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
• An expert in the luxury home market
Dan Encell
“The Real Estate Guy”
Phone: (805) 565-4896
Email: danencell@aol.com DRE #00976141
A classic California Craftsman Cottage with detached twin town-homes completes this recently renovated downtown triplex. Each of the three units has two bedrooms and a bath, plus a private fenced yard, and a dedicated parking space (the front cottage has a garage). The two town-homes are offered vacant and were both previously rented at $4000/ month while the front cottage is occupied month-to-month at $4500/ month.
COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO HELP DETERMINE THE FUTURE OF DOWNTOWN SANTA BARBARA this week by reviewing and commenting on the draft State Street Master Plan, which will go before the Santa Barbara City Council at 2pm on Tuesday, April 28th.
The entire plan, including appendices and additional information, is available online at the Create State Master Plan website at StateStreet.SantaBarbaraCA.gov. To submit written comments, email StateStreetMasterPlan@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.
This draft plan emerges after five years of planning and deliberation by city staff, two consulting groups, the State Street Advisory Committee, downtown stakeholders, and general community insight. On Tuesday, the City Council will give direction to city staff and current consultant Stefanos Polyzoides of the firm Moule & Polyzoides.
Core elements of the draft Master Plan, which spans from the 400 to 1300 blocks, include eliminating curbs for a “flat and flexible” design, and 30-foot wide pedestrian areas on either side of a central, 20-foot lane that will accommodate two bike paths (one going in either direction) and a traveling shuttle to transport people up and down State Street.
To review the plan, appendices, and additional information, visit Create State Master Plan (StateStreet.SantaBarbaraCA.gov).
Written comments may be emailed to StateStreetMasterPlan@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.
Community members who are unable to attend the City Council meeting in person on Tuesday may watch the meeting livestream at santabarbaraca.gov/government/mayor-city-council/city-council-meetings
Borrador del Plan Maestro de State Street disponible para revisión pública y comentarios
PRESENTACIÓN DEL BORRADOR DEL PLAN MAESTRO DE STATE STREET ante el Consejo Municipal Martes, 28 de abril de 2026 Comienza a las 2:00 p.m. Alcaldía, Cámara del Consejo (735 Anacapa St.)
El Plan Maestro de State Street abarca los bloques del 400 al 1300 de State Street, con una extensión aproximada de una milla, e incluye tres distritos distintos, cada uno con su propio carácter: el Distrito de Entretenimiento (bloques 400–600), el Distrito Cívico y Comercial (bloques 700–900) y el Distrito de las Artes (bloques 1000–1300).
Para consultar el plan, los apéndices y obtener información adicional, visite Create State Master Plan (StateStreet.SantaBarbaraCA.gov).
Los comentarios por escrito pueden enviarse por correo electrónico a StateStreetMasterPlan@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.
2ndANNUAL
Sat, Apr 25 @ 7:30pm
By Daisy Scott / VOICE
BREATHING NEW LIFE AND LAUGHTER into the most iconic figure from the silent film era, the State Street Ballet will celebrate, examine, and reframe all aspects of Charlie Chaplin with the return of its production Chaplin on May 8th and 9th at the Lobero Theatre.
Popping with multimedia effects and innovative dance by three leading choreographers, the ballet brings the magic of the silver screen to the ballet.
“What makes it an incredible show is that if you know a lot about Chaplin, you’re going to get a lot out of it, but if you don’t know a lot about Chaplin, you’re still going to be amazed and inspired to learn more,” said State Street Ballet Executive Director Cecily MacDougall.
This performance marks a long-awaited return for State Street Ballet, which first presented Chaplin to Santa Barbara audiences in 2018. The company planned to tour the production in Switzerland, only for plans to be halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a full circle moment, Ahna Lipchik, who danced as Chaplin’s female counterpart in 2018 and is now a member of Grand Rapids Ballet, will return as a guest artist to reprise the role. Her presence reframes Chaplin’s story for modern audiences, as viewers observe her progress from watching Chaplin’s films to ultimately becoming his alter ego.
“She starts as somebody from the outside, but she ends up embodying his film personality,” explained State Street Ballet Artistic Director Megan Philipp.
State Street Ballet dancer Ethan Ahuero will portray the male version of Chaplin, drawing out with Lipchik a split visual narrative that explores the many facets of his life, from Chaplin the actor and filmmaker, to Chaplin the man. Multimedia elements, such as projected newspaper headlines, will guide audiences through understanding each scene’s historic context.
Born in London, Chaplin rose to fame in the 1910s and 1920s as a silent film star, charming millions with his expressiveness, slapstick humor, and “Tramp” persona, complete with bowler hat, thick eyebrows, and little mustache. He eventually became the creative force behind and in front of his camera, crafting still-screened comedies such as The Kid, City Lights, and Modern Times. During World War II, he emerged as a strong voice against fascism, notably making fun of Hitler with his film The Great Dictator.
Chaplin was also a familiar Santa Barbara figure, often staying at the Montecito Inn, which he helped build. This local
connection adds another layer of significance to the State Street Ballet’s production and how it may relate to audiences.
“I hope that people who love the film festival will come to this ballet because there are so many multimedia elements and so many references to Chaplin’s movies and life,” said MacDougall.
Yet while many today remember Chaplin for his comic antics, the ballet also touches on his personal life, including Chaplin’s marriage to 18 year-old Oona O’Neill in his fifties as well as being accused of communism amidst Cold War paranoia. Chaplin was banned from re-entering the United States and lived the remainder of his life in Europe.
“I think this performance overall is quite cathartic, because there is joy, and of course, laughter, but there’s also the reality that his life wasn’t perfect, and neither was he,” said MacDougall. “So, just exploring that humanity through the eyes of this young girl just gives it a whole new lens.”
The ballet’s exploration of Chaplin’s identity is choreographed across three parts by Kevin Jenkins, William Soleau, and Edgar Zendejas. Each choreographer creatively represents a different aspect of the silent film star’s life through their own distinct style, such as honoring Chaplin’s on-screen successes with elements of physical comedy. Alternatively, moments that reflect on his internal struggles have more avant-garde movement.
“It’s interesting how the three choreographers have blended together yet kept their own separate voice,” said Philipp.
Heightening the choreography’s emotion are original compositions by Rebecca Harrold that weave together musical elements from silent film theaters, such as Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer A single, soulful melody acts as a through line.
“It’s almost like the stage version of him,” voiced Philipp. “It’s a little somber, but also happy at the same time.”
For tickets ($20-127) visit lobero.org
By Bridget Keon / VOICE
ADMIRE ARTISTS AT WORK, SIP FINE WINES, AND TASTE LOCAL DELICACIES at venues across downtown Santa Barbara when the 24th Annual Downtown Santa Barbara LIVE Art & Wine tour returns on April 30th from 5:30 to 9:30pm.
“Santa Barbara’s art scene isn’t just a hobby, it’s part of our core identity,” said Christy Jacobs, the Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association (DSBIA) events and communications manager. “I hope guests connect with our local makers in a way that inspires them to keep seeking out the hidden gems, unique talents, and local flavors tucked away in every unexpected corner.”
Groove Collective. All proceeds for the event support the DSBIA’s revitalization efforts.
“Proceeds directly fund additional cultural arts programming and events such as our free Downtown Dance Night series, Downtown Window Beautification Program, live music, and the 1st Thursday Art Walk,” said Jacobs. “By funding these initiatives, the event helps sustain a welcoming environment where local businesses and the community can thrive together.”
Participants will begin their evening at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, where they will be given a commemorative wine glass, plate, and map of the venues. Then, people are invited to travel throughout downtown, experiencing live art amid wine and food offerings.
The evening concludes with a final party at the historical museum. This closing bash includes more food, spirits, a silent auction, and live music from The
In an effort to bring new spaces and businesses into the annual event, all tour venues, with the exception of Jeff Shelton’s Architect Studio and Silver Wines, are first-time participants. Jacobs believes this focus on supporting new locations helps bolster the sense of community the event seeks to inspire.
“This event provides a space for local creatives and business owners to meet, share ideas, and establish friendships and partnerships that could outlast the evening,” said Jacobs. “It strengthens our city by ensuring everyone supports one another’s success.”
Confirmed participating venues, artists, wineries, and cuisine include: Santa Barbara Historical Museum, Jeff Shelton Architect Studio, Drift Ocaso,
SuperMoss, Eric Saint Georges, Derek Harrison, Kate Maddaloni, Typewriter Poets, Carey Caulfield, Danielle Renée Art, opal restaurant & bar, Dusk, Colombini Bakery, Fresco at the Market, Crepería El Chisme, Silver Wines, Barbieri & Kempe Wines, CrossHatch Winery, Mazette Wines, Buscador Wine, Press Gang Cellars, Alma
By Isaac Hernández de Lipa / VOICE
THREE BONES CONCERT, FEATURING THE KRONOS QUARTET, will bring their new multi-sensory experience, through music, storytelling, vintage recordings, video elements, and visual arts to UC Santa Barbara’s Campbell Hall, Saturday May 2nd, as part of Arts & Lectures.
Named after the three tiny bones in the ear that amplify our life’s experiences, the Three Bones concert is a musical triptych that amplifies the histories of Indigenous, Gullah-Geechee, and Chinese American communities in the United States, with the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The first segment, Ground features White Mountain Apache violinist and composer Laura Ortman, and takes us through time with Native compositions that go from their first recordings in 1890 to today.
Featuring Grammy winning percussionist Quentin Baxter and celebrating the Gullah Geechee, At the Sea Islands, refers to an archipelago in South Carolina and Northern Florida, where West and Central African people of different cultures and languages were enslaved and created a community of many combined cultures. It’s
By Isaac Hernández de Lipa / VOICE
SOME MAY ASSOCIATE THE PIPA, similar to a lute, to traditional Chinese music. But when Grammy-nominated Wu Man (Hangzhou, China, 1963) gets her hands on the 31-fret rosewood instrument, the world transforms around her.
Wu Man, who has delighted audiences in Santa Barbara with both the Silk Road Ensemble and the DoosTrio, now returns with the San Francisco Kronos Quartet, with which she has collaborated since 1992. She spoke to VOICE about history, music and Jimi Hendrix.
VOICE: When you performed Tan Dun’s Ghost Opera with Kronos in Beijing, your teacher Lin Shichen said that he liked it, but he didn’t understand it. Is it important to understand music?
Wu Man: First of all, you enjoy it. You can study later, check the background, the composer, the style, the instrument…
VOICE: What about your upcoming Kronos Three Bones concert?
Wu Man: It’s very special to me, because it's not a normal concert. It has a combination of storytelling, visual arts, staging, a video component... For my part, there are three stories about Chinese American immigrants in the early 20th century, stories people probably forgot. For me as a new immigrant, I never knew them. And we have mainly Chinese music, and a very old vinyl recording David Harrington found in the Library Congress, which we used to compose a new piece. And also, I have my own piece.
VOICE: You have a lot of fun with Kronos.
Wu Man: Always. Kronos is such a creative group. I really enjoy playing with them. We
at the Sea Islands where Harriet Tubman and 150 Union African American soldiers liberated 800 enslaved people in the Combahee River Raid of 1863.
The research by David Lei on five historic Chinese American civil rights cases that have improved the rights of all Americans, including birth citizenship, inspired the last piece, Beyond the Golden Gate, featuring pipa virtuoso Wu Man and other musical guests, plus a very old vinyl recording of a Chinese Cantonese opera and newly composed music by both Wu Man and Dai Wei.
The Kronos Quartet features founding member David Harrington, Violin, as well as Gabriela Díaz, Violin, Ayane Kozasa, Viola, and Paul Wiancko, Cello. For tickets ($15-$58) visit artsandlectures.ucsb.edu
always have some crazy ideas, besides the music.
VOICE: Some of your playing sounds like flamenco.
Wu Man: The strumming is very similar. Music actually travels, it’s fascinating.
VOICE: And sometimes you sound like Jimi Hendrix.
Wu Man: When I moved to the U.S. in the early 90s, I played some concerts in New York. Afterwards, an audience member said, ‘Wow, you sound like Jimi Hendrix.’ And I had no idea who he was at that time. Then, I saw a video online, and of course I did know, ‘Oh, that's Jimi Hendrix!’ I really admire him. I feel so honored that people mention my dramatic style playing related to Hendrix.
VOICE: What other influences have you had?
Wu Man: Working with Kronos in the early 90s is definitely the turning point for my musical career because my training is from a conservatory, based on Chinese traditional background. Kronos totally opened a window for me to go with new music. I’ve composed a couple of pieces for Kronos, including my first string quartet piece for 50 for the Future, which is for young generations to play all kinds of music.
VOICE: What does your name mean?
Wu Man: The Chinese character pronounced *M-an* conveys connotations of "savagery" and "coarseness"; yet, my surname, *Wu,* signifies negation: "nothing," "absence," or "not." This creates a striking contrast with my given name, symbolizing a diametrically opposite set of qualities—namely, "civilization," or the absence of savagery. Gentle, courteous, and benevolent.
VOICE: In this time of savage rhetoric against immigrants, why is this concert important?
Wu Man: This is a great time to review the history, to deeply understand the culture and people. One country is not only one kind of person. Nothing comes from one place. Even the music. Even my instrument. It came from Persia two thousand years ago. It's not Chinese-invented. I think it is important, not only music, but the history, especially for the younger generation.
VOICE: Are you more excited about playing at the UC Santa Barbara Campbell Hall or the Carnegie Hall?
Wu Man: Santa Barbara. Definitely. Always Santa Barbara. It’s my second California home for concerts. I love Santa Barbara.
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JIM CAMPOS HAS BEEN HONORED as the 2025 Carpinterian of the Year and Valeria Pulido was picked as the Junior Carpinterian of the Year Saturday in an annual event attended by about 300. Several other honorees were in the spotlight.
THERE WILL BE A CELEBRATION OF LIFE for Cory Macomber aka Dragon Leigh on May 3rd at the Solstice Workshop in Santa Barbara. He was hit by a car early on March 31st in Goleta while on his way to work and died in the hospital. His family has been in touch with me and shared his love for the creative and spirited arts of Santa Barbara including one of his favorite events, the Summer Solstice parade and festival. There is a cross erected for him at Los Carneros and Covington Way in Goleta.
FUNK YEAH! The new South Coast Deli location is in the Funk Zone in Santa Barbara (at the former Rincon Brewery site) on Santa Barbara St. and Yanonali. I picked up a stuffed turkey-bacon sandwich after coming in from the rain Tuesday. They call them Sammies!
SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES used ground and air resources to search for a suspect after a patrol vehicle was rammed and a suspect ran in Goleta on Tuesday night.
A BURGLAR ALARM WENT OFF at the Far West Gun store, 2009 State St. in Santa Barbara about 8:30pm on Friday, April 17th. Smoke was also seen. Santa Barbara Fire made a forced entry and found smoke was coming from a machine. Police checked for evidence of a burglary. There was no fire. It remains under investigation.
A STUCK SUV along the train tracks in Santa Barbara near State Street was a worry about 2pm on Thursday, April 16th. Fortunately trains were not coming through and a tow truck was able to get it out. No word on how this happened.
THE POSSIBLE FUTURE of downtown Santa Barbara has been prepared in a 153 page draft report going to city leaders later this month. It calls for wider sidewalks with outside dining, lighting, and landscaping improvements. The street will be available for bikes, shuttles, and delivery at 20 mph or less. There are also named areas - arts, civic and commercial, and entertainment. Check the details and drawings for the fine tuning including retractable bollards. The cost is estimated to be in the millions of dollars per block from Gutierrez Street to Sola Street.
THERE’S A NEW SANTA BARBARA OLD SPANISH DAYS EVENT this year, a Fiesta Dog Parade! It will take place on May 16th at 10am from De La Guerra Plaza, up State Street to Canon Perdido and back to the Paseo Nuevo Mall. Winners will be chosen in:
Best in Show: Awarded to the most creative, eye-catching costume that truly steals the spotlight. Most Fiesta Spirit: Celebrates the entry that best
captures the vibrant energy, color, and tradition of Fiesta.
Best Group Entry: Honors the group that shows the most creativity and coordination in their group theme.
Best Wagon or Stroller Decoration: Recognizes the most imaginative and beautifully decorated wagon or stroller.
Visit sbfiesta.org/fiesta-event/fiesta-dog-parade
“TEAM OCTOBOTS” from Dos Pueblos High School is seeking support to compete in the World Championships after winning second place at the Robotics Southern California State Championship in Anaheim. The World Championship is April 28th to May 2nd, 2026, in Houston, Texas. The team is now working hard in efforts to raise $50,000 needed to cover travel costs for all students on the team to attend. Support the local team at: givebutter.com/help-us-get-to-championships
A FULL HOUSE attended a town hall session with Tom Steyer, a democratic candidate for California Governor who stopped at the Natural History Museum last Wednesday night. On housing, he says we need to build more and build it fast.
John Palminteri is a veteran news reporter and anchor for Newschannel 3-12
TV and both KJEE and KCLU radio in Santa Barbara/Santa Maria/Ventura. Off the air, he’s often bringing his smile and positive energy to the microphone at fundraisers and civic events. John’s social media presence has one of the largest followings in Santa Barbara, and this page has the weekly highlights. Twitter: @JohnPalminteri • Instagram: @JohnPalminteriNews www.facebook.com/john.palminteri.5
ABy Daisy Scott / VOICE
MERICAN CLASSICAL CREATIVITY
SHONE at the Granada Theatre last weekend as the Santa Barbara Symphony celebrated the nation’s 250th birthday with an all-American composer lineup.
Featuring an unforgettable performance from guest artist violinist Alexi Kenney, the program as a whole spotlighted four tremendous symphonic works that reflect our relatively young country’s contributions to a centuries-old musical tradition.
Gentle chimes and atmospheric winds filled the Granada as the symphony opened with Jennifer Higdon’s blue cathedral. Composed in memory of Higdon’s brother, the piece was sublime in the transcendental sense, building on itself in a heavenly, skyward manner while rolls of drums and brass offered a dramatic undercurrent. In the work’s final moments, each string musician put down their instruments to ring handheld Chinese reflex bells. The collective ethereal sound was breathtaking.
A jolt of energy surged through the orchestra as violinist Alexi Kenney took the spotlight for Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto. Kenney proved his merit as a rising star, as
his delicacy, precision, and heart remained constant across the concerto’s movements. As Kenney’s violin alternated between plaintive resonance and fiery intensity, racing with bold, quick motion, Music & Artistic Director Nir Kabaretti ensured the orchestra kept up. The two exchanged smiles through the waves of baton and bow.
“I feel that Barber’s Violin Concerto is so soulful regardless of the stylistic modernism,” said Kenney to VOICE after the concert.
“There’s such a degree of soulfulness and heart in that piece that I think is the overarching quality when I think of Barber’s music. When I play it, I try to access some sort of other, heartfelt space and hope that comes through to people.”
Listeners leaped to a standing ovation, prompting Kenney to re-emerge on stage for an encore of Alia Fantasia by Nicola Matteis, who was a contemporary of Bach.
“He wrote tons of pieces nobody plays, so I always love ending with that because after such a virtuosic finish with the Barber concerto all I want to hear, and all I want to do, is be chill for a second,” laughed Kenney.
Charles Ives’ Three Places in New England overtly called the audience’s direction to the program’s American focus. A varied piece
that oscillates from decidedly modern moments to all-out patriotic fanfare, each of Ives’ movements represent a unique aspect of New England’s historical and cultural fabric. The “St. Gaudens” in Boston Common (Col. Shaw and his Colored Regiment), honors the Boston memorial for the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, which was composed of all Black soldiers who fought for the Union Army in the Civil War.
This rhythmic, contemplative piece contrasted against the following movement’s exuberant celebration of a Fourth of July picnic at Putnam’s Camp, Redding, Connecticut, which, as Kabaretti playfully highlighted included snippets from familiar tunes such as Yankee Doodle Dandy. A deconstructed, layered sonic representation of Ives’ honeymoon along The Housatonic at Stockbridge brought listeners back into a more thoughtful, avant garde atmosphere.
No grander finale could have rounded out this program than the evening’s titular masterpiece, George Gershwin’s An American in Paris. A thrill of excited whispers rushed through the audience as the symphony launched into the beloved opening melody. Popping with jazz influences, this classic piece
reflects a tourist’s experiences in the bustling “City of Light.” The orchestra’s cheery horns evoked passing cars while playful percussion and lilting woodwinds led listeners across boulevards and through alleys, with strings acting as the sonic narrative’s tour guide.
As the symphony closed out the night with rousing flourish, audiences left smiling, already eagerly anticipating the season’s finale “Mahler’s Resurrection” next month. thesymphony.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
City of SB Launches Community Survey and Announces Open Houses for Waterfront Adaptation Plan
THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA IS INVITING COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE in a survey and attend upcoming open houses regarding the Waterfront Adaptation Plan. The survey closes on May 18th.
The City seeks community response as the plan aims to address erosion and coastal flooding while continuing to enhance beach access, recreation, boating, and habitat along the City’s waterfront. The release of the plan is anticipated for spring of 2027.
In order to share project information and gather feedback, the City will also host a series of open houses. These will be in-person from 5:30-7:30pm at the Faulkner Gallery on April 29th and at the Maritime Museum on April 30th. A virtual open house will be held via zoom
from noon-1pm on May 6th, which requires advance registration.
Some of the proposals in the plan include strategies such as creating elevated walking and biking paths, protecting the Harbor, and relocating some parking and other assets to save the sandy beach.
“This is an important opportunity for our community to help guide how we protect and enhance Santa Barbara’s Waterfront for future generations,” said Mike Wiltshire, Waterfront Director. “We encourage everyone to participate and share their perspective on this cherished resource.”
To take the survey, learn about upcoming open house events, and additional information, visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/ WaterfrontAdaptation
La Ciudad de Santa Bárbara lanza una encuesta comunitaria
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?
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.
5. Commercial Building ~ (Public Buildings, Hotels, B&Bs): Sustainability elements? Does it fit in and/or enhance the streetscape? Does it have *LEED Certification?
• 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
LA CIUDAD DE SANTA BÁRBARA INVITA A LOS MIEMBROS DE LA COMUNIDAD a ayudar a dar forma al futuro de la frente costera mediante la participación en una breve encuesta comunitaria y la asistencia a próximas jornadas informativas sobre las posibles opciones del Plan de Adaptación Costera (Waterfront Adaptation Plan). La encuesta comunitaria permanecerá abierta hasta el 18 de mayo. El plan tiene como objetivo abordar el aumento de las inundaciones costeras y la erosión durante los próximos 30 años, al mismo tiempo que mejora el acceso a las playas, la recreación, la navegación y los hábitats a lo largo de la frente costera de la Ciudad, desde Leadbetter Beach hasta East Beach. La participación de la comunidad será fundamental para perfeccionar estas opciones a medida que se desarrollen en un borrador del Plan de Adaptación Costera, cuya publicación se prevé para la primavera de 2027.
“Esta es una oportunidad importante para que nuestra comunidad ayude a guiar cómo protegemos y mejoramos la frente costera de Santa Bárbara para las futuras generaciones”, dijo Mike Wiltshire, director del Waterfront (Waterfront Director). “Invitamos a todas las personas a participar y compartir su perspectiva sobre este valioso recurso”.
La Ciudad también organizará una serie de jornadas informativas para compartir información del proyecto y recopilar comentarios de la comunidad. Cada sesión comenzará con una breve presentación, seguida de oportunidades para aportar opiniones. La reunión virtual se llevará a cabo el miércoles 6 de mayo. Por favor, regístrese con anticipación a través de Zoom para recibir el enlace de la sesión.
Jornada informativa del Plan de Adaptación Costera:
Faulkner Gallery • Miércoles, 29 de abril de 2026 • De 5:30 p.m. a 7p.m.
Biblioteca Central, Galería Faulkner (40 E. Anapamu St.)
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum: Jueves, 30 de abril de 2026 • De 5:30 p.m. a 7 p.m.
SB Maritime Museum (113 Harbor Way)
Jornada informativa virtual del Plan de Adaptación Costera
Miércoles, 6 de mayo de 2026 • De mediodía a 1:00 p.m.
Zoom – Registro Requerido • (SantaBarbaraCA.gov/WaterfrontAdaptation).
ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR BEACH
BUZZED on April 9th with over 250 guests who raised more than $250,000 for Dream Foundation’s Flower Empower program. The yearly event celebrates and honors the devoted donors, volunteers, and flower professionals who have kept the program thriving for more than 20 years, delivering thousands of bouquets, fresh-baked cookies, chocolates, and cards to people in hospices, cancer centers, and their homes every week.
Volunteers of the Year Pat and Joe Boris have been delivering bouquets every Saturday for the past two and a half years and cherish the special connections they have with the recipients. Volunteer of the Year Jennifer Davila has been volunteering since September 2022 and has always loved the joy that flowers evoke. Recently, her husband and daughter also started volunteering for the program.
Treat Donors of the Year Jill and JeanMichel Carré have been generous supporters of Dream Foundation since 2008, just one year after they opened Chocolats du CaliBressan. In 2025 alone, they donated more than 3,500 pieces of chocolate to the
Flower Empower program.
After nearly 30 years, the Carré’s are retiring, entrusting their legacy to Herb and Jennfier Weigel and their daughter, Sarah, who will continue their tradition of chocolate craftsmanship and dedicated support of Dream Foundation and Flower Empower.
Youth Volunteers of the Year Stella Mast and Natasha Hurvitz are both seniors at San Marcos High School. Over time, Flower Empower has shaped Stella’s understanding of service. In college, she hopes to create spaces like Flower Empower where people come together to make something beautiful and remind each other that they matter. Natasha first began volunteering to spend quality time with her older sister. She never realized how much she would learn about the power of human connection and the joy a simple act can bring.
Empower since its inception, baking chocolate chip cookies to accompany each bouquet. To date they have baked and donated almost 150,000. Always proponents of Dream Foundation’s mission and its programs, the Himovitz’s hosted the first Flower Empower Luncheon and have been committee members ever since. The Thornton Foundation began supporting Flower Empower in 2022. Their continued support has brought joy to thousands.
program and the perspective she gleaned about giving and receiving. Her words evoked a standing ovation and compassionate tears from many.
Program Sponsors Robin and Roger Himovitz have been supporting Flower
HELPING SUPPORT
STUDENT
PROJECTS across the arts, cultural celebration, and more, applications for the current round of Santa Barbara Education Foundation Student Grants are open through April 30th. Students are encouraged to apply for up to $750 to help bring their projects to life on campus.
The grants can support a variety of student endeavors. In the past, one such organization that was supported was the Santa Barbara High School Baile Folklórico Club. With the grant’s support, the club could transport to and from performances and purchase traditional skirts.
“I think it’s really important not only for the Latino and Hispanic student body to have access, especially low to no cost access to cultural clubs,” said Ofelia Jarabo, the club’s president. “It is part of our culture, our history, and it’s especially important right now to be proud of our roots. It’s really important for our non-Latino student body as well to be exposed to these cultural spaces and to bridge our cultures together.”
The Santa Barbara Education Foundation awards grants to students annually, with the intention of helping young leaders execute their ideas with access to direct resources. santabarbaraeducation.org
Special guest, Flower Empower volunteer and recipient, Jennifer Drury, shared a heartfelt story about her experience with the
Program Growers Florabundance, Gallup & Stribling Orchids, Maximum Flowers, Myriad Flowers, Por La Mar Nursery, Trader Joe’s, Westerlay Orchids, and Westland Floral are also vital to the program’s success. The luncheon included a raffle, a silent auction with over one hundred items, and an animated live auction led by Andrew Firestone and surprise guest Layla Khashoggi. dreamfoundation.org
IN HONOR OF CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH, nursing leaders across Santa Barbara County have been raising awareness about the connection between childhood trauma and long-term health outcomes.
Melinda DeHoyos, Chief Nursing Officer at Lompoc Valley Medical Center; Katie Gorndt, Vice President and Director of Nursing at Cottage Hospital; and Candice Monge, Chief Nursing Executive at Marian Regional Medical Center, shared a message about the impact of early support and lifelong health: “Modern research – and our daily work – continues to deepen our understanding of the connection between mental and physical health. Childhood trauma, when left untreated, is linked to a higher likelihood of chronic illness, substance use, heart disease, and even shortened lifespan.”
Acknowledging the challenges modern families are facing, they emphasized the importance of services such as CALM, a countywide mental health organization dedicated to preventing and treating childhood trauma.
“This year, we have seen families under extraordinary stress due to housing instability, financial strain, and isolation,” said the nurses. “We’ve seen children absorbing the weight of adult stress, showing up as sleep challenges, behavioral concerns, or weakened immune systems. We’ve also seen increased demand for mental health services at every age, while access becomes more difficult due to funding cuts. This is why CALM’s work matters deeply to us.”
THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA WILL FILE the City Administrator’s Recommended Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 (July 1st, 2026, to June 30th, 2027), as required by the City Charter. The recommended budget includes an introductory budget message from the City Administrator, revenue and expenditure details by fund and department, capital priorities, and performance indicators.
The Santa Barbara City Council will review and receive presentations from staff regarding the recommended budget during the following, scheduled meetings in Council Chambers (735 Anacapa St.):
Finance Committee’s review of the Recommended Budget: Tu, May 5th 12 to 1:30pm.
General Fund Budget, including Measure C Capital: Tuesday, May 12th, begins at 2pm.
All Other Funds Budget, including Capital: Tuesday, May 19th, begins at 2pm.
Budget Deliberations: Tuesday, June 9th, begins at 2pm.
The Council is scheduled to take action on the recommended budget during the regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, June 16th, beginning at 2pm.
The recommended budget for FY2027 can be found at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Budget
LA CIUDAD DE SANTA BÁRBARA emitirá el Presupuesto Operativo y de Capital de la Administrador de la Ciudad para el Año Fiscal 2027 (del 1 de julio de 2026 al 30 de junio de 2027), tal y como exige la Carta Municipal. El presupuesto recomendado incluye un mensaje introductorio del Administrador de la Ciudad, detalles de ingresos y gastos por fondo y departamento, prioridades de capital e indicadores de rendimiento.
El Consejo Municipal de Santa Bárbara revisará y recibirá presentaciones del personal sobre el presupuesto recomendado durante las siguientes reuniones programadas, que se llevarán a cabo en las Cámaras del Consejo (735 Anacapa St.): Revisión del presupuesto recomendado por el Comité de Finanzas: Martes, 5 de mayo, de mediodía a 1:30pm.
Presupuesto del Fondo General (incluye capital de la Medida C): Martes, 12 de mayo, a las 2pm.
Presupuesto de otros fondos (incluye capital): Martes, 19 de mayo, a las 2pm.
Deliberaciones del presupuesto: Martes, 9 de junio, a las 2pm.
El Consejo tiene previsto tomar acción sobre el presupuesto recomendado durante su reunión regular del martes, 16 de junio de 2026, a las 2pm.
El presupuesto recomendado para el año fiscal 2027 puede consultarse SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Budget
A STRONG OVERVIEW OF CURRENT AND FUTURE GOALS from all Goleta City Council members and Mayor Paula Perotte was on display last week during the annual Goleta Community State of the City. Held at the Goleta Community Center after a welcome reception filled with information tables showcasing City departments, the night included individual presentations from city leaders and a live Q&A session.
“Good government is not a monologue, it is a dialogue,” said Mayor Perotte. “Tonight, relying on my colleagues and City Manager to deliver our State of the City illustrates another reason I confidently say our city is strong. Goleta’s successes result from far more than who exercises the duties of Mayor. It depends on all of us.”
City Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín of Goleta’s first district discussed public safety, emergency preparedness, and the environment, saying: “Goleta is investing wisely, planning responsibly, and putting our residents first. We’re building a city that is safe, resilient, and environmentally responsible not just for today, but for future generations.”
Second district Councilmember James Kyriaco took on the topic of transportation and circulation.
“If I had to describe the state of our city in just a few words, I would say this: Goleta is
under construction and making progress, as promised,” said Councilmember Kyriaco. “To our residents, visitors, and local businesses, I say thank you for your patience. Across our community, you can see the results of a city that is investing seriously in its future. We are repairing the infrastructure we inherited, improving safety, and expanding transportation options so residents have real choices in how they move around our city.”
Mayor Pro Tempore and third district Councilmember Jennifer Smith addressed services, parks, recreation, and community spaces. She concluded by saying, “All of these efforts reflect our shared commitment to maintaining the quality of life that makes Goleta such a special place to live, work, and play. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our City staff, our community partners, and residents like you who stay engaged and involved.”
Fourth district Councilmember Stuart Kasdin tackled the hot topic of housing and homelessness. He said, “To have an impact, we need to both continue to provide affordable housing opportunities as well as to devise ways to halt the addition of new homelessness through prevention strategies.”
City Manager Robert Nisbet also updated all on the City’s finances, including economic development indicators and the boom in technology in Goleta. cityofgoleta.org
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE SALUD CARBAJAL (D-CA-24) issued the statement below following the War Powers Resolution vote in the U.S House of Representatives:
“Trump’s reckless and illegal war in Iran needs to be stopped. Just over a week ago, he threatened to eliminate a ‘whole civilization’. These are heinous words for a President to say and is another clear signal that Congress must intervene before Trump escalates this conflict even further.
CityofGoleta.org/Pavement
THE SECOND PHASE OF CONSTRUCTION of the 2025 Residential Resurfacing Project is now underway in Goleta, including the application of slurry seal, which extends the life of city roadways. The affected area includes northeast Goleta neighborhoods between Cambridge Drive and North Fairview Ave, with a map available online. The placement is scheduled to last four working days with post-slurry activities continuing through late May. Typical working hours are Monday-Friday from 8am to 6pm. While slurry seal is applied, streets will close to vehicle traffic, with no on-street parking and limited driveway access. Residents are also asked to turn off automatic sprinklers the night before and the day of.
“For too long, this Republican-led Congress has been a mere bystander as Trump has continuously violated norms and laws. We’re now at the point where Republicans’ compliance could inflict serious damage to our national security, our economy, and our global standing. Republicans and Democrats, together, have a Constitutional duty to hold the President in check. Today, I voted ‘yes’ on the War Powers Resolution to stop Trump’s warmongering. The stakes are simply too high for continued inaction.” carbajal.house.gov
IMAGINING THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE HOUSING, 63 high school students competed at the 2026 Santa Barbara County High School Architectural Design Competition in February. Students were asked to design their homes in the year 2046 with sustainable energy sourcing. The winners were Isabella “Bella” Da Re, Isabell Payne, and Winslow Seamans.
The competition was established in 1991 by Solvang Architect David Goldstien and his wife Linda to introduce students to the importance of design in a built environment, and to expose them to the architecture profession.
Held at two locations, Allan Hancock College and Santa Barbara City College, students showcased their design skills in a fast-paced design charrette.
Honorable mentions included Benke Sepulveda and Cassius “Cas” Elliott. Remaining finalists included Evie Beuville, Grace Oberg, Itzel VasquezFernandez, Keith Mullen, Kira Grama, Nico Ruffenach, Nicolle Dayanne, and Lugo Velandia.
The event was hosted by the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara, the Rotary Club of Santa Ynez Valley, and the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara North. afsb.org
FOUR PRINCIPALS HAVE ANNOUNCED THEY WILL LEAVE THE SANTA BARBARA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT for next academic year.
The search for replacements for all positions is underway, with SBUSD leadership meeting with each campus before holding candidate interviews.
“We appreciate the time and effort these leaders have invested in our schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Hilda Maldonado. “Managing a school campus is a complex responsibility, and we thank them for their service to our students and staff during their respective tenures. As they move on to their next chapters, our focus is now on ensuring a smooth leadership transition for these four communities.”
Retiring principals include Veronica Binkley, who has been with Harding University Partnership School for 12 years. Under her leadership, Harding achieved test score growth, authorization as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, and strengthened its partnership with UCSB. Suzette McCormick is also retiring after leading Santa Barbara Community Academy for four years, championing a close-knit community culture.
Brian Naughton left Monroe Elementary at the end of February for a new role in the Santa Barbara area. He served the Monroe community for the last decade and his interim replacement is Kimberly Sheriff Brown, who previously served as Assistant Principal at Washington Elementary.
Dan Dupont is stepping down from his position at Santa Barbara Junior High after four years. During his tenure at SBJH, Dupont oversaw the addition of a Folklorico Dance program and SBJH’s 90th anniversary celebration.
SBUSD’s goal is to have all four new permanent principals in place to begin their roles on July 1st. sbunified.org
SPELLING
THEIR WAY TO SUCCESS, six students earned rankings in the Santa Barbara County Education Office’s 2026 Spelling Bee. A total of 69 fourth to eighth graders participated in the annual competition, including elementary, junior high, and high school students from throughout Santa Barbara County.
In the elementary division (fourth to sixth grade), awards went to: first place with the word “etiquette”: Kellogg Elementary School sixth grader Reiko Cabrera; second place with the word “fricassee”: Montecito Union School sixth grader Oliver Conway; and third place with the word “cellophane”: Providence School sixth grader Eniana Ymeri.
In the junior high division (seventh-eighth grade), awards went to: first place with the word “subtrahend”: La Colina Junior High School eighth grader Dino Vincente; second place with the word “cataclysm”: Carpinteria Middle School seventh grader Isaac Cumes; third place with the word “antithesis”: Our Lady of Mount Carmel eighth grader Sonora Landa.
As first and second-place winners, Reiko Cabrera and Oliver Conway will compete in the elementary division, and Dino Vincente and Isaac Cumes in the junior high division, of the California State Spelling Bee on Saturday, April 25th in Manteca, California. sbceo.org
DR. BREE VALLA, Superintendent of the Vista del Mar Union School District, will leave the district to assume the role of Superintendent for the Los Banos Unified School District. The VDMUSD Board of Trustees made the announcement on April 10th. Under Valla, VDMUSD achieved several milestones, including an enrollment surge, fiscal excellence, environmental leadership, community partnerships, and modernized facilities.
“Leading Vista del Mar has been the honor of a lifetime,” said Valla. “Together, we have built a school system that doesn’t just teach from books, but from the world around us. I am confident that the ‘Vista Way’ will continue to thrive, and I look forward to bringing that same passion for student success to the Los Banos community.” vdmusd.org
To have your news included in VOICE Magazine, please email information to writer@voicesb.com
EBy Elizabeth Truong / VOICE
NVIRONMENTAL HEROES
OF ALL AGES were honored when Explore Ecology hosted its 2026 Environmental Stewardship Awards on April 16th at the Cabrillo Pavilion. The 15 awardees, ranging from students to educators and special programs, were recognized for their creative projects, hard work, and innovative efforts to protect the planet and make Santa Barbara County more sustainable.
“This is our second annual luncheon that we’ve done, and I think the biggest piece for me is feeling the community in the room and bringing everybody together, and then being able to highlight all of this amazing work that students and teachers are doing,” said Lindsay Johnson, Explore Ecology Executive Director. “It’s so amazing to have these teachers and students nominated by community members for the work that they’re doing.”
environmental advocates enjoyed sandwiches catered from South Coast Deli packed in picnic style bags.
As each of the four awardee categories were announced, the venue was filled with laughter as videos showed the honored students and educators in action. In the Student Awards category, elementary to high school students were recognized for individual contributions to organizing collective action. Sibling duo, Hunter and Sophia Costa, have participated in all of La Colina Junior High School’s garden and campus beautification events this year, while River Peace, a senior at Midland School, helped transition his school farm toward a climate-resilient, perennial system. Santa Barbara High School student Jade Garcia mobilized her peers by helping organize the Make Polluters Pay walkout. Santa Ynez Valley Charter School fourth grader West Lang, who is a beekeeper, relocated a swarm of bees away from his school grounds.
reusable utensils. From Lompoc, Just For Kids Preschool teachers Juana Zarate, Silvia Hernandez, and Rosa Herrera are inspiring their students with garden-based learning to care for plants and nature from an early age. Jacob Pepper leads Anacapa Middle School’s Environmental Science Club, where students are working toward reducing campus waste and consumption by 30 percent. Midland School teacher Isabella Marill, has set up an environmental club, conducted a campus-wide environmental audit, and is developing a comprehensive environmental stewardship plan.
and aquarium volunteer Dilraj Nagra. “I really wanted to join the program and be part of it… which I now get the pleasure of doing. But this girl was following in my exact footsteps and it just brought me immense joy.”
A Santa Barbara-based non-profit, Explore Ecology promotes environmental education and action through its programs such as a Watershed Resource Center, School Garden Program, and Art From Scrap.
Outside the pavilion, the Planet Protectors, a group of Canalino Elementary kindergartners and first graders, conducted a beach clean up in the cool ocean breeze before being honored at the ceremony. Inside, other awardees, their families, and
“I didn’t really think I was gonna get an award or anything for doing that,” Lang told VOICE. “I just wanted another box of bees in my apiary.”
Teacher Award Winners were celebrated for motivating the next generation of environmental leaders with curricula and projects. Lisa Lisle, a fifth grade teacher at Brandon Elementary and the lead staff member for her school’s Walk and Roll program, led a schoolwide transition from plastic sporks to
Awarded clubs included the Planet Protectors, who host campus cleanups at Canalino Elementary, and the Cabrillo High School Aquarium, which is now one of the Central Coast’s largest public aquariums. Students help run the aquarium and educate visiting guests, including elementary students.
“I was giving a tour and there was this girl jotting down the most detailed sets of notes I’ve ever seen, and she was in the exact position that I was as an elementary schooler in the aquarium,” said student
School Support Staff were also honored, including Vista del Mar Union School District Superintendent/Principal of Bree Valla, who is guiding the school’s transition to becoming the Vista Institute of Environmental Studies. Santa Barbara Charter School Science Specialist Leise Thomason has developed garden programs, composting systems, and waste reduction initiatives for her campus, including an Art From Scrap-styled creative station. She brought art made at the station from recyclable materials to the event.
“If you remember to marvel at the wonders of nature, that will maintain your hope and energy to keep you working for the future,” Thomason said. At the end of the event, children left waving paper globes provided by Gaia Globes. exploreecology.org
By Isaac Hernández de Lipa / VOICE
Gand families are supported before they reach their most vulnerable moments.”
UESTS DRESSED TO THE NINES FOR A “CELESTIAL
GALA celebrating 77 years of the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA) at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachside Resort on Saturday, April 11th.
“CADA’s work has benefited hundreds of individuals and families across Santa Barbara County,” emcee and Montecito Bank & Trust Chairman & CEO Janet Garufis told VOICE. “By providing education, preventative care, and treatment for alcoholism and co-occurring mental health disorders, their work continues to support healthier, stronger, and more vibrant communities. At Montecito Bank and Trust we strive to make our communities better places to live and work, so we’re proud to partner with and help champion CADA’s valuable work.”
Director of Development Tina Ballue of Domestic Violence Solutions, who served on CADA’s Amethyst Ball Women’s Committee, led a lively auction that included a “diamond dusted” Marylin Monroe silkscreen by local photographer/artist Russell Young, as well as a $10,000 shopping spree at Bryant & Sons jewelry store, which ended up going to two donors for $12,000 each.
“Both on stage as an auctioneer and behind the scenes in development, I’ve witnessed the power of collective leadership to create lasting change,” Ballue told VOICE “CADA is deeply committed to supporting individuals navigating substance use disorders by providing compassionate care that emphasizes prevention, education, treatment, along sustained pathways toward long-term healing and recovery. When we raise awareness of these programs we don’t just respond to need; we illuminate a path forward sooner, ensuring more individuals
The event, co-chaired by Andria Raymont and Dana Mozetti, celebrated 77 years of CADA, and also its future under the new leadership of Dr. Bob Fuladi, who’d been part of the Board of Directors for many years before being chosen last year as Executive Director and President.
“At CADA, we believe something very simple and very important: Recovery is possible,” said Dr. Fuladi. “We believe that every person facing addiction deserves the chance to reclaim their health, their hope, and their future. We also know that addiction does not affect one person alone. It affects families, neighborhoods, workplaces, and the wellbeing of an entire community.”
Fuladi welcomed Gary Clancy as new Board Chair along with immediate past chair, Gordon Auchincloss, who announced a gift of $20,000 to CADA from the current board to celebrate their new director.
CADA took time to honor outgoing Board Chair Gordon Auchincloss, prior Board Members Mary-Ann Strait, Gregg Hackethal, Bob and Patty Bryant, and Penny Jenkins, who had been CADA’s Executive Director for over 35 years.
Bob Bryant, who lost his son to substance abuse, created the Daniel Bryant Youth and Family Center to honor him, with its first location opening in Santa Barbara 25 years ago. Now CADA operates three centers, providing a wide range of services to youth (ages ten to 21) and their families in Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and Santa Maria.
Vital funds were raised to support CADA’s efforts in Santa Barbara County, thanks to paddle raises, eight live auction items, and almost a hundred silent auction items, including a large collection of sports
collectibles donated by Coast-to-Coast’s Bob and Holly Murphy, plus two landscape paintings donated by renowned local artist Richard Schloss, one valued at $7,800 and another “priceless”.
The evening concluded after CADA supporter and music promoter Earl Minnis presented the American Vinyl All-Star Band (americanvinylallstarband.net) playing a wide
repertoire from their collective history that includes Boston, The Doobie Brothers, The Wailers, Third World, RTZ, and Fosterchild. Band member Jeffery “Skunk” Baxter, founding member of Steely Dan, presented a guitar signed by the band that raised an additional $8,500.
This night, the stars shone like diamonds for CADA. cadasb.org
By Daisy Scott / VOICE
TWO COPS, AN ACCOUNTANT, A KILT-WEARING HITMAN, AND A MAYOR WALK INTO A HOTEL... This zany premise is not the start to a joke, but rather the beginning of Unnecessary Farce, the madcap comedy now running at Santa Barbara City College’s Jurkowitz Theatre.
A strong conclusion to the Theatre Group at SBCC’s 80th season, Unnecessary Farce is so full of slapstick and comical misunderstandings that it feels anything but unnecessary, especially for audiences in need of some serious laughs. As director Sara Rademacher wrote in her program note, “Theatre has a unique ability to bring people together to encounter the same thing at the same time... When that shared experience is laughter, the effect can be astonishingly powerful.”
That power was on full display on opening night, as the intimate Jurkowitz Theatre was transformed into a pair of adjoining motel rooms somewhere in middle America. The clever split set will be the final masterpiece from retiring Scenic & Lighting Designer Patricia L. Frank, who was honored for her decades
of service at SBCC with a standing ovation prior to the performance.
An undercover investigation gone wrong drives the story of Unnecessary Farce. As a half-dressed Officer Eric Sheridan (Nicholis Sheley) buttons a phone cord into his shirt while speaking with his chief, viewers learn that he and his buddy, Officer Billie Dwyer (Charlotte Hecker), are at the motel to videotape the next room, where accountant Karen Brown (Felicia Hall) will question Mayor Meekly (James McCarthy) about cooked books and a missing $16 million from city accounts.
Yet when Eric and Karen take their undercover operation, well, under the covers, everything falls apart. Their impromptu makeout session is recorded on the police tape, doors are accidentally locked, and the mayor keeps wandering in and out at exactly the wrong moment.
Just when it seems things could not be any more disastrous, an anxious city hall security agent (Matthew Tavianini) warns Karen that her life is in danger from the Clan (with a “c,” it’s a Scottish crime ring). That’s when the Highland Hitman, well played by Will Hughes, enters the scene to intimidate and confuse all with
his weapons of choice—bagpipes and an indecipherable Scottish accent.
The cast, most of whom are Theatre Group regulars, play off each other with hilarious chemistry. Sheley and Hall, who starred as a couple in last month’s production of A Small Family Business are a treat to watch together. Both strong comic actors in their own rights, their individual sense of timing, expression, and physical comedy build off each other.
As the rookie Officer Dwyer,
8–9
Hecker brings a quick-witted, pure joy that bounces playfully off of Hughes’ hardened hitman persona. Tavianini, always a treat to see in a local production, returns with his honed comedy chops. Through it all, McCarthy sparks laughs as the innocently interrupting Mayor Meekly, back with Jenna Scanlon in the role of his wife, another repeat casting from last month.
Performances continue through May 2nd. For tickets visit theatregroupsbcc.com
By Robert F. Adams, Special to VOICE
AJOURNEY OF EXILE AND DEVASTATION,
the movie Palestine 36 reveals the underlying injustices of colonialism, especially the partitioning and administration of the Holy Lands following WWI and into the WWII era. This story vividly unveils the current plight of Palestinians, within the context of history. The film tells the story of British rule in Palestine from 1936 to 1938, just as Hitler was expelling European Jews in Central Europe. Then, during the same time period, it layers on the story of life in small rural farming villages in pre-occupied Palestine through the eyes of women, children, and protesting village leaders.
a world in which they could bring their interpretations to the scenes.”
On the occasion of the theatrical release of Palestine 36, which included a short run at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s McHurley Film Center, and also preceding streaming, Jacir reminisced on her eight long years bringing the movie to life. According to Jacir, she has worked with a core group of people for over 15 years.
Palestine 36’s stellar cast includes Jeremy Irons as a droll British High Commissioner, like an exquisite marksman getting the insincere tone just right.
performances, a credit to director Annemarie’s deliberate casting choices.
“It was definitely a period piece, with an incredible production designer, making military vehicles out of parts and pieces, and our costumer, attempting to capture the embroidery of the fabrics and textures of the 1930’s era of rural and urban Palestine,” stated Jacir.
received Palestine-set film about a young girl about to be shot to death during the current Gaza-Israeli war.
Writer and Director Annemarie Jacir agreed to a Zoom interview from her desk in Jordan last week, with VOICE
“Our story is set at the beginnings of the wide revolt. The story for me felt like a current time, never far away from checkpoint obstacles in Palestine,” she explained. “Due to the conditions, we had to take a break of filming, but fortunately, we were able to come back. The shooting was difficult, with at times, missiles overhead. And things got worse and worse. As far as the cast goes, I wrote some parts with the cast in mind, and I let the actors bring their own voice to their respective roles. My job as a director was in the extensive preparation and creating
Robert Aramayo played a cruel and voraciously zealous police commander (so good in this year’s I Swear for which he won a Best Actor award at the BAFTAs). Palestinian-French actress Yasmine Al Massri shines as the journalist-heroine, and her liberation at the conclusion of the film offers hope.
Karim Daoud is extraordinary as a brave young protagonist who lived in two worlds, working for the British interests in an urban setting, and driving home each night to be within the fold of uprooted Palestinians, jolted by both sides and ultimately siding with his family against the colonial machine. The other actors of the fairly large cast in the ensemble include Hiam Abbass, Saleh Bakri, and Jalal Altawil were impeccable and add so much to Jacir’s screenplay, all with topline credentials and delivering intuitive
The film is arranged in chapters with title cards for each scene, the clouds of injustice gather as the ruling English brutally engaged with protesters, with an eye throughout on smuggled and hidden arms, including some very old fashioned rifles and pistols the protesters used against the better-armed British police forces. This film is about the evolution of injustice in the modern world and the period setting reverberates to the seemingly never-ending human and territorial conflicts perpetuated by sociopolitical forces.
This film was short-listed for a Best International Feature Oscar along with The Voice of Hind Rajab, another well-
“This was a project born by war, made in a war, and now can be seen due to the dedication of the creative team, bringing the extensively researched script to life,” concluded Jacir.
Jacir is also a poet and is a founder of “Dreams of a Nation” that offers traveling screening experiences of Palestinian cinema. Her films have also been awarded and shown at international film festivals including Cannes. Her talent and appetite for cinematic empathetic storytelling are wholly evident delivering a movie that has been so well received by the cinematic global stage.
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
Please join El Presidente 2026 Colin Hayward, and the entire Fiesta family, for an unforgettable evening kicking off the Fiesta season.
As we welcome spring, there’s no better time to celebrate than at Old Spanish Days La Primavera on May 2 at the historic El Paseo Restaurant. The evening will feature authentic cuisine, mariachi music, and live flamenco dancing.
The traditional highlight will be the first performances of our newly-crowned Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta.
This year’s official Fiesta poster, created by renowned local artist Pedro De La Cruz, will headline a collection of exceptional fundraising auction items.
This special event supports all of the free public events during Fiesta 2026—making it a night of celebration with a meaningful purpose.
Tickets are $150 for General Admission, $800 for Booth for 4 People and $1,750 for VIP Table for 8 People. All are available via TicketSauce at the link below and include a special opportunity to support our youth dance programs and other beloved Fiesta traditions.
By Tom Schultz • Special for the Santa Barbara News-Press, 4.19.26
Santa Barbara County Superior Court judge upholds injunction against Sable Offshore Corp. operations moving crude from the Santa Barbara Channel.
Environmental groups hope to see company officials held in contempt if pumping continues
GROUPS A WIN against oil production along the Gaviota Coast on Friday, she drew upon case law with roots in the Vietnam War era — and for the first time in a written decision signaled state regulations might supercede a Trump Administration order to keep the crude flowing.
“The court makes its position clear,” county Superior Court Judge Donna D. Geck wrote, rejecting a request by Sable Offshore Corp. to lift a preliminary injunction intended to prevent the Houstonbased firm from transporting oil from the Santa Barbara Channel to Central California.
That clarity, according to Geck, stems largely from a decades-old precedent in which chemical manufacturers were compelled by federal Defense Production Act (DPA) orders to deliver Agent Orange, a defoliant weaponized by the U.S. Military for a decade in the 1960s and early 1970s, yet were found liable in the mid 1990s for improper disposal of the compound as well as cancer deaths resulting from its use.
Under a similar DPA order, Sable began pumping oil from Platform Harmony on March 14th.
It’s the first time the Las Flores Pipeline System has been used since 2015, when a rupture caused
a 142,000-gallon oil spill at Refugio State Beach, sending 21,000 gallons into the Pacific Ocean.
With the war in Iran a backdrop, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright on March 13th directed Sable to restart delivery, stating the oil is needed to strengthen national security and ensure West Coast military installations can maintain readiness.
After the pipeline came back online, lawyers for Sable had argued that the federal DPA order clearing the way for renewed operations preempts the injunction, which Geck issued last year in a case focused on pipeline corrosion, and how strict state safety reviews should be before oil could flow again.
Citing the Agent Orange precedent, Geck said a DPA doesn’t provide the immunity sought by Sable.
In one case, Hercules Inc. sued the United States after settling numerous claims filed by Vietnam veterans and their families alleging exposure to Agent Orange caused cancer and other health problems.
In another case, Vertac Chemical Corp. buried hazardous waste from Agent Orange production, sparking a massive federal clean up cost recovery action totaling more than $100 million.
In both cases, courts found that the DPA didn’t provide the related Arkansas-based companies with immunity to liability.
The same logic applies to Sable, Geck ruled.
“Nothing… permits a party subject to a DPA order to violate other laws, especially including applicable other federal law,” Geck wrote. “Moreover… the DPA order, by itself, does not permit the violation of applicable state regulatory law — for example, no one suggests that Sable could steal materials or money to fulfill a DPA order without state law consequence.”
In the hours after Friday’s
ruling, it wasn’t clear whether or when Sable might comply with the intact injunction. Nothing indicated the company intended to cease operations.
Contacted for a response, Sable spokesman Jordan Burns, a senior account executive at the Los Angeles-based media relation firm Fiona Hutton & Associates, said the company had no immediate comment.
At the Santa-Barbara based Environmental Defense Center (EDC), lead counsel Linda Krop celebrated the decision and said Sable opponents want to see Geck hold Sable leadership in contempt of court — and possibly fined or jailed — if the pipeline isn’t turned off. Geck will consider this at a new hearing scheduled for May 22nd.
“The good news is the injunction is still in effect,” Krop said. “The frustrating news is they are violating it, and everybody knows that now.”
The EDC represents Get Oil Out!, the Santa Barbara County Action Network, the Sierra Club, and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper in the case, alleging the pipeline is corroded and defective.
“The federal government handed Sable a get-out-of-jail-free card, and they used it to fire up a corroded pipeline in open defiance of California law and a court order,” Maureen Ellenberger, chair of the Sierra Club Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter, said in a statement. “Judge Geck made clear that won’t stand. Our coastline is not a sacrifice zone for a false promise of lower gas prices.”
At the Tucson-based Center for Biological Diversity, another party to
In addition, State Parks officials threatened legal action if Sable didn’t confirm that it would postpone operations on Gaviota park property until strained and protracted negotiations over the future of a pipeline easement through the park are resolved.
State Parks will seek an injunction against Sable operations at an April 27th hearing in federal court, Krop said.
the case, attorney Talia Nimmer said the court made the right call.
“Every second this pipeline is in operation puts California’s iconic coast, its residents, and its wildlife at risk of another devastating spill,” she said. “Trump and his cronies won’t stop trying to prop up oil industry profits, but we’ll keep fighting to protect California’s coastal communities and hold Sable accountable.”
When the pipeline burst at Refugio, thousands of birds and marine mammals died, and 138 square miles of fisheries shut down for weeks. The spill resulted in more than $360 million in settlements paid by Plains All American Pipeline, the former owner.
Ever since, environmentalists and local residents have questioned whether the pipeline is fit for service. Sable maintains problem areas were fixed as of May.
When the firm began moving crude again, it did so under the watchful eye of federal safety regulators, company officials said at the time.
Fresh crude introduced to the system has originated from Platform Harmony first with other nearby platforms to follow, according to Sable.
Responses to the renewed operations have been swift.
At the California Department of Parks and Recreation, officials in March demanded immediate removal of the four-mile section of Sable pipeline that runs below the 2,700-acre Gaviota State Park.
In an emergency meeting last month, the California Lands Commission authorized potential legal action and “any steps necessary” to stop Sable — up to and including termination of the company’s offshore oil drilling leases.
In a unanimous vote, commissioners said the state must protect its sovereignty and constitutional right to make decisions on infrastructure and land use.
Teeing up another likely showdown, California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed an emergency motion last month requesting a federal court quickly enforce a 2020 federal consent decree that requires Sable to get approval from the California Fire Marshal before the pipeline can restart — a condition that seemingly contradicts the Trump Administration go-ahead Sable has embraced.
On June 1st, a federal judge will consider whether that consent decree should remain in effect, Krop said.
All told, Sable is subject to a dozen pending lawsuits, Krop said, adding the EDC has struggled to determine exactly how much oil the company is moving across the county.
“We don’t know the volume,” she said. “It’s been very hard for us to get those numbers.”
In March, Sable reported it planned to commence first sales by April 1 at an expected gross oil rate of 50,000 Bbls/d (barrels per day).
Tom Schultz is a freelance writer and editor based in the Santa Ynez Valley. He was a staff reporter for the News-Press from 1998 to 2007. Printed with permission of the Santa Barbara News-Press • 4.19.26 • newspress.com
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“Today we won because the Hungarian people didn’t ask what their country could do for them, but what they could do for their country.“
– Prime Minister Peter Magyar
By Harlan Green,
Special to VOICE April 14, 2026
INEVER THOUGHT I WOULD SEE THE MOST FAMOUS LINE FROM PRESIDENT JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY’S 1960
INAUGURATION SPEECH be adopted by another head of state, much less by a Kennedy look-alike of about the same age (45 years vs. JFK’s 43 years).
In a victory speech delivered to jubilant supporters on the banks of the Danube River, Magyar reiterated his promises to rebuild Hungary’s ties with the European Union and NATO, root out corruption and cronyism, and “restore the system of checks and balances,” reported NPR.
Peter Magyar had just defeated Victor Orbán, Hungary’s 16-year Prime Minister by a landslide, who was leader of the world’s so-called ‘illiberal’ democracies. Why did Orbán lose, according to most commentators? It was the economy, “fueled largely by concerns about entrenched government corruption,” said NPR.
Hungary had become the poorest member of the European Union with an inflation rate twice that of the EU average, and plunging economy growth.
“Hungary is the most corrupt state in the European Union,” according to Transparency International, an organization that aims to combat corruption. “The EU has blocked billions in funding to Orbán’s government for its alleged assault on the bloc’s principles of democracy and equality,” said NPR.
805-895-8233, NMLS #322481 MONTECITO BANK & TRUST
Please call for current rates: 805-963-7511
MORTGAGE GROUP Simar Gulati, 805-403-9679 U.S.
Please
in the latest revision, I reported last week.
The cult-like glorification and rampant corruption of President Trump that is harming the U.S. economy is almost a photocopy of Orbán's rule—tearing down the White House East Wing for a ballroom, wanting an Arc de Triomphe, family and son-in-law being enriched by Middle East rulers, his Bit-coin ventures (with World Liberty Financial, founded in September 2024 with the Trump family owning 75 percent), per The Nation, pardoning literally thousands of convicted felons, including convicted drug kings, and most of all extorting wealth from institutions and Robber Baron’s alike in return for special treatment.
So much for one-man rule. It’s a fact that other countries ruled by such autocrats are suffering the same fate as Hungary, such as Russia and Turkey, who has been suffering from slow growth and double-digit inflation for decades.
Why? Such rulers think they know better than the experts. President Trump’s playbook followed that of Orbán with U.S. economic growth also plunging of late—mainly because of his Iran war that has shut down petroleum production in the Middle East. Who knows what’s to come?
The Atlanta Federal Reserve’s GDPNow estimate of first quarter (Q1) 2026 economic growth widely followed by economists has plunged from its high of three percent, where it had been sitting since January 2026, to 1.3 percent
Let us hope Hungary’s new Prime Minister can follow the path of President Kennedy, who concluded his inauguration speech with a plea to the rest of the world: “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of mankind.”
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-6215
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
TO EXECUTE A UTILITY EASEMENT TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
EDISON AND RELATED MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 51 CRESTVIEW LANE.
The above captioned ordinance was adopted at a regular meeting of the Santa Barbara City Council held on April 7, 2026.
The publication of this ordinance is made pursuant to the provisions of Section 512 of the Santa Barbara City Charter as amended, and the original ordinance in its entirety may be obtained at the City Clerk’s Office, City Hall, Santa Barbara, California.
(SEAL)
/s/ Sarah P. Gorman, MMC City Clerk Services Manager
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-6215
STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) )
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA ) ss. )
CITY OF SANTA BARBARA )
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing ordinance was introduced on March 17, 2026, and adopted by the Council of the City of Santa Barbara at a meeting held on April 7, 2026, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Eric Friedman, Oscar Gutierrez, Meagan Harmon, Mike Jordan, Wendy Santamaria, Kristen W. Sneddon, Mayor Randy Rowse.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTENTIONS: None.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Santa Barbara on April 7, 2026.
/s/ Sarah P. Gorman, MMC City Clerk Services Manager
I HEREBY APPROVE the foregoing ordinance on April 7, 2026.
/s/ Randy Rowse Mayor
To place your classified ad, email advertising@VoiceSB.com
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:
The following Limited Liability Company is doing business as BLUE SKIES M.H.P. at 4280 Calle Real Road, Office, Santa Barbara, CA 93110. BLUPAC INVESTMENTS II LLC at P.O. Box 50339, Santa Barbara, CA 93150. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on April 10, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000936. Published April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 2026.
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-6216
50 + Years Experience - Local 35+ Years
• Floor Leveling
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 17, 24, May 1, 8, 2026.
• Quality Remodeling
• Foundation Replacements
• Foundation Repairs
• Earthquake Retrofitting
• Retaining Walls
• French Drains - Waterproofing
• Site Drainage Systems
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA ADJUSTING TAX RATES OF CANNABIS BUSINESSES PURSUANT TO SANTA BARBARA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 5.42.250 AND RESCINDING ORDINANCE NO. 5831
The above captioned ordinance was adopted at a regular meeting of the Santa Barbara City Council held on April 7, 2026.
• Underpinnings - Caissons
• Structural Correction Work
Experience you can count on!
(805) 682-4304
chris@suncoastrealestate.com
The publication of this ordinance is made pursuant to the provisions of Section 512 of the Santa Barbara City Charter as amended, and the original ordinance in its entirety may be obtained at the City Clerk’s Office, City Hall, Santa Barbara, California.
• Concrete Driveways
(SEAL)
• Virtual Building Inspections
805.698.4318
William J. Dalziel
/s/ Sarah P. Gorman, MMC City Clerk Services Manager
Lic#B311003 – Bonded & Insured
BillJDalziel@gmail.com
www.chrisagnoli.com
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE – CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER : 26CV01616
WilliamDalziel.work
STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) )
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA ) ss. )
CITY OF SANTA BARBARA )
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing ordinance was introduced on March 17, 2026, and adopted by the Council of the City of Santa Barbara at a meeting held on April 7, 2026, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Eric Friedman, Oscar Gutierrez, Meagan Harmon, Mike Jordan, Wendy Santamaria, Kristen W. Sneddon, Mayor Randy Rowse.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTENTIONS: None.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:
The following Individual is doing business as UNICORN CLOTHING at 924 San Andres St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. JAMA L HASHBARGER at 5555 S Elmwood St, Littleton, CO 80120. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on April 10, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000941. Published April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 2026.
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.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Santa Barbara on April 7, 2026.
/s/ Sarah P. Gorman, MMC City Clerk Services Manager
I HEREBY APPROVE the foregoing ordinance on April 7, 2026.
/s/ Randy Rowse Mayor
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.
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.
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE – CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER : 26CV02076
The Multi-family Investment Specialist
Insertion Date: Print: 4.24.26 Norma Welche, City Admin Digital included 4.22.26 7.81”x2 col; $74.66 • 4.24.26 Ordinances 6215 Norma Welche
Insertion Date: Print: April 17, 24, May 1, 2026 3.27.26 TERI ANNE EVANS REVOCABLE TRUST DATED JUNE 8, 2022.Halle M.
Cost $150 for three weeks.
Petitioner: Venera Gabriela Radu filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Venera Gabriela Radu to PROPOSED NAME: Gabriela Radu. 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: June 15, 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: 04/17/26 /s/: Colleen K. Sterne , Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #26CV02076 Pub Dates: April 24, May 1, 8, 15, 2026.
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-6215
sgolis@radiusgroup.com www.radiusgroup.com 805-879-9606
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A UTILITY EASEMENT TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON AND RELATED MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 51 CRESTVIEW LANE.
COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA
Anacapa Division
In the Matter of the TERI ANNE EVANS REVOCABLE TRUST
DATED JUNE 8, 2022, TERI ANNE EVANS, Settlor, Decedent.
CASE NO.: 26PR00159
NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF TERI ANNE EVANS [Probate Code § 19040]
Insertion Date: Print: 4.24.26 Norma Welche, City Admin Digital included 4.22.26 7.74”x2 col; $73.99 • 4.24.26 Ordinances 6216 Norma Welche
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-6216
The above captioned ordinance was adopted at a regular meeting of the Santa Barbara City Council held on April 7, 2026.
To place your classified, email advertising@VoiceSB.com
The publication of this ordinance is made pursuant to the provisions of Section 512 of the Santa Barbara City Charter as amended, and the original ordinance in its entirety may be obtained at the City Clerk’s Office, City Hall, Santa Barbara, California.
(SEAL)
/s/ Sarah P. Gorman, MMC City Clerk Services Manager
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the creditors and contingent creditors of the above-named decedent, that all persons having claims against the decedent are required to file them with the Superior Court, at 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, and deliver pursuant to Section 1215 of the California Probate Code a copy to JAMA HASHBARGER, as successor trustee of the trust dated June 8, 2022, wherein the decedent was the settlor, at: JAMA HASHBARGER, c/o HAROLD K. KONO, Esq., 831 State Street, Suite 289, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, within the later of four (4) months after the date of the first publication of notice to creditors, or if notice is mailed or personally delivered to you, sixty (60) days after the date this notice is mailed or personally delivered to you. A claim form may be obtained from the court clerk. For your protection, you are encouraged to file your claim by certified mail, with return receipt requested.
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-6215
STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) )
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
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA ) ss. )
CITY OF SANTA BARBARA )
The Goleta City Council meets biweekly on Tuesdays at 5:30pm • To learn more about the council and other City department meetings, visit www.cityofgoleta.org
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing ordinance was introduced on March 17, 2026, and adopted by the Council of the City of Santa Barbara at a meeting held on April 7, 2026, by the following roll call vote:
DATED: 03/31/2026 /s/ HAROLD K. KONO, Esq. Attorney for JAMA HASHBARGER Successor Trustee
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA ADJUSTING TAX RATES OF CANNABIS BUSINESSES PURSUANT TO SANTA BARBARA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 5.42.250 AND RESCINDING ORDINANCE NO. 5831
The above captioned ordinance was adopted at a regular meeting of the Santa Barbara City Council held on April 7, 2026.
The publication of this ordinance is made pursuant to the provisions of Section 512 of the Santa Barbara City Charter as amended, and the original ordinance in its entirety may be obtained at the City Clerk’s Office, City Hall, Santa Barbara, California. (SEAL)
/s/ Sarah P. Gorman, MMC City Clerk Services Manager
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-6216
STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) )
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA ) ss. )
CITY OF SANTA BARBARA )
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing ordinance was introduced on March 17, 2026, and adopted by the Council of the City of Santa Barbara at a meeting held on April 7, 2026, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Eric Friedman, Oscar Gutierrez, Meagan Harmon, Mike Jordan, Wendy Santamaria, Kristen W. Sneddon, Mayor Randy Rowse.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTENTIONS: None.
Teri Evans Rev. Trust 831 State Street, Suite 289 Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 962-8412 TEL (805) 965-5950 FAX E-mail: haroldkono.law@gmail.com
The Carpinteria City Council meets on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 5:30pm • To learn more about other City departments visit www.carpinteriaca.gov
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Santa Barbara on April 7, 2026.
/s/ Sarah P. Gorman, MMC City Clerk Services Manager
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meets most Tuesdays at 9am • To learn more about other County departments visit www.countyofsb.org
I HEREBY APPROVE the foregoing ordinance on April 7, 2026.
/s/ Randy Rowse Mayor
AYES: Councilmembers Eric Friedman, Oscar Gutierrez, Meagan Harmon, Mike Jordan, Wendy Santamaria, Kristen W. Sneddon, Mayor Randy Rowse.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTENTIONS: None.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Santa Barbara on April 7, 2026.
/s/ Sarah P. Gorman, MMC City Clerk Services Manager
I HEREBY APPROVE the foregoing ordinance on April 7, 2026.
/s/ Randy Rowse Mayor
Storming Ceasars Palace will be screened April 28th at 7pm at UCSB’s Pollock Theatre. Directed by Hazel Gurland-Pooler, Storming Caesars Palace (2022) chronicles the life of Ruby Duncan, who rose from hotel maid to prominent protester, movement organizer, and White House advisor while fighting to defend and expand welfare rights in Las Vegas. Following the screening, director Hazel Gurland-Pooler will join moderator Chelsea Kai Roesch (Film and Media Studies, UCSB) for a discussion.
The Artist • 2011 silent film about the relationship between a movie star and a dancer • Alcazar Theatre • $20 • thealcazar.org • 7:15pm Fr, 4/24. Grand Theft Hamlet • Unemployed actors during COVID-19 produce a staging of Hamlet through the virtual space of Grand Theft Auto Online • UCSB’s Pollock Theatre • Free, RSVP: carseywolf.ucsb.edu • 2pm Sa, 4/25. Women and Water Panel & Screening • A panel celebrating women caring for valuable resources, followed by a screening of the documentary Battle of the Blues • Free, reservations recommended • thealcazar.org • 2pm Su, 4/26. Storming Caesars Palace • Film following the life of Ruby Duncan, a feminist civil rights activist, followed by a discussion with director Hazel Gurland-Pooler • UCSB’s Pollock Theatre • Free, reservation required • carseywolf.ucsb.edu • 7pm Tu, 4/28.
(PG13): Fri, Tue: 12:30, 2:00, 3:30, 5:00, 6:30, 8:00, 9:30. Sat/Sun: 11:00, 12:30, 2:00, 3:30, 5:00, 6:30, 8:00, 9:30. Mon, Wed: 12:30, 2:00, 3:30, 5:00, 6:30, 8:00. Thur: 12:30, 2:00, 5:00, 8:00, 9:30. (R): Fri, Mon-Wed: 2:10, 5:15, 8:20. Sat/Sun: 11:05, 2:10, 5:15, 8:20. Thur: 3:40. (PG): Fri-Thur: 12:40, 3:10, 5:40, 8:10. (R): Fri, Tue: 1:50, 4:30, 7:05, 9:40. Sat/Sun: 11:15, 1:50, 4:30, 7:05, 9:40. Thur: 6:45. Mon/Wed: 2:45, 5:30, 8:15. (PG13): Fri-Thur: 12:50, 4:20, 7:50. PG13): Thur: 2 (PG13): Fri-Sun: 1:00, 4:00 7:00. Mon-Wed: 4:00, 7:00. Thur: 4:00. PG13): Thur: 7 (R): Fri, Mon-Thur: 5:05, 7:45. Sat/Sun: 2:20, 5:05, 7:45. (PG13): Fri-Wed: 4:55.
8 WEST DE LA GUERRA ST, SB 805-965-7451
(PG13): Fri, Mon-Wed: 2:00, 3:00, 5:00, 6:00, 8:00, 9:00. Sat/Sun: 12:00, 2:00, 3:00, 5:00, 6:00, 8:00, 9:00. Thur: 2:00, 5:00, 8:00.
(R): Fri, Mon-Thur: 2:45, 5:30, 8:10. Sat/Sun: 12:10, 2:45, 5:30, 8:10. PG13): Thur: 2:10, 3:20, 5:10, 6:15, (R): Fri-Thur: 1:40, 4:45, 7:55. (R): Fri-Thur: 1:50, 4:55, 8:05. (PG): Fri-Sun: 12:30, 3:15, 5:45, 8:15. Mon-Thur: 1:45, 5:00, 7:30. (PG13): Fri-Sun: 12:45, 4:15, 7:45. Mon-Thur: 1:30, 4:15, 7:45.
(PG13): Fri, Mon-Thur: 4:30, 7:45. Sat/Sun: 1:15, 4:30, 7:45. (PG13): Fri, Mon-Wed: 4:15, 7:30. Sat/Sun: 1:00, 4:15, 7:30. Thur: 4:15. PG13): Thur: 7
Consisting
Friday 4/24
Read with a Dog • Children practice reading to a furry friend • Central Library • Free • 3:30-4:30pm Fr.
Bill Engvall • Stand-up comedian
• Chumash Casino Resort • $79-130
• tickets.chumashcasino.com • 8pm Fr, 4/24.
Dance Variety Show • Salsa, Brazilian, Drag, Belly Dance and more
• Amine’s Wildcat Lounge • $20 • wildcatlounge.com • 7-9:30pm Fr, 4/24.
Peña Flamenca la Maria
• Improvisational flamenco • SB Historical Museum • $20 • flamencosb.org • 7pm Fr, 4/24.
Hands Off Social Security • Rally, delivering letter of support from Senator Elizabeth Warren • Social Security office • actionnetwork.org • 12pm Th, 4/24.
Lotus Bloom Circle • Group reflection, intention card making and tea tasting • Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara • RSVP by emailing hello@ mcasantabarbara.org • 6pm Fr, 4/24.
Lives Beyond Motion • Film and talk with Keith Glassman • HSSB Ballet Studio Theater, UCSB • 3-5pm Fri, 4/24.
Orchestra Concerto • Westmont College concert • Hahn Hall, Music Academy • Free • 7pm Fr, 4/24.
SBC Courthouse Docent Tours
• Free • www.sbcourthouse.org • 10:30am Mon-Fri & 2pm daily.
Skating Spree
• Try skating for free
• Ice in Paradise • Reservation required • apps.daysmartrecreation.com • 123:30pm Fr, 4/24.
Fourth Annual Golf Tournament • SB Trust for Historic Preservation Tournament. Lunch, dinner, drinks, a raffle & prizes • Glen Annie Golf Course • $190-720 • sbthp.org/golf • 12-5pm Fr, 4/24.
Santa Barbara Fair & Expo
• Exhibits, youth competitions, live music, carnival rides, and food • Earl Warren Showgrounds • $6-30 • tickets.earlwarren.com • 4-9pm Fr, 4/24 through 5/3.
Open Mic Night & Art Gallery
• Music, poetry, comedy, and dance
• Central Library, Fireplace Room • Free • 6-7:30pm Fr, 4/24.
Saturday 4/25
CHILDREN
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
South Coast Stand-Up Comedy
• Anniversary Gala comedy performance. Lachlan Patterson, Omar Covarrubias, & more • Alcazar Theatre • $20 • thealcazar.org • 7pm Sa, 4/25.
DANCE
Color Show • Performance by Westside Dance students • Marjorie Luke Theatre
• Free • westsidedancesb.com • 11am & 4pm Sa, 4/25.
LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS
Santa Barbara Go Club • All levels welcome to learn this ancient game • Free • Mosaic Locale, 1131 State St • 805-448-5335 • 11am-3pm Sa.
MUSIC
Charlie Puth • Whatever’s Clever
World Tour with special guests Daniel Seavey and Ally Salort • SB Bowl • $55-105 • sbbowl.com • 7pm Sa, 4/25.
Cuyama Mama and the Hot Flashes • Folk rock band from the Cuyama Valley • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • 1:30-4:30pm Sa, 4/25.
I AM KING • Michael Firestone performs as Micheal Jackson • Solvang Festival Theater • $55-80 • solvangtheaterfest.org • 7pm Sa, 4/25.
Listening For the Notes • An Evening of poetry and song with Noel Paul Stookey and his daughter A.S. Aubrey • Rubicon Theatre • $79-105 • rubicontheatre.org • 7pm Sa, 4/25.
Locals & Legends • SB Records artists and The Santa Barbara
Symphony celebrate the music of James Taylor • Granada Theatre • $28115 • granadasb.org • 7:30pm Sa, 4/25.
Max Cline • Voice Recital • Deane Chapel, Westmont College • Free • 3pm Sa, 4/25.
OUTDOORS
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.
Poetry Reading with James Meetz • Indah Gallery. Reading from his The Long Now • 4pm Sat, 4/25.
A Night of Whiskey ‘N Elegance
• Whiskey ‘N Rye and Rod & Hammer Whiskey’s cocktail hour followed by a multi-course, family-style dinner • The Station by Whiskey ’N Rye • $145 • whiskeynrye.com • 6pm Sa, 4/25.
OPEN AIR with Tim Green
• Day party with electronic music from Tim Green, Anahita, and Jüngle Haus • EOS Lounge • $22-33 • sandalaexperiences.com • 4-10pm Sa, 4/25.
Mid-Century in Motion • SBMA Ambassadors Fundraising Event with cocktails, live music, dancing, and a buffet • Cabrillo Pavilion Ballroom • $400-750 • sbma-ambassadors.org • 5-9pm Sa, 4/25.
Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival • Annual 2-day event hosted by the Community Environmental Council, featuring booths, local organizations, and activities • Alameda Park • Free • 11am-8pm Sa, 4/25 & 11am-7pm Su, 4/26.
WITNESS A GENERATIONAL JAZZ TALENT when UCSB Arts & Lectures welcomes the 23-year-old vocalist Lucía to MAW’s Hahn Hall for a performance blending Latin American songbook classics with personal storytelling at 7pm on Thursday, April 3oth. For tickets ($10-48) Visit artsandlectures.ucsb.edu
SB High School Swap Meet • SB High School • 8am-1pm Sa, 4/25.
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.
Move With Purpose • Healing and empowering dance • Marjorie Luke Theatre • Free • luketheatre.org • 6:30pm Su, 4/26.
Gabriela Radu, CMT
Specializing in injuries, Sports massage, Swedish, Lymphatic, Somatic massage & Life Coaching v.gabriela@yahoo.com 805-453-1139 www.comefromyourheart.com
LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS
Eve Gaines • Guides participants in creating meaningful rituals • Godmothers Books • $71 • godmothers.com • 2pm Su, 4/26. Kerry Docherty, Molly Rosen & Jordana Brewster • Discuss Docherty’s book Selfish: Unlearning, Reclaiming & Telling the Truth • Godmothers Books • $23 • godmothers.com • 6pm Su, 4/26. Film, Fabric, and the Feminist Imagination • Lecture by artist Sabrina Gschwandtner • Mary Craig Auditorium • $0-10 • sbma.net • 2:30pm Su, 4/26.
By Gabriella Tarantino / VOICE
RETURN TO THE BIRTHPLACE OF EARTH DAY when the Community Environmental Council (CEC) hosts one of the largest and longest running festivals, Santa Barbara’s 56th International Earth Day from 11am to 8pm on Saturday, April 25th, and 11am to 7pm Sunday, April 26th. The two day event will celebrate our planet and our collective ability to foster a sustainable future for generations to come.
“This free festival is a reminder of the reason we started this work 56 years ago: to empower our communities to take meaningful local action for the future of our Central Coast.” Said Kathi King, CEC’s Director of Outreach and Operations.
The beloved community tradition will take place in Alameda Park, and is expected to draw large crowds from across the central coast. Festivities will include more than 200 eco-friendly exhibitors contributing to a plant-forward food court with cultural cuisine from tamales to sushi burritos.
Empathy Cafe • Practice listening skills and communication • Riviera Theatre, upstairs • Free • 11am-1pm Su.
MUSIC
KoMaGa • Jazz trio presented by SB Acoustic • SOhO • $27-30 • sohosb.com • 7:30pm Su, 4/26.
The Nombres • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • 1:30-4:30pm Su, 4/26.
Antonio Artese • Jazz performance with Italian pianist Antonio Artese, featuring special guests • Alcazar Theatre • $30-40 • thealcazar.org • 7pm Su, 4/26.
Local bands will also perform throughout the duration of the festival, so kick back, relax, and enjoy music from crowd favorites like Double Wide Kings, Spencer the Gardener, and No Simple Highway, with a cool beverage from the beer & wine garden located next to the main stage.
For children, local organizations will offer activities such as face painting, henna, crafts, and story times, while parents are free to peruse the Green Car Show, a test-drive event featuring the largest collection of eco-friendly vehicles in the central coast.
“The festival offers so many opportunities for attendees to connect with the issues they care about the most,” said King. “This year CEC and many partners are asking attendees to sign post cards in support of a Santa
Sunday Architecture Tour •
Meet at Public Library Plaza at 40 E
Anapamu St • Architectural Fdn of SB • $20 • afsb.org • 10am Sun.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Through the Looking Glass
• Alice in Wonderland-inspired afternoon tea • Finch & Fork • $65 • opentable.com/r/finch-and-forksanta-barbara • 1-3pm Su, 4/26.
Kids Mini Golf in the Park
• Benefit event for the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation • Mission Park • Free, suggested donation of $10 • teddybearcancerfoundation.org • 11am-4pm Su, 4/26.
Barbara County ban on new oil and gas drilling.”
After the devastating 1969 oil spill off the Santa Barbara Channel concerned citizens and local activists opened a dialogue regarding the health and future of our planet. Their forward thinking acted as a catalyst for a nation wide environmental movement and is fittingly reflective of this year’s Earth Day theme: “Our Power, Our Planet,” which points to the strength we as a collective possess in creating real change.
Monday 4/27
CHILDREN
Baby & Me • Develop your baby’s preliteracy skills, 0-14 months • Central Library • Free • 11-11:30am Mo.
LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS
Libby Ward & Samantha
Rose • Discuss Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself • Godmothers Books • $17 • godmothers.com • 6pm Mo, 4/27. Scrabble Club • Louise Lowry Davis Center • All levels/ English/ Spanish • Free • 1-4pm Mon.
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
Tuesday 4/28
CHILDREN
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
Draft State Street Master Plan
• Presentation at City Council • City Hall, Council Chambers • calendar.santabarbaraca.gov • 2pm Tu, 4/28.
“If attendees leave the festival with one new action or habit change, that’s a step forward!” King added.
How To Deepen Understanding
• Learn how to design and implement useful surveys • Zoom • $0-55 • callutheran.edu • 9am Tu, 4/28.
Creative Community Care
• Workshop hosted by Chinese Iranian artist Saiyare Refaei • UCSB Multicultural Center Lounge • Free, registration recommended • mcc.sa.ucsb.edu • 5pm Tu, 4/28.
Chess Club • Louise Lowry Davis Center • All levels/ English/Spanish • Free • 1-4pm Tue.
Santa Cruz Island Day Trip • Scenic walk w/ Steve Junak • Prisoner’s Harbor • $185-200 • sbbotanicgarden.org • 8:15am-6pm Tu, 4/28.
Book Fair • 25% of all in-store purchases donated to Hope Elementary School • Chaucer’s Books • 5-7pm Tu, 4/28.
Leo Marquez
We are here to help you find
SPECIAL EVENTS
Book Fair • 25% of all in-store purchases donated to Ellwood Elementary School • Chaucer’s Books • 5-7pm Mo, 4/27.
AI 101: Building Your AI Literacy • Beginner friendly workshop • Central Library, Faulkner Gallery • Free, registration required • calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov • 3pm Tu, 4/28.
Observing & Conserving CA
Coastal Seabirds • Talk presented by SB Audubon w/ biologist Dan Robinette • SB Museum of Natural History, Fleischmann Auditorium • $5 • tickets.sbnature.org • 7pm Tu, 4/28.
Wednesday 4/29
CHILDREN
Creator’s Club • Bilingual, weekly STEAM activity • Eastside Library • Free • 2-3pm We.
Poet and Activist Martín
will speak on Wednesday, April 29th.
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.
Ethnic Studies Showcase: The Living History of Hula • Interactive presentation by Santa Barbara Unified School District • 721 Cliff Drive • Free • hulaanyone.com • 6pm We, 4/29.
Downtown Salsa & Bachata Dancing • Free dance lessons • State St, in front of M. Special • 6-8pm We, through 4/29.
The Future Looks Bright Job Fair • SBCC School of Extended Learning • Wake Campus, 300 N. Turnpike Rd • Connect with employers • Get FREE LinkedIn Professional head shots • bring multiple copies of your resume and be prepared for brief, on-thespot interviews • www.sbcc.edu/ extendedlearning/job_fair.php • 111pm Wed, 4/29.
Waterfront Adaptation Plan
Open House • Faulkner Gallery • 5:30 to 7pm Wed, 4/29.
Understanding Medicare • Presentations for beneficiaries and caregivers • Online • Free, registration required • centralcoastseniors.org • 1pm We, 4/29.
Adult Literacy Tutors • Practical skills workshop • The Crafter’s Library • Free, registration required • calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov • 5pm We, 4/29.
Advance Care Planning • Review and notarize documents • American Red Cross • Free, RSVP rec. • CommunityACP@hospiceofsb.org • 6pm We, 4/29.
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.
MUSIC
Open Jam • At Revolver Pizza. Jam with musicians • 1429 San Andres St • Free • revolversb.com • 6-9pm Wed.
OUTDOORS
Bird Walk with Santa Barbara Audubon Society • Guided by Karl Weis • Lake Los Carneros • Registration required • artsandlectures.ucsb.edu • 8am, 10am & 12pm We, 4/29.
Spring Birding Classes •
Guided walks with with Sophie Cameron • Various locations • $75100 • sbnature.org • 8:30-10:30am We, through 5/13.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Winemaker Dinner • Four course meal paired with Stolpman Wines • Little Dom’s Seafood • $125 • ldseafood.com • 6pm We, 4/29.
Thursday 4/30
LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS
The Power of Human Language in the Age of Generative AI • SBCC’s 44th Faculty Lecture by Kimberly Monda • SBCC’s Garvin Theatre • Free • 2:30pm Th, 4/30.
How to Use Your Smartphone
101 • Interactive series • Central Library, Tech Lab • Free, reg required • calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov • 4:30pm Th, 4/30. Make It Public Art Workshop: The Heavy Stuff • Focusing on contractual and legal realities of public art projects • Zoom • Free, registration required • sbac.ca.gov • 6pm Th, 4/30.
An Evening of Local Action and Inspiration • Panel on sustainability and eco-action • CEC’s Environmental Hub • Free, RSVP recommended • cecsb.org • 6pm Th, 4/30.
Waterfront Adaptation Plan
Open House • SB Maritime Museum • 5:30 to 7pm Thu, 4/30. Knit ‘n’ Needle • Fiber arts club • Montecito Library • Free • 2pm Th.
MUSIC
Lucía • Jazz vocalist • UCSB Arts & Lectures • UCSB’s Hahn Hall • $10-48 • artsandlectures.ucsb.edu • 7pm Th, 4/30.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Dining in the Mission Era - A Tasty Adventure • A celebration of both Chumash and Mexican cultures with educational conversation and food • Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library • $25-30 • sbmal.org
• 6pm Th, 4/30.
2026 Downtown Santa
Barbara LIVE Art & Wine
Tour • Enjoy wine tasting, food, live art, a silent auction & more • SB Hist Museum • $92 • downtownsb.org • 5:30-9:30pm Th, 4/30.
In Motion • Professional Track Final Presentation by The Trainees of State Street Ballet • Center Stage Theater • $35 • centerstagetheater.org • 5pm Fr, 5/1.
LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS
Snapshots from Curiosity
• Abigail Fraeman discusses the Curiosity Mars rover • SB Museum of Natural History, Fleischmann Aud • Free • 7pm Fr, 5/1.
Luis Mojica & Sah D’Simone
• Discuss Food Therapy: Conscious Eating to Navigate Anxiety, Stress & Trauma • Godmothers Books • $23 • godmothers.com • 6pm Fr, 5/1.
The Strangers’ Case: : The Greatest Shakespearean Speech No One Knows • Performance of Shakespearean speech • UCSB Library’s Mountain Courtyard • Free, registration recommended • library.ucsb.edu • 12pm Fr, 5/1.
Julio Preciado • Banda singer, music based on norteño songs • Chumash Casino Resort • $60-89 • chumashcasino.com • 8pm Fr, 5/1.
Spring Choral Concert •
Presented by Westmont College students • Hahn Hall, Music Academy
• Free • 7pm Fr, 5/1.
Strange Days • A Tribute to The Doors • SOhO • $21 • sohosb.com • 9pm Fr, 5/1.
Elmer Gantry • Operatic performance • Lobero Theatre • $69204 • lobero.org • 7:30pm Fr, 5/1 & 2:30pm Su, 5/3.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Santa Barbara Fair & Expo
• Exhibits, youth competitions, live music, carnival rides, and food • Earl Warren Showgrounds • $6-30 • tickets.earlwarren.com • 4-10pm Fr, 5/1; 11am-10pm Sa, 5/2; 11am-9pm Su, 5/3.
Saturday 5/2
CHILDREN
Little G’s • Scott Rothman reads Judgy Bunny & the Terrible Beach • Godmothers Books • Free, reservation recommended • godmothers.com • 11am Sa, 5/2.
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
Roots of Brazil 2026 • Cultural performance of African Brazilian traditions • Center Stage Theater • $45 • centerstagetheater.org • 6pm Sa, 5/2.
LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS
Cultivars for the Garden
• Educational stroll led by Carol Bornstein • SB Botanic Garden • $2540 • sbbotanicgarden.org • 9-11am Sa, 5/2.
Make It Public Art Workshop:
The Public Part of Public Art
• The role of community in public art • Channing Peake Gallery • Free, registration required • sbac.ca.gov • 1-5pm Sa, 5/2.
Food Therapy in Practice, With Luis Mojica • Interactive workshop with reflexion and somatic exploration • Godmothers Books • $71 • godmothers.com • 1pm Sa, 5/2.
Spencer Pratt • Discusses his memoir The Guy You Loved to Hate • Godmothers Books • $23 • godmothers.com • 6pm Sa, 5/2.
Writing in the Galleries • Informal writing session inspired by the Museum’s galleries • SB Museum of Art • Free with museum admission • sbma.net • 11:15am-12:45pm Sa, 5/2.
Adult Art Studio Class • En plein air, based on Indian Miniature Painting • Lotusland • $125-175 • sbma.net • 1-4pm Sa, 5/2.
Art, Women & Resistance • Discussion with authors Lisa Barr, Erika Robuck, Piper Huguley, and Madeline Martin • SB Museum of Art • $17 • sbma.net • 3:30pm Sa, 5/2.
Jill’s Night Out • Americana band • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • 1:304:30pm Sa, 5/2.
Kronos Quartet • Musical exploration of the histories of Indigenous, Gullah-Geechee and Chinese American communities in the US • UCSB Arts & Lectures
• UCSB’s Campbell Hall • $15-58 • artsandlectures.ucsb.edu • 6pm Sa, 5/2.
Regulo Caro • Singer and songwriter of regional Mexican music
• Chumash Casino Resort • $40-55 • chumashcasino.com • 8pm Sa, 5/2.
Road Movie & Kettle of Hawks
• Americana and folkgaze bands • Alcazar Theatre • $30 • thealcazar.org
• 7pm Sa, 5/2.
The Architectural Walking Tour
• History of buildings in SB • City Hall steps at De la Guerra Plaza • $20 • afsb.org • 10am, Sat.
Boots On, Glasses Up: Buellton Brew Fest • Craft beverages and live music • River View Park • $22-75 • buelltonbrewfest.com • 11:30am4:30pm Sa, 5/2.
Fifth Annual Crawfish Boil • With locally sourced wine and beer • Little Dom’s Seafood, outdoor parking lot • $60-165 • ldseafood.com • 124pm Sa, 5/2 & Su, 5/3.
SBMAL Open House • Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library • Free • 9:30am-12:30pm Sa, 5/2. La Primavera • Food, mariachi music, and live flamenco dancing featuring the Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta • El Paseo Restaurant • $1501750 • sbfiesta.org • 5-10pm Sa, 5/2.
Day Trip to Tejon Ranch • Led by Scot Pipkin and Sabina Thomas • Tejon Ranch • $125-150 • sbbotanicgarden.org • 8am-5pm Sa, 5/2.
Santa Barbara Literary Festival • A celebration of storytelling with panels, workshops, pop-up events and more • Lobero Theatre • $17-400 • santabarbaraliteraryfestival.org • 10am-4:30pm Sa, 5/2.
Godmothers Day In the Kids Corner
• Music, stories, and fun surprises • Godmothers Books • Free • godmothers.com • 10-11:30am Su, 5/3.
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.
DANCE
Line Dancing • Beginner friendly • Captain Fatty’s • $10 • captainfattys.com • 3-6pm Su, 5/3.
LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS
Magical Window Stars, With Ashley Moore • Hands-on workshop making Waldorf-inspired window stars • Godmothers Books • godmothers.com • 10am Su, 5/3.
The Secret Language of Flowers, With Julia Ernst
• Guided bouquet making • Godmothers Books • $108 • godmothers.com • 3pm Su, 5/3.
Melanie Cervantes • Discusses her work as a visual artist • Central Library, Faulkner Gallery • Free • 3:30pm Su, 5/3.
Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan Outdoors • Blend of guitar and harmonica blues, rags, and good time music • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • 1:30-4:30pm Su, 5/3.
Sunday Architecture Tour •
Meet at Public Library Plaza at 40 E Anapamu St • Architectural Fdn of SB • $20 • afsb.org • 10am Sun.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Celebration of Lulu Hyggelig’s
Installation • Featuring DJ Darla Bea, raffle prizes, crafts, food and drink • California Nature Art Museum • $25-75 • crm.bloomerang.co • 2-4pm Su, 5/3.
Godmothers Day Afternoon Tea • A selection of teas served with an assortment of dim sum • Godmothers Books • $55 • godmothers.com • 1-3pm Su, 5/3.
Cinco de Mayo Warehouse
Sale and Party • featuring tacos and wine • Margerum’s Buellton Winery • $35 • margerumwines.com • 12-3pm Su, 5/3.
C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Happy Tails
Celebration & Fundraiser • Event benefits Central Coast animals and pet families in need, featuring drinks, auctions and a vegetarian dinner by Whiskey ’N Rye • Cabrillo Pavilion • $150 • care4paws.org • 3pm Su, 5/3.
By Bridget Keon / VOICE
WITH 92 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE GREAT FIELD OF LIFE, Carole Eglash, a California native, has most certainly “seen this sh*t before.” A humorist, author, playwright, and documentary film maker, who emerged after a career in business, Eglash will bring her one-woman show “I’ve Seen This Sh*t Before,” to Center Stage Theater on April 25th and 26th. Her first play where in addition to writing she acts, Eglash was inspired by current events that feel awfully familiar to ones she has experienced before.
“All of a sudden I realized I’m really old,” said Eglash to VOICE. “And all of the craziness going on with Trump and changes and chaos. I’ve been through this before, more than once. So I sat down and I started writing, and it really came easily.”
A history buff as well, Eglash authors a series of essays that blend comedy and information on her blog “Carole’s Snippet’s of History.” In this show, she mainly intends to observe and share her experiences— from the Great Depression to various wars and technological changes. She has been around the block of human experience.
She views the problems we face today as products of history, much of which she herself has witnessed and lived through. Her hope is that people will enjoy the show and realize that the chaos of now is not something new.
“I’m not trying to be critical of one thing or another,” she said. “But there is a reason that this problem exists today, and it’s usually because of something that happened yesterday.”
The 92 minute-long show is a mixture of music, jokes, and observations. Keeping in line with current events, Eglash is constantly adapting her script, while maintaining some common threads as well, such as discussions of the current administration and connecting current events to historical ones.
“I keep changing it because things keep happening,” she said, adding with a laugh, “there are new things all the time. Trump is the gift that keeps
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 • Through 4/26.
In her show, people are invited to laugh, learn, and listen to the words of a woman who has witnessed the unfolding of history throughout her lifetime.
“The intention is to chill out,” she said. “Don’t be crazy. There will be a tomorrow. We will all survive this, one way or another, because we’ve been there before.”
For tickets ($38-44) visit: centerstagetheater.org
Hadestown • The tragic story of Orpheus and Eyridice presented by American Theatre Guild • Granada Theatre • $276 • granadasb.org • 7:30pm Tu, 4/28 & We, 4/29.
Unnecessary Farce • Paul Slade Smith’s play about two cops on a hilarious hunt for three crooks • SBCC’s Jurkowitz Theatre • $19-29 • theatregroupsbcc.com • 7:30pm Through Sa, 5/2.
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 • Through Su, 4/26.
I’ve Seen This Sh*t Before • 92 minutes of insight and advice from 92 year old writer and performer Carole Eglash-Kosoff • Center Stage Theater • $38-44 • centerstagetheater.org • 8pm Sa, 4/25 & 2pm Su, 4/26.
Come From Away • 38 planes are grounded in Gander, Newfoundland and the tiny community rallies to welcome the unexpected visitors • Marian Theatre • $25 • pcpa.org • 7pm Through Su, 5/10.
Dancing at Lughnasa • Brian Friel’s play following the narrator, Micheal, as he is raised by his five unmarried sisters in 1936 Ireland • UCSB’s Theater & Dance West 1507 • Free, registration required • theaterdance.ucsb.edu • 7:30pm Fr, 5/1 through Su, 5/3.
Hershey Felder: The Piano and Me • Performance inspired by the artist’s own story • Ensemble Theatre Co, 33 West Victoria Street • $25-119 • ensembletheatre.com • 7:30pm Th, 4/30 through Su, 5/10.
Santa Barbara Beautiful Tree of the Month — April 2026
By David Gress / Special to VOICE
IN SANTA BARBARA, April
is the best time to see and enjoy the spectacular floral displays of Brazilian Coral Trees. Large clusters of dazzling coral-colored flowers turn their crowns ablaze.
In the mid-1930s, Brazilian Coral Tree was first introduced into Santa Barbara when one was planted in Orpet Park. Surprisingly, it still remains a relatively rare tree in our community - probably because of its large size at maturity, which renders it unsuitable for most residential landscapes. Nevertheless, it is still used in spacious parks and commercial landscapes, where it is appreciated for its fast growth, gorgeous flowers, and dense canopy of leaves.
thinning out of heavy limbs.
While native to the sub-Andean regions of South America (including Peru, Bolivia, Southern Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina), all of which have lush sub-tropical and tropical climates, Brazilian Coral Tree surprisingly grows quite well in our dryer Mediterranean climate.
This medium- to large-sized tree can reach 45- to 50-feet tall, with a canopy spread of up to 60-feet wide. It can often grow larger than the more common African Coral Tree (Erythrina afra). In warmer locations here, it is almost always evergreen - but may be briefly deciduous in colder winters.
Flowering occurs from late winter to early spring, when dark-orange to scarlet blooms appear in horizontal or drooping clusters (up to 12-inches long) at or near the end of the branches; each cluster contains dozens of individual flowers. Every exoticlooking, sickle-shaped, flower has a brightly colored primary petal (called a “banner”)
that entirely envelopes the reproductive flower parts inside. The vibrant colors and abundant nectar attract insect and bird pollinators. Sometimes it can take up to ten years for a young tree to bloom after planting.
After pollination, the flowers produce leathery, dark-brown to black, pea-like, seed pods (five-inches long and one-inch wide) with long terminal beaks. As pods age, they split open to release oval black seeds. Beware: the seeds are poisonous to eat!
Its foliage consists of dark-green, compound, leaves that develop on long (sixto eight-inch) reddish stems called “petioles”. Each leaf bears three ovalshaped leaflets (five-inches long and 2½- inches wide).
Its bark has light- to dark-gray vertical fissures, which can be shallow and almost smooth or deeper with a rough texture. On young growth, short prickly thorns are pointedly evident; with age, these will often disappear.
Its wood is the hardest of all the coral trees species - but it is, unfortunately, still brittle; this often results in the unpredictable breakage of heavy limbs. Consequently, regular pruning is required to develop good overall tree structure and the
Brazilian Coral Tree is in the plant family Fabaceae, which includes legumes, peas, and beans –which explains the shape of its seed pods. Its botanical name is Erythrina falcata. The genus name, Erythrina, is from the Greek word erythros (meaning “red”), referring to the flower color. The specific epithet, falcata, is from the Latin word falcula (meaning “small sickle”), referring to the sickle-shape of each flower.
This tree prefers full sun and deep welldrained soils. Once established, it is quite drought tolerant, though it will benefit from occasional deep watering during the dry season and droughts. It is cold hardy for brief periods down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
With its broad spreading canopy and colorful flowers, Brazilian Coral Tree makes a beautiful ornamental shade tree - with a bold appearance - for large private gardens, public parks, and other open spaces.
Several mature specimens of Brazilian Coral Tree stand in prominent public locations in town: in the center of Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden; as a street tree in the 500 block of State Street; as a street tree on San Pascual Street (at the corner with Pedregosa Street); and, at various locations on the campus of UC Santa Barbara. Sadly, the one which was planted so long ago in Orpet Park is no longer there.
Tree-of-the-Month articles are sponsored by Santa Barbara Beautiful, whose many missions include the increase of public awareness and appreciation of Santa Barbara’s many outstanding trees and, in a long-time partnership with the City Parks & Recreation Department, the funding and planting of trees along the City’s streets. sbbeautiful.org
Stephen Holland, painter
Stephen Holland, painter
The Longneck Circus is my expression of Life’s Carnival.
Sol Hill, camera-based artist
The Longneck Circus is my expression of Life’s Carnival.
Richard Six, painter
Richard Six, painter
Richard Six, painter
Stephen Holland, painter
My work is about people and faces, painting them in an expressive, abstract quality that brings attitude and energy to each and all.
My work is about people and faces, painting them in an expressive, abstract quality that brings attitude and energy to each and all.
My work is about people and faces, painting them in an expressive, abstract quality that brings attitude and energy to each and all.
The Longneck Circus is my expression of Life’s Carnival.
Eric Saint Georges, sculptor I explore the human figure by reducing form to movement, emotion, and presence in sculpture and drawing.
Eric Saint Georges, sculptor I explore the human figure by reducing form to movement, emotion, and presence in sculpture and drawing.
Eric Saint Georges, sculptor I explore the human figure by reducing form to movement, emotion, and presence in sculpture and drawing.
Sol Hill, camera-based artist
I use digital sensors to record the energetic fingerprint of our universe to make visible the mystery around us at all times.
Skip Lau, photographer, assemblage
Skip Lau, photographer, assemblage
I use digital sensors to record the energetic fingerprint of our universe to make visible the mystery around us at all times.
By Joyce Wilson / Special to VOICE
ETal Avitzur, sculptor
Sol Hill, camera-based artist I use digital sensors to record the energetic fingerprint of our universe to make visible the mystery around us at all times.
Sol Hill, camera-based artist I use digital sensors to record the energetic fingerprint of our universe to make visible the mystery around us at all times.
LEVEN LOCAL ARTISTS ARE OPENING THEIR HOMES AND STUDIOS FOR VISITORS to enjoy and savor art when the Uptown SB Artists Studio Tour commences Saturday and Sunday, May 2nd and 3rd, from 11 to 4pm. Meet the artists, discuss their artmaking processes, and fill a day with the joy of art and a welcome respite from the chaos of world events. Visitors will experience
in an expressive, abstract quality that brings attitude and energy to each and all.
Richard Six, painter
Richard Six, painter
My work is about people and faces, painting them in an expressive, abstract quality that brings attitude and energy to each and all.
and humanity.
Joyce
I’m basically a matchmaker, officiating the union of discarded objects to create sculptural misfits with a grudge against landfills.
Tal Avitzur, sculptor
Tal Avitzur, sculptor
Jo Merit, painter
I’m basically a matchmaker, officiating the union of discarded objects to create sculptural misfits with a grudge against landfills.
Richard Six, painter
My paintings use color, line, and geometry to evoke moments where structure and time intersect.
I’m basically a matchmaker, officiating the union of discarded objects to create sculptural misfits with a grudge against landfills.
Jo Merit, painter
Jo Merit, painter
My work is about people and faces, painting them in an expressive, abstract quality that brings attitude and energy to each and all.
My paintings use color, line, and geometry to evoke moments where structure and time intersect.
Richard Six, painter
Skip Lau, photographer, assemblage I live and work in my studio - it is a comfort and a challenge.
My paintings use color, line, and geometry to evoke moments where structure and time intersect.
I live and work in my studio - it is a comfort and a challenge.
I live and work in my studio - it is a comfort and a challenge.
Debbie Kappelhoff, poured art
Tal Avitzur, sculptor I’m basically a matchmaker, officiating the union of discarded objects to create sculptural misfits with a grudge against landfills.
Eric Saint Georges, sculptor
My work is about people and faces, painting them in an expressive, abstract quality that brings attitude and energy to each and all.
I explore the human figure by reducing form to movement, emotion, and presence in sculpture and drawing.
Jo Merit, painter
Debbie Kappelhoff, poured art
Debbie Kappelhoff, poured art I like color and lots of it. I don’t want colors to just sit there. I want them to interact and create movement.
I like color and lots of it. I don’t want colors to just sit there. I want them to interact and create movement.
I like color and lots of it. I don’t want colors to just sit there. I want them to interact and create movement.
My paintings use color, line, and geometry to evoke moments where structure and time intersect.
Eric Saint Georges, sculptor
Skip Lau, photographer, assemblage I live and work in my studio - it is a comfort and a challenge.
I explore the human figure by reducing form to movement, emotion, and presence in sculpture and drawing.
Debbie Kappelhoff, poured art I
Skip Lau, photographer, assemblage I live and work in my studio - it is a comfort and a challenge.
a wide range of artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, assemblage, and poured art.
Joyce Wilson, paint, photo, print
Joyce Wilson, paint, photo, print
My work is about people and faces, painting them in an expressive, abstract quality that brings attitude and energy to each and all.
Eric Saint Georges, sculptor I explore the human figure by reducing form to movement, emotion, and presence in sculpture and drawing.
Eric Saint Georges, sculptor I explore the human figure by reducing form to movement, emotion, and presence in sculpture and drawing.
Each artist has an impressive resume and a distinct style, but there is a common thread that runs deep through their philosophy and the art they create: art is freedom. Creating art is a form of meditation, a way of melding art, science, and spirituality.
Skip Lau, photographer, assemblage I live and work in my studio - it is a comfort and a challenge.
If you love color, you will be enamored with the interplay of hues in Debbie Kappelhoiff’s poured art and the energy and movement in Nurit Ruckenstein’s acrylic paintings.
Richard Six, painter
Joyce Wilson, paint, photo, print
My work is a journey creating tapestries rich in metaphors and symbolism that celebrate nature and humanity.
My work is a journey creating tapestries rich in metaphors and symbolism that celebrate nature and humanity.
Eric Saint Georges, sculptor I explore the human figure by reducing form to movement, emotion, and presence in sculpture and drawing.
Kappelhoff shared, “I like color and lots of it. I don’t want colors to just sit there. I want them to interact and create movement.”
My work is a journey creating
rich
and symbolism that celebrate nature and humanity.
My work is a journey creating tapestries rich metaphors and symbolism that celebrate nature and humanity. Nurit
I
I explore spiritual energy and movement through space, by building layers of color and depth, to reveal unseen connection and transformation
Hugh Margerum, painter
My work is a journey creating tapestries rich in metaphors and symbolism that celebrate nature and humanity.
My work is about people and faces, painting them in an expressive, abstract quality that brings attitude and energy to each and all.
Nurit
Skip Lau, photographer, assemblage I live and work in my studio - it is a comfort and a challenge.
Skip Lau, photographer, assemblage I live and work in my studio - it is a comfort and a challenge.
Sol Hill’s camera-based art is a kaleidoscopic recording of energy, texture, and color. “I use digital sensors to record the energetic fingerprint of our universe to make visible the mystery around us at all times,” Hill said.
Joyce Wilson, paint, photo,
Nurit Ruckenstein, painter
Nurit
Ruckenstein, painter
Ruckenstein, painter
I explore spiritual energy and movement through space, by building layers of color and depth, to reveal unseen connection and transformation
I explore spiritual energy and movement through space, by building layers of color and depth, to reveal unseen connection and transformation
Eric Saint Georges, sculptor I explore the human figure by reducing form to movement, emotion, and presence in sculpture and drawing.
I explore spiritual energy and movement through space, by building layers of color and depth, to reveal unseen connection and transformation
Ruckenstein’s focus is a bit different. “I explore spiritual energy and movement through space, by building layers of color and depth, to reveal unseen connection and transformation,” she explained.
Debbie Kappelhoff, poured art I like color and lots of it. I don’t want colors to just sit there. I want them to interact and create movement.
Joyce Wilson, paint, photo, print
My work is a journey creating tapestries rich in metaphors and symbolism that celebrate nature and humanity.
My work is a journey creating tapestries rich in metaphors and symbolism that celebrate nature and humanity.
I explore spiritual energy and movement through space, by building layers of color and depth, to reveal unseen connection and transformation
Exploring color and compositional relationships in nature-based abstract oil paintings.
Exploring
The final three artists are more traditional in concept, yet push boundaries to create imagery beyond the ordinary.
compositional relationships nature-based abstract oil paintings.
Exploring color and compositional relationships in nature-based abstract oil paintings.
Hugh Margerum’s oil paintings also explore color and abstract themes in nature and life. He explores “color and compositional relationships in nature-based abstract oil paintings.”
Hugh Margerum, painter
Hugh Margerum, painter
Hugh Margerum, painter
Debbie Kappelhoff, poured art I like color and lots of it. I don’t want colors to just sit there. I want them to interact and create movement.
Joyce Wilson, paint, photo, print
Jo Merit’s color field paintings are abstractions inspired by modernism. Color is everywhere. Merit noted of her work, “My paintings use color, line, and geometry to evoke moments where structure and time intersect.”
Skip Lau, photographer, assemblage I live and work in my studio - it is a comfort and a challenge.
Exploring color and compositional relationships in nature-based abstract oil paintings.
Exploring color and compositional relationships in nature-based abstract oil paintings.
Exploring color and compositional relationships in nature-based abstract oil paintings.
Debbie Kappelhoff, poured art I like color and lots of it. I don’t want colors to just sit there. I want them to interact and create movement.
Nurit Ruckenstein, painter
My work is a journey creating tapestries rich in metaphors and symbolism that celebrate nature and humanity.
I explore spiritual energy and movement through space, by building layers of color and depth, to reveal unseen connection and transformation
Not to be overlooked, the whimsical and fantastical Life’s Carnival creations of Stephen Holland and Tal Avitzur’s sculptural misfits will bring smiles, spark curiosity, and keep children entertained. “The Longneck Circus is my expression of Life’s Carnival,” Holland shared, while Avitzur explained, “I’m basically a matchmaker, officiating the union of discarded objects to create sculptural misfits with a grudge against landfills.”
Debbie Kappelhoff, poured art I like color and lots of it. I don’t want colors to just sit there. I want them to interact and create movement.
Hugh Margerum, painter
Richard Six’s portraits are abstracted into illusions of faces and stories. “My work is about people and faces, painting them in an expressive, abstract quality that brings attitude and energy to each and all,” Six shared.
Nurit Ruckenstein, painter I explore spiritual energy and movement through space, by building layers of color and depth, to reveal unseen connection and transformation.
Eric Saint Georges’ sculptures and drawings of the human form are distilled into movement and emotion. He shared, “I explore the human figure by reducing form to movement, emotion, and presence in sculpture and drawing.”
Hugh Margerum, painter Exploring color and compositional relationships in nature-based abstract oil paintings.
Joyce Wilson, author of this article, work across multiple processes—painting, photography, printmaking, and book art—each exploring humanity and our connection to nature and spirituality. My work is a journey creating tapestries rich in metaphors and symbolism that celebrate nature and humanity.
Exploring color and compositional relationships in nature-based abstract oil paintings.
Nurit Ruckenstein, painter I explore spiritual energy and movement through space, by building layers of color and depth, to reveal unseen connection and transformation
Skip Lau’s assemblage work touches on this same spirit, while his photography presents a more subdued palette of nature and reality. “I live and work in my studio - it is a comfort and a challenge,” shared Lau of his work.
Hugh Margerum, painter Exploring color and compositional relationships in
The journeys these artists have taken to reach this chapter of their work are a testament to the power of creativity in all its forms: they are college professors, a restaurateur, an architect, engineers, a mathematician, entrepreneurs, a fashion designer, and world travelers.
Don’t miss the opportunity to interact with these teachers, poets, and visionaries. Mark your calendar, groove on art, and discover the joy of art through artists who are passionate about creating.
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; Lulu 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 • Mitch Robles: Many Roads, through May 9 • 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 • Landscape paintings, prints, & books • 517 Laguna St • 1-5 Th-Su • 805-962-5588 • 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 • through May 31 • 410 Palm Av, B3, Carpinteria • 805-576-6152: 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
Uptown Artists
Open Studio Tour
Sat. & Sun May 2-3
11:00am-4:00pm
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
Danuta Bennett
LCCCA Illuminations Gallery La Cumbre Plaza www.DanutaBennett.com
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum • Aquean: through 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
Artists: To participate: email images of up to three entries that reflect the metaphor “SummerDance” to: Art@voicesb.com. Images must be received by May 17 at midnight. Sculpture and 2D work are welcome.
Label images with artist name and the title of the piece. Email must also include: artist’s name, telephone number, material, dimensions, price.
ACCEPTED entries pay fee during the ingathering
$40: 1st piece; $35: 2nd piece; $30: 3rd piece. No piece more than 48” wide without approval. Diptychs and Triptychs discouraged.
All pieces must: be wired or pedestal ready. NO brackets, saw tooth, etc.
Sales: 70% to artist / 30% to gallery
Ingathering: Drop off between 9am-12pm, Sunday, May 31st.
Tear Down: Pick up between 3-5pm, Sunday, June 27th
Exhibition Dates: June 1st to 27th, 2026
(Pick up artwork Saturday, June 27th, 3 to 5pm)
1st Thursday Reception: June 4th • 5-8pm Questions? Call Kerry Methner • 805-570-2011
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
Santa Barbara Sea Center • Dive In: Our Changing Channel ~ Ongoing • 211 Stearns Wharf • 10-5 Daily • 805682-4711 • 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
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 Apr 26 • 33 W Anapamu St. • Wed-Sat 11-6 • 805610-1203 • seimandileprieur.com
Stewart Fine Art • Early CA Plein Air Paintings + European Fine Art + Antiques • 539 San Ysidro Rd • 115:30 Mo-Sa • 805-845-0255
Sullivan Goss • Susan McDonnell: Consider the Lilies, through May 25; Sidney Gordin: Space & Form through Apr 27; Sarah Vedder: State of Grace; Spring Salon through Apr 27 • 11 E Anapamu St • 10-5:30 daily • 805-7301460 • sullivangoss.com
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 • 805688-7889 • santaynezmuseum.org
Tamsen Gallery • Jeff Bridges: Pictures • through Apr 30 • 1309 State St • 12-5 We-Su • 805-705-2208 • tamsengallery.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
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 • 805962-8885 • 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
LCCCA
woolfordb@gmail.com
To have your art news included in VOICE, please email information to Art@VoiceSB.com
2ND FRIDAYS ART @ SBTC Presents Splash their ANNUAL JURY CALL TO ARTISTS
JUROR OF AWARDS: Melinda Mettler
ENTRY DEADLINE: May 31, 12:00 PM • NOTIFICATION: By June 1 GUIDELINES FOR ENTRY:
Artwork may not exceed 28”x 28”x 10” deep, including framing. Submissions: 72 DPI J-peg. Include: your name, title, medium, framed size, retail price.
JPG’s emailed to: susantibbles@yahoo.com • www.2ndFridaysArt.com
Entry Fee: $35 first image, additional images $5 each
Printmaking Sampler • Try 4
printmaking methods: linocut, gel plate, etching, and monoprint • EE Makerspace • $35-40 • exploreecology.org • 6pm Fr, 4/24.
Artist Talk • Lindsay Skutch explains Camera Obscura and the art of pinhole • AFSB Art Gallery • Free • afsb.org • 2-3pm Sa, 4/25.
Happy Hour Art Workshop
Artists: See your work here!
Join Voice Magazine’s Print & Virtual Gallery!
Email Publisher@VoiceSB.com
• Sabrina Gschwandtner teaches participants to quilt photographs • SBMA, Art Learning Lab • $5060 • sbma.net • 2:30pm Sa, 4/25.
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.
Adult Ceramics for Beginners • 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. 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.
By Melinda Burns • Special for the Santa Barbara News-Press, 4.13.26
A water project is about to break ground in the Carpinteria Valley—a $90 million system for converting wastewater to drinking water. It’s a joint project of the valley’s water and sanitary districts, and it’s the first of its kind in the county.
IT’S BEEN A WEIRD WET SEASON with extreme weather swings, but the reservoirs are brimming.
Santa Barbara’s Gibraltar Reservoir saw its wettest November on record, with more than nine inches of rain; and its second wettest December, with more than 16 inches.
Downstream from Gibraltar on the Santa Ynez River, Lake Cachuma, the chief water source for the South Coast, started spilling on Jan. 1 and didn’t stop until March 20, federal data show. It’s more than 99 percent full.
Still, the memory of scarcity lingers. During the drought of 2012 to 2018, Cachuma shrank to a pond in a bed of cracked earth. Supplies from the state aqueduct — like Cachuma, a source of “imported” water for the South Coast— dwindled to five percent of entitlements. Water basins were pumped to historic lows.
That’s when the push for “locallycontrolled” water supplies began. In 2017, the City of Santa Barbara reactivated its
desalination plant at a cost of $72 million. In 2021, the Montecito Water District signed up to pay $33 million of that amount in return for a 50-year supply of city water.
Now, an even more costly water project is about to break ground in the Carpinteria Valley—a $90 million system for converting wastewater to drinking water. It’s a joint project of the valley’s water and sanitary districts, and it’s the first of its kind in the county.
The purified wastewater, 1.3 million gallons per day, will be enough to supply a quarter of the valley’s yearly water demand, district officials say. It will be injected into the groundwater basin and stored there for months or years before it is delivered into people’s homes.
This kind of water recycling, called “indirect potable reuse,” or, more indelicately, “toilet-to-tap,” has been rejected by water agencies elsewhere on the South Coast as too expensive.
But, armed with $34 million in state and federal grants and a 30-year, $50 million low-interest loan from the state, the Carpinteria Valley agencies are moving full steam ahead. They serve 16,000 people from Toro Canyon to the Ventura County line, most of them city residents.
Construction on a pipeline for project will begin in late May, and a 12,000 squarefoot wastewater purification plant will break ground in July, district officials said. It is expected to be up and running by mid2029.
“This is a big deal,” said Craig Murray, the Carpinteria Sanitary District general manager. “We’ve been working on this in partnership with the water district since 2016. It will be a paradigm shift for our
district, moving towards full resource recovery in recycling.”
The new plant will be located at 5351 Sixth St. in Carpinteria, next to the Sanitary District’s wastewater treatment tanks. At the plant, Murray said, the treated wastewater from those tanks will be purified to better-than-drinking water standards — effectively, to the quality of distilled water — using advanced filtration, reverse osmosis, ultraviolet light and chlorine.
After it is injected into the groundwater basin, the recycled water will percolate through an “environmental buffer” of sand, soil and rock for months — and, in some locations, for decades, blending with groundwater — before it is drawn out by the water district, disinfected again with chlorine and delivered into residents’ homes.
County reports show that underground water levels in the Carpinteria Valley have been trending steadily upwards since the last drought, as they have in Santa Barbara and the Goleta Valley. But Carpinteria https://i0.wp.com/www.newspress.com/ wp-content/uploads/2026/04/water2ml. jpeg?w=1920&ssl=1 officials say they’re worried about ongoing seawater intrusion into the groundwater basin along the coast, even though it’s slow-moving and away
from municipal wells.
“The primary driver is that during bad dry conditions, we had no allocation from Cachuma and a very small allocation from the State Water Project,” said Bob McDonald, who retired on March 31 after 26 years at the Carpinteria Valley Water District, first as an engineer and then as general manager.
“Between that and the low rainfall, it caused our groundwater levels to decline, and there are some areas that remain below sea level.”
McDonald noted that siltation continues to reduce the storage in Cachuma, and that some lake water must be released yearly for downstream users and steelhead trout. And, he said, the reliability of the state aqueduct “is going down every year.”
According to the California Department of Water Resources, state aqueduct deliveries amount to only 66 percent, on average, of what participating cities contracted for.
“In planning, we see that as a threat,” McDonald said. “We need to have a different source that is not susceptible to climate change and there’s no competition for it.”
Water recycling also has the benefit of reducing the amount of treated wastewater that Carpinteria, like every other South
Coast community, ships out to sea through a pipeline on the ocean floor. Carpinteria’s project is expected to reduce the sanitary district’s offshore wastewater discharge — presently between 1.8 million and 2.5 million gallons per day — by 80 percent.
“It’s just a thrill when you see something getting built instead of just talking about it,” said Hillary Hauser, a co-founder of and strategic advisor to Heal the Ocean, a Santa Barbara-based group that promotes wastewater recycling. “Using the ocean to dump our waste is a crime.”
On June 10, the Carpinteria Valley water board will hold a hearing on proposed water rate increases of 7.5 percent, 7.5 percent and 6.5 percent during the next three fiscal years, respectively, beginning July 1.
The increases are necessary, in part, to help pay for the future operating costs of the wastewater purification project, said Kelley Dyer, who replaced McDonald this month as the water district general manager.
In addition, the water board is proposing new monthly charges, also to help defray project operating costs, Dyer said. For single family homeowners, the new charges on their monthly water bills would be $3, $4 and $6 over the next three fiscal years, respectively. Owners of commercial and agricultural properties would pay more.
Finally, the board is proposing a new annual charge for the next three years on the county property tax roll to help pay the capital costs of the project, Dyer said. For single-family homeowners, the charge would be $54 for the coming fiscal year, $104 in 2028, and $111 in 2029.
Overall, Dyer said, the typical Carpinteria homeowner would be paying an additional $35 per month for water in Fiscal Year 2029, or $167 monthly, up from $132 monthly now.
In addition to the water purification plant, the Carpinteria project includes the construction of a mile-long pipeline from the plant to two new injection wells. These will be drilled at the western end of Meadow View Lane and on the grass playing field of Saint Joseph Church at 1532 Linden Lane. There also will be three new groundwater monitoring wells on the playing field.
The water district board has already signed off on construction bids for the plant and pipeline and environmental monitoring, Dyer said. The board will vote
on bids for the injection and groundwater monitoring wells later this year.
Agricultural users account for about half of the valley’s water demand, but will not likely be pumping much recycled water from their private wells, Dyer said: the new injection wells will be closer to municipal wells.
Other California communities recycling wastewater for indirect potable reuse include Orange County, with a $900 million system, the largest in the world; and Soquel, Monterey, Cambria and Oceanside.
“What we’re doing is not new,” Dyer said. “It’s proven technology that has been used in a lot of other places. The water is purified to the extent that we have to add minerals back in before we send it out through the pipes and inject it back into the groundwater basin.”
Several dozen other water recycling plants, like Carpinteria’s, are in the works elsewhere in California, including in Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Calabasas and the City of Los Angeles.
Closer to home, the City of Ventura is designing a $370 million wastewater purification plant as a result of a lawsuit brought by environmentalist groups. The city is under court orders to stop discharging treated wastewater into the Santa Clara River Estuary, a habitat for vulnerable birds and fish, by 2030.
As in Carpinteria, the Ventura plant would be part of an indirect potable reuse project, in which treated wastewater is purified and injected into the groundwater basin.
With the next drought in mind, the city has been “resting” its water basin for the past eight years, relying on desalination to make up the difference, Haggmark said.
“Our basin is doing really well now,” he said.
Likewise in the Goleta Valley, the groundwater basin has nearly fully recovered from the last drought, officials said, because the Goleta Water District has been “resting” its pumps for the past five years.
“We want to maintain the groundwater basin as an emergency supply,” said Ryan Drake, water supply manager.
“Not
But for the foreseeable future, no South Coast agencies except Carpinteria’s are likely to follow suit. In Santa Barbara and the Goleta Valley, wastewater is recycled only for non-potable reuse on landscaping.
In Montecito, the lion’s share of the drinking water supply is used for irrigation, reducing the amount that can be collected for recycling. The Montecito Water District looked into indirect potable reuse, but “it was a costly project for a small amount of water,” Nick Turner, the general manager, said.
“The board put it on hold,” he said. “They committed to bringing it back if grants were available or it cost less money.”
Montecito’s groundwater basin is not deep, but surplus water from Cachuma and Santa Barbara could be stored in pockets there, Turner said. Accordingly, he said, the district is looking into retrofitting four wells as injection wells for groundwater replenishment. The cost would be $1.5 million.
Next door in Santa Barbara, the city studied whether to treat wastewater to drinking quality standards but discarded the idea, said Joshua Haggmark, the city water resources department director.
“It is in the future: it’s just not in our future,” he said. “… It really comes down to financials, and then it comes down to a need. Right now, with desalination, other supplies and conservation, we just don’t have a need to develop another new supply.”
This water year, Haggmark said, “has been a lot of whiplashes.”
“This is our future,” he said. “We’re getting to see the extreme that’s coming with it.”
Unlike other South Coast communities, the Goleta Valley is not depending on any local supplies other than groundwater. During the last drought, the district looked into indirect potable reuse but decided against it, Drake said, adding, “The costs are so astronomical, it’s akin to building another desalination plant. It really doesn’t pencil out.”
Instead, the district spent $20 million drilling two new wells that can be used for both production and injection, Drake said. With these and some older injection wells, he said, the district has been pumping surplus Cachuma water into the groundwater basin for the past four years.
The Goleta district is one of a handful of water agencies in California that are permitted by the state to use treated reservoir water to replenish groundwater.
Conservation is critical, too, Drake said. Goleta residents are some of the most water-thrifty in the state: they use 51 gallons per capita per day, on average. Customer demand has dropped by nearly 30 percent since the height of the last drought and has “flatlined” since then, Drake said.
“That’s a lot of difference in permanent water demand,” he said. “Even in very severe drought years, even if we get our supplies cut by huge amounts, we can meet that lower demand without declaring any drought emergencies.”
Melinda Burns, a former senior writer for the legacy Santa Barbara News-Press, is an investigative reporter with 40 years of experience covering immigration, water, science, and the environment.
Printed with permission of the Santa Barbara News-Press • 4.13.26 • newspress.com
