VOICE Magazine: April 3, 2026

LIVE ART & WINE TOUR LIVE ART & WINE TOUR DOWNTOWN SANTA BARBARA

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

The Chance To Dance

By Kerry Methner / VOICE

ADANCE JAM SESSION AND COMMUNITY GATHERING, Peña Flamenca

la Maria was held in the courtyard of the Santa Barbara Historical Museum’s Covarrubias Adobe Sunday evening. Inviting all Flamenco lovers to dive deep into the traditions of Spain, the event began as live music filled the courtyard.

Led by international Flamenco star and Flamenco! Santa Barbara artistic director, María “La Chacha” Bermúdez, dancers and supporters made themselves comfortable in chairs and at tall tables around the dance floor under the evening sky. Maestra Bermúdez, in the center, welcomed and began making eye contact with individual dancers who then came forward to dance. One by one, dancers of all ages nodded (or declined). Stepping out onto the dance floor, each gathered themselves and allowing themselves to be moved to dance.

A supportive welcoming circle, Bermúdez would also step up with a new participant to help them find a way into the moments of improvisation the setting is built on.

Along the way, dances and music were introduced and their place in the Flamenco culture discussed.

Families and friends seated around the stage took in the information, all the while encouraging dancers and appreciating the thrill of up close live Flamenco music and the evocative atmosphere of soft light and rhythmic sound.

Peña Flamenca la Maria is part of Flamenco! Santa Barbara’s music education program and presented in collaboration with the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.

Artistic director María Bermúdez is a world-renowned dancer and choreographer, who was named Ambassador of Flamenco by her adopted city of Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.

Watch for upcoming events this spring at sbhistorical.org or flamencosb.org

& More

Travel with the Prime Time Band on a memorable musical journey as you relive the grandeur of epic movie themes from the ‘60s and ‘70s.

Sunday, April 12th

2:00 - 4:00 pm

LOBERO THEATRE

33 E Canon Perdido Street

Santa Barbara, CA ptband.org

Ensemble Theatre Company’s 48th Season

A Conversation with ETC’s Scott DeVine

By Daisy Scott / VOICE

CELEBRATING THE MILIEU OF DREAMS, LEGENDS, HISTORY, AND PEOPLE who make up our golden state, the Ensemble Theatre Company will explore “California: Here and Now” during its 48th season.

Spanning five plays between October 2026 to June 2027, the season will transport audiences on a theatrical tour of Hollywood’s glitz and delusions of grandeur, San Francisco’s noir alleys, disappearing rural family business, and beyond.

The season fulfills a vision ETC

Executive Artistic Director Scott DeVine has held in mind for years, but knew had to be accomplished at the right time and with, as he says, “exactly the right five plays to make it feel real and necessary.”

“Here’s the thing about California — it’s never just California. It’s a mirror the world holds up to itself,” said DeVine. “Every fault line we have here — economic inequality, cultural collision, the tension between progress and preservation, who gets to belong and who gets pushed out — is playing out everywhere right now. California is decisive in that way. It’s where ideas get tested, where contradictions live loudly

having: about chosen family, about the cost of living your truth in an expensive city, about LGBTQ+ visibility and the AIDS crisis,” said DeVine. “It’s not a relic — it feels urgently, uncomfortably now. Especially in California, where the stakes of being an artist, an activist, or just someone trying to make it in a high-cost city are as real as ever.”

A musical will also ring in the new year, as ETC hosts the world premiere of The Last Used Car Lot in America in February 2027. Hinging on the alltoo-familiar tragedy of corporations threatening small town family businesses, this musical continues ETC’s priority of amplifying new work.

Brahms as he wrestles with his romantic feelings for pianist and composer Clara Schumann after her husband, composer Robert Schumann, enters an asylum. A longtime favorite with local theatregoers, Felder will star in the role of Johannes Brahms, pairing his piano and acting skills.

Additional season bonuses will emerge through ETC’s collaboration with the National Theatre of London to screen filmed performances of some of the best theatre to be found across the pond. Three yet-to-be-announced National Theatre Live screenings will be held between fall 2026 and spring 2027.

side by side. When we tell a California story, we’re telling a story about the world. What emerged from this season wasn’t a manufactured theme — it was a lineup that kept pulling itself together organically, from the wild absurdities of Hollywood to the very real fight facing family businesses on our main streets. These stories don’t just happen to be set in California; they are California — the contradictions, the dreams, the hustle, and the heart of it. And in that, they are all of us.”

Hollywood humor will kick off the season in October, as the oneman-play Buyer & Cellar follows the misadventures of Alex, an unemployed actor who begins working in Barbara Streisand’s personal shopping mall. Located in the basement of her Malibu mansion, this mall becomes the setting for hilarity and cultural commentary as Alex gets to know his only client.

Just in time for the holidays, ETC will join theatres nationwide in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Broadway smash hit Rent in December. While this La Bohème-inspired musical is technically set in New York, its inclusion in ETC’s 48th season was informed by its thematic connections to California’s LGBTQ+ activism.

The production is a personal highlight for DeVine, who was among the first audiences to see the musical when it opened on Broadway.

“For a younger generation discovering it now, this is the show that started so many conversations we’re still

“For me, premieres aren’t just a nice add-on — they’re essential. Theatre dies if it only looks backward. New works keep the art form alive, give emerging voices a stage, and create the kind of experience you cannot get anywhere else: being there when a story meets an audience for the very first time,” said DeVine.

The “stuff that dreams are made of” will bring San Francisco’s famed detective Sam Spade to the New Vic in April 2027, as ETC presents a stage adaptation of The Maltese Falcon. As clever as it is gripping, Dashiell Hammett’s mystery sends viewers on a suspenseful quest rife with gangsters, a femme fatale, and the promise of riches.

The season will conclude in June 2027 with Sam Shepard’s True West, a thrilling psychological drama that refracts debates around the American Dream through the lens of a Hollywood-meets-desert rivalry between two brothers.

Outside of the season’s five main productions, ETC will also welcome back pianist, playwright, and actor Hershey Felder to perform his play Love Notes. Running February 25th through March 7th, 2027, Love Notes explores a musical love triangle centering on composer Johannes

Ultimately, DeVine hopes that ETC’s “California: Here and Now” season helps audiences experience, process, and feel just that: here and now.

“Beyond the individual shows, what I want every single person in our audience to feel — whether it’s their first time or their fiftieth — is this: you are not alone,” said DeVine. “You came here with other people. You laughed, grieved, gasped, and were moved at the same moment. That experience — specific to this audience, this night, these people in the room — will never happen again in exactly that way. That’s not a marketing line. That’s the irreducible truth of live theatre. In a world that is working so hard to sort us into separate corners, we choose to gather. We choose to sit together in the dark and let a story remind us of our shared humanity. That’s what ‘California: Here and Now’ is really about. And right now, it feels like one of the most important things we can do.”

Current ETC season subscription holders may renew for the 2026-2027 season beginning on April 22nd. New subscriptions go on sale June 15th, while single tickets will be available to the general public on August 1st. etcsb.org

GALLERY LOS OLIVOS FEATURED

Fine Art Destination Since 1992

Fine Art Destination Since 1992

Exhibiting work by over 50 Regional Artists with a stunning selection of media, styles and subjects

Exhibiting work by over 50 Regional Artists with a stunning selection of media, styles and subjects

Come Visit and Let Our Art Inspire You!

Come Visit and Let Our Art Inspire You!

Finding The Divine Child

A JOURNEY OF SPIRIT, LIGHT & ART A

book by Rod Lathim

“What moved me most was not just the extraordinary experiences Rod describes, but the generosity with which he offers his own life as a road map for others. He doesn’t preach or pose as a guru; instead, he quietly invites you to remember the part of yourself that is playful, intuitive, and full of wonder – the divine child that has been there all along.”

-Kelly

Ary

“ The beauty of this work is how it reveals all of Lathim’s layers, from his work on the stage to his initial foray into visual art and how interweaving it all is his spiritual world. The book takes readers through his spiritual destiny but also enlightens even the most skeptical of readers as to how important positivity, play, and gratitude can impact one’s life.”

-Meaghan Clark Tiernan, SB Independent

Santa Barbara Marches

TWELVE THOUSAND VOICES shouted “No Kings!” in downtown Santa Barbara on March 28th as local nonprofits, activists, and community members took to the streets for the third and largest No Kings day of protest so far. Organized by Indivisible Santa Barbara, the day started with a resource fair and rally in Alameda Park, where elected officials urged attendees to fight against ICE, Sable Oil, and the Trump administration’s repeated abuse of executive power. The animated crowd marched to De La Guerra Plaza, holding protest signs high.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF SANTA BARBARA

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Housing Investment Partnership (HOME) Programs

2022-2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)

Public Hearing and 30-day Public Comment Period for Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Action Plan

To All Interested Persons, Groups and Agencies

As a recipient of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the City must submit a Consolidated Plan (CP) every 5 years. The CP identifies the City’s housing and community development needs and details its 5-year strategy and goals to address those needs using CDBG and HOME funds. The City must also submit an Annual Action Plan (AAP), which specifies the activities that will be undertaken to meet CP goals. The CP and AAP generally are due to HUD by no later than May 15, 2026, unless HUD issues an extension. The City is in the process of preparing its 2026 AAP. The AAP details the planned expenditures of approximately $2.53 million in CDBG and HOME funds for eligible activities such as housing, public services, capital improvements, economic development, and administration.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing on the Draft AAP for Program Year 2026 will be held during the April 14, 2026, City Council meeting starting at 2 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers, 735 Anacapa St. The City encourages and welcomes public participation during this time. The agenda will be available on the City Council meetings page at www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov the Thursday prior.

The City of Santa Barbara is seeking public comment on the 2022-2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The CAPER evaluates the City’s performance on the 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan (AAP), which listed activities that would be performed during the year to achieve the performance measures outlined in the City’s 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan (CP). The CP is a 5year planning document which primarily determines the City’s housing and community development needs, issues, and resources. The CP helps the City determine strategies to address those identified needs using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds.

The City of Santa Barbara’s Draft AAP for Program Year 2026 will also be available for a 30-day public review period from April 15, 2026, through May 17, 2026. Written comments will be accepted during this period by email at HHS@SantaBarbaraCA.gov. The Draft AAP can be found at the City’s Human Services/CDBG program website at www.santabarbaraca.gov/humanservices.

The Draft CAPER will be available online at www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov on September 11th, 2023. Comments must be received by September 26th, 2023. For more information, contact the Community Development Department, Housing and Human Services Division, at (805) 564-5461 or e-mail to: HHS@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.

Copies of the Draft AAP will also be available at the following locations: Public Library Main Branch, 40 East Anapamu Street; and the City Clerk’s office, 735 Anacapa Street. For more information, contact the Housing and Homeless Services Division, at (805) 564-5461 or e-mail to: HHS@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.

**As of the date of this notice, HUD has not published the actual 2026 allocation amounts. The draft Action Plan includes a contingency plan for adjusting project awards if allocations are higher or lower than expected and another public review period will be noticed.**

PUBLIC NOTICE

AVISO PÚBLICO CIUDAD DE SANTA BÁRBARA

2022-2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)

Subvenciones para el Desarrollo Comunitario (CDBG) y Asociación para la Inversión en Vivienda (HOME)

To All Interested Persons, Groups and Agencies

Audiencia pública y periodo de comentarios públicos de 30 días para el Plan de Acción Anual del Año Fiscal 2026

Como beneficiaria de fondos del Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) y del Programa de Alianzas de Inversión HOME (HOME) del Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de EE. UU. (HUD), la Ciudad debe presentar un Plan Consolidado (CP) cada 5 años. El CP identifica las necesidades de vivienda y desarrollo comunitario de la Ciudad y detalla su estrategia y objetivos a 5 años para abordar esas necesidades utilizando fondos de CDBG y HOME. La Ciudad también debe presentar un Plan de Acción Anual (AAP), que especifica las actividades que se llevarán a cabo para cumplir los objetivos de CP. El CP y el AAP generalmente deben llegar al HUD antes del 15 de mayo del 2026, salvo que el HUD emita una prórroga. La ciudad está en proceso de preparar su AAP para 2026. El AAP detalla los gastos previstos de aproximadamente $2.53 millones en fondos CDBG y HOME para actividades elegibles como vivienda, servicios públicos, mejoras de capital, desarrollo económico y administración.

The City of Santa Barbara is seeking public comment on the 2022-2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The CAPER evaluates the City’s performance on the 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan (AAP), which listed activities that would be performed during the year to achieve the performance measures outlined in the City’s 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan (CP). The CP is a 5year planning document which primarily determines the City’s housing and community development needs, issues, and resources. The CP helps the City determine strategies to address those identified needs using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds.

SE EMITE UN AVISO de que se celebrará una audiencia pública sobre el Borrador del AAP para el Año Programático 2026 durante la reunión del Concejo Municipal del 14 de abril de 2026, que comenzará a las 14:00 en la Sala del Ayuntamiento, 735 Anacapa St. La ciudad fomenta y da la bienvenida a la participación pública durante este periodo. La agenda estará disponible en la página de reuniones del Concejo Municipal a www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov el jueves anterior.

The Draft CAPER will be available online at www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov on September 11th, 2023. Comments must be received by September 26th, 2023. For more information, contact the Community Development Department, Housing and Human Services Division, at (805) 564-5461 or e-mail to: HHS@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.

El Borrador del AAP de la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara para el año de programa 2026 también estará disponible para un periodo de revisión pública de 30 días, desde el 15 de abril de 2026 hasta el 17 de mayo de 2026. Durante este periodo se aceptarán comentarios escritos por correo electrónico en HHS@SantaBarbaraCA.gov. El borrador del AAP puede encontrarse en la página web del programa de Servicios Humanos/CDBG de la ciudad en www.santabarbaraca.gov/humanservices.

También estarán disponibles copias del Borrador AAP en los siguientes lugares: Sucursal Principal de la Biblioteca Pública, 40 East Anapamu Street; y la oficina del secretario municipal, 735 Anacapa Street. Para más información, contacte con la División de Servicios de Vivienda y Personas sin Hogar, en el (805) 5645461 o envíe un correo electrónico a: HHS@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.

**A fecha de este aviso, HUD no ha publicado las cantidades reales de asignación de 2026. El borrador del Plan de Acción incluye un plan de contingencia para ajustar las adjudicaciones de proyectos si las asignaciones son mayores o menores de lo esperado y se notificará otro periodo de revisión pública.**

Santa Barbara Symphony

A Musical Race to Italy: The Bella Italia Concert

By Robert F. Adams / Special to VOICE

LAUNCHING AN ALL-IN-FORITALY CONCERT, the Santa Barbara Symphony performed a wide variation of works both old and new for their early spring concert, Bella Italia. Held on Saturday, March 28th with a matinee on Sunday, March 29th at the Granada Theatre, the highlight of the concerts was to hear virtuoso accordionist, Hanshi Wang, conducted by Nir Kabaretti in the first half of the concert.

Fast as a Ferrari and as Baroque as Vivaldi, Wang arrived onstage in an accordion-folded emerald gown. She performed Vivaldi's Winter from the Four Seasons straightforwardly, and her special accordion was featured as a key focus. Her playing was both delicate and exquisitely fine tuned. She knows this Vivaldi, and she plays almost as fast as lightning over the keys.

As the following works started, Maestro Kabaretti mentioned that he and the Italian composer Cristian Carrara recently won a recording award for the 2025 album War Silence, released by Hyperion, with Kabaretti conducting

the London Philharmonic and playing four Italian concertos. One of the four concertos was by Carrara. Kabaretti then offered samples from Rousso Ferrari (Red Ferrari), a co-commissioned and definitively modern work from Carrara. The performance marked the piece's United States debut.

Both understated and rhythmic, Red Ferrari offers short phrases within three movements, Speed, Elegance, and, Dream that were ambitiously contemporary. Each of these movements varied in energy from precisely delicate to reflective and somber, then concluded with fiery energy, all featuring the accordion that injected the work with movement and speed. Red Ferrari brings to mind composer John Adams’ 1986 orchestral work, Short Ride in a Fast Machine in thematic terms, but Carrara’s new work is a jumble of accordion phrases that are fascinatingly understated.

The composer chose the accordion for its various capabilities to mimic a great machine as well as the Italian heritage of this folk instrument, tying the past and industrial future together.

This was the very first U.S. performance of the challenging Red Ferrari. Both the composer, who traveled for this premiere, and soloist Wang received enthusiastic applause for these works, along with the Kabaretti and his orchestra.

Back in the theatre, the program continued sans the accordionist Wang, but with an orchestra that kept growing, first, for Puccini’s Capriccio Sinfonico, an early work that suggested an overture of an opera, parts of which were reincorporated into La Boheme Essentially romantic and lyrical in passages, the themes wove an intricacy of longing, fleetingly echoing later Puccini overtures.

The brief Capriccio was followed by Respighi’s absorbing The Pines of Rome in four movements. Kabaretti and the orchestra gave this work gradually growing magnificence, and created an enormous wall of sound inspired by different stands of pines around Rome. Each of the four movements led the audience to a location, with an atmospheric focus that brought to

mind beautiful gardens and children’s songs; solemn hymns and mortality; the shadows of evening within the pine forests filled with birds (there were recordings of nightingales that are part of this work); and finally, to a dawn-inducing historical march toward imperial Rome. The fourth movement sonically illustrated the heyday of Rome’s conquering armies, leading to a dramatic climax as the sound grew to an overwhelming climax. A credit to all the sections of the orchestra, the percussion and woodwinds led the way in creating the grounding rhythm of the inevitability of triumph and decay. Listeners could almost feel the ancient power marching toward Rome on the Appian Way between pine forests.

It was another triumphant themed concert played by our very own Symphony for the Granada’s appreciative audience.

For more information about the Santa Barbara Symphony and upcoming concerts,visit thesymphony.org

Will Montecito Water and Sanitary Districts merge?

The Sanitary district is eyeing a “marriage” proposal. Water recycling remains in limbo

By Melinda Burns / Special for

the Santa Barbara News-Press 3.29.26

THE INDEPENDENT DISTRICTS that govern water supply and sewage treatment in Montecito are moving in the direction of consolidation, setting aside a study that appears to undermine the rationale for creating one big agency.

The Summerland sewage, or “sanitary,” district is in the mix, too, waiting to see what its neighbors will do.

The Montecito Water District, founded in 1921, serves a population of nearly 12,000 people in Montecito, Summerland, and Toro Canyon today. In recent years, the water board has been promoting the idea of consolidation, which could mean swallowing up the nearby sanitary districts or joining with them to form one full-service agency.

This January 27th, the water board took the first official step toward consolidation, approving a draft memorandum of understanding for all three district board presidents to sign.

Last week, the draft MOU was on the agenda for a vote by the board of the Montecito Sanitary District, an agency that was founded in 1947. The MOU proposes to “memorialize a cooperative and ongoing working relationship” among the Montecito water and sanitary districts and the Summerland Sanitary District to “coordinate and collaborate” on the consolidation of all three into “a unified entity.”

On March 25th, at the end of a three-hour discussion, three out of five Montecito sanitary district board members signaled their support for consolidation. They rebuffed a bid by board President Rock Rockenbach and Director Carter Ohlmann to “cease efforts to consolidate with the Montecito Water District” and instead focus on the sanitary district’s “strategic priorities.”

Board Director Woody Barrett voted “no” on that motion, and Vice President Dana Newquist and Director Dorinne Lee Johnson abstained. The hearing on the Montecito Water District MOU was tabled until April 8th. ‘At odds’ over recycling

According to a 2023 consolidation study by Raftelis, a Los Angles consulting firm hired by the Montecito water and sanitary districts, a merger of the two would result in no more than $65,000 in yearly savings out of their combined annual budget of $32 million.

“The potential for cost savings is limited and in itself probably does not justify consolidation,” the study stated.

Raftelis concluded that consolidation would make the most sense if both districts

decided to “move forward with a large recycled water program.” But in March 2024, citing the high cost of wastewater recycling, the Montecito water board voted to “place any further pursuit of recycled water on hold.”

“I’m very much in favor of recycling water,” Rockenbach told his colleagues on the sanitary district board on Wednesday. “When I found out that Montecito Water had stepped away from recycling water as of 2024, I was frankly shocked. It took away the driver for a ‘marriage’ to happen…If we can’t do recycled water, there’s no need for consolidation.”

Ohlmann asked his colleagues, “How do you get to recycled water if you’re turning the entire Montecito Sanitary District over to a board of directors that is not interested in recycled water? Are you just hoping that they’ll change their mind someday?”

Rockenbach and Ohlmann said the board should suspend further action on consolidation until the district could conduct its own studies on the “financial feasibility” of recycling.

But water board Director Ken Coates, speaking by Zoom as a member of the public, said the Montecito Water District had “suspended all further activity on wastewater recycling because of financial infeasibility.”

“That’s clear, and I think it’s full stop,” he said. “The likelihood that that decision would change is very remote, and having your staff discuss that item with the Montecito water staff would not be productive. It’s a waste of time because the decision has been made.”

Motions by Rockenbach and Ohlmann to suspend all further action on consolidation until the sanitary district could conduct its own study of the financial feasibility of wastewater also failed to win a majority of votes on Wednesday.

Director Woody Barrett said he believed one regional combined district could save on operating costs, obtain more grants for recycling water, and hire needed employees, including a human resources manager. And he noted that the Montecito water and sanitary districts “have been at odds” for years.

Johnson, a member of the Santa Barbara County Local Agency Formation Commission, the agency that reviews applications for special district consolidations, said she, too, favored the idea of creating one district to handle both water supply and wastewater treatment.

‘More efficiencies’?

According to 2024 Santa Barbara County data, Montecito’s per capita residential water use is 195 gallons per day. By comparison, the daily per capita water use in Goleta is 51 gallons.

All five sanitary district board members voiced their support for wastewater recycling on Wednesday. But about 85 percent of the drinking water supply in Montecito, a wealthy

community of one-acre lots and large estates, goes on landscaping and can’t be collected for recycling. By itself, Barrett said, Montecito doesn’t “have enough flow” to recycle wastewater.

“There are more efficiencies” in a three-way consolidation, he said. “We’re all three small districts with limited personnel … We have an astronomical amount of projects going on … I think consolidation is a great path towards accomplishing recycling for our community.”

But, Barrett clarified later, “My view is, consolidation is good for all three districts, recycling or no.”

Newquist said that someday the state may require all coastal sanitary districts to stop sending treated wastewater into the ocean through underwater pipelines, effectively forcing them to begin recycling their wastewater.

“We will not be joining the Montecito Water District without the Montecito Sanitary District,” Glaser said.

‘Water Security Team’ goals

A merger of Montecito’s water and sanitary districts has long been a goal of the “Water Security Team” candidates who gained control of the Montecito water and sanitary boards over several election cycles, beginning in 2016.

The Water Security slates were handpicked and backed over time by $250,000 in campaign contributions from a group of wealthy donors, many of them Birnam Wood Golf Club members, who promoted the concept of district consolidation at public hearings and in the pages of the Montecito Journal.

Noah Boland, a spokesman for Heal the Ocean, a citizens’ group that supports wastewater recycling, asked the sanitary district board to look into merging with the Summerland Sanitary District. He said it was unclear whether consolidation with the Montecito Water District would result in any recycling.

Ohlmann and Rockenbach said that rather than entering into a plan for consolidation, a process that would take four or five years, the Montecito Sanitary District should be focused on fixing its sewage pipes and deciding how and whether to replace its aging wastewater treatment plant.

“We’ve got work that needs to be done,” Ohlmann said.

Rockenbach added: “When you’ve got a plant tied together by bailing wire and duct tape, it’s not a good time to consolidate.”

The district has commissioned a $1.7 million study on two options: replacing its treatment plant or, alternatively, shipping Montecito’s wastewater to the City of Santa Barbara for treatment. The study is expected to be completed this fall.

“I’m perplexed,” Ohlmann told his colleagues after the vote. “We’re not even close to unanimity on anything.”

Last week, Diantha Glaser, business manager at the Summerland Sanitary District, founded in 1957, said it made sense for Summerland to send its wastewater to a larger district for treatment, “but it also has to be in the interests of our customers.”

The Water Security slates won handily. In addition to the flood of glossy mailers they were able to pay for, they were riding a voter backlash against the water rationing that had been imposed in Montecito during the drought of 2011 to 2018.

The candidates, who presently occupy all five seats on the Montecito water board and three seats on the Montecito sanitary board, promised voters they would bring in wastewater recycling to help boost local water supplies. They said it was time to stop sending Montecito’s treated wastewater into the ocean.

Today, there is still no wastewater recycling in Montecito. A modest plan to spray nonpotable treated wastewater onto the massive grass lawn at the Santa Barbara Cemetery, just across Channel Drive from the sanitary district headquarters, never materialized. The cemetery is one of several large commercial water users near the district, including the Four Seasons Biltmore, Music Academy of the West and Rosewood Miramar Beach hotel.

In 2019, the sanitary district board purchased a $140,000 expandable water recycling plant, the first in Montecito, to start irrigating test plots on the cemetery lawn. It was to be the first step of a $5 million project providing non-potable water to the entire cemetery by early 2021.

But the makeup of the board changed in the 2020 elections, triggering an exodus of employees, including the general manager. The pilot project was mothballed. Today, the equipment is sitting in storage at the district.

This story was originally published by the Santa Barbara News-Press. Printed with permission • 3.29.2026 • newspress.com

Santa Ynez Chumash Donate $93K to 13 County Schools for Tech Improvements

TO SUPPORT STUDENT SUCCESS AND REGIONAL CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY NEEDS, The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has donated over $93,000 to Santa Barbara County schools. The 13 recipient schools applied for grants through the organization foundation’s Technology in Schools Program.

The grant money will be used to fund specific projects for school administrators and faculty, enabling schools to purchase hardware, upgrade infrastructure, add high-tech resources, and boost their curriculum.

Kenneth Kahn, the Tribal Chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, has witnessed the success of the program and technology’s impact.

“Each year, we see how meaningful technology can transform a student’s education,” said Kahn. “Through our Technology in Schools Program, we’re honored to support the educators and staff who champion this work and to help

provide the tools that strengthen the future of education in Santa Barbara County.”

This year’s recipients are: Ballard School District in Solvang; Leonora Fillmore Elementary School District in Lompoc; Cabrillo High School in Lompoc; Notre Dame School in Santa Barbara; Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Santa Barbara; Jonata Middle School in Buellton; Dunn School in Los Olivos; Adelante Charter School in Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara High School; Santa Maria Joint Union High School District; Santa Ynez Valley Charter School; Solvang School District; and Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy.

Each school has the opportunity to use the money to support distinct initiatives, which range from replacing old technology to implementing entirely new programs.

For example, the Lenora Fillmore Elementary School plans to use their funds to create a resource center designed to increase digital access, especially for those from low-income and English learner backgrounds. The

“I’m Not Perfect Yet:” Gray Felstiner Gives Back with Casa De La Raza

By Gabriel Lucatero / Casa

AT 92 YEARS OLD, Gray Felstiner still shows up to serve the community.

Born in New York and raised partly in Santa Barbara, Gray has lived what she calls a “long life,” one shaped by privilege, but also by awareness. As a child, she witnessed injustice early. During World War II, she saw Japanese American neighbors taken from their homes. Later, she watched entire communities pushed to the margins simply because of the color of their skin or the language they spoke. Those moments stayed with her.

she taught. Later, she spent years teaching English, helping immigrants not only pass citizenship exams, but build confidence in everyday life.

Today, her role looks different, but the purpose remains the same.

“I was brought up to be of service,” she says. “To contribute. Don’t just sit there taking up space.”

That belief carried her into decades of work with the Spanish-speaking community in Santa Barbara. Through Casa de la Raza, Gray helped build early family therapy efforts, working directly inside homes, learning just as much as

At the Restorative Justice Education Center, in the historic La Casa de la Raza building, Gray does what she can in the migrant rights project’s pantry. With a cane at her side, she carefully portions food—beans, rice, essentials—into bags for families who are often too afraid to leave their homes.

“It gives me joy,” she says. “Real joy. To use my hands.”

Gray doesn’t claim perfection. In fact, she insists on the opposite.

“God isn’t finished with me yet.”

And at 92, she’s still proving it.

To learn more about Dasa de la Raza visit lacasafounders.org

Santa Barbara High School boys basketball team received funds to enhance athlete performance and safety through new sport technology. Notre Dame School received funds for their Internet Infrastructure Project, updating the school’s current IT equipment.

Since its inception, the Technology in Schools Program has issued more than $640,000 in grants to area schools. The deadline to apply for the 2026-27 school year grant cycle is April 30th. To learn more or apply visit chumash.gov/foundation

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments and the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce co-host

Business Leaders

Invited to Explore New Expanded Rail Service at “Train to Work Employer Forum”

A FORUM ON USING TRAINS TO COMMUTE will be hosted by business leaders, HR professionals, and employees in Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, and Goleta at the “Train to Work Employer Forum” at 10am on April 22nd, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Goleta. The forum will highlight the expanded Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, introducing new peakhour service in May, and how it can support workforce recruitment, retention, and flexibility.

“We’re excited to see this expanded train service becoming a reality for Santa Barbara County,” said SBCAG Executive Director Marjie Kirn. “As we invest in both highway improvements and rail, we’re creating more reliable commute options that connect people to jobs and support our workforce.”

The event is being co-hosted by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments and the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce. The event will bring together regional transportation providers and business leaders to focus on practical solutions to one of the region’s top challenges—employee commutes.

“Transportation continues to be one of the top challenges our employers face—impacting everything from hiring to retention,” said Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Kristen Miller. “This expanded rail service offers a real solution, and this forum is about helping businesses understand how to make it work for their teams.”

The forum will feature an overview of the expanded service from the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor Agency, which manages the Pacific Surfliner, along with information on schedules and how employers can integrate rail into their commuter benefits.

Attendees will take part in interactive discussions and hear from regional transportation providers—including Santa Barbara MTD, Ventura County Transportation Commission, BCycle, SBCAG, and LOSSAN—on how to make taking the train a viable daily commute, including first- and last-mile connections and guaranteed ride home programs.

Participants will walk away with complimentary ten-ride passes and resources to help their teams try the train and integrate it into their commute.

The event is supported by Hilton Garden Inn and Southern California Edison.

Registration at: https://bit.ly/TrainEmployerForum For info, visit SBCAG.org or contact info@sbcag.org

SB District Attorney Calls For Changes To Mental Health Diversion Law

SUPPORTING CHANGES TO THE CALIFORNIA MENTAL HEALTH

DIVERSION LAW, Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office has joined the California District Attorneys Association in urging the California Legislature to pass Assembly Bill 46, legislation aimed at strengthening California’s mental health diversion (MHD) law.

The bill AB 46, would close significant legal loopholes in California’s mental health diversion statute. The bill restores judicial discretion and ensures diversion programs can provide treatment while still protecting public safety. Mental health diversion, created under Penal Code §1001.36, was intended to allow individuals suffering from serious mental health conditions to receive treatment instead of incarceration when appropriate.

However, recent court rulings and statutory limitations have significantly restricted judges’ ability to deny diversion — even in serious and violent cases — limiting the courts’ ability to determine whether diversion is appropriate. Across California, there have been tragic examples in which individuals granted diversion later committed violent crimes, including murder, attempted murder, sexual assault, and domestic violence. Santa Barbara County has experienced similar cases.

Many individuals that have been charged with serious crimes are increasingly being granted diversion despite the severity of the offense or concerns raised by victims, prosecutors, or mental health experts.

District Attorney John T. Savrnoch emphasized that diversion can be an important tool when used appropriately. “Mental health diversion can be a valuable option for individuals whose criminal conduct is directly driven by untreated mental illness and who can safely receive treatment in the community,” Savrnoch said.

“However, the current law has limited judges’ ability to consider public safety when making these decisions.

Assembly Bill 46 restores the commonsense discretion judges need to ensure diversion programs provide treatment while still protecting victims and the community.”

For information about the mental health diversion loophole visit: www.placer.ca.gov/MHD

Tax Report For Santa Barbara

OVERNIGHT GUESTS IN SANTA BARBARA pay an occupancy tax and the City of Santa Barbara collected $2.2 Million in Transient Occupancy Taxes during February 2026, the eighth month in the City’s fiscal year.

Year to date, the City has collected $24.4 Million in overall TOT, of which approximately $21.4 Million came from hotels and $3.0 Million from short-term rentals. Year to date, total TOT revenues are coming in 7.1% above budget.

The Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) is a tax on “transient” guests staying in any hotel, inn, motel, or other commercial lodging establishment for a period of less than 30 days.

The City’s adopted TOT budget for all funds is $35.5 Million, of which $29.5 Million is budgeted in the General Fund.

The City’s TOT tax rate is 12.0%, of which 10.0% goes to the City’s General Fund and the remaining 2.0% goes to the Creeks/Clean Water Fund. For additional current and historical financial data, visit the City’s Budget & Reporting webpage https://santabarbaraca.gov/finance/budget-reports

Resultados fiscales de la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara

LA CIUDAD DE SANTA BÁRBARA recaudó $2.2 millones en Impuestos de Ocupación Transitoria (TOT) en febrero 2026, el octavo mes en el año fiscal de la Ciudad.

En lo que va de año, la Ciudad ha recaudado $24.4 millones en TOT general, de los cuales aproximadamente $21.4 millones provienen de hoteles y $3.0 millones de alquileres a corto plazo. A la fecha, los ingresos totales por concepto de TOT se sitúan un 7.1% por encima del presupuesto.

El Impuesto de Ocupación Transitoria (TOT) es un impuesto que grava a los huéspedes “transitorios” que se alojan en cualquier hotel, posada, motel u otro establecimiento comercial de alojamiento por un periodo inferior a 30 días.

El presupuesto adoptado por la Ciudad para el TOT, considerando todos los fondos, es de $35.5 millones, de los cuales $29.5 millones están asignados al Fondo General.

Consulte la tabla del Impuesto de Ocupación Transitoria. El tipo impositivo del TOT en la Ciudad es del 12.0 %, de los cuales el 10.0 % se destina al Fondo General de la Ciudad y el 2.0 % restante al Fondo de Arroyos y Agua Limpia.

To have your news included in VOICE Magazine, please email information to Writer@VoiceSB.com

Para obtener más datos financieros actuales e históricos, visite la página web de Presupuestos e Informes de la Ciudad https://santabarbaraca.gov/finance/budget-reports

SB Maritime Museum Gala Celebrates Ocean Legacy and Community Support

RAISING $230,000 to support its award-winning exhibits and youth education programs, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum celebrated its annual gala at Cabrillo Pavilion on March 6th. Themed “Love Boat: Sailing to Alaska,” the event featured auctions, music, dancing, and fine dining.

The evening also presented oceanexplorer, filmmaker, environmentalist, and educator Jean-Michel Cousteau with the Admiral’s Award. Cousteau shared the importance of educating young people and the role of future generations in protecting the environment.

Dr. Alex Weinstein, the President of the SBMM Board of Directors, said Cousteau represents many of the same

missions as the museum.

“His life’s work reflects the very values we hope to inspire through the museum — curiosity, stewardship, education, and a deep connection to the ocean,” said Weinstein.

Executive Director Greg Gorga received a standing ovation for his 19 years of service to the museum during his remarks. Weinstein introduced Dean Noble, who will take over for Gorga as SBMM’s new Executive Director, making the event one of transition and celebration.

The gala supports the museum’s exhibits and educational programming. Last fiscal year, SBMM worked with more than 4,800 students through 150 different programs and events. The museum also offered 50 adult education programs, which reached an additional 2,400 participants.

Richard Falk to Deliver 21st Frank K. Kelly Lecture on April 7th

HUMANITY’S FUTURE will be the topic of the 21st Frank K. Kelly Lecture, which will be delivered by professor Richard Falk and hosted by the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation at the Music Academy of the West on Tuesday, April 7th at 6pm. The lecture is free and open to the public, with advance registration encouraged.

Professor Falk will address the legal, moral, and political challenges shaping humanity’s future in an era defined by nuclear weapons, armed conflict, and global instability.

Richard Falk is an Albert G. Milbank Professor Emeritus of International Law and Practice at Princeton University, where he taught for four decades. He has served as United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories and is the author or editor of more than 75 books on international law, nuclear disarmament, human rights, and world order. His most recent book, Liberating the United Nations (2024), examines pathways for reforming global governance. Falk was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023.

For more information or to reserve free tickets, visit wagingpeace.org/21st-frank-k-kelly-lecture-on-humanitys-future-by-richard-falk

City of Goleta Celebrates CERT Graduates

“For more than 25 years, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum has connected our community to the region’s rich maritime heritage while inspiring thousands of young people through hands-on learning,” said Weinstein.

“The generosity shown at this year’s gala ensures that SBMM can continue expanding its exhibits, school programs, and youth initiatives for years to come.” sbmm.org

THE LARGEST GRADUATING CLASS over recent years for the City of Goleta’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class was recognized on March 21st at the Goleta Community Center. The 26 community members spent three Saturdays learning how to prepare and respond to disasters. Jason Levy, Goleta’s Emergency Services Coordinator, looks forward to having more community members who are able to step in when there is demand.

“These graduates are now part of Goleta’s growing network of trained residents who can support preparedness efforts, participate in volunteer opportunities, and step up during emergencies if needed,” said Levy.

The class consisted of hands-on skills such as fire extinguisher use and utility safety, basic medical operations and triage, and light search and rescue, among other CERT modules, to complete the City’s 25th basic CERT course. cityofgoleta.org

Kid’s World Playground to Close for Maintenance April 7th to 17th

KID’S WORLD, the 8,000-square-foot wooden playground within Alameda Park, will be closed for regularly scheduled maintenance from Tuesday, April 7th, through Friday, April 17th. The unique all-wood structure requires a special maintenance regimen to ensure it can hold up against the elements. City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department staff will conduct a thorough inspection of the playground and make any necessary repairs before deep cleaning, re-staining, and resealing the structure. The closure has been timed to take place after spring break and before the Earth Day Festival to reduce the impact on local families.

Chumash Leaders Denounce Sable Oil and Restart of Pipeline

By Daisy Scott / VOICE

WITH

VOICES AND MUSIC

reverberating against the sounds of the ocean, Chumash leaders and creatives firmly denounced the Sable Offshore Corp. and its reactivation of the same pipeline that caused the 2015 Refugio oil spill in a press conference on Friday, March 27th.

The event was held almost two weeks after the pipeline resumed transporting oil in the wake of an executive order from the Trump administration, despite ongoing concerns about the pipeline’s integrity and staunch opposition from the Chumash, city and county officials, state representatives, and community members. The pipeline was previously operated by Plains All American.

“As Chumash people, we are often overlooked in matters that affect us,” said Chumash linguist Dr. Maura Sullivan. “Today, we live in our homelands, but we are often disconnected. Many of us cannot afford to live here. Santa Barbara is the playground of the rich and famous, and maybe they want us only to do an opening blessing or to play their stereotypical sacred Indian. But we are real people. And

our ancestors navigated this water and this land with respect and ease as Mama Ocean.”

The morning press conference, which was held at the base of Stearns Wharf, the site of the historic Chumash village Syuxtun, featured speeches, poetry, and performances of song and dance. Dozens of passersby joined the press and activists from additional local organizations.

After an opening performance of the Chumash Dolphin Song, Dr. Sullivan shared her firsthand experiences witnessing the damage of the 2015 Refugio oil spill and mobilizing with others to clean what they could. She denounced politicians and oil companies who favor profit over protecting the environment.

“Nine years later, I do not want to do that again,” said Dr. Sullivan. “There will come a time when we cannot keep cleaning the messes of extractive oil.”

Mariza Sullivan, who served as the Tribal Chair of the Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation from 2020 to 2022, also spoke of her past efforts to stop Exxon’s oil trucking proposal. She challenged Sable’s statements that the pipeline has

been “fixed,” adding that the Trump administration is backing the pipeline because they view California as an “enemy.”

“I see this as another version of how we are being abused and used, that we are just another resource, and we will get pushed aside just as much as the other people through the world when it comes to extraction,” said Sullivan.

Mia Lopez, who was the Chair for the Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation during the 2015 oil spill, agreed that the issue is no longer if another spill will occur, but when and how badly it will impact the environment and community. She stressed it will be local individuals who once again spend their time, energy, and resources to clean up another corporate mess.

“This is unacceptable, for other people to determine our lands, our home as dispensable, as okay collateral,” said Lopez. “As Chumash people, we’ve been

fighting for our land forever, but you know what? We’re all here together now, it’s all of our home. We all live here. This oil doesn’t affect just our villages, it affects our villages and your homes. It affects our people, our way of life, and yours. It affects our children and your children. It affects your ocean, your ability to enjoy this beautiful beach. So, we have to come together. We have to find ways to come together to fight against this oil.”

Chumash poet Amber Pagaling sang an original song and recited “Peerless,” a poem on the capitalist and colonial oppression Indigenous peoples, the environment, and communities continue to face.

Local Aztec dancers concluded the event with a powerful performance, moving in time to the beat of drummers. Long after the final beats rang out, attendees stayed along the waterfront, discussing steps for future community action.

LaP rimavera! A FIESTA TRADITION...

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.

On the Street with John Palminteri

Food Vendors: Education/Enforcement

STARTING APRIL 1ST, Santa Barbara County will have a focused enforcement and education outreach for unpermitted food sales at street locations. Vendors in areas including Hwy 154 and Hwy 246 in the Santa Ynez Valley have been found without health permits and serious hazards, including:

• Food stored or transported without refrigeration

• Improper cooking and holding temperatures

• No handwashing facilities

• Cross-contamination and unsanitary food handling

• Cockroach and pest infestations

• Open-flame cooking in high fire hazard areas

• Roadside vending along Highways 154 and 246 creating traffic hazards

• Illegal dumping of grease and food waste

The enforcement may include confiscating their cooking equipment.

It’s still to be seen if the cities within the county will be part of a unified enforcement effort.

To Vacation or Staycation?

WITH RISING GAS PRICES and other consumer spending issues, the staycation option for Spring break fits many budgets. Even a “near-cation” is an option to still get a break but save on a few tanks.

Happy 107th, Mary!

New Owners at The Post

for her 107th birthday that included a ride on Cycling Without Age and a party at the Lynda Fairly Arts Center.

THE POST RETAIL AND SHOPPING CENTER has been sold in Santa Barbara for $56-million. It is 36,855-square-feet located at 1801 E. Cabrillo Blvd near Montecito and across from the Andree Clark Bird Refuge. Charlotte-based Asana Partners purchased the property. It was redeveloped by the Runyan Group after the previous sale in 2022.

Chad’s Property for Sale

First Responders Updates

WHILE A LARGE CROWD WAS ENJOYING A MUSIC FESTIVAL at the Earl Warren Showgrounds Sunday, a fight broke out. Six people were reportedly injured. Extra Santa Barbara CHP, Sheriff, Police, fire and AMR were called in to calm the disturbance. No arrests have been reported and the investigation continues.

THE BUILDING WHERE THE LOCALLY OWNED CHAD’S RESTAURANT IS LOCATED at 216 west Cabrillo Blvd. in Santa Barbara is for sale for $5.7 million. Radius Commercial Real Estate calls it a trophy investment property.

AN ON AGAIN-OFF AGAIN PURSUIT SCENE

unfolded Saturday afternoon in Santa Barbara with a driver who was reckless, reported to be intoxicated and threatening. Other details and possible crimes are expected to be reported. The chase ended with a crash into a freeway wall, Hwy 101 northbound at the Hope exit. By then eleven law enforcement vehicles and AMR were on scene.

John Palminteri is a veteran news reporter and anchor for Newschannel 3-12 TV and both KJEE and KCLU radio in Santa

Off the air, he’s often bringing his smile and positive energy to the

at fundraisers and civic events. John’s social media presence has one of the largest followings in

and this page has the weekly highlights. Twitter: @JohnPalminteri • Instagram: @JohnPalminteriNews www.facebook.com/john.palminteri.5

Moonlight Masquerade Gala at the Rosewood Miramar

By Robert F. Adams / Special to VOICE

GOOD

FORTUNE

SMILED upon Opera Santa Barbara with a beautifully realized fundraiser at the Rosewood Miramar Beach ballroom on March 27th. Replete with a collaboration between the local company’s expert soloists and the graceful dancers from the State Street Ballet, the elegant ballroom was filled with generous benefactors.

by men in black tie, adorned with masques befitting the Venice-Italian theme with a slight touch of Mardis Gras flair. Other inspired outfits included regal buttoned suits, sparkling dresses that seemed to glow, and even a Venice lion outfit, all honing in on the lushness of the evening.

A garden cocktail and wine reception offered a lively, social time to celebrate the successes of the current season and to toast the operas and programming slated for next year. The cocktail reception was followed by a multicourse dining experience from the expert Miramar creative chef, Massimo Falsini, and his team. The over-the-top elegantly attired guests wore fabulous full-length gowns accompanied

The first performance on the small stage was the chorus-sung Masquerade from Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Phantom of the Opera, followed by soloists including soprano Oriana Geis-Falla, tenor Aronold Livingston Geis, and baritone Matthew Peterson, with songs from Rigoletto, Pucchini, Rossini, West Side Story, and concluding with a bravura rendition of Some Enchanted Evening from South Pacific Further surprises were offered with a stirring Nessun Dorma from Pucchini’s Turandot and the famed and rousing Libiamo ne’ lieti calic ‘I (Let’s Drink from the Joyful Cups)  from Puccini’s La Traviata Outstanding chorus members, over ten strong,

offered on point support for the soloists in a dazzling display of company talent.

The night's special honoree was renaissance person, reliable supporter, longstanding board member, and benefactor Dr. Bob Weinman, who has offered so much support over the years to this opera company. According to Kostis Protopapas, the creative leader of Opera Santa Barbara, “Bob Weinman is someone who I have come to really trust, who says what is on his mind, and who has been, well, instrumental in the growth of our opera company. We are actually the smallest city in the country that has its own opera company, and we appreciate Bob for all he has done and continues to do to keep this art form alive and thriving in Santa Barbara.”

The evening concluded with a paddle-raise for funding the next season. Guests walked away with silver masks and the pride of their individual generosity, offering vital support for the artistic efforts on this small but far-ranging opera company followed by dancing and a sumptuous desert table. Credits for the layers of organization for this gala include co-chair Melody Ellison; gala production lead Jessica Hetrick; Jenna Jobst, who co-chaired with support from Joan Rutkowski; Michele Sakakibara; and Sandy Urquart; as well as the staff from OSB including Kostis Protopapas, Nina Dunbar, Julia Lieberman, and many others. Sponsors included The Halo Group, Jenavi Vineyards, emcee auctioneer Keith Fox, Production Coordinator Kourtni Noll, and many other participants and volunteers. OperaSB.org

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Job Openings in Decline

“The number of job openings was little changed at 6.9 million in February, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the month, hires decreased to 4.8 million, and total separations changed little at 5.0 million.” BLS.gov

By Harlan Green, Special to VOICE

April 1, 2026

THE LABOR DEPARTMENT’S JOB OPENINGS AND LABOR TURNOVER SURVEY (JOLTS) was bad news for workers.

It has now fallen to just 6.9 million in February 2026, as per this graph of monthly job openings of available nonfarm payroll jobs tallied by the Labor Department. Actual job hirings fell to 4.8 million while 5.0 million left the workforce, a net loss of 200,000 jobs.

term, Trump presided over a historic net loss of nearly three million jobs, the worst jobs numbers ever recorded under an American president, as tabulated by FactCheck.org.

ECONOMIC VOICE

By Harlan Green

The tally has been below seven million openings since September 2024 as the U.S. economy had the fastest recovery in the developed world, down from more than 12 million job openings in March 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The actual number of hires has also continued to decline in part due to the tariff price hikes but also a decrease in immigration that was the source of a growing labor force during Biden’s presidency.

Former Clinton Labor Secretary Robert Reich listed the economic damage from Trump’s first term alone. He (Trump) pledged to be “the greatest jobs president that God has ever created.”

But he’s been the worst jobs president in American history. In his first

Santa Barbara South County Sales

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Santa Barbara Mortgage Interest Rates

Contact your local loan agent or mortgage broker for current rates:

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Please call for current rates: Russell Story, 805-895-8831

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MONTECITO BANK & TRUST

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FactCheck.org showed more of the decline in Trump’s first term:

• The international trade deficit Trump promised to reduce went up. The U.S. trade deficit in goods and services in 2020 was the highest since 2008 and increased 36.3 percent from 2016.

• The number of people lacking health insurance rose by three million.

• The federal debt held by the public went up, from $14.4 trillion to $21.6 trillion.

And, President Trump's month-long war with Iran is adding to the damage with the blocked petroleum supply chain that provides so many necessary byproducts—such as fertilizer, natural gas, and helium, for starters.

“After a month, your war has already cost 13 American lives, cost American taxpayers at least $30 billion, cost American consumers at least a dollar more per gallon of gas than they paid a month ago, pushed up food prices and mortgage rates, and pushed down the value of 401(k) retirement plans. It’s mangled supply chains for industries that rely on items such as fertilizer to grow food or helium to make computer chips,” said Professor Reich.

Job creation has been going downhill since Biden because job creation has never been the Trump administration’s priority. Trump’s current vacillation on the reason for the Iran war is the biggest tell. He says it isn’t regime change or prevention of a nuclear bomb any more. He might even allow Iran to maintain control of the Strait.

The Iran War will add to the damage that has already been done to the U.S.—and maybe worldwide—economy from the single-minded focus on what is most important to President Trump and his Robber Barons; bringing back another Gilded Age with its ultra-consolidation of wealth that has caused record public debt that is being paid for by American taxpayers.

So we shouldn’t be looking at the 1970’s era of stagflation for a result from the Iran War because of the damage already done in President Trump’s second term, whether the Strait is closed, or not. It may take longer to materialize, but it looks more like another Great Recession, as I said recently, caused by the economic mismanagement of another Republican administration involved in a Middle East war.

A key will be watching the employment picture this week, especially the Labor Department’s Friday unemployment report.

Harlan Green © 2026 Follow Harlan Green on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HarlanGreen

Harlan Green has been the 18-year Editor-Publisher of PopularEconomics.com, a weekly syndicated financial wire service. He writes a Popular Economics Weekly Blog. He is an economic forecaster and teacher of real estate finance with 30-years experience as a banker and mortgage broker. To reach Harlan call 805-452-7696 or email editor@populareconomics.com.

VOICE Magazine • Community Market • LEGAL NOTICES

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER: 26CV01234

Petitioner: Vanesa Carachure filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Aleyda Lucia Carachure to PROPOSED NAME: Aleyda Lucia Meza. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: May 6, 2026; Time: 10:00 am; Dept.: 3; ROOM: [ ] other (specify): at the: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the courts website. To find your courts website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm.) 3 a. [X] A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation: [x] (for resident of this county) printed in this county: VOICE MAGAZINE. Date: 03/10/26 /s/: Thomas P. Anderle , Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #26CV01234 Pub Dates: March 27, April 3, 10, 17, 2026.

Where to Learn About Local Government Meetings

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

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

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

The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meets most Tuesdays at 9am • To learn more about other County departments visit www.countyofsb.org

The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) generally meets on the third Thursday of the month at 10am · SBCAG is a regional board of 13 elected officials representing all eight cities and the County · visit www.sbcag.org

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BillJDalziel@gmail.com WilliamDalziel.work

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:

The following Limited Liability Company is doing business as COVENANT CONSTRUCTION AND CABINETRY at 138 Santa Felicia Drive, Goleta, CA 93117. COVENANT WOODS PRODUCTS, LLC at 5680 Surfrider Way Unit 107, Goleta, CA 93117. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on March 3, 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. 2026-0000522. Published March 13, 20, 27, April 3, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:

The following Limited Liability Company is doing business as J1 PROPERTY SERVICES, LLC at 419 Glennora Way, Buellton, CA 93427. J1 PROPERTY SERVICES, LLC at 2108 N Street Suite N, Sacramento, CA 95818. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on March 10, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000579. Published March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026.

chris@suncoastrealestate.com

www.chrisagnoli.com

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE – CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER : 26CV01616 Petitioner: Christopher Daniel Martinez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Christopher Daniel Martinez to PROPOSED NAME: Christopher Daniel Silva. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: May 15, 2026; Time: 10:00 am; Dept.: 4; ROOM: [ ] other (specify): at the: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the courts website. To find your courts website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm.) 3 a. [X] A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation: [x] (for resident of this county) printed in this county: VOICE MAGAZINE. Date: 03/24/26 /s/: Donna D. Geck, Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #26CV01616 Pub Dates: April 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026.

AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE – CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER : 25CV06013 . Petitioner: Maureen Elfrieda Imbs filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Maureen Elfrieda Imbs to PROPOSED NAME: Maureen Imbs Entera. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: May 18, 2026; Time: 10:00 am; Dept.: 5; ROOM: [ ] other (specify): at the: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the courts website. To find your courts website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm.) 3 a. [X] A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation: [x] (for resident of this county) printed in this county: VOICE MAGAZINE. Date: 03/25/26 /s/: Colleen K. Sterne , Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #25CV06013 Pub Dates: April 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:

The following Corporation is doing business as QUALITY CARE CLEAN at 100 N. Hope Avenue, 03A, Santa Barbara, CA 93110. QUALITY MAIDS, INC at 226 E Canon Perdido St Suite J, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on March 23, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000777. Published March 27, April 3, 10, 17, 2026.

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.

Which non-profits will you support?

VOICE Magazine • Community Market • LEGAL

NOTICE OF PUBLICATIONS ON APPLICATIONS REGARDING PROVISIONS OF TITLE 28 AND/OR 30 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA (SBMC)

The Secretary of the Staff Hearing Officer has set a public hearing for Wednesday, April 15, 2026 beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the David Gebhard Public Meeting Room, 630 Garden Street. On Thursday, April 9, 2026, an Agenda with all items to be heard on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 will be available online at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/SHO. Agendas, Minutes, and Staff Reports are also accessible online at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/SHO.

TELEVISION COVERAGE: This meeting will be broadcast live on City TV-Channel 18 and online at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CityTV. See SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CityTVProgramGuide for a rebroadcast schedule. An archived video of this meeting will be available at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PCVideos.

WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT: Public comments may be submitted via email to PCSecretary@SantaBarbaraCA.gov before the beginning of the Meeting. All public comments submitted via email will be provided to the Commission and will become part of the public record. You may also submit written correspondence via US Postal Service (USPS) addressed to PC Secretary, PO Box 1990, Santa Barbara, CA 93102-1990. However, please be advised, correspondence sent via USPS may not be received in time to process prior to the meeting and email submissions are highly encouraged. Please note that the Commission may not have time to review written comments received after 4:30 p.m. the Tuesday before the meeting.

All public comment that is received before 4:30 p.m. the Tuesday before the meeting will be published on the City’s website at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PC. Comments provided via USPS or e-mail will be converted to a PDF before being posted on the City’s website. Note: comments will be published online the way they are received and without redaction of personal identifying information; including but not limited to phone number, home address, and email address. Only submit information that you wish to make available publicly.

APPEALS: Decisions of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council. For further information and guidelines on how to appeal a decision to City Council, please contact the City Clerk’s office at Clerk@SantaBarbaraCA.gov as soon as possible. Appeals may be filed in person at the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or in writing via email to Clerk@SantaBarbaraCA.gov and by first class mail postage prepaid within 10 calendar days of the meeting at which the Commission took action or rendered its decision.  Appeals and associated fee postmarked after the 10th calendar day will not be accepted.

NOTE TO INTERESTED PARTIES: Only those persons who participate through public comment either orally or in writing on an item on this Agenda have standing to appeal the decision. Grounds for appeal are limited to those issues raised either orally or in written correspondence delivered to the review body at, or prior to, the public hearing.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT:  If you need services or staff assistance to attend or participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator’s Office at (805) 5645305. If possible, notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will usually enable the City to make reasonable arrangements. Specialized services, such as sign language interpretation or documents in Braille, may require additional lead time to arrange.

• 335 S Milpas St

Assessor’s Parcel Number: 017-285-003

Zoning Designation: C-2/S-D-3 (Commercial/Coastal Overlay)

Application Number: PLN2023-00331 Filing Date: 8/15/2023

Applicant / Owner: Jarrett Gorin, Vanguard Planning Inc. / Calle Puerto Vallarta Partners, GP, LLC; Austin Herlihy

Project Description: Tentative Parcel Map; Demolish 3 existing buildings; Addition to existing market building; New multi-unit residential building.

To

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.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:

The following Individual is doing business as RICH’S PERFORMANCE DIESEL; RICH’S PLUMBING; RICH’S MACHINE at 120 Industrial Way, Buellton, CA 93427. RICHARD A DRAKE at PO Box 1900, Buellton, CA 93427. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on March 23, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000773. Published March 27, April 3, 10, 17, 2026.

To place your classified, email advertising@VoiceSB.com

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:

The following Limited Liability Company is doing business as UNICORN BREATHING MASK; HATTA GIRL at 5750 Via Real, Unit 308, Carpinteria, CA 93013. UNICORNS UNITE LLC at PO Box 40106, Santa Barbara, CA 93140. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on March 30, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000842. Published April 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026.

The following Individual is doing business as FULL CYCLE BUSINESS PLANNING AND ACCOUNTING and FULL CYCLE ACCOUNTANTS at 1607 Mission Street Suite 216 Solvang, CA 93463. CHERILYNN GLIMP at PO Box 1051 Solvang, CA 93464. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on March 13, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000579. Published March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:

The following Individual is doing business as FULL CYCLE BUSINESS PLANNING AND ACCOUNTING and FULL CYCLE ACCOUNTANTS at 1607 Mission Street Suite 216 Solvang, CA 93463. CHERILYNN GLIMP at PO Box 1051 Solvang, CA 93464. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on March 13, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000579. Published March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:

The following Limited Liability Company is doing business as BROOKLYN WEST LABS LLC at 2214 Channing Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. BROOKLYN WEST FILMS LLC at 2214 Channing Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on March 17, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000579. Published March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:

The following Limited Liability Company is doing business as J1 PROPERTY SERVICES, LLC at 419 Glennora Way, Buellton, CA 93427. J1 PROPERTY SERVICES, LLC at 2108 N Street Suite N, Sacramento, CA 95818. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on March 10, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0000579. Published March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 2026.

CINEMA

CINEMA EVENTS

Lahaina: Voices of Change • Documentary screening presented by Archie Kalepa’s Lele Aloha, founded to help rebuild Lāhainā, followed by a panel discussion • Lobero Theatre • $45-250 • lobero.org • 7:30pm Fr, 4/3.

Network • 50th anniversary screening of Paddy Chayefsky’s 1976 satire about media and corporations directed, introduction by UCSB professor Jason Ludwig • UCSB’s Pollock Theatre • Free, reservation recommended • carseywolf.ucsb.edu • 2pm Sa, 4/4.

The Burning: The Untold Story of Africa’s Refugee Crisis • Screening of film created undercover over 10 years; talk by filmmaker Isabella Alexander-Nathani • UCSB CWC Pollock Theater • Free, RSVP: carseywolf.ucsb.edu • 7pm Tu, 4/7.

The Other Roe • Documentary short on civil rights attorney Margie Pitts Hames; talk by director Wendy Eley Jackson • UCSB CWC Pollock Theater • Free, RSVP: carseywolf.ucsb. edu • 7pm Th, 4/9.

In a Whisper • Screening of film exploring artists’ reflections on Cuban diaspora • Mary Craig Auditorium, SBMA • Free, RSVP: sbma.net • 3pm Su, 4/12.

Southern Edge • Premiere of this Tasmania surf film • Alcazar Theatre • $20 • thealcazar.org • 7-9pm Su, 4/12.

Reminders of Him* (PG13): Fri-Sun: 2:20,

Super Mario Galaxy* (PG): Fri/Sat: 12:15, 1:10, 2:50, 3:40/3D, 5:20, 6:15, 8:00, 8:45. Sun: 12:15, 1:10, 2:50, 3:40/3D, 5:20, 6:15, 8:00. Mon-Thur: 1:10, 2:50, 3:40/3D, 5:20, 6:15, 8:00. They Will Kill You (R): Fri-Wed: 5:00. Thur: 1:45.

Project Hail Mary* (PG13): Fri/Sat: 12:45, 2:00, 5:30, 7:45, 9:00. Sun: 12:45, 2:00, 5:30, 7:45. Mon-Wed: 1:00, 2:00, 5:30, 7:45. Thur: 2:00, 4:15. Beast* (R): Thur: 5:30, 8:15.

Super Mario Galax y* (PG): Fri-Sun: 11:00,11:35, 12:15, 1:30, 2:05/3D, 2:45, 4:00, 4:40/3D, 5:15, 6:30, 7:45, 9:00. Mon, Wed/Thur: 1:30, 2:05/3D, 2:45, 4:00, 4:40/3D, 5:15, 6:30, 7:45. Tue: 1:30, 2:05/3D, 2:45, 4:00, 4:40/3D, 5:15, 6:30, 7:45, 9:00. The Drama* (R): Fri-Sun: 11:15, 1:50, 4:25, 7:00, 9:35. Mon, Wed: 3:00, 5:35, 8:15, Tue: 1:50, 4:25, 7:00, 9:35. Thur: 12:25, 3:00, 5:35, 8:15. They Will Kill You (R): Fri-Wed: 8:00. Thur: 11:50.

Project Hail Mary* (PG13): Fri-Thur: 12:00, 2:15, 3:45, 5:45, 7:30, 9:15. Beast* (R): Thur: 5:00, 8:05.

Super Mario Galaxy* (PG): Fri-Sun: 2:00, 4:30, 7:00. Mon-Wed: 4:30, 7:00.

The Drama* (R): Fri-Sun: 2:30, 5:20, 8:00. Mon-Thur: 5:20, 8:00. A Great Awakening (PG13): Fri-Sun

Reminders of Him (PG13): Fri-Sun: 2:15, 7:45. Mon-Wed: 7:45.

You, Me & Tuscany* (PG13): Thur: 5:00, 7:45.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Friday 4/3

CHILDREN

Pokemon Battle Party • Bring your cards to trade or play with other Pokemon Masters • Central Library • Free • 2-4pm Fr, 4/3.

Read with a Dog • Children practice reading to a furry friend • Central Library • Free • 3:30-4:30pm Fr.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Full Moon Meditation Program • Unity of Santa Barbara • $20 • tomgobrien182@gmail.com • 7pm Fr, 4/3.

Tai Chi at the Garden • With Master Yun • SB Botanic Garden • $10-15 • sbbotanicgarden.org • 9am Fr, 4/3.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

• Free tax preparation service for SB County residents who make $67,000 or less a year • Eastside Library • Book an appt: calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov

• 4-7pm Fr, 4/3.

Advancing Marine Protection on the Central Coast • Hear from expert speakers and explore ways to take action • CEC Environmental Hub • Free, register: cecsb.org • 4-5:30pm Fr, 4/3.

Filipinos’ Contributions to Once Making Lompoc the ‘Flower Capital of the World’ • Presented by Bing Aradanas • Grossman Gallery, Lompoc Public Library • Free • 5pm exhibit, 6pm talk Fr, 4/3.

How JWST is Changing Everything Astronomers

Know

• Talk by UCLA Prof. Matthew Malkan • Farrand Auditorium, SBMNH • Free • sbnature.org • 7:30-9pm Fr, 4/3.

MUSIC

New York Philharmonic String Quartet, Night 2 • With Grammy nominated pianist Han Chen • Hahn Hall • $65-80 • musicacademy.org • 7:30pm Fr, 4/3.

Los Rieleros del Norte • Regional Mexican music • Chumash Casino • chumashcasino.com • $55-80 • 8pm Fr, 4/3.

OUTDOORS

SBC Courthouse Docent Tours

• Free • www.sbcourthouse.org • 10:30am Mon-Fri & 2pm daily.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Good Friday Foot Washing Event • Foot washing, hot meals, socks, new shoes, showers, and medical care for community members in need; hosted by Doctors Without Borders • Veterans Memorial Building

• Free • 10am-1pm Fr, 4/3.

Saturday 4/4

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.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Nature & Forest Therapy • Guided Nature-based integrative mindfulness practice instructed by Elena Rios • Santa Barbara Botanic Garden • $20-35 • sbbotanicgarden.org • 8:30am Sa, 4/4.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

• Free tax preparation service for SB County residents who make $67,000 or less a year • Eastside Library • Book an appt: calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov • 9am-1pm Sa, 4/4.

Community Propagation Workshops • Hands-on native

Gabriela Radu, CMT

Therapeutic Massage

Specializing in injuries, Sports massage, Swedish, Lymphatic, Somatic massage & Life Coaching

v.gabriela@yahoo.com

805-453-1139

www.comefromyourheart.com

plant workshops • Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Backcountry • Free, reservation recommended • sbbotanicgarden.org • 10:30am to 12pm Sa, 4/4 & Su, 4/5.

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

Piano Masterclass • Watch pianist Han Chen mentor local students • Lehmann Hall • $10 • musicacademy.org • 10am Sa, 4/4.

The Unaccompanied Miners

• Cold Springs Tavern • Free • 1:304:30pm Sa, 4/4.

Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips • Folk rock performance • Lobero Theatre • $55-115 • lobero.org

• 7:30pm Sa, 4/4.

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.

Twilight Tour • Self-guided through the Lotusland Garden • Ganna Walska Lotusland • $40-80 • lotusland.org • 4:30pm Sa, 4/4.

The Architectural Walking Tour

• History of buildings in SB • City Hall steps at De la Guerra Plaza • $20 • afsb.org • 10am, Sat.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Archive-Library Open House • Explore the collection • Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library • Free • 9:30am-12:30pm Sa, 4/4. Farmer and the Flea • Shop local makers and chefs • El Presidio • 10am-3pm Sa, 4/4.

Sunday 4/5

CHILDREN

Storytime @ the Sea Center • All ages • Free w/ admission • SBNature.org • 10:30–10:45am Sat & Sun.

Happy Easter!

CELEBRATE

EASTER WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY all weekend long as Santa Barbara hosts egg hunts, festive activities, and special events for children of all ages.

The Great Egg Hunt • Egg hunt for ages 0-5 and 6+ • Elings Park • Free, reg required: elingspark.org • 9:30am-3pm Sa, 4/4.

Easter at the Mart • Easter Bunny visit, egg hunt, visit chicks & bunnies • Montecito Country Mart • Free • 11am-2pm Sa, 4/4.

Easter Sunrise Service at Goleta Beach • All are welcome, hosted by Christ Lutheran Church • Goleta Beach, Area A, 5986 Sandspit Rd. • Free • 6:30am Su, 4/5.

Easter Brunch • Buffet with a raw seafood bar, soup and salads, appetizers, entrees, and desserts • Finch & Fork • $89, $45 ages 12 and under • finchandforkrestaurant.com/special-events • 10:30am-4pm Su, 4/5.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Empathy Cafe • Practice communication and listening skills • Riviera Theatre, upstairs • Free • 11am-1pm Su.

MUSIC

Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan • Guitar and harmonica blues • Cold Springs Tavern • Free • 1:30-4:30pm Su, 4/5.

OUTDOORS

Sunday Architecture Tour • Meet at Public Library Plaza at 40 E Anapamu St • Architectural Fdn of SB • $20 • afsb.org • 10am Sun.

Monday 4/6

CHILDREN

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.

Baby & Me • Develop your baby’s preliteracy skills, 0-14 months • Central Library • Free • 11-11:30am Mo.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Volunteer Income Tax

Assistance • Free tax preparation

service for SB County residents who make $67,000 or less a year • Eastside Library • Book an appt: calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov • 4-7pm Mo, 4/6.

Creative Cluster • Sarah Emma Ruth’s 12 week exploration of Julia Cameron’s Artist Way • Community Arts Workshop • $25-49 • sbcaw.org • 5:30 Mo, through 4/20.

Simo’mo: The Story of a Chumash Village • Talk by Moorpark College Prof. Andrew Kinkella • Farrand Auditorium, SBMNH • Free • sbnature.org • 7-8:30pm Mo, 4/6.

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

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Flower Empower Luncheon

CELEBRATE AND SUPPORT Flower Empower, a program of Dream Foundation that delivers hope and compassion through the simple beauty of flowers, at a special luncheon from 11am to 2pm on Thursday, April 9th at Rosewood Miramar Beach. The afternoon will feature annual awards, a silent and live auction, a raffle, and delicious cuisine. For tickets ($150) visit dreamfoundation.org

MUSIC

SBCC Monday Madness Jazz Orchestra • $15 cover • SOhO • sohosb.com • 7pm Mo, 4/6.

Tuesday 4/7

COMEDY

Carpinteria Improv Drop-In

Class • Learn or practice skills • Alcazar Theatre • $10 • 7pm Tu.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Intermediate Spanish Conversation Class • Practice speaking and listening skills • Central Library • Free, register: calendar. library.santabarbaraca.gov • 10-11am Tu, 4/7.

Fiction Book Club • Discuss You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi • Faulkner Gallery, Central Library • Free, register: calendar.library. santabarbaraca.gov • 5:30pm Tu, 4/7. What Our Monuments Say About Us • Community workshop and panel About Santa Barbara’s King Carlos III statue and how we memorialize the past • Presidio Chapel, SBTHP • Free • sbthp.org

• 6-7:30pm Tu, 4/7 & 2-3:30pm Su, 4/12.

Marie Benedict • Discussing her new book Daughter of Egypt • Godmothers Books • $33+ • godmothers.com • 6pm Tu, 4/7.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

The True Story of Fremont, Foxen and the San Marcos Pass

• Talk by Neal Graffy • SB Historical Museum • $10-20 • sbhistorical.org • 11am & 5:30pm We, 4/8.

SBPL Works! Learn the Basics of a Spreadsheet • 4-part series to learn Excel • Central Library • Free, register: calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov • 11am-12pm We, 4/8.

Romance Book Club • Discuss Star Shipped by Cat Sebastian • Central Library, Faulkner Gallery • Free • 5:30-6:30pm We, 4/8.

Jamilah Lemieux & Gaye Theresa Johnson • Lemieux discusses Black. Single. Mother.: Real Life Tales of Longing and Belonging • Godmother Books • $17+ • godmothers.com • 6pm We, 4/8.

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

Ibram X. Kendi • National Book Award winner • UCSB Arts & Lectures • Campbell Hall • Free-$30 • artsandlectures.ucsb.edu • 7:30pm Tu, 4/7.Chess Club • Louise Lowry Davis Center • All levels/ English/Spanish • Free • 1-4pm Tue.

MUSIC

Disclosure Live • Electronic duo

• SB Bowl • $51-105 • sbbowl.com • 7pm Tu, 4/7 & We, 4/8.

Youthclusive Cabaret • Fundraiser for student performing arts program • SOhO • $15-25 • sohosb.com • 7pm Tu, 4/7.

OUTDOORS

Morning Bird Walk • With birding expert Rebecca Coulter • SB Botanic Garden • $25-35 • sbbotanicgarden. org • 8:30-10am Tu, 4/7.

Wednesday 4/8

CHILDREN

Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros

• Celebrate children and literacy with books, activities, crafts • Eastside Library • Free • 1-3pm We, 4/8.

Creator’s Club • Bilingual, weekly STEAM activity • Eastside Library • Free • 2-3pm We.

DANCE

Downtown Salsa & Bachata

Dancing • Free dance lessons • State St, in front of M. Special • 6-8pm We, through 4/29.

Thursday 4/9

COMEDY

Ralph Barbosa - The Red 40 Tour

• Stand-up show • Arlington Theatre

• $45+ • arlingtontheatresb.com • 7:30pm Th, 4/9.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Basic Spanish Conversation Class • Practice speaking and listening • Central Library • Free, register: calendar.library. santabarbaraca.gov • 11am-12pm Th, 4/9.

Poetry Month Celebration

• Featuring poets Stephanie Barbé Hammer, Rich Ferguson, Kathleen Florence, and Melinda Palacio • Chaucer’s Books • Free • 6pm We, 4/8.

Amy Wallace & Claire

Hoffman • Journalists discuss memoir of the woman who dared to take on Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell • Godmothers Books • $23+ • godmothers.com • 6pm Th, 4/9.

CEC Lecture with Christopher F. Jones • Jones discusses new book

The Invention of Infinite Growth

SPECIAL EVENTS

15th Annual Flower Empower Luncheon • Awards, auction, and more to support Dream Foundation • Rosewood Miramar Beach • $150 • dreamfoundation.org • 11am-2pm Th, 4/9.

Groundbreaking Ceremony • Celebrateing the start of construction on the San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path, with Mayor Paula Perotte among other speakers • Armitos Park Community Garden • 1:30pm Th, 4/9.

Friday 4/10

CHILDREN

Sensory-Friendly Storytime

• Songs, stories, and calming breath techniques with lowered lights and sensory support • Central Library

• Free, register: calendar.library. santabarbaraca.gov • 4:45-5:15pm Fr, 4/10.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOP

Marshall Crenshaw with James Mastro • Rock n’ roll, ages 21+ • SOhO • $42 • sohosb.com • 6:30pm We, 4/8.

Terence Blanchard and Ravi Coltrane • Jazz concert celebrating the Miles Davis and John Coltrane Centennial • UCSB Arts & Lectures • Granada Theatre • $50-95 • granadasb.org • 7:30pm We, 4/8.

Open Jam • At Revolver Pizza. Jam with musicians • 1429 San Andres St • Free • revolversb.com • 6-9pm Wed.

OUTDOORS

Spring Birding Classes • Guided walks with with Sophie Cameron • Various locations • $75100 • sbnature.org • 8:30-10:30am We, through 5/13.

TEENS

Teen Resume Workshop • For grades 9-12 • Central Library • Free, register: calendar.library. santabarbaraca.gov • 4:15-5:15pm We, 4/8.

• CEC Environmental Hub • Free, RSVP: cecsb.org • 6:30-8pm Th, 4/9.

The Journey WithinMeditation & Wisdom with Gurudev • Humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar • Granada Theatre • $59-259 • granadasb.org • 7pm Th, 4/9.

Knit ‘n’ Needle • Fiber arts club • Montecito Library • Free • 2pm Th.

MUSIC

Doublewide Kings Benefit

Concert • Rock for the More Mesa Preservation Coalition • Lobero Theatre • $67-157 • lobero.org • 7:30pm Th, 4/9.

Trestles & Eternal Wave with Orangepit • Surf/psych music, ages 18+ • SOhO • $15-22 • sohosb.com • 9pm Th, 4/9.

OUTDOORS

Forest Therapy Walk • Reconnect with nature • SB Botanic Garden • $35-40 • sbbotanicgarden.org • 4-5pm Th, 4/9.

State of the City – From Goleta to Carpinteria • Hear from elected officials and city administration • SB South Coast Chamber of Commerce

• Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort • $175-225 • sbscchamber.com • 11am-2pm Fr, 4/10.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance • Free tax preparation service for SB County residents who make $67,000 or less a year • Eastside Library • Book an appt: calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov • 4-7pm Fr, 4/10.

Pre-concert Talk: Danish String Quartet and Danish National Girls’ Choir • With UCSB musicology professor Derek Katz • CEC Hub • Free, RSVP: artsandlectures.ucsb.edu • 5:30pm Fr, 4/10.

Prime Time Band

Spring Concert

ENJOY SOME OF THE GREATEST MUSIC FROM THE SILVER SCREEN when the Prime Time Band hosts a free spring concert at the Lobero Theatre at 2pm on Saturday, April 12th. Led by Dr. Paul Mori, the concert will include music from films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Romeo and Juliet, along with jazz and pop favorites.

MUSIC

Danish String Quartet and Danish National Girls’ Choir • Nordic folk songs and contemporary works, including a U.S. premiere by David Lang • UCSB Arts & Lectures • Granada Theatre • $50-110 • granadasb.org • 7pm Fr, 4/10.

Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas

• Pianist Gilles Vonsattel, presented by Camerata Pacifica • Hahn Hall • $35-75 • cameratapacifica.org • 7pm Fr, 4/10.

Emo Kids • Jam out to emo anthems, ages 21+ • SOhO • $21-25 • sohosb.com • 8pm Fr, 4/10.

SPECIAL EVENTS

La Piazza: A Celebration of Italian Culture • Concerts, Italian vendors and makers, speakers, food, pasta-making workshop, and more • SB Public Library Plaza and Faulkner

DANCE

2026 Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta • Watch the final auditions where the Spirit will be named • Lobero Theatre • $32 • lobero.org • 2pm Sa, 4/11.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

The Sacred Circle With Diana Raab, Ph.D. • Calling forth the poet within • Godmothers Books • $39 • godmothers.com • 2-4pm Sa, 4/11. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance • Free tax preparation service for SB County residents who make $67,000 or less a year • Eastside Library • Book an appt: calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov • 9am-1pm Sa, 4/11.

MUSIC

Paradise Road • Enjoy live music while you eat • Cold Springs Tavern • 1:30-4:40pm Sa, 4/11.

SB Music Club • Lysenko, Mozart, and Bortkevych • St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church • Free • 3pm Sa, 4/11.

Leighton Bell, Clarinet Recital

Gallery • Free, schedule: • lapiazza.life

• 3:30pm opening concert Fr, 4/10; 124:30pm Sa, 4/11 & Su, 4/12.

Kale Disco • Dancing, and plant-based dining supporting Rooted SB County • CAW • $200 • rootedsantabarbara.org • 5:30pm Fr, 4/10.

Saturday 4/11

CHILDREN

Storytime in the Restoration Plot • Hear nature-themed stories with the SB Public Library & Botanic Garden in nature • Elings Park restoration site • Free • 10-11:30am Sa, 4/11.

Kitty Caterpillar • Read-aloud with authors Annabeth Bondor-Stone and Connor Whiteand • Godmothers Books • godmothers.com • 11am Sa, 4/11.

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.

• Student concert • Deane Chapel, Westmont College • Free • 3pm Sa, 4/11. Vocal Chamber Concert • Student concert • Deane Chapel, Westmont College • Free • 7pm Sa, 4/11.

SB Chamber Players Spring Concert • Playing Debussy, Beethoven, and Cremisini • Hahn Hall • $20, under 18 free • sbchamberplayers.org • 7:30pm Sa, 4/11.

Dare to Dream • SB Master Chorale performs beloved Disney songs • Trinity Lutheran Church • $15-30 • sbmasterchorale.org • 7:30pm Sa, 4/11 & 3pm Su, 4/12.

ME Sabor Presents: Salsa Night • Two dance floors and full bar, ages 21+ • SOhO • $23-30 • sohosb.com • 9pm Sa, 4/11.

OUTDOORS

The Architectural Walking Tour

• History of buildings in SB • City Hall steps at De la Guerra Plaza • $20 • afsb. org • 10am, Sat.

A Night with Janis Joplin

EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRIC CONCERT exploring the life, inspirations, and music of rock icon Janis Joplin when the Ensemble Theatre Company presents A Night with Janis Joplin, starring Tony-nominated actress Mary Bridget Davies, at the New Vic. Opening night will be 8pm on Saturday, April 4th with performances continuing through the 26th.

For tickets ($25-78) visit etcsb.org

A Night with Janis Joplin

• Ensemble Theatre Company presents Mary Bridget Davies as Janis Joplin in a rock and roll celebration • The New Vic • $25-104 • ensembletheatre. com • 7:30pm We, 4/1 previews begin; opening night 8pm Sa, 4/4. Through 4/26.

Somebody To Love • A new jukebox musical • Rubicon Theatre • $30-155 • rubicontheatre.org • Through 4/19.

The Cemetery Club • Three friends have tea at their husbands’ graves • Ojai Art Center Theater • $20-25 • ojaiact.org • 7:30pm Fridays & Saturdays, 2pm Sundays; Through 4/19.

Happily Ever After or Else! • Fairytale characters rebel against their stories • Alcazar Theatre • $5-7 • thealcazar.org • 3pm Fr, 4/3.

Pontius Pilate: The Lost Gospel • Examine a complex historic figure, performed by Maxwell Caulfield • The Ojai Underground, 616 Pearl Street, Ojai • $40-75 • OjaiTheater.org • 7pm Fr, 4/3 & Sa, 4/4. Assassins • Steven Sondheim’s musical about those who tried or did kill the president • Out of the Box Theatre Company • Center Stage • $30-40, under 18 free • centerstagetheater.org • 7:30pm Fr, 4/10-4/11 & 4/17-4/18; 2pm, 4/12 & 4/19.

BUTLER

Elings Park Transformation

Project • Volunteer to clear weeds, monitors plants, and more • Elings Park • Register with SB Botanic Garden: sbbotanicgarden.org • 9am12pm Sa, 4/11.

Star Party • Explore the night sky at the Palmer Observatory • SB Museum of Natural History • Free • 8-10pm Sa, 4/11.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Mosaic Makers Market • Shop

local artists/makers • Mosaic Locale, 1131 State St. • 12-6pm Sa, 4/11.

CADA Amethyst Ball: Luminaria • Elegant dining, performances, and fundraising • Hilton SB Beachfront Resort • $500 • ball.cadasb.org • 5:30pm Sa, 4/11.

Celebrating Poetry Month in Santa Barbara Poetry Month Events

By Gabriella Tarantino / VOICE

AS NATIONAL POETRY MONTH, April not only celebrates blooming spring flowers but also the beautiful language used to describe them. Santa Barbara certainly does not take the power of poetry for granted, offering a diverse collection of free community events for writers and readers alike.

“Poetry Month raises the public consciousness of the importance of the word,” said City of Santa Barbara Poet Laureate George Yatchisin. “Particularly in an age when language can be so misused and devalued, it’s especially important for us to be alert to the power of writing and reading. Plus, it’s a great excuse for a poetry party.”

Santa Barbara’s thriving artistic community, including the local poetry press, Gunpowder Press, comes together each year to honor the art of poetry. Poets and poetry lovers of all ages are encouraged to show support for the time-honored act of expression throughout the month of April as local businesses and organizations present poetry events, readings, and workshops to fuel creativity and foster community.

themed cocktails from 4:30 to 5:30pm followed by a poetry reading from 5:30 to 6:30pm. The libation themed gathering, hosted by Yatchisin, displays a more playful side of the art form.

“A rollicking good time when invited poets read about drinking,” said Yatchisin.

On April 22nd, the Goleta Valley Library, in partnership with UCSB Reads, will host an afternoon of community poetry readings from 4 to 5:15pm at the UCSB Library. Yatchisin will kickstart the event with a reading, then open the floor for participants to share their personal stories through poetic rhythms. The event, taking inspiration from UCSB Read’s 2026 book Crying in H-Mart, is centered around the power of poetry as a memoir.

Poetry Month Celebration • Readings by local poets • Chaucer’s Books • 6pm Th, 4/9.

Tim Seibles • Former Poet Laureate of Virginia • Unity Chapel • 5-7pm Mo, 4/13.

Poetry Zone • Open mic • Karpeles Manuscript Museum • 1:30pm Su, 4/12.

Lowstate Writing Salon • Meet local creative writers • Blue Owl • 7-9pm Tu, 4/14.

Spirits in the Air • Poetry reading and themed cocktails • The Good Lion • 4:30-6:30pm We, 4/15.

Montecito Poetry Club • Read work of Danusha Liméris • Montecito Library • 10-11:30am Th, 4/16.

Poetry in the Parks • Music and poetry • Presidio Chapel • 5:30pm Fr, 4/17.

Chaucer’s Books will start the month off with a poetry night at 6pm on April 9th. Local poets Stephanie Barbé Hammer, Kathleen Florence, Melinda Palacio, and Rich Ferguson will read select works from their collections, spanning themes of family, childhood, grief, and survival in America.

The following week, on April 15th, the 12th annual Spirits in the Air: Potent Portable Poetry event will take place at the Good Lion on State Street with a happy hour featuring poetry

Santa Barbara’s celebration of National Poetry month comes to a close on April 29th when UCSB Arts & Lectures invites Martín Espada, Puerto Rican poet and Winner of the 2021 National Book Award for Poetry, to UCSB’s Campbell Hall to read from and discuss his most recent collection: Jailbreak of Sparrow Espada, who writes about inequality, labor, and migration, points to poetry’s ability to advocate for justice and reflect resilience.

The written word is a critical and versatile form of selfexpression, and Yatchisin urges any aspiring poet to consume just as much as they create.

“You cannot read too much,” he said. “And not just poetry—fiction, nonfiction, cereal boxes. Take every word in and let it nourish you and teach you.”

To find more poetry-focused events visit sbpoetry.net

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

40th Annual SB Kite Festival

FLUTTERING KITES WILL DECORATE THE AIR above SB City College’s Great Meadow when the 40th annual SB Kite Festival returns from 11am to 4pm on Sunday, April 12th. Free and open to the whole community, the festival will include familyfriendly kite contests, a children’s kite tail chase, and more. sbkitefest.net

Sunday 4/12

CHILDREN

Storytime @ the Sea Center • All ages • Free w/ admission • SBNature.org • 10:30–10:45am Sat & Sun.

Sundays at the Ranch • Fun for the family. Enjoy barn animals and tractor rides • Stow House, 304 N Los Carneros Rd • Free • goletahistory.org • 11am-2pm Sun.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

What Our Monuments Say About Us • Panel about Santa Barbara’s King Carlos III Statue • Presidio Orchard • 2pm Su, 4/12.

Grow Your Own Herb Garden • With garden designer Nicole Goldman • Godmothers Books • $135 • godmothers.com • 11am-1pm Su, 4/12. Emma Straub & Claudia Ballard • Straub discusses new book American Fantasy • Godmothers Books • $135 • godmothers.com • 6pm Su, 4/12.

MUSIC

Poetry Contest Reception • Awarding poets ages five and up • Carpinteria Arts Center • 1pm Sa, 4/18.

The Poetry Club • Read and listen to poetry • Goleta Community Center • 2-3pm Su, 4/19.

Let’s Chat About Poetry • Reading by Laure-Anne Bosselaar • domecíl • 4-6pm Su, 4/19.

A Celebration of National Poetry Month • Hear readings by local poets • Elverhøj Museum • 4-6pm Su, 4/19.

Community Poetry Readings • With UCSB Reads & Goleta Valley Library • UCSB Library • 4-5:15pm We, 4/22.

Martín Espada • National Book Award-winning poet • UCSB Arts & Lectures, Campbell Hall • 7:30pm We, 4/29.

SB Elementary Students Poetry Display • Chaucer’s Books window • All month.

Student Poems Celebrating Color • SB Museum of Art • All month.

Garrison Starr & Abby Posner • Americana performance • SOhO • $1822 • sohosb.com • 6:30pm Su, 4/12.

Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan • Guitar and harmonica blues • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • 1:30-4:30pm Su, 4/12.

Prime Time Band Spring Concert • Movie music and more • Lobero Theatre • Free, RSVP: lobero. org • 2pm Su, 4/12.

Emmet Cohen Quintet • Allstar jazz group celebrates Miles and Coltrane at 100 • UCSB Arts & Lectures • UCSB Campbell Hall • $15-53 • artsandlectures.ucsb.edu • 7pm Su, 4/12.

Garrison Starr & Abby Posner • SOhO • $22 • sohosb.com • 7:30pm Su, 4/12.

OUTDOORS

Sunday Architecture Tour • Meet at Public Library Plaza at 40 E Anapamu St • Architectural Fdn of SB • $20 • afsb.org • 10am Sun.

Beach Cleanup • Care for our ocean with Explore Ecology • Arroyo Burro Beach • No RSVP necessary • 10am-12pm Fr, 4/12.

40th Anniversary SB Kite Festival • Fly kites, children’s activities, contests, and fun • SBCC Great Meadow • Free • sbkitefest.net • 11am-4pm Su, 4/12.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Chaucer’s Book Fair • 25% proceeds support South Coast Montessori • Chaucer’s Books • 2-4pm Sa, 4/12.

SK8 to Eliminate Cancer: Frozen 5K • Skate 35 laps to honor and support those impacted by cancer • Ice in Paradise • $35 • fundraise.scottcares.org • 12pm to 1:15pm Su, 4/12.

Spring Gardening Festival & Marketplace • Shop local ecofriendly businesses and nonprofits, view 4 short films from the SB Botanic Garden • Marjorie Luke Theatre • $12.51-$17.85 • sbbotanicgarden.org • 2:30-5:30pm Su, 4/12.

3rd Anniversary Party of the Inclusive Arts Clubhouse • Live music, food, drinks, and hands-on art activities hosted by the Grace Fisher Foundation • La Cumbre Plaza • Free • gracefisherfoundation.org • 1pm to 3pm Su, 4/12.

A RECESS Filled with Imaginative Music and Dance

By Mark Whitehurst / VOICE

DANCING WITH IMAGINATION, State Street

Ballet presented a program of three works designed to spark curiosity and exploration of movement, music, and artistic expression last week.

The clever portrayal of animals at the zoo and their visitors, in a entrée titled Carnival of the Animals, was a visual delight to begin the evening with the beloved music from Camille Saint-Saens, under the direction of Maestro Kostis Protopapas with the Opera Santa Barbara Orchestra buoying it.

“The choreography was created by Alexei Kremnev in 2013 and has been performed internationally. Rather than literally portraying animals, the ballet represents them in an abstract and imaginative way — through

movement, personality, and energy,” commented Cecily MacDougall, Executive Director of SSB, in her opening remarks on the stage.

While each of the animals was wrigglingly and affectionately fun, the black swan, performed by Saori Yamashita and Ryan Lenkey, was a sensationally graceful blend of dance, music, and unique shadows interacting with their performance.

The next piece on the program was Interplay, a creation of the world famous choreographer Jerome Robbins. Robbins created and directed some of Broadway’s most iconic works, including Westside Story, Peter Pan, Fiddler on the Roof, and the King and I.

“It’s been some time since I was in elementary school, but I still remember that rush of excitement and freedom when the bell rang and it was time to go out for free time on the playground. This sacred time of the day for kids is filled with unstructured games, friendships, laughter, competition, movement, imagination, and many incredible life skills that can’t be taught in a classroom,” said Megan Phillipps, Artistic Director of SSB, while introducing Interplay and Robert LaFosse, Repetiteur for the Jerome Robbins Foundation. LaFosse shared firsthand knowledge concerning the unique qualities and specifics of Robbin’s choreography with the dancers.

Interplay was filled with familiar and subtle dance moves that were aptly described as “classic ballet steps and the contemporary spirit in which

they were danced” in the program notes.

“Interplay was one of Robbins’ first ballets, choreographed and premiered in 1945, and it is still as relatable and delightful as it was 81 years ago,” Phillipps continued. “It has been performed by renowned companies such as NYCB, ABT, and the Joffrey Ballet and we are honored to be able to bring it Santa Barbara.”

The last work in the line-up, titled Level Up, was brought into being as a contemporary dance to answer the question, “What video games have made lasting impressions on you?”

Choreographed by Autumn Eckman it’s creative, unique, and performed with a bit of mystery and lighting that created the aura of a sci-fi gaming world.

“For the first time, our dancers have been asked not simply to inhabit music, but to inhabit an entirely different medium: the world of video games. Through live projection, we have rehearsed alongside digital landscapes, learning to share the stage with images that move, react, and breathe in ways no human partner could,” stated SSB dancer Noam Tsivkin, who introduced the piece from the stage.

The SSB also presented a sensory-friendly performance again this year and partnered with the Santa Barbara Zoo, the Grace Fisher Foundation, and the State Street Ballet Young Dancers.

SSB also offered subsidized tickets for families with special needs and young children, thanks to a generous sponsorship by Belle Hahn for the Little One Foundation. Discover more at statestreetballet.com

March 30th to May 1st, 2026

Our Living Planet

A Plastic Wrap: It’s On Me by Erica Huff

“Consisting of a plastic sewn coat with various size pockets. In the pockets I placed consumed plastic containers to remind myself that what I consume is ‘on me and on me alone.’”

1st Thursday Reception Thursday, April 2 • 5-8pm La Cumbre Plaza 3rd Friday Artwalk April 17 • 5-7:30pm

Pinhole Noir

By Photographer Lindsay Skutch

By Daisy Scott / VOICE

BECKONING VIEWERS TO DELVE INTO THE SHADOWS and reconsider intimate snapshots of landmarks, plants, and buildings shrouded in chiaroscuro, photographer Lindsay Skutch’s new exhibition embodies her core message: “Don’t take a photograph, make a photograph.”

Open through May 30th at the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara’s gallery, Pinhole Noir showcases Skutch’s talent for capturing compelling, dynamic blackand-white scenes using handmade pinhole cameras.

These cameras, which are also displayed in the gallery, demonstrate the creative ingenuity to be found among everyday items, including a coffee can, cookie tin, and a CBD cardboard box. Using the centuriesold technique of camera obscura, Skutch places a piece of light-sensitive paper inside the container of her choice, poking a single pinhole to let light in and expose the image.

“Every handmade camera has its own personality,” explained Skutch.

“A box that’s square and big will capture an image differently than a tiny lipstick box. An oval shape will warp an image whereas a rectangular cookie tin will produce a more traditional frame.”

Skutch has been a photographer since her teenage years. She earned her photographic illustration degree from Brooks Institute and worked in global commercial production for close to 40 years, also showing her work in group and solo shows.

About six years ago, Skutch learned how to make

pinhole cameras from her friend, artist Marian Roth. Renowned for her camera obscura photography, Roth received a Guggenheim grant for her project of turning a Toyota truck with a camper shell into a pinhole camera.

In a world where smartphone cameras are dominating the modern camera scene, Skutch was immediately drawn to the pinhole camera’s material and embodied process.

“I feel like the magic of photography and the essence of this art form is disappearing,” said Skutch. “Then I was introduced to pinhole photography. I was taught how to make a camera from a shoebox and a piece of pie tin with a hole the size of a needle. It was both so simple and so hard. This is art. It is photography. It is magic.”

Each photograph in Pinhole Noir is imbued with this sense of magic, casting an ethereal quality over familiar sights such as palm trees, apartment buildings, and grayscale oceans under spectral skies. Similar to the experience of driving through fog, viewers who look long enough will witness new details emerge through the photographs’ shadows offset by evocative light.

Given the lengthy, sometimes hours-long exposure time necessary for pinhole cameras to develop images, Skutch’s focus remains on still lifes, architecture, and scenery. Yet the absence of people heightens each image’s sense of mystery, inviting viewers to imagine the stories or dramas unfolding on distant shores, behind drawn windows, or around dark corners. It is no wonder the show’s title, Pinhole Noir, nods toward the cinematic.

“The title Film Noir seems fitting for the images in this retrospective,” said Skutch. “The photographs are off kilter, the contrast is sharp and dark and certainly victims of circumstance.”

Several of Skutch’s negatives are also displayed alongside her pinhole cameras, revealing what her artistic process looks like at each step. Ultimately, she hopes the exhibition will inspire some viewers to explore photography as a mindful, artistic practice.

“I’m not sure that everyone will connect with these images,” said Skutch. “There are those who will see the beauty that I see in the darkness and blur of reality but if someone is inspired to not use their phone but pick up any camera with a lens, even a polaroid camera, I will have breathed some air into an art form that is being lost to Meta and all the tech giants who are crushing our souls at warp speed.”

Skutch will host a special artist talk in the AFSB gallery on Saturday, April 25th from 2 to 3pm. The gallery is open from 1 to 4pm on Saturdays. To learn more visit afsb.org

ART VENUES

www.ruthellenhoag.com @ruthellenhoag 805-689-0858 ~inquire for studio classes~

10 West Gallery • Exploration • through May 5 • 10 W Anapamu • 11-5 We-Mo • 805-770-7711 • 10westgallery.com

Architectural Fdn Gallery • Lindsay Skutch: Pinhole Noir, through May 30 • 229 E Victoria • 805-965-6307 • 1–4 some Sa & By Appt • afsb.org

Art & Soul Gallery • Michael Vilkin: Pentimento • Apr 2-May 3 • 1323 State St • artandsoulsb.com

Art, Design & Architecture Museum, UCSB • Tiffany Chung: indelible traces • through Apr 26 • 12-5 Wed-Sun • museum.ucsb.edu

Art From Scrap • Explore Ecology • exploreecology.org

ArtLabbé Gallery • free art, music, & exercise classes to our individuals with special needs & family members • Tu, We, Th, Sun 12-5:30; Fr 12-5 • 111 Santa Barbara St, #H • artlabbe.org

Atkinson Gallery • Tu & We 10–2 •

SBCC Humanities East Campus Rm 203• atkinsongallerysbcc.com

Bella Rosa Galleries • 1103-A State St • 11-5 daily • 805-966-1707

The Carriage and Western Art Museum • Old Spanish Days Trophy Saddles; Victoria Stables Wagon

• Ongoing • Free • 129 Castillo St • 805-962-2353 • 9-3 Mo-Fr • carriagemuseum.org

California Nature Art Museum

• Ocean Forests: Our Coastal Communities through July 20; Between Earth & Sky through April 20; Lulu 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

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

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 • Apr 2-26 • 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 • Apr 4 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 April • Daily 10-4pm • 2920 Grand Av • 805-688-7517 • gallerylosolivos.com

Ganna Walska Lotusland • Gardens • by reservation • 695 Ashley Rd • 805-969-9990 • lotusland.org

Grace Fisher Fdn • Inclusive Arts

Clubhouse • Paintings by Grace Fisher • 121 S Hope, La Cumbre Plaza • WeSu 11-5pm • gracefisherfoundation.org

Indah Gallery • Roy Vessil: Galls & The Secrets of the Universe through Apr 5 • maxgleason.com/indah-gallery

Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum • a million+ historical documents • 21-23 W Anapamu • 10-4 Tu-Su • 805-962-5322 • karpeles.com

Kathryne Designs • Local Artists • 1225 Coast Village Rd, A • 10-5 Mo-Sa; 11-5 Su • 805-565-4700 • kathrynedesigns.com

La Cumbre Center For Creative Arts • Fine Line Gallery: Herstory through Ap 28; Elevate Gallery; Illuminations Gallery • Multi-Artist

Studio/Gallery Spaces • La Cumbre Plaza • 12-5 Tu-Su • lcccasb.com

Lompoc Library Grossman Gallery • 501 E North Av, Lompoc • 805-588-3459

Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center • Natural Beauty • through Apr 26 • 12-4 Th-Su • 865 Linden • 805684-7789 • carpinteriaartscenter.org

Maker House • A Gesture Repeated • 1351 Holiday Hill Rd • 805-565-CLAY • 10-4 Daily • makerhouse.org

Marcia Burtt Gallery • Still Life and Grandeur through April 19 • Landscape paintings, prints, & books • 517 Laguna St • 1-5 Th-Su • 805-9625588 • artlacuna.com

Mate Gallery • beach images alongside vintage oils, gifts • 1014 Coast Village Rd • 805-895-6283 • mategallery.com

MOXI, The Wolf Museum•of Exploration + Innovation • 10-5 Daily • 125 State St • 805-770-5000 • moxi.org

Museum of Contemporary Art

Santa Barbara • San Milano Drive: DJ Javier through April 26 • 11-6pm Tu-Sun • 653 Paseo Nuevo • mcasantabarbara.org

MCASB Satellite @ the Riviera Beach House • Makahiya: I Wanted You to Feel the Same by Godofredo Astudillo • through Apr 5 • 9-9pm Daily • 121 State • mcasantabarbara.org

Museum of Tibetan Art & Legacy Arts International • WedSun 12-8pm • 310-880-6671 • lamatashinorbu.org / legacyartsb.com

Palm Loft Gallery • Find the Beautiful, Apr 4-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 • peregrine.shop

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 • Gerrie Shapiro: It’s Complicated • through Apr 5 • 410 Palm Av, Unit B3, Carpinteria • 805576-6152: weekends & by appt • RubensteinChan.com

Santa Barbara Art Works • Arts Education for All • 28 E Victoria St • 805-260-6705 • M-F 8:30-4:30 • sbartworks.org

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden • 1212 Mission Canyon Rd • 10-5 daily • 805-682-4726 • sbbg.org

Santa Barbara Fine Art • Places from the Heart • Landscapes & sculptor Bud Bottoms • 1321 State St • 1-6 We-Sa & By Appt • 805-845-4270 • santabarbarafineart.com

Santa Barbara Historical Museum • The Gift; Ludmilla Pila Welch: Serene Santa Barbara through June; Edward Borein Gallery, and The Story of Santa Barbara ~ ongoing • 136 E De la Guerra • 12-5 We, Fri-Su; 12-7 Th • 805-966-1601 • sbhistorical.org

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum • Aquean: Apr 9-Jul 26 • The Chumash, Whaling, Commercial Diving, Surfing, Shipwrecks, First Order Fresnel Lens, and SB Lighthouse Women Keepers ~ Ongoing • 113 Harbor Wy, Ste 190 • 10-5 Daily • 805-962-8404 • SBMM.org

Santa Barbara Museum Of Art • Remixed: Entwined Histories & New Forms, through Aug 30; Magical Realism: Latin American Photographers in Dialogue through

Fine Art Black and White Photography

Santa Barbara Library, Faulkner Side Gallery April 2-29, Reception April 2

Lone Pine Peak from Alabama Hills

In this special exhibit, David Auston will display 25 of his prints of landscapes, trees, flowers, and other subjects, each of which illustrate how contemporary printing and processing tools provide a unique freedom of artistic expression to enhance the visual impact of the black and white image. Note: the Faulkner side gallery is off the main Faulkner Gallery through the door on the right.

A Big Wave To The Solstice Poster Contest Winner

THE SOLSTICE POSTER CONTEST WINNER is artist and designer, Larry Vigon, who focused on the 2026 theme, Wave. The selection was announced last Thursday at the Biggest Little Elephant Parade Trunk Show & Art Auction at the Community Environmental Council Hub.

“When I heard the theme was Wave, I began sketching right away,” Vigon said. “I wanted to create something fresh that captures the whimsical spirit of Solstice.”

Vigon, whose celebrated career includes work for artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Carole King, Counting Crows, and Tom Petty, was inducted into the Album Cover Hall of Fame in 2020.

The Trunk Show featured more than 60 artist-painted miniature elephants, each a unique work created in partnership with Elephant Parade®, the international public art initiative. Guests enjoyed music by DJ Darla Bea and guitarist Magic Jordan, with food and desserts from local favorites Blue Owl and Pascucci. Many sculptures also incorporated the QuickTales app, allowing visitors to hear artist-recorded stories directly about their artwork.

Vigon’s artwork will appear on official Solstice posters and marketing materials for the 2026 Celebration, continuing the tradition of artist-driven imagery that reflects the spirit of Santa Barbara’s Solstice community event.

ART VENUES

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

ART EVENTS

Wild at Heart • Art celebrating wildlife by Mckenna Van Koppen and Chloe Shelton • Community Arts Workshop • Free • 11am-3pm Sa, 4/4.

Opening Reception Roland Petersen: Undiminished • Elverhøj Museum • 4-6pm Sat, 4/4.

Opening Reception Find the Beautiful • Palm Loft Gallery • An evening of art, conversation, and inspiration • 4-6pm Sat, 4/4.

Opening Reception: Reencounter • Westmont College Graduate Exhibition 2026 • Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art • Free • westmont.edu/ reencounter • 4-6pm Th, 4/9.

Reception: 2nd Fridays Art @ SBTC • View show and meet participating SB Visual Artists • SB Tennis Club • Free • 4:30-6pm Fr, 4/10.

Santa Barbara Tennis Club2nd Fridays Art • Goleta Valley Art Association though Apr 1 • 2375 Foothill Rd • 10-6 Daily • 805-6824722 • 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

Gel Plate Nature Printing Atelier • Create oneof-a-kind nature prints surrounded by the beauty of Lotusland • Ganna Walska Lotusland • $100-175 • lotusland.org • 9am-12pm Sa, 4/11.

Sketching in the Galleries • Draw inspired by art • SB Museum of Art galleries • Free with museum admission • RSVP: sbma.net • 11:15am-12:15pm Sa, 4/11.

SB Art Association Membership Application • Apply to join SBAA and show your work around town • Info: sbartassoc.org/how-to-join • Schott Center Auditorium (Bath & Padre) • 10:30am-3pm Sa, 4/11.

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

Cabrillo Blvd • 10am-5pm Sun.

Seimandi & Leprieur • Shapes of Surrealism • through April 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; The Spring Salon through Apr 13; Sidney Gordin: Space & Form through Apr 27; Sarah Vedder: State of Grace; Spring Salon through Apr 27 • 11 E Anapamu St • 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 •

solsticeparade.com

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: Apr 9-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

Artists: See your work here! Join Voice Magazine’s Print & Virtual Gallery! To find out more, email Publisher@VoiceSB.com

Santa Barbara’s Cultural Night Out

ST THURSDAY is an evening of art and culture in downtown Santa Barbara that takes place on the first Thursday of each month. Participating art venues offer free access to art in a fun and social environment from 5-8pm. 1st Thursday venues also provide additional attractions, such as live music, artist receptions, lectures, wine tastings, and hands-on activities. State St also comes

Galleries, Museums, & Art Venues

Association. Artist of the Month is Bonny Butler. Also featuring Suemae Willhite, Charlotte Mullich, Paula Re, Maureen Murdock, Brendon Murdock, and Fred Lehto. There will also be a group exhibit featuring various artists.

16. Waterhouse Gallery • 1114 State Street #9 • The Gallery features figurative works, interiors, and cityscapes, by some of today’s finest nationally known local and Oak Group artists. Enjoy works by Ray Hunter, Derek Harrison. Wyllis Heaton, Camille Dellar, Ann Sanders, Thomas Van Stein, Nancy Davidson, Rick Garcia, Ellie Freudenstein, and Ralph Waterhouse.

and enjoy the perfect pairing of $2 oysters. It’s the ideal way to support local creatives, unwind after work, and soak up the heart of Santa Barbara’s arts scene, all under one stylish roof.

21. Game

Seeker • 920 State Street

17. Fuzion Gallery & Boutique

• 1115 State Street • Fuzion Gallery & Boutique celebrates their GRAND REOPENING! Art reception starts at 5pm featuring local artist Chadillac Green. Living and creating in Santa Barbara, Chad’s vibrant Pop Art pieces pull inspiration from the bright colors of the 80’s, Pop Culture, and Hip-Hop. Enjoy live music, drinks, and more.

18. The Yes Store • 1015 State Street

• Come celebrate our 60 talented local artists while enjoying music, drinks, and treats! View our collection of Eileen Richardson’s 1980’s art pottery! A Santa Barbara artist whose work is in The Smithsonian Museum. Looking for locally handmade gifts or something special for yourself? Look no further than The Yes Store!

19. 3D Studio Gallery • 1011 State Street • Visit the privately owned art gallery by world-renowned 3D Pop Artist Charles Fazzino. Visit 3D Studio Gallery to experience the world of the Master of 3D Pop Art with a close-up look at his collection of intricate 3D masterpieces!

20. Finch & Fork | The Kimpton Canary Hotel • 31 W. Carrillo St. • Join us for 1st Thursday, where we transform our lobby into a vibrant mini-market featuring local jewelry makers and artisan vendors. Grab a drink from the bar, browse unique handcrafted pieces,

• Join us at Game Seeker for 1st Thursday Game Nights featuring local artist Raul Audelo. A long-standing board game hub, Game Seeker puts human connection in the heart of every experience. Our mission is bringing people together to create memories, strengthen community, and share the joy of games- welcoming all ages to the table.

22. SBIFF’s Santa Barbara Filmmaker Series

Brown and Indigenous communities in the central coast through vibrant illustrations.

25. Santa Barbara Historical Museum

• SBIFF’s Film Center, 916 State Street • Join us at the NEW Film Center every 1st Thursday for free screenings of short films by Santa Barbara filmmakers. Check sbiff.org/ sbfilmmakers for film info. Showtimes 5:30pm, 6pm, 6:30pm, and 7pm. (showtimes subject to change)

23. Soul Sucker • 814 State Street STE 38

• CLAY-DAY! Handbuild ceramic plants with SampleHAUS @ 5:30PM and flower bud vases with SOULSUCKER @ 6:30PM. Live wheel-thrown pieces demonstrated by Personal Ceramics are being auctioned. Carr Vineyards & Winery is pouring vino. Sip & Shop new ceramic planters by SampleHAUS.

24. Paint at Paseo

• 651 Paseo Nuevo • Join us this month for a fun guided painting workshop with Santa Maria based illustrator, Helen Yanez. Originally from Michoacán, Mexico, her work serves as a tribute to her Mexican and Purépecha heritage. She celebrates the resilience of

• 136 E. De La Guerra St. • Join the Museum for Santa Barbara “Street Names” Bingo! Play for prizes while learning local history. All ages are welcome! Our latest exhibitions, The Gift: Recent Additions to Our Story and Ludmilla Pilat Welch: Serene Santa Barbara, along with our permanent galleries, will also be open for visitors.

26. Ablitt’s Fine Cleaners – Night at the Cleaners •

14 W. Gutierrez St. • Step inside Ablitt’s for a unique Art Walk experience celebrating textiles, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Watch as old garments are reimagined into new designs and see a guest designer create a one-of-a-kind piece using recycled materials. Contribute to our community fabric art wall! Discover how caring for clothing protects the planet.

Entertainment/ Other Activities

• Paint A Free Kite • 1100 Block of State Street • The Santa Barbara Kite Festival invites you to color and build your own kite! Color your kite (free of charge, while supplies last) and get ready for the 40th Anniversary Santa Barbara Kite Festival 11am-4pm Sunday April 12th to the “Great Meadow” lawn next to the Garvin Theatre on the west campus of Santa Barbara City College. Festival staff will be on hand to help build kites and answer questions about kite flying and the festival. • LIVE on the 800 Block • 800 Block of State Street • Enjoy live local music on the 800 block of State Street! Each month features a different band, audience seating, and great vibes— perfect for relaxing between venues or before heading to the Entertainment District. Grab a bite from nearby

Nuevo and make a night of it!

WESTMONT WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Friday, April 24, 2026

12-1:30 p.m.

Featured Speaker

ANJA MANUEL

Former diplomat, author, and advisor on foreign policy

Recipient of the 2026 Lady Leslie Ridley Tree Spirit of Santa Barbara

The Mosher Foundation' s

Yvette Birch Giller, President & CEO Sue Birch, Trustee

California’s foster care system is buckling under

the weight of this

By Cayla Mihalovich/ CalMatters 3.11.26

This story was originally published by

CalMatters

AN INSURANCE CRISIS CONTINUES TO RATTLE CALIFORNIA’S FOSTER CARE SYSTEM, threatening to displace thousands of vulnerable children.

Since 2024, more than two dozen nonprofits that recruit, train and support foster parents have shuttered across 13 counties, according to the California Department of Social Services.

Counties have historically relied on the licensed nonprofits, known as foster family agencies, to place children — especially those in need of intensive support — in certified homes until they are adopted or reunified with their birth families.

Their closures come two years after a key insurance carrier backed out of covering foster family agencies, citing rising legal costs. The company, Nonprofits Insurance Alliance of California, covered approximately 90% of the more than 200 foster family agencies operating throughout the state, leaving them scrambling to find a replacement.

No other California insurers have stepped in since then, forcing foster family agencies to secure coverage from companies outside the state — and sometimes, outside the country. In an unregulated market, that’s meant that agencies have seen increases of 200 to 400% in their liability coverage. Many are reporting cost hikes of more than $350,000 in annual premiums.

The Legislature last year approved a one-time $31.5 million allocation to buoy the agencies as they face unsustainable premiums, but the money has run out. Assemblymember James Ramos, a Democrat from San Bernardino, and Sen. María Elena Durazo, a Democrat from Los Angeles, recently requested another $30 million in relief funding.

But without any long-term policy solutions, advocates warn that the whole system is at risk of collapsing. It would start with some or all of the remaining foster family agencies closing. Foster parents, lacking the support that’s needed to sustain them, could then exit the child welfare system altogether and kids would face even more instability, the advocates say. And medically fragile children — including kids with feeding tubes, developmental disabilities or drug dependencies from their mothers — are especially at risk because counties don’t typically have sufficient resources to provide that level of care.

unexpected cost

“It would be an absolute crisis if the foster family agencies closed,” said Diana Boyer, managing director of research and policy at the County Welfare Directors Association of California. “Foster children are the state’s children. We all collectively need to be doing more to support them and ensure that they have homes and families to go to.”

The crisis is tied to California’s attempts to provide redress to survivors of sexual abuse. Legislation passed in 2019 lifted the statute of limitations, allowing survivors to sue government agencies. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed since then, and hefty payouts have driven up insurance costs for public agencies across the board. Schools were among the first to feel the pinch from rising costs for insurance to cover liability from the suits.

The Nonprofits Insurance Alliance of California stopped renewing insurance policies following a $25 million jury award to three children after jurors found that a foster family agency in Santa Rosa failed to protect them from sexual abuse. The group had also made a mostly failed effort to reform aspects of California law related to insurance and liability.

‘Our collective responsibility’

Roughly 300 foster family agencies operate throughout California, providing critical services to approximately 6,500 of the state’s 45,000 foster children.

Counties run many of their child welfare placements through the community-based nonprofits because of their quality of care — especially for kids with the highest needs.

If a child is removed from their home in the middle of the night due to abuse or neglect, foster family agencies quickly step in with supportive homes that are “at the ready,” said Pete Weldy, chief executive officer at the California Alliance of Child & Family Services, which represents roughly 200 foster family agencies around the state.

After initial placement, the agencies continue to work with foster families and kids to provide sustained support, including around-the-clock care, crisis assistance, and consistent case management.

When an agency shutters, the child’s placement could be disrupted.

“That’s one of the untold stories of this whole crisis,” Weldy said. “It could mean that the youth has to move to a different county, to a different foster family. They could be uprooted from their family. They might have

to change schools, maybe move communities, lose their friends.” The disruption, he added, can often exacerbate behavioral health needs. “Eventually, it could lead to the worst outcome, which is that the child ends up unhoused,” he added.

If counties are unable to find a placement, Weldy said the child may end up in a hotel, hospital, or conference room.

“This is the state’s responsibility and really, therefore, all of our collective responsibility to make sure these really vulnerable kids and youth have what they need to thrive,” he said. “And that’s where foster family agencies do such an incredible job.”

Foster families ‘knew who to turn to’

Sara and Tony Iagmin have fostered 45 children since 2013, when they started working with Angels, a San Diego-based foster family agency that recently closed due to the insurance crisis. Over that period of time, they worked with three case managers from the agency that would make weekly visits to the child or children they were currently fostering. That consistency served them and their foster children well, they said.

“We knew who to turn to and how to get support for everything that came up,” Sara Iagmin said.

They fear that the increasing number of agency closures will result in more kids falling through the cracks and hurt foster parents, especially those who are new to the child welfare system and may need additional support.

“Foster family agencies are like AAA and the county is like the DMV,” Tony Iagmin said. “They have good workers, but it’s a lot of bureaucracy.”

Since Angels closed, the Iagmins started working directly with San Diego County. They said they feel well-equipped to handle the shift since they’ve been foster parents for so long, but will miss the community they found through Angels.

In Placer County, Sarah and Michael Prince have worked with the foster family agency Koinonia Family Services since 2016. After struggling with infertility for over a decade, the couple decided to attend the agency’s orientation.

“I came home buzzing,” said Sarah Prince. “My intuition said, ‘This is my home.’”

It took them two years to go through the

agency’s certification process. Since then, the couple has taken in 13 foster children, four of whom they ended up adopting.

“I couldn’t have done it without a foster family agency,” said Sarah Prince. “It’s an extra layer of protection for you. They are your family. When the things fall, it’s the knowing that you have somebody to call. It’s consistency for these kids that haven’t had consistency because your foster family agency workers don’t change.”

Laura Richardson, a manager at Koinonia Family Services, said the statewide agency works with roughly 360 homes, 99 of which are not taking placements. On any given day, they serve around 200 youth in their foster family homes.

According to Richardson, the organization’s insurance increased by 242% — from $272,000 to $933,000 per year — since the Nonprofits Insurance Alliance of California stopped renewing their policy. It’s meant that they’ve had to rescind their licenses in three cities, transferring those families to other offices that are still operating.

Richardson said they’re trying to hold out for as long as they can for the state to come up with a solution. But as more and more agencies shutter, she worries that the homeless population will increase for youth.

“I worry about the safety net for these most vulnerable youth going away,” she said. “It’s going to stress other parts of the system. So the state is going to have to pay for it somewhere. My hope is that we can fix what’s good about what we already have before we lose it.”

Cayla Mihalovich is a California Local News fellow.

Printed with permission of CalMatters

The MultiCultural Center presents

Welcome to Santa Maria All Indigenous Migrant City Art Reception

Through bold imagery and storytelling, artist Helen Yanez reflects the beauty, complexity, and strength of her people. Her work is created with intention and deep purpose: to illustrate the lived realities of her brown, Indigenous, migrant community. Her art functions as both a mirror and a bridge, offering her community the opportunity to feel seen, represented, and celebrated, while also educating those outside of their lived reality. Grounded in her Purépecha roots, Helen carries immense pride in keeping her community’s traditions, struggles, and spirit alive through every piece she creates. For Helen, art is not only a form of personal expression but also a powerful tool for cultural preservation, resistance, and collective healing. Join the reception for a panel with artist Helen Yanez and Professor Ralph Armbruster to learn about the inspirations behind her works. Helen Yanez is an artist and illustrator from Santa Maria, rooted in the rich cultural heritage of her Purépecha ancestry.

Co-sponsored by the Chicana and Chicano Studies Department

For more information or assistance in accommodating people of varying abilities contact the MultiCultural Center at 805.893.8411