VOICE Magazine: February 27, 2026

SOUTH COAST KIDS CREATE SOUTH COAST KIDS CREATE

Elementary Student Art Show

Friday, March 13th

Reception 5:00-7:00 pm

Saturday, March 14th, 10:00 am-3:00 pm

Santa Barbara County Education Office Auditorium

4400 Cathedral Oaks Rd Santa Barbara, CA 93110

Free and open to the public, over 250 pieces on display

THANKS

another fine property represented by

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• Graduate of UCLA School of Law and former attorney (with training in Real Estate law, contracts, estate planning, and tax law)

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• An expert in the luxury home market

Dan Encell

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49 SEAVIEW DRIVE • MONTECITO

Just steps from the beach, this bright Montecito Shores residence combines ocean views, sunlight, and a relaxed coastal energy. The desirable third-floor, south-facing end unit offers incredible natural light and large windows that frame the ocean and tree-lined skyline, creating a connection to the outdoors. The twobedroom, two-bath layout is open and inviting, with enclosed balconies and generous living spaces perfect for entertaining or quiet evenings at home. Every room feels airy and calm, surrounded by the soft sounds and light of the coast.

SANTA BARBARA PERMACULTURE NETWORK ECO HERO AWARD 2026

2024 4th Annual Eco Hero Award

2024 4th Annual Eco Hero Award

Honoring Albert K. Bates

Honoring Albert K. Bates

Biochar Pioneer/Global Ecovillage Network UN Delegate, Right Livelihood Award recipient, Permaculture Teacher & Designer, Environmental Lawyer & Author

Biochar Pioneer/Global Ecovillage Network UN Delegate, Right Livelihood Award recipient, Permaculture Teacher & Designer, Environmental Lawyer & Author

HONORING BROCK DOLMAN & KATE LUNDQUIST

A perennial good-natured optimist, but hard-core realist, Albert Bates has been an advocate for the Earth and its ecosystems for over 50 years.

Advocates for Beaver, Salmon & Watersheds

Albert Bates is the author of more than 20 books including Climate in Crisis (forward by Al Gore); Cool Down; The Paris Agreement, the Best Chance We Have to Save the One Planet We’ve Got; The Biochar Solution-Carbon Farming & Climate Change;. His latest book is Retropopulationism: Clawing Back a Stable Planet from Eight Billion and Change (2023).

Working for over 20 years in the Bring Back the Beaver movement in California, Kate Lundquist & Brock Dolman co-direct the Water Institute at Occidental Arts & Ecology Center (OAEC). Food, fun & conversation follows, with Reception in the Lobero Courtyard

TICKETS: $14, $24, Friends of Eco Hero Premium $100

or

SUNDAY, MARCH 8 • 6:30-9 pm

33 E. CANON PERDIDO ST, SANTA BARBARA

The Santa Barbara Permaculture Network Eco Hero Award honors those individuals who have committed themselves to work in service of the planet and its inhabitants for more than thirty years, with actual solutions and concrete ways forward that benefit many, often on a global scale, while demonstrating pathways forward for future generations.

Hershey Felder as Himself

World Premiere Tour of The Piano & Me Lands at the New Vic

FBy Daisy Scott / VOICE

OR 30 YEARS, HERSHEY FELDER RECEIVED AND REFUSED MANY REQUESTS TO PERFORM HIS LIFE STORY ON THE STAGE. Despite his international fame and over 6,000 performances to his name, the pianist-playwright remained shy of the vulnerability this intimate task would demand.

Now, in a welcome surprise, not only has Felder decided to share his personal journey onstage, he has decided to do so at the Ensemble Theatre Company’s New Vic Theater this spring.

Tilted The Piano & Me, the oneman play will run April 30th through May 10th, which was originally slated for a production of Felder’s play Monsieur Chopin. The programming change will give Santa Barbara audiences the rare chance to attend The Piano & Me on its world premiere

tour before it makes its off-Broadway debut this summer.

“This is the most personal piece I have ever performed,” Felder shared with VOICE. “It’s one of those pieces that although it is ‘set’ as to what the story is, in order to actually do it, it is the one piece that simply cannot be ‘performed.’ I must let go of everything I know about performing, and simply ‘be’ for the audience. Indeed, that is the highest pinnacle of acting, but while we draw on our personal lives to do that, this IS my personal life, and so, it needs to be as honest as possible, and I must live through it every time I am with an audience without pretense, and I must tell it again - for the first time. As I reflect, I can say again, that in the end the piece isn’t about me really. It’s about ‘us,’ and what we live through to be who we are.”

Told with just his voice and piano, The Piano & Me is a moving, musical journey. The stage opens on Felder’s childhood as the son of Polish and Hungarian immigrants in 1970s Montreal, Canada. When he discovers the piano, the Felder audiences have come to know and love begins to take shape. Viewers follow the young pianist as he explores his heritage, history, and potential through music.

Through it all, Felder’s piano sings with works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Bartók, and other composers who have inspired him.

Felder has often embodied composers on stage, with his famous series of one-man musical plays including George Gershwin Alone;

Beethoven, as I Knew Him; Anna & Sergei; Our Great Tchaikovsky; and Monsieur Chopin, which was originally set to be performed in Santa Barbara.

It was while reviewing these varied roles that Felder grew motivated to finally put his story in the spotlight.

“I was asked to present a new show this season. I thought, maybe a compendium of the dozen characters I have portrayed, and the musical glue that holds them all together,” explained Felder. “As I began to write, I realized that I was writing about my own excitement, fears, love, and heartbreak over music and the salted stories themselves.”

The Piano & Me has given Felder the unique opportunity to connect with audiences as a composer and individual in his own right.

“I think audiences have only known me as characters,” he continued. “There are lots of assumptions - truthfully, while I understand various characters and can apply a small part of my own experiences to bringing them to life, I am not like any of them in any way. They were remarkable people who were real geniuses. I’m a regular person enthralled by real genius. Giving that perspective to the audience somehow seems to bind us in a way that no other show has to date.”

Audiences and critics were quick to praise The Piano & Me when it made its world premiere at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley last month. Among the admirers was ETC Executive Artistic Director Scott DeVine, who immediately set to work

changing ETC’s season programming.

“We love Monsieur Chopin, and hope to bring it to Santa Barbara in a future season,” explained DeVine. “But when I attended the world premiere of The Piano & Me, I knew immediately that this was something we could not wait to share with Santa Barbara. This is Hershey at his most profound and most personal — a once-in-a-generation theatrical experience that we are honored to bring to The New Vic.”

Felder is no stranger to Santa Barbara, having presented Rachmaninoff and the Tsar and George Gershwin Alone during ETC’s last season. He quickly fell in love with the city and its welcoming community.

“I didn’t want to leave,” commented Felder. “That meant any opportunity I could have to get backand with a new show no less, I would take it.”

As he looks towards returning to the New Vic, Felder is very clear on which ideas and themes his most personal play to date will engage Santa Barbara audiences. “Honesty,” said Felder. It’s “a reflection of the world around us. How important the love of music and storytelling is. How we are bound as humans through our stories and our love of beautiful sounds.”

Patrons currently holding tickets for Hershey Felder as Monsieur Chopin will be automatically transferred to the corresponding performance of The Piano & Me for no additional charge. For tickets visit etcsb.org

Celebrating African American & Black History Month at the Eastside Library

THE EASTSIDE LIBRARY WILL BE CELEBRATING A SPECIAL AFRICAN AMERICAN AND BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENT for all ages on February 28th from 10am to12 noon, at 1102 E. Montecito Street.

The celebration will include local author and TEDx speaker Fleurie Leclercq, who will share her inspiring journey and captivating stories that honor African roots and culture. Also, families are invited to participate in a special storytime where Fleurie will read her book and engage children in discussion and reflection. Following storytime, families will be offered a craft activity inspired by Fleurie’s book.

The celebration will continue with DAANSEKOU Cultural Arts and Wellness Collective, which will present Living Roots, a 30-minute interactive performance and educational workshop designed specifically for families and youth. The program explores the direct lineage between traditional West African movement and modern hip hop, demonstrating how cultural heritage continues to evolve and thrive.

Umoja from SBCC will also join the celebration with the spirit of Black unity

and community. They will be providing snacks to share, adding warmth and hospitality to the gathering and making the event even more welcoming for families.

A disclaimer: Participants in this event may be photographed by Library staff. These photos may be used in promotional or educational publications, including in print, social media, and presentations. Please see staff if you do not consent to having your photo taken. Staff will obtain individual, signed photo releases of photographs that contain only an individual as opposed to a group.

Carbajal, Padilla, and Schiff Push to Protect Coast from New Oil Drilling

OPPOSING THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS LEASES in the Southern and Central California Outer Continental Shelf, 31 members of congress requested an extension of the current public comment period by 90 days.

“California’s coastal economy supports roughly 511,000 jobs and generates over $51.3 billion in GDP from marine-economy activities — largely in tourism and recreation — meaning that new offshore drilling could jeopardize the livelihoods of thousands of working families,” wrote the lawmakers.

Leading the group were U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), along with U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) and U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Mike Levin (D-CA-49), and Dave Min (D-CA-47), along with 31 of their colleagues.

The Trump administration’s plan proposes opening vast swaths of previously protected federal waters to new oil and gas drilling for the first time in over 40 years, disregarding bipartisan opposition.

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

Santa Barbara school district approves seven-period day at all junior high schools beginning in 2027

By Joshua Molina, Santa Barbara News-Press, 2.25.26

The Board of Trustees voted 5-0 Tuesday night to create the seven-period schedule beginning in 2027.The City Council met for more than four hours to discuss rent protections for tenants while also listening to concerns of property owners.

ASEVENTH PERIOD IS COMING TO JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS

in the Santa Barbara Unified School District — but not until the 2027-2028 school year.

The Board of Trustees voted 5-0 Tuesday night to create the seven-period schedule at junior high schools, but only after back-andforth wrangling and a major push by board member Celeste Kafri to make the jump immediately, with the start of the upcoming school year.

“We have so much momentum here,” Kafri said. “The whole board supports a seven-period day. I would say, ‘Let’s rip the Band-Aid off and do it.’ “

The Santa Barbara Teachers Association also wanted the seven-period schedule to begin with the upcoming school year. But board President Bill Banning quashed the idea.

“There are too many moving parts to do this next year,” Banning said. “The last thing we want to do is do this wrong.”

Currently with a six-period schedule, students who aren’t fluent in English or who have an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, must take a support class, which often eliminates their chance of taking an elective, such as music, theater, or art.

By creating a formal seven-period day, all students would have the option to choose from a wider selection of elective courses, not just those offered during zero period.

The district has four junior high schools: Santa Barbara, La Cumbre, La Colina, and Goleta Valley. Three of those campuses offer a

zero period, but the options for those electives are scant and vary from campus to campus. La Cumbre Junior High does not offer a zero period but does offer a seventh period for musical theater.

Following a meeting on February 10th, the district released a survey to families across all junior high schools to measure their view of adding a seventh period. The survey received the most support from families of students at, or entering, La Cumbre and Santa Barbara junior high schools. Those two schools also have the highest rate of families requesting transfers out of and into a different junior high school.

La Cumbre Junior High supported the proposal, with 69.6 percent of survey respondents in favor, while about 66.9 percent from Santa Barbara Junior High supported adding a seventh period.

Among respondents for Goleta Valley and La Colina junior high schools, less than half supported a seventh period, with 49.2 percent at Goleta Valley and 47.5 percent at La Colina in favor of the addition.

Overall, about 54 percent of families who took the survey supported a seventh period, 30 percent opposed it and 16 percent were neutral.

The district staff presented two options Tuesday night: one to start the plan only at Santa Barbara and La Cumbre junior high schools in 2026, and another proposal to start at all four schools in 2027.

Principals from La Cumbre and Santa Barbara junior high schools preferred to wait until all schools would add the extra hour of teaching at the same time.

“I do not want to solve one inequity by creating another one,” Santa Barbara Junior High School Principal Daniel DuPont said Tuesday night. “I feel like waiting until 202728 to do this is the way we all do it right. I am convinced we only have one chance to do this

and I want to do it right.”

The principals were concerned that two schools would have longer days than the other junior highs if the program weren’t rolled out at all schools at the same time.

“I do think we have to do it right, and I think there is strength in numbers, especially what we have learned from our cellphone implementation policy that we are stronger together,” La Cumbre Principal Bradley Brock said.

It’s been 19 years since local junior high schools have had a seventh period, Brock said, and waiting one more year to implement the new program will allow for the most success.

The district eliminated a seventh period for schools nearly two decades ago because of budget cuts. It is unclear how much adding a new seventh period will cost the district, but preliminary estimates suggest it could mean adding 13 teacher positions across the four schools.

Brock said waiting a year will allow the district to plan better.

“That will give us a much longer runway for us to really take all of these factors and really make sure we are tending to them and doing it the right way,” he said.

Although Kafri initially wanted to start the seven-period option right away, she ended up supporting its implementation in 2027. Board members Gabe Escobedo, Sunita Beall and Rose Munoz were initially in support of starting the initiative at only two of the area’s junior highs next year until Banning suggested waiting until the program could be rolled out at all four.

“For me, the risk is just too high to say we can do that at a couple of schools,” Banning said. “I think we are walking into a buzzsaw if we say we can do this.”

Printed with permission of the Santa Barbara News-Press • 12.19.2025 • newspress.com

On the Street with John Palminteri

Photos and Stories by John Palminteri, Special to VOICE

Alert:

CERTAIN LOT CODES OF TRADER JOE’S CHICKEN FRIED RICE (SKU 33251) may be contaminated with glass. Affected codes are “Best By” dates between 9/08/26 and 11/17/26.

We urge you to please discard the product or return it to any Trader Joe’s for a full refund.

91-YEAR OLD IVAN RASMUSSEN in Santa Barbara lost his wheels this week. His 2003 Toyota was totaled by a hit and run driver on De la Guerra street. He is on a limited income. He had limited insurance. He said he would miss seeing me at the UC Santa Barbara basketball game this Thursday. He goes regularly. I said “Why?” He said, “no car.” I’m not sure what resources he has at this point but that was sad to hear for sure.

Sister Cities Committee Members Stranded in Puerto Vallarta

FORMER SANTA BARBARA CITY COUNCILMEMBER GIL GARCIA (1992-2002) along with his wife Marti and other members of the Santa Barbara Sister Cities Committee are stranded in Puerto Vallarta Mexico during political turmoil. They have sheltered in place and are safe. They hope to fly home later this week. On February 22nd, the Mexican government initiated a military operation against the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a major drug cartel.

Speaking out!

“IF WE HAD BEEN IN A FAIR FIGHT, both those suckers would have been down.” -Attorney Doug Hayes speaks out to KEYT after being tackled in Santa Barbara Friday when he used his hands on an ICE officer during an enforcement action of another man. Hayes was pepper sprayed. He plans to sue the agents. Hayes is 80 years old. The man on the ground is seen in video moments before, allegedly damaging the tire of a federal vehicle, then trying to run from the scene. Many people who were very close to the scene have video from different angles, there’s loud whistles, F-words by both sides and blocked traffic. No information on any charges has been released.

A NOTICE ON THE DOOR tells customers Kevin and Gwynn Boss say farewell to the Riviera bar in downtown Santa Barbara. It was once the longtime location for the Sportsman Lounge.

THE LOS ALTOS RESTAURANT at 318 Milpas St. in Santa Barbara closed Sunday, February 22nd and will continue to operate at its Goleta location on 5892 Hollister Ave. in Old Town. The familyowned business has special recipes and traditional favorites. They have posted a sign thanking all the loyal customers.

John Palminteri is a veteran news reporter and anchor for Newschannel 3-12 TV and both KJEE and KCLU radio in Santa Barbara/Santa Maria/Ventura. Off the air, he’s often bringing his smile and positive energy to the microphone at fundraisers and civic events. John’s social media presence has one of the largest followings in Santa Barbara, and this page has the weekly highlights.

Twitter: @JohnPalminteri • Instagram: @JohnPalminteriNews • www.facebook.com/john.palminteri.5

Clean Energy’s Community Tree Program Returns

FREE TREES FOR SANTA BARBARA RESIDENTS, a program of Santa Barbara Clean Energy, will be returning. The Community Tree Program offers free drought resistant trees to residential SBCE customers looking to enhance their properties and contribute to a healthier environment.

“This is a great opportunity to empower community members to take meaningful climate action at home,” said Jon Griesser, SBCE Programs Manager. “Trees are one of nature’s most effective tools for capturing carbon from the atmosphere, and we are delighted to continue offering this program to our customers.”

The program supports the City’s Climate Action Plan, which identifies urban tree planting as a key strategy for reducing greenhouse gases. Eligible participants can choose from a selection of beautiful, climate-appropriate native trees, including island ironwood, elderberry, coast live oak, toyon, box elder, and California bay laurel. In addition to beautifying neighborhoods, the trees will provide vital benefits like shade, erosion control, wildlife habitat, and carbon sequestration.

Each approved applicant will receive one 5-gallon tree. Quantities are limited and trees are available by reservation only. Once approved, participants will be notified of the pick-up date, time, and location.

To learn more and reserve your tree, visit SBCE Community Tree Program (SantaBarbaraCA.gov/SBCETrees).

Regresa el

Programa

Comunitario de Árboles de Santa Barbara Clean Energy

LOS RESIDENTES DE LA CIUDAD DE SANTA BÁRBARA pueden recibir árboles gratuitos como parte del Plan de Acción Climática de la Ciudad.

Santa Barbara Clean Energy (SBCE) se complace en anunciar el regreso de su Programa Comunitario de Árboles. Este programa ofrece árboles gratuitos resistentes a la sequía a los clientes residenciales de SBCE que deseen mejorar sus propiedades y contribuir a un medio ambiente más saludable.

El programa apoya el Plan de Acción Climática de la Ciudad, el cual identifica la plantación de árboles urbanos como una estrategia clave para reducir los gases de efecto invernadero. Los participantes elegibles pueden elegir entre una selección de hermosos árboles nativos apropiados para el clima, incluyendo palo fierro de isla, saúco, encino de la costa, toyon, arce negundo y laurel de California. Además de embellecer los vecindarios, los árboles brindarán beneficios vitales como sombra, control de la erosión, hábitat para la vida silvestre y captura de carbono.

“Esta es una gran oportunidad para que los miembros de la comunidad tomen medidas significativas contra el cambio climático desde sus hogares”, dijo Jon Griesser, Gerente de Programas de SBCE (SBCE Programs Manager). “Los árboles son una de las herramientas más efectivas de la naturaleza para capturar carbono de la atmósfera, y nos complace continuar ofreciendo este programa a nuestros clientes.”

Cada solicitante aprobado recibirá un árbol en maceta de 5 galones. Las cantidades son limitadas y los árboles están disponibles solo con reservación. Una vez aprobados, los participantes serán notificados sobre la fecha, hora y lugar de recogida.

Para obtener más información y reservar su árbol, visite el Programa Comunitario de Árboles de SBCE (SantaBarbaraCA.gov/SBCETrees).

Santa Barbara Clean Energy es un programa sin fines de lucro de la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara que suministra electricidad limpia y a precios competitivos para hogares y negocios en la ciudad de Santa Bárbara.

Habitat SB to Open a ReStore Downtown

SIGNING A LEASE FOR A PROPERTY ON THE 400 BLOCK OF STATE STREET, Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County (Habitat Santa Barbara) has announced they will open a downtown Santa Barbara ReStore this summer.

The ReStore, a brand of resale stores run by Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the country, will collect community donations of gently used furniture and home décor, along with usable building materials and fixtures. These items, along with a small number of thoughtfully curated new items, will be sold to the public. The proceeds will in turn support Habitat Santa Barbara’s local affordable housing efforts.

“We are thrilled to share this news with our community,” said Jessica de L’Arbre, Habitat Santa Barbara CEO. “Finding the perfect ReStore location is the culmination of years of research and outreach by Board members, community leaders, and our dedicated ReStore Committee members.”

Habitat Santa Barbara previously operated a ReStore in Goleta from 2008 until 2020; the Goleta location closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The next few months the organization will prepare to open the store by building out fixtures, collecting community donations, and hiring a small number of paid staff. Habitat Santa Barbara will be activating volunteers to assist with these efforts, and encourages any interested locals to reach out to learn more.

“The community has been asking for the ReStore for the past six years,” said de L’Arbre. “And now that we are finally able to share this good news, we want to encourage the community to help us get ready for our grand opening—there will be plenty of work for everyone.”

Summer Camp Offerings: Registration Open

WITH A CHOICE OF 15 SUMMER CAMPS, the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department has opened registration for all summer camps online. Camps are for children ages five to 17, with topics including art, business, engineering, performing arts, sports, and water safety. Offerings include half-day and full-day camps.

Parks and Recreation camps range from around $4 to $17.50 per hour, with most camps averaging between $12 and $15 per hour. Scholarships are available for eligible families to send children to camp at no cost. Scholarships are funded by donations to the Park Foundation and distributed through SBPAL’s Campership Alliance program. Families interested in scholarship options can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply at SBPAL Campership Alliance (SBPAL.org/campership-alliance).

The ReStore will begin accepting donations of furniture and other household goods in mid-March.

For more information on donations, volunteer opportunities, and paid positions visit sbhabitat.org/restore

Ciudad de SB anuncia los campamentos de verano 2026;

inscripciones abre

EL DEPARTAMENTO DE PARQUES Y RECREACIÓN de la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara abrirá las inscripciones para todos los campamentos de verano en línea. Las familias podrán elegir entre 15 campamentos para niños de 5 a 17 años, con temas como arte, negocios, ingeniería, artes escénicas, deportes y seguridad acuática. Se ofrecen opciones de medio día y día completo.

Se anticipa que algunos campamentos se llenen el mismo día de inscripción, por lo que se recomienda a padres y tutores crear sus cuentas con anticipación para garantizar la mejor experiencia de registro.

Los campamentos de Parques y Recreación tienen un costo aproximado de $4 a $17.50 por hora, con la mayoría promediando entre $12 y $15 por hora. Las familias elegibles pueden recibir becas para enviar a sus hijos a campamento sin costo. Las becas son financiadas por donaciones a la Fundación PARC y se distribuyen a través del programa Campership Alliance de SBPAL. Las familias interesadas pueden conocer los requisitos de elegibilidad y cómo aplicar en Campership Alliance de SBPAL(SBPAL.org/campership-alliance).

In addition to scholarships, the Parks and Recreation Department will continue to offer the Summer Fun program to provide seven weeks of free childcare to eligible families unable to afford summer camp.

Camps and summer programs also provide important development opportunities for local teens and young adults. The free Junior Counselor program allows teens 13 to 17 to earn volunteer service hours and develop and strengthen their leadership skills while assisting camp counselors with daily activities. Older teens and young adults can pursue paid opportunities as camp counselors, inclusion specialists, swim instructors, and pool and beach lifeguards.

Families can learn more about camp offerings, scholarships, and registration at Summer Camps (SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Camps).

Además de las becas, el Departamento de Parques y Recreación continuará ofreciendo el programa Summer Fun, que brinda siete semanas de cuidado infantil gratuito para familias elegibles que no pueden costear un campamento de verano.

Los campamentos y programas de verano también ofrecen importantes oportunidades de desarrollo para adolescentes y jóvenes adultos locales. El programa gratuito de Asistente Junior permite a adolescentes de 13 a 17 años acumular horas de servicio voluntario y fortalecer sus habilidades de liderazgo mientras apoyan a los consejeros en las actividades diarias. Los adolescentes mayores y jóvenes adultos también pueden acceder a oportunidades remuneradas como consejeros de campamento, especialistas en inclusión, instructores de natación y salvavidas en piscinas y playas.

Las familias pueden obtener más información sobre los campamentos, becas e inscripciones en Campamentos de Verano (SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Camps)

Community News

UC Santa Barbara’s Gevirtz School Honors 2025-2026 Fellowship Recipients

OVER $200,000 IN FELLOWSHIPS were awarded by The Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at UC Santa Barbara, honoring 61 recipients of the school’s 2025-2026 Fellowships at a special event. Fellowships were made possible through generous private foundations and individual donors who provided support for Gevirtz School students. Awards included the Dr. J Student Teacher Fellowship and the Vern Persell Scholarship in Applied Psychology.

The Linda and David Forman Fellowship Fund for Community Fellows Fund is the newest fellowship, established by two UCSB alumni. This fund supports fellows from low-income, first generation, and bilingual backgrounds. The Gevirtz School’s flagship Community Fellowship is a partnership between the Gevirtz School, Santa Barbara Unified School District, and philanthropic investors. It is a full fellowship (covering all costs of the fellows’ teacher education experience) used to recruit and support local, highly qualified, first-generation and bilingual students who want to teach in their home community of Santa Barbara.

“These awards make it possible for our students to fully engage in their training as the next generation of scholars, educators, and psychologists; professionals who will advance knowledge, strengthen schools and communities, and provide care and support at a time when that work is needed more than ever,” said Gevirtz School Interim Dean Jill Sharkey.

The featured speaker at the event was Rachel Lambert, Associate Professor of Special Education and Mathematics Education at the Gevirtz School. Lambert, whose research focuses on increasing access

Math All-Stars Visit for Annual Field Day

OVER 60 “MATHLETES” from seven Southern California high schools tested their knowledge, skill, and perserverance during the 37th annual Westmont College Mathematics Field Day on February 7th. Activities included group problem-solving, individual math presentations called “Chalk Talks,” hands-on construction of 3-D models, and the “College Bowl,” with Jeopardy-like buzzers.

Participants included Cate School, Thacher School and Western Center Academy as well as Dos Pueblos, Oaks Christian, Santa Barbara, and San Marcos High Schools.

“The annual field day has become a college tradition, and we’re pleased to share Westmont every year with the local math community,” said Westmont mathematics professor Anna Aboud.

Dos Pueblos High School won the overall Field Day, scoring victories in the ninth and tenth grade College Bowl finals and in the ninth and tenth grade written, team problem-solving competition.

Oaks Christian defeated San Marcos in the eleventh and twelfth grade College Bowl finals, while Cate School took home top honors in the eleventh and twelfth grade written, team problem-solving category.

Anum Firoz of Western Center Academy in Hemet won the “Chalk Talk” competition and Philip Choi from Cate School earned runner-up honors. They all successfully described this year’s “Chalk Talk” topic of almost prime numbers, which are integers with only a few prime factors.

The day concluded with an awards banquet and a talk by guest speaker Judith Canner, professor of statistics at Cal State Monterey Bay. westmont.edu

to meaningful mathematical experiences for students with disabilities, spoke on “Intentionality, Empathy, & Education in Times of Change.”

Student speakers included Sofia Arias Zarate, a candidate in the Gevirtz School’s Teacher Education Program, and a fellowship recipient of the Community Fellows Fund.

“The fellowship has helped me get one step closer to my teaching career in Santa Barbara, which is where I grew up,” Zarate said. “I really want to give back to my community.” education.ucsb.edu

Scholarship Foundation of SB Honors Santa Ynez Student Artists

SIX STUDENT ARTISTS, all seniors at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, will receive college scholarships after winning the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara’s second annual Santa Ynez Valley Art Scholarship Competition. The artists were honored during a reception and exhibition at Fess Parker Winery in Los Olivos on February 12th.

The winners are: Caralyn Barber (Children’s Creative Project Art Scholarship), Emma Johnson (Hazen Family Foundation Art Scholarship), Alex Molera (Hazen Family Foundation Best of Show Art Scholarship), Stephanie Rondan (Towbes Foundation Art Scholarship), Anelly Tovalin (Carver Family Art Scholarship), and Devin Van Schmus (Towbes Foundation Art Scholarship). Each will receive a college scholarship in the amount of $3,000 or $3,500.

“We are pleased to celebrate these remarkably talented young artists, whose evident skill and creative energy are a testament to the guidance they have received from parents and teachers alike,” said Melinda Cabrera, SFSB President and CEO. “Our thanks to the folks at Fess Parker Winery and to the generous donors who make these wonderful scholarships possible.”

The SFSB art competition invited Santa Ynez Valley Union High School seniors to submit a portfolio of original work on January 22nd. Fifteen student participated. A panel of local artists Renée Kelleher, Karen McLean-McGaw, and Ginny Speirs judged submissions. sbscholarship.org

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

Community News

“Own Your Impact” Campaign to Empower

Community Action

A NEW COMMUNITY-WIDE CAMPAIGN designed to inspire residents to take meaningful action to protect the place they call home has been launched by the City of Santa Barbara’s Sustainability & Resilience Department. It is called “Own Your Impact.”

“No single action solves everything, but thousands of small actions add up meaningfully,” said Alelia Parenteau, City of Santa Barbara Sustainability & Resilience Department Director. “Own Your Impact is about turning individual choices into massive impact for our community.”

The campaign invites residents to reflect on their connection to Santa Barbara and commit to simple, achievable actions that strengthen neighborhoods, have a positive environmental impact, and build longterm community resilience.

Own Your Impact will feature a series of monthly themes focused on everyday sustainability topics such as waste reduction, energy use, transportation, and climate readiness. Each month, participants will receive educational information related to the monthly topic, which includes four “pacts” - simple actions residents can take at their own pace to help turn intention into impact.

The first monthly theme, “Protect What You Love,” encourages participants to spend time in their neighborhoods, reflect on what makes Santa Barbara special, and consider how individual actions can help protect shared spaces and resources. Participants can earn digital badges each month, with opportunities to win fun prizes throughout the year.

All community members are invited to participate, whether renters or homeowners, longtime locals or newcomers, and whether they choose one action or many. Community organizations, businesses, schools, and neighborhood groups are encouraged to sign up; or share campaign materials and hosting conversations around sustainability and stewardship. SantaBarbaraCA.gov/OwnYourImpact

La Ciudad de Santa Bárbara lanzará la campaña

“Reconoce tu Impacto” para fortalecer la acción

comunitaria

EL DEPARTAMENTO DE SOSTENIBILIDAD Y RESILIENCIA de la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara lanzará “ Reconoce tu Impacto” (Own Your Impact), una nueva campaña comunitaria diseñada para inspirar a los residentes a tomar medidas significativas para proteger el lugar al que llaman hogar.

Con inicio en febrero, la campaña invita a los residentes a reflexionar sobre su conexión con Santa Bárbara y a comprometerse con acciones sencillas y alcanzables que fortalezcan los vecindarios, tengan un impacto ambiental positivo y construyan la resiliencia de la comunidad a largo plazo.

“Ninguna acción por sí sola lo resuelve todo, pero miles de pequeñas acciones suman de forma significativa”, afirma Alelia Parenteau, directora del Departamento de Sostenibilidad y Resiliencia de la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara (City of Santa Barbara Sustainability & Resilience Department Director). “Reconoce tu Impacto consiste en convertir las decisiones individuales en un impacto masivo para nuestra comunidad.”

Hasta diciembre, Reconoce tu Impacto presentará una serie de temas mensuales enfocados en aspectos cotidianos de la sostenibilidad, como la reducción de basura, el uso de energía, el transporte y la preparación ante el cambio climático. Cada mes, los participantes recibirán información educativa relacionada con el tema mensual, que incluye cuatro “pactos”- acciones simples que los residentes pueden llevar a cabo a su propio ritmo para ayudar a convertir la intención a impacto.

El primer tema mensual, “Protege lo que amas”, anima a los participantes a pasar tiempo en sus vecindarios, reflexionar sobre lo que hace especial a Santa Bárbara y considerar cómo las acciones individuales pueden ayudar a proteger los espacios y recursos compartidos. Los participantes pueden ganar insignias digitales cada mes, con la oportunidad de ganar divertidos premios a lo largo del año.

Toda la comunidad está invitada a participar: personas que rentan o son propietarias, residentes de toda la vida o recién llegados, ya sea que elijan una acción o muchas. También se anima a las organizaciones comunitarias, empresas, escuelas y grupos vecinales a que se inscriban para participar, o a que se involucren compartiendo materiales de la campaña y organizando conversaciones locales sobre sostenibilidad y gestión responsable.

SantaBarbaraCA.gov/OwnYourImpact

SB Public Library Foundation Welcomes Luke Swetland

LUKE SWETLAND has joined the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation’s Board of Directors. Currently the President & CEO of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Swetland has decades of leadership experience in institutional strategy and community engagement, including overseeing the stewardship of two research libraries at the Autry National Center. He has also held senior leadership positions at the Getty Conservation Institute, the Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village, and the Japanese American National Museum. Swetland holds dual master’s degrees in American Studies and Library & Archival Sciences from the University of Michigan. sblibraryfoundation.org Luke Swetland

Opera Santa Barbara Welcomes Judy Dean to Board

JUDY DEAN, MD, has been appointed to Opera Santa Barbara’s Board of Directors. A retired radiologist and longtime Santa Barbara resident, Dr. Dean brings a lifelong passion for opera to the Board. Her love of opera began at the Metropolitan Opera in New York and has taken her to international opera houses. She and her family have been supporters of Opera Santa Barbara for many years, hosting artists, supporting fundraising efforts, and fostering connections between performers and the community. operasb.org

Habitat for Humanity of South Santa Barbara County Announces New Board of Directors Members

COMMITTED TO BUILDING STRENGTH, STABILITY, and self-reliance through housing, Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County has welcomed two locals to its Board of Directors. sbhabitat.org

SARAH KNECHT worked for more than 20 years with the City of Santa Barbara. She retired from the city in December, serving for nearly 22 years as the City Attorney, Assistant City Attorney, and Interim City Administrator. Prior to joining the City of Santa Barbara, Knecht worked as an attorney in private practice representing public entities. Throughout her career, Knecht has focused on the financing, development, and regulation of affordable housing, both ownership and rental.

BRUCE STOUFFER, a long-time Habitat Santa Barbara volunteer who has worked on a number of volunteer projects including the Family Selection Committee, has joined the Board of Directors in the role of Treasurer. Stouffer has a degree in Economics from Cornell University and an MBA in Finance from the University of Michigan. He worked for over 40 years in finance, marketing, and business management with a wide range of companies, most recently with a small investment banking firm in Silicon Valley. He retired at the end of 2025.

Community News

Santa Barbara Foundation Names New Vice President, Finance and Administration

New Regional Retirement Professional Association in Santa Barbara

BONNIE FORSSELL has been appointed Vice President, Finance and Administration, for the Santa Barbara Foundation. She assumes this position after serving for seven years as the chief financial officer of Vitamin Angels, a Goleta-based international nonprofit focused on public health in underserved communities. Forssell started her career with KPMG in their audit practice, and since then, has led the finance function at billion-dollar global organizations and rapidly expanding health tech start-ups, as well as serving small businesses as an outsourced CFO.  She was named a Top CFO by the Pacific Coast Business Times, 25 Most Promising California CFOs by Finance Weekly, and was nominated twice for the CFO Leadership Awards by the Los Angeles Times. Forsell is a CPA licensed in California (inactive) and graduated with a Master of Accountancy with an emphasis in Information Systems from the University of MissouriColumbia. sbfoundation.org

Women’s Fund Set to Distribute $1,375,000 Grants Pool in 2026

ADDRESSING THE CRITICAL NEEDS OF WOMEN, CHILDREN, AND FAMILIES in south Santa Barbara County, the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara is gearing up to distribute $1,375,000 to local nonprofits. Since 2004, nearly $13 million has been awarded to 163 local nonprofits.

Grant candidates are determined by the Women’s Fund Research Committee, who develops and presents a ballot of projects proposed by local agencies. Members then cast their votes to determine which projects will receive funding.

“This large grants pool not only reflects the remarkable generosity of our 1,450+ members but also their commitment to our community,” said Women’s Fund Board Chair Carolyn Jabs. “It also demonstrates the power of collective giving. By combining our contributions, we magnify the impact of every member’s donation so we can give significant grants to nonprofits with projects that benefit vulnerable women, children, and families.”

The Women’s Fund is powered by more than 250 dedicated volunteers. Grant recipients will be announced at the Celebration of Grants on May 13th at the Lobero Theatre. womensfundsb.org

Housing Authority of the City of SB Names Foodbank “Partner Organization of the Year”

HONORING FOODBANK OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara has named the nonprofit Partner Organization of the Year. This designation recognizes Foodbank’s extraordinary impact on the lives of low-income individuals and families throughout Santa Barbara County

“Stable housing is essential — but housing alone is not enough,” said Rob Fredericks, Executive Director/CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara. “Food security is absolutely foundational to health, stability, and dignity. The Foodbank’s work ensures that families, seniors, and individuals don’t have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table. Their impact is profound, especially during times of economic uncertainty.”

In the past year alone, this collaboration resulted in the distribution of nearly 60,000 pounds of food directly to Housing Authority residents and community members.

“This recognition means a great deal to us,” said Erik Talkin, CEO of the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County. “Our partnership with the Housing Authority allows us to reach people where they live and to remove barriers to access. Together, we’re helping ensure that no one in our community is left behind.” foodbanksbc.org

MELISSA TIERNEY, REALTOR®, Certified KW Real Estate Planner™, & Senior Transition Specialist, has launched the Santa Barbara Senior Industry Network Association (SINA). The initiative aims to strengthen regional collaboration among professionals serving older adults, as well as to ensure seniors and their families receive coordinated, trustworthy guidance during major life transitions. Tierney helps older adults downsize, sell long-held family homes, navigate trust and probate real estate, and transition into housing that aligns with their lifestyle and long-term financial goals. She also hosts monthly Lunch & Learn seminars on local senior living options, real estate strategies, estate considerations, and more. ontact Melissa Tierney at melissatierney@kw.com or (805) 456-3667

Steven Weintraub Joins Cottage Health Board of Directors

STEVEN WEINTRAUB has been appointed to the Cottage Health Board of Directos. He is a Certified Financial Planner with 40+ years of experience in financial planning and investment management, bringing deep industry knowledge and governance experience to the Board.

Weintraub is a Partner in the SB office of Cerity Partners. He provides comprehensive financial advice and oversight, with a focus on integrated financial planning and long-term wealth strategies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Arizona State University and a Master of Science in Financial Planning from San Diego State University, where he has also instructed finance students as an Adjunct Professor.

Weintraub has served several nonprofit organizations, including serving as Board President of the SB Estate Planning Council and Board President of the Hope School District. He has also chaired investment committees for the SB Channel Islands YMCAs and Direct Relief where he was a board member for nine years. cottagehealth.org

South Coast Chamber Unveils Strategic Plan

A FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN to strengthen the local economy was announced by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce at its Annual Meeting in January. The plan will be a roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, advance housing solutions, and enhance the South Coast experience for residents, employers, and visitors.

“This strategic plan reflects our belief that a strong business community is the foundation for a thriving South Coast,” said Kristen Miller, President & CEO of the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce. “Over the next five years, we will bring people together, advocate with purpose, and invest boldly in solutions that grow opportunity, and strengthen our regional economy for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.”

The Strategic Plan outlines a comprehensive vision to grow jobs, expand attainable housing opportunities, and reinforce the Chamber’s role as the principal economic development entity for communities from Goleta to Carpinteria.

“We live here. We work here. We raise our families here,” said Randy Berg, 2025 Board Chair. “Economic development isn’t just a strategy, it’s an existential imperative. When we get it right, we don’t just improve numbers on a chart; we change lives. This plan is about closing gaps between business and government, strengthening our workforce pipeline, supporting entrepreneurs, and ensuring the South Coast remains a place where opportunity is within reach.” Berg led the year-long planning process, and emphasized the importance of local leadership in shaping the region’s economic future.

Key initiatives include launching a dedicated Economic Development Foundation (501c3) to expand workforce and housing efforts; formalizing public-private partnerships with local jurisdictions; advancing permitting reform through data-driven advocacy; strengthening the visitor economy through enhanced visitor services; and building a sustainable workforce pipeline connecting students and jobseekers to local employers.

The full 2026–2030 Strategic Plan is available at SBSCChamber.com

Open Call: Santa Barbara Public Art Proposals Exhibition

An initiative of the Santa Barbara Sculptors Guild ARTISTS ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS FOR PUBLIC ART INSTALLATIONS, sculptures, and murals for Santa Barbara. Every submitted proposal will be displayed in a public exhibition, where visitors will have the opportunity to comment and vote for the proposal they find most compelling.

Submissions are free and open to all artists.

This initiative invites proposals for new public art that celebrate and honor Santa Barbara’s unique heritage and community. Every submission will be exhibited, ensuring meaningful exposure, transforming the submission process into a platform for dialogue, visibility, and civic engagement. Artists are empowered to share their visions openly, and the public is invited to play an active role in shaping the future of public art in Santa Barbara. The goal is to inspire Santa Barbara to strengthen its commitment to art and dedicate resources to bringing one or more proposals to life in the public realm.

Artists must: Relay their intent to submit by February 28, 2026. The Final Submission date is March 31, 2026. The plan is for an exhibition in April/May 2026.

A Maquette (scale model) will be required along with installation context and supporting documentation.

Scan the QR code or visit the website (vqr.vc/V3W4y4JKK) for full guidelines, submission details, and updates.

Contact: Eric Saint Georges: ericsgc@hawaii.edu with questions.

Downtown Window Beautification Program To Launch On 1st Thursday

ART IN THE WINDOWS OF DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES

during 1st Thursday’s Art Walk on March 5th will officially mark the beginning of The Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association’s Window Beautification Program. DSBIA is offering an invitation to the community to view the windows and meet the artists.

To bring this project to life, Santa Barbara County-based artists were invited to apply and submit their work for consideration. Following a selection process, the chosen artworks have been custom-formatted and printed on window film to fit unique storefront dimensions.

During the March 5th, 1st Thursday Art Walk, all four initial program storefronts have been designated as official Art Walk venues. See Alli Berry’s work at 1235 State St.; Elisa Rodrigue’s work at 811H Paseo Nuevo; Miles Shapleigh’s work at 913 State St.; and Brad Betts’s work at 428 State St. 428 State is also the site where all of the artists will be present for a community reception from 5 to 8pm. The installations are now in place and ready for the public to enjoy. More will be installed over time. The effort is a result of a collaborative partnership between DSBIA, the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture, Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative, Historic Landmark Commission, SB Signs, PIP Printing, and Graphic Designer Irene Ramirez.

This new program is part of DSBIA’s ongoing effort to create a more welcoming, clean, and economically vital space for downtown businesses to thrive and for our community to enjoy.

Note: While the exhibition’s objective is to include all submissions, organizers reserve the right to decline work that does not meet basic standards of quality or suitability for public display. If more proposals than can be displayed at once are received, the format may be adapted, such as rotating displays, digital supplements, etc.

Learn more about the new community benefit improvement district and DSBIA’s new programs and services at downtownsb.org.

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

Museums, & Art Venues

Sponsor

17. 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!

18. Finch & Fork | The Kimpton Canary Hotel • 31 W. Carrillo St. • Join us for the 1st Thursday Pop-Up Makers Market in the Kimpton Canary Hotel lobby, a monthly celebration of local creativity with a fresh theme each time! Discover unique gifts and artisan goods. While you browse, make it a night out — grab a craft cocktail or a glass of wine at Finch & Fork bar and savor a bite of our locally inspired dishes.

19. Miles Shapleigh - Window Beautification • 913 State Street •

Discover Birds of Paradise by Miles Shapleigh, transforming this vacant storefront into a bold visual landmark. Stop by 428 State Street during the Art Walk to connect with the artist and program partners.

20. SBIFF’s Santa Barbara Filmmaker Series • 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, 6:00pm, 6:30pm, and 7:00pm. (Times subject to change)

21. Soul Sucker • 814 State Street STE

38 • Shop and welcome artists Adriana Lemus Ceramics, DeathCaxtus, and Megan West Ceramics in the shop. Join the Santa Barbara Public Library and Soul Sucker Owner with zine making. Present your Library Card for a 10% discount on paper products — books/prints/cards. Follow IG @ SoulSuckerCeramics for more info.

22. Elisa Rodriguez - Window Beautification • 811-H Paseo Nuevo

• Located inside Paseo Nuevo, this installation featuring Palms by Elisa Rodriguez brings color and energy to a prominent retail corridor. Join us at 428 State Street for the evening reception.

23. Paint at Paseo • 651 Paseo Nuevo

• Paint at Paseo is an all-ages painting class provided by Paseo Nuevo and artists at MCASB. Each month, different local artists will lead you through a 90-minute acrylic painting session designed for all ages and skill levels. Materials provided. Free event.

24. Santa Barbara Historical Museum • 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.

2. Discover Waterlight Studio and take home a handcrafted ceramic vesselsby Suzanne Schwager.

25. Brad Betts - Window

Beautification • 428 State St • Step inside 428 State St for a special Window Beautification Program reception. Meet artists including Brad Betts, enjoy a glass of wine, explore the available storefront, and learn about downtown beautification projects. Celebrate local art and revitalization efforts.

26. Solstice Poster Arts Reception

• 419 State Street • Artists in the Community submit their ready-tohang artwork for this showing of 2026 Solstice Poster Contest entries. The theme this year is WAVE! So many possibilities — an ocean wave, a heat wave, a sound wave, the royal wave, light wave, lots of art-wavey ideas. Come vote for your favorite poster art, enjoy light refreshments, connection, and fun!

27. UC Santa Barbara • 410 State Street • Join UC Santa Barbara officials for conversation and beverages at our new building at 410 State Street. We want the community’s input as we explore opportunities to bring academic, cultural ,and research activities to the downtown area. Help us to reimagine the future of UCSB on State Street!

28. Ablitt’s Fine Cleaners – Night at the Cleaners • 14 W. Gutierrez St. • Take a whimsical peek behind the seams! While our plant rests for the evening, explore our history, admire

costumes from local theatre productions, and watch seamstresses working their magic. Art, heritage, and garment magic — reimagined for 1st Thursday.

Entertainment

LIVE on the 800 Block • 800 Block of State Street • Enjoy live local music! Each month features a different band. Grab a bite from nearby Paseo Nuevo and make a night of it!

2nd to 28th, 2026

March

SISTERS

1st Thursday Reception Thursday, March 5th • 5-8pm La Cumbre 3rd Friday Reception March 20th • 5-7:30pm

Suspects Arrested Following Assault at Santa Barbara City College

FOLLOWING AN ASSAULT AT SANTA BARBARA CITY COLLEGE on February 18th, two suspects were arrested after being detained for criminal activity in the City of Ventura, on February 23rd, at about 7:30pm.

The incident took place on February 18th, at approximately 4:48pm, when officers from the Santa Barbara Police Department were dispatched to the East Campus of Santa Barbara City College, in the area of the earth and biological sciences building, for a report of an assault with a deadly weapon, where one adult male victim was found and transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. The victim was suffering from non-life-threatening lacerations to his upper body.

In Ventura, Bryan Isaac Ramirez,18, a resident of Santa Barbara County, was booked at Ventura County Jail for the Santa Barbara City crimes - felony assault with a deadly weapon and conspiracy. Additionally, a bail enhancement of $250,000 was granted for Ramirez in this matter. Also a male juvenile resident of Santa Barbara County was booked at Santa Barbara County Juvenile Hall for the Santa Barbara City crimes - felony assault with a deadly weapon and conspiracy.

Further investigation is being conducted to determine whether the assault is gang related. According to SBPD, this appears to be an isolated matter, and there is nothing to indicate that this incident is related to the homicide that occurred on February 20, 2026. Anyone

with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Santa Barbara Police Department at (805) 897-2371.

EL 18 DE FEBRERO DE 2026, aproximadamente a las 4:48 PM, oficiales del Departamento de Policía de Santa Bárbara fueron enviados al Colegio de La Ciudad de Santa Barbara (SBCC), en el área del edificio de Ciencias Biológicas, tras recibir un reporte de una agresión con arma letal que acababa de ocurrir. Se localizó a un hombre adulto víctima del incidente, quien fue transportado de emergencia al Hospital Cottage de Santa Barbara con lesiones en la parte superior del cuerpo.

El 23 de febrero de 2026, aproximadamente a las 7:30 PM, dos sospechosos fueron arrestados en relación con este caso después de ser detenidos por delincuencia en la Ciudad de Ventura.

Bryan Isaac Ramirez (18), residente del Condado de Santa Bárbara, fue ingresado a la Cárcel del Condado de Ventura por los siguientes delitos cometidos en la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara: agresión con arma letal y conspiración criminal cuales son delitos graves. Además, en este caso se le impuso un aumento de fianza de $250,000.

Adicionalmente, un menor de edad, residente del Condado de Santa Bárbara, fue ingresado al Centro Juvenil localizado en Santa Maria por los siguientes delitos cometidos en la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara: agresión con arma letal y conspiración criminal.

Este incidente parece ser aislado y no hay indicaciones que esté relacionado con el homicidio ocurrido el 20 de febrero de 2026. Ambas investigaciones continúan para determinar si son relacionadas con pandillas.

Cualquier persona que tenga información sobre este incidente puede comunicarse con el Departamento de Policía de Santa Bárbara al (805) 897-2371.

Dead Body Found on the Beach

FOLLOWING UP ON A REPORTED DEAD BODY on the beach, Santa Barbara Police Officers responded to the beach near the 1800 block of Camino De La Luz, on February 24th, at approximately 9:52am. SBPD, along with Santa Barbara Fire Search and Rescue, located a body near the rocks at the base of the cliff. The decedent, believed to be a male in his 50s, was recovered by Santa Barbara Fire Search and Rescue. No signs of foul play were discovered, and the death remains under investigation. The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Coroner’s Bureau also responded. The individual’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Cuerpo

sin vida fue encontrado en la playa por el área de 1800 El Camino

De La Luz

EL 24 DE FEBRERO DE 2026, aproximadamente a las 9:52 a.m., el Centro de Comunicaciones de la Policía de Santa Bárbara recibió una llamada de emergencia sobre el hallazgo de un cuerpo en la playa cerca de 1800 Camino De La Luz. La Policía de Santa Bárbara, junto con el equipo de Búsqueda y Rescate del Departamento de Bomberos locales, acudieron al lugar y localizaron el cuerpo cerca de las rocas en la base del acantilado. El fallecido, quien se cree

Record number of journalists killed in 2025

IN THE DEADLIEST YEAR ON RECORD, 129 journalists and media workers were killed worldwide in 2025, more than any other year since the Committee to Protect Journalists began collecting data in 1992, according to a new report released this week.

It was the second consecutive annual record for press deaths worldwide, with Israel responsible for two-thirds of the global total. According to the report, the Israeli military has now committed more targeted killings of the press than any other government’s military on record — the vast majority of those killed were Palestinian journalists and media workers in Gaza.

“Journalists are being killed in record numbers at a time when access to information is more important than ever,” said CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg. “Attacks on the media are a leading indicator of attacks on other freedoms, and much more needs to be done to prevent these killings and punish the perpetrators. We are all at risk when journalists are killed for reporting the news.”

Over three-quarters of all press deaths in 2025 were in conflict settings. While the number of journalists and media workers killed in Ukraine and Sudan increased slightly in 2025

compared to the previous year, to four and nine deaths in each country, respectively, the numbers were still very low compared to Israel, which remains a significant exception.

One significant finding in this year’s report was an uptick in the use of drones to kill the press, with 39 cases documented, including 28 killings by Israel’s military in Gaza and five by paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, and one by a suspected Turkish strike in Iraq. In Ukraine, four journalists were killed by Russian military drones, the highest annual number of journalist deaths in the war since 15 were killed in 2022.

The rising number of journalist deaths globally is fueled by a persistent culture of impunity. Very few transparent investigations have been conducted into the 47 cases of targeted killings (classified as “murder” in CPJ’s longstanding methodology) documented by CPJ in 2025 — the highest number of journalists deliberately killed for their work in the past decade — and no one has been held accountable in any of the cases, the report continues.

CPJ argues that the continued failure of government leaders to protect the press or hold their attackers to account

es un hombre de aproximadamente 50 años, fue recuperado por el equipo de Búsqueda y Rescate del Departamento de Bomberos de Santa Bárbara. No se encontraron indicios de acto delictivos y la muerte continúa bajo investigación. La Oficina del Forense del Sheriff del Condado de Santa Bárbara respondió al lugar. La identidad del individuo se mantiene reservada en espera de la notificación a los familiares más cercanos.

Homicide At 1200 San Pascual Street

A DISPATCH TO BOHNETT PARK on the report of a shooting, officers from the Santa Barbara Police Department, on February 20th, at approximately 1:31am, the found an adult male victim suffering from a gunshot wound, as well as an additional uninjured victim at the scene. Officers immediately began providing life-saving measures to the injured victim until paramedics arrived. The victim was transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for further medical treatment. Despite lifesaving efforts, the victim tragically succumbed to his injuries after arriving at the hospital. The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.

Preliminary investigation indicates the suspect(s) may have fled the area in an unknown model vehicle prior to officers’ arrival. According to the SBPD, based on the investigation thus far, this appears to be an isolated incident and there does not appear to be any ongoing threat or danger to the public. The incident remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Santa Barbara Police Department at (805) 897-2372.

lays the groundwork for more killings, including in countries not at war. Journalists were killed in Mexico, India, and the Philippines in 2025, all countries that have persistently failed to secure justice for journalists’ murders. CPJ has called for radical reform in the ways governments investigate journalist killings in order to bring perpetrators to justice, including establishing an international investigative task force and imposing targeted sanctions.

In Mexico, CPJ recorded at least six journalists killed in 2025. A federal protection mechanism introduced to address the persistently high level of journalist killings has proven largely ineffective, with at least one journalist killed in Mexico every year for the past ten years. In the Philippines, which also has a long history of violence against journalists, three journalists were shot dead in 2025, but only one case has resulted in an arrest.

In Asia and Latin America, journalists reporting on corruption and organized crime were brutally targeted for their work. Authoritarian regimes also continued to punish journalists with death. In Saudi Arabia, prominent columnist Turki al-Jasser was executed by Saudi Arabia following seven years in detention.

For more information visit press@cpj.org

Inflation Is Contagious

“From the preceding month, the PCE price index for December increased 0.4 percent. Excluding food and energy, the PCE price index also increased 0.4 percent.

From the same month one year ago, the PCE price index for December increased 2.9 percent. Excluding food and energy, the PCE price index increased 3.0 percent from one year ago.” BEA.gov

By Harlan Green, Special to VOICE

February 24, 2026

THE INFLATION CONTAGION IS PROCEEDING UNABATED, per the FRED graph of the Personal Consumption Expenditure Index, the favored Federal Reserve inflation indicator.

Why? Because little to nothing has been done about inflation, although that may change with the Supreme Court’s decision to outlaw Trump’s executive orders allowing retaliatory tariffs. The evidence is that tariffs have raised prices and done nothing to lower the trade deficit that Trump has railed about, per Paul Krugman’s Substack blog.

The Fed uses the PCE index because it most broadly measures the change in

goods and services prices of goods consumed “by all households, and nonprofit institutions serving households”, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

It is a virus-like contagion indicator because consumers can’t do much about it over the short term other than shop for more bargains. It’s caused by product shortages and Trump’s tariffs, disruptions due to Trump’s continuous changes to tariffs that percolate through the general economy.

bank to report there was a chance its next move might be to raise interest rates because of the stubborn inflation data.

ECONOMIC VOICE

By Harlan Green

The Conference Board’s Confidence Index also measures such attitudes: “Consumers’ write-in responses on factors affecting the economy continued to skew towards pessimism. Comments about prices, inflation, and the cost of goods remained at the top of consumer’s minds.”

CASA Santa Barbara, Inc.

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Office Address: La Cumbre Plaza, 110 S. Hope Ave, H-124, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 (805) 965-6448

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Our mission is to provide accessible news for everyone along with a broad and inclusive perspective on our local community in both our FREE digital and print editions. If everyone who reads VOICE Magazine supports it, our future will be made secure.

The FRED above graph also shows that President Biden had already brought PCE inflation down to 3% in October 2023. It has remained there ever since, only beginning to creep up after Trump’s April 2025 Liberation Day tariff announcements.

And it continues its creep, which will make the Fed’s decision about when to lower interest rates more difficult. Consumers are also becoming increasingly anxious about inflation.

Santa Barbara Mortgage Interest Rates

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

PARAGON MORTGAGE GROUP

Please call for current rates: 805-899-1390 HOMEBRIDGE FINANCIAL SERVICES

Please call for current rates: Erik Taiji, 805-895-8233, NMLS #322481

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Please call for current rates: 805-963-7511

And minutes of the Federal Reserve’s first meeting of the new year showed that several officials wanted the central

Why is inflation so contagious, to use the virus analogy? Because price changes are connected, they ‘infect’ each other as every consumer and business knows. For instance a rise in import prices raises the price of the final product, whatever it is.

Economists call the phenomenon inflation expectations. Research has shown if businesses expect high inflation, they may raise prices immediately; if workers expect it, they will demand higher wages, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

It’s all about attempting to predict future behavior, in other words. Consumer confidence surveys, such as the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index attempt to measure inflation expectations, for instance:

“Consumers’ average and median 12-month inflation expectations were little changed but remained elevated. Consumers also believed that interest rates will persist at higher levels over the next 12 months.

The good news is that even Independent voters are seeing through the propaganda and blatant lies that lay behind President Trump’s “Day One” promises.

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.

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AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER: 25CV06160 . Petitioner: Virgina Helen Valencia filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Virgina Helen Valencia to PROPOSED NAME: Helen Virgina Valencia. 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: March 16, 2026; Time: 10:00 am; Dept.: SB 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: 01/16/2026 /s/: Colleen K. Sterne, Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #25CV06160 Pub Dates: February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2026.

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

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER: 25CV06568.

Petitioner: Elliot Oberlin Murray Osborn filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Elliot Oberlin Murray Osborn to PROPOSED NAME: Elliot Oberlin Murray. 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: April 17, 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: 02/18/26 /s/:Donna D. Geck, Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #25CV06568 Pub Dates: February 27, March 6, 13, 20, 2026.

STEVE GOLIS

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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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:

The following Individual is doing business as LAKEHEAD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT at 5287 University Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. STEPHANIE L PETLOW at 5287 University Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on January 27, 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. 2026-0000208. Published February 13, 20, 27, March 6, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:

The following Individual is doing business as MAMA COLLECTIVE SYSTEM at 4608 Chilon Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93110. JESSICA ANGULO at 4608 Chilon Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93110. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on January 28, 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. 2026-0000250. Published February 20, 27, March 6, 13, 2026.

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:

The following Limited Liability Company is doing business as FIRST EPIC at 40 Oceano Ave, 10, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. BRIMER VENTURES, LLC at 40 Oceano Ave, 10, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on January 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. 2026-0000291. Published February 27, March 6, 13, 20, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:

The following Corporation is doing business as GEMA at 10 E. Yanonali St. 141, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. KIDS MEDIA INC. at 10 E. Yanonali St. 141, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on January 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. 2026-0000296. Published February 27, March 6, 13, 20, 2026.

CINEMA

CINEMA EVENTS

The Art of the Benshi • Japanese benshi Ichiro Kataoka narrates A Page of Madness, Hardy’s Liberty (1929) and the Japanese short Half a Snake, followed by a discussion • Pollock Theater • Free, reservation recommended • carseywolf.ucsb.edu • 2pm Sa, 2/28.

Soul Surfer • Major motion picture based on Bethany Hamilton’s autobiography • Granada Theatre • Presented by Network Medical Women’s Center • $13 • granadasb.org • 7pm Th, 3/5.

Keeping in the Shadows • Noah Wegrich and Perry Gershkow’s film following Wegrich on a surf odyssey through five countries, followed by a Q&A with Gershkow • Alcazar Theatre • $20 • thealcazar. org • 6:30pm Fr, 3/6.

Scenes of Extraction • Film documenting British oil and energy operations in South East Asia, followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Sanaz Sohrabi • Pollock Theater • Free, reservation recommended • carseywolf.ucsb.edu • 7pm Th, 3/5.

Nope • Jordan Peele’s sci-fi horror film about siblings who inherit their father’s California horse ranch after his death, but soon discover UFOs are abducting their horses • UCSB Multicultural Center Theater • Free • 5pm We, 3/4.

Doors Open: 3:30pm

225 N FAIRVIEW AVE, GOLETA 805-683-3800

Goat (PG): Fri, Mon-Thur

Crime 101 (R): Fri, Mon-Wed: 4:20, 7:30 Sat/Sun: 1:40, 4:20, 7:30. Thur: 7:40.

7040 MARKETPLACE DR, GOLETA 805-688-4140

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert (PG13): Fri-Sun: 1:40, 4:05, 6:40, 9:05. Mon-Wed: 2:30, 5:10, 7:40. Thur: 2:30, 5:15, 7:40.

How to Make a Killing (R): Fri: 2:55, 5:40, 8:10. Sat/Sun: 12:20, 2:55, 5:40, 8:10. Mon-Thur: 1:30, 4:20, 8:10.

Psycho Killer* (R): Sat/Sun: 12:30. Mon-Thur: 3:10. Wuthering Heights (R): Fri: 3:15,6:20, 9:30. Sat/Sun: 12:10, 3:15, 6:20, 9:30.Mon-Thur: 1:40, 4:45, 7:50.

Sat/Sun: 12:00, 2:40, 5:20, 8:00. Thur: 2:40.

The Bride!* (R): Thur: 5:00, 8:05.

1317 STATE STREET, SB 805-963-9580 618 STATE STREET, SB 805-965-7684

Crime 101 (R): Fri, Mon-Thur: 4:40, 7:50. Sat/Sun: 1:30, 4:40, 7:50. Bendito Corazon (NR): Fri: 4:15. Sat: 2:00, 4:15. Sun: 12:50, 3:10, 5:25, 7:40. Mon-Wed: 5:25, 7:40. Thur: 5:25. 21 Pilots (NR)*: Fri/Sat: 8:15. Protector (R): Thur: 7:40. The Bride!* (R): Thur: 7:30.

8 WEST DE LA GUERRA ST, SB 805-965-7451 * *

Wuthering Heights (R): Fri, Mon-Thur: 4:55, 8:00. Sat/Sun: 1:50, 4:55, 8:00. Goat (PG): Fri, Mon-Thur

How to Make a Killing (R): Fri-Thur: 7:45.

371 South Hitchcock Way, SB 805-682-6512

Midwinter Break (PG13): Fri-Thur: 5:10. Wuthering Heights (R): Fri, Mon-Thur: 4:40, 7:30. Sat-Mon: 2:05, 4:40, 7:30.

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert (PG13): Fri, Mon-Thur: 7:45. Sat/Sun: 2:15, 7:45.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Friday 2/27

CHILDREN

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

COMEDY

Bored Teachers: Is It Friday Yet?! • Comedy tour, featuring the “Teachers Off Duty” podcast • The Arlington Theatre • $37-47 • arlingtontheatresb • 7:30pm Fr, 2/27.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Dr. Zelana Montminy • Discusses her book Finding Focus: Own Your Attention in an Age of Distraction • Godmothers Books • $23 • godmothers.com • 6pm Fr, 2/27.

Personalized Career Planning

• Discover your strengths and goals, and plan your future • SBCC Extended Learning • Free, registration required • sbcc.edu • 9am Fr, 2/27.

Trauma-Informed Community Care Workshop • Yogapsychotherapist Macala “Kala” Lacy helps participants conceptualize trauma and its impacts, and build safer spaces • UCSB Multicultural Center Lounge • Free • mcc.sa.ucsb.edu • 12pm Fr, 2/27.

MUSIC

The Way Forward • A night of music with Nolan Montgomery featuring Sriram Ramamurthy and The Diamond Strings • Center Stage Theater • $40 • centerstagetheater.org • 8pm Fr, 2/27.

Taylor Dayne • Dance-pop performance • Chumash Casino Resort • $40-60 • chumashcasino.com • 8pm Fr, 2/27.

Red Piano • Rotating pianists play requests • Red Piano • Every night.

OUTDOORS

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

21st Annual President’s Breakfast • Journalist & Pulitzer Prize winner Bret Stephens discusses America’s role in the world today • Hilton SB Beachfront Resort • $150 • westmont.edu • 7am Fr, 2/27.

San Ignacio Lagoon Whale

Trip • Close encounters with whales and calves down the Baja, Mexico coast • $3300-4300 • sbmm.org • Fr, 2/27 through Mo, 3/2.

Saturday 2/28

CHILDREN

Pathfinders: Super Seeds • Children ages 8-13 are invited to investigate and learn about seeds

• Backcountry Basecamp, Garden Entrance • Free with admission to The Garden • sbbotanicgarden.org • 11am Sa, 2/28.

Forty the Fortune Teller • Childrens’ storytime featuring a picture book about a paper fortune teller • Godmothers Books • Free, reservation recommended • godmothers.com • 11am Sa, 2/28.

Crafternoon • Fun crafts, ages 5+

• Explore Ecology Makerspace • $8 • exploreecology.org • 10am-12pm, Sat.

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

COMEDY

South Coast Stand-Up Comedy

• Featuring Kristi McHugh, Paul Clay and Carlos Oscar • Alcazar Theatre • $15 • thealcazar.org • 7pm Sa, 2/28.

La Chupitos - Risas Y Mariachi

• Mexican comedy and world-class music • The Arlington Theatre • $6367 • arlingtontheatresb.com • 7pm Sa, 2/28.

DANCE

Ascend • Presented by CSD School of Performing Arts, showcasing solos, duets, trios and group dances • Center Stage Theater • $29-54 • centerstagetheater.org • 6pm Sa, 2/28.

Line Dancing Lessons • Maverick Saloon • $10 • 6-8pm Sat.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Celebrate African American & Black History Month• TEDx speaker Fleurie Leclercq; DAANSEKOU Cultural Arts and Wellness Collective; and Umoja from SBCC • Eastside Library • 10-12pm Sat, 2/28.

Book Club • Sand County Almanac: And Sketches Here and There by Aldo Leopold • Meiners Oaks Community Garden • Free • 3pm Sa, 2/28.

Santa Barbara Go Club • All levels welcome to learn this ancient game • Free • Mosaic Locale, 1131 State St • 805-448-5335 • 11am-3pm Sa.

Try Hockey Free: World Stage Edition • Hockey practice for beginners, followed by a meet-andgreet with former Olympian Steve Heinze • Ice in Paradise • Register at apps.daysmartrecreation.com • 12:45pm Sa, 2/28.

MUSIC

The Rhythm Industrial Complex • Afrobeat, funk performance • Fox Wine Co. • 2pm Sa, 2/28.

Low Down Dudes • Classic rock performance • Cold Spring Tavern • 1:30pm Sa, 2/28.

SB Drum Circle • Free, all welcome • Chase Palm Park • 3-6pm Sa.

OUTDOORS

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

Tiler Peck’s Ballet Festival

EXERIENCE A UNIQUE FUSION of jazz and ballet when Joyce Theater’s Ballet Festival, curated by New York City Ballet Principal Tiler Peck, comes to Santa Barbara. Enjoy this two-night tribute to choreographer Jerome Robbins at 7:30pm on Tuesday, Match 3rd and Wednesday, March 4th at the Granada Theatre. For tickets ($20-135) visit artsandlectures.ucsb.edu

2026 LEAP Awards • honoring Jackie Carrera, Ashley Costa, and Das Williams for their outstanding service to children and families on the central coast • Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort • $150 • leapcentralcoast.org • 10am Sa, 2/28.

Sunday 3/1

CHILDREN

The Architectural Walking Tour • History of buildings in SB • 229 E. Victoria St • $20 • afsb.org • 10am, Sat.

SPECIAL EVENTS

CASA Disco • Annual fundraiser with a disco theme, live and silent auction, and inspiring stories • Chumash Casino Resort • $175 • e.givesmart.com • 5pm Sa, 2/28.

Children’s Storytime • Local author Taran Collis reads Dinosaurs Do Yoga Too • Chaucer’s Books • 3pm Su, 3/1. 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

Citrus Preserving • Workshop led by food writer and private chef Susan Ellicott • Godmothers Books • $135 • godmothers.com • 1pm Su, 3/1. The Godmother Within • A transformative workshop using reclaimed horseshoes • Godmothers Bookstore • $125 • godmothers.com • 2pm Su, 3/1.

Personal Stories: Reunion • Original stories performed by their authors • Center Stage Theater • $2025 • centerstagetheater.org • 2pm Su, 3/1 & 7:30pm Mo, 3/2.

Oliver James • Presents his book Unread: A Memoir of Learning (and Loving) to Read on TikTok • Godmothers Books • $23 • godmothers.com • 6pm Su, 3/1.

Empathy Cafe • Practice

Theatre

Little Women

THE SPIRITED MARCH SISTERS from Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel hit the stage at Westmont College’s Porter Theater. Come witness the heartwarming production, adapted by Kate Hamill and directed by Madeline Fanton, at 7:30pm on Friday, February 27th through March 8th. For tickets ($12-20) visit westmont.edu

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

Carillon Recital • Junrui Liu and Wesley Arai perform a recital from the carillon in UCSB’s Storke Tower • Storke Tower Lawn • 2pm Su, 3/1.

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell

Leahy and The Celtic All Stars • Performance and celebration of Celtic music • Campbell Hall • $15-63 • artsandlectures.ucsb.edu • 7pm Su, 3/1.

OUTDOORS

Sunday Architecture Tour

• Guided stroll • Begins at SB Downtown Library • Architectural Foundation of SB • $20 • afsb.org • 10am Sun.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Mazatlán Banda Fest • Earl Warren Showgrounds, Kramer Arena• • www.vmg.com • 1pm Su, 3/1.

Family on the Farm Day • Open farm morning for exploring, picnics, and more • Poco Farm • Free • pocofarm.com • 9am Su, 3/1.

Shane • Adapted from Jack Schaefer’s novel about a gunslinger in a Wyoming frontier town • Marian Theatre • $25-57 • pcpa.org • 7pm fr, 2/27 through 3/1.

The 39 Steps • A high speed chase across the Scottish countryside, based on the Alfred Hitchcock Film • Rubicon Theatre • $30-90 • rubicontheatre.org • 7pm Fr, 2/13 through 3/1.

Caesar and Cleopatra • Italian opera performace of the historical drama set in 48BC Egypt • Lobero Theatre • $129-154 • lobero.org • 7:30pm Fr, 2/27 & 2:30pm Su, 3/1.

Little Women • Adopted from the novel by Louisa May Alcott by Kate Hamill, directed by Madeline Fanton • Porter Theater • $12-20 • westmont. edu • 7:30pm Fr, 2/27 through 3/8.

Measure For Measure • Shakespeare’s social drama about the Duke of Vienna’s deputy, Angelo, who is left in charge of the city • Severson Theatre • $25-51 • pcpa.org • 7pm Fr, 2/27 through 3/15.

Monday 3/2

CHILDREN

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

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

How Maize Shaped History • Emily Johnson discusses the cooking processes behind Mesoamerican civilizations • SB Museum of Natural History, Farrand Hall • Free • sbnature.org • 7pm Mo, 3/2.

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, 3/2 through 4/20. Scrabble Club • Louise Lowry Davis Center • All levels/ English/ Spanish • Free • 1-4pm Mon.

Parliamo • Italian conversation, all levels • Natural Cafe, 361 Hitchcock Way • Free • parliamo.yolasite.com • 5-6:30pm Mon.

SB Bridge Club • Play bridge, meets daily • 2255 Las Positas Rd • Schedule and RSVP: bridgewebs.com/sbbc542

Tuesday 3/3

COMEDY

Carpinteria Improv Drop-In Class • Learn or practice skills • Alcazar Theatre • $10 • 7pm Tu.

DANCE

Ballet Festival: Jerome Robbins • Curated by Tiler Peck, featuring dancers from the New York City Ballet, the Paris Opera Ballet, and the San Francisco Ballet • Granada Theatre • $20-135 • artsandlectures. ucsb.edu • 7:30pm Tu, 3/3 and We, 3/4.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Awards Chatter with Scott Feinberg • Feinberg, Executive Editor of Awards for The Hollywood Reporter, discusses how Oscar races are really won • Pollock Theater • Free, reservation recommended • carseywolf.ucsb.edu • 7pm Tu, 3/3.

Research Focus Group Talk

• Clara Asare-Nyarko discusses the roles adults play in the identity formation of children in Ghanaian children’s literature • Zoom • ihc.ucsb. edu • 10am Tu, 3/3.

Solidarity Sessions • Organizers from diverse backgrounds share their experiences advancing equity and justice • UCSB Multicultural Center Theater and Lounge • Free • mcc. sa.ucsb.edu • 5pm Tu, 3/3.

A Small Family Business

•

Alan Ayckbourn’s social satire about Jack McCracken, the head of a family furniture business • Garvin Theatre • $16-27 • theatregroupsbcc.com • 7:30pm 3/4 through 3/21.

CEC Climate Stewards Course

• Explore climate solutions through lessons and field trips • Over Zoom with in person field trips • $360 • cecsb.org • 6:30pm Tu, 3/3 to 3/17.

Storytelling is the Revolution

• Free poetry workshops for 18+ • Community Arts Workshop • Free, register: sbcaw.org • 5-7pm Tu & Th, through March.

Chess Club • Louise Lowry Davis Center • All levels/ English/Spanish • Free • 1-4pm Tue.

MUSIC

WE ARE AMERICA Tour: American Songs That Give Us Hope • Performance by Madeleine Peyroux with bassist Barak Mori and guitarist Jon Herington • Lobero Theatre • $60-107 • lobero.org • 7:30pm Tu, 3/3.

SPECIAL EVENTS

School Book Fair • 25% of all in-store purchases donated to Riviera

The Story of War • Dillon Yuhasz’s comedic one-man show, presented by Not Half Bad Theatre Company • Community Arts Workshop • $26 • nothalfbad.org • 7:30pm Sa 3/7 & 3/8.

Ridge School • Chaucer’s Books • 5pm Tu, 3/3.

Wednesday 3/4

CHILDREN

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

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Kathleen Lockyer • Discusses and signs her book Wild Inside: How Nature Protects Your Child’s Mental Health and Restores Yours • Chaucer’s Books • 6pm We, 3/4.

Adult Ceramics for Beginners • Inspired by quilt patterns and text art • SBMA’s Ceramics Studio at The Downtown Club • $200-240 • sbma. net • 6pm We, 3/4 through 3/25. California Native Plant Landscaper Certification Program • On zoom and in

When author and

Kathleen Lockyer discusses her debut book, Wild

How Nature Protects Your Child’s Mental Health and Restores Yours at 6pm on Wednesday, March 4th at Chaucer’s Books. 10% of sales go to the Wilderness Youth Project. Free and open to the public

person at SB Botanic Garden • $375 • sbbotanicgarden.org • 10am We, 3/4 through 3/7.

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

Journey through Jazz • Student performances by Vieja Valley School • Lobero Theatre • Free • lobero.org • 7:15pm We, 3/4.

UCSB Ensemble for Contemporary Music Winter Concert • Directed by Jonathan Moerschel featuring contemporary compositions by UCSB students • Lotte

Lehmann Concert Hall • Free-$10 • music.ucsb.edu • 7:30pm We, 3/4.

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

Thursday 3/5

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Caitlin Dickerson • Discusses her book Deported: The Price of Our Prosperity • Campbell Hall • Free-$20 • artsandlectures.ucsb.edu • 7:30pm Th, 3/5.

Information Session on Pilot Neighborhood Decarbonization • Provide your opinion on which neighborhoods should be designated decarbonization zones • Virtual meeting • socalgas. com • 1pm Th, 3/5.

Patrice Karst • Discusses her book God Made Easy • Godmothers

Bookstore • $17 • godmothers.com • 6pm Th, 3/5.

Make It Public Art Workshop

• Series offering practical, experiencebased guidance on navigating public art opportunities • Zoom • sbac.ca.gov • 6pm Th, 3/5.

CasaSerena Open House and CEU Event • 1515 Bath St • RSVP: mfarrens@casaserena.org • 11am-12 open house; 12-1 CEU, Thu, 3/5.

From Data to Donors • Workshop about understanding donor data to strengthen relationships and revenue • CLU Oxnard • Free-$55 • californialutheran.app.neoncrm.com • 10am Th, 3/5.

Spiritual Care Club • Learn to use divine and intuitive tools for healing and care • UCSB Multicultural Center Lounge • Free • 2pm Th, 3/5.

Alien Worlds: Six-class Course • Krissie Cook explores discoveries in distant solar systems • Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History • $120-150 • sbnature.org • 5pm Th, 3/5 through 3/26.

Word and Life • Discuss Ecological Spirituality by Diarmuid O’Murchuover Zoom • $80 • Register: wordandlife.us • Meets 10-11:30am Th, through 3/19.

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

MUSIC

Poiesis Quartet Concert • First Prize and Commission Prize winners of the 2025 Banff International String Quartet Competition • Mary Craig Auditorium • $10-40 • sbma.net • 7pm Th, 3/5.

UCSB Wind Ensemble Winter Concert • Directed by Andy Radford • Lotte Lehmann Concert Hall • Free-$10 • music.ucsb.edu • 7:30pm Th, 3/5.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Casa Serena Treatment Center for Women • Open house and presentation • Casa Serena • casaserena.org • 11am Th, 3/5.

School Book Fair • 25% of all in-store purchases donated to Notre Dame School • Chaucer’s Books • 5pm Th, 3/5.

Where the Hot Stuff Is

EXPLORE VOLCANOES BEYOND EARTH When the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History presents NASA’s Dr. Rosaly M.C. Lopes to give a talk on volcanoes and volcanic eruptions throughout the solar system. Join her at 7:30pm on Friday, March 6th in Fleischmann Auditorium for an engaging lesson in planetary science! Free and open to the public, no reservation required

Solstice Poster Artists

Reception • Vote in person for your favorite poster art, with refreshments • Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association • solsticeparade.com • 5pm Th, 3/5.

Friday 3/6

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

LinkedIn Rock Your Profile Event • Joey Zumaya shares strategies to optimize your LinkedIn profile • LinkedIn Office, Carpinteria • RSVP required • rockyourprofilenonprofitcommun. splashthat.com • 1pm Fr, 3/6.

Where the Hot Stuff Is: Volcanoes Beyond Earth

• Rosaly M.C. Lopes discusses the variety of volcanoes on Earth and throughout the solar system • SB Museum of Natural Hisory, Fleischmann Auditorium • Free • sbnature.org • 7:30pm Fr, 3/6.

Climate Fridays • Monthly gathering to connect with climate leaders • CEC Hub • cecsb.org • 4-5:30pm Fri, 3/6.

MUSIC

Camerata Pacifica Winds

• Featuring flute, oboe and piano • Hahn Hall • $35-75 • cameratapacifica.org • 7pm Fr, 3/6. Kool & The Gang • R&B, soul and funk band • Chumash Casino Resort • $69-169 • chumashcasino.com • 8pm Fr, 3/6.

Steep Canyon Rangers • Traditional bluegrass featuring banjo, mandolin, fiddle and more • Lobero Theatre • $45-107 • lobero.org • 7:30pm Fr, 3/6.

UCSB Chamber Choir Winter

Concert • The program, “You blush like the dawn,” features composers Esmail, Runestad, Puts, Smiley, and Stopford’s Missa Deus Nobiscum • Trinity Episcopal Church • Free-$10 • music.ucsb.edu • 7:30pm Fr, 3/6. Music & Meditation• Jessica Guideri, MAW Weinman Hall • From $30 • musicandmeditationsb.com • 2pm Fri, 3/6.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Love Boat: Sailing to Alaska Annual Gala • Land-based gala inspired by the elegance of an Alaskan cruise, honoring Jean-Michel Cousteau and featuring fine dining, entertainment, and auctions • Cabrillo Pavilion • sbmm.org • 5pm Fr, 3/6.

Saturday 3/7

CHILDREN

Crafternoon • Fun crafts, ages 5+ • Explore Ecology Makerspace • $8 • exploreecology.org • 10am-12pm, Sat.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

UCSB Middle East Ensemble

Experience a tapestry of cultures through this formal concert given by the UCSB Middle East Ensemble on Saturday, March 7th at 7:30pm, under the direction of Scott Marcus. The concert will include guest singers and dancers, ensuring a beautiful and entertaining evening at Lotte Lehmann Concert Hall.

For tickets (Free-$10) visit music.ucsb.edu

Storytime @ the Sea Center

• All ages, free w/admission • SBNature.org • 10:30–10:45am Sat & Sun.

DANCE

Configuration 2026 • Featuring hip hop, contemporary, and jazz numbers presented by Santa Barbara Dance Arts • Center Stage Theater • $25-60 • centerstagetheater.org • 7pm Fr, 3/7 through 3/14.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/ WORKSHOPS

2-Day Expressive Painting and Drawing Creative Workshop • Presented by Daniel Kanow • Community

Arts Workshop • $160 • breakthroughyourart.com • 10am Sa, 3/7 & 3/8.

Jamie Rose & Elise Loehnen

• Rose discusses her book Facing Madame X: The Tools for Women with author and podcast host Elise Loehnen • Godmothers Bookstore

• $23 • godmothers.com • 6pm Sa, 3/7.

Youth Climate Workshop

• Maureen Ellenberger discusses proposed oil and gas production phase-out in Santa Barbara County, plus an interactive Climate Solutions Mapping activity • CEC Environmental Hub • Free • cecsb. org • 1pm Sa, 3/7.

MUSIC

Eric Zobel

• Acoustic folk performance • Cold Spring Tavern • 1:30pm Sa, 3/7.

Jazz Concert with Wayne Bergeron • Featuring the DP Jazz Band and the Santa Barbara City College Lunch Break Band • Elings Performing Arts Center • Free-$25 • dphsmusic.org • 7:30pm Sa, 3/7.

Chucho Valdés & Arturo Sandoval Legacy Quintet

• Afro-Cuban jazz performance

• Campbell Hall • $15-63 • artsandlectures.ucsb.edu • 7:30pm Sa, 3/7.

UCSB Middle East Ensemble Winter Concert • Directed by Scott Marcus, featuring guest singers and dancers • Lotte Lehmann Concert Hall • Free-$10 • music.ucsb.edu • 7:30pm Sa, 3/7.

The Magic’s In the Music • Live classic rock performances, narrated by Anna Strickland • Alcazar Theatre • $30-40 • thealcazar.org • 7pm Sa, 3/7.

SPECIAL EVENTS

SBMAL Open House • Explore treasures and get a tour of the archive-library. Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library • Free • 9:30am Sa, 3/7.

Sunday 3/8

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

Sharing Stories & Strength

• Rendy Freedman leads a workshop focused on listening and storytelling • Godmothers Bookstore • $39 • godmothers.com • 2pm Su, 3/8.

Parallel Stories • Author Maggie Nelson reads from and discusses her book The Slicks: On Sylvia Plath and Taylor Swift • SBMA, Mary Craig Aud • Free-$15 • sbma.net • 2:30pm Su, 3/8.

MUSIC

Adam Moezinia & The Folk Element Trio • Jazz guitarist and band leader Adam Moezinia featuring Emiliano Lasansky on bass and Marcello Carelli on drums

• SOhO • 1pm Su, 3/8.

The Bayou Bump • New Orleans jazz, second line, and R&B band • SOhO • 1pm Su, 3/8.

Carillon Recital • Students

Annmarie Fan, Rose Gallagher, Junrui Liu, Julia Ong, Pratyush Rallapally, and Ryan Stenberg present a recital from the carillon in UCSB’s Storke Tower • Storke Tower Lawn • 10am Su, 3/8.

Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan • Guitar and harmonica blues, rags, and good time music • Cold Spring Tavern • 1:30pm Su, 3/8.

UCSB Chamber Players Winter Concert • Directed by Jonathan Moerschel • Geiringer Hall • Free-$10 • music.ucsb.edu • 7:30pm Su, 3/8.

OUTDOORS

Beach Cleanup • Arroyo Burro Beach • 10am Su, 3/8.

Sunday Architecture Tour

• Guided stroll • Begins at SB Downtown Library • Architectural Fdn of SB • $20 • afsb.org • 10am Sun.

SPECIAL EVENTS

6th Annual Eco Hero Award

• Brock Dolman & Kate Lundquist share accomplishments and stories of their work over the decades, featuring a Q&A and reception • Lobero Theatre • $14-100 • lobero.org • 6:30pm Su, 3/8.

Knit-In for International Women’s Day • Santa Barbara Craftivists to Host “Resist with Love KNOT Hate” • State and Anapamu Streets • 1-3pm Su, 3/8.

School Book Fair • 25% of all in-store purchases donated to Early Explorers Preschool at the SB Zoo • Chaucer’s Books • 3pm Su, 3/8.

Madeleine Peyroux To Play the Lobero

JAZZ GREAT, MADELEINE

PEYROUX will be bringing her WE ARE AMERICA Tour: American Songs That Give Us Hope, a captivating mix of originals and covers, old and new, but entirely American to the Lobero stage March 3rd. Joining her will be special guest Jon Muq.

Peyroux’s tour marks the 10th Anniversary of her album Secular Hymns’ release, this tour reunites the singular artist with her longtime collaborators, bassist Barak Mori and guitarist Jon Herington. A trio that recorded classic tunes by Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen and Sister Rosetta Tharpe among others in 2016, and carried the worldwide tour that followed.

Uganda-born singer/songwriter Jon Muq draws from African as well as western musical trends and traditions. He devises songs as small gifts, designed to settle into everyday life and provoke reflection and resilience. With his May 31st debut album with producer Dan Auerbach and tours with Billy Joel, Norah Jones, Mavis Staples, Amythyst Kiah, Corinne Bailey Rae, and others, Muq continues to expand the scope of his music to more and more people.

Peyroux has recorded nine albums, certified gold and platinum in several countries around the world and has collaborated with some of the finest musicians in the studio and onstage. She bravely explores new ground and transcends genres while keeping a solid jazz base, all while increasingly writing her own material. Her latest album Lets Walk (2024), comprises all new material co-penned with Jon Herington.

Madeleine Peyroux March 3rd at 7:30 on the Lobero Stage. For more information: Lobero.org

Community News

Teresa Kuskey and Rick Oshay Wedding: If Music Be The Food Of Love, Play On

QBy Robert F. Adams, Special to VOICE

UOTING SHAKESPEARE from Twelfth Night, an extraordinarily blissful wedding took place at the Music Academy of the West, the first marriage there in 20 years within the Academy’s sparkling Miraflores campus, an incomparable setting. Prominent citizens, Rick Oshay and Teresa Kuskey tied the knot, with family and a multitude of friends in attendance on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2026. What a backdrop to celebrate this culmination of their long-standing relationship amidst almost 200 wedding guests under the towering trees and tranquil gardens. The wedding had a strong blending of sacred Jewish traditions with the joyfully articulate Father Larry Gosselin and Rabbi Daniel Brenner on hand to preside, as well as a reading from Avi Reichental and singing by Sam Oshay.

Guests were offered al fresco champagne served in the mingle-friendly lower gardens before disembarking to the formal garden for the actual ceremony to the west of the parking areas. Following the “I do’s” and songs with a formal ceremony comprised of mostly the large family members, guests were invited into the magnificent Marilyn Horne Main Building where an extraordinary seated dinner was held, catered by Seaons Catering with a fully stocked bar from Simply Cocktails!, and a towering cake by Room for Cake.

No stone unturned the entertainers comprised a deep field of talent including the State Street Ballet, Chris Fossek on classical guitar, Emily Sommermann & The String Quartet, George

Tax Results for the City of Santa Barbara

Freidenthal playing piano, Leslie Lembo and the Maitland Ward band, Nilay Elgin belly dancing, Brian Mayes and Adriana singing opera arias, DJ Darla Bea, emceeing by John Palminteri and a pop-up from the La Boheme Dancers. All of this was backed up by Islay Events, makeup artists, Hogue flowers, and many others creating a memorably flawless ceremony for Mr. and Mrs. Oshay.

SANTA BARBARA RECEIVED $7.8 MILLION IN SALES TAX from the Bradley-Burns Uniform local, $8.3 Million in Measure C, and $4.1 Million in Measure I sales tax revenue during the quarter ended December 31, 2025, which is the second quarter of the City’s fiscal year.

Year to date, Bradley-Burns sales tax revenues are about 5.4 percent below budget, Measure C sales tax revenues are about 5.8 percent below budget, and Measure I sales tax revenue are about 5.6 percent above budget. For Fiscal Year 2026, the City’s Bradley-Burns sales tax revenue budget is $32.0 Million, Measure C sales tax revenue budget is $34.2 Million, and Measure I sales tax revenue budget is $15.1 Million.

In regards to the Transient Occupancy Tax, the City of Santa Barbara collected $2.1 Million in Transient Occupancy Taxes (TOT) for January 2026, the seventh month in the City’s fiscal year.

Year to date, the City has collected $22.2 Million in overall TOT, of which approximately $19.5 Million came from hotels and $2.7 from shortterm rentals. Year to date, total TOT revenues are coming in 6.7 percent 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 percent, of which 10.0% goes to the City’s General Fund and the remaining 2.0 percent goes to the Creeks/Clean Water Fund.

Resultados fiscales de la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara

LA CIUDAD DE SANTA BÁRBARA recauda el impuesto local sobre las ventas Bradley-Burns, el impuesto de distrito sobre las ventas para Infraestructura Crítica y Servicios Comunitarios Esenciales – Measure C (aprobado en 2017), el impuesto de distrito sobre las ventas para Servicios Esenciales de Santa Bárbara – Measure I (aprobado en 2024).

La Ciudad recibió $7.8 millones en ingresos por impuestos sobre las ventas Bradley-Burns, $8.3 millones en ingresos por Measure C, y $4.1 millones en ingresos por Measure I durante el trimestre finalizado en 31 de diciembre, 2025, que es el segundo trimestre del año fiscal de la ciudad.

En lo que va de año, los ingresos por impuestos sobre las ventas Bradley-Burns están aproximadamente un 5.4% por abajo del presupuesto, los ingresos por Measure C están aproximadamente un 5.6% por abajo del presupuesto, y los ingresos por Measure I están aproximadamente un 5.6% por encima del presupuesto. Para el año fiscal 2026, el presupuesto de ingresos por impuestos sobre las ventas Bradley-Burns es de $32.0 millones, el presupuesto de ingresos por Measure C es de $34.2 millones, y el presupuesto de ingresos por Measure I es de $15.1 millones.

Hong Kong Orchid Tree

Bauhinia blakeana

By David Gress / Special to VOICE

WHEN

PEOPLE FIRST EXPERIENCE

A

HONG KONG

ORCHID TREE up close, they find it hard to believe any tree could be covered with so many lovely orchid-like flowers that fill the air with such a wonder fragrance!

The vibrantly magenta-colored flowers, up to six inches across, are usually seen in Santa Barbara from November through Maybut can bloom here sporadically throughout the year. They are considered by many to be the most beautiful tree flowers in the world.

Though beautiful, all its flowers are, in fact, sterile - they will not develop seeds. Interestingly, all Hong Kong Orchid Trees in cultivation are descendants of just one tree found in China! Each of this tree’s progeny is its clone - grown by horticulturists using careful propagation techniquesgrafting, cuttings, or air layering.

Interestingly, Hong Kong Orchid Trees are not related to orchids at all. They are actually legumes, which are found in the Fabaceae plant family – and are related to common peas and beans.

The botanical name of the Hong Kong Orchid Tree is Bauhinia blakeana. The genus name, Bauhinia, honors two 16th century Swiss scientists, Johann and Gaspar Bauhin (who were identical twins), in reference to the bi-lobed leaves that are unique to all plants in the Bauhinia genus. The specific epithet name, blakeana, honors Sir Henry Blake, the Governor of Hong Kong from 1898 to 1903.

Guerra Street. Hong Kong Orchid Trees are also street trees in the 800 block of Spring Street and the100 and 200 blocks of East Padre Street. Notable specimens are in the 1500 block of Alameda Padre Serra, at the southeast corner of the County Courthouse (Santa Barbara Street at Figuroa Street), and at the southwest and southeast corners of De La Guerra Street and Olive Street. Brazilian Orchid Trees are street trees in the 600 and 700 blocks of State Street; they will have white flowers in late summer.

Hong Kong Orchid Tree began as a single naturallyoccurring hybrid – a fortunate cross between Bauhinia purpurea and Bauhinia variegata - which was discovered in Hong Kong in 1889 by a French missionary who then propagated it. Cuttings from these mission trees were provided to the Hong Kong Botanical Gardens in 1908. They are now grown in areas around the world that have frost-free climates.

Being small- to mediumsized trees, Hong Kong Orchid Trees can grow to a maximum of 20 feet (with an equal spread) but are usually a good deal smaller. Careful pruning will create and maintain a full and symmetrical canopy.

The light-green leaves are quite distinctive, being doublelobed - creating an appearance remarkably like the folded wings of butterflies! Because this tree is semi-deciduous, many of its leaves will drop after the blooms fade - so, don’t worry if your tree looks a bit puny at times - it will soon leaf out again. It typically looks fairly full in the winter - when other semideciduous trees look rather bare.

Hong Kong Orchid Tree looks best when planted in a spot with full sun and a well-drained loam soil. Once established, it is surprisingly drought tolerant. Of course, it will benefit from regular irrigation and additional watering during long dry spells. It prefers a frost-free location - but can survive brief periods down to 25 degrees F. As a bonus, it has no serious insect or disease problems. It is an excellent accent or specimen tree for gardens or small spaces or for use as a street tree.

In Santa Barbara, three species of Bauhinia trees have been planted and appreciated for decades: the Hong Kong Orchid Tree (Bauhinia blakeana); the Lavender Orchid Tree (Bauhinia variegata); and, the Brazilian Orchid Tree (Bauhinia forficata).

Each of these species are from foreign climes: Hong Kong Orchid Trees are native to China; Lavender Orchid Trees are native to Southeast Asia; and, Brazilian Orchid Trees are native to Brazil, Argentina, and Peru. All of them do well in our Mediterranean climate.

Hong Kong Orchid Trees, together with Lavender Orchid Trees, are street trees in the 700 and 800 blocks of Olive Street, the 100 and 200 blocks of West Islay Street, and the 400 block of East De La

All three species have been planted in Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden. Enjoy them all in one place!

Tree-of-the-Month articles are sponsored by Santa Barbara Beautiful, whose many missions include the increase of public awareness and appreciation of Santa Barbara’s many outstanding trees and, in a long-time partnership with the City Parks & Recreation Department, the funding and planting of trees along the City’s streets. sbbeautiful.org

Eagles Nest Ocean Views

Santa Barbara’s Premiere Ocean View Apartments

• Every apartment has outstanding ocean views with the very best island and sunset views in town.

• 32 one bedroom apartments, each with granite counter tops and a magnificent view.

• Recently updated on a dead end street with a reserved carport parking spot for each unit.

• Only six blocks to the ocean and on a bluff top with mild ocean breezes year round. All the top floor units have high beamed ceilings and no steps, so easy access for all ages.

• See the best of Santa Barbara from this park-like setting.

For more information or to schedule an appointment call John at 805-451-4551.

John R. WhitehuRst Property Manager/Owner

UCSB scientists bottle the sun with liquid battery

A new bio-inspired molecule captures solar energy and releases it as heat on demand, outperforming lithium-ion batteries

By Seren Snow The UC Santa Barbara Current • 2.12.26

WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN, solar panels stop working. This is the fundamental hurdle of renewable energy: how to save the sun’s power for a rainy day — or a cold night.

Chemists at UC Santa Barbara have developed a solution that doesn’t require bulky batteries or electrical grids. In a paper published in the journal Science, Associate Professor Grace Han and her team detail a new material that captures sunlight, stores it within chemical bonds, and releases it as heat on demand. The material, a modified organic molecule called pyrimidone, is the latest advancement in Molecular Solar Thermal (MOST) energy storage.

“The concept is reusable and recyclable,” said Han Nguyen, a doctoral student in the Han Group and the paper’s lead author.

“Think of photochromic sunglasses. When you’re inside, they’re just clear lenses. You walk out into the sun, and they darken on their own. Come back inside, and the lenses become clear again,” Nguyen continued. “That kind of reversible change is what we’re interested in. Only instead of changing color, we want to use the same idea to store energy, release it when we need it, and then reuse the material over and over.”

Bio-inspired design

To create this molecule, the team looked to a surprising source: DNA. The pyrimidone structure is similar to a component found in DNA that, when exposed to UV light, can undergo reversible structural changes.

By engineering a synthetic version of this structure, the team created a molecule that stores and releases energy reversibly. They collaborated with Ken Houk, a distinguished research professor

at UCLA, to use computational modeling to understand why the molecule was able to store energy and remain stable for years without losing the stored energy.

“We prioritized a lightweight, compact molecule design,” Nguyen said. “For this project, we cut everything we didn’t need. Anything that was unnecessary, we removed to make the molecule as compact as possible.”

A ‘rechargeable battery’ for heat

Traditional solar panels convert light into electricity, however most systems convert light into chemical energy. The molecule acts like a mechanical spring: when hit with sunlight, it twists into a strained, high-energy shape. It stays locked in that shape until a trigger — such as a small amount of heat or a catalyst — snaps it back to its relaxed state, releasing the stored energy as heat.

“We typically describe it as a rechargeable solar battery,” Nguyen said. “It stores sunlight, and it can be recharged.”

You can spot me all over town.

The team’s new molecule is a heavy hitter. It boasts an energy density of more than 1.6 megajoules per kilogram. That is roughly double the energy density of a standard lithium-ion battery — which comes in at around 0.9 MJ/kg — and significantly higher than previous generations of optical switches.

I’ve been placed under trees to honor loved ones, celebrate special occasions, and to thank someone, like John Palminteri (left). If you have someone or something you’d like to commemorate, scan the QR code to learn more about our tree plaque program.

Grace Han

Associate Professor

From theory to boiling water

The critical breakthrough for Han’s group was translating high energy density into a tangible result. In the study, the researchers demonstrated that the heat released from the material was intense enough to boil water — a feat previously difficult to achieve in this field.

“Boiling water is an energy-intensive process,” Nguyen said. “The fact that we can boil water under ambient conditions is a big achievement.”

This capability opens the door for practical applications ranging from off-grid heating for camping to residential water heating. Because the material is soluble in water, it could potentially be pumped through roof-mounted solar collectors to charge during the day and stored in tanks to provide heat at night.

“With solar panels, you need an additional battery system to store the energy,” said co-author Benjamin Baker, a doctoral student in the Han Lab. “With molecular solar thermal energy storage, the material itself is able to store that energy from sunlight.”

The research was supported by the Moore Inventor Fellowship, which Han received in 2025 to pursue the development of these “rechargeable sun batteries.”

Printed with permission of UCSB Office of Public Affairs and Communications.

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Grace Han’s research centers on molecular solar thermal energy storage, optically controlled recycling of materials, and light-driven phase transitions. Her group combines synthetic chemistry with photophysical and materials characterization to develop systems for photon energy capture, storage, and release. Her contributions have been recognized with honors, including the Cram Lehn Pedersen Prize, the ChemComm Emerging Investigator Lectureship, the Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award, the Sloan Research Fellowship, the NSF CAREER Award, the AFOSR Young Investigator Program Award, and the AAAS Marion Milligan Mason Award.

ART VENUES

10 West Gallery • Wild World • through Mar 29 • 10 W Anapamu • 11-5 We-Mo • 805-770-7711 • 10westgallery.com

Architectural Fdn Gallery • People and Places • through Mar 14 • 229 E Victoria • 805-965-6307 • 1–4 some Sa & By Appt • afsb.org

Art & Soul Gallery • Rod Lathim: LIT: Love, Illumination, Transcendence • through Mar 1 • 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 • Julia Ford: Swings and Roundabouts • Through Mar 17 • 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

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 • Flight of Imagination • Through Mar 29 • 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 • Snapshots: Traveling with H.C. Andersen • Through Mar 22 • History & Danish culture • 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang • 805-6861211 • 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 • 805-730-9109 • 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 • New Perspectives through Feb • Daily 104pm • 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 • reopens Mar 12 • maxgleason.com/indah-gallery

James Main Fine Art • 19th & 20th

Century Fine art & antiques • 27 E De La Guerra St • 12-5 Tu-Sa • Appt Suggested • 805-962-8347

Jewish Federation of Greater

SB • Portraits of Survival interactive ~ Ongoing • 9-4pm Mo-Fr • 524 Chapala St • 805-957-1115 ext. 114

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

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

La Cumbre Center For Creative Arts • Fine Line Gallery; 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 • Classic Rincon • Through Mar 1 • 12-4 Th-Su • 865 Linden • 805-6847789 • 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 • 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 12 • 9-9pm Daily • 121 State • mcasantabarbara.org

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

Palm Loft Gallery • A Garland of Groovy Gifted Goddesses through Mar 22 • 410 Palm Av, Loft A1, Carpinteria • 1-6 Fr-Su & By Appt • 805-684-9700 • palmloft.com

ART VENUES

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.comPublic Market

• Local artists Melinda Mettler & Anna Stump • 38 W Victorica • 8am9pm Su-We; 8am-10pm Thu-Sat • sbpublicmarket.com

Rubenstein Chan Contemporary Art • Held in Motion: art of Clara Berta and Chenhung Chen • through Mar 1 • 410 Palm Av, Unit B3, Carpinteria • 805-576-6152: weekends & by appt • RubensteinChan.com

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

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

Santa Barbara Fine Art • Paintings from Across the Channel: John Comer • SB landscapes & sculptor Bud Bottoms

• 1321 State St • 12-6 Tu-Sa & By Appt • 805-845-4270 • santabarbarafineart.com

ART EVENTS

Art Salon for Black History Month • Featuring Toni Scott and Rod Rolle • Elevate Gallery, La Cumbre Plaza • 1-5pm; Artist talk 2-3:30pm • Sat, 2/28.

1st Thursday Art & Culture Night • Art, Music, Food, Wine & more.... see pages 16 & 17 in this issue of VOICE • 5-8pm Thu, 3/5.

Reception for Flight of Imagination • Cypress Gallery • 1-3pm Sun, 3/7.

Carpinteria Creative Arts Market • Pottery, beach art, cards, jewelry, sewn articles • 8th St & Linden Av • Free • 2:30-6 Thur.

SB Arts & Crafts Show • Local artists & artisans • Free • 236 E Cabrillo Blvd • 10-5 Sun.

Santa Barbara Historical Museum • The Gift; Ludmilla Pila Welch: Serene Santa Barbara through Mar 26; 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

• Where Mountains Meet the Sea

• through Mar 29 • 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; Piece by Piece: Collage & Assemblage through Mar 22; 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 • 805-963-4364 • sbma.net

Santa Barbara Museum Of Natural History • The Living Print through May 30; Drawn from Nature through Mar 26 • 2559 Puesta del Sol • 10-5 We-Mo • sbnature.org

Santa Barbara Sea Center • Dive

In: Our Changing Channel ~ Ongoing • 211 Stearns Wharf • 10-5 Daily • 805682-4711 • sbnature.org

Santa Barbara Tennis Club2nd Fridays Art • Abstract 9+1 • through Mar 3; Goleta Valley Art Association Mar 7-Apr 1 • 2375 Foothill Rd • 10-6 Daily • 805-6824722 • 2ndfridaysart.com

Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum • 3596 Sagunto St • 12-4pm Wed-Sun • santaynezmuseum.org.

Sahyun Genealogical Library • Research family history • 316 Castillo St • Tue/Thu 10-4; Sun & 3rd Sat 1-4 • SBGen.org

Seimandi & Leprieur • Jardin Nocturne by Dora Vital, curated by Jen Huang Bogan; Shapes of Surrealism Mar 5 through April 26 • 33 W Anapamu St. • Wed-Sat 11-6 • 805-610-1203 • seimandileprieur.com

Slice of Light Gallery •

Photography by JK Lovelace • 9 W Figueroa St • Mo-Fr 10-5 • 805-3545552 • sliceoflight.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 • Sidney Gordin: Space & Form; Phoebe Brunner: A Radiant Solitude through Mar 23; Sarah Vedder: State of Grace; Spring Salon • Feb 27-Apr 27 • 11 E Anapamu St • 10-5:30 daily • 805-730-1460 • 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

• Art of Science through Mar 17; Unyielding Voices: Global Resistance and the Black Radical Tradition • through Jun 12 • library.ucsb.edu

Voice Gallery • Love is a Journey and Art of Resistance, through Feb 28; Sisters, Mar 2-28 • La Cumbre Plaza H-124 • 10-5:30 M-F; 1-5 Sa-Su • 805-965-6448

Waterhouse Gallery Montecito • Notable CA & National Artists • 1187 Coast Village Rd • 11-5 Mo-Su • 805962-8885 • 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 • Beyond the Wilderness: Ansel Adams in 1940s Los Angeles through Mar 28; Habitual Curiosity: Paintings by Chelsea Roberts (‘18) through Jun 20 • 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

Research Focus Group Talk:

Childhood and the Role of Adults in the Identity Formation of Children in Ghanaian Children’s Literature

MAR

TUE 3

10:00–11:30 AM

Zoom

bit.ly/GCM-IHC

In this talk, Asare-Nyarko will explore childhood and the roles adults play in the identity formation of children in Ghanaian children’s literature. Using four books for young readers by Ghanaian authors and social identity theory, this study explores childhood and the roles adults play in the identity formation of children.

CLARA ASARE-NYARKO

University of Cape Coast

Coponsored by the IHC’s Global Childhood Media Research Focus Group and Ghana Studies Research Focus Group

Clara Asare-Nyarko is a final-year doctoral student in the Department of English, University of Cape Coast, Ghana and University of Hildesheim, Germany. She holds a Master of Arts in Translation Studies from Pan African University and ASTI in University of Buea, Cameroon.

President Trump: Give Back the Money and Stop Grabbing More

The White House and Congress can and should provide relief to American families who bore the costs of these illegal tariffs. The administration has the responsibility to design such relief. You took the money illegally; now you should return it.

By Jeffrey D. Sachs February 23, 2026 / Common Dreams

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, you took funds from the American people that were never yours to take. Give them back, and end the abuse of power.

Friday, the Supreme Court confirmed what many of us argued from the beginning: Your sweeping tariffs were an unlawful overreach of executive power. The Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the authority to set tariffs. Yet you invoked emergency powers you do not have, in response to a supposed national emergency that does not exist. This was a power grab, and the court said so.

President Trump, your tariff regime was illegal, unfair, and detrimental to the American people. You also grossly misrepresented the facts to the American people by claiming that foreign countries were paying. They were not. American families paid.

Over the past year, roughly $140 billion in tariff revenue was collected at US ports. Economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the Kiel Institute, and other independent research institutions reached the same conclusion, that the burden of the tariffs fell overwhelmingly on American importers, businesses, and consumers. Foreign exporters barely reduced their prices, so the tariffs were passed on to Americans and have shown up as higher prices for consumers and businesses.

During the past year, on average, American households paid roughly $1,000 or more. For families living paycheck to paycheck, that is not abstract. That is rent stretched to the breaking point. That is groceries rising in price while wages fail to keep up. The working-class Americans who believed your promises were the ones who bore the cost of this power grab.

Each claim you made in favor of the tariffs was unsound and proven to be so. You said that the tariffs would slash the trade deficit. This was wrong because the US trade deficits reflect the low US saving rate, and especially the large US budget deficits. In fact, the US goods deficit in 2025 was $1.241 trillion, worse than the 2024 deficit of $1.215 trillion. You said that you would restore manufacturing jobs. Yet employment in manufacturing in January 2026 was 12.590 million, compared with 12.673 million in January 2025, a decline of 83,000 jobs year over year.

At the same time, you championed and extended tax cuts that disproportionately benefited the wealthiest households and large corporations. Independent studies have repeatedly shown that the largest permanent gains from those tax cuts flowed to the top of the income ladder. Your administration’s approach has effectively given tax relief for the rich, covered in part by regressive tariffs hitting the working class and poor. And much of your tax cuts are paid for by red ink, debts pushed into the future, that will be borne by today’s young people in later years.

Working families have paid more at the checkout counter. Wealthy households have received large tax cuts. And young Americans have been burdened with more debts.

And now comes insult added to injury. Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made clear the administration’s position. Speaking at the Economic Club of Dallas, he said, “I got a feeling the American

people won’t see it,” referring to the prospect of tariff refund checks. He instead dismissed refunds as “the ultimate corporate welfare,” arguing that any repayments would go to importers rather than consumers.

The White House and Congress can and should provide relief to American families who bore the costs of these illegal tariffs. The administration has the responsibility to design such relief. You took the money illegally; now you should return it.

Astoundingly, in response to the Supreme Court decision, you have just announced a new across-the-board 15 percent tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act, this time supposedly justified on emergency balance-of-payments grounds. Section 122 might possibly give you the temporary authority, for up to 150 days, to impose such a tariff in response to serious balance-of-payments difficulties. Here too, your authority is doubtful because the US is not in a balanceof-payments crisis. Yet even should the courts find that you have the authority, you should not use it.

A 15 percent across-the-board tariff will simply continue the same regressive tax on the American people that you illegally implemented with the claim of emergency powers. It would once again mean higher prices on food, clothing, electronics, building materials, and countless everyday essentials. It would once again fall hardest on working families who spend the largest share of their income on such goods.

An unlawful regressive tax cannot be remedied by replacing it with a possibly lawful and temporary regressive tax. It’s quite possible that the 15 percent tariff will be struck down too.

The United States needs real tax reform. Our tax code has become a distorted mess, shaped over decades by presidents of both parties to favor capital over labor, wealth over work, and obscurity over fairness. The tax code needs progressivity. It needs to close loopholes that allow the wealthiest Americans and multinational corporations to avoid paying their fair share of taxes, especially in an era when eleven Silicon Valley centibillionaires have $2.6 trillion in personal wealth.

Working Americans are not props in a political narrative. They are parents choosing between medical care and rent. They are families who were told someone else would pay, only to discover the higher prices in their own shopping carts.

President Trump, you asked Americans to believe that you stood with working people. Instead, you imposed illegal taxes on them and gave large tax cuts to the richest Americans. Now your Treasury secretary says the government will keep the money you took, and you have promised to continue to take this money in a different way.

Return the $140 billion that was taken under unlawful authority. Do not impose a new 15 percent tax on American households. Fix the tax code honestly and transparently through Congress.

The Constitution demands accountability. Justice demands restitution of the funds and an end to your tariff grab. The American people deserve better. commondreams.org/opinion/trump-give-back-tariff-money

Jeffrey D. Sachs, who recently received the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation’s Distinguished Peace Leader award, is a world-renowned economics professor, bestselling author, innovative educator, and global leader in sustainable development. Sachs serves as the Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, where he holds the rank of University Professor, the university’s highest academic rank. Sachs was Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University from 2002 to 2016. He is President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Co-Chair of the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition, academician of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences at the Vatican, Commissioner of the UN Broadband Commission for Development, Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah Honorary Distinguished Professor at Sunway University, and SDG Advocate for UN Secretary General António Guterres. From 2001-18, Sachs served as Special Advisor to UN SecretariesGeneral Kofi Annan (2001-7), Ban Ki-moon (2008-16), and António Guterres (2017-18).

www.JeffSachs.org

Actions of solidarity for friends and allies outside Minnesota

For our non-Minnesotan friends, thank you for your outreach and outpouring of support. Here are tangible ways you can be in solidarity with the people of Minnesota: www.minnesotanonprofits.org /ally-solidarity.

MCN also compiled a list of nonprofit-specific resources, including free legal ser vices, to help organizations navigate: www.minnesotanonprofits.org / ice-resources#nonprofit-guidance.

Support local organizations and mutual aid

Many groups are scrambling to support innocent detainees released without phones and IDs, are tr ying to get food to families too afraid to leave their homes, and are providing rent assistance as people are unable to work. MCN has curated a list of organizations seeking donations for immediate needs: www.minnesotanonprofits.org/ice-resources#donate.

Be grounded in truth

While lack of transparency makes accountability difficult, get your information from trusted news sources and independent journalists Local Minnesota journalists, community leaders, and elected leaders are the best source of real-time information. Curated list of local news (many that are nonprofits) and independent journalists: www standwithminnesota com/stay-informed

The Minnesota Department of Corrections has set up a DHS misinformation web page to combat false narratives: www mn gov/doc/about/news/combatting-dhsmisinformation/.

This is not just a Minnesota issue, this is an American issue. These escalator y, brutal, and violent tactics have no place anywhere We must all be organizing and raising our collective voices. Join our movement

Defend our democracy

The U.S. Senate is voting this week on a funding bill that would authorize an additional $10 billion dollars for ICE. We know that H.R. 1, which cut core basic needs programs, also significantly increased funding for immigration enforcement. We have an opportunity to tell Congress not to spend a dollar more on Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Call your Congressional Representatives and demand that the actions occurring in Minnesota and across the countr y stop: (202) 224-3121.

Share our stories

Please amplify what you are hearing and seeing about Minnesota across social media, but also to your networks, friends, and family offline In addition to trusted news sources, here is a list of Minnesota testimonials you can share: www.standwithminnesota.com/testimonies.

Know that this could be you; prepare

Funders must fund rapid response, operational needs, and long-term movement work of nonprofits. Nonprofits must be ready to shift operations, support their workers, learn how to legally advocate and share community stories. MCN has compiled a list of nonprofit resources to help navigate uncertainty that are applicable in any state: www minnesotanonprofits org /resources-to-navigateuncertainty.

Nonprofits are a force for good. We’re here to help.

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) joins nonprofits across interest areas to advance issues that are important to the sector through relevant workshops & conferences, timely nonprofit data & research, impactful state & federal advocacy, and a strong member network & benefits Visit our website to see how MCN can support your nonprofit: www.minnesotanonprofits.org.

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