometown of Nashville, calling it The Store.
Following the talk, members enjoyed a scrumptious Thanksgiving buffet in the telethon studio before touring the facility. Be sure to tune in and contribute to the Annual Holiday Telethon on KEYT December 12th, 5-8 pm.
Guests included Karen Poythress, Monica Cruz, Anne Luther, Keith Moore , Brenda Blalock , Barbara Burger, Judith Green, Marian Jean, Diane Galvan, Robert Luria, Christine Holland, and Dirk Brandts
By Maria McCall
The Timeless Gift of a Live Concert Experience
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026, THE GRANADA THEATRE, 7:30 PM Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Riccardo Muti, Music Director Emeritus for Life
OTHER UPCOMING CONCERTS
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2026, THE LOBERO THEATRE, 7:30 PM Emanuel Ax
Piano Recital
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2026, THE LOBERO THEATRE, 7:30 PM Venice Baroque Orchestra
Gianpiero Zanocco, Violin/Conductor
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026, THE LOBERO THEATRE, 7:30 PM Sphinx Virtuosi
Randall Goosby, Violin
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026, THE GRANADA THEATRE, 7:30 PM Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Fabio Luisi, Music Director
Hélène Grimaud, piano
Sofia Fomina, soprano
International Series: Tickets at The Granada Theatre Box Office, (805) 899-2222 or granadasb.org.
Masterseries: Tickets at The Lobero Theatre Box Office, (805) 963-0761 or lobero.org.
Presenting the world’s finest classical artists since 1919
Trespassing / Eucalyptus Lane / Humphrey Road, Montecito
Monday, November 24, at 14:04 hours
Deputies contacted subject for trespassing on railroad property. Subject had been previously contacted on railroad property 11/22/25 by Sgt. Sandu and Senior Deputy Brady, who at that time gave him a warning. Subject’s blatant disregard for the law – about whose particulars he’d been pointedly warned in the 11/22 violation – resulted in his arrest and booking at SBJ.
Sexual Assault / 1700 block Jameson Lane
Tuesday, November 25, at 03:25 hours
SBCH nurse reported that a patient came in for treatment to do with a possible sexual assault that occurred on 11/11. The associated Suspicious Injury Report detailed a friend having informed the patient that they’d told an unknown male to have sex with her while she was blackout drunk. The patient did not want to speak with law enforcement. Nurse was reporting the incident as a legally mandated reporter.
Fentanyl/Meth / 1200 block Channel Drive
Wednesday, November 26, at 01:09 hours
Deputies contacted subject who was slumped over the steering wheel of his vehicle, which was parked in a red zone at Butterfly Beach. Narcotics and paraphernalia were visible in the passenger seat. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed fentanyl, methamphetamine and more paraphernalia. Subject was arrested and his illegally parked vehicle was towed.
Mental Health Crisis / 1400 block South Jameson
Friday, November 28, at 20:17 hours
Deputies responded to a family disturbance where the subject broke several items inside their parents’ house. Subject was experiencing a mental health crisis and was put on involuntary mental health hold. Subject locked themselves in the bathroom and refused to come out. Deputies ultimately had to force entry into the bathroom by unscrewing the door to disable the lock. Subject did not want to go with AMR and was ultimately carried to the gurney and secured with soft restraints.
Death / 300 Cabrillo Blvd
Saturday, November 29, at 7:10 hours
Due to staffing shortage, 35 units assisted with this coroner’s investigation on the Carpinteria side of the SB City split. A passerby called 9-1-1 to report a man down. Fire/ Medics arrived and began advanced life saving measures, which were unsuccessful. The subject was a local transient with whom SBPD Officers were familiar.
News Bytes ShelterBox Honors Kim Cantin
by MJ Staff
ShelterBox USA presented its 2025 Community Impact Award to Kim Cantin during an emotional benefit at the Montecito Club, recognizing her resilience and advocacy following the 2018 Montecito mudslide that claimed 23 lives, including those of her husband and son. Cantin, author of Where Yellow Flowers Bloom, accepted the honor with gratitude for ShelterBox’s global humanitarian work. The evening celebrated 25 years of disaster relief, raising more than $800,000 to provide emergency shelter and essential supplies worldwide. Kenny Loggins performed “Celebrate Me Home,” while Andrew Firestone led a spirited auction for the 200 attendees.
Hospice of SB Raises $10,000
Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) announced the successful completion of its October Round-Up Campaign,
Account Managers | Sue Brooks, Tanis Nelson, Elizabeth Scott, Jessica Sutherland, Joe DeMello
Contributing Editor | Kelly Mahan Herrick
Proofreading | Helen Buckley
Arts and Entertainment | Steven Libowitz
Contributors | Scott Craig, Ashleigh Brilliant, Chuck Graham, Mark Ashton Hunt, Dalina Michaels, Robert Bernstein, Christina Atchison, Leslie Zemeckis, Sigrid Toye, Elizabeth Stewart, Beatrice Tolan, Leana Orsua, Jeffrey Harding, Tiana Molony, Houghton Hyatt, Jeff Wing
Gossip | Richard Mineards
History | Hattie Beresford
Humor | Ernie Witham
Our Town/Society | Joanne A Calitri
Health/Wellness | Ann Brode, Deann Zampelli
Travel | Jerry Dunn, Leslie Westbrook
Food & Wine | Melissa Petitto, Gabe Saglie, Jamie Knee
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
JOURNAL
Kerri Murray with Kim Cantin (right) (photo by Issac Hernandez)
The Way It Was Then and Now on East Valley Road
by Hattie Beresford
Once upon a time, a lovely clapboard cottage graced the southwest corner of San Ysidro and East Valley roads. Built in 1914, it was the home of the Montecito Home Club, which was founded in 1908 in an old adobe building across the street. The purpose of the club was to provide a center for amusement, culture, recreation, and practical education for the children of Montecito. Mrs. Laura Moore (later Knight) had funded the purchase of land and construction of the newer, larger clubhouse.
Cold Spring School, Montecito Union School, and Ortega School regularly sent groups of students to the Home Club for training in Sloyd. (Sloyd was a Finnish sys-
tem of handicraft-based education intended to build character, moral behavior, intelligence and industriousness.) Once a month a well-baby clinic was held there as well, and a pediatrician and nurse gave free immunizations and examinations. By 1949, the club was also in charge of many community activities that were held in Manning Park where they had a woodworking shop, toy repair shop, print shop, and photographic darkroom, in addition to a meeting room for Scouts. The club also provided recreational facilities such as a bowling lane, tennis courts, ping pong tables, a volleyball court, badminton court and a horseshoe court.
In 1956/57, the Home Club deeded
Way It Was Page 234
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The Sanborn fire insurance map depicts the structures and business that stood on East Valley Road in 1918 (photo courtesy of Library of Congress)
The Montecito Home Club on the corner of East Valley and San Ysidro roads (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)
Richie’s Barber Shop is having its annual drive to support nonprofit organizations for the holidays, Domestic Violence Solutions, and Adam’s Angels.
Richie’s annual funding started a week early this year. Jessica Jay (Jess), who heads the events at Richie’s, set up a Holiday Gifting Tree decorated with stockings representing each family currently living in temporary housing at DVS. Each stocking had a list of what that family needed. There are a total of 13 families representing 38 people.
As always, Richie’s generous customers picked up most of the wish lists and brought back the items. In a reciprocal gifting back to the givers, a good friend of Jess’s, Michael Cobb, owner of the High Roller Tiki Lounge in Solvang, donated a case of wine and swag to be the raffle prize. Everyone who donates gets to be entered in the raffle to win it. Jess shared for our readers, “We are incredibly grateful for the support of our wonderful clients who grace our chairs each year, making our Christmas Drive a heartwarming success. Their enthusiasm to lend a hand is truly inspiring! A special shoutout to Michael Cobb from High Roller Lounge in Solvang for his generous wine donation, which adds a festive touch to our efforts! As a token of our appreciation, all participants will have the chance to win.”
I met with the barber shop team, and DVS Director of Development Tina Ballue and her team of Katie DeMillo and Cristina Caratachea. Tina talked about
how this year DVS, which usually starts to fill up with families during the holidays, was actually full in September. This may demonstrate both a greater need for DVS services, and an increasing awareness in the area of DVS’ mission. Jess shared that most of the families on their giving tree were adopted, but that there are still a few more families that need their wish lists adopted for the holidays. Ballue suggested additional donations needed include bath towels, shampoo & conditioner, throw blankets, pillows, twin sheets, body wash, lotion, and socks. To make it easier, go to the DVS Amazon Wish List by visiting their website listed in the 411 here.
Ballue added, “A heartfelt thank you to Richie’s Barber Shop for turning generosity into joy through the Holiday Gifting Tree. At DVS, we provide safe shelter, counseling, and essential resources for families escaping abuse, and this year the need has grown significantly. Seeing community leaders like Richie, his team, and their clients come together fills us with gratitude. Every gift says, ‘You matter, you’re not alone. Together we are making this season brighter for those who need it most.’”
Also receiving support from the Richie’s fam is Adam’s Angels, represented at the shop by Adam McKaig. He is collecting gently used or new sweaters and jackets for the homeless and veterans in a donation box at the barber shop. All donations are being accepted through December 24!
Richie’s Barber Shop Montecito team of Richie, Jess, Lexi, Summer Jean, Hadiee, Kenzie, Carlie, and Stacy, with DVS’s Tina Ballue, Katie DeMillo and Cristina Caratachea, and Adam McKaig (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
Looking Forward
The Society Edit
3rd Annual Coast Village Road Tree Lighting
by Joanne A Calitri
Your Society Edit reporter is here with the latest on Coast Village Road! Yes dears, we have exciting new businesses to explore, but first the holidays!
I attended the 3rd Annual CVR Holiday Tree Lighting event, held on Thursday, December 4, from 4-6 pm, in front of Renaud’s Bakery and the award-winning Richie’s Barber Shop.
The event is co-sponsored by the Coast Village Association (CVA) and the Rosewood Miramar Beach. Managing the details was CVA Executive Director Beth Sullivan
The mission of the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara is to ensure the availability of superior
The Lola Bard Carolers sang period pieces a cappella and were dressed in vintage English costumes; and the strings ensemble from the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony performed while seated to the right of the holiday tree. Everyone came dressed warmly in their holiday best. Pets walking their owners made a red-carpetready look with deer antlers on their heads, necklaces (pet collars and harnesses) of blinking-colored lights, red velvet, bows, Santa costumes, and other holiday bling.
The 35-foot-high tree that came from Anthony’s Trees was sponsored by an anonymous entity. Adding to the pomp and circumstance were local politicians First District SBC Supervisor Roy Lee and SB Mayor Randy Rowse, who said a few words before the tree lighting. Also speaking were Sullivan and the CVA Board President Trey Pinner. They and Santa Claus invited the crowd to join in the countdown for the tree lighting. With that, the tree was lit and photo ops aplenty began in earnest.
Making it homey was the Rosewood Miramar Beach’s surrey and hot chocolate with candy canes service. A mailbox for letters to Santa was filling up and kids took photos with Santa.
There is a business holiday window decorating contest and everyone is invited to take a photo of your favorite business’ holiday window. Tag the CVA and post your photo on social media.
15th Annual St. Vincent’s SB Fashion Show Fundraiser
I am happy to report that St. Vincent’s Santa Barbara annual Fashion Show fund-
Santa Claus and his mailbox at the CVR tree lighting 2025 (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
CVA President Trey Pinner, Mayor Rowse and Santa marvel at the CVR tree (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
Lola Bard Carolers at the CVR tree lighting (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
As the season brings its gentle coastal glow, my heartfelt thanks go to the clients and community who make this work so meaningful. If the coming year finds you considering a move, I look forward to offering the guidance and dedicated service our remarkable area deserves.
Warm holiday wishes,
WRITTEN BY Jessica Bedford, Kathryn MacMillan, Charlotte Northeast, AND Meghan Winch
DIRECTED BY Robert Kelley
On Entertainment
Choral Society: Open a ‘Window’ to Newmann’s Winter Wonderland
by Steven Libowitz
The Santa Barbara Choral Society’s “Hallelujah Project” hunkered down at the Lobero Theatre every December for the last decade with a program that also included a guest star reading “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” amid a selection of choral favorites from around the world. But this year, in a nod to the USA’s 250th birthday, the Society has selected an All-American theme for its three-concert season, which launches with holiday music exclusively written and arranged by American composers; with a single concert at 3 pm on December 14 at Trinity Lutheran Church (909 No. La Cumbre Rd.).
The country’s Christmastime choral music heart in “An American Holiday Concert” features the 60-voice Choral Society singers and children from the Music Academy SING! program with a full orchestra conducted by Artistic Director JoAnne Wasserman. Among the composers are Daniel Pinkham, Mack Wilberg, Alfred Burt, and Randol Alan Bass, and Santa Barbara’s own Julia Marie Newmann, who composed a new work called “Winter’s Windows” for the concert. Newmann, who relocated to Goleta with her Santa Barbara-native husband and fellow composer, Cody Westheimer, in 2023, is a busy composer for Hollywood. Her credits include scoring nine seasons of the TV series Bones – which earned her four ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards – as well as several other series. She also worked with James Newton Howard, assisting and orchestrating for such major films as Michael Clayton, The Great Debaters, and The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep More recently, Newmann and Westheimer co-founded New West Studios, where they collaborate on a wide range of projects, including scoring documentaries focused on environmental and social impact.
Her piece for the Choral Society might seem like a shot out of left field, but the composer has been involved in choral music since her college days at the USC Thornton School of Music. Newmann sang in the concert choir there, composed a couple of pieces, and later was a member of L.A.’s Angel City Chorale, which made it to the semi-final of America’s Got Talent in the late 2010s. After a several-year hiatus, she auditioned for Santa Barbara Choral Society and joined the choir in summer 2024.
“Being in a choir gives you a wonderful sense of making music with other people, something you don’t get so much as a composer these days because we’re often pretty solitary with our home recording studios,” she said. “You have a whole arsenal of great sounds, but you’re pretty insular. SBCS has provided a sense of community and a reminder of just what real voices and instruments can do. It’s what I’d been missing in my musical life for a while.”
Newmann said she knew immediately that she wanted to compose a piece for the Choral Society’s next holiday concert after singing in last year’s “Hallelujah Project.”
“I feel like it’s a calling,” she said. “I started quietly composing on my own something that was kind of wintry, just generating the ideas and the concept.”
When she received the go-ahead to finish the piece after sending Wasserman some early pages, Newmann invited her friend, Elizabeth Spies, a local writer, poet and educator, to collaborate on creating “Winter’s Windows.”
“I had a feeling that she would bring this piece to the next level,” she explained. “We’d never worked together before and she had never set her words to music, but there was a synergy between us. She came with beautiful poetry for the piece. The music provided the structure and inspiration, and she built a text around the story and the contours and the emotional energy of the piece. We went back and forth finishing it.”
Entertainment Page 244
Alyssa Anne Austin
Photo: Heidi Bergseteren
Julia Marie Newmann composed a new work called “Winter’s Windows” for this year’s concert (courtesy photo)
the holidays in comfort.
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The Bell Rings for One805 The One805 Mental Wellness Endowment Fund Officially Launches
by Zach Rosen
The iconic rolling concrete architecture and inimitable art of Bruce Heavin’s Hill House set the scene for an “Evening of Appreciation” on December 3rd. One805 staff and supporters, along with Santa Barbara County’s first responders, met at the structural masterpiece for the organization’s official launching of a $10 million One805 Mental Wellness Endowment Fund, a first-of-its-kind effort designed to guarantee sustained, culturally competent mental wellness support for firefighters, law enforcement officers, dispatchers, and their families. The endowment has already secured $2 million in initial commitments, including $1 million from One805’s own reserves and $1 million from a major donor.
The moment was marked by both generosity and candor as fire chiefs and law-enforcement leaders from across the county spoke openly about the trauma embedded in their profession – trauma that compounds shift after shift, call after call. Their testimony underscored why the endowment is not simply a milestone, but a lifeline.
A Unified Call from First Responder Leaders
As the evening began, fire chief leaders emphasized the shared purpose that binds every agency in the county. “In the fire service, we really don’t do anything alone,” said retiring County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig, who will now join the One805 Mental Wellness Endowment Board, ensuring continuity and experience in shaping the fund’s future.
Hartwig described the difficult reality that many first responders have historically avoided mental-health services provided by their own agencies out of fear that seeking help could jeopardize promotions or even job security. “There’s a fear of us knowing about them using the program and then that being used against them in their future careers,” he explained. An independent program funded through an endowment changes that, offering anonymity, cultural competence, and security for the long term. His fellow chiefs echoed this urgency. Montecito Fire Chief David Neels emphasized how dramatically the landscape has shifted since he entered the field in the late 1980s – a time when mental wellness “was not something that was at the forefront” of leadership thinking. Today, however, the need is impossible to ignore. “All of us in the fire service have reeled from tragedy,” he said, adding that One805’s efforts “have brought new life into our fire agencies and to our families by having mental wellness programs.”
Neels shared powerful metrics: in 2024 alone, firefighters and their families utilized over 927 clinical hours, a number expected to surpass 1,000 hours in 2025. These clinicians, he noted, are uniquely trained to understand the realities of emergency service – an essential safeguard when responders confront trauma daily.
The Human Toll Behind the Statistics
The most poignant moments of the evening came from first responder chiefs
One805 Page 254
Richard Weston-Smith, Kirsten Cavendish Weston-Smith, and Bruce Heavin (photo by Kim Byrnes)
Your Westmont Engineers Ride Crash Course to Victory
by Scott Craig, photos by Brad Elliott
Westmont engineering’s fifth annual remote-control (RC) car showdown was packed with crashes, flips, stalls, missed turns—and, for the first time, a three-car championship race. When the dust finally settled, the team of Ben Mandani and Isaac Silva, who launched their car, named NESI, more than five feet off a ramp to win a one-jump playoff, hoisted championship trophies on Dec. 5 on Kerrwood Lawn.
“This has been a long journey, putting bags of parts together to eventually create a car we could be proud of,” Mandani said. “This is an accumulation of all our hard work over the semester from every little piece built from the ground up into a cohesive machine.”
“It’s been a great journey, because NESI isn’t just an RC car that’s here to compete, she’s a teammate,” Silva said. “This has been a story of our growth, our teamwork
and overall, our learning concepts, engineering and problem solving.”
In explaining their victory, the two described how they utilized engineering concepts such as fatigue loading to reinforce certain parts of their car, such as the shocks, to minimize vibration and maximize acceleration.
Part of the overall competition included a 90-second elevator pitch where each team described the key engineering lessons they learned while making their 500-piece RC car.
“Hopefully, you’re thinking these students don’t communicate like engineers, they communicate like human beings,” said Dan Jensen, Allder professor and director of Westmont’s engineering program. “It’s so important for them professionally to be able to communicate well, and Westmont’s curriculum does a wonderful job of providing that foundational skill set that makes them well-rounded
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The crowd reacts after a car flips over following a collision
Ben Mandani, President Gayle D. Beebe, Isaac Silva and director Dan Jensen
NESI takes flight to win the jumping competition
Tiffany & Co Victoria Diamond Earrings
Estate 3 Carat Mixed Cut Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Pre-loved Chanel Handbags
the property to the YMCA which had taken over operation of its activities. In 1983, thanks to a host of civic-minded philanthropists, the Montecito YMCA constructed a new facility across the street from Montecito Union School.
Today, the corner on which the Home Club stood is part of the shopping center named Montecito Village South, which was built in 1965 by Charles A. Borgatello, whose brother co-founded the family-owned Marborg Company.
Before Montecito Village South
The shopping center replaced not just the former Montecito Home Club, but also the telephone exchange, the old Montecito Store, a gas station and a dwelling.
The first Montecito Store on this site was a grocery belonging to the Buell family and was run by Percy Buell, a member of the pioneer Buell family whose main dwelling and properties
were across the street. In 1920, Buell sold to William T. Colville, Sr., who had worked as a chauffeur for Mrs. Laura Moore (later Knight), who had funded the construction of the Montecito Home Club. A fire two years later devoured the store and the Coleville home next door, but his former employer came to the rescue with a loan that allowed him to rebuild. It being the 1920s, he built in the popular Spanish Revival style.
His store included a meat market and restaurant/soda fountain and a gas station next door. Coleville became famous for his advertising campaign which was developed when a geographic survey of Montecito declared his store to be standing on the geographic center of Montecito. From then on, he advertised “The Montecito Store, the Heart of Montecito.”
The store was genuinely welcoming to all who entered its doors, old or young, rich or poor. Many old time Montecitans
Way It Was Page 534
This early view of the Buell Store shows the Presbyterian Church in the background and a muddy dirt East Valley road shaded by Pepper trees and traversed by horses and buggies (Courtesy Santa Barbara Historical Museum)
The corner on which the Montecito Home Club once stood, seen here in 2025 (author photo)
from 16)
Newmann quoted from Spies’ program note for the piece to set the scene:
“Song and lyric weave the tale of Winter personified – a spirit who appears at the window, beckoning us into her world. The window stands as both barrier and invitation: a fragile divide between warmth and cold, safety and surrender. A solitary figure watches from within, drawn to the frozen world beyond the glass. Winter emerges from the stillness – breath, presence, storm – her call growing ever more insistent. At first, there is hesitation. But as the music swells, and the journey continues, the distance dissolves, and the observer is drawn to the edge of surrender, ending in quiet where the first signs of spring begin to show.”
“I’m one of those people who likes winter, although maybe I shouldn’t say that since we have pretty mild ones around here,” Newmann, a SoCal native, said. “I have more of a romanticized relationship with winter.”
In the end, “Winter’s Windows,” which will open the concert’s second half, ended up running a sizable seven minutes, somewhat longer than the composer had anticipated.
“It turned into a more major work for me, and then the choir started treating it that way, too. They’ve really been putting a lot of emphasis on giving it time in rehearsal. It’s very exciting.”
But Newmann won’t be in the audience when the piece premieres on Sunday afternoon. That’s because she’ll be up on the riser with her fellow singers performing for the whole concert.
“That’s how I want to be a part of it and the best way for me to hear it,” she said.
Mass Appeal in Messiah Sing Along
Those hankering for a healthy dose of Handel will be happy to hear that a tradition at least four times as old as “Hallelujah Project” continues as Phillip McLendon conducts the 43rd Messiah Sing Along on December 16 at the First Presbyterian Church (21 E. Constance Ave.). As the event’s name suggests, community members are encouraged to join in with the orchestra singing the work that became a Christmas classic in a performance that serves as a benefit for Unity Shoppe.
This year’s soloists include local luminaries in soprano Nichole Dechaine, alto Katelyn Neumann, tenor Myron Aguilar, and Montecito-native bass opera star Evan Hughes. Visit https://unityshoppe.org/ways-to-give/seasonal-campaigns.
Fisher’s Showcase Graces the Granada
Grace Fisher’s annual Winter Music Showcase has become an entrenched highlight of the holiday calendar each December at the Granada. The event celebrates the season and the community through focusing on the diverse array of local talent in town, with boundary-crossing performances that mirror Fisher’s commitment to advance disability inclusion in the arts.
It’s a mission that has motivated Fisher since that fateful night in 2014 when a rare disease called acute flaccid myelitis turned the then high-school student into a quadriplegic. Fisher now uses a mouthstick to paint and write music, a passion since childhood. This year’s performers include the Santa Barbara Chamber Players, Jackson Gillies, Will Breman, The Waymarkers, Timo Nuñez’s Arte Flamenco Dance Studio, Chris Fossek and several others, plus the showcase debut of local favorite Michael McDonald. As always, funds raised at the eighth annual event on December 14 go to Fisher’s foundation, which supports the Inclusive Arts
Entertainment Page 434
The 43rd Messiah Sing Along benefitting Unity Shoppe is on December 16 at the First Presbyterian Church (courtesy photo)
who offered deeply personal stories – the kind rarely spoken aloud outside their own departments.
Santa Maria Police Chief Christopher Williams recounted witnessing a double murder-suicide early in his career, describing the moment he returned to his patrol car and cried alone because “it was taboo to show your emotions.”
Years later, as chief, he oversaw a case in which officers rushed to save a woman being fatally stabbed by her estranged husband. This time, in contrast, peer support and trauma teams were activated immediately, providing early intervention that did not exist decades earlier.
“That is largely due to what you do for us,” he told One805 supporters.
Guadalupe Police Chief and Fire Administrator Michael Cash described a devastating domestic-violence call early in his career that drove him to turn in his badge – at least temporarily – because he had no tools to process the trauma.
“It was the biggest dark hole I’ve ever seen in my life,” he said. Mental wellness programs, he stressed, are not just for the responder, but for every life they touch.
Undersheriff Craig Miller reinforced that county-provided mental wellness services, while well-intentioned, are often ill-suited for first responders because they lack cultural competence. Without specialists who understand emergency-service trauma, responders simply will not
seek help. “Without these services, we couldn’t do it,” added Lt. Jarrett Morris of the Sheriff’s Office, explaining that support is equally crucial for spouses and children, who absorb the unseen weight of their loved one’s service.
Why an Endowment and Why Now?
The evening was not just one of harrowing stories, and a celebratory moment was shared when Chief Neels presented One805’s Richard Weston-Smith and Kirsten Cavendish Weston-Smith with an honorary bell from the Fire Chiefs Association of Santa Barbara County.
Chief Neels adding, “The bell signifies in the fire service: the call to duty, the completion of an incident, and also the representation of what we call ‘Striking the Four Fives,’ when a firefighter dies in the line of duty. But for us here as fire chiefs, we want to recognize that you have brought new life into our fire agencies and to our families by having mental illness programs. So we appreciate it. On behalf of all the fire chiefs and all the firefighters that serve throughout the Santa Barbara County operational area, we’d like to present this bell to the One805 group. Thank you so much for all.”
The endowment model represents a major shift for One805, designed to
One805 staff and First Responder leaders came together to celebrate the launch of the One805 Mental Wellness Endowment fund (photo by Kim Byrnes)
Retiring Fire Chief Hartwig will join the One805 Mental Wellness Endowment Board (photo by Kim Byrnes)
One805 Page 524
805.879.9605
An Independent Mind Who Are We?
by Jeffrey Harding
Ijust finished watching Ken Burns’ The American Revolution. I urge you to watch it. Like everything he does (The Civil War, Vietnam, Baseball, Jazz, et cetera) it’s a deep dive into the subject. I thought I knew a lot about our nation’s founding but after watching his series on the Revolution I realize I knew far less than I thought I did about that war.
What was revealing was that the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) was just like any long, drawn out war: brutal, destructive, divisive, much slaughter, and featured both venal and honorable men. The waste of men on both sides, the destruction of homes, towns, and businesses. Loyalist brutality and Patriot brutality. The Patriot brutality to Native Americans. Our heroes were at the same time ordinary men with mankind’s many faults yet they were also heroes who managed to survive and win. By the end of the war the Patriot side lost maybe 35,000 men from battle, disease, starvation, or exposure. The British side lost about 25,000. When you get to the end of Burns’ series you learn that it that lived up to the saying that “war is hell.”
This is where we came from. First, the hard part: a brutal war of independence. The creation of a nation was the easier part. This is when the intellectuals who studied the Enlightenment took over: Madison, Morris, Hamilton, Jay, Franklin, Jefferson, and Paine. They took the ideas of Locke, Voltaire, Montesquieu, Hume, Smith, and Hobbes and wrote the Constitution and the Bill of Rights which embodied those ideals of limited government and individual freedom. We were the world’s first modern revolutionaries.
It wasn’t perfect but it launched the greatest, freest, most prosperous nation on the planet. I’m not forgetting slavery which survived as a compromise that enabled the formation of our country. It took another brutal war to correct that wrong.
I know many of you do know our history and the ideals upon which we were founded. But most Americans don’t. They should know that we are not just like any other country on the planet. There are reasons why we became the freest, most prosperous, and most powerful country. The colonists who came to America developed a culture of individualism and self-reliance because of the freedom of benign neglect from the British. They thrived. Jefferson called it “the pursuit of happiness.” The Constitution embodies that culture.
The current notion floating around today is that we are a divided nation. That
may be true politically. But as historians point out, there isn’t a period of time when we can look back to some Golden Age where everyone was in agreement about the way things were headed.
Those of you who have read my column for a while know that there are many things I am uniquely unhappy about: large ineffective government, tariffs, heavy-handed persecution of illegal immigrants, the concentration of executive power, the growing popularity of socialism, confiscatory taxes on wealth, etc., etc. We are free to argue about this.
But… there are things about our culture that endure regardless of partisanship. Alexis de Tocqueville, writing in the 1830s about our unique political experiment (Democracy in America), noted our individualism: our focus on our private life, our family, our self-reliance, a feeling of being equal to anyone, and our personal initiative. In Burns’ documentary, former British officers who came over to our side noted that their men, mostly volunteers, didn’t just follow orders like British soldiers, they had to explain the reason for the orders. I think this attitude still exists.
We have a culture and a political framework that allows us to do what we want. Government doesn’t order us; we make our own choices about our lives. This culture has unleashed the power of individual incentive and entrepreneurship which led to the prosperity that has uplifted us all. Without the rewards of our (mostly) capitalist system that incentivize entrepreneurial progress, we would be poorer and reliant on government (see, Europe).
Perfect we aren’t. But we are less imperfect than 99% of the rest of the world. That’s why those who have the initiative to escape poverty or autocracies flock here – because of the opportunity our system offers them.
We have gone through many political upheavals over the centuries, but despite that we are better off today than at any other time in our history. So, putting all the rancor aside, we continue to thrive and that’s who we Americans are and we need to fight to keep it that way.
Jeffrey Harding is a real estate investor and long-time resident of Montecito. He previously published a popular financial blog, The Daily Capitalist. He is a retired SBCC adjunct professor.
call for help because if you have a true emergency, the 911 system needs to be activated to get all the services necessary to send appropriate help,” she said.
Invaluable seconds are lost when failing to report an emergency to 911 directly.
A Regional Response
The Regional Fire Communications Center held an official ribbon-cutting operations on December 9, celebrating the first six months of successfully providing emergency dispatch services for Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Department, Montecito Fire Department, Santa Barbara City Fire Department, Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Lompoc Fire Department, Guadalupe Fire Department, and Santa Maria Fire Department.
Today, Jenkins serves as the training coordinator at the RFCC, coaching a robust team of emergency dispatchers.
“One of the greatest benefits of regionalization is that there are up to six dispatchers available to take calls at the RFCC, as opposed to the one dispatcher who was typically on duty in South Coast Dispatch at Montecito Fire,” Jenkins said.
RFCC dispatchers have enhanced capabilities to assign the closest available, most appropriate resources to respond to any emergency.
For example, if a medical emergency is reported on Coast Village Road within the City of Santa Barbara and a Montecito Fire engine is nearby, Montecito Fire will likely be dispatched to respond. This response is provided regardless of the location falling within Santa Barbara City Fire Department’s jurisdiction.
“The goal of eliminating department-specific boundaries is to ensure the public receives help as quickly as possible,” said Chief Neels. “This leads to better outcomes, whether it is a medical problem, traffic accident, vegetation fire or any other emergency incident. This has been the commitment of all the fire chiefs and their Boards or City Council leadership.”
When To Call 911 vs. Non-Emergency Line
If you are vacillating over whether to call 911, it probably means the situation warrants calling 911.
“Although 911 is intended strictly for emergency situations, we recognize that people may have varying interpretations of what constitutes an emergency. Our professional dispatchers are equipped to assess and determine the appropriate level of response for any situation,” Jenkins said. For calls to 911 that turn out not to be emergencies, Jenkins says RFCC dispatchers will still assist callers by redirecting them to the appropriate community resources.
“Our dispatchers prioritize calls in order of urgency by considering the impacts to life, property and the environment. For example, medical calls almost always take priority because they tend to be the most time-sensitive,” she said.
Similar to Montecito Fire’s business line, the RFCC also has a business line to handle non-emergency and administrative calls.
The RFCC’s non-emergency line is (805) 347-3911.
“If you come across an injured animal and don’t know who to call, or any situation where you recognize that help is needed but aren’t sure where to call, the RFCC non-emergency line is a good number to have in your contacts list,” Jenkins said.
After spending two decades answering calls from the Montecito community in South Coast Dispatch, Jenkins understands the bittersweetness over the change to the RFCC better than most.
“I had such mixed emotions the day that South Coast Dispatch closed,” she said. “Even though I always believed regional dispatch services were in the best interest of the community, Montecito Fire is a special family, and the community is a huge part of that.”
She hopes the community understands that this change is simply a relocation of the dispatch center for Montecito Fire. All subsequent changes are to the community’s benefit.
“Montecito Fire Department is still there and responding, it’s just that the community is calling dispatch at a different location,” she said. “With that, the responses are faster, the most appropriate equipment is on the way, and the community still receives high-quality service with expanded resources behindthe-scenes.”
Montecito Fire Department is proud to celebrate the early success of the RFCC and we look forward to bolstering our service to the community through this cohesive, capable and connected dispatch center for the fire departments in Santa Barbara County.
Sunday, December 21 & Monday Dec 22 10:00-4:00
Communication Dispatcher Becca Chanel answers a 911 call at the Regional Fire Communications Center (courtesy photo)
Body Wise
Hendrika de Vries New Memoir: An Inspiring Read for the Holidays
by Ann Brode
ur community knows Hendrika de Vries as a beloved therapist and professor of Depth Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. She is also a beautiful writer, gifting us with her second memoir Open Turns: From Dutch Girl to New Australian. This comingof-age book takes us from war-ravaged Europe to the outback of Australia and on to Adelaide, following young Henny as she finds a way to heal and belong again.
Ho Ho Ho & Fa La La
Anchored in her mother’s wisdom and her father’s love of fairytales and myths, Henny is encouraged to see beyond current hardships to the deeper meaning and possibilities of the future. This becomes her north star when she finds herself living under the Southern Cross. Everything is turned upside down – the seasons, the culture, the language. On her journey to finding herself and a sense of belonging, she’s challenged to conquer her insecurity and let her body lead her to back to familiar territory – swimming through the water with her award-winning breaststroke.
Her mother, a former athletic champion, told her, “Listen to your body and it will show you the way.” Hendrika remembers how that advice helped her “come home” to her own body when she took her first dive into the pool after a year of immigrant dislocation in the Australian mallee scrub bushland. This was the first of many magical moments when listening to her body led to insight and understanding. Whenever she felt unsure or vulnerable, remembering the strength she felt in her body, in the pool, gave her the courage to embrace the inevitable unknowns of growing up.
Reading this moving memoir not only reminds us to listen to our body, it reaffirms our compassion for people fleeing hardship and oppression, leaving everything behind to find a place to belong. In the midst of our own tumultuous times, Hendrika’s personal story of the refugee, the wanderer, and the warrior who – eventually – becomes the scholar, sage, and the healer is an inspiration to accept the challenges of finding our way back home. Writing it all down, Hendrika realized that finding her place, a place where she belonged, was a key theme in her healing journey. So often as a teenager and throughout her life, moving through water gave her a reference point, helping her feel a sense of belonging in her body, in her community, and in life. Today, listening to her body continues to give her insight and understanding. When she has a problem, she can swim it out. When she wants to compose a talk, it comes together in the pool. When she needs to chill out and center, the even rhythmic strokes of swimming through water become her Zen meditation. I love this beautiful quote about her experience swimming a long-distance race in the ocean:
“I felt myself merge with all things above and below me – not knowing where my body ended and the water began, my breathing in
tune with the air and in concert with all things living around me. A strange clarity permeated my mind. I was a part of all that transcended and held us together.”
As a professor of Mythological Studies at Pacifica, Hendrika encouraged her students to explore their personal myths, the narratives that help us perceive meaning and purpose in our life stories. In the writing of her memoir, she acknowledges the challenging aspects of writing about real events that happened decades earlier. Invoking Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory, mother of the muses, she reminds the reader that her story is guided by “the way the goddess of memory lives in the flesh and bones of a woman who has had a full, long life.”
About Hendrika de Vries
Hendrika has written two memoirs –When a Dog Became a Wolf and the Moon Broke Curfew and Open Turns: From Dutch Girl to New Amsterdam. Her experiences with oppression and resistance in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam; migration, competitive swimming, misogyny in 1950s’ Australia, and feminism in the U.S. infuse her writing with historical depth and personal wisdom. Over the years, she has been a guiding light to many in the Santa Barbara community as a family therapist and professor of Depth Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. Her books can be found at Chaucer’s, Tecolote, and on Amazon. A great gift for the holidays!
Ann Brode writes about living consciously in the body. She is the author of the book A Guide to Body Wisdom. Visit bodywisdomforlife.com for more information.
Hendrika de Vries is a therapist and professor of Depth Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute (courtesy photo)
Elizabeth’s Appraisals Middle Eastern Tile Design
by Elizabeth Stewart
Agreat find at our Goodwill Thrift shop on Carrillo Street in downtown Santa Barbara, FF sends me a shot of a ceramic tile, framed, with a delicate pastel decoration of stylized flowing foliage in a vase. This flowering tree is the Persian symbol for the Tree of Life, which offers connections between earth, heaven, and the afterlife, and the potential to burst into life. The flowers are the blessings of paradise (tranquility, fertility) and the tree is a cypress, the symbol of immortality. Note the pastel palette: light blue, green, and pink in Persian art suggest the tranquil side of Nature. The tree is abundance, prosperity and divine gifts. This image has a power that has spanned centuries and continents, as we shall see. The power behind this work is the cross fertilization of cultures. Something you don’t always expect to find at Goodwill.
Google Image Search offered amusing comparisons with other such tiles in other such places in the world: the tool showed me similar tiles in the UK’s Royal Collections Trust and tiles at a palace in Cuba, as well as the Wiki page of an artisan named Mohamed Boumehdi in Algeria. What do all these references have in common with this 3x2’ tile at the Goodwill Thrift last week?
The answer is the culture of al-Andalus: for seven centuries, the Iberian Peninsula and Islamic culture were inseparable. When Columbus arrived in Cuba on October 28, 1492, he claimed that Caribbean Island for Spain, and just a few months before Columbus landed, the mighty Granada, the last Muslim
State in the Iberian Peninsula, had fallen under the forces of the Spanish Christian monarchy. For seven centuries, Arab architecture, art, and artifacts, dance, and design had shaped the Spanish diaspora; we can see it on our streets here in Santa Barbara. The influence is a direct reference to Mudéjar architecture of the Iberian Peninsula; tall arched doorways, courtyards, fountains, tilled walls… we know them well.
FF’s tile is a wonderful artifact made in the 1980s by the Algeria master craftsman Mohamed Boumehdi, whose forebears, and then his progeny, carried on the tradition of Middle Eastern design in ceramic tile. Queen Elizabeth II was gifted almost this exact work of art upon her visit to Algeria in 1980 by Algerian President Bendjedid. That tile is in the Royal Collections Trust, where the facsimile of FF’s tile resides. If FF will look very closely at the bottom of his tile he may find the artist’s signature in Arabic. (Algerian Arabic has been the official language of Algeria since 1963). Look for that!
The connection with Cuban culture and FF’s tile is through the influence of Islam on the Iberian Peninsula, which came to the Caribbean with Columbus’ ships in 1492. If any of our readers has visited the Casa de los Arabes in old Havana, he or she might have seen a similar framed tile set into the walls of the enclosed courtyard there. The museum, like so many other buildings in Cuba, is redolent of Spanish Mudéjar architecture from Granada. (Our own Granada Theatre was designed by A.B. Rosenthal in the early 1920s in this SpanishMoorish influenced style, inspired by Granada, the Andalusian city in Spain, and the Alhambra Palace there.)
The palatial Museum of the Arabs in Cuba is set in a 17th century building with high Middle Eastern style doors, a central courtyard with a central fountain typical of the Moorish culture, and a peacock named Ali. The museum has showcased Cuban Arab heritage since 1983, a project originally undertaken by the City Historian’s Office and Fidel Castro. You will find such tiles in the Prayer Room, and in the 40-year-old Arab Union in Cuba, which represents the diaspora and descendants from the Middle East.
first and last names. Speaking to the Cuban ballet master, I learned that Arabs from Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria came to Cuba 1860-1920, bringing with them another wave of Arab culture, food and dance.
FF has a wonderful work of art in his tile, and the value may surprise him. If it is indeed a work by Mohamed Boumehdi, the value is $1,000.
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
I visited Cuba 10 years ago and, through an introduction from my past ballet teacher in Pittsburg, had dinner with a dance teacher there. I saw his school, the Lizt Alfonso Dance School, where a famous blend of Flamenco and Arab dance is taught. I learned that there are approximately 50,000 descendants of Arab migrants in Cuba and 1,000 variations of Arabic Latinized
Our 58th Season!
Local Artwork in Santa Barbara Since 1968
This flowering tree is the Persian symbol for the Tree of Life
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Darlene & Savelly Chirman/ Chirman Family Fund
Nan Marr & Jean-Michel Cousteau
Cinda Erdman
Chris & Diane Gabriel/ Gabriel Family Charitable Fund
William & Karen Gallivan, MD
Kris Green
Rob Martinsen & Marybeth Cook Hammond
Dorian Hirth
Stephanie & Ken Jamgochian
Gordon Krischer
Kathleen Lavidge
Lori Lewis
Karen Lynn-Lieb in honor of Kaila Lieb & Charlotte Hale
Mitchell Morehart
Susan Petrovich
HTO Dog Bag Program
Karen Yoon & Bruce Raph/ Town & Country Water Gardens, Inc.
Marsha & Al Roberson
Bryant & Elvira Rose
Jacob Tell
Roe Ann White
Tracey Willfong/ Willfong-Singh Family Fund in honor of Andrew Velikanje
Jay Winford
Hank Yeiser/ Johnson Charitable Gift Fund
$100-$249
Rosemary Alden
Robert Andre
Branden & Valerie Aroyan
Randall & Shelley Badat
Jude Bijou
Dianne Black
Manuela & Rob Cavaness/ Cavaness Health Insurance Solutions, Inc.
David, Jeannie & Roxy Clark in memory of Maxine Clark
Ralph Clevenger
Bob & Alea Cunningham in memory of Aye’la
John Cunningham
Steve Daniels
Steven Allaback & Cynthia Davis
Meg Miller & Dean Dawson in honor of Luke & Amelia
Karla Shelton & Bruce Dobrin
Matt & Karen Dodson
Tom Evans
Tomaso & Irene Falzone
William & Deborah Fisher
Wendy Foster
Jennifer Fry in memory of David Fry
Cliff & Nicola Ghersen
Lois Gunther/ Richard S. & Lois Gunther Fund-Jewish Community Foundation of LA
Hall & Anne Healy
Pamela Holst in honor of CA
Joe & Barbara Howell
Susanne Humbel-Heierling
Richard Hummel in honor of Ernestine Hummel
Alex Katz
Linda Krop
Kathleen Laurain
Lori Lenz in honor of CA
Sally Leon-Tondro
Jon & Sue Lewis/ Jon & Sue Lewis Charitable Fund
Vicky Linker in honor of CA
Sheila Lodge in honor of Hillary Hauser
John Lyon
Robert Magnuson, D.D.S.
Mike & Mary Lynn Mallen
Vesta McDermott in honor of Lt Col John A. McDermott
James F. Mitchell
Sally Mobraaten
George & Kim Morales
Douglas & Gretchen Murray
Marcie Musser
Pia Navarro
Christina Panos
Pauline Paulin
Linda & Fred Port
Valerie & David Powdrell
Lyn Price in honor of Emily Narissa Aldredge
Jerry McCormick-Ray
Peter Sawyer
Zach Gill & Jessica Scheeter
Pamela Scott
Donna & Benjamin Senauer
Judy Stewart
Brian Sylvia
Tom & Deb Trauntvein
Christy Venable in honor of John K. Venable III
Scott & Laurie Waters
Barbara Willett
Jeremy Wire in honor of Andrew Velikanje
Anna Ylvisaker
Caroline & Donald Young to $99
George & Betty Baffa
Norrine Besser
Marianne Bloom
Sally Bromfield
Andrew & Adrianne Davis/ The Davis 1992 Family Trust
Frances & Roger Davis
John & Marsha Elleston
Shannon Farrington
Rosemary Fatano
Tracy Fernandez & Hyla Fetler
Michael Furner
William Holmes in honor of Ralph Clevenger
Susan Levine
Lori Lynch
Virginia Mariposa in honor of Hercules
Michele Marquardt in honor of Keira & Stella’s 8th-Grade Class
Joanne Miles
Anne Neubauer
Lynne Sherman & William Paxson
Simone Reddingius
Craig & Merrie Rice
Nora Gallagher & Vincent Stanley
Valle Verde Resident Association in memory of Vera Chadd
Ruben & Irene Ynzunza
HTO thanks the Phyllis S. Poehler/Walter E. Stremel Charitable Trust, St. Paul, Minnesota, for the funds for our public outreach, including this tribute to our supporters.
Donations received between 1/1/2025 to 12/8/2025. Full donor list to be published in the HTO Annual Newsletter.
Week Three of our four-part Gift Guide is here! Have a look inside to find new times from your local vendors.
Silverhorn
The perfect gift can be hard to dream of… at Silverhorn, their experts can realize what is seen in the mind’s eye using the materials, rare gems, and old-world techniques needed to craft it. In Silverhorn’s Coast Village Road studio, design an unforgettable gift with exacting precision or discover one of their own creations in tourmaline, sapphire, diamond, and more. Since 1976, their award-winning team has crafted heirlooms that reflect individuality and imagination. For custom jewelry that marries artistry with enduring quality, Silverhorn stands apart.
SILVERHORN.COM | (805) 969-0442
Cards for Reformer Pilates and Warm Yoga Classes
Hand-painted
Olada Yoga + Pilates
ive the gift of movement and well-being with Olada Yoga + Pi- lates. Their warm yoga and reformer classes, curated boutique, and thoughtful wellness essentials create a joyful space for self-care. Gift cards, Splits59 athlei- sure and OSEA skincare make meaning- ful presents for anyone seeking balance and renewal this season.
OLADALIFE.COM
Italian Pottery Outlet
F rom 1982, the Italian Pottery Outlet has been family-owned and operated… scouring the Italian countryside each year and curating a standout collection of authentic ceramics, kitchenware, and so much more. Imported by the Spalluto family, each item feels as individual as the person receiving them.
ITALIANPOTTERY.COM | (805) 564-7655
Mountain Air Sports
Just steps from the sand, Mountain Air Sports brings 45 years of outdoor expertise to Santa Barbara’s holiday season. Fam- ily-owned and known for outstanding service, the shop curates high-quality apparel, travel staples, and ski/snow gear that fit our coastal-casual lifestyle. Whether gifting cozy layers, adventure upgrades, or winter toys, Mountain Air Sports makes every choice feel thoughtful and ready for the season ahead.
MOUNTAINAIRSPORTS.COM | (805) 962-0049
Stone Tables
Pink sapphire and Diamond Platinum Necklace
Dylan Casey Reversible Jacket
events turn treasure-hunting into a celebration – while Mov- ing Miss Daisy provides expert delivery and downsizing sup- port. Whether you’re gifting, collecting or refreshing your home for the season, you’ll find standout pieces and warm, reliable guidance every step of the way.
Enamel Honeybee Jewelry Box
Furniture Gallery by Mattress Mike
Every home shifts during the holidays – more guests, more gatherings, more reasons to upgrade the pieces that carry the season. Furniture Gallery by Mattress Mike is built for exactly that moment. Their huge showroom offers everything from sleeper sofas to dining sets, and Garret Gustason’s noncommission team helps cut through options fast. It’s a family business that understands how people actually live, especially in December. Need a last-minute guestroom fix? A dining table big enough for everyone? A cozy chair that becomes someone’s favorite place? This family-run shop has holiday solutions at every scale.
MATTRESSMIKESB.COM | (805) 685-4998
Art & Soul
AThe Yes Store
Santa Barbara tradition for decades, The Yes Store o ers a year-round gallery of handcrafted jewelry, glass, ce- ramics, woodworking, and leather goods. Its tightly curated mix of local-maker work means one thing: if you’re wonder- ing whether you can find the perfect gift for anyone… the answer is yes.
| (805) 966-9777
rt & Soul brings a vibrant, community-centered approach to contemporary art in Santa Barbara’s ARTS District. Showcasing both established and emerging voices, the gallery features coastal landscapes, bold abstracts, mixed media, and sculptural works. Founded by a mother-daughter team, monthly exhibitions and curated events invite visitors into the gallery for meaningful holiday gifting and soulful year-round engagement. ARTANDSOULSB.COM | (805) 724-2470
Daughter Bella DiBernardo and mother Kim McIntyre, founders
Honeydew Bamboo Sheets
Renaissance Fine Consignment
R
enaissance Fine Consignment offers a constantly re- freshed selection of designer fashion, fine jewelry, hand- bags, and accessories – each piece vetted for quality, style, and longevity. From luxury brands to vintage treasures, the bou- tique blends refined style with warm service and a beautifully curated atmosphere, making holiday shopping effortless, ele- gant, and sustainably chic.
RENAISSANCESB.COM | (805) 963-7800
Viva Oliva
iva Oliva is Santa Barbara’s destination for premium extra virgin olive oils, aged balsamic vinegars, and gourmet treats. From curated variety sets to handmade olive-wood pieces, it’s the place to build thoughtful gift baskets or find standout stocking stuffers. A flavorful way to elevate every kitchen during the holidays and beyond.
Santa Barbara Travel Bureau
S
anta Barbara Travel Bureau makes holiday gifting extraordinary with tailor-made travel and VIP Virtuoso benefits. Their expert team will help you plan a sun-drenched Caribbean adventure aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Xcel—a brand-new ship showcasing bold designs and vibrant new venues for unforgettable experiences both onboard and ashore. From families to couples to celebratory groups, every detail is crafted to feel seamless and personal.
SBTRAVEL.COM | (805) 966-3116
Chaucer’s Books
Step into Chaucer’s Books and you’re met with the comforting hush of pages, stacks of stories in every direction, and shelves brimming with 150,000 titles. A woman- and veteran-owned independent bookstore since 1974, Chaucer’s pairs deep selection with warm, expert guidance. Books, journals, puzzles, and gifts make it a joyful destination for holiday discoveries and finding something for the whole family.
CHAUCERSBOOKS.COM | (805) 682-6787
My Brilliant Friend Deluxe Quartet by Elena Ferrante
The Olive Oil & Vinegar Lover’s Cookbook
Christmas Motif Burlap Gift Bag
Gucci Crystal Cat Earrings
Chanel Two-Tone Enamel Necklace
gift of romantic travel
Peregrine Galleries
Walking into Peregrine feels like entering a private collection: the soft gleam of sterling silver, the buttery patina of vintage Chanel, the warm marbled tones of 1930s Bakelite. The assemblage of found treasures is not just from owner Marlene’s decades of travels, but the accumulation of rare finds, wandering eyes, and the clients’ trust in her unparallelled taste.
@PEREGRINEGALLERIES | (805) 252-9659
TALON
T ALON jewelry creates symbolic, deeply personal adornments inspired by ancient iconography and modern emotion. Designed by Emily Hirsch and hand- crafted in Ojai and Los Angeles, each piece carries mean- ing – whether a Sacred Heart, zodiac charm, or Vene- tian-glass phoenix. The perfect destination for gifts that feel intimate, intentional, and enduring.
TALONJEWELRY.COM
Coast 2 Coast
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Coast 2 Coast Collection remains a gem of La Arcada Plaza. The boutique o ers luxury tableware, jewelry, gifts, and home décor from iconic houses like Baccarat, Bernardaud, Christofle, Lalique, and Ginori. With expert assistance, complimentary gift wrap, and a beautifully curated atmosphere, it’s the perfect destination for holiday gifting, festive entertaining, and elegant registries.
Marley Confections
arley Confections celebrates the season with handmade chocolates inspired by local ingredients and coastal charm. From handcrafted confection collections to dark chocolate Ojai oranges, peppermint bark stars, and pistachio orange brittle, every treat is crafted in small batches with exceptional care. Thoughtful, elegant, and deeply delicious, their confections make perfect gifts for hosts, friends, and anyone who appreciates true holiday indulgence.
MARLEYCONFECTIONS.COM | (805) 727-3701
The Michael Aram Holiday Collection
Rare Federico Sterling Silver Necklace
Festive Chocolate Star in dark chocolate with almond and cherry inclusions.
Ruby Fleur Dangle Earrings
Belrose Estate Jewelers
Treasures from the past make unforgettable gifts, and every jewel at Belrose carries a life already lived – diamonds that once glowed by candlelight in the 1800s, bracelets that shimmered through exuberant Art Deco nights. Founded in 1967 and now led by second- and third-generation family jewelers, Belrose curates heirlooms with soul. Their Montecito boutique offers rare diamonds, vintage designer pieces, iconic watches, and collectible handbags, each chosen for its craftsmanship and character. For gifts that hold memory and meaning, Belrose remains a timeless destination.
Imagine Artful Things
magine Artful Things has been a Monte- cito landmark for those seeking the un- usual and beautiful since 1983. Inside you’ll discover contemporary apparel, jewelry, and furnishings – each piece thoughtfully selected. It’s the place where you go when you’re looking for something special.
Rain Jacket
Chanel Red Quilted Lambskin Handbag
Holiday Feast
All that shopping working up an appetite? Stop in for a quick nibble or plan a holiday feast at one of these festive eateries!
Private Chef William
Planning a party or hosting in the home? Wait, is Aunt Sue coming?
Chef William takes the guess and guests work out of the holiday equation with a re ned farm-to-table culinary experience, crafting personalized multi-course menus and bespoke catering.
PRIVATECHEFWILLIAM.COM
Holiday meals deserve a little sparkle, and opal restaurant and bar delivers it with a lively bistro feel and dishes full of color, comfort, and creativity. eir Eclectic California Cuisine ranges from wood- red pizzas to the signature lemongrass-crusted salmon, each crafted with care. Add a Wine Spectator-honored list and festive craft cocktails, and opal becomes a joyful downtown destination all season long.
OPALRESTAURANTANDBAR.COM | (805) 966-9676 each crafted with care. Add a Wine Spectator-honored list and festive craft
People dine out during the holidays to savor tradition without the stress — and Ca’Dario serves this on crisp linens and ne dishware. With rich Northern Italian dishes crafted from imported ingredients and local produce, Chef Dario Furlati creates meals worthy of winter celebrations. Add a thoughtful Italian wine list and four welcoming locations, and every holiday gathering becomes easier, warmer, and wonderfully memorable.
CADARIORESTAURANTS.COM | (805) 884-9419
Caramel Rum-poached Pears
Seared Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta
Sella D’agnello
Lucky’s
Lucky’s has long been woven into Montecito’s everyday rhythm, making it a nat- ural place for holiday traditions to unfold. The iconic steakhouse atmosphere – bustling bar, white-linen polish, and old-school hospitality – sets the tone for cele- bratory meals. Take a regular meetup and make it a memorable one this season. Guests return for favorites like Dover sole, prime porterhouse, and the Grand Marnier soufflé, savoring the comfort of familiar flavors made festive. At Lucky’s, holiday dinners feel both special and reassuringly classic with familiar dishes and faces at hand.
LUCKYS-STEAKHOUSE.COM | (805) 565-7540
Lilac Montecito
Lilac brings holiday dining to life with bold avors, seasonal ingredients, and a stylish, welcoming ambiance. From winter-bright oysters to maple-roasted squash, hearty coq au vin, and a decadent pecan pie, every dish feels crafted for celebration. Whether you’re lingering over brunch or settling in for a cozy dinner, Lilac makes festive meals feel e ortless and beautifully elevated.
LILACMONTECITO.COM | (805) 845-2457
S can here for all of your holiday feasting needs!
The Romanian Steak
Pecan Pie
people – in addition to obviously all the geeky stuff that we do as engineers.”
President Gayle D. Beebe, who announced the winners of the competition, congratulated the competitors and donated $2,500 to the engineering program.
Museum Hosts Event with Local Artists
Local artists Dane Goodman and Dug Uyesaka will speak about their works in the current exhibition on Monday, Dec. 15, from 4-5 pm in the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art. The event, which includes refreshments, is free and open to the public.
“As accomplished artists across a breadth of media, Goodman and Uyesaka will share about their respective works and insights into the processes of sculpture and printmaking,” says Chris Rupp, interim museum director.
Goodman, who works in a broad range of media and scale, from installations to printmaking to handheld sculptures, received the County of Santa Barbara Individual Artist Award. He has twice been a panelist for the National Endowment of the Arts, Washington, D.C.
Uyesaka, who grew up as a third-generation Japanese American in the San Joaquin Valley, came to Santa Barbara to earn a bachelor’s degree in art from UC Santa Barbara in 1975. He has been a steady contributor to the local art scene ever since, and has served as an art instructor at Laguna Blanca School since 2000.
Between Planes: Exploring Sculpture Through Print is open through Dec. 20
New STUNT Program Announced
The nation’s fastest-growing female sport comes to Westmont in fall 2026. Since its NCAA Division II debut as an emerging sport in 2023, STUNT has blended the athleticism of cheer, dance and gymnastics into a high-impact competition celebrating teamwork, precision and power.
“We’re excited to create another thriving athletic program that attracts amazing student-athletes who want to succeed at Westmont,” says Athletic Director Robert Ruiz. “We can become a strong regional competitor and take it to the highest level of NCAA DII.” Learn more at westmont.edu/stunt
Curator’s Choice
This is not a craft project; it’s a natural defense! As they go through life, marine snails in the genus Xenophora adhere things to their shells, presumably making them harder to eat and maybe even harder to identify as a potential meal. The one at lower right includes the long, straight spine of a sea urchin and the tusk-shaped shells of scaphopods (a lesser-known mollusk). The one at upper right has a spongey protuberance that’s actually one sponge atop another, and the one at lower left makes use of wood and a tubeworm casing. They all incorporate the shells of other snails, and the two at upper left include shells of bivalves, too. Shared by Associate Curator of Invertebrate Zoology Vanessa Delnavaz, MA, they’re among millions of shells preserved in the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s collections.
With the holidays on the horizon, it’s a great time to share the joy of discovery with friends and loved ones. Give the gift of membership to the Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.
Carrier shells and their collections
The fast-growing sport of STUNT begins fall 2026 at Westmont
Foraging Thyme Sugar Snap Peas
by Melissa Petitto
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 small, sweet onion, sliced
FRESHLY
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM D’ANGELO BREAD
SUNDAY THRU THURSDAY 7:30 AM - 10:00 PM
SUNDAY THRU THURSDAY AM - PM 7:0010:00
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AM7:0012:00AM
y daughter waits all year for sugar snap pea season, the perfect sweet and crunchy snack. The sugar snap pea is a hybrid of snow peas and garden peas, known for their plump, edible pods, low glycemic index value, and nutritional benefits. Sugar snap peas are a great source of vitamin C, which is incredible for our immune function, helps with wound healing, plays a role in controlling infections, is an antioxidant, supports the production of collagen, stimulates the activity of white blood cells, and helps to make sure certain hormones get delivered to the brain and nerves. This pea is also a good source of iron which helps produce hemoglobin, helps produce myoglobin, and is needed to make particular hormones. A good source of vitamin K is needed to help make proteins for blood clotting and building bones and bone health. Lastly, the pod and pea are a great source of fiber which aids in digestion, is good for heart health, helps with weight management, helps control blood sugar, and plays a beneficial role in our gut microbiome. Sugar snap peas are so versatile, whether eaten raw, cooked, in salads, or as a side dish. Let’s make something delicious!
Gochujang Tofu and Sugar Snap Peas
¼ cup coconut brown sugar
¼ cup tamari sauce
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
½ teaspoon fresh grated ginger root
1 tablespoon gochujang
1 – 15 ounce high protein firm tofu, drained and patted dry
2 garlic cloves, minced
12 ounces sugar snap peas, strings removed
Sesame seeds
Cooked rice
Directions:
1. Combine the coconut brown sugar, tamari, sesame oil, ginger, and gochujang in a bowl. Whisk to combine and set aside.
2. Use your hands and break apart the tofu into bite sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle with the cornstarch and toss to coat.
3. In a large sauté pan over medium high heat, add the oil. Once hot, add the tofu in a single layer and sauté until browned on all sides, this should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
4. Add in the onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes more.
5. Lower the heat to medium, add the sugar snap peas with 1 tablespoon of water. Cover and steam for 1 minute.
6. Remove the lid, pour in the sauce and cook until the sauce starts to caramelize and coats the tofu.
7. Serve over hot rice with sesame seeds.
Melissa Petitto, R.D., is an executive chef and co-founder at Thymeless My Chef SB, was a celebrity personal chef for 16 years, just finished her 10th cookbook, and is an expert on nutrition and wellness.
The crunch of sugar snap peas always satisfies (photo by Brianga via Wikimedia Commons)
Clubhouse in La Cumbre Plaza. I spoke briefly with Grace about the Showcase.
Q. What’s new from you in this year’s holiday show?
A. I have a new original piece of music, and I just decided on a title yesterday, which drives my parents crazy because I’ve had the whole year to figure it out. It’s called “Light in Motion,” and it came from someone suggesting I write about how Disneyland makes me feel. For me, it’s like stepping into a world of fantasy and getting outside of the reality that we live in. Although I didn’t write it with dancers in mind, I love combining different art forms, so I invited some dancers from the State Street Ballet Academy to dance while it’s being played. I also have a new painting that will be up for sale. It will be featured on the backdrop of the stage, which is really cool.
Michael McDonald is playing the show for the first time. How did you guys connect?
We were talking with Kenny Loggins, but he was unable to commit, but then said, “I’ve got this friend Michael McDonald who might do it.” I reached out and he said sure. It’s very exciting to be able to feature an artist that big, and he’s just been so gracious with his time and his attitude.
As always, you have many returning guests, a lot of whom were your friends and colleagues growing up, even though your world has expanded a lot since then. How is the Foundation connecting with people from your high school peer group?
I’m coming up on my 10-year high school reunion, but it’s always great to get these people together again. We used to have the singers in the Madrigals when I was there, but it’s hard to wrangle my high school friends to pull something together all these years later, but they might make a return appearance this year. Former Madrigal and Class President William Belfiore has been named general manager of the new Santa Barbara News-Press and there are some others around. We also have a new group in The Waymarkers, the new group from Adam Phillips [the leader of Santa Barbara Folk Orchestra who sings and plays bagpipes, whistles and acoustic guitar]. His sister was my first piano teacher, so it’s great to be able to work with them.
You’re incredibly busy with all the creating you do and running the clubhouse. What keeps you going, especially with how painstaking it is to use the mouthstick for anything physical?
Every note that I write is very intentional because it’s like I do it one note at a time. But while my disability definitely makes things harder and take longer, I also have the time to be able to commit and devote a whole day towards writing music, for example. I do experience a little bit of burnout, but that’s why I have multiple things in my life to be able to balance and switch to working on a painting or going to the clubhouse and doing more of the mindless administrative work of the foundation. People don’t realize how resilient we are until you’re put in a situation like this. There’s a life beyond any challenge that you might be facing.
Last year you received an Access/VSA Emerging Young Artist award from Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Just last month, you were named a Local Hero by the Santa Barbara Independent, not to mention a profile in MJ’s just-out 2026 Giving List book. How does all that recognition feel for you?
I don’t strive to get awards, but it’s nice to be recognized for the hard work that I put in. The Local Hero was great, to be honored next to John Palminteri and all these iconic figures in Santa Barbara. It’s definitely encouraging. With each piece of artwork that I make, with each piece of music that I write, I feel like there’s so much more potential for me to get better. [Recognition] just makes me want to create even more and get things out there.
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For over 25 years, opal restaurant and bar’s wine list has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, and was runner up this year for Best Santa Barbara Wine List in a local reader’s poll. With over 200 selections sourced both locally and from all the major wine regions of the world, opal’s diverse wine list ensures there is a wine for every occasion, and with over 40 exceptional wines by the glass, each guest at every table can comfortably choose a unique wine to suit their dish or preference if no group wine is chosen.
So the next time you want to wine and dine, opal has both the wine and the dine covered for you! Open 7 nights a week from 5pm.
Located downtown in the ARTS District, near theaters and shopping, with easy parking.
e Ca’Dario family wishes you a Happy Holiday & Prosperous New Year!
Chef Dario Furlati
serving our full menu with Traditional Italian Christmas Eve Specials in Montecito, Santa Barbara, and Goleta.
Serving dinner from 4pm to 9:30pm Xmas Eve Closed 12/25/2025
To view our holiday menu or make reservations, please visit: cadariorestaurants.com or call 805-884-9419 Takeout and delivery will not be available on this day. Gift Cards Available Montecito 1187 Coast Village Road Santa Barbara 37 E. Victoria Street Goleta 250 Storke Road
Grace Fisher’s annual Winter Music Showcase will be at the Granada on Dec. 14 (courtesy photo)
Huston
Harkens Back to Half a Century of Festival’s ‘Cracker
The beloved holiday ballet chestnut The Nutcracker is a fantasy tale of a young girl named Clara, who, after receiving a toy nutcracker from her godfather at a Christmas party, imagines an enchanted journey where her toy turns into a prince to take her to a magical land full of overgrown rats, a Sugar Plum Fairy, dancing snowflakes and other sweet treats in a candy-filled realm. Festival Ballet’s long-running production of The Nutcracker reaches its golden anniversary this weekend, the 50th year – a remarkable achievement considering the ballet has only been performed in the U.S. for 80 years.
In fact, Festival Ballet’s presentation is one of the longest continuously running (save for the pandemic) productions of the classic in the country.
But perhaps even more fantastical is the full-circle story of Valerie Huston, the longtime UCSB dance professor and co-director of Festival Ballet’s Nutcracker. It turns out that Huston started taking dance classes as a young child in the San Francisco Bay Area with former Kirov dancer Olga Ziceva, who later hired Robert and Carol Hanlin to teach and choreograph. The latter two moved to Goleta in the late 1960s and later founded Festival Ballet.
Huston created a new Arabian pas de deux for Festival’s Nutcracker in the late 2000s and has continued to be involved in the school.
“I started with Ziceva when I was five years old, and here I am, ancient now, still teaching and choreographing for The Nutcracker,” she said.
Huston’s contributions include a new “Star Journey” that takes place during the music that opens Act II, which Huston called the production’s “most unusual piece.”
“In my imagination, Clara and the Prince get to the kingdom of the sweets through the stars,” she said. “There’s a big star drop which is brightly illuminated. It really improves the segue.”
Innovations are exciting, but Festival’s Nutcracker is still a very traditional offering, relying largely on the work’s timeless appeal.
“Tchaikovsky’s score is some of the most beautiful music he ever wrote, with pieces that are just incredible,” Huston said. “The theme of a young person coming into maturity, the magic of the imagination, and the magic of love all come into play.”
Santa Barbara’s first ever Dental Hygiene Practice. Cleanings, Imaging + Whitening in a spa-like setting.
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It doesn’t hurt that Festival’s version features a strong quartet of guest stars augmenting the 75-100 person cast which includes professionals, the school’s students, community members, and others. Misa Kuranaga of San Francisco Ballet, Angelo Greco of Houston Ballet, and Dance Theatre of Harlem stars Alexandra Hutchinson and Kouadio Davis are all back to dance feature roles, bringing a balance of precision and emotion to the world of fantasy.
Elise Unruh, the retired Carpinteria music teacher and band leader who was co-founded of Santa Barbara Civic Light Opera, continues her decades-long position conducting the live orchestra, and the stage, as always, is lavishly decorated with spectacular sets, while the costumes are the envy of anyone’s closet. The tradition of delighting generations of local youngsters and their families with the magical tales full of splendor and wonder takes over the Arlington for three performances December 13-14, launching the legacy into its next 50 years.
“Very few dance companies survive even 25 years,” Huston said. “We’ve done well. We’re not giving up.”
Meghan Webley, RDHAP
Misa Kuranaga and Angelo Greco return for The Nutcracker’s golden anniversary this weekend (photo by Fritz Olenberger Photography)
Annual Holiday Religious Services, Santa Visits and More!
December 15-22 – Hanukkah, The Festival of Lights, celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple. December 21 – Yule which celebrates the winter solstice and the rebirth of the sun.
December 25 – Christmas which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
Hanukkah
Menorah Lightings
- Chabad of Montecito, public service at Upper Village Green; Rabbi Chaim Loschak
December 16, 5 pm Menorah Lighting, Upper Village Green outside: open to all denominations. Latkes, donuts, music, Dreidel man, crafts, entertainment. 411: www.jewishmontecito.org
- Rosewood Miramar Beach,1759 S. Jameson Lane, Montecito. Menorah Lighting December 14 through December 22, 5 pm each day, lobby area. Enjoy delicious treats, the lighting of the Menorah, and stories of hope and resilience in a festive atmosphere that welcomes all to share in the tradition. Free.
Christmas Time
Festivities
- Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church,1300 East Valley Road; Fr. Lawrence Seyer, Pastor. Christmas Eve Masses: 4 pm and 9 pm (no midnight mass)
Christmas Day Masses: 8 am, 10 am, and 12 pm noon
New Year’s Day Solemnity of Mary Mass: 9 am 411: www.mtcarmelsb.com/index.cfm
- Montecito Covenant Church, 671 Cold Spring Road; Mark Seversen, Lead Pastor.
December 6, 10 am-12 pm: Women’s Christmas Tea
December 12, 7-9 pm Jesus the Newborn King Christmas Concert
December 15, 6:30-9 pm: TREYL Christmas Concert
Christmas Eve Services: 5-6:30 pm
Christmas Eve Cookies and Carols: 5 pm 411: www.mcchurch.org
- El Montecito Presbyterian Church, 1455 East Valley Road; Pastor Rev. Tom Haugen
December 11, 11:45 am: Joy Reflected
Luncheon, Fellowship Hall Westmont College
December 24: Candlelight Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols, 3 and 5 pm 411: https://elmopres.org
December 14, 10 am: Advent Lessons, Carols and Greening of the Church
Christmas Eve, 3 pm: Family Service
Christmas Eve, 8 pm: Traditional Christmas Eve Choral Eucharist and Candle Lighting
Christmas Day, 10:30 am: Lessons & Carols Eucharist Service and Christmas lunch 411: https://allsaintsbythesea.org
- Vedanta Temple, 927 Ladera Lane
Christmas Eve Vespers and Christmas Carols, 6-7 pm
Christmas Day Christ Puja, 12-1 pm
New Year’s Eve Meditations, 11:30 pm- New Year’s Day 12 am 411: https://vedanta.org/santa-barbara-temple
Holiday Concerts and Santa Visits
San Ysidro Ranch: Magical Afternoon Tea on December 14 and 20; Christmas Day Dinner from 12-8 pm; Festive Cocktails Holiday Cheer in the Speakeasy Lounge, every night through NYE. 411: www.sanysidroranch.com
Cold Spring School: December 12, 10:30 am and 11 am; Annual Winter Sing Concert, school auditorium.
Laguna Blanca School: December 11, 5:30-8 pm; Annual Winter Concert at the Music Academy of the West.
Montecito Country Mart: December 13 and 20, 11 am – 2 pm; Santa time with photo op at the Mart.
Ritz-Carlton Bacara: December 23 to 25, 4-5 pm
December 23, 1:30-4 pm: Music Academy of the West Caroling December 23, 4-5 pm: Story time with Santa 411: www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/sbarz-the-ritzcarlton-bacara-santa-barbara/overview/festive
Joanne A Calitri is a professional international photographer and journalist. Contact her at: artraks@ yahoo.com
raiser which took place for its 4th year at the Rosewood Miramar Beach on Saturday, November 29 was a huge success. This year saw 230 guests dressed in their holiday best bidding on 103 handmade gift baskets. The event founded by Claudia Lash and Pat Lupo has raised over $400,000 in the past eight years for the St. Vincent’s Family Strengthening Program. Established in 1996, this program helps homeless single mothers and their children build independent and thriving futures.
The event started with a coffee and tea reception in the grand ballrooms and outdoor patio, allowing for an hour of silent auction bidding on the gift baskets, friendship hugs, and photo ops. A sit-down luncheon followed with the formal program.
The Masters of Ceremonies were our own Emmy, Edward R. Murrow, and Golden Mike award-winning News Channel 3 -12 reporter and weekend anchor, Tracy Lehr, in a lovely blue sequined tea dress and the ever-enthusiastic upbeat Drew “Mr. Santa Barbara” Wakefield. They thanked the presenting sponsor Claudia Lash, the Honoree Sponsor Pat Lupo, and primary sponsors American Riviera Bank and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation.
Wakefield introduced Sr. Arthur Gordon who gave the blessing. Next,
he introduced St. Vincent’s Executive Director Rosa Paredes, who thanked the attendees for their support, along with Lash, Lupo and her St. Vincent’s team. Paredes, “For nearly 30 years, our Family Strengthening Program has proven that with comprehensive support, even the most vulnerable families can transform their lives. This isn’t about temporary fixes, it’s about building foundations. Women like Alicia and Elizabeth, who have been in our program and who will speak today, represent everything we believe about human potential. Alicia’s journey from program participant to staff member is particularly powerful, she knows firsthand what our mothers face because she lived it. Elizabeth’s dedication to reaching her goals while in our program has demonstrated her strength and she has become a mentor for others in the program. Both their sto-
ries are inspirational to us.”
The keynote speakers were two women from the Family Strengthening Program. One, already graduated from it, who is now a leader at the program. She was recognized for her experience and hands on guidance to lead others who were like her. The second woman is still in the program and realizing her dream of a college education.
For the fashion show this year we were treated to former Armani designer Mary Beth Larkin who presented six models wearing a selection of her women’s curated outfits. Larkin generously gave a discount for event attendees at her (IN)LARKIN boutique in Los Olivos. Children’s fashions were provided by Amber Lease’s Wildflower Women’s Boutique – Sandbox Kids, and modeled by the children of the mothers in the Family Strengthening Program.
VIPs seen at the event included the
Daughters of Charity – Sister Joyce Weller (Los Angeles), Sister Arthur Gordon (Los Altos), Sister Rocio Briones (Santa Barbara), Sister Oanh Tran (Santa Barbara), Sister Paule Freeburg (Bay Area), Sister Lisa Laguna (Los Angeles), and Sister Jessica Ramirez (Los Angeles); Fr. Dan Lackie OFM, Fr. John Hardin OFM, Fr. Larry Gosselin OFM, Rev. Dennis Holtschneider, CM; Fr. Joseph Williams CM, and David Nygren
Tracy Lehr, Rosa Paredes, Pat Lupo, Claudia Lash, and Drew Wakefield (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
Usually present at the event is the Borgatello family. This year they instead donated two tables to the women and their children who are in the Family Strengthening Program. Lash’s niece, Trina Phillips came up from Los Angeles and contributed 17 of the 103 gift baskets. Parades’ team at the event included newly appointed Director of Development Gladis Barboza, Archivist Sergey Salushchev, and PR Director Annette Shimada. Volunteers greeting guests and helping with the pick-up of the gift baskets for the winning bidders were students from Bishop Diego High School.
As we go to press, St. Vincent’s is happy to report the event has raised over $100,000. Donations are still being accepted, link in 411. 411: www.stvincents-sb.org
And that’s a wrap till next week! Do email me if you have society news or an experience we can do together! Xx JAC
Kid models at the St. Vincent’s Fashion show with Tracy Lehr (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
Event sponsor Tino Muñoz with Sister Arthur Gordon, Sister Maria and Sister Paule (photo by Joanne A Calitri)
question inserted at this juncture to tease a smallish historical capsule…)
The Greek Language and Christ(mas)
We can thank Alexander the Great for this weekend’s concert. In the wake of his death in 323 BCE, the legendary Macedonian’s overcaffeinated world-conquering would make Greek the common language of the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.
So it is that while the Bible’s Old Testament was written in Hebrew (with a couple of isolated Aramaic exceptions), any student scholar of the New Testament will tell you their headachy homework is in Greek. It seems the early Christian movement’s earnest PR machine quite sensibly used that
region’s lingua franca to get the Word out. “Greek Christmas” isn’t anomalous, it goes directly to Christmas’ historical origins.
Sounds and Stories of Greek Christmas will take lucky attendees straight to the middle of the riddle, featuring a rich blend of traditional Christmas music, rarely performed Byzantine hymns, and Greek holiday carols. What we’re all in for is a festive, culturally vibrant, and historically exalting celebration of the season. It doesn’t hurt that the concert will be followed by a brief reception where will be found joyous post-concert hubbub and traditional Christmas goodies. How might Xeni typically prepare for a vocally arduous, full-on performance?
“I have a multi-step process. I start with highlighting my lines and translating my score if it isn’t in a language I already speak, and generally as I do that I am listening to it so I can familiarize myself with the piece as a whole. Then I like to speak my text as though it’s a written script. I then speak it in rhythm, and then I add in pitches. It’s a lot of silent work at the beginning, but I find that if you do all that preparation, then adding in the actual notes becomes much, much easier! Then for final touches I run the role with trusted coaches and my voice teacher.”
Concert presenters Santa Barbara Chapter of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) and Opera Santa Barbara will see to it that this 4th annual performance of Sounds and Stories of Greek Christmas benefits community support efforts – which include providing college scholarships and sponsoring community cultural events.
Xeni for Your Thoughts
In another setting, Xeni Tziouvaras has described herself as a ‘ born & raised Southern California girl with strong Greek roots and a love for all things caffeinated, sunny & musical…’ Her rich mezzo-soprano pipes, evocative theatricality, and globe-trotting tour schedule – Venice, Florence, Halifax, Mallorca, Palm Springs, Carnegie Hall(!) – would seem to belie the singer’s sunny SoCal Gal demeanor. How fantastic is this juxtaposition?
Xeni has shared the stage with Plácido Domingo , worked with legendary conductors James Conlon and Zubin Mehta , and performs in French, Italian, German, English, and Greek. Add to those intimidating beaux-arts asterisks Xeni’s having won recent First Prize in Santa Barbara’s Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation Awards. Okay? Xeni Tziouvaras is Santa Barbara’s approachable, humor-
filled ambassador to the international proscenium. Oh, and speaking of heart-seizing operatic gestures, there is one other thing. Xeni?
The One Other Thing
“I’m getting married! My fiancé’s name is Xavier, but I call him Xave. He’s also an opera singer, a tenor, and we actually met shortly after I moved to Florence in 2020 as we were working together! He is not only a huge talent and has his own impressive career, having sung in major venues all over the UK and Europe – he is British – but has been my most steadfast confidant and support system.
“He comes from a musical family; his dad was also a professional tenor, so it is really wonderful to have their support and understanding of the craft as well. We’ll be getting married in a traditional Greek Orthodox wedding, IN GREECE! It won’t be until summer of 2027, but the planning has already begun, and we are incredibly excited!” …and…curtain
Sounds and Stories of a Greek Christmas Dec. 13 from 3 pm to 4:30 pm
Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church 1205 San Antonio Creek Road Santa Barbara, CA 93111 For more info and tickets go to tinyurl.com/XENICHRISTMAS
Jeff Wing is a journalist, raconteur, autodidact, and polysyllable enthusiast. He has been writing about Montecito and environs since before some people were born. He can be reached at jeff@ montecitojournal.net
Ready for her follow spot at Florence’s Teatro Goldoni (photo by Michele Monasta)
Xeni as Mercedes in the Maggio Musicale production of Carmen, Zubin Mehta conducting (photo by Michele Monasta)
In Passing
Llewellyn “Llew” Goodfield Jr.:
January 18, 1938 – November 29, 2025
Llewellyn “Llew” Goodfield Jr., devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, community leader, and proud descendant of Santa Barbara’s historic Rogers family, passed away peacefully on November 29th, surrounded by family.
Born in 1938 to Llewellyn Goodfield (1902–1989) and Catherine Mabel Rogers Goodfield (1912–2006), Llew was the first of two sons, spending his early years in Santa Barbara with his brother Dr. David (Annie) Goodfield. When Llew was ten years old, the family moved to their property known as Ivy Oaks, in Carpinteria. He and his brother grew up at Ivy Oaks, helping their father to plant the original avocado orchard while they attended Carpinteria High School, where David would later serve as Principal.
One of Llew’s greatest childhood adventures was participating in the 1950 Boy Scout Jamboree. At 12 years old, he traveled by train across the country to Valley Forge, PA, for the event and remembered it fondly as a highlight of his youth. Later, as a Carpinteria High School Warrior, Llew earned the title of Most Outstanding Student Athlete in the class of 1956. His accomplishments include, in Football –three Varsity letters, Most Valuable Warrior Lineman, Team Captain, and Co-Player of the Year for the Tri-Valley League. In Basketball – three Varsity Letters, and Most Valuable Player. In Track – two Varsity Letters. He was elected as both Class President and ASB President.
After high school, Llew and buddy David Benedict took a ship from San Francisco to Hawaii and spent the next year surfing their way around the islands. When he returned to Carpinteria, he considered entering the Air Force until his brother’s sage advice steered him to the Marine Corps. From 1957 to 1959, Llew served aboard the USS Los Angeles, completing two tours of the Pacific, and a memorable week stationed on the back side of San Clemente Island, directing naval gunfire from the USS
Los Angeles. He married Helen Prince upon his return to Camp Pendleton. With Helen, he welcomed four children:
– Francie (Peter) Lufkin and their son Jack.
– Leslie Goodfield, who passed away in 1996.
– Arlene Goodfield (Rod Wilske) and children, Joe and Dana.
– Bruce (Kerry) Goodfield and their children, Keelen, Quinn, and Reilly (Jake) Craig, grandchildren Nixon and Levi, and baby Weston, due in December.
After the Marines, Llew attended Santa Barbara City College, where he earned many honors playing football alongside his brother David. He received scholarship offers to continue his football career but chose instead to focus on his education. He next attended Long Beach State, where he earned a degree in Economics. After graduation, he returned to Santa Barbara to work at the family furniture store, Rogers Furniture, on State Street, until its closure in 1968. He then moved the family to Newport Beach to begin a career
in shopping center development and management. While in Orange County, Llew worked for the Irvine Company, managing Fashion Island, and then for the Segerstrom Family, managing South Coast Village. He then moved on to manage projects in Seattle, WA, and Sun Valley, ID, before returning to Newport Beach. There, he met the love of his life, Marilyn Campbell. Llew and Marilyn were wed in 1976 and, in 1978, welcomed their son, Graham (Hannah) Goodfield. Graham and Hannah have two children, Hugo and Darlah.
In 1980, Llew fulfilled his dream of returning home to Ivy Oaks, where he and Marilyn converted the old barn on the property into their family home. He formed the Goodfield Corporation in 1985 and continued to develop and manage commercial properties in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, including the historic Rogers Furniture building on State Street, now leased to Apple Inc.
Llew was deeply committed to community service. He served as President of the Santa Barbara University Club and the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, as a board member of the Carpinteria Historical Museum and the Carpinteria High School Boosters. He and Marilyn both sat on the Santa Cruz Island Foundation’s advisory committee. In 1996, during his term as Commodore of the Santa Barbara Yacht Club, he helped secure the Marina One guest dock for visiting sailors, oversaw construction of the club’s elevator, and contributed significantly to the research and writing of the Club’s official history book.
A lifelong sailor, Llew, together with Marilyn, spent many years aboard their cherished boat, Gypsea, sailing from San Francisco Bay to the Sea of Cortez and beyond. They shared the rare honor of visiting all eight Channel Islands, and in 1999, Llew was inducted as member #57 of the Santa Cruz Island Foundation’s
All 8 Club. He was also a proud member of the Santa Barbara Trail Riders, embracing the cowboy spirit with the same enthusiasm he brought to sailing. Later in life, Llew traded his sailboat for a tennis court he built in the family orchard, where he played spirited doubles several times a week. The Warrior Lunch Group was formed in 2010 with his brother, Dr. David Goodfield, and childhood buddies, Serge Morales, Martin Panizzon, and Lou Panizzon. Friends knew him as “Big Llewie,” a man whose booming laugh, twinkling eyes, and warm presence made every gathering brighter. A Marine, sailor, athlete, horseman, storyteller, steward of history, and true gentleman, Llew lived life with curiosity, loyalty, and an unwavering love of family, friends, and home. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his brother, nieces and nephews, and many Goodfield and Rogers cousins.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Santa Barbara Youth Sailing Foundation – sbysf.org or Semper Fi & America’s Fund –thefund.org
Llewellyn “Llew” Goodfield Jr., January 18, 1938 – November 29, 2025
After high school, Llew and his buddy spent the next year surfing their way around the islands
Recording Requested by Thyne Berglund & Co.
After Recording Return to Brock K. Berglund
Thyne Berglund & Co.
1290 Coast Village Rd., Ste 200 Montecito, CA 93108
APN: 023-172-010
(Space above for recorder’s use)
TS#:CA25-081301
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE
YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED JUNE 5, 2024. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.
Notice is hereby given that on Friday, December 26, 2025, at 12 :00 pm under the atrium on the southwest side of the Superior Court of California County of Santa Barbara at 1100 Anacapa St, in the City of Santa Barbara, County of Santa Barbara, State of California, Thyne Berglund & Co., Trustee, whose street address is 1290 Coast Village Rd. Montecito, California 93108, and whose telephone number is (805) 330-3215, will sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, the real property described below.
The real property is located in the City of Santa Barbara, County of Santa Barbara, State of California. It is commonly described as 827 Cheltenham Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. The county assessor parcel number for the property is: 023-172-010 The following is the legal description of the property:
LOT 84 OF MISSION CANYON HEIGHTS, IN THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AS PER MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 20, PAGE 37 OF MAPS, IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY, AND FURTHER DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
BEGINNING AT THE MOST NORTHEASTERLY CORNER OF LOT NO. 10 IN BLOCK "F" OF THE EL SOL SE ACUESTA TRACT, AS SHOWN ON THE MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 9 OF "MAPS AND SURVEYS" AT PAGES 92 AND 93, SANTA BARBARA COUNTY RECORDER'S OFFICE, SAID CORNER BEING MONUMENT NO. 50 OF THE CITY LIMITES LINE OF CITY OF SANTA BARBARA; THENCE EAST ALONG THE SOUTHERLY LINE OF THE N.W. 14 N.W. 14 OF SEC 9, T. 4 N., R. 27 W. SBM 1028.66 FEET; THENCE NORTH 50 FEET; THENCE S. 89° 55 E. 812 FEET; THENCE N. 0°05' EAST, 186.51 FEET; THENCE S. 65° 55' E., 64.54 FEET TO THE TRUE POINTE OF BEGINNING OF THЕ PARCEL OF LAND HEREIN DESCRIBED; THENCE N. 45° 55' E 117.74 FEET; THENCE S. 44° 55' E. ALONG THE SOUTHERLY LINE OF A 50 FOOT ROADWAY 40 FEET; THENCE ALONG THE ARC OF A CURVE TO THE LEFT, TANGENT TO THE LAST MENTIONED CCOURSE HAVING A RADIUS OF 215 FEET AND DELTA OF 6° 29' 24.32 FEET; THENCE LEAVING SAID ROADWAY, S 15° 20' 30" W 89 .75 FEET; THENCE N. 65° 55' W 117.15 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING.
The sale will be made without covenant or warranty regarding title, possession, or encumbrances to satisfy the obligations se cured by and pursuant to the power of sale conferred in that certain deed of trust dated June 5, 2024, executed by GLORIA CLARK, California citizen, as Borrower (Grantor), to secure certain obligations in favor of LAW OFFICES OF JOHN J. THYNE III, as beneficiary, recorded June 11, 2024, as Document No. 2024 -0020218, in the Official Records in the Office of the Recorder of Santa Barbara County, California
A Notice of Default containing an election to sell the described real property under the above Deed of Trust was recorded on August 13, 2025, as Doc No. 20250024827, Official Records of Santa Barbara County, California.
The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee's Sale is estimated to be $107,650 (Estimated). However, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary's bid at sai d sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier's check drawn o n a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the Trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee's Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The prop erty offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable.
The undersigned was appointed and substituted as Trustee under the above Deed of Trust by a substitution dated November 2 4, 2025, and recorded on November 24, 2025, Official Records of Santa Barbara County, California
This Notice is given in compliance with a written request made to the Trustee by the Beneficiary.
NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the hi ghest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are enco uraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the cou nty recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property.
NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, ben eficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if appli cable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (805)-328 -3108 or visit this internet website, thyneberglund.com, using the file number assigned to this case, CA25-081301
Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale.
Dated: November 28, 2025
Thyne Berglund & Co.
By:__________________
Brock K. Berglund, Member
Montecito Journal, Published December 4, 11, 18, 2025
hosted by the Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center, which raised $10,000 to support HSB’s no-cost services. Over 33 days, an estimated 20,000 customers rounded up their purchases or made direct donations, demonstrating broad community support. HSB CEO David Selberg expressed deep gratitude to owner Gary Simpson and the Home Improvement Center team for their longstanding partnership. Funds will directly benefit HSB’s counseling, support groups, and compassionate care for individuals and families facing life-threatening illness or grief.
Local Business Launches Sustainable Holiday Campaign
AeroHance, a Santa Barbara business, has teamed up with Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center to introduce a holiday campaign promoting savings and sustainability through its locally developed AeroHance Pods. The easy-to-install accessory improves vehicle aerodynamics, increasing fuel efficiency for gas cars and extending range for EVs – each gallon saved prevents about 20 pounds of CO₂ emissions.
“This collaboration brings together Santa Barbara businesses with a shared sustainable ethos,” said Gary Simpson, owner of Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center. “Long after the holidays, AeroHance Pods keep putting money back in drivers’ wallets while helping the environment. We’re protecting nest eggs — and our nest.”
Aerohance Pods are available at the Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center in classic black and upcycled holiday editions. Early adopters such as Santa Barbara Airbus, Ablitt’s Cleaners, Renaud’s Patisserie, Kanaloa Seafood, Easy Lift, and even Jean-Michel Cousteau helped validate fuel savings and environmental benefits.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BIZ IN ENGLISH; BIZ IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE SERVICES, 735 State Street, Suite 220, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. BUBEL CONSULTING, LLC, 735 State Street, Suite 220, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on November 14, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2025-0002626. Published December 11, 18, 25, 2025, and January 1, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MIRAMAR MANAGEMENT, 701 Anacapa Street, Ste. D, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. MIRAMAR GROUP, INC., 701 Anacapa Street, Ste. D, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on December 1, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date
it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2025-0002709. Published December 11, 18, 25, 2025, and January 1, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: EDDIE’S CATERING, 1206 W Alvin, Santa Maria, CA 93458. HERIBERTO C MORAN, 1206 W Alvin, Santa Maria, CA 93458. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on December 3, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2025-0002722. Published December 11, 18, 25, 2025, and January 1, 2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: OCEAN AIRE, 125 Harbor Way, 7, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. ALLIED VOYAGE, 125 Harbor Way 7,
AeroHance Pods are upcycled from excess materials in Deckers’ shoe-sole molds, diverting factory waste into beneficial products.
Healing Justice SB Book Release
We Were Here, We Are Here: A Living History of Black Santa Barbara tells the story of Santa Barbara’s Black history through the eyes of our “beloved ancestor,” Sojourner Kincaid Rolle. Written by Simone Akila Ruskamp and illustrated by Reyna Iman, it is a children’s book said to invite readers on a journey through the places and moments that have shaped the Black SB community. The book has been recommended by the Black Student Alliance to SB Unified School District as part of the curriculum. Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
California School Honor Roll Results
Congrats to Cold Spring Elementary School, Montecito Union School, and Santa Ynez Elementary School – all named recipients of the 2025 California Honor Roll Award by Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE). The Honor Roll program uses public data to evaluate schools based on college and career readiness metrics, including student performance on state assessments, high school graduation rates and college enrollment data.
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians
Chumash Casino Resort Updates
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians (SYBCI) announced this week that the Chumash Casino Resort has opened its newly upgraded “Higher Limits Room” during a VIP grand tour and reception. The redesigned space doubles the gaming area to over 11,000 square feet up from approximately 6,000 square feet. The new area boasts an elegant and contemporary atmosphere, with 272 slot machines, eight table games including Baccarat and video poker. Onsite specialty cocktails feature, among other libations, premium Don Julio 1942 tequila. Mike Lopez , vice chair of the SYBCI said in his press release, “Many of our guests have been with us from the beginning. We’ve grown from a tent to this remarkable facility, and the new Higher Limits Room demonstrates the tribe’s commitment to reinvesting in our property and providing our players with an elevated gaming experience.”
Carp-Summerland Fire Santa Run
The Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Department Santa Run will be on December 13 at 6 pm. It starts on Lillie Ave in front of the Summerland Fire Dept. Toys and donations for local families in need are appreciated, and will be collected along the parade route.
Chabad of Montecito Events for Community
December 13, 10:30 am: Monthly Shabbat Experience
December 14, 10:30 am: Bagels, Lox and Torah 411: www.jewishmontecito.org
Santa Barbara, CA 93109. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on November 24, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2025-0002680. Published December 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025
ORDER FOR PUBLICATION OF SUMMONS OR CITATION:
CASE No. 25CV06178. Notice to Defendant: John Coons: You are being sued by Plaintiff: Danielle Loveall. You and the plaintiff must go to court on December 15, 2025 at 9 am in Department 3 of the Superior Court of California, Santa Barbara, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. If you do not go to court, you may lose the case. If you lose, the court can order that your wages, money, or property be taken to pay this claim. Bring witnesses, receipts, and any evidence you need to prove your case. Name and address of the court: Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara, 1100 Anacapa Street,
Santa Barbara, CA 93121-1107. Filed October 2, by Sarah Sisto, Deputy Clerk. Published November 20, 27, December 4, 11, 2025
ORDER FOR PUBLICATION OF SUMMONS OR CITATION: CASE No. 25FL01889. Notice to Defendant: Charles R. Rudd, Jr. You are being sued by Plaintiff: Tennysha Marie Begum. You and the plaintiff must go to court on January 7, 202 at 1:30 pm in Department 3 of the Superior Court of California, Santa Barbara, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. If you do not go to court, you may lose the case. If you lose, the court can order that your wages, money, or property be taken to pay this claim. Bring witnesses, receipts, and any evidence you need to prove your case. Name and address of the court: Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93121-1107 Filed October 22 and 23, by Nicolette Barnard, Deputy Clerk. Published November 20, 27, December 4, 11, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s)
is/are doing business as: CARE 4 CAREGIVERS, 259 Loma Media Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. NANSIE E DOUGLAS, P.O. BOX 41045, Santa Barbara, CA 93140-1045. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on November 14, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2025-0002621. Published November 20, 27, December 4, 11, 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT: The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GOLETA PRESSURE WASHING, 5187 Via Val Verde, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. GRANT H KHAN, 5187 Via Val Verde, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on November 6, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL).
FBN No. 2025-0002572. Published November 20, 27, December 4, 11, 2025
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME: CASE No. 25CV06655. To all interested parties: Petitioners Cynthia Hawkes and Paul Arria filed a petition with Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara, for a decree changing their daughter’s name from --Arria to Leila Hawkes-Arria The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Filed November 14, 2025 by Narzralli Baksh. Hearing date: January 12, 2026 at 10 am in Dept. 5, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Published November 27, December 4, 11, 18, 2025
SB Home Improvement Operations Manager Tom Richards, HSB CEO David Selberg, and Home Improvement Owner/President Gary Simpson (courtesy photo)
eliminate the year-to-year uncertainty that local departments have long faced. As Hartwig noted, fire chiefs have spent years “putting our hat in our hand” to raise the $150,000 needed annually to maintain basic mental wellness services.
The new endowment ensures that future generations of firefighters and officers “will just automatically have access to these services,” without relying on crisis-dependent fundraising or the goodwill of any specific donor cycle.
It arrives at a time when demands on first responders are intensifying. As the press release details, they now face more frequent wildfires, longer fire seasons, violent criminal activity, flooding and mudslides, rising behavioral-health emergencies, as well as cumulative trauma and burnout.
Since taking over leadership of the mental wellness program in 2022, One805, along with community partners, has already funded over 2,841 hours of counseling, equivalent to 355 full working days of clinical support.
These services now extend not only to first responders, but to their families, who often experience their own trauma from the pressures and absences that accompany emergency service.
A Legacy of Care and Community Responsibility
One805 Co-Founder Kirsten Cavendish Weston-Smith described the endowment as an act of collective resilience. “This endowment is about true resilience: giving those who protect us the strength, stability, and care they deserve.”
And as Chief Hartwig steps into his new role on the One805 Mental Wellness Endowment Board, he framed the responsibility with clarity and hope: “When the mental wellness needs of our first responders are met, the entire community is safer.”
The evening closed with gratitude – and a renewed call to action. The $10 million goal is ambitious, but the urgency is undeniable. Every hour of counseling, every clinician trained in first-responder trauma, every life touched underscores a simple truth: Caring for those who protect us is not just charity.
It is a community obligation – one that lasts long after the sirens fade.
PUBLIC NOTICE
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA STATE OF CALIFORNIA
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA (“COUNTY”) intends to enter into a Real Property Acquisition Agreement, (“Agreement”) and accept the Permanent Easement (“PE”) to allow for ongoing access and maintenance of an Emergency Storm Damage repair made to the San Miguelito Road Site No. 23STM1-3J41/Federal-Aid Project No. 15J7(094 ) (“PROJECT”) from the DanBranBriya Trust, owner of the property located at 3350 San Miguelito Road, Lompoc, California, 93436. Also identified as Assessor’s Parcel Number 083-110 -003 The total purchase price proposed to be paid for the property interests is $14,950.
The Agreement and Certificate of Acceptance for the PE will be executed on behalf of the County by Chris Sneddon, Director of the Public Works Department, pursuant to Santa Barbara County Code Section 12A-11.1. The Agreement and Certificate of Acceptance will be executed at the Office of the Director of the Public Works Department, located at 123 E. Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
Responses to this Notice will be accepted at the Office of the Manager of the Transportation Division, at the following address:
Public Works Department
Transportation Division
Attn: Transportation Division Manager 123 E. Anapamu Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101
DATE OF POSTING: THURSDAY, December 11, 2025 Montecito Journal
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Bids open at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 2, 2026 for:
NORTH COUNTY HARDSCAPE REPAIRS FY 25/26 IN THE 1ST SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT
COUNTY PROJECT No. 820816N
General project work description: Hardscape Repair – Curb & Sidewalk
The Plans, Specifications, and Bid Book are available at https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43874
The Contractor must have either a Class A license or any combination of the following Class C licenses which constitutes a majority of the work: A, C-8
Submit sealed bids to the web address below. Bids will be opened available at the web address below immediately following the submittal deadline.
This project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).
A contractor or subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal, subject to the requirements of PCC Section 4104, or engage in the performance of any contract for public work, as defined in this chapter, unless currently registered and qualified to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code (LAB) Section 1725.5. It is not a violation of this section for a n unregistered contractor to submit a bid that is authorized by Business and Professions Code (BPC) Section 7029.1 or by PCC Section 10164 or 20103.5 provided the contractor is registered to perform public work pursuant to LAB Section 1725.5 at the tim e the contract is awarded.
Prevailing wages are required on this Contract. The Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations determines the general prevailing wage rates. Obtain the wage rates at the DIR website https://www.dir.ca.gov/
Inquiries or questions based on alleged patent ambiguity of the plans, specifications, or estimate must be submitted as a bidder inquiry by 2:00 PM on 12/26/2025. Submittals after this date will not be addressed. Questions pertaining to this Project prior to Award of the Contract must be submitted via PlanetBids Q&A tab.
Bidders (Plan Holders of Record) will be notified by electronic mail if addendums are issued. The addendums, if issued, will only be available on the County PlanetBids website, https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43874
Christopher Sneddon, PE Director of Public Works
Published December 11, 2025 Montecito Journal
Zach Rosen is the Managing Editor of the Montecito Journal. He also enjoys working with beer, art, and life.
retained fond memories of childhood days spent at the soda fountain or working for the Colevilles. Those were halcyon days when kids would sit on a stone wall of Casa del Herrera and wait for a car to come into view. They would then see who was first to identify its make and model. When they tired of waiting for cars, they would stroll down to the Montecito Store for a penny candy.
Coleville closed his store in 1960. The proliferation of supermarkets with their lower prices and self-service shelves proved too much for small personal grocery stores throughout the nation.
“Basketerias,” it seemed, were here to stay, though since Covid, many stores now offer personal shopping.
Montecito Hall
By 1885, with a population augmented by American farmers and wintering Eastern residents, Montecitans decided they needed a community hall to augment the two dance halls in Spanish Town and Miramonte Hall on Romero Hill (hence, today’s Miramonte Road). In January of that year, an ice cream festival and fair held at the Big Grapevine
in Spanish Town kicked off the first of many benefits for the Montecito Hall building fund. It was followed in February by a basket social given at the Montecito Union School house which raised 25 dollars for the fund. Next came a parlor concert given by local talent at Captain Absalom Anderson’s estate house and attended by people from both Santa Barbara and Montecito. It raised $47.50 for the cause. (Captain Anderson, by-the-way, was the famous riverboat pilot and owner of the Mary Powell, the fastest steamboat on the Hudson.)
It wasn’t until 1889 that the hall was complete, although the fundraisers continued because there was a debt to pay off. The hall doubled as a theater and many amateur plays were staged there. Dances were also popular as well as lectures, and Montecito Hall became the polling place for the community. This hall probably stood on the north side of East Valley Road on the Pollorena or Buell property.
Apparently, this additional hall wasn’t sufficient, because in 1896, the Montecito Hall and Library Association incorporated with the goal of building a new Montecito Hall across the street. Construction began in 1900. The new hall reflected the then current vogue for shingled Craftsman cottage architecture. It housed an auditorium and a stage with
a proscenium arch, a library room, and an exhibit room for the Horticultural Society, as well as a kitchen and dining room. The roof was supported by exposed wooden trusses stained a rich dark brown, as were the wainscoting and other wooden details.
For years, Montecito Home Club dances were held there, as well as movie nights and amateur theater productions. The previous Montecito Hall across the street, however, remained the polling place for the community.
Over the years, Montecito Hall hosted many entertainments to support the operating expenses, and leased their rooms for comedic acts, magic shows, spelling bees, club meetings, square dances, variety shows, and suffragist speakers and lectures.
By 1979, many Montecitans were thinking that the now outdated Montecito Hall should be razed and a new one constructed in its place. Ultimately, however, it was decided to refurbish and renovate the old hall and establish a branch to the Santa Barbara Library system. Today, the building houses the Montecito Library, a meeting room, and the Montecito Association Office and History Committee. The history archive has been carefully curated over the years beginning with Catherine
Way It Was Page 544
Montecito Village South replaced the Home Club, the Telephone Exchange, and the Montecito Store. The “Heart of Montecito” now lies in the grassy area in the parking lot (Author photo)
In 1900, a new Montecito Hall was constructed on the south side of East Valley Road (photo courtesy of Montecito Association History Committee)
In the 1960s one could still park in front of the hall, whose shingles had been painted white (photo courtesy of Montecito Association History Committee)
In 1924, Montecito Hall hosted a benefit dance for the Carmelo Base Ball Club (photo courtesy of Montecito Association History Committee)
Coleville’s Montecito Store with its proud fleet of delivery drivers. The telephone exchange stands on the left. (Once upon a time all home phones were connected to an Exchange, which would connect one to the number wanted.) (photo courtesy of Montecito Association History Committee)
Way It Was (Continued from 53)
(Kit) McMahon, who was followed by Maria Churchill, and then Maria Herold. Currently, Trish Davis has charge of the history resources in the room, which is open on a reservation basis.
The Presbyterian Church
In 1870, the Presbyterians of Montecito began meeting every other Sunday at the Montecito School house. In 1888, they built their first church and manse along East Valley Road. It was a wood frame Carpenter Gothic style church with a wooden bell tower. This building served the community well for over 40 years, but by 1930, it had
outlived its usefulness. It was decided to raze the wooden structure and build anew in the Spanish revival style. Completed in 1932, the aging structure was remodeled in 1990 to better serve the Presbyterian community of Montecito.
Sources: “The Great MUS-YMCA Land Swap” by Steven Crandell in Montecito Journal; contemporary news articles; David Myrick’s Montecito and Santa Barbara; “The Upper Village of Montecito,” by Bob Hazard, MJ, 8 Feb. 2018; interviews with Mo Masson and Patti Ottoboni; resources of the Montecito Association History Committee; El Montecito Presbyterian website
“Dancing is like dreaming with your feet!” – Constanze
This hop at Montecito Hall was sponsored by the Montecito Home Club. Pictured here circa 1949 (left to right) are Joyce Pollorena, Carol Pollorena dancing with Dennis Ensign, and Jean Pollorena dancing with her brother Bob while Michael Buggy is poised to cut in. (photo courtesy of Maureen Masson)
In 1930, the Montecito Presbyterian church bid goodbye to its wooden sanctuary and built a larger church and facility in the Spanish style (photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Historical Museum)
El Montecito Presbyterian Church today continues to welcome worshippers (author photo)
Montecito Hall and Library in 2025 (author photo)
TREES & HOLIDAY CHEER AT THE MIRAMAR
photos by Priscilla
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Calendar of Events
by Steven Libowitz
ENDING THIS WEEK
‘Sing!’ at Hahn Hall – Enjoy a crisp winter evening with the Music Academy of the West’s Sing! chorus, the tuition-free afterschool children’s choral program whose participants perform solo and in wide-ranging collaborations. In the second of a pair of concerts, the older students in the Riviera and Miraflores programs take to the stage on the Academy’s campus to offer an array of holiday carols, folk songs, and much more in a special homage to the holiday season. Today’s program includes the folk songs from Kentucky (“Bright Morning Stars”) and in Hebrew (“Ad Astra [To the Stars…]), traditional Spanish carols, selections from Disney’s Hercules and Frozen, religious and secular carols, and several other selections. WHEN: 6 pm
WHERE: Hahn Hall, 1070 Fairway Road
COST: $10
INFO: (805) 969-8787 or www.musicacademy.org
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12
‘The Light So Shines’ – The Master Chorale’s holiday concert at the Lobero Theatre is offered as a theatrical Christmas celebration of hope, joy and light – a radiant musical treat weaving together story, song and stagecraft. Directed by Dr. David Lozano Torres, this year’s concert transforms the traditional choral program into a theatrical experience where drama and music unite to tell a moving story of light shining through darkness. Gerald Finzi’s masterwork In Terra Pax serves as centerpiece alongside works by beloved composers including Sarah Quartel, Dan Forrest, Mack Wilberg, and Mark Hayes, all accompanied by chamber orchestra and featuring soloists. Audiences will also delight in favorite carols of the season sung by the Master Chorale, including “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Deck the Hall” and others. “We wanted to create something that feels both timeless and new,” Dr. Torres said in the press release. “The Light So Shines reminds us that even in the quiet or difficult moments, the message of Christmas — of hope, joy and divine light — still shines brightly.” (Note: the Master Chorale also performs a program of Christmas carols at 3 pm Sunday, December 14, at Gainey Estate Vineyards in Santa Ynez.)
WHEN: 7 pm
WHERE: Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12
Caillat-DeGraw – It sounds like the name of one of those Washington, D.C. law firms you may never have heard of before they cowered before threats from President Trump, but in fact Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw are two celebrated singer-songwriters whose distinctive voices and heartfelt songwriting have resulted in chart-topping hits. The pair, who bring their “Christmas Tour 2025” to the Chumash Casino Resort’s Samala Showroom tonight, each enjoyed instant success with the debut albums Caillat, reaching No. 5 with 2007’s single “Coco,” and DeGraw’s chart-pleasing “I Don’t Want to Be” from his Chariot album in 2003 – which just incidentally later became the theme song for the TV series One Tree Hill. Together, Caillat and DeGraw earned a Grammy nomination in 2014 with their duet “We Both Know,” which we imagine we’ll hear at some point in the hit-filled evening that may also include a Christmas carol or two.
WHEN: 8 pm
WHERE: Chumash Casino, 3400 E. Hwy. 246, Santa Ynez
COST: $59-$89
INFO: (800) CHUMASH (248-6274) or www.chumashcasino.com
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12
Una Noche de Las Posadas – This annual event –which celebrates the cherished holiday tradition observed for some 400 years throughout Latin America – features a short evening procession from the Chapel at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park (123 E. Canon Perdido St.) to Casa de la Guerra (15 E. De la Guerra St.). The short promenade is a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging, the beloved tradition honoring the concept of seeking shelter and welcoming all. Co-sponsors Rudy’s Presidio Mexican Restaurant and Los Tarascos serve traditional Posadas food while the Mujeres Makers Market will be curating a special evening market full of vintage and handmade goods as part of the tradition that includes singing holiday songs in Spanish (open from 5-10 pm).
WHEN: 7 pm
COST: free
INFO: (805) 965-0093 or www.sbthp.org/lasposadas
COST: $30-$60
INFO: (805) 963-0761/www.lobero.org or www.sbmasterchorale.org
Sing-Along with Prime Time – The Prime Time Band – the 60-plus piece band that performs for free all over town – invites you to join the fun in a special Downtown Holiday Sing-Along. Join the troupe and members of local school ensembles in spreading some festive holiday cheer with live renditions of your favorite holiday songs on the steps of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Get into the holiday spirit by singing along, or feel free to just listen.
Howls & Owls – Help the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History investigate what’s eating its exhibits and solve a curious mystery of natural history. The special family-oriented evening shines the proverbial light on nocturnal creatures – they who typically sleep through the day coming out to play under the stars. Was it the raccoon, a coyote or perhaps a skunk who munched on the missing morsels? Your clue kit will reveal secret messages to decode, and will feature games and puzzles to solve in the search for the local nocturnal animal responsible for ravaging the foodstuffs. Meanwhile, humans can also enjoy sweet treats, burritos, beverages and snacks (for purchase), and/or partake of the plentiful fun activities if investigation isn’t your thing.
WHEN: 4:30-6:30 pm
WHERE: SB Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol Rd.
COST: $6-$11
INFO: (805) 682-4711 or www.sbnature.org
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13
Blow, Gabriel, Blow – Join a jolly afternoon filled with the festive SBCC brass band at Big Brass Holiday Concert, full of the sounds of the season at Storke Placita (between Blenders in the Grass and Supercuts just off State Street). The talented brass musicians from Santa Barbara City College will be performing favorite Christmas classics with the bold sounds of trumpets, trombones and tuba, sure to leave you feeling merry and bright.
Christmas Mariachi Festival – Long a staple of summertime’s Old Spanish Days Fiesta celebration, Mariachi music moves to the holiday season for an evening of
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14
‘Mysteries of Christmas’ – Quire of Voyces’ annual holiday pair of concerts is a rich collection of songs and carols in new and luminous settings by internationally acclaimed composers, as well as the organization’s own composer-in-residence. The annual performances are offered to listeners as an opportunity to immerse in the enchanting world of sacred a cappella music that conveys messages of peace, love and blessings to our cherished Santa Barbara community. Featured works by Rachmaninoff (“Bogoroditse Devo”), Morten Lauridsen (“O Magnum Mysterium”), Becky McGlade (“O Little Town of Bethlehem”), Matthew Culloton (“The Wexford Carol” and “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day”), among others, fill a luminous program that is both contemporary and timeless. With these works, familiar Christmas music becomes fresh and present, not to mention spectacularly radiant in the sonorous acoustic wonder that is St. Anthony’s Chapel.
WHEN: 3 pm
WHERE: St. Anthony’s Chapel, 2300 Garden St.
COST: $20 general, $15 students & seniors
INFO: (805) 965-5935 or www.quireofvoyces.org
Christmas posada, carols, songs, actors and folkloric ballet featuring Mariachi Plata from Western New Mexico University. The group of young maestros has toured throughout the United States and Mexico, participating in such major festivals as De Tecalitlán Los Sones in Jalisco, Mexico, where they were named “Festival Favorite.” Mariachi Plata originated in spring 2014 as part of the university’s music program revival with just five students, and has since grown to three times the size. WHEN: 7 pm
WHERE: Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. COST: $57-$87
INFO: (805) 963-0761/www.lobero.org or www.sbmasterchorale.org
Festive Five for SBMC – Santa Barbara Music Club serves up sumptuous solo works from a pair of pianists performing pieces by Ottorino Respighi, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Yannis Constantinidis, Manos Hadjidakis, and Mikis Theodorakis. SBMC President Eric Valinsky tickles the ivories for Resphigi’s “Ancient Airs and Dances,” arranged from transcriptions of Renaissance and Baroque lute pieces, as well as Mozart’s “Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major,” which is famous for its final movement, the “Rondo alla Turca” (“Turkish March”). Bonski brings together three 20th-century Greek composers, playing Constantinidis’ “Huit danses des îles grecques,” Hadjidakis’ “Preludes and Dances for the Piano” and “Twelve Preludes” by Thedorakis, best known internationally for his score for the film, Zorba the Greek. A holiday reception follows the program.
WHEN: 3 pm
WHERE: First United Methodist Church, 305 East Anapamu (at Garden) COST: free
INFO: www.sbmusicclub.org
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14
Parade of Lights – The 39th annual boat parade begins with the human-powered category at 2 pm when dozens of standup paddlers and kayakers dressed in festival attire will loop the Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearns Wharf, followed by a Winter Wonderland on the harbor’s city pier with holiday elves, 10 tons of snow, goodie bags and a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus from 3-5 pm. The main event features 30 illuminated watercraft of all sizes and styles lighting up the night as they make their way from Leadbetter Beach down to the Cabrillo Pavilion, then back along the coast to Stearns Wharf. Capping the night is a brief but fabulous fireworks show launched from West Beach, closing the festivities with more lights in the sky. COST: free
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CARPET CLEANING
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PIANO LESSONS
Openings now available for Children & Adults. Piano Lessons in our Studio or your Home. Call or Text Kary Kramer (805) 453-3481
CONSTRUCTION
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