another fine property represented by
• Graduate of UCLA School of Law and former attorney (with training in Real Estate law, contracts, estate planning, and tax law)
• Dedicated and highly trained full-time support staff
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Phone: (805) 565-4896
Email: danencell@aol.com DRE #00976141
This extremely rare and coveted three-bedroom, three-bath layout is comfortable and well-proportioned, with a seamless connection to an expansive private terrace and gardens of over 2,000 square feet, creating an effortless extension of the living space. Whether for outdoor dining, relaxing, or entertaining, the scale of the terrace is rare and truly sets the property apart. Set in an ideal Montecito location just moments from Butterfly Beach and the Biltmore, this quiet ground-floor residence offers an easy, coastal lifestyle in one of the area’s most sought-after communities.
By Mark M. Whitehurst / VOICE
2026 IS LINING UP TO BE ANOTHER “ANYWHERE BUT STATE STREET” YEAR FOR PARADES. Since the pandemic, parades have taken place on Coast Village Road, Milpas Street, Santa Barbara Street, and Cabrillo Boulevard, but not on State.
State Street was closed to cars six years ago. Over the last four years, parades have been moved off State Street to allow time for planning by the city council, city staff, multiple committees, and commissions, every year with the hope they would be allowed to return.
For over a decade, parades and festival permits have been handled out of the City of Santa Barbara Park and Recreation Department’s Special Events Team committee. This team facilitates a meeting of city staff across departments, which then sets policy for parades. In the draft policy developed last year, they said no vehicles, horses, or floats would be allowed on State Street. They also set up a range of policies linked to various other street locations. So, in order to keep their parades’ respective identities, Fiesta, Solstice, and the 4th of July Parades have been forced off Santa Barbara’s main thoroughfare by way of a draft policy that calls for pedestrians only on State Street.
Apparently, this policy isn’t universally known by city officials. “I am unaware of an official
policy on the determination of parades on State,” commented Mayor Randy Rowse when asked about the status of parades on State. “If there was a decision, council was not involved.”
According to several parade organizers, additional costs have also been applied to the State Street parade route and previous costs that had been waived, are not now. These parade organizers were concerned about stating their thoughts because of the need for an ongoing relationship with the city. They indicated the new rules and costs pushed them onto other streets approved by the city.
During the State Street Master Plan process, the State Street Advisory Committee recommended parades return to State Street. However, they went on a two year hiatus at the same time AB, the original planning consultants, were let go.
“Parades on State Street build community. They connect us to one another and to the incredible history of our city,” stated City Council member Eric Friedman, when asked about parades on State Street. “Whether it’s the smiles of families enjoying the holiday or children’s fiesta parades, or the communal celebrations of the 4th of July and Solstice that mark the warmth and energy of summer, or the tribute to honor our veterans on Veterans Day, the shared experience of celebration in the center of downtown is
unmatched... This is why I have consistently supported and advocated bringing parades back to State Street and making the required changes to allow them to return. With State Street in a period of transition, it is time to rekindle the experience that previous generations have enjoyed and create new memories in the heart of Santa Barbara.”
“The Special Events Team is composed of city staff from each impacted department assigned to review and manage special events that occur throughout the City,” Jazmin LeBlanc, who oversees the Special Events Team at the Park and Recreation Department shared. “Each special event has a different team depending on the scale and complexity of the event and the location, as well as the element that needs to be reviewed.”
LeBlanc gave this example: “events downtown will often involve the Public Works Downtown Parking Team whereas events in the waterfront area will involve Waterfront Department, and so on.”
“With regard to parades on State Street, last year Parks and Recreation facilitated discussions from staff in Police, Fire, and the Public Works Divisions of Traffic Engineering and Downtown Parking to develop criteria to allow the return of parades on State. Parks and Recreation facilitated, but since we have no jurisdiction on State Street, we were not decision makers,” she added.
Describing the draft policy, LeBlanc noted,
“The Parade Parameters were primarily guided by public safety concerns and as such, they were not developed with community input but with safety best practices from communities around the country... at the same time that this policy was developed, the team also evaluated other corridors for parades. There is document on file, made on 6-12-2025. That document outlines where parades can occur safely in our community and what type of parade can occur in each location.”
There may be one exception and prospect for a State Street parade, with the Downtown SB Business Improvement Association expressing interest, after six years, in resurrecting the Holiday Parade by following the new rules and holding a pedestrian-only parade. In past years, the Holiday Parade included large helium balloons, fire trucks, and floats, with hundreds of community members riding them.
“DSBIA is actively working towards the return of the Holiday Parade. We are in talks with the city regarding the changes they have requested and new costs,” commented Robin Elander, Executive Director of DSBIA. “We certainly would like to see the return of parades to State Street not only to support longstanding community traditions but also for economic impact that parades bring to downtown. Parades can bring hundreds of thousands to over 1M of economic impact to the areas they take place in.”
By Kerry Methner, PhD / VOICE
WITH A HERITAGE OF ADVOCACY AND A COMPASSIONATE HEART THAT UPHOLDS THE WORKING PEOPLE OF THE WORLD, Martín Espada, the 2021 National Book Award for Poetry winner, will be featured in An Evening with Martín Espada, presented by UCSB Arts & Lectures. Re-scheduled from its original November date, the evening will take place on Wednesday, April 29th at 7:30pm at UCSB Campbell Hall.
Joining him to moderate an onstage discussion after his readings and commentary will be UCSB Professsor Elizabeth Perez. She shared via email that, “Espada’s poetry speaks about the most urgent issues of our time, in language that is all the more beautiful for being raw and accessible. He invites the complete palette of human emotion – from grief to joy to rage to parental abandonment to marital love – into his poetry. It also reveals his wicked sense of humor, which tends to pop up when a reader least expects it.”
reaffirms poetry’s ability to bear witness. It offers memory and history via poetry, with reflections on his journalist/activist father, his family’s history, and his own experience as a son, young man, and activist.
Espada’s collection of poems titled Floaters earned him the 2021 National Book Award for Poetry Not his first or his last book, it shines with his ongoing activism and clear, warmhearted eye for humanity. The only Puerto Rican winner of the award since William Carlos Williams, Espada is one of America’s most impassioned and urgent advocates.
While his work reflects the layered complexity and challenges of contemporary life, its image-driven observations lay bare the experience of workers, activists, and immigrants for readers to take in. “Espada writes with clarity about inequality, labor, and migration, honoring the dignity of working people, especially in his own Puerto Rican community,” the event release explains.
Boricuas Fellowship and a Guggenheim Fellowship. The title poem of his collection Alabanza, about 9/11, has been widely anthologized and performed. In contrast, his book of essays and poems, Zapata’s Disciple (1998), was banned in Tucson as part of the Mexican-American Studies Program outlawed by the state of Arizona. Espada is a professor of English at the University of MassachusettsAmherst.
Part of UCSB’s Justice for All series, An Evening with Martín Espada arrives after the publication of his most recent collection, Jailbreak of Sparrows, which confronts injustice with unflinching power and
Of Espada, author Joyce Carol Oates wrote for the Jailbreak of Sparrows cover jacket, “Martín Espada is a captivating storyteller and memoirist. His great subject is the drama of the Puerto Rican diaspora; his method is meticulously crafted portraiture of lives that intertwine with history, among them his own, radiantly defiant and fearless. One of our most important contemporary poets.”
A former tenant lawyer with Su Clínica Legal in Greater Boston, Espada continues to bring the struggles and resilience of working people to the page.
Throughout his career, Espada has
Look at this
published more than 20 books as a poet, editor, essayist, and translator. His poetry collections also include Vivas to Those Who Have Failed (2016), The Trouble Ball (2011), The Republic of Poetry (2006), Alabanza (2003), and Imagine the Angels of Bread (1996). He is the editor of What Saves Us: Poems of Empathy and Outrage in the Age of Trump (2019).
Espada has received the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, the Shelley Memorial Award, the Robert Creeley Award, an Academy of American Poets Fellowship, the PEN/Revson Fellowship, a Letras
Espada’s “literary stature is difficult to measure, as it so far exceeds that of most living poets in the United States,” Prof Perez noted. “He has championed Latine, Caribbean, and Latin American poets throughout his career, as well as the countless members of his poetry workshops and courses at the University of Massachusetts. As a Puerto Rican poet in particular, Espada brings personal experiences into his work that embody the complexities of American identity and belonging (as indicated by the uproar about Bad Bunny – who is very much an American citizen –headlining the 2026 Super Bowl).” She continued, “While never flinching from the injustices that his work documents, he is committed to describing the more humane worlds that are still possible... From his earliest work, Espada has conveyed the belief that more just futures must be envisioned and strongly desired before they come to pass. His activism lies not only in pointing out social inequalities, then, but in celebrating labor, connections across cultures, and moments of intense intimacy.”
My father spoke. Look at this, he said to me. We were walking through an alley from somewhere to somewhere else in Brooklyn. In front of us, a man with white hair and white beard reached into a dumpster, plucked out a bag of potato chips, stuffed his arm up to the elbow in the bag, let it flutter to the pavement at his feet, and shuffled ahead.
Look at this, my father said again. Sometimes, he would repeat himself. He walked up behind the white-haired man, called Good morning, sir!, so the other man wheeled around to see us, shook his hand and left a twenty-dollar bill in the handshake, all without slowing down.
We never spoke of it again. The day we left Brooklyn, he drove away so fast he left a stack of his 78s in the closet of the apartment in the projects. Look at this was all he said, and all he had to say. Look.
– Martín Espada, Jailbreak of Sparrows
An Evening with Martín Espada, presented by UCSB Arts & Lectures, is co-presented with the Walter H. Capps Center for the Study of Ethics, Religion and Public Life; and the UCSB Department of Religious Studies. It is part of the Justice for All series. Lead Sponsors include: Marcy Carsey, Eva & Yoel Haller, Dick Wolf, and Zegar Family Foundation. UCSB Arts & Lectures 2025-2026 Season Sponsor is Sara Miller McCune. Community Partners are Natalie Orfalea Foundation & Lou Buglioli.
Books will be available for purchase and signing, courtesy of Chaucer’s Books.
By Daisy Scott / VOICE
SENDING SHOCK WAVES of electric guitar, captivating vocals, and raw emotion through the back row of the theatre, music doesn’t just drive the story of A Night with Janis Joplin: it is the story. Or, as Janis put it, “music is everything, man.”
Co-directed by ETC’s Brian McDonald along with star Mary Bridget Davies, whose powerful voice earned her a Tony nomination during the show’s Broadway debut, the Ensemble Theatre Company’s production of A Night with Janis Joplin is as vibrant as the tie-dye that many attendees wore on opening night.
With a rocking live band and a chorus of “Joplinaires” hyping up the audience, Davies burst onto the stage with an infectious, joyful energy that did not diminish for a second. Her voice filled the theatre with a gritty, unbridled passion in an impressive tribute to Janis’ signature sound. Her performance of crowd favorites such as Piece of My Heart, Try (Just a Little Bit Harder), and Me and Bobby McGee were especially showstopping, easily bringing down the house for repeat standing ovations.
Yet as much as this show is A Night with Janis Joplin, it equally celebrates all of the Black women musicians who inspired Janis’ unique fusion of rock and blues. Between
numbers, Davies addressed the audience as Janis, sharing memories from her early life in a small Texas town and the blues records she listened to at different stages of her life. The result is a triumphant retrospective of not only Janis’ evolution as an artist, but of the ways in which Black women have shaped the blues and, by extension, music history.
One by one, each of the Joplinaires re-emerged dressed as different music icons, beginning with Jenna Gillespie Byrd’s striking depiction of Etta James before later appearing as Bessie Smith to perform Nobody Knows When You’re Down and Out. Sadé Ayodele stunned audiences with her rich voice while performing Summertime, only to wow further as Nina Simone, performing a moving duet of Little Girl Blue with Davies.
Sha’leah Nikole embodied the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, adorned in a regal feather boa and singing with a commanding yet gleeful presence that brought the entire audience to their feet to dance to Spirit in the Dark. Melissa Musique, acting as a member of The Chantels and a non-specific blues singer, similarly mesmerized audiences with her resonant performance of Today I Sing the Blues
By the second act, Davies was working the crowd with exhilarating humor and vulnerability, alternating between joking around and more poignant moments of self-reflection that hinted toward Janis’ identity as a young, ultimately lonely woman. Yet just like the blues, A Night with Janis Joplin revels in music’s ability to spark joy even as it mitigates sadness, centering human connection above all. etcsb.org
By Bridget Keon / VOICE ASTA-MAKING,
NIGHTLY
CONCERTS,
AND OPEN AIR SHOPPING will bring the musical and culinary delights of Italy to the Michael Towbes Library Plaza as La Piazza: A Celebration of Italian Culture debuts on April 10th through April 12th.
The free festival invites the community to celebrate Italian culture through music, film, food, activities, and a marketplace.
Hands-on activities include opportunities for both children and adults: a fresh pasta-making workshop for children, a game of Magic: The Gathering, and an olive oil tasting. These and other events take place in the La Piazza Market.
The pasta-making workshop for children will be run by Sergio Chierego, who founded Pasta Santina, an artisan pasta company based in Carpinteria. During Sunday’s event, he plans to teach how to make homemade gnocchetti.
"There’s nothing we love more than connecting with families, sharing laughs, and rolling up our sleeves to make pasta alongside our little chefsin-the-making. We can’t wait!" said Chierego. “At Pasta Santina, events like this are so close to our hearts. They’re a beautiful opportunity to celebrate Italian culture, spark genuine creativity, and bring our community together around the table. We truly hope this becomes a beloved tradition that families look forward to year after year!”
Additionally, in a collaboration with the I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival, there will be chalk art outside the library. On Sunday, visitors to the piazza can also expect an impromptu outdoor accordion performance.
“Music is a communal way to get together and meditate in silence and listen to beauty, and it’s a very healing process,” said Jacopo Giacopuzzi, the festival’s director. “And food is the same. It’s a very gregarious way to share time and have a good time.”
On Friday, April 10th at 3:30pm, a musical event in Faulkner Gallery joined by visuals from classic Italian films will kick off the festivities. Throughout the weekend, there will be seminars, food experiences, activities, and an Italian-inspired market at the Plaza. A concert featuring musicians from around the world will conclude each day at Faulkner Gallery.
“Music is the one language that needs no translation — it travels across borders, cultures, and generations, speaking directly to the essence of what makes us human. As an Italian musician performing here in Santa Barbara, I carry with me two worlds: the rich musical heritage of my homeland and the vibrant energy of this community I am honored to share a stage with,” said pianist and composer Antonio Artese, who will perform at the festival. “My hope for this La Piazza Festival concert is simple: that for a few minutes, we set aside everything that divides us and let the music do what it has always done — remind
us that beneath every different language, tradition, and story, we share the same heart.”
Partnered Italian restaurants in downtown Santa Barbara will each highlight an authentic dish throughout the weekend. A map of participating spots and dishes will be available at the festival.
Among these restaurants is Arnoldi’s Cafe, Santa Barbara’s oldest Italian restaurant, having opened at their current location in 1940. They plan to serve braised oxtail with risotto this weekend, celebrating Northern Italian cuisine in their dish.
La Piazza is a local non-profit organization. Their mission is rooted in the idea that music is an art which transcends language, and that it also builds community. The festival highlights this through the diverse musical events they will host throughout the three days.
Giacopuzzi also hopes the piazza will nurture a similar sense of connection that the spaces create in Italy. “Piazza. The core center, the heart of a city. That’s the place where people meet. And I want that,” said Giacopuzzi. “It’s all about connecting people through healthy habits, healthy activities, and meals.”
All events are free and open to the public. To learn more visit lapiazza.life
By Rebecca Coulter, Santa Barbara Audubon Society / Special to VOICE
WHILE TECHNICALLY A RARITY IN OUR REGION, this regular winter visitor is a fan favorite, with its snazzy plumage and sweet, whistling song. A close relative of our regular wintering White-crowned Sparrow, the White-throated is often studied by biologists researching song evolution, migration, and forestry practices, among other subjects. During the last Santa Barbara Christmas Bird Count, we had five individuals in our circle; some years we have double that. Lucky birders might find them at regular hotspots like the Botanic Garden, Lake Los Carneros, or in your backyard—a sunrise song for the early riser: “O sweet Canada-Canada-Canada!”
April 9, 2026 through July 26,2026
Open daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
THE LAUNCH OF NONSTOP SERVICE TO CHICAGO
AIRPORT from Santa Barbara Airport on United Airlines was celebrated this week, as SBA marked the return of one of the community’s most requested routes.
The service, which began April 6th, operates daily and is served by a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with 166 seats. The route provides Central Coast travelers with direct access to the Midwest, along with convenient connections through Chicago to destinations across the East Coast and beyond. The outbound inaugural flight departed Santa Barbara at near capacity, reflecting strong early demand for the service. This route previously operated at SBA in the summers of 2021 and 2022 as a seasonal offering.
Airport officials, community partners, and airline representatives gathered at the SBA terminal Monday morning to welcome the inaugural flight. Arriving passengers were greeted with decorations and complimentary gifts, followed by a brief program with remarks by Chris Hastert, Santa Barbara Airport Director, and Kathy Janega-Dykes, CEO of Visit Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce also welcomed passengers with a pop-up visitor booth.
“SBA is thrilled to welcome back nonstop service to Chicago”, said Chris Hastert, Santa Barbara Airport Director. “This has been one of the most requested routes from our community, and we’re grateful to United Airlines for helping meet that demand. Restoring this direct connection to a key Midwest hub offers travelers additional options for travel across the country and beyond.”
“Visit Santa Barbara is delighted to welcome the return of United Airlines’ nonstop service from Chicago to Santa Barbara,” said Kathy Janega-Dykes, President & CEO of Visit Santa Barbara. “Chicago is a vital Midwest hub for both leisure and business travel. This new service offers a convenient way for visitors to experience Santa Barbara’s extraordinary coastal
beauty, vibrant food and wine scene, and myriad attractions. It also provides opportunities for local businesses and residents who will benefit from strong connectivity to the heart of the country. We deeply appreciate United Airlines and the Santa Barbara Airport team for their continued commitment to enhancing our region’s air service and supporting our local hospitality economy.”
The addition further enhances SBA’s growing network of nonstop destinations, which now includes 13 nonstop destinations with approximately 26 daily departures. Additional service growth is on the horizon, with nonstop service to San Diego scheduled to begin April 22 on Alaska Airlines.
For more information about SBA’s routes and services, visit Santa Barbara Airport (FlySBA.com).
Santa Barbara Airport: Santa Barbara Airport, owned and operated by the City of Santa Barbara, has provided commercial and general aviation services to the Tri-County region for over 90 years. SBA is served by five major airlines: Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, and United. These airlines offer daily nonstop flights to 13 domestic destinations (including Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle), and one-stop connections to thousands more destinations around the world. SBA serves more than 1.4 million passengers each year, providing essential transportation service for both residents and visitors alike.
(SBA) celebró el lanzamiento del servicio sin escalas al Aeropuerto Internacional O’Hare de Chicago (ORD) con United Airlines, marcando el regreso de una de las rutas más solicitadas por la comunidad.
El servicio, que comenzó el 6 de abril de 2026, opera diariamente y es atendido por un avión Boeing 737 MAX 8 con 166 asientos. La ruta brinda a los viajeros de la Costa Central acceso directo al Medio Oeste, junto con conexiones convenientes a través de Chicago hacia destinos en toda la Costa Este y más allá. El vuelo inaugural de salida partió de Santa Bárbara casi lleno, reflejando una sólida demanda inicial por el servicio. Esta ruta operó previamente en SBA durante los veranos de 2021 y 2022 como una oferta estacional.
Funcionarios del aeropuerto, socios comunitarios y representantes de aerolíneas se reunieron en la terminal de SBA la mañana del lunes para dar la bienvenida al vuelo inaugural. Los pasajeros que llegaron fueron recibidos con decoraciones y obsequios de cortesía, seguidos de un breve programa con comentarios de Chris Hastert, director del Aeropuerto de Santa Bárbara, y Kathy JanegaDykes, presidenta y directora ejecutiva de Visit Santa
Barbara. La Cámara de Comercio de la Costa Sur de Santa Bárbara también dio la bienvenida a los pasajeros con un módulo informativo temporal.
“SBA está encantado de dar la bienvenida nuevamente al servicio sin escalas a Chicago”, dijo Chris Hastert, director del Aeropuerto de Santa Bárbara (Santa Barbara Airport Director). “Esta ha sido una de las rutas más solicitadas por nuestra comunidad, y estamos agradecidos con United Airlines por ayudar a satisfacer esa demanda. Restaurar esta conexión directa con un importante centro del medio oeste ofrece a los viajeros opciones adicionales para viajar por todo el país y más allá.”
“Visita Santa Bárbara se complace en dar la bienvenida al regreso del servicio directo de United Airlines desde Chicago a Santa Bárbara”, dijo Kathy Janega-Dykes, presidenta y CEO de Visita Santa Bárbara. “Chicago es un centro vital del medio oeste tanto para viajes de ocio como de negocios. Este nuevo servicio ofrece una forma conveniente para que los visitantes experimenten la extraordinaria belleza costera de Santa Bárbara, su vibrante escena gastronómica y vinícola, y su multitud de atracciones. También brinda oportunidades para las empresas locales y los residentes, que se beneficiarán de una fuerte conectividad con el corazón del país.
Agradecemos profundamente a United Airlines y al equipo del Aeropuerto de Santa Bárbara por su continuo compromiso con la mejora del servicio aéreo de nuestra región y por apoyar nuestra economía local de hospitalidad.”
La adición mejora aún más la creciente red de destinos directos de SBA, que ahora incluye 13 destinos directos con aproximadamente 26 salidas diarias. Se espera un crecimiento adicional del servicio, con un servicio directo a San Diego programado para comenzar el 22 de abril con Alaska Airlines.
Para obtener más información sobre las rutas y servicios de la SBA, visite Santa Barbara Airport (FlySBA.com).
Aeropuerto de Santa Bárbara: El Aeropuerto de Santa Bárbara, propiedad y operado por la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara, ha proporcionado servicios de aviación comercial y general a la región del tricondado durante más de 90 años. SBA es atendido por cinco aerolíneas principales: Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest y United. Estas aerolíneas ofrecen vuelos diarios sin escalas a 13 destinos nacionales (incluyendo Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, San Francisco y Seattle) y conexiones con una escala a miles de destinos más alrededor del mundo. SBA atiende a más de 1.4 millones de pasajeros cada año, proporcionando un servicio de transporte esencial tanto para residentes como para visitantes.
Submitted by Lori Goodman, 4.5.26
THIS HAS BEEN AN INTENSE, REMARKABLE, AND MIRACULOUS WEEK.
I am the CEO of LEAP, a nonprofit in Goleta, California that serves low-income families with childcare and family support. Many of our families are immigrants, including K’s family who are here with asylum status. K is two years old.
K and Mom are bona fide asylum seekers. They have complied with all their immigration requirements, including all immigration check-in appointments. On March 19, K and his mom and dad were abruptly arrested and detained after dutifully appearing at an immigration check-in appointment.
Our Community Engagement Specialist, Laura, received a call from the family in detention letting us know what happened. Sadly, there was nothing we could do.
On Monday, three things happened. First, Laura wrote to me about her call from K’s mom. She shared her sadness at not being able to do more, but also her recognition that our connection with the other families, the connections of trust enabled the family to call her and gave us the opportunity to support her emotionally. Laura wrote beautifully, and I want to share some of her words with you:
“I was approached by two other families who are part of our LEAP community. I showed up the only way I know how – with a smile, an open, heart and a willingness to listen…. I gave them my card. They told me that, at the very least, they felt peace knowing their children were safe at LEAP….
Somehow that connection traveled.
That small moment of showing up – of listening, of being present – carried my number across state lines, all the way to a detention center in Texas. That’s what connection does. Sometimes it’s not about having the answers or the power to fix everything. Sometimes it’s just about being there, meeting people where they are, and holding space for them. And, in this case, that was enough to build trust strong enough to travel thousands of miles.”
I was so touched by Laura’s words, that I decided to share that with my network. That was the second thing that happened. I wrote a personal email to many of the people who support LEAP, who care about us. And, I did something I don’t always do, I invited them to make a donation. I knew the people I shared this with would want to DO something. So, I suggested a donation to our emergency response fund.
Later that night, I got a call from another staff member. While she was eating dinner, she saw K’s face on the news in a story about the detention center in Dilley, TX. The story said he was sick, he hadn’t eaten in 12 days, and he wasn’t
getting care. Understandably, she was terribly upset, broken hearted to see a child she worked so hard to enroll in our children’s center suffering. But, there was something hopeful in the news story. The San Antonio Texas Congressman, Joaquin Castro, was advocating for K’s release. I shared that news with the same group of donors. A handful of donations came in.
The next morning, Laura began receiving calls from the lawyer, Elora Mukherjee who had taken on the case, thanks to the news report from Lidia Terrazzas. The lawyer filed an appeal, and it was tentatively accepted. By 7:30 AM, we were told that if we could find a sponsor for the family, Mom and K might be released. I immediately found that sponsor.
Within an hour, immigration called me to confirm the sponsor. I was told that we needed to provide plane tickets for K and Mom at a specific time. Fortunately, because of the email that I just happened to send, we had enough in donations to cover last minute, refundable plane tickets from San Antonio to Santa Barbara. Evan, the master travel agent of our family booked the flights. I agreed to be the person that immigration would call, and I spoke several times to a bureaucrat facilitating the process. By noon, I had a text from immigration confirming that agents would drive K and Mom to the airport on Thursday. Things were beginning to look hopeful.
Now we needed to prepare for their arrival home. They no longer had a home because their landlord thought they had been deported and rented their room and got rid of most of their belongings. Housing in our area is so tight, the room was rented immediately. With the help Mom’s friend, we found a room for them and
paid the first month’s rent. Thanks, again, to our emergency response fund.
On Wednesday, Laura went shopping to buy some clothes and basic food, imagining that they might not have had clothes with them. We made sure that K had a doctor’s appointment, on Thursday, since we knew he was sick. Meanwhile, we were tracking the flights. We celebrated when we learned that mom and K were at the airport. We cheered when the first plane took off. When Mom and K landed my team were there to greet them.
I’d like to end the story there, but that’s not the end.
K is only two years old. He suffered immensely in detention at Dilley. K was unable to eat solid food for the entirety of his detention at Dilley. For nearly two weeks, K vomited every time his mom tried to feed him solid food. He survived by drinking water and apple juice. K cried frequently and suffered mentally and physically. He developed a high fever. He was unable to sleep, awoken by the lights that were on 24/7 and the noises of patrolling guards at night. He desperately misses his father.
Both K and Mom are severely traumatized. He screamed hysterically getting into the car when Laura picked them up from the airport. He is now terrified of cars and car seats because of the way he was violently shoved into a car by ICE agents. K and Mom have nothing. We will make sure to get them on their feet. I’m hoping we can find a reputable lawyer to get K’s Dad released.
K will return to our school on Monday. I know we will be patient with his fears and create the space and safety the family needs to heal.
We know that positive experiences can help heal the wounds of trauma. Trusted relationships, equitable environments, and a sense of belonging – along with therapy –can counteract some of the harmful effects of what happened to this family.
This week is an example of what we can do because we are a community.
This week, when I celebrated Passover, I had a very tangible sense of what it means to move toward freedom. If you want to help, here are some things you can do:
To donate directly to the family, here is their GoFundMe: gofund.me/81af1b43a
To donate to LEAP so that we can continue to support this family as well as others and do our work of providing high-quality, trauma-informed early childhood education and comprehensive family support, visit leapcentralcoast.org/ donate
To see an initial report from Lidia Terrazzas of K's release, see youtube.com/watch?v=s2HydcAS1KI
And, share this with your networks. Community can be powerful.
Picture of K shared with permission.
P.S. - This morning mom said she needs evaporated milk, clothing for K, oil, eggs, a dresser to store her clothes. These are the kinds of things your donations will help with. (LEAP will purchase the food items today, until the GoFundMe money is transferred into her account).
By Lillian Perlmutter
Santa Barbara News-Press 4.5.26
COUNTY SUPERVISORS CALLED FOR GREATER TRANSPARENCY after a News-Press investigation into ICE arrests at Santa Barbara County jails.
“When so many are living with fear and uncertainty, the public deserves clear, comprehensive, and transparent information,” Laura Capps, second district Santa Barbara County supervisor, told the News-Press.
A News-Press report last week revealed that while the Sheriff’s Office reported twelve official transfers of inmates to immigration agents in 2025, federal data shows ICE agents arrested eight times that many people at locations they tagged as Santa Barbara county jails.
The California Values Act, also known as SB 54, prohibits local law enforcement agencies from transferring inmates to ICE, unless they have serious criminal records — as did the twelve people in the transfers the Sheriff’s Office reported to the state.
But many more people were arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in jail lobbies or just outside the jailhouse doors — including some who had no criminal record at all.
The Sheriff’s Office says they aren’t always aware when ICE makes arrests on their property, though the News-Press found the office received dozens of official “detainer” requests from ICE, a signal that agents were interested in holding a specific inmate. The Sheriff’s Office says it does not collaborate with federal agents outside the bounds of SB 54, but experts say ICE agents may have access
to a variety of law enforcement databases that help them make targeted arrests at the jails.
Data from the first two and a half months of 2026 shows a rising tide of ICE activity at local jails, with 26 arrests listed in ICE records, nearly half of them people who did not have any criminal conviction.
Some local officials reacted to the findings with alarm.
“The Board does not have authority over the Sheriff; we cannot tell the Sheriff how to do his job. Nonetheless, we do have a right to transparency,” Supervisor Joan Hartmann told the News-Press
Each year the sheriff is required to present a report to the Board of Supervisors detailing transfers to ICE and appear at a public meeting known as the TRUTH Act Forum.
“If the numbers he has reported to the public at Board Truth Act meetings are deceptive, that would undermine trust all around,” Hartman said.
“I’m a big believer in transparency,” Supervisor Roy Lee told the News-Press. “This is an example of a lack of transparency and seems to be the opposite of what the state law is trying to achieve.”
Sheriff Bill Brown’s office answered questions via e-mail from the News-Press but did not agree to an interview with senior leadership about SB 54, and did not respond to the investigation’s findings.
Capps said she has asked the Sheriff’s Office for clarification regarding ICE jail arrests. “I’m alarmed by the findings and requested more information from the Sheriff’s Office,” she said.
On weekdays from April 13th to 24th, Carrillo Street at State Street will be reduced to one lane in each direction as crews install a large asphalt art mural as part of the Asphalt Art Initiative. Normal traffic will resume on weekends.
The Oaxacan-inspired artwork aims to enhance pedestrian safety, improve visibility, calm traffic, celebrate local culture, and create a more welcoming public space downtown. The installation is expected to conclude on April 24th.
State Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara), said he has been concerned about the frequency of ICE arrests at local jails for years, and previously wrote to the Attorney General with concerns about the sheriff’s “failure to provide information to the California Department of Justice.”
State law directs each law enforcement agency to report their ICE transfers to the California Department of Justice each year, but letters last year between the Sheriff’s Office and the Attorney General showed Brown wrote that his office didn’t believe any ICE arrest at jails — regardless of people’s criminal histories — constituted “transfers” under the law, and therefore had not reported any of the ICE arrests.
The office subsequently updated seven
years worth of the annual data it had reported. Hart said the sheriff has “consistently failed to correctly report the basic facts about his collaboration with ICE agents to the Attorney General on numerous occasions.”
The Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to a request to comment on Hart’s claims.
While public scrutiny continues, so too do the ICE arrests. Hours after the News Press published its investigative report Thursday, activists said they spotted ICE agents at the North County jail.
News-Press editor Joshua Molina contributed to this report.
This story was originally published by the Santa Barbara News-Press. Printed with permission • 4.5.2026 • newspress.com
TBy Daisy Scott / VOICE
RANSPORTING LISTENERS ON A MUSICAL ODYSSEY, the New York Philharmonic String Quartet delivered one of Hahn Hall’s most memorable concerts to date as they kicked off a two-night residency at the Music Academy of the West on Thursday, April 2nd.
A living example of how the right chemistry can elevate chamber music to new heights, the quartet includes violinists Frank Huang and Qianqian Li, violist Cynthia Phelps, and cellist Carter Brey. Considering that two of these musicians have personal ties to the Miraflores campus — Huang is an Academy alum, while Phelps is an alum and teaching artist — the quartet’s performances were a fitting conclusion to the season’s Mariposa concert series, especially with pianist Han Chen accompanying on the second night.
A flurry of energy set the evening’s pace, as the quartet immediately launched into Franz Schubert’s String Quartet No. 12 in C Minor, D. 703, “Quartettsatz.” Smiling at each other over their flying bows, each musician performed with dramatic grace as they raced to the end of Schubert’s unfinished gem. As applause filled Hahn Hall, it was immediately apparent that regardless of how many times audiences may have heard these foundational composers, they had never heard their works like this
The whirlwind opening was followed by Felix Mendelssohn’s masterful String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 44, No. 1. A true Romantic, Mendelssohn treats strings with profound reverence across his chamber and orchestral works. Realizing and heightening this emotional quality of the composition at hand, the quartet coaxed their instruments to achieve soul-stirring depths. From the sprightly harmonies of the first movement, to the meditatively intricate second and third movements, the musicians explored sonic way finding before breaking into a sprint for the lively, culminating movement.
The night concluded with a return to Schubert, performing the composer’s last completed work for a string quartet, String Quartet No. 15 in G Major, D. 887. Cellist Carter Brey introduced the piece by joking that its complexity would make the quartet in effect “climb Mount Everest.” What could best be described as a musical odyssey followed, as Brey’s cello sang in a call-and-response dynamic with Huang and Li’s violins while Phelps’ viola provided additional resonance. The quartet performed with precision and playfulness through the final notes, sending listeners to their feet in ovation. musicacademy.org
Santa Barbara Beautiful is now soliciting nominations in nine categories for their 61st awards program which will take place on Sunday, September 27th.
Each year, Santa Barbara Beautiful calls on our community to recognize and show appreciation for their neighbors who work to amplify the city’s natural beauty. At the Annual Awards, the results of their beautification efforts are recognized.
Property award categories have been adapted to meet the real and growing importance of climate change and the need for environmental stewardship.
Learn more at www.sbbeautiful.org
1. Street Address:
Category (s):
Property Owner or Business Name:
What makes this a winning nomination?
Submitted by: _______________________ Telephone/email: _______________________
1. Multi-Family Residence ~ Condos, Retirement Facilities... Sustainable (ie: water or energy saving) building elements? How does it fit in or enhance the streetscape?
2. Single Family Home, Small Lot (<1/2 acre) ~ Sustainable (ie: water or energy saving) building elements? Does it fit in and/or enhance the streetscape?
3. Single Family Home, Large Lot (>1/2 acre) ~ Sustainable building elements? Does it fit in and/or enhance the streetscape?
4. Mixed-Use Building ~ Commercial & Residential in one building; Sustainability elements? Does it fit in and/or enhance the streetscape? Does it have *LEED Certification?
5. Commercial Building ~ (Public Buildings, Hotels, B&Bs): Sustainability elements?
Does it fit in and/or enhance the streetscape? Does it have *LEED Certification?
6. Commercial Sign
7. Art in Public Places ~ Murals, Sculpture, etc... (Hugh & Marjorie Petersen Award for Art in Public Places)
8. Historic Revitalization: Recently revitalized gardens and/or buildings with a historic character
9. Santa Barbara Commons: Public Open Space ~ Parks; Medians; Parkways; Streetscapes: places we gather to build community and connect with nature.
• There is no limit to the number of entries a person may submit.
• Winners are selected by independent judges based on merit, not on the number of nominations.
• The Awards Committee reserves the right to adjust categories depending on the nominations received.
ELIGIBLE PROPERTIES:
• Entries must be visible from the street or via public access.
• Completed projects between Ortega Ridge Rd to Turnpike Rd.
• Properties in ZIP CODES: 93101 • 93103 • 93105 • 93108 • 93109 • 93110
HOW TO ENTER:
EMAIL form to: President@SBbeautiful.org MAIL form to: Santa Barbara Beautiful, P.O. Box 2024 Santa Barbara, CA 93120 QUESTIONS? Call: Melinda Mettler at 415-225-8336
Rinvolving video games and brain scanners were once met with deep skepticism. But now the UC Santa Barbara professor has been named an inaugural fellow of the Social and Affective Neuroscience Society (SANS).
The distinction recognizes scholars who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to the field, which seeks to understand how people interface with the social world by studying group dynamics, emotion, and neurology.
Weber is one of six researchers selected for the society’s inaugural class, chosen from a highly competitive pool of nominees for their roles in advancing research, fostering collaboration, and strengthening the visibility of the field.
Weber holds joint appointments in UCSB’s Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and the Department of Communication. He also serves as the director of UCSB’s Brain Imaging Center and leads the campus’s Media Neuroscience Lab.
He was among the first media psychology scholars to make use of computational approaches and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate how media impacts the human brain. Today, his lab explores complex cognitive responses to mass communication, including the neural mechanisms behind moral conflict in narratives, the effectiveness of persuasion in media campaigns, and the consequences of compulsive media use for mental health.
However, his methodological approach was not always widely accepted.
“In the early 2000s, I was lucky to be among the pioneers for the development and refinement of naturalistic paradigms in brain imaging studies — having participants watch videos or behave in virtual, interactive worlds while being brain-scanned, rather than executing simple, highly controlled and artificial cognitive tasks,” Weber said.
“It is fair to say that these early, often media psychological studies, were initially not well received by the cognitive neuroscience community,” he continued. “More than 25 years since I had participants play violent video games while being brain-scanned, it is a special honor for me to be elected as one of SANS’ inaugural fellows. In some sense, it is a confirmation of my early, controversial media psychological neuroimaging research.”
The Social and Affective Neuroscience Society and its members played a crucial role in popularizing these naturalistic paradigms, which are now widely used to understand how brains function in the real world.
Throughout his career, Weber has published four books and more than 170 journal articles and book chapters. His research is supported by national scientific foundations in the United States, Germany, and South Korea, as well as private philanthropies. Weber and the other inaugural SANS Fellows will be officially recognized at the 2026 SANS Annual Conference this April in San Diego.
THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY IS INVITED to celebrate the third anniversary of the Grace Fisher Foundation’s Inclusive Arts Clubhouse, as well as the foundation’s ten years of free inclusive arts programming, at a joyful, free party from 1 to 3pm on Sunday, April 12th. The clubhouse is located in La Cumbre Plaza. Guests will enjoy live music by Meghan Downing, a performance by Sing Sign & Dance Troupe, hands-on art activities, light bites, Lavender Lemonade Bar, and a cake while exploring the welcoming and accessible space that has become a hub for inclusive arts.
GraceFisherFoundation.org
BRINGING EXPERTISE in maritime storytelling, design, leadership, and organizational strategy, Will Sofrin and Craig Alexander have joined the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Board of Directors. sbmm.org
WILL SOFRIN is a designer, author, and lifelong sailor whose work focuses on craft, experiential learning, and maritime heritage. Author of All Hands on Deck and USCG Cutter Eagle: The Legacy of the Coast Guard’s Flagship, he brings a strong connection to working waterfront traditions and hands-on education.
CRAIG ALEXANDER contributes extensive experience in executive leadership, compliance, and operations, with a background in managing complex systems and strengthening organizational performance. His expertise will support SBMM’s long-term sustainability and strategic growth.
TRENTON HAMMEL has joined the Board of Directors for Hospice of Santa Barbara. Currently a Senior Wealth Strategist at Northern Trust, Hammel is a local seasoned financial professional with over 20 years of experience serving families, foundations, and institutions in the Santa Barbara community. The father of three young boys, he is a dedicated volunteer youth sports coach. Hammel holds deep respect for the essential care Hospice SB provides, and is committed to contributing his time, experience, and heart to its continued success in serving the community. hospiceofsb.org
SERVING OVER 600 PATIENTS, Sutter Health Greater Central Coast’s Foothill Surgery Center was named among the 2026 Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers by U.S. News & World Report for the third year in a row. Joining eight other Sutter Health ambulatory surgery centers recognized by the report, the Foothill Ambulatory Surgery Center demonstrates outstanding service for its patients with standards for patient safety and clinical outcomes, ranked in the top 15 percent of all 4,400-plus evaluated centers. sutterhealth.org
CELEBRATE OUR PLANET when the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ Environmental Department hosts its annual free Chumash Earth Day event from 10am-2pm on April 18th at Kitiyepumu’ Park, located on the Santa Ynez Reservation at 100 Via Juana Road. Open to the public, the day will include family-friendly activities for all ages.
With over 30 local businesses and organizations in attendance, the zerowaste event will include educational booths, arts and crafts, face painting, raffles and giveaways, food trucks, live animals, an interactive exhibit, and a visit from Smokey Bear.
“Every year, we look forward to bringing the community together for Chumash Earth Day,” said Julie Colbert, Environmental Director for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “As we celebrate our 18th annual event, this year’s theme, ‘Life Grows Where Water Flows,’ has deep meaning, as water is the source of life and our most precious resource. It is sacred to our communities, sustains our ecosystems, and connects us to our land and traditions. When we care for water, we ensure that life, in all its forms, continues to grow and thrive for generations to come. As always, we’re excited to welcome an incredible lineup of local organizations and partners supporting this year’s event and look forward to celebrating with the community.”
Registration will take place at the event, and the first 200 people to arrive will receive a “swag bag,” including a reusable cup, t-shirt, and stickers. Free parking will be available at the Tribal Hall, with shuttle service to Kitiyepumu’ Park. To learn more visit syceo.org
TO HELP EDUCATORS NAVIGATE LONG-TERM FINANCIAL PLANNING, the Santa Barbara Education Foundation will host a free financial literacy workshop on April 18th from 9am to 12pm at Workzones in Paseo Nuevo. The presentation will cover tools and information for participants.
“Because of the enormous time commitment teaching requires, finding time to think about retirement planning is far down on the list of priorities for young educators,” said Maggie Mason, a retired educator who helped plan the workshop. “Many teachers assume that because they have a pension, they don’t really need to plan, but this isn’t true.”
The workshop will address topics such as retirement savings plans, CalSTRS pension benefits, and navigating financial pressures. The event is free for educators with limited space, and online registration is required in advance. To register visit sbefoundation.org
AS PART OF THE STATE-WIDE “COUNT PLAY EXPLORE” INITIATIVE, MOXI, the Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation, will open its doors for a full day of free admission on Sunday, April 12th. In participating, MOXI contributes to the initiative’s goal of fostering young learners’ confidence and curiosity in math, science, and computer science. Exhibits for all ages will be open alongside interactive activities including slime-making, a color-changing chemistry activity, water-filtration exploration, and two kinds of robots. MOXI will also provide resources to families about learning tools, early childhood development, support services, and parent education.
“For the first time, we’re opening our doors for free to the public, inviting families to discover the joy of STEAM and connect with trusted community resources,” said Kaia-Joye Wesolowski, director of learning experiences. The event is free but reservations in advance are highly recommended. Visit moxi.org
Photos and Stories by John Palminteri, Special to VOICE
SERVICES at the Old Mission Santa Barbara and at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens for Calvary Chapel drew thousands. They sang and shared in the message under a very warm morning glow. It was perfect for the day.
MENDOCINO FARMS is opening a new location in Santa Barbara at La Cumbre Plaza (3851 State St). It is in the former Panera Bread space. The expected opening is June or July. It is the first one on the Central Coast.
Here’s a very sweet scoop! The brand new Rori’s Creamery at 270 Storke Rd. in Goleta had an opening day party on April 3rd.
A NEW FOUR-STORY PHYSICAL EDUCATION BUILDING is going up on the waterfront side of Santa Barbara City College near the football stadium. It should be ready by summer of 2028. Classes for students and other community benefits will be offered including an emergency shelter and convention-style space. State grant funds and a locally approved bond measure made this $105-million building possible.
THE PERMITTED ISLA VISTA SOLTOPIA event Saturday had an impressive report card in its first year. 12,000 attended. There were three arrests, 29 citations, and under ten medical calls. In 2025 during the unpermitted Deltopia there were 84 arrests, 485 citations, and 130 medical calls. Note: These are preliminary numbers provided by the Isla Vista Community Services District (without a breakdown - event vs. overall). Another report from Santa Barbara County will be out later this week.
FOR THE SECOND DAY, there was a rollover crash in the construction zone around Olive Mill Rd. in Montecito on Wednesday morning. A major impact on both the northbound and southbound lanes. The crash was posted as southbound. Montecito fire, CHP, and Holzers were on it.
THERE WAS A ROLLOVER ON HWY 154 at Paradise Rd. off the roadway on Wednesday. One person out. No serious injuries reported. Santa Barbara Co. Fire, CHP, AMR, Los Padres on it.
A FIVE VEHICLE CRASH was reported with seven injuries, southbound Highway 101 at Fairview in Goleta on Tuesday. Debris over two lanes. Santa Barbara Co. Fire, CHP, 4-AMR were on it. There were reports of a two vehicle crash on the other side of the freeway going northbound.
THIS JACKKNIFED TRUCK north of Ventura slowed traffic significantly at La Conchita about 7pm on Monday evening.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY IS SUPPORTING steps to create a Film Commissioner position and expedite movie making proposals. The area has been used for several top motion pictures over the years including One Battle After Another, Seabiscuit, The Graduate, The Ten Commandments, Sideways, Steal Big Steal Little, and The Rocketeer. Sites have also been used for numerous TV commercials. It is a revenue generator on many levels.
THE FIRST-EVER STATE FEST had eight venues, 30 acts and a full night of packed shows throughout downtown Santa Barbara. Impressive bands, theatrics, and a selfdesigned festival if you wanted to go to different locations with a VIP wristband.
John
THIS FALCON 9 ROCKET LAUNCH with Starlink Satellites lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County about 7:50pm on Monday. The wind-twisted fuel trail could be seen for hundreds of miles.
is a veteran news reporter and anchor for Newschannel 3-12 TV and both KJEE and KCLU radio
and civic events. John’s social media presence has one of the largest
Off the air, he’s often bringing his smile and positive energy to
and this page has the weekly highlights. Twitter: @JohnPalminteri • Instagram: @JohnPalminteriNews www.facebook.com/john.palminteri.5
By Nancy Black and Isaac Hernández de Lipa / VOICE
NEARLY 1,500 PEOPLE FLOCKED TO THE MARJORIE LUKE
THEATRE and Santa Barbara Junior High School front lawn for the inaugural Coffee Culture Fest, March 28th, a celebration of community sharing delicious flavors, caffeine and conversation, with live music provided by a steady lineup of young musicians, because “coffee shops are more than businesses - they’re third spaces,” as Rebecca Benozer, founder of State of Mind Cafe and event title sponsor, expressed.
Focusing on inclusion, signage and programs were written going back and forth between English and Spanish. “The idea was to make this more culturally relevant for the neighborhood and community we were being
invited into,” said organizer Elly Iverson, of eji event co. “This is an Eastside festival, with a range of generations seated at the table. We wanted to make it a mix of English and Spanish that felt more natural and organic.”
All through the day, people were invited to join the conversation at one of the Caffecito Tables where they connected over coffee, exploring a variety of scheduled topics from brewing tips and local coffee culture to sustainability and creative ideas. Table hosts included Ali Cortez, John Ruffin of Newcomers
Santa Barbara, Mia Lopez of The Space, and Corazón del Pueblo. “Our community came together, creating a sense of belonging felt by everyone there,” said Sharon Rich of Friends of State Street, sponsor of the tables.
A Haiku station with poets Mary Harris and Michaela McGinnis gave their verses away. Given that the No Kings Rally was on the same day, they dedicated this 5-7-5 pattern to VOICE: Bombs cannot be us We are made of better stuff Stop the drop right now
Nearby, Torrie Cutbirth wanted you to drop other kinds of bombs, seed bombs, made with clay, organic soil and native coastal wildflower mix (the latter donated by Island Seed & Feed).
“Getting our hands in healthy soil literally makes us happy, creating connections and hope,” said Torrie about the educational activity that had a steady flow of children and adults alike wanting to participate in “guerrilla gardening that creates pollinator habitats and supports a healthy microbiology.”
At Explore Ecology, people of all ages delighted at the painting craft table. “We are having a great time,” said Morgan Coffey, Development Director at Explore Ecology, excited to hear from the owner of the booth next to them that “her business, Cove Eco Gear, was inspired by attending one of our EE Makerspace Sewing and Mending workshops!”
Inside the theatre, visitors enjoyed a panel moderated by Gwyn Lurie, “Women Setting the Table for Local Action, Global Impact,” as well as the Central Coast Latte Art Throwdown, a single bracket elimination barista competition, won by independent barista Robert Bertha. “The vibes are
immaculate, it’s a great mix of activities and coffee, and the whole theme just hit. Truly peak,” said MC and Community Partner Daisy Weber to VOICE.
Festivalgoers savored a diverse variety of flavors, demonstrations, and tips from coffee roasters and tea makers doling out fragrant samples. Altogether, there were over 40 coffee, tea, food, and maker vendors, including the popular Santa Barbara Empty Bowls Committee ceramic mug sale.
Right now, there are no plans for other Coffee Culture Fests in other parts of our county, but they will be back at the Marjorie Luke next March. Like good coffee, it bears repeating. coffeeculturefest.com
Join us for a night of fine wines, delightful pairings, and live art.
4/30 4/30 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
By Richard Payatt / Special to VOICE
APPLE COMPUTER TURNED
50 YEARS OLD on April 1st. I worked there doing project management and running teams between 1990 and 1995. I worked in Building One some of the time, and as a contractor some of the time. Your division gets laid off. You get rehired a few weeks later, usually making a lot more money. That was the Silicon Valley then, and it is still that way now. I worked on the second floor of Apple Building One. Headquarters. Ground Zero. The Big Show. I was there in the John Sculley/ Mike Spindler years. That was in between Steve Jobs and Steve Jobs. So, no, I never met the man.
So, what was it like? It was exciting, crazy, sleepless, grinding, challenging, creative, irritating, exhausting, and absolutely wonderful. Above all, it was cool.
engineers would sleep there overnight. It might be the only sleep they got. Every floor had a fancy Lavazza coffee machine and grinder for beans. Once a week, every floor got a delivery of freshly roasted beans from a little company down on Stevens Creek Boulevard. At Building One, every floor had their own subscription for better beans. My floor ordered in beans from Peet’s. The fourth floor had beans flown in once a week from Italy.
The joke in the Valley at the time was this: What does Apple Computer have in common with a Boy Scout troop? Punchline: Both require adult supervision. I was 27, and I was the adult in the room a lot of the time. I was the one herding cats (programmers,) and trying to keep the projects on time and on budget. It was a thankless and nearly hopeless job, but one I had a reputation for achieving with unusual success.
There were about 6,000 employees back then, if you included the Claris software division. There were maybe 40 buildings. Some of them were old real estate offices. Some were old barber shops. Some of the washers and dryers were still around in some of the big buildings. The fabled hot tubs were gone. Every floor had at least one cubicle with a futon in it for an exhausted engineer to catch a few winks of sleep. Some weeks, the
Every Friday morning at 9am, steaming hot bagels would be delivered in enormous grocery bags. Lox, cream cheeses, and jam were spread out in the kitchen on every floor. Why do that? To get the programmers who had already worked 50 hours that week to come in. You could get a lot out of a team with a free meal. Then, there would be a Beer Bust every Friday at 4pm. The same six-foot table in the kitchen would be piled high with fancy cheeses, charcuterie, fruit, and loaves of fresh baked sourdough. Then there would be a coffin-sized cooler full of good beer. Microbreweries were just beginning to happen. We had the best they could bottle. Why do this? To keep the programmers from going home at noon. I cannot tell you how many times I had some VP come downstairs and ask my team to work through the weekend on some big thing. They would offer lunch and dinner every day, of course. What you can get out of a free meal!
getting email accounts for the masses. Yes, there was a time when two accounts was unheard of. Trying to figure out a way to display documents correctly over the nascent internet was a challenge. Eventually that became HTML, a standard Apple didn’t create. Same for the Java standard; that was Sun Microsystems. However, creating a way to find a page on the internet was something that we did do! We created bookmarks to find where you have been, ways to save bookmarks for easy retrieval, and how to retrieve a recent page visit just by typing the first few letters of the web address. People don’t think twice about that these days. My team sweated bullets over it for a year. And figuring out how to manage a tech call politely and effectively was something new. Lord knows, Microsoft couldn’t manage that back then.
And then one day, Larry Tesler and Peter Friedman, our VP, called for a meeting for the management team at Apple PIE. There were maybe twenty of us in the room. I was the junior manager there. Jef Raskin and Bill Atkinson were sitting at the table. They were both legendary founding engineers at
These were the free-wheeling, Wild West days at Apple. We were out there inventing things that had never existed. At Apple Pie (Personal Integrated Electronics) we had to figure out a way to have multiple email accounts on a computer, now that some company called America Online was
Apple, and now working as consultants. Tesler announced a new project for something called the Apple Newton. It was to be a hand-held computer with a stylus touch screen. My team had to figure out how to make programs work on it. And they had to run on a tiny number of bytes. The solution was not to generate full blown programs on the Newton, but to have applications that used a common instruction set within the operating system. Thus were Apps born. And calendars. And address books. And notepads. Now people don’t even remember a time before Apps.
The Newton didn’t survive long enough in the marketplace to get the planned addon of a phone. Nor did it get the planned interface for the automobile. Nor did it get the planned recognized speech. But it was the father of the iPod, iPad, iPhone, and Siri. That project kept us plenty busy for a long time. Oh, and working nights and weekends for months on end.
After years of being in and out of Apple, and a lot of other companies, I decided it was time to leave the Valley and head for Santa Barbara. About six weeks before I left, I got a call from Apple. I was offered a no-interview appointment as Vice President of the Mac Project product at Claris. I was a highly successful project manager for Apple’s projects, I was told. That would make me the man for the job. After some consideration, my wife and I decided that taking the job would mean having to find another VP slot in another company every 18 months, or I would be considered stale in the marketplace... and unemployable. We didn’t want to get on that treadmill. We wanted to have kids, which doesn’t happen if you are never home, which was common for VPs. So, we finished packing the house, and came here. Had I taken that vice-presidency, it would have been fun. And I would have had the distinction of having Steve Jobs fire me personally, when he shut down the Claris software division two years later. Getting fired by Steve. That would have been cool. That’s what it was like.
The plaintiffs are listed as Teresa Patiño, a property owner: JKRK, L.P., which lists Robert V Kooyman as the registered agent; 3442 Richland LLC, which lists Michael K. Cheng as the registered agent; and 1501 SB, LLC, which lists Jim Youngson as the registered agent.
By Joshua Molinaz, Santa Barbara News-Press, 4.7.26
FILED A LAWSUIT on Friday against Santa Barbara over its rent freeze.
The lawsuit seeks to immediately halt the freeze, which went into effect in February.
“The complaint demonstrates a wide range of constitutional violations,” says Barry Cappello, managing partner of Cappello & Noël, and one of the attorneys at the firm representing the association. “It shows how arbitrary and capricious, and how rushed this ordinance process was, providing proof of its unconstitutionality.”
The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court, Central District of California, on behalf of the
Santa Barbara Rental Property Association.
The Santa Barbara City Council voted 4-3 earlier this year to freeze rent increases while the city works on a rent stabilization ordinance. The rent freeze will last through Dec. 31, 2026.
The freeze does not apply to people renting from single-family homes or rental units managed by a public agency. It applies only to apartment buildings built before 1995.
“The City Council failed to conduct adequate due diligence and dismissed legitimate concern about the long-term effects of rent control when it passed these ordinances,” Cappello said in a news release. “The individual property owners who filed suit are standing for all other Santa Barbara property owners. These residential rental
property owners and the SBRPA had no other choice but to take legal action.”
The plaintiffs are listed as Teresa Patiño, a property owner: JKRK, L.P., which lists Robert V Kooyman as the registered agent; 3442 Richland LLC, which lists Michael K. Cheng as the registered agent; and 1501 SB, LLC, which lists Jim Youngson as the registered agent.
Only Patiño is listed as an actual name in
the lawsuit. The other three individuals are only named through their LLC, but an online LLC business record check shows them as registered agents.
The Santa Barbara City Council on Tuesday was set to discuss an update on the status of the rent stabilization ordinance.
Printed with permission of the Santa Barbara News-Press • 4.7.26 • newspress.com
Santa Barbara wants to welcome people into lots and garages to avoid “negative experience”
By Joshua Molinaz, Santa Barbara News-Press, 4.3.26
IN A SHIFT FROM JUST A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, the city of Santa Barbara is now encouraging motorists to travel downtown—and at a discounted price.
City staff and the Downtown Parking Committee talked about creating a $70 monthly permit for downtown workers at a recent meeting. According to the proposal, people who work downtown could pay as little as $70 per month to park in Lot 2, which is on the corner of Canon Perdido and Chapala streets.
“The Lot 2, $70, I think that is a great addition,” said committee member Sean Pratt. “I know living here for 30-something years and working downtown for most of that, it’s the No. 1 complaint from employees is parking costs down there.”
The Downtown Parking Committee recently discussed its budget, which is projected at about $11 million for 2027. The effort to lure workers to park downtown with a discounted monthly fee marks a reversal in strategy for the parking department. A couple years ago the city proposed—then retreated— on a plan to slash free parking times downtown and install a pay-by-plate kiosk.
At the time, the city was struggling financially and was looking at ways to boost the budget.
The city provides about 3,215 off-street stalls and 1,200 timerestricted, on-street spaces.
But Ed France, downtown parking and plaza manager, said that the city wants to encourage motorists to do things “the right way.” Right now, people are parking far away in neighborhoods, or shuffling their cars frequently to avoid paying high daily rate fees, which “creates a negative experience.”
Pratt, who is also the managing director of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, said he supported the discounted fee for downtown employees.
“We already have employees going ‘can we work at the other theater because I don’t want to have to pay for parking,’” Pratt said. “The more we can do that benefits employees, I would encourage.”
The current monthly fee for Parking Lot 2 is $165 and $95 for Paseo Nuevo employees.
street for short term parking needs,” France said.
Still, he said, “we are so fortunate there has been growth in hourly parking.”
Overall, the city wants to encourage people to park downtown, and pay a discounted rate.
“We need to better incentivize more regular users downtown who are not yet downtown parking customers, or who are infrequent downtown parking customers,” France said.
In a follow-up interview, France said downtown parking is experiencing some good signs.
“We need to incentivize more downtown frequent users,” France said. “We could have a much bigger base of monthly permit holders.”
The city had previously offered a $70 monthly fee to park at the Cota Commuter Lot, but that is now the site of the future police station.
Overall, more people are parking in city lots overall, but they are staying for shorter times. France said the proportion of people who are parking for 75 minutes or less has grown over the last few years. One reason for this, he said, is that the 15-and 75-minute parking spaces on downtown streets are full and are pushing those short trip takers to the off-street lots and garages.
“Ideally, We’d have better turnover on-
The Saturday Farmers Market at the corner of Carrillo and State streets is bringing in more people and more revenue than when it was at the corner of Cota and Santa Barbara streets. The new Library Plaza has also proved to be a destination for people.
He said the State Street underpass is bridging the gap between the Funk zone and State Street.
“The 500 block’s new sidewalk dining is thriving, the Film Festival set new attendance records and the lineup of shows between the Granada, New Vic, Arlington and Lobero theatres have been phenomenal,” France said.
Printed with permission of the Santa Barbara News-Press • 4.7.26 • newspress.com
A randomized experiment shows that even a few minutes of viewing artistic film can expand our thinking and trigger creative ideas.
By Debra Herrick / The Current 4.1.26
ANEW STUDY OFFERS SOME OF THE STRONGEST EVIDENCE YET that viewing art doesn’t just move us emotionally — it changes how we think. Researchers at UC Santa Barbara found that people who viewed artistic film shorts showed measurable increases in creative thinking compared with those who watched entertaining, “non-art,” videos.
“Art confronts us with the unexpected,” said psychological researcher Madeleine Gross, who led the study with co-author Jonathan Schooler, also in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. “It pushes us beyond surface-level perception, into broader, and more abstract ways of thinking and perceiving. Those same processes appear to support creative thinking.”
In the experiment, nearly 500 participants were randomly assigned to watch either a critically acclaimed animated short film or a humorous home-video compilation — the kind of content familiar to anyone who’s scrolled through social media reels. Afterward, each participant completed two tasks designed to capture different dimensions of creative thinking.
The first was a categorization task. Here, study participants were asked to rate how well various objects fit into a given category. For example: rate how much a car belongs in the category “vehicle.” Pretty straightforward. But what about a camel? Or a foot? That’s where things get interesting. People who are more willing to accept these offbeat examples are exhibiting what researchers call “conceptual expansion” — a loosening of the boundaries between mental categories. And when those boundaries loosen, ideas cross-pollinate, and new associations form. This is, in many ways, at the heart of creative thinking.
Schooler pursues research on consciousness, memory, the relationship between language and thought, creativity, problem-solving, and decisionmaking. He is particularly interested in exploring phenomena that intersect between the empirical and the philosophical such as how fluctuations in people’s awareness of their experience mediate mindwandering and how exposing individuals to philosophical positions alters their behavior.
The second task measured creative production more directly. Participants were asked to create a short story that included three given words: “stamp,” “letter” and “send.” Some stories were uncreative and predictable: “I was writing my friend a letter, so I put a stamp on it and took it to the post office to send.” Others were more inventive, using the words metaphorically (“...her words left a stamp in my mind”) or taking the prompt in a surprising direction. Independent judges rated the stories on their originality. Once again, the group that had watched the artistic shorts came out ahead.
Perhaps the most surprising outcome was that, in general, individuals who viewed the experimental films reported that they felt worse after, compared to individuals in the control group. They rated the films lower and reported more negative emotional states. Yet they still outperformed on every measure of creativity. It seems art can produce cognitive benefits without requiring the viewer to enjoy the experience.
So what’s going on? The study points to a specific mechanism. Art appears to work its cognitive magic by triggering “state openness” — a temporary shift toward a more receptive and exploratory mindset. This shift, the researchers found, fully explained the link between watching art and broader conceptual thinking. The common intuition that art “expands your mind” may be more literal than it sounds.
The films used in the study were sourced from Short of the Week, a highly selective film curation platform, and all fell into the “experimental” genre, reflecting works that resist simple interpretation, are visually surprising or narratively ambiguous. The control videos, on the other hand, were rapid-fire compilations of humorous animal clips and other domestic bloopers. They offered immediate gratification but little to
chew on intellectually.
Though the results can’t yet be generalized beyond artistic short films — the study carries important implications. This is the first experimental demonstration that passive exposure to everyday art can promote creativity. Much prior research in arts and aesthetics lack true experimental control. In the present study, participants were randomly assigned to view art or an active control, meaning they had an equal chance of seeing either. The control was a strong comparison, one that could plausibly have explained the effects of art – as a product of mere entertainment or positive mood – yet didn’t. This stands in contrast to prior work that lacks proper controls altogether, and it also tells us art is doing something more.
The findings also speak to accessibility. Much aesthetics research has focused on museum visits, which remain out of reach for many people particularly across socioeconomic lines. Film, on the other hand, is one of the most widely consumed and accessible art forms. That it, too, can promote creative benefits underscores the promise of everyday art engagement.
Gross is a leading researcher in the psychology of curiosity, creativity, and personality development. Her work—featured in popular media outlets like The New York Times, Psyche and Closer to Truth—explores how curiosity acts as a catalyst for positive development and human flourishing. Awarded the APA Dissertation Research Award for this research in 2021, Madeleine’s interdisciplinary approach has helped to shed light on how personality manifests in daily life and how to harness its benefits. Through her work, Madeleine aims to encourage individuals across all stages of life to harness curiosity as a lifelong tool for richer experiences, broader perspectives, and lasting personal resilience.
Perhaps most importantly, this work could have real time applications. At a time when arts funding faces persistent pressure in schools and public budgets, the study provides a controlled, preregistered and transparently reported demonstration that brief encounters with art can temporarily drive changes in cognition that favor creativity.
“When there are debates about whether arts programs deserve more funding, studies like this offer something concrete to point to,” Gross said, “The case isn’t closed but with evidence like this, the idea that art expands the mind is starting to look less like a metaphor, and more like a measurable psychological effect.”
Printed with permission of UCSB Office of Public Affairs and Communications
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Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 178,000 in March, and the unemployment rate changed little at 4.3 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Job gains occurred in health care, in construction, and in transportation and warehousing. Federal government employment continued to decline.”
BLS
By Harlan Green, Special to VOICE April 3, 2026
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REPORT, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a complete reversal of February’s -133,000 (revised) payroll job losses. It was mainly because 31,000 Kaiser healthcare nurses settled their strike, and improved weather brought construction workers out that were building the record number of AI data centers that must generate so much electricity for Artificial Intelligence that could put as much as 30 percent of white-collar workers out of jobs.
It didn’t bring much enthusiasm back to Wall Street because Trump threatened in his national address to continue the Iran War and let everyone else deal with the Strait of Hormuz.
It was his usual gobbledygook, in other words, that didn’t make anyone happy and shifted the blame for the closing of the Strait to others, when there had always been free passage until Trump/Hegseth revealed how much they enjoyed killing people.
It was a reprise of the Bush/Cheney Iraq war, in other words, that took eight years to resolve and ultimately led to the Great Recession.
Contact your local loan agent or mortgage broker for current rates:
DRAPER & KRAMER MORTGAGE CORP.
Please call for current rates: Russell Story, 805-895-8831
PARAGON MORTGAGE GROUP
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HOMEBRIDGE FINANCIAL SERVICES
Please call for current rates: Erik Taiji, 805-895-8233, NMLS #322481
MONTECITO BANK & TRUST
Please call for current rates: 805-963-7511 • Coastal Housing Partnership Member
SB MORTGAGE GROUP
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U.S. BANK
Please call for current rates: Teri Gauthier, 805-565-4571 • Coastal Housing Partnership Member
The March unemployment rate fell slightly to 4.3 percent while 400,000 more adults left the workforce. This means our working age population continues to shrink while fewer workers are needed thanks to more use of Claude, Chatgbt, bots, etc., etc., until who knows when?
We should now be looking at consumer behavior if we want to know what happens next. Retail sales picked up in March, so consumers are shopping again and consumer confidence edged up as well. Retail sales comprise some 50 percent of consumer spending and is the main driver of growth for the U.S. economy.
In the 12 months ending in February, retail sales increased a solid but below-trend 3.7 percent in unadjusted terms, but that was before $4 per gallon gas and the supply disruptions from the Iran war.
And “Consumer confidence ticked up again in
March, as a modest improvement in consumers’ views of current conditions outweighed a slight downshift in expectations for the future,” said Dana M Peterson, Chief Economist, The Conference Board.
We will certainly see higher prices and possibly higher interest rates ahead as the Iran war continues, as we did with the Iraq war. Alan Greenspan’s Federal Reserve raised its Fed Funds rate from one percent in 2003 to 5.25 percent in 2006 to combat soaring inflation from the $2 trillion plus cost of the ill-fated invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan that created America’s first $trillion budget deficit.
The badly-planned Iran war will cost as much or more while American taxpayers continue to struggle to pay for more federal debt as this war drags on.
I get the feeling we are staring at another economic precipice. It can be for several reasons— another costly war, an energy shortage, President Trump asking allies to bail him out after dissing them, the illegal tariffs, cutting off immigration when there’s a looming shortage of workers, etc., etc…
The list is almost endless.
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER: 26CV01234
Petitioner: Vanesa Carachure filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Aleyda Lucia Carachure to PROPOSED NAME: Aleyda Lucia Meza. 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. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: May 6, 2026; Time: 10:00 am; Dept.: 3; ROOM: [ ] other (specify): at the: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the courts website. To find your courts website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm.) 3 a. [X] A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation: [x] (for resident of this county) printed in this county: VOICE MAGAZINE. Date: 03/10/26 /s/: Thomas P. Anderle , Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #26CV01234 Pub Dates: March 27, April 3, 10, 17, 2026.
The Santa Barbara City Council meets most Tuesdays at 2pm • To learn more about the council and other City department meetings, visit www.santabarbaraca.gov
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The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) generally meets on the third Thursday of the month at 10am · SBCAG is a regional board of 13 elected officials representing all eight cities and the County · visit www.sbcag.org
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:
The following Individual is doing business as COOKIE TABS at 407 Ventana Ct., Vandenberg Space, CA 93437. ALISON JULIA T SATTIN 407 Ventana Ct., Vandenberg Space, CA 93437. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on April 6, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000897. Published April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 2026.
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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:
The following Limited Liability Company is doing business as PHOTO BOOTH SANTA BARBARA at 1117 State Street STE #97, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. MK ANALYTICS LLC at 1117 State Street STE #97, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on March 23, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000772. Published April 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026.
following Limited Liability Company is doing business as J1 PROPERTY SERVICES, LLC at 419 Glennora Way, Buellton, CA 93427. J1 PROPERTY SERVICES, LLC at 2108 N Street Suite N, Sacramento, CA 95818. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on March 10, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000579. Published March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:
The following Corporation is doing business as QUALITY CARE CLEAN at 100 N. Hope Avenue, 03A, Santa Barbara, CA 93110. QUALITY MAIDS, INC at 226 E Canon Perdido St Suite J, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on March 23, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000777. Published March 27, April 3, 10, 17, 2026.
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ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE – CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER : 26CV01616 Petitioner: Christopher Daniel Martinez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Christopher Daniel Martinez to PROPOSED NAME: Christopher Daniel Silva. 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. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: May 15, 2026; Time: 10:00 am; Dept.: 4; ROOM: [ ] other (specify): at the: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the courts website. To find your courts website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm.) 3 a. [X] A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation: [x] (for resident of this county) printed in this county: VOICE MAGAZINE. Date: 03/24/26 /s/: Donna D. Geck, Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #26CV01616 Pub Dates: April 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026.
AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE – CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER : 25CV06013 . Petitioner: Maureen Elfrieda Imbs filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Maureen Elfrieda Imbs to PROPOSED NAME: Maureen Imbs Entera. 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. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: May 18, 2026; Time: 10:00 am; Dept.: 5; ROOM: [ ] other (specify): at the: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the courts website. To find your courts website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm.) 3 a. [X] A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation: [x] (for resident of this county) printed in this county: VOICE MAGAZINE. Date: 03/25/26 /s/: Colleen K. Sterne , Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #25CV06013 Pub Dates: April 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:
The following Limited Liability Company is doing business as MINDYROAD at 2214 Channing Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. BROOKLYN WEST LABS LLC at PO Box 50035, Santa Barbara, CA 93150. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on March 25, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000801. Published April 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:
The following Limited Liability Company is doing business as UNICORN BREATHING MASK; HATTA GIRL at 5750 Via Real, Unit 308, Carpinteria, CA 93013. UNICORNS UNITE LLC at PO Box 40106, Santa Barbara, CA 93140. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on March 30, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000842. Published April 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026.
The Secretary of the Staff Hearing Officer has set a public hearing for Wednesday, April 22, 2026 beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the David Gebhard Public Meeting Room, 630 Garden Street.
On Thursday, April 16, 2026, an Agenda with all items to be heard on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 will be available online at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/SHO. Agendas, Minutes, and Staff Reports are also accessible online at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/SHO.
TELEVISION COVERAGE: This meeting will be broadcast live on City TV-Channel 18 and online at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CityTV. See SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CityTVProgramGuide for a rebroadcast schedule. An archived video of this meeting will be available at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PCVideos.
WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT: Public comments may be submitted via email to PCSecretary@SantaBarbaraCA.gov before the beginning of the Meeting. All public comments submitted via email will be provided to the Commission and will become part of the public record. You may also submit written correspondence via US Postal Service (USPS) addressed to PC Secretary, PO Box 1990, Santa Barbara, CA 93102-1990. However, please be advised, correspondence sent via USPS may not be received in time to process prior to the meeting and email submissions are highly encouraged. Please note that the Commission may not have time to review written comments received after 4:30 p.m. the Tuesday before the meeting.
All public comment that is received before 4:30 p.m. the Tuesday before the meeting will be published on the City’s website at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PC. Comments provided via USPS or e-mail will be converted to a PDF before being posted on the City’s website. Note: comments will be published online the way they are received and without redaction of personal identifying information; including but not limited to phone number, home address, and email address. Only submit information that you wish to make available publicly.
APPEALS: Decisions of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council. For further information and guidelines on how to appeal a decision to City Council, please contact the City Clerk’s office at Clerk@SantaBarbaraCA.gov as soon as possible. Appeals may be filed in person at the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or in writing via email to Clerk@SantaBarbaraCA.gov and by first class mail postage prepaid within 10 calendar days of the meeting at which the Commission took action or rendered its decision. Appeals and associated fee postmarked after the 10th calendar day will not be accepted.
NOTE TO INTERESTED PARTIES: Only those persons who participate through public comment either orally or in writing on an item on this Agenda have standing to appeal the decision. Grounds for appeal are limited to those issues raised either orally or in written correspondence delivered to the review body at, or prior to, the public hearing.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: If you need services or staff assistance to attend or participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator’s Office at (805) 5645305. If possible, notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will usually enable the City to make reasonable arrangements. Specialized services, such as sign language interpretation or documents in Braille, may require additional lead time to arrange.
• 11-15 Ocean View Avenue
Assessor’s Parcel Number: 015-291-004 & -003
Zoning Designation: R-2 (Two-Unit Residential)
Application Number: PLN2024-00376
Applicant / Owner: Ruchita Chandsarkar, 19six Architects / Westmont College
Project Description: Front Setback Modification for trash enclosure.
• 22 W Cabrillo Blvd
Assessor’s Parcel Number: 033-102-017
Zoning Designation: HRC-1/S-D-3 (Hotel and Related Commerce/Coastal Overlay)
Application Number: PLN2025-00415
Applicant / Owner: Miles Henry, Cearnal Collective, LLP / Romasanta, Antonio Revocable Trust
Project Description: Modification to allow a monument sign and extend the existing entry canopy into the front setback.
• 215 Bath St
Assessor’s Parcel Number: 033-031-022
Zoning Designation: R-4/S-D-3 (Hotel-Motel-Multiple-Family Residence/Coastal Overlay)
Application Number: PLN2025-00460; Filing Date: 10/17/2025
Applicant / Owner: James Knapp, 215 Bath LLC
Project Description: Converting two uncovered parking spaces and a laundry room to an Accessory Dwelling Unit.
To place your classified, email advertising@VoiceSB.com
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:
The following Individual is doing business as RICH’S PERFORMANCE DIESEL; RICH’S PLUMBING; RICH’S MACHINE at 120 Industrial Way, Buellton, CA 93427. RICHARD A DRAKE at PO Box 1900, Buellton, CA 93427. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on March 23, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000773. Published March 27, April 3, 10, 17, 2026.
The following Individual is doing business as FULL CYCLE BUSINESS PLANNING AND ACCOUNTING and FULL CYCLE ACCOUNTANTS at 1607 Mission Street Suite 216 Solvang, CA 93463. CHERILYNN GLIMP at PO Box 1051 Solvang, CA 93464. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on March 13, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000579. Published March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:
The following Individual is doing business as FULL CYCLE BUSINESS PLANNING AND ACCOUNTING and FULL CYCLE ACCOUNTANTS at 1607 Mission Street Suite 216 Solvang, CA 93463. CHERILYNN GLIMP at PO Box 1051 Solvang, CA 93464. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on March 13, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000579. Published March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:
The following Limited Liability Company is doing business as BROOKLYN WEST LABS LLC at 2214 Channing Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. BROOKLYN WEST FILMS LLC at 2214 Channing Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on March 17, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000579. Published March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:
The following Limited Liability Company is doing business as J1 PROPERTY SERVICES, LLC at 419 Glennora Way, Buellton, CA 93427. J1 PROPERTY SERVICES, LLC at 2108 N Street Suite N, Sacramento, CA 95818. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on March 10, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000579. Published March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026.
The Trail Running Film Festival will take place at the Museum of Natural History from 4:45-8:15pm on Saturday, April 18th. Visit sbnature.org
Spring Gardening Festival & Marketplace • Shop local ecofriendly businesses and nonprofits, view 4 short films from the SB Botanic Garden • Marjorie Luke Theatre • $12.51-$17.85 • sbbotanicgarden.org • 2:30-5:30pm Su, 4/12.
In a Whisper • Exploring artists’ reflections on Cuban diaspora • Mary Craig Auditorium, SBMA • Free, RSVP: sbma.net • 3pm Su, 4/12.
Southern Edge • Premiere of this Tasmania surf film • Alcazar Theatre • $20 • thealcazar.org • 7-9pm Su, 4/12.
Song Sung Blue • A couple forms a Neil Diamond tribute band • Alcazar Theatre • $7-10 • thealcazar.org • 7pm Th, 4/16.
WALL-E • Animated film of a robotic trash compactor • Alcazar Theatre • $7-10 • thealcazar.org • Su, 4/19.
Trail Running Film Festival
• Short films on trail running • SB Museum of Natural History, Farrand Auditorium • $20-25 • sbnature.org • 4:45-8:15pm Sa, 4/18.
Riceboy Sleeps • A Korean mother and her son make their home in 1990s Canada, discussion with filmmaker Anthony Shim • UCSB’s Pollock Theater • Free, RSVP: carseywolf.ucsb. edu • 7pm Th, 4/16.
Women & the Wind • Documentary presented by Women In the Water & Sea League • tinyurl.com/2382ycuw • $10 • CEC Hub • 7pm Th, 4/16.
Wild & Free Film Festival • Screening of 8 short films celebrating the spirit of the wild • Camino Real Cinemas • $15-20 • wildandfreefilm.org • 6-9pm Tu, 4/14.
Beast* (R): Fri/Sat: 1:15, 4:00, 6:45, 9:30. Sun: 2:30, 5:20, 8:05. Mon-Thur: 2:30, 5:20, 8:05. Super Mario Galaxy* (PG): Fri: 12:30, 2:40, 3:00, 5:30, 8:15, 9:15. Sat: 12:30, 3:00, 5:30, 8:15, 9:15. Sun: 12:30, 2:40/3D, 3:00, 5:30, 8:15. Mon-Thur: 2:00, 3:00, 5:30, 8:15. Project Hail Mary (PG13): Fri: 1:00, 4:30, 5:45, 8:00. Sat: 1:00, 4:30, 8:00. Sun: 1:00, 4:30, 5:45, 8:00. Mon-Wed: 2:15, 4:30, 5:45, 8:00. hur: 2:05, 4:30, 8:00. BTS World Tour* (NR): Sat: 1:00, 4:45. Lee Cronin’s The Mummy (R)*: Thur: 5:30, 8:30.
You, Me & Tuscany* (PG13): Fri: 1:20, 4:10, 6:45, 9:25. Sat/Sun: 10:45, 1:20, 4:10, 6:45, 9:25. Mon: 2:20, 5:05, 8:05. Tues: 1:20, 4:10, 6:45, 9:25. Wed/Thur: 2:20, 5:05, 8:05. Faces of Death (R): Fri-Sun, Tue: 10:10. Mon, Wed/Thur: 8:45. Super Mario Galaxy* (PG): Fri: 1:30, 2:45, 4:00, 5:15, 6:30, 7:45, 9:00. Sat/Sun: 11:00, 12:15, 1:30, 2:45, 4:00, 5:15, 6:30, 7:45, 9:00. Mon, Wed/Thur: 1:30, 2:45, 4:00, 5:15, 6:30, 7:45. Tue: 1:30, 2:45, 4:00, 5:15, 6:30, 7:45, 9:00. The Drama (R): Fri: 1:50, 4:25, 7:00, 9:35. Sat/Sun: 11:15, 1:50, 4:25, 7:00, 9:35. Mon, Wed/Thur: 2:30, 5:30, 8:15. Tue: 1:50, 4:25, 7:00, 9:35. Project Hail Mary (PG13): Fri: 2:15, 3:45, 5:45, 7:30, 9:15. Sat/Sun: 12:00, 2:15, 3:45, 5:45, 7:30, 9:15. Mon, Wed: 2:15, 3:45, 5:45, 7:30. Tue: 2:15, 3:45, 5:45, 7:30, 9:15. Thur: 12:55, 1:55, 4:25, 7:55. Lee Cronin’s The Mummy* (R): Thur: 5:20, 8:20. Super Mario Galaxy* (PG): Fri, Mon-Thur:4:30, 7:00. Sat/Sun: 2:00, 4:30, 7:00.
You, Me & Tuscany* (PG13): Fri, Mon-Thur: 5:00, 7:45. Sat/Sun: 2:20, 5:10, 7:45. ChaO (NR): Fri, Mon-Thur: 4:45. Sat/Sun: 2:10, 4:45. The Drama (R): Fri, Mon-Thur: 5:30, 8:05. Sat/Sun: 2:45, 5:30, 8:05. A Great Awakening (PG13): Fri-Wed:
(PG13):
SUPPORT
TALENTED YOUNG LOCAL DANCERS and see who will be named Junior and Spirit of Fiesta when Old Spanish Days livestreams final auditions from the sold-out Lobero Theatre at 2pm on Saturday, April 11th. Tune in to the Old Spanish Days Fiesta YouTube channel at youtube.com/c/oldspanishdaysfiesta
Sensory-Friendly Storytime • Songs, stories, and calming breath techniques with lowered lights • Central Library • Free, register: calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov • 4:45-5:15pm Fr, 4/10.
Read with a Dog • Children practice reading to a furry friend • Central Library • Free • 3:30-4:30pm Fr.
State of the City – From Goleta to Carpinteria • Hear from elected officials and city administration • SB South Coast Chamber of Commerce
• Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort • $175-225 • sbscchamber.com
• 11am-2pm Fr, 4/10.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance • Free tax preparation service for SB County residents who make $67,000 or less a year • Eastside Library • Book an appt: calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov • 4-7pm Fr, 4/10.
Pre-concert Talk: Danish String Quartet and Danish National Girls’ Choir • With UCSB professor Derek Katz • CEC Hub • Free, RSVP: artsandlectures.ucsb.edu • 5:30pm Fr, 4/10.
Danish String Quartet and Danish National Girls’ Choir • Nordic folk songs and contemporary works, including a U.S. premiere by David Lang • UCSB Arts & Lectures • Granada Theatre • $50-110 • granadasb.org • 7pm Fr, 4/10.
Music and Mindfulness for Our Times • Music Academy of the West, featuring harpist Laurie Rasmussen • Weinman Hall • $30-175 • musicandmeditationsb.com • 2pm Fr, 4/10.
Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas
• Pianist Gilles Vonsattel, presented by Camerata Pacifica • Hahn Hall • $35-75 • cameratapacifica.org • 7pm Fr, 4/10.
Emo Kids • Jam out to emo anthems, ages 21+ • SOhO • $21-25 • sohosb.com • 8pm Fr, 4/10.
SBC Courthouse Docent Tours
• Free • www.sbcourthouse.org • 10:30am Mon-Fri & 2pm daily.
La Piazza: A Celebration of Italian Culture • Concerts, Italian vendors and makers, speakers, food, pasta-making workshop, and more • SB Public Library Plaza and Faulkner Gallery • Free, schedule: • lapiazza.life
• 3:30pm opening concert Fr, 4/10; 124:30pm Sa, 4/11 & Su, 4/12.
Kale Disco • Dancing, and plant-based dining supporting Rooted SB County • CAW • $200 • rootedsantabarbara.org • 5:30pm Fr, 4/10.
Storytime in the Restoration Plot • Hear nature-themed stories with the SB Public Library & Botanic Garden in nature • Elings Park restoration site • Free • 10-11:30am Sa, 4/11.
Kitty Caterpillar • Read-aloud with authors Annabeth Bondor-Stone and Connor Whiteand • Godmothers Books • godmothers.com • 11am Sa, 4/11.
Gabriela Radu, CMT
Specializing in injuries, Sports massage, Swedish, Lymphatic, Somatic massage & Life Coaching
v.gabriela@yahoo.com 805-453-1139 www.comefromyourheart.com
Crafternoon • Fun crafts, ages 5+ • Explore Ecology Makerspace • $8 • exploreecology.org • 10am-12pm, Sat.
Storytime @ the Sea Center • All ages • Free w/ admission • SBNature.org • 10:30–10:45am Sat & Sun.
DANCE
2026 Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta • Watch the final auditions where the Spirit will be named • Lobero Theatre • $32 • lobero.org • 2pm Sa, 4/11.
The Sacred Circle With Diana Raab, Ph.D. • Calling forth the poet within • Godmothers Books • $39 • godmothers.com • 2-4pm Sa, 4/11.
Sketching in the Galleries • All skill levels are invited to sketch from works in the SBMA galleries • SBMA • Free • 11:15am-12:15pm Sa, 4/11.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance • Free tax preparation service for SB County residents who make $67,000 or less a year • Eastside Library • Book an appt: calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov • 9am-1pm Sa, 4/11.
Santa Barbara Go Club • All levels welcome to learn this ancient game • Free • Mosaic Locale, 1131 State St • 805-448-5335 • 11am-3pm Sa.
Paradise Road • Enjoy live music while you eat • Cold Springs Tavern • 1:30-4:40pm Sa, 4/11.
SB Music Club • Lysenko, Mozart, and Bortkevych • St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church • Free • 3pm Sa, 4/11.
Leighton Bell, Clarinet Recital • Student concert • Deane Chapel, Westmont College • Free • 3pm Sa, 4/11.
Vocal Chamber Concert • Student concert • Deane Chapel, Westmont College • Free • 7pm Sa, 4/11.
SB Chamber Players Spring Concert • Playing Debussy, Beethoven, and Cremisini • Hahn Hall • $20, under 18 free • sbchamberplayers.org • 7:30pm Sa, 4/11.
ME Sabor Presents: Salsa Night • Two dance floors and full bar, ages 21+ • SOhO • $23-30 • sohosb.com • 9pm Sa, 4/11.
Elings Park Transformation Project • Volunteer to clear weeds, monitors plants, and more • Elings Park • Register with SB Botanic Garden: sbbotanicgarden.org • 9am12pm Sa, 4/11.
Star Party • Explore the night sky at the Palmer Observatory • SB Museum of Natural History • Free • 8-10pm Sa, 4/11.
Community Propagation Workshops • Explore transplanting, processing cuttings, and sowing native seeds • SB Botanic Garden, Backcountry • Free with admission • sbbotanicgarden.org • 10:30am-12pm Sa & Su in April.
The Architectural Walking Tour • History of buildings in SB • City Hall steps at De la Guerra Plaza • $20 • afsb.org • 10am, Sat.
Mosaic Makers Market • Shop local artists/makers • Mosaic Locale, 1131 State St. • 12-6pm Sa, 4/11. CADA Amethyst Ball: Luminaria • Elegant dining, performances, and fundraising • Hilton SB Beachfront Resort • $500 • ball.cadasb.org • 5:30pm Sa, 4/11.
Storytime @ the Sea Center • All ages • Free w/ admission • SBNature.org • 10:30–10:45am Sat & Sun.
Sundays at the Ranch • Fun for the family. Enjoy barn animals and tractor rides • Stow House, 304 N Los Carneros Rd • Free • goletahistory.org • 11am-2pm Sun.
LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS
Dare to Dream • SB Master Chorale performs beloved Disney songs • Trinity Lutheran Church • $15-30 • sbmasterchorale.org • 7:30pm Sa, 4/11 & 3pm Su, 4/12.
What Our Monuments Say About Us • Community workshop and panel About Santa Barbara’s King Carlos III statue and how we memorialize the past • Presidio Chapel, SBTHP • Free • sbthp.org • 2-3:30pm Su, 4/12.
Grow Your Own Herb Garden • With garden designer Nicole Goldman • Godmothers Books • $135 • godmothers.com • 11am-1pm Su, 4/12.
WHAT CAN WE DO IN THE FACE OF A HOTTER WORLD?
Come find out when the SB Museum of Natural History invites Dr. Craig Smith, engineer and coauthor of Irreversible: What Can We Do, to discuss energy conservation and efficiency at Dargan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant’s next free Science Pub night at 6:30pm on Monday, April 13th.
Emma Straub & Claudia Ballard • Straub discusses new book American Fantasy • Godmothers Books • $135 • godmothers.com • 6pm Su, 4/12.
Taubman Symposium Talk • Rabbi Jeffrey Saks discusses Yosef Agnon’s Nobel Prize and the Jewish Response to Trauma • Zoom • Free • ihc.ucsb.edu • 10am Su, 4/12.
Empathy Cafe • Practice communication and listening skills • Riviera Theatre, upstairs • Free • 11am-1pm Su.
MUSIC
Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan • Guitar and harmonica blues • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • 1:30-4:30pm Su, 4/12.
Prime Time Band Spring Concert • Movie music and more • Lobero Theatre • Free, RSVP: lobero. org • 2pm Su, 4/12.
Emmet Cohen Quintet • Allstar jazz group celebrates Miles and Coltrane at 100 • UCSB Arts & Lectures • UCSB Campbell Hall • $15-53 • artsandlectures.ucsb.edu • 7pm Su, 4/12.
Garrison Starr & Abby Posner
• SOhO • $22 • sohosb.com • 7:30pm Su, 4/12.
OUTDOORS
Beach Cleanup • Care for our ocean with Explore Ecology • Arroyo Burro Beach • No RSVP necessary •
3rd Anniversary Party of the Inclusive Arts Clubhouse • Live music, food, drinks, and hands-on art activities hosted by the Grace Fisher Foundation • La Cumbre Plaza • Free • gracefisherfoundation.org • 1pm to 3pm Su, 4/12.
Baby & Me • Develop your baby’s preliteracy skills, 0-14 months • Central Library • Free • 11-11:30am Mo.
LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS
Science Pub : Tackling
Irreversible Climate Change
• Dr. Craig Smith discusses global warming • Dargan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant • Free • 6:30pm Mo, 4/13.
Creative Cluster • Sarah Emma Ruth’s 12 week exploration of Julia Cameron’s Artist Way • Community Arts Workshop • $25-49 • sbcaw.org • 5:30 Mo, through 4/20.
Scrabble Club • Louise Lowry Davis Center • All levels/ English/ Spanish • Free • 1-4pm Mon.
10am-12pm Fr, 4/12.
40th Anniversary SB Kite Festival • Fly kites, children’s activities, contests, and fun • SBCC Great Meadow • Free • sbkitefest.net • 11am-4pm Su, 4/12.
Sunday Architecture Tour • Meet at Public Library Plaza at 40 E Anapamu St • Architectural Fdn of SB • $20 • afsb.org • 10am Sun.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Chaucer’s Book Fair • 25% proceeds support South Coast Montessori • Chaucer’s Books • 2-4pm Sa, 4/12.
Carpinteria Festival of Books
• Book browsing, author readings, and more presented by Carpinteria Writers Group, in association with the City of Carpinteria Community Library • Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center • Free • 12-4pm Su, 4/12.
SK8 to Eliminate Cancer: Frozen 5K • Skate 35 laps to honor and support those impacted by cancer • Ice in Paradise • $35 • fundraise.scottcares.org • 12pm to 1:15pm Su, 4/12.
Spring Gardening Festival & Marketplace • Shop local ecofriendly businesses and nonprofits, view 4 short films from the SB Botanic Garden • Marjorie Luke Theatre • $12.51-$17.85 • sbbotanicgarden.org • 2:30-5:30pm Su, 4/12.
Arts Workshop • $12 • sbcaw.org • 6pm Tu, 4/14.
Celebrate Your Freedom to Read! • “Banned Book in Common” Discussion of The Hate U Give • Free, registration required • calendar. library.santabarbaraca.gov • 5:30pm Tu, 4/14.
Get it Done • Two-part workshop on Advance Care Planning presented by Hospice of Santa Barbara • Central Library, Faulkner Gallery • Free, registration required • getitdonesb.org • 11am Tu, 4/14.
Graduate Writing Retreat
• Supportive space for graduate students to continue/return to writing, with food and drink provided • UCSB Multicultural Center Lounge • Free • 12pm Tu, 4/14.
Masha Gessen: Politics of the Past, Politics of the Future
• Award-winning author discusses vulnerable groups and autocracies
• UCSB Arts & Lectures • UCSB’s Campbell Hall • $20 • artsandlectures. ucsb.edu • 7:30pm Tu, 4/14.
Monte Schulz • Discusses and signs his book Undercity • Chaucer’s Books • Free • 6-7pm Tu, 4/14.
Tim Seibles • Former Poet Laureate of Virginia • Unity Chapel • 5-7pm Mo, 4/13.
Poetry Zone • Open mic • Karpeles Manuscript Museum • 1:30pm Su, 4/12.
Lowstate Writing Salon
• Meet local creative writers • Blue Owl • 7-9pm Tu, 4/14.
Spirits in the Air • Poetry reading and themed cocktails • The Good Lion • 4:30-6:30pm We, 4/15.
Montecito Poetry Club • Read work of Danusha Liméris • Montecito Library • 10-11:30am Th, 4/16.
Poetry in the Parks • Music and poetry • Presidio Chapel • 5:30pm Fr, 4/17.
Poetry Contest Reception
• Awarding poets ages five and up • Carpinteria Arts Center • 1pm Sa, 4/18.
Parliamo • Italian conversation, all levels • Natural Cafe, 361 Hitchcock Way • Free • parliamo.yolasite.com • 5-6:30pm Mon.
SB Bridge Club • Play bridge, meets daily • 2255 Las Positas Rd • Schedule and RSVP: bridgewebs.com/sbbc542
MUSIC
Antonio Artese West Coast Trio • Piano performance and dinner, for all ages • SOhO • $21 • sohosb.com • 7pm Mo, 4/13.
SPECIAL EVENTS
All About Books! • Friends of the Santa Barbara Public Library’s book-themed trivia night for all ages • 131 Anacapa St. , Suite C • Free • 6:308pm Mo, 4/13.
Tuesday 4/14
Spring After-School
Multimedia Class: Sculpture • For ages 5-12 • SBMA, Art Learning Lab • $200-250 • sbma.net • 3:30pm Tu, 4/14 through 5/19.
COMEDY
Carpinteria Improv Drop-In Class • Learn or practice skills • Alcazar Theatre • $10 • 7pm Tu.
LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS
Area Meeting • Artist Phoebe Brunner discusses and presents her work in an open forum • Community
The Unapologetic Circle • Explore the beauty of “Unknowing” by discussing Rebecca Solnit’s A Field Guide to Getting Lost • Godmothers Books • $39 • godmothers.com • 4pm Tu, 4/14.
What does it feel like? • Professor Jim Kearney discusses Shakespeare’s experiential ethics • UCSB Library, Pacific View Room • Free, registration required • library. ucsb.edu • 4pm Tu, 4/14.
Chess Club • Louise Lowry Davis Center • All levels/ English/Spanish • Free • 1-4pm Tue.
An Evening With David Byrne
• For his Who is the Sky Tour • Santa Barbara Bowl • $81-275 • sbbowl.com • 7:30pm Tu, 4/14.
The Poetry Club • Read and listen to poetry • Goleta Community Center • 2-3pm Su, 4/19.
Let’s Chat About Poetry
• Reading by Laure-Anne Bosselaar • domecíl • 4-6pm Su, 4/19.
A Celebration of National Poetry Month • Hear readings by local poets • Elverhøj Museum • 4-6pm Su, 4/19.
Community Poetry
Readings • With UCSB Reads & Goleta Valley Library • UCSB Library • 4-5:15pm We, 4/22.
Martín Espada • National Book Award-winning poet • UCSB Arts & Lectures, Campbell Hall • 7:30pm We, 4/29.
SB Elementary Students
Poetry Display • Chaucer’s Books window • All month.
Student Poems Celebrating Color • SB Museum of Art • All month.
BASK IN AN ALL-BEETHOVEN PROGRAM when Camerata Pacifica invites award-winning pianist Gilles Vonsattel to perform three Beethoven Piano Sonatas at the Music Academy of the West’s Hahn Hall at 7pm on Friday, April 12th.
For tickets ($35-75) visit cameratapacifica.org
Wednesday 4/15
CHILDREN
Creator’s Club • Bilingual, weekly STEAM activity • Eastside Library • Free • 2-3pm We.
DANCE
Downtown Salsa & Bachata
Dancing • Free dance lessons • State St, in front of M. Special • 6-8pm We, through 4/29.
LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS
Adult Ceramics for Beginners
• Four-week beginner throwing class inspired by a Korean 19th-century vase • SBMA’s Ceramics Studio at The Downtown Club • $200-240 • sbma. net • 6pm We, 4/15 through 5/6.
Well-Being Wednesday:
Poetry of Nature • Engage with nature in a guided mindfulness experience • Ganna Walska Lotusland
• $50-90, reservation required • lotusland.org • 11:30am We, 4/15.
Knitting & Crochet Club • Louise Lowry Davis Ctr • All levels/English/ Spanish • Free • 9-11:30am Wed.
Le Cercle Français • Free French conversation, all levels • The Natural Cafe • https://tinyurl.com/5ejbd9ye • 5-6:30pm Wed.
John Guerra • Concert hosted by Martin Institute • Deane Chapel, Westmont College • Free • 7:30pm We, 4/15.
Skeleton Crewe • Musical performance spanning genres from traditional Hawaiian to psychedelic Americana • Alcazar Theatre • $50150 • thealcazar.org • 7pm We, 4/15.
Open Jam • At Revolver Pizza. Jam with musicians • 1429 San Andres St • Free • revolversb.com • 6-9pm Wed.
Free Senior Day • Guests 60 and older receive free admission to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden • Reservation required • sbbotanicgarden.org • 10am-5pm We, 4/15.
Spring Birding Classes • Guided walks with with Sophie Cameron • Various locations • $75100 • sbnature.org • 8:30-10:30am We, through 5/13.
Goleta Community State of the City • The Mayor and City Council presents on the City’s accomplishments and challenges • Goleta Community Center • 5-7pm We, 4/15.
Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara • 30-member ensemble performance by Ballet Folklórico del Rio Grande • Carpinteria Vets Memorial Building • Free • 7pm Th, 4/16.
LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS
Cash Flow Projections 101 • Learn methods of projecting future cash flows • Virtual event • Free-$55, RSVP required • californialutheran. app.neoncrm.com • 1pm Th, 4/16.
Emma Grede • Discusses her guide to success Start With Yourself: A New Vision for Work & Life • Godmothers Books • $55 • godmothers.com • 6pm Th, 4/16.
How to Use Your Smartphone 101 • Interactive, hands-on training • Central Library, Tech Lab • Free, registration required • calendar. library.santabarbaraca.gov • 4:30pm Th, 4/16.
Montecito Poetry Club • Explore and discuss the work of April’s selected poet Danusha Laméris • Montecito Library • Free, registration required • 10am Th, 4/16.
EXPLORE A SINISTER SIDE OF AMERICAN HISTORY when Out of the Box Theatre Company presents Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Tony-winning musical Assassins at Center Stage Theater. Following the lives of nine individuals who either attempted to or succeeded in assassinating one of the Presidents of the United States, performances will take place at 7:30pm on April 10th, 11th, 17th, & 18th, and 2pm on April 12th & 19th. For tickets ($30-40; students under 18 free) visit centerstagetheater.org
A Night with Janis Joplin
• Ensemble Theatre Company presents Mary Bridget Davies as Janis Joplin in a rock and roll celebration • The New Vic • $25-104 • ensembletheatre. com • 7:30pm We, 4/1 previews begin; opening night 8pm Sa, 4/4. Through 4/26.
Somebody To Love • A new jukebox musical • Rubicon Theatre • $30-155 • rubicontheatre.org • Through 4/19.
The Cemetery Club • Three friends have tea at their husbands’ graves • Ojai Art Center Theater • $20-25 • ojaiact.org • 7:30pm Fridays & Saturdays, 2pm Sundays; Through 4/19.
centerstagetheater.org • 7:30pm Fr, 4/10-4/11 & 4/17-4/18; 2pm, 4/12 & 4/19.
Unnecessary Farce • Paul Slade Smith’s play about two cops on a hilarious hunt for three crooks • SBCC’s Jurkowitz Theatre • $16-27 • theatregroupsbcc.com • 7:30pm We, 4/15 through Sa, 5/2.
Whispers Among the Wildflowers • Annual mixed performance of experimental theatre, film and performance art • Community Arts Workshop, Porter Theater, Blondell Box • $12-25 • westmont.edu • Th, 4/16 through Su, 4/19.
Trail Talks: More Mesa • John Storrer discusses trails, natural resources, and conservation • Central Library, Faulkner Gallery • Free • 6:30pm Th, 4/16.
Knit ‘n’ Needle • Fiber arts club • Montecito Library • Free • 2pm Th.
Sierra Hull • Mandolin virtuoso blending bluegrass roots with songwriting, with special guest Mason Via • UCSB Arts & Lectures • Campbell Hall • $15-60 • artsandlectures.ucsb.edu • 8pm Th, 4/17.
Assassins • Steven Sondheim’s musical about those who tried or did kill the president • Out of the Box Theatre Company • Center Stage • $30-40, under 18 free •
Chaucer’s Book Fair • 25% proceeds support Notre Dame School • Chaucer’s Books • 5-7pm Th, 4/16.
Environmental Stewardship Awards Luncheon • Celebrate local eco-heroes and listen to their inspiring stories over lunch • Cabrillo Pavilion • $45 • exploreecology.org • 11:30am Th, 4/16.
Alice By Heart • Alice and her friend Alfred escape London into the imagined world of Wonderland, presented by OYES • Chaparral Auditorium • $22-160 • tickettailor. com • 7pm Fr, 4/17 through Su, 4/26.
Friday 4/17
Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara • 30-member ensemble performance by Ballet Folklórico del Rio Grande
• Isla Vista Elementary • Free • 7pm Fr, 4/17.
CELEBRATE AMERICA’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY when the Santa Barbara Symphony presents a program of the country’s great composers, including Gershwin’s An American in Paris, at the Granada Theatre at 7:30pm on Saturday, April 18th and 3pm on Sunday, April 19th. For tickets ($45-198) visit granadasb.org
Finish Up Friday • Complete an almost finished project or start a new one, with tea and cookies provided • $15 • exploreecology.org • 2:305:30pm Fr, 4/17.
Get Outside Yourself • A mindfulness workshop with guided breathwork, reflection, and nature immersion • Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Pritzlaff Conservation Center • $35-40 • sbbotanicgarden.org • 9:30am Fr, 4/17.
Research Focus Group Talk: All the Frost Melts: • A trilingual reading of writings by Indigenous writer Kseniia Bolshakova in Dolgan, Russian, and English • UCSB’s McCune Conference Room • Free • 7pm Fr, 4/17.
Composer’s Concert • Deane Chapel, Westmont College • Free • 7pm Fr, 4/17.
The Brasscals • Street brass band • Night Lizard Brewing Company • Free • 8-10pm Fr, 4/17.
Revisiting Creedence • CCR
tribute band • Chumash Casino Resort • $30-50 • chumashcasino.com • 8pm Fr, 4/17.
Paul Berkowitz Faculty
Recital • An evening of Schumann piano music • UCSB’s Lotte Lehmann Concert Hall • Free • music.ucsb.edu • 7:30pm Fr, 4/17.
by Ballet Folklórico del Rio Grande • Guadalupe City Hall • Free • 7pm Sa, 4/18.
Adult Ceramics for Beginners
• Four-week beginner throwing class inspired by quilt patterns and text art • SBMA’s Ceramics Studio at The Downtown Club • $200-240 • sbma. net • 10:30am Sa, 4/18 through 5/9.
Community Propagation Workshops • Explore transplanting, processing cuttings, and sowing native seeds • SB Botanic Garden, Backcountry • Free with admission, reservation required • sbbotanicgarden.org • 10:30am Sa, 4/18 & Su, 4/19.
An American in Paris • Jazzy program by SB Symphony • Granada Theatre • $45-198 • granadasb.org • 7:30pm Sa, 4/18 & 3pm Su, 4/19.
Carillon Recital • Performed by Wesley Arai and students from Arai’s carillon studio • UCSB’s Storke Tower • Free • 2-3pm Sa, 4/18.
Corrie Bascom • Violin Recital • Deane Chapel, Westmont College • Free • 2pm Sa, 4/18.
John Milton: Mundial de Hypnosis Tour • Live show combining hypnosis with entertainment • Arlington Theatre • $72-233 • arlingtontheatresb.com • 7:30pm Fr, 4/17.
Hats Off, Boots On • Country benefit in support of the Lobero’s local Youth and Community Outreach Programs, featuring guest speaker Neal Graffy • Lobero Theatre • $175 • lobero.org • 11am Fr, 4/17.
Saturday 4/18
Growing for Pollinators • Children aged 8-13 learn about pollinators • SB Botanic Garden • Free with admission, registration required • sbbotanicgarden.org • 11am Sa, 4/18.
Crafternoon • Fun crafts, ages 5+
• Explore Ecology Makerspace • $8 • exploreecology.org • 10am-12pm, Sat.
Storytime @ the Sea Center • All ages, free w/admission • SBNature.org • 10:30–10:45am Sat & Sun.
COMEDY
The Good Good Show • Monthly comedy show • Night Lizard Brewing Company • Free • 7:30-9:30pm Sa, 4/18.
DANCE
Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara • 30-member ensemble performance
The Architectural Walking Tour
• History of buildings in SB • City Hall steps at De la Guerra Plaza • $20 • afsb. org • 10am, Sat.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Day Trip to Figueroa Mountain
• Scot Pipkin leads an excursion to the Los Padres National Forest to discover unique plant communities and geological formations • Los Olivos • $100-125 • sbbotanicgarden.org • 9am-4pm Sa, 4/18.
Día de los niños/Día de los libros • Event celebrating the abilities of children, featuring a talent show, crafts, youth makers market, live magic performance and more • Central Library, Faulkner Gallery • Free • 10am-2pm Sa, 4/18.
Fish Derby • All proceeds go to benefit the Neal Taylor Nature Center • Cachuma Lake • $15-50 • troutderby.org • 6am-12pm Sa, 4/18 &Su, 4/19.
Kids Draw Architecture • Materials provided for sketch session • Riviera Park • Free • 1-3pm Su, 4/19.
Alexandra Wagner • Violin
Recital • Deane Chapel, Westmont College • Free • 3pm Su, 4/19.
AHA! Sing It Out! • A dozen teens perform songs backed by a live band • Lobero Theatre • $16-157 • lobero.org • 6pm Su, 4/19.
Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan • Blues and good time music • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • 1:30-4:30pm Su, 4/19.
2026 Leadership Awards
Reception • Celebrating CAUSE Action Fund’s victories, featuring food and music • Cabrillo Pavilion • Free, ticckets required • https://givebutter. com/2026AWARDS • 2pm Su, 4/19.
Beach Cleanup • East Beach behind Skater’s Point skate park and the adjacent Palm Park parking lot • RSVP to join • sbnature.org • 10am12pm Su, 4/19.
Sunday Architecture Tour • Meet at Public Library Plaza at 40 E Anapamu St • Architectural Fdn of SB • $20 • afsb.org • 10am Sun.
Nerf Herder • Performance celebrating the 30th anniversary Nerf Herder’s breakout album, featuring SUMMERCAMP and Ridel High • Lobero Theatre • $45-85 • lobero.org • 7pm Sa, 4/18.
Oddly Straight • Classic soft rock covers duo • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • 1:30-4:30pm Sa, 4/18.
2026 Home Garden Tour • Selfguided experience that invites guests to a curated selection of at least 10 private home gardens in Santa Barbara • Locations shared upon registration • $15-20 • sbbotanicgarden.org • 9am4pm Sa, 4/18.
Trail Volunteer Day • Help improve Sycamore Creek Trail • Parma Park • RSVP required • EUllrich@SantaBarbaraCA.gov • 8:30am-2pm Sa, 4/18.
Storytime @ the Sea Center • All ages • Free w/ admission • SBNature.org
• 10:30–10:45am Sat & Sun.
Sundays at the Ranch • Fun for the family. Enjoy barn animals and tractor rides • Stow House, 304 N Los Carneros Rd • Free • goletahistory.org • 11am-2pm Sun.
LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS
Blair Underwood • Discusses his biography A Soldier’s Wife: My Mother, the Marvelous Mrs. Marilyn A. Underwood • Godmothers Books • $23 • godmothers.com/events • 6pm Su, 4/19.
Storytime & Community
History • Simone Ruskamp & Reyna Harris share We Were Here, We Are Here: A Living History of Black Santa Barbara • Chaucer’s Books • Free • 2pm Su, 4/19.
Dad Meetup • The Santa Barbara Dads Group hosts a free skating lesson followed by free skating for all • Ice in Paradise • Free, registration recommended • iceinparadise.org • 11am-1pm Su, 4/19.
To have your events included in VOICE Magazine's calendar or arts listings, please email information to Calendar@VoiceSB.com by noon the Monday before publication.
70 Years of
By Daisy Scott / VOICE
ACENTURY OF SUCCESS IS IN FULL BLOOM at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden this month, as the garden continues its year-long 100th anniversary celebration during National Native Plant Month. All April, fun opportunities will give community members the chance to be inspired, learn, and get their hands dirty to plant seeds for our future.
Special events include a Spring Gardening Festival & Marketplace at the Marjorie Luke Theatre on April 12th as well as special workshops and site visits all month long, including a guided trip to Santa Cruz Island.
possible will take the Native Plant Pledge, committing to make sure at least 30 percent of their yards and gardens include native plants. Engaging in this local action will build a vital connection to the garden’s ongoing, statewide conservation and restoration efforts.
“Yes, we're working on the most remote places in California to ensure that rare species continue to exist, but the truth is that your front yard and your back yard can be just as important to conservation goals,” said SBBG Executive Director Steve Windhager, PhD. “That’s why you need to get involved.”
environmental research and conservation since 1926. Its seed bank, housed in the Pritzlaff Conservation Center, currently houses 4.7 million frozen seeds, preserving biodiverse samples of over 1,900 species, including 424 rare plants.
“For a lot of these plants, they've never been studied before, so we're not only collecting the seeds, we're also understanding how you make them germinate, what pollinates them, all sorts of studies,” explained Windhager. “We then provide recommendations to our land management partners.”
Green thumbs, nature lovers, and curious locals of all ages are encouraged to participate in the garden’s Native Plant Month festivities. The first step? Taking the Native Plant Pledge.
“We know that below 30 percent of native plants, biodiversity plummets,” said Windhager. “The more natives you add, the better off you're going to be, but if you can at least get to 30 percent, you're doing your work.”
At the center of this and all centennial festivities is the hope that as many people as
The country’s first botanic garden wholly dedicated to native plants, the SB Botanic Garden has been a leading force in
Living archives of two rare trees whose seeds cannot survive being frozen are also taking root at the garden. Visitors walking by the conservation center can now admire dozens of Torrey pine and the Catalina ironwood saplings, with each being traceable back to a specific tree on the Channel Islands.
While it may come as a surprise to some visitors, the garden’s research and archives extend far beyond plants. Alongside its seed bank and library of pressed plants—with some pressings dating back to the 1860s—the garden also houses specimens of insects and bugs. As they conduct field work in the local region and on the Channel Islands, researchers also collect genetic information and critical observations of the birds, mammals, and reptiles that live among or rely on native plants. All data collected is shared across private and public databases so that universities, government agencies, and nonprofit partners can benefit.
The approach ultimately stresses the
This weekend, children are invited to participate in a Nature-Themed Story Time at Elings Park’s restoration site on Saturday, April 11th at 10am. On Sunday, April 12th, the Spring Gardening Festival & Marketplace from 2:30 to 5:30pm will give locals the chance to shop eco-friendly businesses and nonprofits as well as view short films produced by the garden at the Marjorie Luke Theatre.
The garden will also host a free senior day on April 15th and a naturefocused mindfulness workshop on the morning of April 17th. From 10:30am to 12pm on Saturdays and Sundays, locals can participate in community propagation workshops, which are included with admission.
There will also be a Home Garden Tour on Saturday, April 18th, featuring gardens with at least 60 percent native plants. The month will conclude with a day trip to Santa Cruz Island on April 28th, led by SBBG Herbarium Curator emeritus Steve Junak.
interconnectivity between all aspects of the environment, valuing native plants as the foundation of restoration.
“We’re shoring up the basis of the food chain, which eventually works its way up to help bears or bobcats, but we can start in those areas where we can support them even in our yards,” said Windhager.
To take the Native Plant Pledge visit
sbbotanicgarden.org/grow/join-the-movement
To learn more about the garden and register for
Through May 1st, 2026
A Plastic Wrap: It’s On Me by Erica Huff
Consisting of a plastic sewn coat with various size pockets. In the pockets I placed consumed plastic containers to remind myself that what I consume is “on me and on me alone.”
La Cumbre Plaza
3rd Friday Artwalk April 17 • 5-7:30pm
By Kelly Mitchell, MFA, Children’s Creative Project
FILLED WITH FAMILIES, EDUCATORS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS, AND EXCITEMENT, South Coast Kids Create and the Children’s Creative Project (CCP) hosted a lively reception celebrating the creativity of young artists from across the South Santa Barbara County schools on March 13th, at the Santa Barbara County Education Office Auditorium.
The exhibition featured 290 works of art created by students in kindergarten through 6th grade, representing 29 elementary schools in Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, and Goleta. The event provided students and their families the opportunity to see their artwork professionally displayed while celebrating the creativity and artistic growth taking place in local classrooms.
Throughout the evening reception, students excitedly guided family members and teachers through the gallery, pointing out their pieces among a vibrant collection of drawings, paintings, and mixed-media works. The exhibition highlighted a wide range of artistic styles and ideas, reflecting the individuality and imagination of each young artist.
“Every student, at every age, has a right to experience the transformative power of arts education. Partnerships like this with South Coast Kids Create allow us not only to empower students, but also to bring communities together through a common thread,” explained Kai Tepper Jahnke, Executive Director of Children’s Creative Project. “We are so grateful to everyone who invests in Children’s Creative Project and supports arts education. Investing in arts education is investing in the next generation of future-makers.”
The exhibition remained open for public viewing the following day, March 14th, welcoming additional community members who came to experience the colorful and diverse display of student creativity. In total, an estimated 600 guests visited the exhibition over the two days.
The showcase was produced by Mariko Tabar and Nancy Hutterer of South Coast Kids Create in collaboration with Kelly Mitchell of the Children’s Creative Project, with additional support from Kai Tepper Jahnke, Yoseline Gonzalez, Erin Sawyer, and Kate Yamasaki of Children’s Creative Project. Together, the organizations created a space that honored student voices while bringing families and educators together around the arts.
Children’s Creative Project, a nonprofit program of the Santa Barbara County Education Office, works to spark curiosity and cultivate creativity through inclusive arts education programs for students from preschool through grade 12. Events like this exhibition highlight the organization’s commitment to ensuring that young people throughout Santa Barbara County have meaningful opportunities to explore, develop, and share their artistic endeavors. CCP also produces the annual I Madonnari Street Painting Festival, now in its 40th year this Memorial Day weekend. ccp.sbceo.org
RUTH ELLEN HOAG
www.ruthellenhoag.com @ruthellenhoag
805-689-0858
~inquire for studio classes~
10 West Gallery • Exploration • through May 5 • 10 W Anapamu • 11-5 We-Mo • 805-770-7711 • 10westgallery.com
Architectural Fdn Gallery • Lindsay Skutch: Pinhole Noir, through May 30 • 229 E Victoria • 805-965-6307 • 1–4 some Sa & By Appt • afsb.org
Art & Soul Gallery • Michael Vilkin: Pentimento • through May 3 • 1323 State St • artandsoulsb.com
Art, Design & Architecture Museum, UCSB • Tiffany Chung: indelible traces • through Apr 26 • 12-5 Wed-Sun • museum.ucsb.edu
Art From Scrap • Explore Ecology • exploreecology.org
ArtLabbé Gallery • free art, music, & exercise classes to our individuals with special needs & family members • Tu, We, Th, Sun 12-5:30; Fr 12-5 • 111 Santa Barbara St, #H • artlabbe.org
Atkinson Gallery • Tu & We 10–2 • SBCC Humanities East Campus Rm 203• atkinsongallerysbcc.com
Bella Rosa Galleries • 1103-A State St • 11-5 daily • 805-966-1707
The Carriage and Western Art Museum • Old Spanish Days Trophy Saddles; Victoria Stables Wagon
• Ongoing • Free • 129 Castillo St • 805-962-2353 • 9-3 Mo-Fr • carriagemuseum.org
California Nature Art Museum • Ocean Forests: Our Coastal Communities through July 20; Between Earth & Sky through April 20; Lulu
Mary Dee Thompson LCCCA Illuminations Gallery La Cumbre Plaza marydeethompson@gmail.com
Hyggelig: California’s First Thomas Dambo Troll • ongoing • 1511 B Mission Dr, Solvang • 11-4 Mo, Th, Fr; 11-5 Sa & Su • calnatureartmuseum.org
Casa de La Guerra • Santa Barbara 1925 – 2025: A Portrait in Maps; Once a Don, Always a Don • ongoing • $5/ Free • 15 East De la Guerra St • 12-4 Th-Su • sbthp.org/casadelaguerra
Casa Dolores • Bandera Ware / traditional outfits ~ ongoing • 1023 Bath St • 12-4 Tu-Sa • 805-963-1032
Casa del Herrero • Gardens & House • by reservation • 1387 East Valley Rd • tours 10 & 2 We & Sa • 805-565-5653 • casadelherrero.com
Channing Peake Gallery • Form and Frame: Abstraction, Community, and the Language of Art • through Spring ‘26 • 8-5 M-F • 105 E Anapamu St, 1st fl • 805-568-3994
Colette Cosentino Atelier + Gallery • 11 W Anapamu St • By Appt • colettecosentino.com
Community Arts Workshop • 631 Garden St • 10-6pm Fri & By Appt. • sbcaw.org
Corridan Gallery • Glorious California • 125 N Milpas • 11-5 We-Sa • 805-966-7939 • corridan-gallery.com
Cypress Gallery • The Chair
Auction: A silent auction benefit for LVAA • through Apr 26 • 119 E Cypress Av, Lompoc • 1-4 Sa & Su • 805-737-1129 • lompocart.org
El Presidio De Santa Bárbara • Nihonmachi Revisited; Memorias y Facturas - ongoing • 123 E Canon
Perdido St • 10:30-4:30 Daily • sbthp.org
Elverhøj Museum • Roland Petersen Undiminished: A Centennial Celebration • through Aug 11 • History & Danish culture • 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang • 805-686-1211 • 11-5 Th-Mo • elverhoj.org
Faulkner Gallery • 40 E Anapamu St • 10-7 Mo-Th; 10-5 Fri, Sa; 12-5 Sun • 805-962-7653.
Fazzino 3-D Studio Gallery • 3-D original fine art • 1011 State St • 805730-9109 • Fazzino.com
Gallery 113 • Members of the SB Art Assn • 1114 State St, #8, La Arcada Ct • 805-965-6611 • 11-5 Mo-Sa; 1-4 Su • gallery113sb.com
Gallery Los Olivos • Debbi Green: Besties through Apr • Daily 10-4pm • 2920 Grand Av • 805-688-7517 • gallerylosolivos.com
Ganna Walska Lotusland • Gardens • by reservation • 695 Ashley Rd • 805-969-9990 • lotusland.org
Grace Fisher Fdn • Inclusive Arts Clubhouse • Paintings by Grace Fisher • 121 S Hope, La Cumbre Plaza • WeSu 11-5pm • gracefisherfoundation.org
Indah Gallery • Roy Vessil: Galls & The Secrets of the Universe through Apr 5 • Fri-Sun 12-5 • 2190 N Refugio Rd, Santa Ynez • maxgleason.com/indah-gallery
James Main Fine Art • 19th & 20th Century Fine art & antiques • 27 E De La Guerra St • 12-5 Tu-Sa • Appt Suggested • 805-962-8347
Jewish Federation of Greater SB • Portraits of Survival interactive ~ Ongoing • 9-4pm Mo-Fr • 524 Chapala St • 805-957-1115 ext. 114
Karpeles Manuscript Library
Museum • a million+ historical documents • 21-23 W Anapamu • 10-4 Tu-Su • 805-962-5322 • karpeles.com
Kathryne Designs • Local Artists • 1225 Coast Village Rd, A • 10-5 Mo-Sa; 11-5 Su • 805-565-4700 • kathrynedesigns.com
La Cumbre Center For Creative Arts • Fine Line Gallery: Herstory through Ap 28; Elevate Gallery; Illuminations Gallery • Multi-Artist
Studio/Gallery Spaces • La Cumbre Plaza • 12-5 Tu-Su • lcccasb.com
Lompoc Library Grossman Gallery • 501 E North Av, Lompoc • 805-588-3459
Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center • Natural Beauty • through Apr
26 • 12-4 Th-Su • 865 Linden • 805684-7789 • carpinteriaartscenter.org
Maker House • A Gesture Repeated • 1351 Holiday Hill Rd • 805-565-CLAY • 10-4 Daily • makerhouse.org
Marcia Burtt Gallery • Still Life and Grandeur through April 19 •
Landscape paintings, prints, & books • 517 Laguna St • 1-5 Th-Su • 805-9625588 • artlacuna.com
Mate Gallery • beach images alongside vintage oils, gifts • 1014 Coast Village Rd • 805-895-6283 • mategallery.com
MOXI, The Wolf Museum•of Exploration + Innovation • 10-5 Daily • 125 State St • 805-770-5000 • moxi.org
Museum of Contemporary Art
Santa Barbara • San Milano Drive: DJ Javier through April 26 • 11-6pm Tu-Sun • 653 Paseo Nuevo • mcasantabarbara.org
Legacy Arts International • WedSun 12-8pm • 310-880-6671 • legacyartsb.com
Palm Loft Gallery • Find the Beautiful, through May 24 • 410 Palm Av, Loft A1, Carpinteria • 1-6 Fr-Su & By Appt • 805-684-9700 • palmloft.com
Patricia Clarke Studio • An American Girl project; Primal Wild; Correspondences, Erasing Lines, and Facing Ourselves • 410 Palm Av, Carpinteria • By Appt • 805-452-7739 • patriciaclarkestudio.com
Peregrine Galleries • Early CA & American paintings; fine vintage jewelry • 1133 Coast Village Rd • 805252-9659 • @peregrinegalleries
Peter Horjus Design • Studio • 11 W Figueroa St • peterhorjus.com
Portico Gallery • Jordan Pope & Gallery Artists • Open Daily • 1235 Coast Village Rd • 805-729-8454 • porticofinearts.com
Rubenstein Chan Contemporary Art • Textual Integration • Apr 18 through May 31 • 410 Palm Av, Unit B3, Carpinteria • 805576-6152: weekends & by appt • RubensteinChan.com
Santa Barbara Art Works • Arts Education for All • 28 E Victoria St • 805-260-6705 • M-F 8:30-4:30 • sbartworks.org
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden • 1212 Mission Canyon Rd • 10-5 daily • 805-682-4726 • sbbg.org
Santa Barbara Fine Art • Places from the Heart • Landscapes & sculptor Bud Bottoms • 1321 State St • 1-6 We-Sa & By Appt • 805-845-4270 • santabarbarafineart.com
Santa Barbara Historical Museum • The Gift; Ludmilla Pila Welch: Serene Santa Barbara through June; Edward Borein Gallery, and The
Story of Santa Barbara ~ ongoing • 136 E De la Guerra • 12-5 We, Fri-Su; 12-7 Th • 805-966-1601 • sbhistorical.org
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum • Aquean: Apr 9-Jul 26 • The Chumash, Whaling, Commercial Diving, Surfing, Shipwrecks, First Order Fresnel Lens, and SB Lighthouse Women Keepers ~ Ongoing • 113 Harbor Wy, Ste 190 • 10-5 Daily • 805-962-8404 • SBMM.org
Santa Barbara Museum Of Art • Remixed: Entwined Histories & New Forms, through Aug 30; Magical Realism: Latin American Photographers in Dialogue through Jun 14; Random-Access Memory: Internet Art, through Sep 27; As if in a Dream: History, Fantasy, Future: through January 3; By Achilles’ Tomb: Elliott Hundley and Antiquity through Jun 1 • 11-5 Tu-Su; 5-8 1st Th free; 2nd Sun free Tri-Co residents • 805963-4364 • sbma.net
Santa Barbara Museum Of Natural History • The Living Print through May 30 • 2559 Puesta del Sol • 10-5 We-Mo • sbnature.org
ARTISTS DAVID ELLIS AND LARRY VIGON will be featured in The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum’s April Maritime Distinguished Speakers Series. Their talk will take place on Thursday, April 16th at 7pm at the SBMM. The program complements the SBMM’s current exhibition, Aquean: Photographs, Paintings, and Prints, on view April 9th through July 26th.
Aquean is an evocative exhibition exploring time, tides, and transformation through multimedia works that invite viewers to consider the sea as both subject and metaphor. Featuring photographs, paintings, prints, video, and mixed media, the show reflects the delicate balance between permanence and loss along California’s coastlines and the rhythms that bind what endures and what vanishes.
During the April 16th program, Ellis will present Lobospheres: The Lost Souls of Point Lobos, an overview of his 20-year photographic project documenting wave-carved rock forms at Point Lobos. Describing the work as “a celebration, an elegy, and a cautionary tale,” Ellis considers the series an expressionistic archive shaped by climate realities and the passage of time, giving voice to the landscape and reminding viewers of what is often overlooked.
Vigon’s talk will offer a brief history of his more than 55-year career, highlighting both his commercial and personal work. An award-
winning art director, designer, and fine artist, Vigon created more than 200 album covers for artists including Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton, and Bonnie Raitt, earning induction into the Album Cover Hall of Fame in 2020.
“We are excited to bring David Ellis and Larry Vigon together through both the exhibition and this special program,” said Executive Director of SBMM Dean Noble. “Their work reflects the emotional and environmental realities of the sea while reinforcing SBMM’s mission to connect our community to the ocean through art, education, and storytelling.”
Santa Barbara Sea Center • Dive In: Our Changing Channel ~ Ongoing • 211 Stearns Wharf • 10-5 Daily • 805-682-4711 • sbnature.org
Santa Barbara Tennis Club - 2nd Fridays
Art • SB Visual Artists, through May 26 • 2375 Foothill Rd • 10-6 Daily • 805-682-4722 • 2ndfridaysart.com
Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum
• 3596 Sagunto St • 12-4pm We-Su • santaynezmuseum.org
Reception: 2nd Fridays Art @ SBTC • View show and meet participating SB Visual Artists • SB Tennis Club • Free • 4:30-6pm Fr, 4/10.
Gel Plate Nature Printing Atelier • Create one-of-a-kind nature prints surrounded by the beauty of Lotusland • Ganna Walska Lotusland • $100-175 • lotusland.org • 9am-12pm Sa, 4/11.
Sketching in the Galleries • Draw inspired by art • SB Museum of Art galleries • Free with museum admission • RSVP: sbma.net • 11:15am-12:15pm Sa, 4/11.
SB Art Association New Member Jury Day • Apply to join SBAA • Info: sbartassoc.org/ how-to-join • Schott Center Auditorium (Bath & Padre) • 10:30am-3pm Sa, 4/11.
Artist Talk with Cynthia James • Part of Shapes of Surrealism at Seimandi & Leprieur
SBMM Curator and Director of Collections & Exhibits Emily Falke added, “Their work captures the power and fragility of the ever-changing California coastline. In Aquean, the sea becomes a lens for time and change, reminding us that what endures and what vanishes are forever intertwined by the rhythms of the ocean.”
The Distinguished Speaker Series is sponsored by Marie L Morrisroe. SBMM members are invited to a pre-lecture reception from 6:15–6:45pm. For tickets (Free-$20), visit sbmm.org
Sahyun Genealogical Library • Research
family history • 316 Castillo St • Tue/Thu 10-4; Sun & 3rd Sat 1-4 • SBGen.org
Seimandi & Leprieur • Shapes of Surrealism • through April 26 • 33 W Anapamu St. • Wed-Sat 11-6 • 805-610-1203 • seimandileprieur.com
Stewart Fine Art • Early CA Plein Air Paintings + European Fine Art + Antiques • 539 San Ysidro Rd • 11-5:30 Mo-Sa • 805-845-0255
Susan Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Museum
• 122 W Canon Perdido • 11-4 Fr-Sa; Su-Th by appt • quinlanmuseum.com • 805-687-4623
SYV Historical Museum & Carriage House • Art of The Western Saddle • ongoing • 3596 Sagunto St, SY • 12-4 Sa, Su • 805-6887889 • santaynezmuseum.org
Tamsen Gallery • Jeff Bridges: Pictures • through Apr 30 • 1309 State St • 12-5 We-Su • 805-705-2208 • tamsengallery.com
Sullivan Goss • Susan McDonnell: Consider the Lilies, through May 25; The Spring Salon through Apr 13; Sidney Gordin: Space & Form through Apr 27; Sarah Vedder: State of Grace; Spring Salon through Apr 27 • 11 E Anapamu St • 105:30 daily • 805-730-1460 • sullivangoss.com
UCSB Library Ocean Gallery • Unyielding Voices: Global Resistance and the Black Radical Tradition • through Jun 12 • library.ucsb.edu
Voice Gallery • Our Living Planet, through May 1 • La Cumbre Plaza H-124 • 10-5:30 M-F; 1-5 Sa-Sun • 805-965-6448
Gallery • 4pm Sun, 4/12.
Aquean • Artist talk with David Ellis and Larry Vigon • SB Maritime Museum • $5-20 • sbmm. org • 7pm Th, 4/16.
Welcome to Santa Maria: All Indigenous Migrant City • Artist Helen Yanez discusses imagery and storytelling at the reception for her new exhibition grounded in her Purépecha roots • UCSB Multicultural Center Lounge • Free • mcc.sa.ucsb.edu • 5-7pm Th, 4/16.
La Cumbre Plaza 3rd Friday Gallery Row Art Walk • Six galleries, music, art activities, & more! • 5-8pm Fri, 4.17.
Carpinteria Creative Arts Market • Pottery, beach art, cards, jewelry, sewn articles • 8th St & Linden Av • Free • 2:30pm-6pm Thur.
SB Arts & Crafts Show • Local artists & artisans • Free • 236 E Cabrillo Blvd • 10am-5pm Sun.
Waterhouse Gallery Montecito • Notable CA & National Artists • 1187 Coast Village Rd • 11-5 Mo-Su • 805-962-8885 • waterhousegallery.com
Waterhouse Gallery SB • Notable CA & National Artists • La Arcada Ct, 1114 State St, #9 • 11-5 Mo-Sa • 805-962-8885 • waterhousegallery.com
Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum Of Art • Habitual Curiosity: Paintings by Chelsea Roberts (‘18) through Jun 20; Reencounter: 2026 Senior Art Graduates Exhibition: through May 9 • Weekdays 10-4, Sat 11-5 • westmont.edu/museum
The Yes Store • Art by Local Artists • 1015 State St • M-F: 11am-6pm; Sa:10:30am-6pm; Su: 10:30am-5pm • theyesstore.com
Fine Art Destination Since 1992
Fine Art Destination Since 1992
Exhibiting
Exhibiting work by over 50 Regional Artists with a stunning selection of media,
By Jeffrey D. Sachs April 6, 2026 / Common Dreams
WHEN DERANGED LEADERS INVOKE
DIVINE CATASTROPHE AS A POLITICAL INSTRUMENT, it is not only their enemies who are consumed. Unless they are stopped, we will all be victims of these two psychopaths.
Here is Donald Trump’s Easter message to the world: [https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116351998782539414]
Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah. President DONALD J. TRUMP
Donald Trump and his partner in war crimes, Benjamin Netanyahu, are jointly waging a war of murderous aggression against Iran, a nation of 90 million people. They are in the grip of three cascading pathologies. The first is personality: both are malignant narcissists. The second is the arrogance of power: men who possess the power to command nuclear annihilation and feel, in consequence, no restraint. The third, and most dangerous of all, is religious delusion: two men who believe, and are told daily by those around them, that they are messiahs doing God’s work. Each pathology exacerbates the others, so that together they put the world in unprecedented danger.
The result is a glorification of violence not seen since the Nazi leaders. The question is whether the world’s few grownups—responsible national leaders who remain committed to international law and are willing to say so—can restrain them. It will not be easy, but they must try.
Let us start with the underlying psychological disorder. Malignant narcissism is a clinical term, not an insult. The social psychologist Erich Fromm coined the phrase in 1964 to describe Adolf Hitler, as a merger of pathological grandiosity, psychopathy, paranoia, and antisocial personality into a single character structure. The malignant narcissist is not
Jeffrey D. Sachs, who recently received the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation’s Distinguished Peace Leader award, is a worldrenowned economics professor, bestselling author, innovative educator, and global leader in sustainable development. Sachs serves as the Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, where he holds the rank of University Professor, the university’s highest academic rank. Sachs was Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University from 2002 to 2016. He is President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Co-Chair of the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition, academician of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences at the Vatican, Commissioner of the UN Broadband Commission for Development, Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah Honorary Distinguished Professor at Sunway University, and SDG Advocate for UN Secretary General António Guterres. From 2001-18, Sachs served as Special Advisor to UN SecretariesGeneral Kofi Annan (2001-7), Ban Ki-moon (2008-16), and António Guterres (2017-18). www.JeffSachs.org
merely vain. He is structurally incapable of genuine empathy, constitutionally immune to guilt, and driven by paranoid conviction that enemies surround him and must be destroyed. Already back in 2017, psychologist John Garnter and many other professionals were warning of Trump’s malignant narcissism.
Several respected psychologists and psychiatrists have evaluated Trump for psychopathy using the standardized Hare Scale and have come up with scores well above the diagnostic cutoff. See, for example, here. Psychopathy is best characterized as a lack of conscience or compassion for other human beings.
Both Trump and Netanyahu fit this profile with precision. Trump’s psychopathy was on full display when US forces destroyed a civilian bridge in Tehran, of no military significance, with at least eight civilians killed and 95 or more injured. Trump did not grieve. He gloated and promised more destruction. Netanyahu’s Passover address similarly contained not one word for the dead. No pause. No shadow of doubt. Only the triumphant catalog of enemies he has destroyed.
Netanyahu do not experience the world as others do. The availability of nuclear weapons, for these malignant narcissists, is not a burden of responsibility but an extension of their grandiose selves: I can do anything. I can level anything. Watch me. There will be no selfrestraints by Netanyahu and Trump on this delusional grandiosity.
Trump has completely internalized this sense of impunity. On April 1, he stood before the cameras and promised to bomb Iran “back to the Stone Ages, where they belong.” The phrase “where they belong” is the verdict of a man who feels divinely licensed to judge the worth of 90 million people and dehumanizes them without hesitation. He has repeatedly threatened to destroy Iran’s civilian electrical infrastructure—a war crime under the laws of armed conflict, announced openly as a negotiating position, to a global audience that mostly changed the channel.
Paranoia drives the threat that Trump and Netanyahu have manufactured. Trump’s own Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, testified in writing that Iran’s nuclear program had been “obliterated” and that the intelligence community “continues to assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon.” The IAEA stated flatly there was no evidence of a bomb. Trump’s own counterterrorism official resigned in protest, writing that “we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.” The paranoid does not need a real threat. He will make one up if he must, to match his feelings of exaggerated fear.
The Machiavellianism operates without shame. Trump told the world that diplomacy was always his “first preference,” while boasting in the same breath about ripping up the nuclear deal with Iran: “I was so honored to do it. I was so proud to do it.” He destroyed the diplomatic framework with his own hands, then blamed Iran for the wreckage. He then admitted, casually, that the war has no self-defense rationale: “We don’t have to be there. We don’t need their oil. We don’t need anything they have. But we’re there to help our allies.” Under the UN Charter, self-defense is the only legal basis for force. Trump has confessed that no such basis exists.
There is a particular deformation that power inflicts on certain personalities, and it is especially acute when the power in question is unbounded or seems to be so. With the command of nuclear arsenals, Trump and
Netanyahu commands a state with an estimated 200 nuclear warheads, has never signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and operates under no international inspection regime. He has watched Trump wield American military power with unchecked aggression and concurs that there are no consequences. The second madness feeds the third: when power faces no limit, the only remaining internal check is conscience. And the psychopath has no conscience.
The lack of conscience is the most dangerous pathology of the three, because it is the one that removes the last possible internal brake. The strategist who wages an unjust war may eventually calculate that the costs exceed the gains and stop. The malignant narcissist who wages war for ego may eventually exhaust the ego’s demands and stop. The psychopath escalates because there are no limits.
And, if you can believe, it gets even worse. Both Trump and Netanyahu are would-be messiahs. They are self-proclaimed agents of God. For them, stopping the war on Iran would mean God was wrong. And the selfproclaimed messiah cannot be wrong, either, because the messiah and God have become, in the grandiose psyche, effectively the same.
Both Trump and Netanyahu have claimed this messianic identity explicitly. Trump has called himself “the chosen one.” Regarding the assassination attempt on Trump in 2024, he declared, “I felt then and believe even more so now that my life was saved for a reason. I “was saved by God to make America great again.” Netanyahu, in his address on the eve of Passover, did not merely invoke God. He appropriated God’s role in the Exodus narrative—enumerating ten “accomplishments” of what he calls the “War of Redemption” and naming each one a plague. The killing of Ayatollah Khamenei he
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named the “Plague of the Firstborn.” He then warned the world:
After the ten plagues of Egypt, I remind you that Pharaoh still tried to harm the People of Israel, and we all know how that ended.
In the Book of Exodus, that ending is the drowning of Pharaoh’s entire army. Netanyahu was threatening the annihilation of Iran, on television, in the language of holy scripture.
Surrounding each of these men is a court of flatterers and fanatics whose function is to sustain the delusion and prevent reality from entering their consciousness.
Huckabee,
Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of Defense, has turned the Pentagon into a theater of holy war. He sports a Jerusalem Cross tattoo on his chest and the words “Deus Vult,” “God Wills It,” the battle cry of the medieval Crusades, on his arm. He hosts monthly Christian worship services in the Pentagon’s auditorium. He has asked the American people to pray “every day, on bended knee” for military victory in the Middle East “in the name of Jesus Christ.” At one of these services, he prayed aloud for US troops to inflict:
Overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy … We ask these things with bold confidence in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus Christ.
At a press briefing on the Iran war, Hegseth said the United States “negotiates with bombs.” He described Iran’s leaders as “religious fanatics” seeking nuclear capability for “some religious Armageddon,” while presiding over monthly prayer services at the Pentagon and declaring that “the providence of our almighty God is there protecting those troops.” He appears to have no awareness of the mirror he is holding up. A defense secretary who prays for “overwhelming violence” in the name of Jesus, while calling his enemies religious fanatics, has defined the word “projection.”
Mike Huckabee, the US Ambassador to Israel, provides the theological architecture. A Baptist minister and avid Christian Zionist, Huckabee believes the IsraelIran conflict is the fulfillment of biblical prophecy—a necessary step toward the Rapture and the second coming of Christ. He sent Trump a message—which Trump then posted on social media—comparing the moment to Truman in 1945 and the dropping of atomic bombs on Japan, urging Trump to listen to “HIS voice,” meaning God.
In an interview, Huckabee was asked about the biblical land grant stretching from the Nile to the Euphrates—encompassing Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and parts of Saudi Arabia and Iraq—and whether Israel had a divine right to it all. His answer was direct: “It would be fine if they took it all.”
Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Smotrich, for his part, posted on social media: “I ♥ Huckabee.” Christian Zionist pastor John Hagee, whose organization Christians United for Israel has been a major driver of US evangelical support for Israel’s wars, looked at the Iran war and said simply: “Prophetically, we’re right on
cue.” Franklin Graham, at a White House Easter prayer service, fed Trump’s messianic delusions: “Today the Iranians, the wicked regime of this government, wants to kill every Jew and destroy them with an atomic fire. But you have raised up President Trump. You’ve raised him up for such a time as this. And Father, we pray that you’ll give him victory.”
Netanyahu’s Court: Ben-Gvir, Smotrich, and the Messianic Settlers
On the Israeli side, the inner court is composed of two figures whose radicalism is so extreme that they were considered political pariahs until Netanyahu used their votes to stay in power. Itamar Ben-Gvir, the National Security Minister, is an admirer of the late Rabbi Meir Kahane, whose Kach party was designated a terrorist organization. Bezalel Smotrich, the Finance Minister, draws his ideology from Rabbi Zvi Yehuda Kook, who taught that Israel’s 1967 military victory was divinely mandated and that the settlement of Palestinian territory is the will of God. Together, they hold 20 seats in Netanyahu’s 67-seat coalition. They do not merely advise the prime minister, they share in his messianic beliefs and vision.
Ben-Gvir has used his control of the Israeli police to enable settler paramilitaries operating against Palestinians in the West Bank. He has consistently blocked ceasefire negotiations and has openly claimed credit for delaying them. He pushed for Jewish ritual rights on the Temple Mount in defiance of a status quo maintained for decades, a move Israeli security officials warned would lead directly to bloodshed. In August 2023 he declared: “My right, and my wife’s and my children’s right to get around on the roads in Judea and Samaria, is more important than the right to movement for Arabs.” The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Spain have all sanctioned him for inciting violence, yet the United States, under Marco Rubio, defended BenGvir and criticized those sanctions.
Smotrich is the more methodical of the two: less theatrical and more dangerous. He has systematically transferred civilian governance of the West Bank from the Israeli military to his own ministry, channeling hundreds of millions of shekels to settler infrastructure while Palestinian Authority budgets are deliberately strangled. He has directed his office to formulate “an operational plan for applying sovereignty” over the West Bank. During the Iran war, he called for Israel to annex southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, declaring that the war “needs to end with a different reality entirely.” Smotrich’s ideology draws on Kook’s teaching that the settlement enterprise is not political but sacred—a divine obligation that must be completed regardless of international law, Palestinian rights, or the opinion of the world. The 1967 borders, in this theology, are not a temporary military reality. They are God’s unfinished business.
Neither Ben-Gvir nor Smotrich was anything more than a fringe extremist before Netanyahu legitimized them by bringing them into government and his inner court. He gave them power over Israeli society, and they gave him the religious-nationalist firepower to call his
wars a divine mission.
Into this landscape of holy war, one voice has spoken with world-saving grace and clarity. Pope Leo XIV has consistently called for an end to the violence. During a Holy Thursday Mass in Rome, he addressed the arrogance of power:
We tend to consider ourselves powerful when we dominate, victorious when we destroy our equals, great when we are feared. God has given us an example — not of how to dominate, but of how to liberate; not of how to destroy life, but of how to give it.
On Palm Sunday, the pope was again direct, saying that Jesus “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.” Hegseth followed up by holding another worship service at the Pentagon, where he again prayed for “overwhelming violence” in Christ’s name.
Professor John Mearsheimer has stated precisely that the crimes now being committed by Trump and Netanyahu are the same crimes for which the Nazi leadership was hanged at Nuremberg: aggressive war, annexation of foreign territory, deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure, and collective punishment. This is not rhetorical excess. These are legal categories. The Nuremberg Tribunal called the crime of aggression the “supreme international crime”—the one that “contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole”— because it is the crime that makes all the other crimes possible. These men have confessed to it, publicly, in speeches carried by international broadcasters.
The institutional mechanisms that exist to prevent exactly this kind of catastrophe, including the UN Security Council, the International Criminal Court, the non-proliferation regime, and the laws of armed conflict, are being actively subverted by the United States.
And yet the world’s grownups must try to stop the madness. The multilateral effort in Islamabad, including the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, working alongside the China-Pakistan five-point peace initiative, is an important start. It should be joined by the full weight of the BRICS nations, the UN General Assembly, and every state that wishes to live in a world governed by rules rather than by the delusions of two malignant narcissists.
When deranged leaders invoke divine catastrophe as a political instrument, it is not only their enemies who are consumed. We will all be the victims of Netanyahu’s plagues and Trump’s bombing of Iran to the stone ages, unless other leaders place limits on these two madmen. https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/netanyahu-trumppsychopaths-war-criminals?utm_source=Common+Dreams&utm_ campaign=05f9359cac-Top+News+%7C+Thu.+1%2F8%2F26_ COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-c56d0ea580-601318790
The MultiCultural Center presents
Through bold imagery and storytelling, artist Helen Yanez reflects the beauty, complexity, and strength of her people. Her work is created with intention and deep purpose: to illustrate the lived realities of her brown, Indigenous, migrant community. Her art functions as both a mirror and a bridge, offering her community the opportunity to feel seen, represented, and celebrated, while also educating those outside of their lived reality. Grounded in her Purépecha roots, Helen carries immense pride in keeping her community’s traditions, struggles, and spirit alive through every piece she creates. For Helen, art is not only a form of personal expression but also a powerful tool for cultural preservation, resistance, and collective healing. Join the reception for a panel with artist Helen Yanez and Professor Ralph Armbruster to learn about the inspirations behind her works. Helen Yanez is an artist and illustrator from Santa Maria, rooted in the rich cultural heritage of her Purépecha ancestry.
Co-sponsored by the Chicana and Chicano Studies Department
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