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By Daisy Scott / VOICE
BOLDLY ROUNDING OUT HER NEW CHAMBER MUSIC QUARTET WITH AN ACCORDION AND GUITAR, Grammy Award-winning violinist Nicola Benedetti continues to be an innovative risk-taker in the classical music realm.
Celebrating her new album Violin Café with her first solo tour in over ten years, Benedetti will bring her unique ensemble to Campbell Hall on Wednesday, January 28th for a night of spirit, creativity, and reimagined favorites, presented by UCSB Arts & Lectures.
“I genuinely just heard that combination, as if I saw it in a dream,” Benedetti told UK news outlet The i Paper in November. “The piano and violin, for all their history, seemed too formal for what I’m trying to achieve. The guitar and accordion are beloved all over the world and feel much more symbolically and culturally versatile.”
Since her triumphant victory at the 2004 BBC Young Musician competition, Benedetti has repeatedly proved herself to be one of the most prominent classical violinists today. Prior to Violin Café’s release this past fall, she gained critical praise for her recordings of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto with Aurora Orchestra and the Triple Concerto with Benjamin Grosvenor, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, and the Philharmonia Orchestra.
“‘There’s nothing more exposing and hard - even though I’ve done it since I was four - than playing a violin concerto,” said Benedetti to writer Ariane Todes for BBC Music Magazine’s August 2025 issue. “There’s very little that comes close to that in terms of focus, concentration, challenge, responsibility, and complete ownership. You can’t turn around and blame anybody else for what you do up there.”
In 2022, Benedetti was appointed Festival Director of the Edinburgh International Festival, making her the first woman and Scottish individual to hold the position in the festival’s 75 plus year history. A strong advocate for music education, she founded The Benedetti Foundation in 2019 to promote students’ access to music through large special events as well as in-person and virtual programming.
Benedetti has additionally collaborated with her husband, jazz trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis, who has also performed for UCSB Arts & Lectures. She earned her 2020 Grammy Award for Best Classical Instrumental Solo for her performance of the album Marsalis wrote specially for her, Violin Concerto in D and Fiddle Dance Suite for Solo Violin
With Violin Café, Benedetti embarks on an ambitious, varied, and beautiful sonic voyage. Traversing a full range of cherished hallmarks of classical music, including multiple works by Paganini, Sarasate’s Carmen Fantasie, and Debussy’s Beau Soir, the album infuses each piece with a crisp, lively energy. Joining these critical standards are traditional Scottish and Gaelic folk songs such as the Skye Boat Song and A’ Choille Ghruamach, bridging generations and cultures in one holistic listening experience.
As Benedetti’s violin sings and weaves complex melodies, harmonizing with the resounding cello, the presence of accordion and guitar lends a grounding, authentic energy.
“In history, as now, there have been a huge variety in styles of interpretation,” explained Benedetti during her interview with Todes. “Things were more localised and interpretations were taught person to person. To imagine that we can decipher written descriptions with certainty? You only have to sit next to a composer to see their frustration in trying to put down what they mean by these notes scribbled in this particular way. You want to bring the greatest innovations that have evolved over time, together with what you discover yourself, in interpretations that inspire energy, ferocity, and vigour. The end goal must always be alive and inconclusive, something that reacts and jumps.”
For her Campbell Hall concert, Benedetti will play from her Violin Café album alongside guitarist Plínio Fernandes (who is also featured on the album), cellist Adrian Daurov, and Hanzhi Wang on the accordion.
The program will include: von Paradis’ Sicilienne; Wieniawski’s Polonaise Brillante; Ponce’s Estrellita; Paganini’s Cantabile in D Major, Op. 17, Caprice No. 1 in E major, and Caprice No. 24 in A minor; Sarasate’s Navarra and Carmen Concert Fantasy; Monti’s Csárdás; Bloch’s From Jewish Life, 1. Prayer; and Debussy’s Beau Soir For tickets ($48-78; $15 UCSB students) visit artsandlectures.ucsb.edu The UCSB Arts & Lectures 2025-2026 Season Sponsor is Sara Miller McCune. Community Partners are the Natalie Orfalea Foundation & Lou Buglioli
By Daisy Scott / VOICE
LOCALS ARE BOUNCING AND CLIMBING OFF THE WALLS WITH EXCITEMENT for The Pad, the newest climbing gym in town. Celebrating its grand opening in the Magnolia Shopping Center earlier this month, the colorful and welcoming space features hundreds of feet of rock walls for bouldering, rope climbing, and auto belay climbing.
With introductory and speciality classes available as well as a special kids zone, The Pad invites all, regardless of their age or knowledge, to give climbing a try. Its growing base of regulars range from young children and families to college students and working adults. There is even a dedicated group of senior climbers up to 80 years old joining in the fun.
“We just want people to experience it. I think that it can be really intimidating as a sport; I get phone calls where people ask, ‘so, can I just come in and...climb?’ And I say ‘yes!’” shared Madison Milton-Smith, Operations Manager. “I want people to know that if they’re thinking about climbing for the first time, they can
come on in and do it!”
This is the third location to open for The Pad, which also hosts gyms in San Luis Obispo and Binghamton, New York. Each location hires local, experienced climbers to teach classes and monitor gym safety. Milton-Smith has been climbing since 2018, when she started managing the rock wall while attending San Francisco State University. She was drawn to continue working in the climbing industry by its unique sense of passion and community.
“Everyone connects so intensely over this mutual life interest,” said Milton-Smith. “It’s cool because you can take it outside, you can travel, and it’s not limited to just this gym.”
To make sure returning visitors always have new climbing puzzles to solve, The Pad changes the configurations of its holds on each of its walls on a consistent, rotating basis.
Newcomers, as well as experienced climbers looking to refine their skills, can also sign up for a range of classes, including intro to climbing, bouldering, rope and lead classes, sport anchor climbing, and youth programming for the gym’s youngest climbers.
The gym also aims to encourage regulars with scaled membership rates, including discounts for students, teachers, nurses, and first responders. Members can additionally access the gym’s special BoardRoom facility, which includes training boards, cardio and weightlifting gym equipment, and showers.
Beyond the rock walls, The Pad also includes community work areas, including a lounge where visitors can squeeze in some work before or after a climb. The space was created with the consideration that many of the gym’s regulars are students or work remotely, giving them the chance to more easily fit climbing into their schedule.
“It’s become not just a climbing space, but a cohabitating space,” said Milton-Smith. “You can work at a coffee shop but you don’t know what common ground you have, but when you’re doing it here, you can always strike up a conversation.” Open daily 11am to 10pm • 5160 Hollister Ave • thepadclimbing. org/santa-barbara
The National Dance Company of the Republic of Guinea
The National Dance Company of the Republic of Guinea
“Sheer physical energy and beauty.”
“Sheer physical energy and beauty.”
The New York Times
The New York Times
“The dancers and musicians manage to combine a high-gloss finish with a convincing air of spontaneous excitement.”
“The dancers and musicians manage to combine a high-gloss finish with a convincing air of spontaneous excitement.”
The Independent (U.K.)
The Independent (U.K.)
Highlighting traditional rhythms, striking choreography and the dynamic interplay of movement and sound, the national ensemble of Guinea offers a powerful blend of music, dance and storytelling that celebrates the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Fri, Feb 6 / 7:30 PM / Granada Theatre
Fri, Feb 6 / 7:30 PM / Granada Theatre
Highlighting traditional rhythms, striking choreography and the dynamic interplay of movement and sound, the national ensemble of Guinea offers a powerful blend of music, dance and storytelling that celebrates the country’s rich cultural heritage. (805) 893-3535 | www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu
(805) 893-3535 | www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu
Granada event tickets can also be purchased at: (805) 899-2222 | www.GranadaSB.org
Granada event tickets can also be purchased at: (805) 899-2222 | www.GranadaSB.org
Special Thanks
Special Thanks
By Jim Buckley, SB Foresters
THE SANTA BARBARA FORESTERS ANNUAL HALL OF FAME HOT STOVE
DINNER will have a medical theme. Two of the inductees—Matt McLain and Jace Jung—were superstars during the COVID season of 2020, the one played without fans in the stands. The third honoree is Dr. Chris Proctor, the team’s longtime medical adviser. The Hall of Fame event is Sunday, February 1st at 4pm at the Cabrillo Pavilion. Tickets are now on sale for fans to join the honorees, their families, other Foresters fans, and more at this fundraiser for the team’s Hugs for Cubs cancer survivor charity.
The dinner will also honor former trainer Kristy Lash, who herself is battling cancer, and the late Howard Cantor, a longtime volunteer and board member.
“Matt and Jace were part of probably the most talented team in Foresters history, which dominated on the way to winning the NBC World Series championship as what some say was the best team in the long history of the NBC,” said longtime manager Bill Pintard. “And both players have gone on to see their Major League dreams come true.”
Dr. Proctor played a part in helping those players and the whole Foresters team navigate that 2020 season, but that was just part of his more than 25 years making sure Foresters players are safe and healthy.
Together, Pintard and Proctor have seen more than 70 Foresters advance to the Major Leagues over the years, including the 2026 inductees. A former UCLA Bruin, McLain hit .436 during his 2020 Foresters summer. He has been a Cincinnati Reds shortstop since 2023, when he finished fifth in the NL Rookie of the Year voting. (McLain’s teammates include former Foresters Spencer Steer and Christian Encarnacion-Strand.)
Jung hit .404 with ten homers as a Forester and was the 2020 team MVP. He joined his brother Josh, also a Foresters Hall of Famer, in the Majors in 2024 when he made the Detroit Tigers. In Jace’s first season, he helped the Tigers make the AL playoffs as a second baseman.
“The Hot Stove is one of our most beloved traditions,” added Pintard. “It’s a way to honor people who have played a big part in our success, but also a way for us to gather and share memories and stories with each other, all while raising money to help the Hugs for Cubs.”
Individual and table tickets are available, as well as sponsorship opportunities. Visit the Foresters website atsbforesters.org or visit info@sbforesters.org for information.
Photos and Stories by John Palminteri, Special to VOICE
WITH THE OPENING OF DROVER’S DOUGHNUTS at 5745
Calle Real in Goleta, owner Loren Ollenburger brought 500 donuts to the recent San Marcos vs. Dos Pueblos High School basketball game. A friendly gift from a new business neighbor.
Drover’s in Solvang, Buellton, and now Goleta has 20 flavors of donuts a day. (It’s spelled Drover’s with an apostrophe and he spells Donuts as Doughnuts. Both are acceptable.)
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
EXECUTIVE OFFICER MONA
MIYASATO will retire in July 2026, concluding more than twelve years of service to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors and the residents of Santa Barbara County. Before she goes she will the lead adoption of the County’s 2026–27 budget.
STUDENTS WERE A KEY PART of the Monday event in Santa Barbara for the holiday to remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. They joined politicians and members of the community in a march followed by music and speeches at the Arlington Theatre.
You can read their words at the Martin Luther King Jr. Committee of Santa Barbara website: mlksb.org/essay-poetry-program
WITH THE ABRUPT CANCELLATION of the Lobster Jo summer beach camp by the City of Santa Barbara, many supporters, including children, spoke in the public comment period of the City Council meeting in support of founder Joe Evers and his staff. Many questions have been asked about the decision, but the city says it is not able to talk about the specifics. The popular nine-week camp began in 2021.
THE SMOKE THAT’S BEEN RISING from the Painted Cave community above Goleta is from a prescribed and planned burn. No wind. Fire crews are on the scene.
A BACKDOOR BREAK IN remains under investigation after it was reported last week at the CVS on Carrillo St. in Santa Barbara. A glass case was found broken inside. The contents of the items taken in the burglary were not revealed. Police did a full search of the store. A suspect with a duffel bag was seen leaving towards Bath St.
A CHP INVESTIGATION into a possible hit and run is connected to this crash into a school bus on Mission Dr. (Hwy 246) in Solvang Friday. Students were on board and not hurt. The driver of the car had an injury. A replacement bus was dispatched to get the students home.
DUE TO THE RECENT STORMS, Santa Barbara County will close parts of Goleta Beach County Park beginning approximately January 26th. An updated schedule with closure information and dates will be updated at the County Parks Department website (sbparks.org) when operational plans are further developed.
Beach operations are expected to begin the week of January 26th. Work will continue until the storm response is complete and could occur ten hours a day, seven days a week if necessary. Operations are estimated to continue through March 2026 but may be accelerated or delayed depending on inclement weather.
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
January 13, 2026
THE VIOLENT DEATH OF RENEE GOOD is the tragedy that I feared and that no one wanted to see happen. The fact her death occurred half a country away on the snow-covered streets of Minnesota does not lessen the impact and the sadness surrounding the loss of a mother of three to those of us in California. It is the type of violence and tragedy that I do not want to see repeated here in Santa Barbara County – or anywhere else.
To be clear, my purpose in writing this is to mourn the violence that has occurred and to offer concern for the safety of protesters, immigrants, and law enforcement officers at the local, state and federal level. I care about all of the above and do not want to see ANYBODY get injured or killed. It is my fear that the militarized and quotabased immigration enforcement actions will heighten fear, anger, and resentment to the point that it will lead to more violence.
It is not my purpose in writing this to pass judgment on whether the shooting in Minnesota that claimed Renee Good’s life was legally justifiable or not (either way it is a tragedy). I do not possess the facts, nor do I have access to the investigative files that would be necessary to make an informed decision. Shooting scenes are chaotic and it is irresponsible for government officials to comment and make judgments before all facts are known. That is why it was disturbing to hear the Chief Executive and a cabinet secretary make conclusory statements about the shooting, the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and the decedent before any substantive investigation could possibly have been concluded.
This was compounded by the Vice President making specious claims about the level of immunity possessed by federal agents. It is the lack of acknowledgment even of the possibility of mistakes being made that is concerning. Government, and government agents, are not infallible. Any government that holds itself out as infallible, and seeks to suppress those who point out its fallibility, is seeking to oppress in ways that cannot be tolerated in our constitutional democracy.
It is my hope that Santa Barbara County can be a place of safety, even as tensions continue to grow. That is not to say that I expect, or am asking, that people do not vociferously express their opposition - or support - of the current government actions. I am just asking that any demonstrations do not involve violence and are conducted in accordance with our constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
To those who support the current administration and its immigration enforcement policies – I support wholeheartedly your right to do so. I understand that you disagree with my opposition to large paramilitary forces populating the streets of the cities of this great nation. I just ask that you do not extrapolate from my opposition a lack of concern for the rule of law or the safety of all law enforcement officers. I have spent the last approximately 34 years of my life imposing consequences for failing to follow the law and being proud each and every day for the opportunity to do so alongside the brave and devoted members of all law enforcement agencies. Lawful orders and warrants must be obeyed and anyone harming or threatening law enforcement officials will be held accountable.
To those who see the current policies of the executive branch as an existential threat to the very foundation of our nation – I understand and respect your right to oppose the actions and policies of the government, within the law. I also understand those who are calling on all government officials and citizens to do more. I just ask that you understand that I have not abandoned hope in the systems and structures of this great democracy and of the American people to ultimately choose hope and caring and reject hate, violence, and vindictiveness.
Sincerely,
John T. Savrnoch
Santa Barbara County District Attorney
By Shelly Leachman / The Current 1.5.26
A COMPETITIVE EDGE in the job market, UC Santa Barbara has introduced a new, high-impact career readiness initiative that integrates real-world experience and professional certification directly into their academic curriculum.
The program, Degree PLUS, is a limited pilot program for UCSB juniors and seniors that combines a hands-on internship with a skillsbased professional certificate, all at no cost to the student. Thanks to a generous grant from the Lumina Foundation with additional support from the UC Office of the President, UCSB is one of only two campuses in the UC system offering this fully funded pathway, underscoring the university’s commitment to providing accessible, careerfocused education.
“We know that students from all liberal arts and sciences majors are valued by employers for their critical thinking and communication skills, their creativity and their experience working with others with diverse perspectives,” said Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost David Marshall. “Adding these professional certificates in an emerging area that is of crucial concern to employers will give our students an advantage and help them apply their analytic skills to the workplace.”
With an initial enrollment of 120 students, Degree PLUS officially launched the first week of January, with the start of UCSB’s winter quarter. The program, part of UCSB’s Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE), ultimately hopes to register 240 students in total for this two-year pilot.
The tuition-free initiative is structured to equip students with state-of-the-art skills highly sought after by employers, while the integration of professional certificates addresses a critical need for career readiness, according to PaCE Dean Denis Couturier.
“At PaCE, our mission is to ensure every graduate is equipped with the expertise to meet the demands of a dynamic workforce,” Couturier said. “Degree PLUS achieves this by fusing the academic rigor of a UC degree with market-driven professional certificates, creating an undeniable
competitive edge for their careers.”
Structured as a bridge between what students learn and what the labor market values, the program may be especially valuable for students in the humanities and liberal arts, offering an additional layer of clarity to employers about their specific workplace readiness. The coordinated internship component provides transferable skills, professional references, and paid or subsidized work, potentially replacing the need for a separate summer job.
“This experiment is about making sure that students leave our campuses with more than a degree,” said Katherine Newman, UC Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs. “It’s about ensuring that they graduate with a love of learning, a devotion to ideas, demonstrable skills, meaningful experiences, and the confidence to contribute to the workplace on day one.”
Degree PLUS students will complete the coursework over one to three quarters concurrently with their degree, allowing for a flexible timetable. Upon completion, a PaCE internship coordinator will assist them in finding a professional placement. Certificates are available in high-demand fields, including Applied AI and Innovation, Foundations of Agile Project Management, and Applied Business Essentials, with more to come in early 2026.
“Degree Plus is proving to be popular precisely because it gives students a sense of empowerment over the process of transitioning from student to professional,” said Ery Millan-Coffey, the program’s director at PaCE. “The feedback we are receiving points toward a desire for a strong entrance to the workforce.”
This pioneering initiative is supported by the Lumina Foundation, which is committed to accessible, equitable learning beyond high school. PaCE will collaborate with faculty and industry experts to develop new major-specific certificate programs, which should be available starting in the fall quarter of 2026. More information on program eligibility, certificate options, and application details, can be found at UC Santa Barbara Professional and Continuing Education - Degree Plus: professional.ucsb.edu/degree-plus
Printed with permission of UCSB Office of Public Affairs and Communications
IN A LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission of the United States Gov. demanded lists of Jewish students, staff, and faculty.
“It doesn’t matter what the stated intent is. The moment our government begins compiling lists of people based on their religion or ethnicity—especially when those groups have historically faced persecution and worse—we cross a dangerous line. These types of registries don’t remain benign; they create a user-friendly tool for discrimination, and history shows us that actors with malicious goals can easily weaponize them,” said Steven Phillip Weitzman, professor of Hebrew and Semitic Languages and Literatures at UPenn, in an ACLU of Pennsylvania press release.
On January 13th, “the ACLU of Pennsylvania, Democracy Defenders Fund, and Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin and Schiller filed a motion to intervene in EEOC v. The University of Pennsylvania on behalf of five organizations affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania,” according to a release by ACLU of Pennsylvania. The groups “oppose the non-consensual release of organizational membership rosters and members’ personal information based on the First Amendment right to associate confidentially, which directly impacts the freedoms of speech, association, privacy, and religious liberty.”
The release continued, “The EEOC subpoena represents a distressing threat to our Jewish members because of its demand for personally identifying information based only on Jewish involvement,” said Mitch Marcus, president of Penn Association of Senior and Emeritus Faculty.
“Like all Americans, Jewish students, faculty and staff at the University of Pennsylvania have First Amendment rights to freely associate in celebration of their Jewishness and to practice their religion without any interference from the government. We believe that compelled disclosure of protected personal information will chill these sacred freedoms, both on Penn’s campus and in the larger Jewish community,” explained Matthew A. Hamermesh, attorney at Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller. aclupa.org/EEOC_Penn
TO PROTEST THE INCREASE IN ICE RAIDS AND THE DEATH OF RENEE GOOD, community groups, activists, unions, and leaders in Minnesota are urging individuals to participate in an economic blackout on Friday, January 23rd. The blackout will include scores of people refusing to work, make purchases, or attend school.
“Those of us in the trade union movement understand the leverage and power that our labor has, and we are going to try and use that, because really there’s nothing else left,” said Kieran Knutson, the president of Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 7250 in Minneapolis to The Guardian for a January 20th article.
Shortly after the economic blackout was announced, multiple Minnesota law enforcement leaders held a press conference on January 20th to voice concerns at ICE’s actions, indicating that they violated civil rights. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley claimed that off-duty police officers in the Twin Cities are being racially-profiled by federal agents. He reported that multiple off-duty officers, all people of color, were stopped without cause by ICE. One Brooklyn Park officer, who is a U.S. citizen, was stopped by ICE. The agent demanded paperwork and had their gun drawn, only leaving when told the individual was a police officer.
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE SALUD CARBAJAL (D-CA-24), Top Democrat on the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, issued the statement below, on Wednesday, in support of Articles of Impeachment filed against U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem. The Articles of Impeachment were introduced by U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02).
“Impeachment is one of the most serious constitutional duties Congress has, and it should never be used casually or for political theater. But when a Cabinet Secretary repeatedly abuses their authority and disregards the law, Congress has a duty to act. Secretary Noem has repeatedly betrayed her oath of office, lied to Congress, exploited her position for personal gain, and continuously directed her department to violate individuals’ constitutional rights. The Secretary of Homeland Security is charged with protecting the American people and upholding the rule of law, yet under Noem’s tenure, our nation has become less safe and more lawless. Secretary Noem must be held accountable, and that’s why I’m working with my colleagues to advance Articles of Impeachment,” said Rep. Carbajal.
Ted Danson, elected officials blast plan to reopen offshore oil drilling as ‘reckless’
By Chris Wooodyard • Santa Barbara News-Press, 1.17.26
THE PROSPECT OF REOPENING THE SANTA BARBARA CHANNEL TO NEW OIL DRILLING was blasted Friday night by actor Ted Danson, Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara, other elected officials, and environmentalists as a dangerous and reckless action.
“Oil and water. It never works, It just doesn’t,” said Danson, the Cheers and The Good Place TV star who spoke at the packed CEC Hub downtown, and urged the crowd to contact their elected officials.
He asked everyone to back the efforts of elected officials and environmental groups to oppose the administration plan to open the West Coast, along with the Gulf of Mexico, to new oil exploration and extraction.
Give those elected officials opposed to the plan a “big hug and let them know you’re behind them,” Danson added.
The theme that resounded through the session was that Santa Barbara’s experience with oil spills underscores the dangers at a time when the administration is turning its back on renewable alternatives like wind and solar.
First came the massive oil spill in 1969, then the 2015 pipeline break off Refugio State Beach that gushed thousands of gallons of crude into pristine waters and again washed ashore.
“We have learned these lessons before and we should not have to return to learn them again,” said Carbajal. He called the administration’s move “deeply troubling ” and “reckless,” prioritizing the oil industry over the community.
Gregg Hart, 37th District Assemblyman, D-Santa Barbara, said he witnessed the destruction of the 1969 oil spill first hand when he parents took him down to the shore. He recalled watching workers using pitchforks try to soak up oil with hay. That memory led him to believe “we are facing the past in a really stupid way.”
Announced in November, the Interior Department’s plan would allow new oil and gas leases on the West Coast for the first time in four decades. It also comes as a Houston-based oil producer, Sable Offshore Corp., has sought to reopen a pipeline from offshore operations.
There are already 19 oil platforms in the Santa Barbara Channel, Maggie Hall, deputy chief counsel for the Environmental Defense Center told the crowd.
“There is no safe way to drill for oil,” Hall said.
The groups were joined by a local fishing industry leader and Chumash tribal representatives on a long list of speakers at the event.
“Fishermen love the ocean,” said Chris Voss, president of the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara. But they “push back” when it comes to oil.
“Without a healthy ocean, we put our own existence at risk,” he said. Even though trawlers are powered by diesel engines, he said he’d be anxious to embrace electric power if it came to boats.
Veronica Mendoza, who was introduced as a Chumash lineal descendant, said the ocean is sacred and needs to be protected. When the 1969 spill occurred, it focused the entire country’s attention on the environmental damage. Yet by contemplating new oil tract leases, “we keep repeating the same pattern.”
The environment, she said, “is not a concept, not scenery. It’s a living system,” she said.
The event was organized by the Environmental Defense Center, Surfrider Foundation, Oceana, Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, Sierra Club, Fearless Grandmothers, and UC Santa Barbara’s Environmental Affairs Board.
Printed with permission of the Santa Barbara News-Press • 1.17 26 • newspress.com
LIEUTENANT JARRETT MORRIS of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has been named the City of Goleta’s new Chief of Police Services. He brings over 20 years of law enforcement experience, having began his career with the SB County Sheriff in 2005. He has held a wide range of assignments, including custody operations, patrol, gang and narcotics investigations, coroner’s detective sergeant, K9 unit coordinator, mobile field force leader, and peer support coordinator. He has also played a key role in death investigations, including the 2019 Conception boat fire and Lahaina Fire in Maui. Most recently, Lt. Morris has served as the Sheriff’s Adjutant, while also overseeing the Coroner’s Bureau and agency wellness programs.
“I am honored to serve the Goleta community in this leadership role,” said Lt. Morris. “With my extensive experience in patrol, investigations, and specialized units within the Sheriff’s Office—including overseeing the K9 program and managing critical incident responses—I am committed to building strong community partnerships, enhancing proactive policing, and ensuring Goleta remains one of the safest cities in the region.”
In his new role, Lt. Morris will oversee the Goleta Police Department as well as the unincorporated areas of the Goleta Valley. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Union Institute and University. cityofgoleta.org
MEET YOUR COMMUNITY’S ELECTED
REPRESENTATIVES AND NEIGHBORS when the City of Goleta hosts its first Coffee & Community/Café y Comunidad of the new year on Saturday, January 31st from 9 to 11am at Goleta Valley Library (GVL) Express located at 6500 Hollister Avenue, Suite 105. GVL Express can be accessed on Los Carneros Way and is across the street from the Goleta Valley Athletic Club. Mingle with Mayor Paula Perotte and 2nd District Councilmember James Kyriaco while enjoying coffee and donuts from SloDoCo. Goleta’s new Chief of Police Services Jarrett Morris will be there as well. This is a free, family-friendly community event with Spanish interpretation.
Parking is limited. Please park in the designated “Library” spots. Visitors can also park on Los Carneros Way or at Goleta City Hall right next door. While there will be time for everyone to check out GVL Express, due to limited capacity much of the event will be held in the parking lot outside.
ESTÁS INVITADO AL PRIMER CAFÉ Y COMUNIDAD del nuevo año de la ciudad de Goleta el sábado 31 de enero de 2026, de 9:00 a 11:00 a.m., en la Biblioteca del Valle de Goleta, GVL Express, situada en 6500 Hollister Avenue, Ste 105. Se puede acceder al GVL Express por Los Carneros Way y está frente al gimnasio Goleta Valley Athletic Club. Socializa con la alcaldesa Paula Perotte y el concejal del 2º Distrito James Kyriaco mientras disfrutas de café y donuts de SloDoCo. Nuestro nuevo jefe de Servicios Policiales Jarret Morris, también estará presente. Este es un evento comunitario gratuito y familiar con interpretación en español.
Estacionamiento es limitado. Por favor, aparque en los lugares designados como “Biblioteca”. También puedes aparcar en Los Carneros Way o en el Ayuntamiento de Goleta, justo al lado. Aunque habrá tiempo para que todos puedan ver el GVL Express, debido a la capacidad limitada, gran parte del evento se celebrará en el aparcamiento exterior.
AFTER PREMIERING AT THE FIRST WILD AND FREE FILM FESTIVAL this past fall, the short film Ellwood Mesa: Beyond the Bluffs has been released by the City of Goleta for online viewing and sharing. Created in partnership with Paradigm Pictures and Ellwood Friends, the film celebrates Ellwood Mesa’s over 200 acres of open space 20 years it was saved from development and handed into the city’s stewardship.
The film was an instant favorite at November’s film festival, and the theatre it screened in at Camino Real Cinemas reached full capacity. To ensure everyone who wanted to see the film was able to do so, the city hosted another free screening on January 7th. This screening also was packed, motivating the decision to make the short film accessible to the larger public.
“We appreciate everyone who showed up to see this inspiring film on the big screen and now we are pleased to make it available for all to enjoy! Prepare to be uplifted,” said City of Goleta Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover.
To view the film visit https://youtu.be/0Y0SgUBHC00. For a detailed account of Ellwood Mesa’s history and stories visit ellwoodfriends.org/stories
DESIGNED TO EMPOWER PARTICIPANTS with essential skills and knowledge to prepare themselves, their families, and the community for emergencies and disasters, the City of Goleta’s next Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Course is now open for enrollment. The course will meet for three Saturdays in a row, March 7th, 14th, and 21st, from 9am to 4pm at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). In order to participate, residents must be able to attend all three classes and be at least 18 years of age. Participants will receive hands-on instruction on disaster preparedness and hazard awareness; fire suppression and utility control; basic first aid and triage; light search and rescue, and more.
To register visit cityofgoleta.org. To ask questions or learn more information, contact ESD.Training@cityofgoleta.org
ALL ARE INVITED TO A SPECIAL BOOK LAUNCH PARTY at the Grace Fisher Foundation Inclusive Arts Clubhouse from 1 to 3pm on Sunday, January 25th to celebrate the release of We Are Resilient. A collection of voices highlighting perseverance, creativity, and strength in the face of adversity, We Are Resilient merges personal accounts with interactive worksheets that ask readers to reflect on the book’s themes.
Featured authors Sissy Taran and Tiffany Howard, along with chapter authors, will be present to share their stories on the 25th. Grace Fisher, Founder and Creative Director of the Grace Fisher Foundation, is the book’s cover artist and is featured in the book’s first chapter. All proceeds from book sales directly support the Grace Fisher Foundation’s inclusive arts and education programs, which serve individuals of all ages and abilities throughout Santa Barbara County.
“I funded We Are Resilient to uplift voices that too often go unheard and to celebrate the strength that comes from lived experience,” said Sissy Taran, chapter author and project cocreator. “Choosing to donate all book proceeds to the Grace Fisher Foundation was an easy decision—their commitment to inclusion, creativity, and dignity for people of all abilities truly embodies the spirit of this book.”
TO STRENGTHEN MUSIC EDUCATION across Santa Barbara County, the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation has launched its High School Band Fund. A new initiative under the foundation’s outreach program, the fund is designed to support instrumental music programs in local high schools. Applications for funding will be open from February 10th to 27th, and approved grants may be used between August 2026 and May 2027.
“Music education is a cornerstone of cultural enrichment and personal growth,” said Lyndsay Cooke, Outreach Program Manager. “Through the High School Band Fund, we’re investing in the future of our students and ensuring that every young musician has the tools and opportunities to thrive. This is a cornerstone of the Bowl’s strategic vision and gives students the chance to shine.”
The High School Band Fund will provide grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to high school music programs throughout Santa Barbara County. These grants aim to ensure that students have access to high-quality in-school music education and performance opportunities, regardless of financial barriers.
The program will support essential needs, including student scholarships, uniforms and instruments, sheet music and classroom materials, supplemental instructors, performance travel, program expansion, and classroom technology. Eligibility is limited to high school music programs within Santa Barbara County. Interested programs can apply online at sbbowl.com/apply
PRE-APPLICATIONS FOR NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING by People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH), at 10 and 12 McMurray Road in Buellton, are being accepted. Called Buellton Garden Apartments, the building includes 89 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units for households with an annual income at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income. 24 of those units are set aside for eligible farmworker households making 30 to 50 percent of the AMI, and Section 8 vouchers are accepted. Mobility and sensory accessible units are available and households with pets are accepted, with an extra deposit.
Pre-applications will be accepted through Tuesday, February 3rd at 5pm. Forms received after this date will be added to the waitlist in the order received. A randomized lottery will be conducted on February 10th to determine order of processing.
To learn more and receive pre-application forms visit pshhc.org/BGA. Pre-applications will be accepted by email to BGA@pshhc.org, fax to (805) 693-3003, and in-person or by mail to Buellton Garden Apartments c/o College Park Apartments, 648 North G St, Lompoc, CA 93436.
The launch party is open to the public and designed to be inclusive and family-friendly.
gracefisherfoundation.org
CELEBRATING SKILL, INCLUSION, AND COMMUNITY THROUGH THE GAME OF GOLF, the 28th Annual Howard Shaw Memorial California Blind, Adaptive & Disabled Winter Golf Classic will return to the Zaca Creek Golf Course on Tuesday, January 27th. This year, local nonprofit Blind Fitness will attend and participate in partnership with Olde School Golf School, marking a milestone for the organization and its growing adaptive golf programming. Olde School Golf School is led by Robert Kotowski, a renowned PGA professional known for his dedication to coaching adaptive athletes.
“This invitation reflects the strength of partnerships and the collective impact of organizations working to expand access to sport and recreation,” said Tania Isaac-Dutton, Executive Director of Blind Fitness. “To be alongside such inspiring groups - and to do so with the leadership of Coach Kotowski and Olde School Golf School - underscores what’s possible when our community comes together.” Visit blindfitness.org
DO YOU KNOW AN INDIVIDUAL, COUPLE, OR FAMILY WHO IS MAKING A MEANINGFUL IMPACT ON THE SANTA BARBARA COMMUNITY? Nominations for the Santa Barbara Foundation’s 83rd Person of the Year Awards are currently open through February 18th. One of the most prestigious honors in the county, the award recognizes those who are addressing community needs, enhancing quality of life for locals, or have displayed great acts of kindness and generosity. Honorees will be celebrated at a luncheon on April 29th at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort Rotunda.
To submit a nomination or learn more visit sbfoundation.org/person-of-the-year-nominations
By Joshua Molina • Santa Barbara NewsPress • January 16, 2026
EVEN THOUGH IT WON’T BE METROLINK, officials said Thursday that a morning commuter train is headed to Santa Barbara and Goleta in April.
Jason Jewell, the managing director of The Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor Agency, (LOSSAN) outlined what went wrong with Metrolink and also the new plans to restart train service.
Essentially Union Pacific, which owns the tracks, was too busy with other priorities to work on a deal with Metrolink, so LOSSAN stepped in and decided to provide the rail service itself on the Pacific Surfliner.
continue to work with them through our annual budget requests as well as look at other funding opportunities that could help sustain, not only our pilot program, but our inter-city rail program.”‘
Jewell spoke candidly to the members of the board.
“The funding in the future is always a concern of ours when we hear about the state budget outlook,” Jewell said.
The new plan is for the Pacific Surfliner to provide a morning train north into Santa Barbara and Goleta in April.
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“I applaud the tenacity in trying to look for another plan when the first one we all voted for and had a lot of enthusiasm for, didn’t pan out,” said 2nd District Supervisor Laura Capps. “I express my frustration toward Union Pacific for just being such a block on something all of us wanted to do.”
The proposal is for a new train to arrive at the Santa Barbara station at 7:56am and Goleta at 8:11am. That train would continue on to San Luis Obispo and then return back through Goleta at 2:33pm and Santa Barbara 2:57pm. Other Pacific Surfliner trains already in service depart from Goleta and Santa Barbara back to Ventura County later in the evening too.
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The details emerged at Thursday’s regular meeting of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments meeting. Instead of Metrolink, LOSSAN will launch the Pacific Surfliner, essentially the same service it started in 2018, but then shut down in 2020 during the pandemic.
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“Because they own the tracks, they essentially control the timeline of when this would have gone forward,” Capps said.
Since LOSSAN already has a contract with Union Pacific, and it received a $27 million grant late last year from the Federal Railroad Administration, it’s quicker to add another route on the Pacific Surfliner.
“The only other potential challenge is future funding,” Jewell said.
The commuter train as it stands now is intended to serve as a one-year pilot program. During that time LOSSAN plans to study the demand and how the train performs, and then make a decision about whether it would continue, based on use and funding.
Jewell said inter-city rail service has traditionally been funded by the state.
“The state has signalled that the intercity rail budget, moving forward, they have concerns about,” Jewell said. “We would
Several thousand people commute into Santa Barbara and Goleta from Ventura County every morning. Officials had originally boasted about Metrolink, which has never run trains north of Ventura County, because it qualifies for federal funding, which had not been an option for peak-hour train service under the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner.
The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner travels along the 351-mile LOSSAN Corridor, connecting San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Luis Obispo. It’s the busiest state-supported Amtrak route and the second busiest intercity rail corridor in the U.S., serving two million riders annually, according to its website.
“I want to make sure that we are making the decision to support the project that is best for the commuting experience and the customer, and not the most convenient one,” said Buellton Mayor David Silva. “Is this just the path of least resistance or is this the best ideal option we can provide?”
Aaron Bonfilio, director of multimodal programs for SBCAG, said at this point Pacific Surfliner is the best option because LOSSAN already has a contract with Union Pacific and can begin service much quicker. Union Pacific is current in the process of merging with Norfolk Southern.
Printed with permission of the Santa Barbara News-Press • 1.16.2026 • newspress.com
“The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.3 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in December, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 2.7 percent before seasonal adjustment.” BLS.gov
By Harlan Green, Special to VOICE
IT’S NO SURPRISE THAT CPI INFLATION IS STILL HIGH—up
+2.7 percent in a year. And I fear it can’t come down for ordinary Americans, at least, without another recession.
The gap in the graph shows why it was in part because of the government shutdown when congress couldn’t agree on insurance policies that would bring down health care costs. And prices are rising elsewhere, especially in groceries and other everyday items without a Federal Reserve and regulatory agencies (such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) able to do their job.
The inflation data gap is therefore the most important item in the CPI report. The ignorance of upcoming data could breed more inflation, especially during the ongoing wars; both domestic (tariffs), foreign (Ukraine), and Trump’s threat to fire more government statisticians he doesn’t like.
Why? Because it creates supply chain shortages, and there’s the upcoming budget battle for the full fiscal year. And what if there is another shutdown in February because congress can’t agree on a full year’s budget?
We know that data lapses also increase the possibility of more bad news, which breeds only more economic uncertainty. That’s what businesses are not hiring more employees or knowing what to plan for the future.
USA Today also cited Gallup’s Economic Confidence Index, which summarizes Americans’ evaluations of current economic conditions and their perceptions of the economy, hit -33 in the recent poll. It marks a 10-point decrease from October, and a 19-point dive from June’s numbers. It has a theoretical range of -100 to +100, says USA Today.
By Harlan Green
And who takes the most advantage of the data blackout? Supermarkets, for one, that can sneak in higher grocery rises. That’s a main reason for soaring food costs that have risen +3.1 percent in the CPI report—in double digits for some products like beef and coffee. And don’t forget the ICE arrests of agricultural workers that farmers are complaining about and I mentioned last week that are contributing to the food shortages.
Electricity costs are up +6.7 percent, as well. These are the everyday items that make consumers unhappy. And why not? Candidate Trump promised to bring down prices on “day one” of his second term, and Americans are no longer believing him.
USA Today reported that the New York Times' Dec. 23 average, which includes the Gallup numbers, found Trump had a 42 percent approval and 54 percent disapproval ratings. RealClearPolitics' daily average is similar, at 43 percent approval and 53 percent disapproval.
Contact your local loan agent or mortgage broker for current rates:
DRAPER & KRAMER MORTGAGE CORP.
Please call for current rates: Russell Story, 805-895-8831
PARAGON MORTGAGE GROUP
Please call for current rates: 805-899-1390
HOMEBRIDGE FINANCIAL SERVICES
Please call for current rates: Erik Taiji, 805-895-8233, NMLS #322481
MONTECITO BANK & TRUST
Please call for current rates: 805-963-7511 • Coastal Housing Partnership Member
SB MORTGAGE GROUP
Simar Gulati, 805-403-9679
U.S. BANK
Please call for current rates: Teri Gauthier, 805-565-4571 • Coastal Housing Partnership Member
Can prices come down this year? No, unless there’s a recession, as I said. My biggest fear is a repeat of recessions from the last two busted asset bubbles created in part by lax regulations that created more wealth for the oligarchs and took away the protections for ordinary Americans.
Trump’s new Federal Reserve Chairman in May will continue to push down short-term interest rates, which will only create higher inflation, as did former Fed Chair Allen Greenspan in helping to finance the GW Bush terror wars in early 2000. Memories are short in the financial world.
It created massive asset bubbles and ultimately led to the Great Recession. The AI buildout will also create an oversupply that ultimately outdistances demand, as always happens. People forget that it was the busted Dot-com asset bubble in 2000 followed by the housing bubble that led to the 2008-09 Great Recession.
And ordinary Americans ultimately pay for the price of such battles—domestic or foreign.
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.
CASA Santa Barbara, Inc.
Mailing Address: 217 Sherwood Dr Santa Barbara, CA 93110
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This publication will not knowingly accept any advertising which is in violation of this law.
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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:
The following Corporation is doing business as DANIS PAINTING at 1727 State Street #435, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. PROPERTY DR. INCORPORATED at 1727 State Street #435, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on December 31, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2025-0002955. Published January 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026.
The following Individual is doing business as TRAINERMATCH at 132
Campo Vista Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. JARON A WILLIAMS at 132
Campo Vista Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on December 10, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk.
I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2025-0002771. Published January 2, 9, 16, 23, 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:
The following Individual is doing business as STROOP HAUS at 312 E Sola, A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-1266. STEPHANYE M LAGUNES at 312 E Sola, Apt A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on January 5, 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. 2026-0000005. Published January 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026.
Insertion Date: Print: 1.23.26 Digital included 1.21.26 8.35” times 3 columns = $119.74 • 01.23.26 PC meeting 2.5.26.Kira Esparza RE: 101 N Milpas, 103 N Milpas St, & 825 E Mason St; 419 W. Pueblo Street : PO 32600495
The Secretary of the Planning Commission has set a public hearing for Thursday, February 5, 2026 beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street.
On Thursday, January 29, 2026, an Agenda with all items to be heard on Thursday, February 5, 2026 will be posted on the outdoor bulletin board at City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street, and online at SantaBarbaraCA. gov/PC. Agendas, Minutes, and Staff Reports are also accessible online at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PC.
TELEVISION COVERAGE: This meeting will be broadcast live on City TV-Channel 18 and online at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CityTV. See SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CityTVProgramGuide for a rebroadcast schedule. An archived video of this meeting will be available at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PCVideos.
WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT: Public comments may be submitted via email to PCSecretary@SantaBarbaraCA.gov before the beginning of the Meeting. All public comments submitted via email will be provided to the Commission and will become part of the public record. You may also submit written correspondence via US Postal Service (USPS) addressed to PC Secretary, PO Box 1990, Santa Barbara, CA 93102-1990. However, please be advised, correspondence sent via USPS may not be received in time to process prior to the meeting and email submissions are highly encouraged. Please note that the Commission may not have time to review written comments received after 4:30 p.m. the Tuesday before the meeting.
All public comment that is received before 4:30 p.m. the Tuesday before the meeting will be published on the City’s website at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PC. Comments provided via USPS or e-mail will be converted to a PDF before being posted on the City’s website. Note: comments will be published online the way they are received and without redaction of personal identifying information; including but not limited to phone number, home address, and email address. Only submit information that you wish to make available publicly.
APPEALS: Decisions of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council. For further information and guidelines on how to appeal a decision to City Council, please contact the City Clerk’s office at Clerk@SantaBarbaraCA.gov as soon as possible. Appeals may be filed in person at the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or in writing via email to Clerk@SantaBarbaraCA.gov and by first class mail postage prepaid within 10 calendar days of the meeting at which the Commission took action or rendered its decision. Appeals and associated fee postmarked after the 10th calendar day will not be accepted.
NOTE TO INTERESTED PARTIES: Only those persons who participate through public comment either orally or in writing on an item on this Agenda have standing to appeal the decision. Grounds for appeal are limited to those issues raised either orally or in written correspondence delivered to the review body at, or prior to, the public hearing.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: If you need services or staff assistance to attend or participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator’s Office at (805) 5645305. If possible, notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will usually enable the City to make reasonable arrangements. Specialized services, such as sign language interpretation or documents in Braille, may require additional lead time to arrange.
• 101 N Milpas, 103 N Milpas St, & 825 E Mason St
Assessor’s Parcel Number: 017-083-015,-016,-017
Zoning Designation: C-G (Commercial General)
Application Number: PLN2025-00237
Applicant / Owner: Sherrie Olson, PLRC / Milpas Street Properties, LLC
Project Description: Conditional Use Permit to allow alcohol sales for off-site consumption
• 419 W. Pueblo Street
Assessor’s Parcel Number: 025-171-050
Zoning Designation: SP8-H
Application Number: PLN2025-00136
Applicant / Owner: Heidi Jones, Meraki Land Use Consulting / Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
Project Description: Conditional Use Permit for addition to childcare center
DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
+ Years Experience - Local 35+ Years
Floor Leveling
Quality Remodeling
Foundation Replacements
Foundation Repairs
Earthquake Retrofitting
Retaining Walls
French Drains - Waterproofing
Site Drainage Systems
Underpinnings - Caissons
Structural Correction
J. Dalziel
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER : 25CV07622. Petitioner: Clark Warren Benlan filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Clark Warren Benlan to PROPOSED NAME: Zander Zephyr Fox. 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: February 18, 2026; Time: 10:00 am; Dept.: 3; ROOM: [ ] other (specify): at the: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the courts website. To find your courts website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm.) 3 a. [X] A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation: [x] (for resident of this county) printed in this county: VOICE MAGAZINE. Date: 12/22/2025 /s/: Thomas P. Anderle, Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #25CV07622 Pub Dates: January 16, 23, 30, February 6, 2026.
Kerry Methner
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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:
The following Married Couple is doing business as VANDYGEAR at 1505 W Pine Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436. ROSALVA RAZO and RUDY RAZO at 1505 W Pine Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on January 20, 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. 2026-0000130. Published January 23, 30, February 6, 13, 2026.
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You can spot me all over town. I’ve been placed under trees to honor loved ones, celebrate special occasions, and to thank someone, like John Palminteri (above). If you have someone or something you’d like to commemorate, scan the QR code to learn more about our tree plaque program.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:
The following Individual is doing business as FAIRY&FROG at 1607 Mission Drive, #109/110, Solvang, CA 93463. NANCY J SCHULTE at 1607 Mission Drive, #109/110, Solvang, CA 93463. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on December 29, 2025. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2025-0002938. Published January 2, 9, 16, 23, 2026.
To place your classified ad, email advertising@VoiceSB.com
The Secretary of the Staff Hearing Officer has set a public hearing for Wednesday, February 4, 2026 beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the David Gebhard Public Meeting Room, 630 Garden Street. On Thursday, January 29, 2026, an Agenda with all items to be heard on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 will be available online at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/SHO. Agendas, Minutes, and Staff Reports are also accessible online at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/SHO.
TELEVISION COVERAGE: This meeting will be broadcast live on City TV-Channel 18 and online at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CityTV. See SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CityTVProgramGuide for a rebroadcast schedule. An archived video of this meeting will be available at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PCVideos.
WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT: Public comments may be submitted via email to PCSecretary@SantaBarbaraCA.gov before the beginning of the Meeting. All public comments submitted via email will be provided to the Commission and will become part of the public record. You may also submit written correspondence via US Postal Service (USPS) addressed to PC Secretary, PO Box 1990, Santa Barbara, CA 93102-1990. However, please be advised, correspondence sent via USPS may not be received in time to process prior to the meeting and email submissions are highly encouraged. Please note that the Commission may not have time to review written comments received after 4:30 p.m. the Tuesday before the meeting.
All public comment that is received before 4:30 p.m. the Tuesday before the meeting will be published on the City’s website at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PC. Comments provided via USPS or e-mail will be converted to a PDF before being posted on the City’s website. Note: comments will be published online the way they are received and without redaction of personal identifying information; including but not limited to phone number, home address, and email address. Only submit information that you wish to make available publicly.
APPEALS: Decisions of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council. For further information and guidelines on how to appeal a decision to City Council, please contact the City Clerk’s office at Clerk@SantaBarbaraCA.gov as soon as possible. Appeals may be filed in person at the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or in writing via email to Clerk@SantaBarbaraCA.gov and by first class mail postage prepaid within 10 calendar days of the meeting at which the Commission took action or rendered its decision. Appeals and associated fee postmarked after the 10th calendar day will not be accepted.
NOTE TO INTERESTED PARTIES: Only those persons who participate through public comment either orally or in writing on an item on this Agenda have standing to appeal the decision. Grounds for appeal are limited to those issues raised either orally or in written correspondence delivered to the review body at, or prior to, the public hearing.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: If you need services or staff assistance to attend or participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator’s Office at (805) 5645305. If possible, notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will usually enable the City to make reasonable arrangements. Specialized services, such as sign language interpretation or documents in Braille, may require additional lead time to arrange.
• 44-46 Ocean View Avenue
Assessor’s Parcel Number: 015-271-019 & 015-271-020
Zoning Designation: R-2/S-D-3 (Two-Family Residence/Coastal Overlay)
Application Number: PLN2024-00386 Filing Date: 11/5/2024
Applicant / Owner: John Cuykendall, DMI - Commercial Real Estate Services / Ocean V Investors LLC
Project Description: Coastal Development Permit for Accessory Dwelling Units and Modification for offsite parking spaces on one of the lots.
The Santa Barbara City Council meets most Tuesdays at 2pm • To learn more about the council and other City department meetings, visit www.santabarbaraca.gov
The Goleta City Council meets biweekly on Tuesdays at 5:30pm • To learn more about the council and other City department meetings, visit www.cityofgoleta.org
The Carpinteria City Council meets on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 5:30pm • To learn more about other City departments visit www.carpinteriaca.gov
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meets most Tuesdays at 9am • To learn more about other County departments visit www.countyofsb.org
The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) generally meets on the third Thursday of the month at 10am · SBCAG is a regional board of 13 elected officials representing all eight cities and the County · visit www.sbcag.org
To have your news included in VOICE Magazine, please email information to News@VoiceSB.com
Primate (R): Fri-Thur: 5:00. Song Sung Blue (PG13): Fri-Sun: 4:00, 7:00. Mon-Thur: 7:00.
Hamnet (R): Fri, Mon-Thur: 4:25, 7:20. Sat/Sun: 1:30, 4:25,7:20.
Primate (R): Fri-Wed: 7:50. 28 Years Later: Bone Temple (R): Fri, Mon-Thur: 5:20, 8:00: Sat/Sun: 2:30, 5:20, 8:00. Avatar: Fire & Ash (PG13): Fri, Mon-Thur: 4:10/3D, 7:40. Sat/Sun: 1:05, 4:10/3D, 7:40. Iron Lung (R): Thur: 5:30, 8:30.
Mercy* (R): Fri-Thur: 12:20, 2:50, 5:20, 7:50.
28 Years Later: Bone Temple* (R): Fri-Thur: 12:15, 2:55, 5:35, 8:15. Marty Supreme (R): Fri-Thur 1:30, 4:50, 8:10.
Avatar: Fire & Ash (PG13): Fri-Thur: 12:40, 4:00/3D, 7:40.
The Housemaid (R): Fri-Thur: 1:00, 4:40, 8:00.
8:10. Song Sung Blue (PG13): Fri-Thur
Iron Lung (R): Thur: 5:30, 8:30. Mercy* (R): Fri: 3:15, 5:45, 8:15. Sat/Sun:
“UGH, AS IF!” you would want to miss a free screening of Clueless at UCSB Carsey-Wolf Center’s Pollock Theater. Jump back into the ‘90s with popular Beverly Hills teenager Cher (Alicia Silverstone) at 2pm on Saturday, January 31st. The screening will be followed by a talk with the film’s costume designer Mona May, plus a special sale and signing of her book The Fashion of Clueless. Costumes are encouraged! RSVP for free at carseywolf.ucsb.edu
The Princess Bride • Rob Reiner’s fairytale adventure about true love • Alcazar Theatre • $7-10 • thealcazar.org • 7pm Sa, 1/24.
The Sandlot • A coming of age story about a group of young baseball players, hosted by Carpinteria Valley Little league • Alcazar Theatre • $7 • thealcazar.org • 3:00pm Su, 1/25.
Pistachio Wars • A documentary investigating the hidden world of industrial agriculture in California • Carsey-Wolf Center at UCSB • Free • carseywolf.ucsb.edu • 7pm Tu, 1/27.
Clueless • An iconic 90’s satire loosely based on Jane Austen’s Emma • CarseyWolf Center UCSB, Pollock Theater • Free • carseywolf.ucsb.edu • 2pm Sa, 1/31.
EXPERIENCE THE THRILLING CRESCENDOS of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, led by its Music Director Emeritus for Life, Riccardo Muti, at the Granada Theatre at 7:30pm on Friday, January 23rd. Presented by CAMA, the evening will feature two triumphant classical masterpieces: Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 and Maurice Ravel’s Boléro For tickets ($45-195) visit granadasb.org
Friday 1/23
CHILDREN
Read with a Dog • Children practice reading to a furry friend • Central Library • Free • 3:30-4:30pm Fr.
COMEDY
Janeane Garofalo • Comedy
special • Lobero Theater • $34-61 • lobero.org • 7:30pm Fr, 1/23
Felipe Esparza: At My Leisure World Tour • Comedy performance
• Chumash Casino Resort • $55-80 • chumashcasino.com • 8pm Fr, 1/23.
DANCE
Wildcat Dance Variety Show
• 20-year anniversary of Beth Amine shows with belly dance, aerial, flamenco, and more • Wildcat Lounge
• $20 • 7:30-9:30pm Fr, 1/23.
Line Dancing Lessons • Maverick Saloon • $10 • 6-8pm Sat.
LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS
MUSIC
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
• Brahms, Ravel • CAMA • Granada Theatre • $9 • granadasb.org • 7:30pm Fr, 1/23.
Inner Landscapes • Corwin
Series Winter Concert: electroacoustic music • UCSB Music • Lotte Lehmann Concert Hall • music.ucsb.edu • 7:30pm Fr, 1/23.
Red Piano • Rotating pianists play requests • Red Piano • Every night.
SBC Courthouse Docent Tours
• Free • www.sbcourthouse.org • 10:30am Mon-Fri & 2pm daily.
Saturday 1/24
CHILDREN
Storytime With Jessica McKay• McKay presents Always With You, Always With Me • Godmothers
Bookstore • Free • godmothers.com • 11am Sa, 1/24.
Pathfinders: Cutting Clones
• Vegetative cuttings, ages 8-13 • SB Botanic Garden • Free w/admission • sbbotanicgarden.org • 11am Sa, 1/24.
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.
Getting Started With Native Plants • Learn the basics of habitat gardening • SB Botanic Garden • $25-35 • sbbotanicgarden.org • 10am Sa, 1/24.
Intensive Natural Dye
Weekend • Textile Artist Porfirio Gutiérrez leads hands-on instruction in the traditional use of cochineal insect dye • SB Museum of Natural History • $280-300 • sbnature.org • 10am-4pm Sa & Su, 1/24-1/25.
Repair Cafe SB • Bring up to two broken items to repair with fixers • CEC Environmental Hub • Free • 10am-1pm Sa, 1/24.
Today I Noticed • A mindfulness workshop with Willow Older & Deborah Huber • Godmothers Bookstore • $55 • godmothers.com • 1pm Sa, 1/24.
Jessica McKay & Zoe Winkler • Discussion on how children’s books can start conversations • Godmothers Bookstore • $23 • godmothers.com • 6pm Sa, 1/24.
Santa Barbara Go Club • All levels welcome to learn this ancient game • Free • Mosaic Locale, 1131 State St • 805-448-5335 • 11am-3pm Sa.
The Winetones • Folk-blues duo • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • coldspringtavern.com • 1:30pm Sa, 1/24.
SB Voice Academy Singer Showcase • Rock, funk, blues & popular music • SOhO • sohosb.com • $10 • 6pm Sa, 1/24.
Aristo Sham, Piano • 17th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Gold Medal Winner’s debut recital • UCSB Arts & Lectures • Hahn Hall • artsandlectures.ucsb.edu • $10-43 • 7pm Sa, 1/24.
Billy F Gibbons and the BFG Band • Blues-rock • Lobero Theatre • $60-150 • lobero.org • 7:30pm Sa, 1/24.
Doublewide Kings • Sweet Home
Santa Barbara fundraising concert • Lobero Theatre • $30-95 • luketheatre. org • 7:30pm Sa, 1/24.
SB Drum Circle • Free, all welcome • Chase Palm Park • 3-6pm Sa.
Architectural Walking Tour • History of buildings in SB • 229 E. Victoria St • $20 • afsb.org • 10am, Sat.
LAUGHS AHOY! Set sail with Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic opera when Westmont Music presents The Pirates of Penzance, a chaotic and comedic adventure full of danger, daring escapes, and romance. Performances will take place at 7pm on Friday, January 23rd and Sunday, January 25th at Westmont’s Porter Theatre. For tickets ($15-20) visit westmont.edu/boxoffice
Adderly School Student Plays
• Frozen, Wicked, and more • Center Stage Theater • $20-45 • centerstagetheater.org • 10am-5pm Sa, 1/24.
Educating Rita • Hairdresser
Rita forms an unlikely bond with a cynical professor • Ojai Art Center Theater • $20-25 • ojaiact. org • 7:30 pm Fri & Sat, 2pm Sun, through 2/15.
Westmont Spring Opera •
The Pirates of Penzance (Gilbert and Sullivan) • Porter Theatre, Westmont • $15-20 •
SPECIAL EVENTS
USWNT vs. Paraguay • Watch party • Validation Ale • santabarbaraskyfc.com • Free • 1:30 pm Sa, 1/24.
Sunday 1/25
CHILDREN
Storytime @ the Sea Center • All ages • Free w/admission • SBNature.org • 10:30–10:45am Sat & Sun.
westmont.edu/boxoffice • 7pm Fr, 1/23 & Su, 1/25.
An Afternoon of One-Act Plays • Neighborhood Watch and The Proposal, acted by SBCC’s Theatre Electric • Fine Line Gallery, La Cumbre Plaza • Free, family friendly • 3pm Sa, 1/31. Open Auditions • For spring production of Unnecessary Farce • Theatre Group at SBCC • Jurkowitz Theatre, SBCC • By appointment • theatregroupsbcc.org • Starting at 12pm Sa, 1/31.
CELEBRATE 60 YEARS OF MARIACHI HISTORY when the Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival welcomes the renowned Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán to the Lobero Theatre at 4pm on Sunday, January 25th. Audiences will also witness the organization’s Vocal Competition, which will select the winner who will perform a solo at the 29th Annual Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival this August. For tickets ($35-100) visit lobero.org
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.
Carillon Recitals • Carillonist Wesley Arai performs original works, classical and modern favorites • UCSB Storke Tower • Free • music.ucsb.edu • 2pm Su, 1/25.
Human Design With Alexandra Cole• Translate your Human Design chart into a purpose statement • Godmothers Bookstore • $188 • godmothers.com • 11am Su, 1/25.
Empathy Cafe • Practice communication and listening skills • Riviera Theatre, upstairs • Free • 11am-1pm Su.
Xangie • Rock duo • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • coldspringtavern.com • 1:30pm Su, 1/25.
SB Mariachi Festival • Winter show and vocal competition • Lobero Theater • $35-100 • 4pm Su, 1/25.
Compagnie Hervé Koubi • Contemporary hip-hop dance • UCSB Arts & Lectures • Granada Theater • $9 • granadasb.org • 7:30pm Su, 1/25.
Ballake Sissoko & Derek Gripper • Improvisational performance with classical guitar and kora • Marjorie Luke Theatre • $29-39 • luketheatre.org • 6pm Su, 1/25.
Sunday Architecture Tour • Guided stroll • Begins at SB Downtown Library • Architectural Foundation of SB • $20 • afsb.org • 10am Sun.
Seed Swap - Canceled • Originally to be held at the Community Arts workshop • sbpermaculture.org • 11am-6pm Su, 1/25.
We Are Resilient • Book launch party • Grace Fisher Inclusive Arts Clubhouse • Free • gracefisherfoundation.org • 1pm Su, 1/25.
School Book Fair • 25% of all purchases donated to Cathedral Oaks and More Mesa Childeren’s Centers • Chaucer’s Books • Free • chaucersbooks.com • 3pm Su, 1/25.
Baby & Me • Develop your baby’s preliteracy skills, 0-14 months • Central Library • Free • 11-11:30am Mo.
Little G’s • picture book What a Small Cat Needs • Godmothers Bookstore • Free • godmothersbookstore.com • 11am Mo, 1/26.
LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS
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, 1/26 through 4/20.
Book Talk • Lily King discusses novel Heart the Lover • Godmothers Bookstore • $23 • godmothersbooks. com • 6pm Mo, 1/26.
Scrabble Club • Louise Lowry Davis Center • All levels/ English/ Spanish • Free • 1-4pm Mon.
HEAR THE TRUE SUCCESS STORY of adventurous Santa Barbara artists Ludmilla and Thaddeus Welch when historian Hattie Beresford gives an illustrated presentation at the SB Historical Museum at 5:30pm on Wednesday, January 28th. For tickets (Free-$20) visit sbhistorical.org
Parliamo • Italian conversation, all levels • Natural Cafe, 361 Hitchcock Way • Free • parliamo.yolasite.com • 5-6:30pm Mon.
SB Bridge Club • Play bridge, meets daily • 2255 Las Positas Rd • Schedule and RSVP: bridgewebs.com/sbbc542
MUSIC
Lucinda Lane • Indie-jazz band, featuring opener Paper Moon • SOhO • sohosb.com • 6:30pm Mo, 1/26.
Renovare’s “Winter’s Fade” Concert • Ensemble featuring music old and new, from Haiti, China, Argentina and more • Deane Chapel, Westmont College • Free • westmont. edu • 7:30pm Mo, 1/26.
Carpinteria Improv Drop-In Class • Learn or practice skills • Alcazar Theatre • $10 • 7pm Tu.
LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS
Information Sessions • Learn about the Public Humanities Graduate Fellows Program • McCune Conference Room, HSSB • Free • ihc.ucsb.edu • 2pm Tu, 1/27 & 11am Th, 1/29.
Subversive Sampling • Professor Wind Woods gives introduction to Hip Hop Playwriting • Theater & Dance West • Free • theaterdance. ucsb.edu • 4:30pm Tu, 1/27.
CEC Climate Stewards Course • Explore climate solutions through lessons and field trips • Over Zoom with in person field trips • $360 • downtownsb.org • 8:30pm Tu, 1/27 through Tu, 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.
Matteo Mancuso • Rock guitarist • Lobero Theatre • $30-75 • lobero.org • 7:30pm Tu, 1/27.
Terence Blanchard and RaviColtrane • Trumpeter and saxaphonist jazz colab • UCSB Arts & Lectures • Granada Theatre • $9 • granadasb.org • 7:30pm Tu, 1/27.
USWNT vs. Chile • US Women’s soccor match • Harder Stadium • $34-63 • santabarbaraskyfc.com • 7pm Tu, 1/27.
Speed Dating Night • Ages 25-39 • Night Lizard Brewing Company • $25 • Text to RSVP: 818-442-7600 • 7pm Tu, 1/27.
School Book Fair • 25% of purchases donated to SB High School Avid program • Chaucer’s Books • 5pm Tu, 1/27.
Creator’s Club • Bilingual, weekly STEAM activity • Eastside Library • Free • 2-3pm We.
LEAP INTO AUTHENTIC LATIN RHYTHMS when UCSB Arts & Lectures welcomes Tango After Dark, featuring World Tango Champions Germán Cornejo and Gisela Galeassi, for a community dance lesson and two local performances. Dancers of all ages and skill levels are invited to learn basic tango steps when the ensemble’s dancers host a free workshop at 2pm on Saturday, January 31st at the Carrillo Ballroom. The next day, Sunday, February 1st at 2pm and 7pm, watch the professionals in action at the Lobero Theatre in a bold, unforgettable, and electrifying display of Argentine tango. For tickets (Free class RSVP; $57-82 for shows) visit artsandlectures.ucsb.edu
LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS
The Astonishing Tale of Ludmilla and Thad Welch • Hattie Beresford discusses artists • SB Historical Museum • $10-20 • sbhistorical.org • 5:30pm We, 1/28.
Game Time • A conversation on masculinity and team culture • UCSB Multicultural Center • Free • mcc.sa.ucsb.edu • 4pm We, 1/28.
Jane Marie Chen • Author discusses new memoir Like a Wave We Break with Riley Reed • Godmothers Books • $17 • godmothersbooks.com • 6pm We, 1/28.
Knitting & Crochet Club • Louise Lowry Davis Ctr • All levels/English/Spanish • Free • 9-11:30am Wed.
Le Cercle Français • French conversation, all levels • The Natural Cafe • Free • https://tinyurl.com/5ejbd9ye • 5-6:30pm Wed.
MUSIC
Nicola Benedetti • Grammy-winning violinist with ensemble featuring guitar, accordion and cello • UCSB Arts & Lectures • Campbell Hall • $15-78 • artsandlectures.ucsb.edu • 7pm We, 1/28.
Open Jam • At Revolver Pizza. Jam with musicians • 1429 San Andres St • Free • revolversb.com • 6-9pm Wed.
Thursday 1/29
LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS
Dramaturgy in/as Conversation • Professor Wind Woods and Dr. Leticia García Dahan discuss hip hop in contemporary theater & performance • Theater & Dance West • Free • Theaterdance.ucsb.edu • 3pm Th, 1/29.
Spain and the Independence of the United States • A conversation with Thomas E. Chávez, Historian with PhD from the University of New Mexico • Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library • $25-30 • sbac.ca.gov • 6pm Th, 1/29.
Soil & Soul • Vegetarian chef’s table with story of soil wines • Finch & Fork • $50 • finchandforkrestaurant.com • 6pm Th, 1/29.
Gather and Ground • Holistic Safety Plan Community Dinner • UCSB Multicultural Center • Free • mcc.sa.ucsb.edu • 5:30pm Th, 1/29.
Word and Life • Discuss Ecological Spirituality by Diarmuid O’Murchuover Zoom • $80 • Register: wordandlife.us • Meets 1011:30am Th, through 3/19.
Knit ‘n’ Needle • Fiber arts club • Montecito Library • Free • 2pm Th.
MUSIC
MANIA • ABBA Tribute band • Lobero Theatre • $42-72 • lobero.org • 7:30pm Th, 1/29
School Book Fair • 25% of purchases donated to Monte Vista Elementary • Chaucer’s Books • Free • chaucersbooks.com • 5pm Th, 1/29.
Friday 1/30
DANCE
Peña Flamenca • Improv dance and music • SB Historical Museum • $12-20 • sbhistorical.org • 7pm Fr, 1/30.
LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS
Handmade Books Workshop • Creative bookmaking • EE Makerspace • $35 • exploreecology.org • 6pm Fr, 1/30.
MUSIC
Hank Azaria and the Ez Street Band • A Springsteen celebration • Chumash Casino • $20-55 • chumashcasino.com • 8pm Fr, 1/30.
United States Air Force Band of the Golden West • Six member brass ensemble • Marjorie Luke Theatre • Free • luketheatre.org • 7pm Fr, 1/30
Folk Orchestra Santa Barbara • El Presidio Chapel • $45 • sbthp.org • 7pm Fr, 1/30.
Saturday 1/31
CHILDREN
Little G’s • Reading of Seven Ways Through the Woods • Godmothers Bookstore • Free • Godmothersbookstore.com • 11am Sa, 1/31.
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 • Forest Shaw, Matt Fulchiron, & Cash levy • Alcazar Theatre • $15 • thealcazar.org • 7pm Sa, 1/31.
Community Dance Class • Argentinian tango with Gérman Cornejo’s world-class tango dancers • UCSB Arts & Lectures • Carillo Ballroom • Free • artsandlectures.ucsb.edu • 2pm Sa, 1/31.
Flamenco Íntimo • An intimate tablao co-hosted by Flamenco! Santa Barbara • Covarrubias Adobe • $35-175 • sbhistorical.org • 6pm & 8pm Sa, 1/31.
Timeless • Momentum Dance Company’s Season Twelve Concert • Center Stage Theater • $45 • centerstagetheater.org • 7pm Sa, 1/31.
LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS
Plant With Purpose • 13th Annual Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Conservation Symposium • SB City College, BC Forum • Free • sbbotanicgarden.org • 10am Sa, 1/31.
AJ Lee & Blue Summit• Bluegrass-folk concert • The Siren • $28 • 8pm Sa, 1/31.
Paradise Kings • Blues-rock band • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • coldspringtavern.com • 1:30pm Sa, 1/31.
Poncho Sanchez • Latin jazz band • Lobero Theatre • $47-107 • lobero.org • 7:30pm Sa, 1/31.
Santa Barbara Chamber Players • Mendelssohn and Schumann, featuring pianist Pascal Salomon • Hahn Hall • $15-20 • sbchamberplayers.org • 7:30pm Sa, 1/31.
Santa Maria Floorball Competition
• Local Special Olympics athletes compete in floorball • Santa Maria Fairgrounds • Free • sosc. org • 8:30am Sa, 1/31.
Orange County Floorball Competition
• Local Special Olympics athletes compete in floorball • The Rinks Irvine • Free • sosc.org • 9am Sa, 1/31.
Coffee and Community • Coffee and conversation with Councilmember Kyriaco and Mayor Perotte • Goleta Valley Library • Free • GoletaValleyLibrary.org • 9am Sa, 1/31.
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.
Tango After Dark• Led by World Tango Champions Germán Cornejo and Gisela Galeassi • Lobero Theatre • $57-82 • lobero.org • 2pm & 7pm Su, 2/1.
Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan • Blend of guitar and harmonica blues, rags, and good time music • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • coldspringtavern.com • 1:30pm Su, 2/1. Sons of Cream • Blues-rock performance • SOhO • $21 • downtownsb.org • 7:30 Su, 2/1.
Sunday Architecture Tour • Guided stroll • Begins at SB Downtown Library • Architectural Fdn of SB • $20 • afsb.org • 10am Sun.
School Book Fair • 25% of purchases donated to Starr King Parent Child Workshop • Chaucer’s Books • 2pm Su, 2/1.
To have your events included in VOICE Magazine's calendar or arts listings, please email information to Calendar@VoiceSB.com by noon the Monday before publication.
By Robert F. Adams and Daisy Scott
AN INGENIOUS MARATHON, with five soloists over two days, delivered all of Beethoven’s piano concertos the weekend of January 17th and 18th in a successful showcase of exceptional talent. The mastermind of this intense collaboration was Maestro Nir Kabaretti, joined by the musicianship of the Santa Barbara Symphony. The starring composer was Ludwig von Beethoven, whose legacy is defined within his piano concertos and which became the impetus of Kabaretti’s vision to spotlight and support emerging virtuosos.
The program offered a marathon, bringing to life on the first evening the centuries old Egmont Overture, the Piano Concerto No. 3
in C minor, Op. 37 and Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58, followed by a Sunday matinee comprised of Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op. 15, No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 19, and Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73. On both days, SB Symphony CEO Kathryn Martin warmly welcomed the audience and thanked the season’s sponsors, including this Beethoven extravaganza’s sponsor, the Zeger Family Foundation.
On Saturday, Music & Artistic Director Nir Kabaretti sprang onto the podium with a dynamically played and conducted Egmont Overture. The Egmont originated from the pen and resistant spirit of Beethoven in 1809 to 1810, based on a 1787 Goethe play. A rousing and expressive work, the conductor and the massing of orchestral players made the Egmont sound new and refreshing. This overture is a journey encompassing confrontation and hopeful triumph.
The concerto began with the courageous chords from KoreanAmerican virtuoso Min Joo Yi, the Music Academy of the West’s Solo Piano Competition winner, playing a gleaming Steinway piano. Joo Yi captured the resonance of Mozart’s influences on Beethoven. She captivated with her dynamic and subtle
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For more information or to schedule an appointment call John at 805-451-4551.
playing of the three movements, the Allegro, Largo and Rondo of Beethoven’s No. 3. The audience witnessed a lavish wall of sound effect within the chain of motifs, cadenzas, codas, fugues, fortissimo endings, with the Orchestra collaborating and brilliantly delivering rhapsodical atmospherics. Truly a virtuoso, Joo Yi may be a profound interpreter headed for appreciation from the world’s concert stages.
After the intermission, an animated American pianist, Evren Ozel, took the stage relaxed and confident. Winner of the 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, among other prizes, his subtle and assured focus on Beethoven’s No. 4 was captivating along with the galvanizing kaleidoscope of the symphony behind him all the way. The dreamlike harmonics delivered a second act performance that was spellbinding. A seemingly improvised encore drew the audience into another standing ovation. The room echoed with bravos at both curtain calls on the memorable first night.
On Sunday, hundreds of marathon newcomers and over 500 returning attendees from the previous night’s concert enjoyed the marathon’s final leg. Spotlighting Beethoven’s first and final piano concertos, the second day provided a more comprehensive look at Beethoven’s dramatic evolution. Under Kabaretti’s baton, the prancing melodies of concertos No. 1 and No. 2 revealed the young composer’s emerging flair, yet stood in stark contrast to the resounding, triumphant finale of the Emperor Concerto that reverberated throughout the theatre, the epitome of
Beethoven’s musical might.
Each pianist fueled their respective concertos with intensely personal energy, ranging from gentle sensitivity to fiery passion. Dmitry Shishkin, hailing from the XVI International Tchaikovsky and Geneva International Music Competitions, performed No. 1 with delicate precision. As applause rang out, he returned to the piano for an impromptu encore. The booming whirlwind was a radical departure from Beethoven’s peaceful concerto, demonstrating Shishkin’s skill across classical eras.
Angie Zhang, of American Piano Awards acclaim, next took the stage for an enchanting, expert performance of No. 2. More sprightly than the first concerto yet equally tender, Zhang’s playfully expressive performance conversed with the symphony, cultivating the piano’s musical dialogue with lively strings and woodwinds.
The Emperor Concerto, the most highlyanticipated piece on the program, concluded the marathon. A grander finale could not be imagined, as Palm Springs International Piano Competition winner Jonathan Mamora mesmerized audiences. Gazing heavenward and seeming to channel his entire spirit into the soul of Beethoven’s final piano concerto (which was composed amidst the composer’s growing hearing loss), Mamora’s performance elevated an already tremendous work to even greater, evocative heights. The masterful display gripped the attention and imaginations of each audience member, sending all to their feet as the final note resonated to the very highest balcony seats.
By Chris Wooodyard • Santa Barbara News-Press, 1.17.26
JOURNALISTS, CAMERA OPERATORS, PRODUCERS, AND OTHER WORKERS
at KEYT-TV
said that they are underpaid and that management has stymied their efforts to negotiate a new contract, at a press conference Friday at Santa Barbara City Hall.
The result, they say, is high turnover rates and staffing levels that fall short of what it takes to adequately cover the Central Coast.
“I know of a lot of people who do want to work in this industry but can’t because they are paid so little,” said videographer Gene Silva, one of the workers at the press conference, urging management to negotiate.
KEYT is owned by the News-Press & Gazette of California, which operates three channels in the area with network affiliations. They are Channel 3 (ABC); Channel 11 (Fox) and Channel 12 (CBS). The company is a subsidiary of the family-owned News-Press & Gazette based in St. Joseph, Missouri, and is not associated with Santa Barbara’s News-Press
Reached for comment, KEYT General Manager Jim Lemon denied the union’s assertion that it has been dragging its feet in trying reach a new contract.
“KEYT has negotiated in good faith to reach a contract with IATSE and we fully intend to continue to negotiate in an effort to reach an agreement,” Lemon said in a statement.
KEYT employees—about 35 in total—chose to be represented by the Cinematographers Guild Local 600, in November, 2024 and set out to hammer out a contract, said Raquel Ruiz, senior business representative.
The company and union are yet to reach an agreement. She said at one point, the company offered a base pay lower than what California required as a minimum wage at the time— apparently unaware it was below California’s minimum wage, which is currently $16.90 an hour.
What’s next is unclear.
“Everything is on the table,” Ruiz said.
KEYT chief videographer Herb Tuyay, who works on special projects, noted that with three channels, the news operation is a critical source of news in the community.
And because of the role they play in transmitting accurate information to the public, especially during disasters and emergencies, they are considered essential workers.
News producer Owen Pratt said many workers make less than $18 an hour. As a result, many are quick to leave for higher-paying jobs, leaving many newsroom slots unfilled.
“Our staff has eroded to where basic tasks are hard to do,” Pratt said. Printed with
January 4th to 31st, 2026
Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now. - Goethe
THE WONDER AND BEAUTY OF THE NATURAL WORLD is at the center of two new exhibitions at Marcia Burtt Gallery, Field Studies, and Ann Lofquist on view through February 15th
Lofquist chronicles spaces where wilderness, rural areas, and suburban communities intertwine. Perched on a bluff or seated in a field, her coyote-eye view is a grounded perspective on historic landscape painting. Her deft brushwork conveys textures of light on rocks and seawater, trees, utility poles, and even gravel on a dirt road.
In Field Studies, trees and weeds punctuate bands of green, yellow, and brown. Whether framed by mountains, viewed from above, or consuming the canvas, artists expand and contract open spaces, beckoning an exploration of grasslands and meadows through paint, graphite, and ink.
The Gallery, open 1-5 Thu to Sun, is located at 517 Laguna St. and is online at artlacuna.com
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN OCEAN MIST meets mountain light? When brush meets canvas and local talent meets natural wonder? The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is thrilled to present Where Mountains Meet the Sea, a new exhibition of landscape paintings by 12 predominately Santa Barbara-based artists, on view now through March 29th.
From sun-drenched ridgelines to the shimmering shoreline, this exhibit invites visitors to experience the vibrant palette and shifting moods of the California coast as seen through the eyes of local painters. Each piece is a tribute to the intersection of land and sea that defines Santa Barbara County—and to the artists who call it home.
Featured artists include Nancy Davidson, Rick Delanty, Camille Dellar, Rick Garcia, Derek Harrison, Willis Heaton, Ray Hunter, Craig Nelson, Ann Sanders, Ann Shelton Beth, Thomas Van Stein, and Ralph Waterhouse. Exhibit admission is included with general museum entry. sbmm.org or call 805-962-8404
CENTERING QUESTIONS OF SOLIDARITY AND SELF-DETERMINATION that are rooted in the perspectives of displaced individuals, UCSB’s Art, Design & Architecture Museum will host a free panel talk titled “Between Refuge and Refuse: Rethinking Refugee Environments.”
To participate: email up to three images to artcall@voicesb.art by end of day, January 25th. Sculpture and 2D work are welcome.
Label images with artist name.title of the piece. Entry email must also include: artist’s name, telephone number, material, dimensions, price.
If you have an artwork that is in response to a poem, please send the poem text too.
ACCEPTED entries pay fee at the ingathering $40: 1st piece; $35: 2nd piece; $30: 3rd piece. All pieces must be wired or pedestal ready. NO brackets, saw tooth, etc.
Sales: 70% to artist / 30% to gallery.
Ingathering: Drop off between 9am-12pm, Sunday, Feb 1st.
Exhibition Dates: Feb 1st to 28th, 2026
1st Thursday Reception: February 5th • 5-8pm
Questions? Call Kerry Methner • 805-570-2011
Held in conjunction with the museum’s ongoing exhibition Tiffany Chung: indelible traces, the first comprehensive museum survey of Vietnamese American artist and UCSB Alumna Tiffany Chung. Chung’s exhibition includes 70 of her works, all of which shine a light on hidden or marginalized histories.
Tiffany Chung’s remapping of the Vietnam exodus
The panel will feature coeditors of a forthcoming special issue of Amerasia Journal and be held from 1:30 to 3:30pm at the Wallis Annenberg Conference Room (SSMS 4315). Panelists will include Associate Professor Evyn Lê Espiritu Gandhi (UCLA), Associate Professor Emily Hue (UC Riverside), and Assistant Professor Heidi AminHong (UCSB). The talk will be moderated by artist and lecturer Hương Ngô (UCSB).
Panelists will respond to the exhibition, the genesis of the special issue on refuge/ refuse, and questions and reflections on framing new directions for the intersections of critical refugee studies. For more information visit museum.ucsb.edu
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
• Lulu Hyggelig: California’s First Thomas Dambo Troll • ongoing • Wild in California • Through Feb 23 • 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
10 West Gallery • Fresh • through Feb 15 • 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 • SB Fiber Arts Guild: Layering • through Feb 1 • 1323 State St • artandsoulsb.com
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
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 • Jan 24 - Mar 22 • history & Danish culture of Solvang • 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang • 805-686-1211 • 11-5 Th-Mo • elverhoj.org
Faulkner Gallery • 40 E Anapamu St • 10-7 Mo-Th; 10-5 Fri, Sa; 12-5 Sun • 805-962-7653.
Fazzino 3-D Studio Gallery •
3-D original fine art • 1011 State St • 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 • Winter Celebration through Jan • 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
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 • Field Studies and focus on Ann Lofquist• 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
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
Art, Design & Architecture Museum, UCSB • Tiffany Chung: indelible traces • through Apr 26 • 12-5 Wed-Sun • museum.ucsb.edu
Colette Cosentino Atelier + Gallery • 11 W Anapamu St • By Appt • colettecosentino.com
Indah Gallery • reopens Mar 12 • maxgleason.com/indah-gallery
James Main Fine Art • 19th & 20th
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara • San Milano Drive: DJ Javier • 11-6pm Tu-Sun • 653 Paseo Nuevo • mcasantabarbara.org
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden • 1212 Mission Canyon Rd • 10-5 daily • 805-682-4726 • sbbg.org RUTH ELLEN HOAG www.ruthellenhoag.com @ruthellenhoag 805-689-0858 ~inquire for studio classes~
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 • SBCC atkinsongallerysbcc.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 • Simple Pleasures • Through Jan 25 • 119 E Cypress Av, Lompoc • 1-4 Sa & Su • 805-737-1129 • lompocart.org
SBMA Open Late • See The Impressionist Revolution and Encore: 19thCentury French Art • Closes Sunday • Purchase tickets online to reserve a time. Extended hours until 8pm Fri & Sat, 1/23 & 24.
Opening Reception • Snapshots: Traveling with H.C. Andersen • Elverhøj Museum of History & Art • Light refreshments • 4-6pm Sat, 1/24.
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.
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
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 Fine Bunch of Cool Cats: Reflections of the Soul • through Jan 25 • 410 Palm Av, Loft A1, Carpinteria • 1-6 Fr-Su & By Appt • 805-684-9700 • palmloft.com
Patricia Clarke Studio • An American Girl project; Primal Wild; Correspondences, Erasing Lines, and Facing Ourselves • 410 Palm Av, Carpinteria • By Appt • 805-452-7739 • patriciaclarkestudio.com
Peregrine Galleries • Early CA & American paintings; fine vintage jewelry • 1133 Coast Village Rd • 805252-9659 • peregrine.shop
Santa Barbara Art Works • Arts Education for All • 28 E Victoria St • 805-260-6705 • M-F 8:30-4:30 • sbartworks.org
By Scott Craig, Westmont, January 9, 2026
OFFERING A GROUNDBREAKING EXHIBITION that reveals a little-known chapter of America’s most celebrated photographer, The Westmont RidleyTree Museum of Art has opened Beyond the Wilderness: Ansel Adams in 1940s Los Angeles, on view through March 28th.
While Adams has earned universal recognition for his majestic black-and-white landscapes and his pioneering Zone System, this show spotlights a body of work that diverges sharply from his familiar wilderness imagery.
Many of the featured works in the exhibition come from the collection of the Los Angeles County Public Library. The photographer offered them a series of 217 negatives portraying 1940s Los Angeles in the lead-up to World War II. Adams shot the images on assignment for Fortune magazine to document the lives of workers in Los Angeles’ booming aviation industry driven by aircraft company giants Douglas, Lockheed, and Northrop.
“Unlike many of Adams’ nature images, these offer us a raw and untouched glimpse into his eye for setting up and framing a photograph, instinct for finding rhythm and structure in everyday scenes, and willingness to experiment beyond the boundaries of his established aesthetic,” says Chris Rupp, interim museum director.
Adams became well known for his love of nature, his pioneering efforts toward conservation
and environmental stewardship, and his moral convictions regarding the United States’ internment of Japanese Americans.
The exhibition includes many of his iconic wilderness images, including three of his most famous landscapes on view in large format.
“Viewed together, the photographs in this exhibition remind us that Ansel Adams was far more than the maker of pristine wilderness icons,” Rupp says.
“He was an artist attentive to the world as it was and how it ought to be. Whether documenting factory workers on the brink of war, confronting the injustice of incarceration at Manzanar, or shaping luminous visions of the Sierra, Adams used his camera to advocate for dignity, clarity, and stewardship.”
The museum is free and open to the public weekdays 10am to 4pm and Saturdays 11am to 5pm; it’s closed on Sundays and college holidays. westmont.edu/museum
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
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
• The Impressionist Revolution and Encore • through Jan 25; By Achilles’ Tomb: Elliott Hundley and Antiquity @ SBMA through Feb 22 • 1130 State St • 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 Club - 2nd Fridays Art • Abstract 9+1 • through Mar 3 • 2375 Foothill Rd • 10-6 Daily • 805-682-4722 • 2ndfridaysart.com
Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum • 3596 Sagunto St • 12-4pm Wed-Sun • santaynezmuseum.org.
Sahyun Genealogical Library
• welcoming everyone who is researching their 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 • 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 • Oskar Fischinger: A Deeper Look; The Winter Salon; Future Imperfect: Alvaro Maestro, Austin
Mccormick, Chris Peters • Through Feb 23 • 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 • 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 • Begin • Through Jan 31 • 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 • Jan 15 • Weekdays 10-4, Sat 11-5 • westmont.edu/museum
The Yes Store • Art by Local Artists • 1015 State St • M-F: 11am-6pm; Sa:10:30am-6pm; Su: 10:30am-5pm • theyesstore.com
Artists: See your work here! Join Voice Magazine’s Print & Virtual Gallery! Email Publisher@VoiceSB.com
By Harrison Tasoff / The Current 1.15.26
WE NEED TO
CONSUMPTION: That was one of the strongest recommendations to come out of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment Report on climate change (AR6).
“Reducing societal demand for energy and materials could mitigate up to around half of the emissions that we’re currently dealing with, without installing one additional solar panel or wind turbine,” said co-author Eric Masanet, a professor at UC Santa Barbara’s Bren School of Environmental Science & Management. “This finding ended up being one of the key messages of the Sixth Assessment Report.”
For over three decades, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has produced the authoritative reports on climate change science and mitigation. Now embarking on its seventh assessment cycle, the IPCC has invited Masanet to return to co-author a key chapter on cutting emissions through reduced consumption.
Doing more with less
Human wellbeing requires goods and services: food, housing, transportation, healthcare, technology, and so forth. And all of these require energy and materials to carry out. But meeting these needs doesn’t require the amount of energy and materials currently devoted to this end, as Masanet and his co-authors pointed out in AR6. “We found that, if we could reduce demand for energy and materials in the first place, we can get nearly halfway to net zero by mid-century just by eliminating waste while still providing wellbeing for everyone,” he said.
Unfortunately, the current global economy runs largely on overconsumption, and many powerful businesses and institutions are invested in maintaining this state of affairs. By driving up production, overconsumption reduces marginal costs. The result is greater accessibility and affordability. It also creates jobs for a population that is 35 percent larger in 2025 than when the IPCC’s First Assessment Report came out in 1990.
But overconsumption is depleting our resources, poisoning our air and water, and driving conflict and inequality around the globe. And it is a major contributor to the existential threat that is climate change.
norms, business incentives, policies, and behaviors, Masanet acknowledged, but this comes with plenty of economic opportunities.
“In order to consume less stuff, we need to get smarter in a lot of ways that could create new jobs and new industries,” he said. For example, the waste-disposal sector could transition to a product and materials recovery, refurbishment, and remanufacturing sector.
That said, Masanet warns that we can’t simply incentivize beneficial activities, such as solar energy. We also need to disincentivize harmful activities, like coal-fired power plants. Otherwise, society may simply end up with more of both. A first look at demand reduction
Eric Masanet holds the Mellichamp Chair in Sustainability Science for Emerging Technologies in the Bren School, with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. At UCSB, he leads the Industrial Sustainability Analysis Laboratory, which develops models, datasets, and roadmaps for decarbonizing the industrial and information technology sectors while achieving broader sustainability and equity benefits. He is also a Faculty Scientist in the Energy Analysis & Environmental Impacts Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Rigorous research into largescale demand reductions was just emerging when Masanet and his colleagues first looked into this while putting together AR6. Since then, there’s been a lot of work on the design and implementation of low-demand pathways to climate change mitigation.
“Reducing societal demand for energy and materials could mitigate up to around half of the emissions that we’re currently dealing with, without installing one additional solar panel or wind turbine.”
Masanet summarized three main takeaways from the AR6 demand chapter as “avoid, shift, and improve.” First, society needs to avoid demand in the first place. Using lighting as an example, installing skylights and windows can help avoid the need for artificial lighting during much of the day. Second, when artificial lighting is still needed, we have to shift toward the most efficient technologies, such as using LED lighting in place of incandescent, and even compact fluorescent, bulbs. Finally, we must continue improving these technologies and processes. For example, automatic lighting controls can now adjust or even turn off illumination based on available daylight or room occupancy.
- Eric Masanet, UCSB Bren School of Environmental Science & Management
Fortunately, we can maintain a high standard of living with a fraction of the energy and resources currently consumed by developed nations. For example, Masanet’s own research has concluded that more materials-efficient building designs can simply cut demand for concrete — one of the world’s most emissions-intensive materials — by up to 25 percent.
Reducing consumption will require shifting cultural
Masanet and his co-authors had also discovered that not all emerging solutions were straightforward wins. For instance, while digitalization has long been contributing to gains in energy efficiency, this balance has recently begun to shift due to the rise of AI-dedicated data centers. Masanet co-authored a recent U.S. national data center report with colleagues at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The team estimated that U.S. data center energy demand may grow sharply, up from around 2 percent of U.S. electricity use in 2018 to 6-12 percent of U.S. electricity use by 2028. This sharp growth is driven by the proliferation of AI data centers, which can consume ten to 20 times more power
than traditional large data centers.
A key goal of the AR7 demand and services chapter is to review whether AI will ultimately save society more energy and emissions than its data centers require, Masanet said. This will require evaluating how AI can be applied to efficiency improvements, systems optimization, materials discovery, and other climate goals, as well as ways to mitigate the negative impacts of the AI boom on power grids, emissions, and water resources.
While many proponents claim that AI will save more energy than it uses in the long run, evidence is currently limited because adoption of the technology is still relatively new. Making the most of developments like AI will require policymakers to get ahead of emerging technologies, set regulations and standards, and steer them toward outcomes that will actually reduce emissions, Masanet said.
The IPCC is embarking on their seventh assessment report with perhaps the most balanced team of experts yet. The upcoming report includes nearly the same number of male and female authors, and more than half of the authors hail from developing countries and countries with economies in transition. “We are proud that the new author teams reflect increased diversity,” said IPCC Chair Jim Skea.
The U.S. federal government has mostly retreated from this international effort. But as the third largest nation in the world — and longstanding leader in climate science and innovation — America still has a large role to play in research, mitigation, and adaptation.
Aside from the political climate, the biggest shift Masanet sees between AR6 and AR7 is the growing urgency of taking action. The sixth report was the first to come out after the Paris Climate Accords in 2015. At that time, a sense of common purpose prevailed and atmospheric CO2 was still below 400 parts per million. A decade later, the impacts of climate change are strikingly clear: Unprecedented floods, hurricanes, droughts, and fires now occur regularly. Atmospheric CO2 has eclipsed 425 ppm, and we have only four years of emissions (at our current rate) if we hope to keep warming below 1.5° Celsius by the end of the century. Reducing demand is an immediate, cost-effective way for society to cut our ballooning emissions in this critical time.
Printed with permission of UCSB Office of Public Affairs and Communications
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They have greater tendency to seek out, believe material that conforms to pre-existing views, expert says.
By Sy Boles , Harvard Staff Writer, January
5, 2026
OLDER ADULTS TEND TO DO WELL AT IDENTIFYING FALSEHOODS IN EXPERIMENTS, but they’re also likelier than younger adults to like and share misinformation online.
That paradox was at the heart of a recent lecture as part of the Misinformation Speaker Series at the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy.
assistant professor who studies media, politics, and misinformation, is partisanship and congeniality bias, essentially the tendency to seek out and believe information that supports pre-existing views while avoiding and dismissing conflicting data.
Digital literacy does in fact decrease with age, not surprisingly.
– Ben Lyons
The answer, according to Ben Lyons, a University of Utah communications
“Older adults show a lot more congeniality bias,” said Lyons, who published a paper in 2024 in Public Opinion Quarterly on the issue.
“Older adults value accuracy, at least in their self-reports, but these age-linked political traits — interest and sophistication and intensity of partisan effects — might reshape what counts as accurate in practice, filtering truth through
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partisan identity.”
In his study, Lyons analyzed survey experiments of about 10,000 respondents and internet usage data from about 4,500 people. He found that adults older than 60 were about as skeptical of false headlines, on average, as younger people.
Despite that, older adults tended to be likelier to read and share misinformation than younger ones.
Lyons investigated common explanations for the paradox: that older adults have poorer digital literacy and that cognitive decline in some cases may exert a greater influence on decision-making.
The data, he found, were not so straightforward.
“Digital literacy does in fact decrease with age, not surprisingly,” Lyons said. “But news literacy is always higher in these samples; news literacy increases with age.”
age, Lyons said, but the link between cognitive reflection and discernment decreases with age.
Older adults tend to rely more on prior knowledge, as a rule, as a general finding, to reduce cognitive load.
In other words, adults over 60 had less skill and understanding of online environments, but more understanding of how news is produced.
Lyons also questioned the common wisdom that cognitive aging could make older adults more vulnerable to accepting online misinformation.
Cognitive aging is not all decline, he said. Older adults might lose episodic memory, processing speed, and fluid abilities, but they often score higher on tests of semantic memory, general knowledge, and emotional regulation — characteristics that might actually help them understand and engage with misinformation online.
To test that theory, Lyons looked at cognitive reflection — the ability to override initial responses that are intuitive but incorrect. That faculty increases with
– Ben Lyons
“Having greater cognitive reflection is associated with much more rejection of false news for younger adults … and for older adults, we see much less of an effect of cognitive reflection on their discernment.”
The same is true for emotional reactivity to the news.
Busting those myths helped Lyons home in on his theory of partisanship and congeniality bias.
“Older adults tend to rely more on prior knowledge, as a rule, as a general finding, to reduce cognitive load,” he explained. “But their prior knowledge, based on this consistently stronger partisanship, at least in the political domain, is more likely to be politically biased.”
But ultimately, Lyons noted, while a greater proportion of older adults share misinformation online than younger cohorts, the total percentage is still small.
Lyons was the final guest in the Shorenstein Center’s Misinformation Speaker Series in fall 2025. The series will resume this spring.
‘They’re escalating’:
By Nigel Duara / CalMatters 1.15.26
This story was originally published by CalMatters
AT THE END OF DECEMBER, THE TIDE TURNED DECISIVELY against the Trump administration’s deployment of the National Guard in three states over the objections of their governors, including California.
First, the U.S, Supreme Court on Dec. 23 sided with Illinois in its effort to block Trump from sending the National Guard to Chicago as part of its immigration crackdown. The court rejected the same legal reasoning that Trump used to federalize and deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles last summer when protests erupted there.
“The government has not carried its burden to show that (the law) permits the President to federalize the Guard in the exercise of inherent authority to protect federal personnel and property in Illinois,” the unsigned order from the Supreme Court read.
Then the administration quietly withdrew its appeal of a federal court decision that the president could not keep California National Guard troops under federal control in perpetuity. That withdrawal marked a victory for California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who had filed an amicus brief in the Illinois case.
“The law got developed in a way that will prevent what happened over the last six months from ever happening again,” Bonta said. “I think this door is closed to Trump.”
CalMatters spoke with Bonta this week about those cases and how he views the Trump administration’s current focus on Minneapolis. The interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
CalMatters: In terms of what California does next on this issue, is there anything that you all are doing in preparation for maybe (large-scale immigration raids) coming back, or perhaps an escalation in tactics like we’re seeing in Minnesota?
Bonta: We’re ready for anything. I think when you see incidents like we’re seeing in Minnesota, you have to assume that it could happen here in California.
You know, the Trump administration has made no bones about it. They are going after blue states and only blue states. And it’s political, it’s weaponization, it is partisan. They’re trying to own the libs and get the Dems. That’s their whole reason for being. And chief among them, the biggest state in the nation that has rejected Trump three times when he’s running, that sticks in his craw, he doesn’t like it.
CalMatters: In Los Angeles, I don’t recall them going door-to-door to, you know, to try and grab people like we’re seeing in Minnesota. Is this an escalation?
Bonta: I think they’re escalating. Minnesota shows it seems to be an escalation. I mean, there were some pieces that are the same, that are horrific and terrorizing and traumatizing and inappropriate, like removing license plates and being in a moving truck, pulling up to a Home Depot and having people run out of the back and all the profiling
that was being done.
I think it’s an escalation, and they’re doing more. They’re really trying to hammer Minneapolis and Minnesota. It’s the home of the vice presidential candidate that ran against Trump, right? It’s the place where their racism is on full display with their attacks on Somalis. It’s where the YouTuber was trying to suggest that there were child care centers that didn’t have any children and there was something inappropriate with what he was showing.
So, Minnesota is a big target right now. California has always been, and I think they will put us back in the crosshairs at some point, and we’ll be ready.
CalMatters: What happened at the Supreme Court?
Bonta: The Supreme Court weighed in and basically said that the theory that the president had been operating on all along was completely unlawful and without foundation, truly a slap in the face and an embarrassing and devastating loss for Trump, who thinks he can always run to the Supreme Court and get what he wants.
And they followed the law, the law that we had argued always applied, and that there was no authority … to deploy the military, that the “regular forces” included the military forces. There was no analysis that they were unable to execute the law, and there was no authority for the military to be even executing any laws, given the Posse Comitatus Act (which prevents the president from using the military as a domestic police force). So it was really a devastating and shocking loss for Trump.
CalMatters: The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals allowed the Trump administration to deploy the National Guard in L.A. in June, but ruled differently six months later. The district judge’s rationale was that Trump couldn’t refederalize troops indefinitely.
But does that indicate to you that if the material conditions on the ground in L.A. were to change, similar to what the Trump administration cited in June when they claimed protesters were committing violent acts against federal personnel and property, the Trump administration could authorize a new deployment? Is that your understanding, or am I wrong on that?
Bonta: I think you’re wrong, but I don’t think it’s an unreasonable thing to say, but let me just explain my thinking.
That case in L.A. in June was the very first one in the whole nation, and built into the exercise of authority of the federal administration here when it’s deploying the military
is a great deal of deference. I think that deference was provided. It was the first case. There were mostly peaceful protests, but some violence, as you just mentioned.
It was the first time they were seeing what the Trump administration was doing here.
And then they saw it again in D.C. Then they saw it again in Portland, and they saw it again in Illinois. The judges saw what was happening, and they saw what’s being said, and saw the rationale, they saw how Trump said that Portland was a war zone when it was a peaceful city, they see how Trump says, ‘I’m going to bring the military in to do the very thing the Posse Comitatus Act prohibits, to enforce criminal law, because these blue cities are not cracking down on crime.’ Exactly what the military cannot do!
And so they saw what he was doing with the military and I think they got a sense of where this was really headed and what was happening here. … So now that the U.S. Supreme Court has said you make sure “regular forces” is military forces, you need to make a showing that all the military forces cannot stop the concrete block from being thrown, or stop the Molotov cocktail from being thrown –he’ll never be able to show that – then you can bring in the National Guard.
CalMatters: Just one point on that. Circumstances being what they are today, again, if they were to mimic whatever happened in June, would that be a different conversation if the material conditions on the ground change in Los Angeles?
Bonta: Yeah, totally different. We’d go into court right away, we would win, we’d get an order, and the 9th Circuit would uphold it. Because there would be no showing that the military, all the military — I mean, thousands of military, there’s multiple military bases in California – that they couldn’t stop one person throwing concrete. I think our military is fully capable of that.
So, same exact circumstances from June happening today, 9th Circuit affirms it and does not stay it.
Printed with permission of CalMatters
