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VOICE Magazine: January 2, 2026

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voicesb.com January 2, 2026

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Photo by Julieta Cervantes

Theatre

Raising the curtain on upcoming local theatre 8

By Joe Decruyenaere, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

New CA Laws

New state laws going into effect for 2026 12

Community News. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13, 16, 17 John Palminteri: Community Voice. . . . . . . . . 15 Harlan Green: Economic Voice. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Community Market & Legals. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19 Galleries & Art Venues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 6 - 2 7

C alendar...22-23

Mov i es..........21

Clockwise from top right: 82nd Person of the Year Awardees Carrie Towbes and George Burtness with Santa Barbara Foundation President and CEO Jackie Carrera

VOICE Daisy Scott named Editor of VOICE Magazine 6

Music Photo courtesy of The Baker’s Dozen

In This Issue

83rd Person of the Year Nominations Open January 6th.

Courtesy Photo

Abstract 9+1 show on display for 2nd Fridays Art @ SB Tennis Club 27

Cover photo by Veronica Slavin

Detail of painting by Marcia Rickard

Art

The Baker’s Dozen of Yale comes to SOhO this week 22

Now's your chance to nominate a Person of the Year! SBFoundation.org/PYAwards Cover story see page 5


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beethoven piano concerto Marathon five winners

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Concerto No. 1 Dmitry Shishkin, Piano

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Concerto No. 2 Angie Zhang, Piano Concerto No. 5 Jonathan Mamora, Piano

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January 2, 2026


January 2, 2026

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January 2, 2026

¡ENTRADA GRATUITA! FREE EVENT ¡ENTRADA GRATUITA! FREE EVENT

El primer mariachi Femenil en los EE. UU. | america’s first all female mariachi El primer mariachi Femenil en los EE. UU. | america’s first all female mariachi JUEVES 15 DE ENERO | THURSDAY, JANUARY 15TH V E T SJ M L B I NEGR|O9 4 TA AY V ,E J| A CN AR UE EM VO E RSI A1 5 DUEI LEDN | 1 TW HAULRNSUD UPAI N R TYE R 1 5I AT H| 7 P M VETS MEMORIAL BUILDING | 941 WALNUT AVE | CARPINTERIA | 7PM

VIERNES 16 DE ENERO | FRIDAY, JANUARY 16TH TH DAER YE N DEAGY UA ROYL E 16 I S L A VVI ISE TR AN EE L ESM1E6N T | 6E8R7O 5 E| LFCROI L I O, J RA ON AD | G TA | 7PM ISLA VISTA ELEMENTARY | 6875 EL COLEGIO ROAD | GOLETA | 7PM

S Á B A D O 1 7 D E E N E R O | S A T U R D A Y , J A N U A R Y 1 7T HT H SUÁABDAAD OP E 1 7C D EA NLELR| O9 1 |8 SOA ULAURPYE |1 77 P M G LU I TE Y H BT I SUPR ODSA T Y| ,GJUA AN DA GUADALUPE CITY HALL | 918 OBISPO ST | GUADALUPE | 7PM

D O M I N G O 1 8 D E E N E R O | S U N D A Y , J A N U A R Y 1 8T HT H ORMI EI NLG OE 1T8H D EEN |E7R2O NADSATY|, SJAANN UA RRYB1A8R A | 6 P M M A RD JO UK E AET R 1 E|. S CU OT TA BA MARJORIE LUKE THEATRE | 721 E. COTA ST | SANTA BARBARA | 6PM

Las puertas se abrirán media hora antes de la función. Habrá recepción después del espectáculo. Las puertas se abrirán media antes la función. Habrá recepción del espectáculo. Doors open half an hourhora before thedeshow start. Reception followsdespués the performance. Doors open half an hour before the show start. Reception follows the performance. Co-presented by Isla Vista Elementary School, The Marjorie Isla Vista Elementary Marjorie Luke Co-presented Theatre, City by of Guadalupe and UCSBSchool, Arts &The Lectures. Luke Theatre, City of Guadalupe and UCSB Arts & Lectures. For more info, follow us on social media: For more info, follow us on social media:

@vivaelartesantabarbara @vivaelartesantabarbara

@vivaelarte @vivaelarte


January 2, 2026

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Santa Barbara Foundation

Person of the Year Nominations to Open!

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By Judith Smith‑Meyer / Santa Barbara Foundation

ONGTIME ORGANIZING SPONSOR, the Santa Barbara Foundation invites the community to submit nominations for the 83rd Person of the Year awards. The nomination period for this beloved community event opens on January 6th and will close on February 18th, 2026. Anyone may nominate an individual, couple, or family to receive this year’s honor in recognition of their exceptional service to the Santa Barbara-area community. Awardees are selected by an independent committee of community members who carefully review all nominations. Nominations may be made through February 18th, 2026 online at SBFoundation.org/Person-Of-The-Year-Nominations. Considered one of the Santa Barbara area’s most prestigious awards, Person of the Year honors community members whose extraordinary volunteer service represents a meaningful and lasting commitment to the community – those who address community needs, enhance the quality of life, and demonstrate exemplary acts of generosity, kindness, or innovation.

Former Person of the Year Awardees assembled at the 2025 luncheon. Front: Marshall Rose, Joni Meisel, Patricia Macfarlane, Carrie Towbes, George Burtness, Penny Jenkins, Palmer Jackson, Sr., and Steve Hicks. Back: Peter Schuyler, Anne Towbes, Katina Zaninovich, Jim Morouse, Joanne Rapp, Ernesto Paredes, Marni Cooney, Cliff Lambert, Catherine Remak, Joe Howell, Bill Cirone, John Daly, Janet Garufis, and Bob Bryant.

“Person of the Year is one of the best ways to begin a new year,” said Jackie Carrera, President & CEO of the Santa Barbara Foundation. “It allows the community to recognize remarkable individuals, couples or families who improve life throughout the Santa Barbara area. As we enter the 83rd year of this special event, I continue to be astounded by the meaningful contributions our nominees make to our community.” Past Person of the Year honorees have contributed their time, talent, and treasure to causes such as environmental conservation and access to outdoor spaces, health care, mental health, youth and children’s well-being and education. They’ve served on nonprofit boards, led major fundraising and capital campaign projects, and more.

Previous honorees include 82nd Persons of the Year Carrie Towbes and George Burtness, 81st Persons of the Year Jim Morouse and Peter Schuyler, and 80th Persons of the Year Elisabeth Fowler and Joe Howell.

Photos by Veronica Slavin

Towbes is a Licensed Psychologist specializing in child clinical psychology. She has been a dedicated community volunteer and leader, serving on numerous nonprofit boards including Planned Parenthood California Central Coast, Storyteller, and Crane Country Day School. Following the passing of her father Michael Towbes in 2017, she assumed leadership at the Towbes Foundation.

Honorees for the 83rd Person of the Year will be announced in March and honored at a luncheon held at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort Rotunda on April 29th, 2026.

82nd Person of the Year awardee George Burtness surrounded by Cottage Hospital nurses and friends.

Carrie Towbes and George Burtness, pictured below, have engaged in diverse and generous contributions to the community.

Person of the Year was known as the Man and Woman of the Year award until 2020. The inaugural honorees of the Man and Woman of the Year awards were Harold Chase in 1942 and Pearl Chase in 1956. The most recent Person of the Year Awardees

Burtness spent 40 years in Palo Alto where he earned his BA and MBA at Stanford University. He also participated in conservation biology projects in Costa Rica and the US Virgin Islands, before returning to his hometown of Santa Barbara in 1990. Burtness volunteered on research projects for 15 years with Earthwatch and for 45 years with The Nature Conservancy, studying endangered species on Santa Cruz Island. He has volunteered thousands of hours at Cottage Hospital including leading the Cottage Hospital Volunteer Board, and served as Chair of the Board for Sansum Diabetes Research Institute and President of the Lobero Theatre Foundation, among diverse other nonprofit board service. The Santa Barbara Foundation is grateful for the support of Legacy Sponsor Montecito Bank & Trust and Premier Media Sponsor Noozhawk.

Dr. Gabriella Garcia, Storyteller Executive Director; 82nd Person of the Year awardee Dr. Carrie Towbes; and Janet Garufis, Montecito Bank & Trust Chairman and CEO.

Organizations or individuals interested in becoming a sponsor for the 83rd Person of the Year awards may reach out to Susie Willett at swillett@sbfoundation.org. More information about Person of the Year may be found at SBFoundation.org/PYAwards.


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VOICE Names Daisy Scott Editor

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By Kerry Methner, VOICE

HE TEAM AT VOICE IS CELEBRATING ITS OWN as they announce Daisy Scott has been named Editor. Scott is familiar as a veteran participant in the local media landscape and was born and raised in Santa Barbara. She began working with VOICE in 2020, during the pandemic, after graduating from UC San Diego, cum laude and with department honors with a BA in Literature/Writing, minor in History. She started as a staff writer at VOICE, then became Associate Editor.

Since joining VOICE, Scott has won three awards from the California News Publishers Association for her editorial writing, coverage of Old Spanish Days, and in-depth reporting of union strikes at UCSB.

At VOICE, Scott has enjoyed covering the arts and serving as VOICE’s primary theater writer/reviewer, as well as covering many classical music concerts due to her family’s background and love of classical music.

“With many talents and a natural ability to relate to people, Daisy continues to be an invaluable member of the VOICE Team,” commented Mark Whitehurst, publisher of VOICE.

Most recently, as City Desk Editor, she has followed the SB City Council and numerous Santa Barbara advisory committees/ commissions, including the State Street Advisory Committee and Access Advisory Committee.

In 2023 she returned to San Diego She began her journalism career Daisy Scott to earn an MA in much earlier than that, though, English at San Diego starting when she wrote for the San State University, specializing in children’s Marcos High School King’s Page for four literature, and serving as the graduate fellow years, eventually rising to serve as their for the National Center for the Study of editor-in-chief. In college, she served as Children’s Literature. She graduated in May. Editor-in-Chief of UCSD’s independent student newspaper, The Guardian, after working her way up the ranks from staff writer to Arts & Entertainment editor. While there, she helped navigate The Guardian’s transition to being a remote-only operation and publication when the pandemic hit during her final quarter of college.

Scott grew up in a local family committed to community involvement and support. Many remember her father and grandfather (Roby and Bob Scott), who ran KDB 93.7 FM classical music station. They firmly instilled a sense of the importance of the arts, community participation, and the media.

She has also enjoyed highlighting “the enormous talent, creativity, and joy to be found in the Santa Barbara community” via a series of articles spotlighting new, locallyowned businesses (an initiative that supports regional businesspeople). Outside of work, Scott has volunteered as a Santa Barbara Beautiful property judge, and she is a member of the Association of Women in Communications-SB and the SB Audubon Society. She enjoys spending as much time as possible hiking and birding in the area. VOICE is a 30 year old award-winning weekly newspaper, with a digital edition, as well as being a leading publication in Santa Barbara County. It is the official legal newspaper for the City of Santa Barbara.

January 2, 2026

HAVE

YOU? SEEN ME

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.

Santa Barbara Beautiful is a 501(c) (3) Donations may be tax deductible. TAX ID: #23-7055360


January 2, 2026

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend Five Days of Events Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. January 15 – 19, 2026 Thursday, January 15:

“We need leaders not in love with money, but in love with justice; not in love with publicity, but in love with humanity.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. August 11, 1956, Buffalo, New York; 50th Anniversary of Alpha Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Gratitude to MLKSB Major Sponsors: City of Santa Barbara, Fidelity National Title, James S. Bower Foundation, First United Methodist Church, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Congregation B’nai B’rith, UCSB Multi Cultural Center, and Healing Justice/Santa Barbara

Public domain Photo

Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee of Santa Barbara mlksb.org

MLK Weekend of events begins with the Ceremony at UCSB’s Eternal Flame on the Buchanan Hall lawn near the Library from 12 to 1pm. It will be followed by a walk to North Hall to honor the protestors who demanded more programs, services and faculty for African American students, which led to the development of the Center for Black Studies Research and the hiring of more African-American faculty.

https://obsd.sa.ucsb.edu/1968-north-hall

Friday January 16:

B’nai B’rith Friday Night Service, Trinity Lutheran Church, 909 N. La Cumbre Rd • 7pm. Top Poetry Awardee Student Reading with a student from one of the two age groups: 6 to 12 and 13 to 18 years.

Saturday January 17:

CEC Hub Screening of MLK/FBI directed by Sam Pollard in 2020 at the Community Environmental Council, 1219 State Street, Santa Barbara, 93101. Based on newly declassified files, Pollard's resonant film explores the US government's surveillance and harassment of Martin Luther King, Jr. Time TBA

Sunday January 18:

Monday January 19:

MLKSB Federal Holiday. All are welcome to join in for events starting at 9am through 3pm. MLK Day Morning Program, 9-10am • at De la Guerra Plaza Unity March Up State Street, 10am MLKSB Program, 11am - 12:30pm • Featuring Leah Weber King as keynote speaker • The Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St, Santa Barbara Author Talk And Book Signing, 6pm Wren Brown, The Family Business Chaucer's Books, 3321 State Street, Santa Barbara

Worship at a service of your choice. List is on the website. https://mlksb.org/support/faith-organizations/

Please donate to keep MLK’s legacy alive and consider underwriting the events and programs of the MLKSB Committee. https://mlksb.org/donate/ The mission of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee of Santa Barbara is to foster positive relationships between many diverse groups in the Santa Barbara community and the surrounding areas; to sponsor programs and events which exemplify the teachings of Dr. King; and to observe, and celebrate the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. MLKSB.org


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January 2, 2026

2026 Raises the Curtain on Stand-Out Theatre

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Image courtesy of Rubicon Theatre

Ensemble Theatre Company’s The Shark is Broken will show the behind-the-scenes drama of Jaws, Feburary 4th to 22nd

Image courtesy of Westmont College

The 39 Steps will run at the Rubicon Theatre from February 11th to March 1st

Westmont College will present Little Women, February 27th to March 8th

An unlikely student-teacher relationship will first entice audiences as Educating Rita opens at Ojai Art Center Theater on January 23rd. Directed by Steve Grumette and running through February 15th, this two-actor comedy follows a cynical professor (actor James Baker) as he tutors an eager hairdresser. “It asks timeless questions that feel especially urgent today: Who gets to define our potential? What does it mean to outgrow the life others expect of us? And how do we stay open to change at any age?” shared actor Anna Kotula, who will play the role of Rita. “With warmth, wit, and emotional honesty, the play celebrates curiosity, learning, and the bravery it takes to step beyond what’s familiar... It offers an intimate, thoughtprovoking evening of theater that’s as entertaining as it is resonant—proof that sometimes the smallest stories leave the biggest mark.” Swashbuckling pirates and the “very model of a modern Major-General” will kick off this winter’s student productions when Westmont College presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance on January 23rd and 25th. Directed by Ruth Lin, the production will send Porter Theater audiences on an operatic quest as a young man attempts to escape a life of piracy. Nautical mayhem will next overtake The New Vic as the Ensemble Theatre Company presents The Shark is Broken from February 4th to 22nd.

Image courtesy of Theatre Group at SBCC

Image courtesy of Ensemble Theatre Company

ITERARY ICONS, CLASSIC SCRIPTS, AND MODERN MASTERPIECES will light up marquees in 2026 as Santa Barbara and Ventura counties anticipate a winter full of ambitious theatrical productions. From visiting professionals to rising talent in local college productions, the next three months are brimming with potential. For our local theatre buffs, here are the next season’s next, not-to-be-missed highlights.

Photo by Julieta Cervantes

By Daisy Scott / VOICE

Jacob Aune and Sam McLellan in the The Book of Mormon North American Tour. Presented by the American Theatre Guild, the musical will visit the Granada Theatre on Feburary 24th and 25th.

movie magic - the kind of stories that may not make it to the screen but are just as compelling as the films themselves,” continued DeVine. “Fair warning: based on the buzz we’re seeing, we’re gonna need a bigger theatre!” Mystery will meet comedy for the Rubicon Theatre’s production of Patrick Barlow’s The 39 Steps from February 11th to March 1st. Performed by just four actors representing dozens of characters, this quick-witted adaptation transforms Hitchcock’s classic spy film into a comedy sure to elicit laughter and gasps. Literary favorites will continue to be reimagined for the stage across local college productions, beginning with the UCSB Theater Department’s premiere of Tatty Hennessy’s adaptation of Animal Farm, running February 20th to 28th. Making its professional premiere across English theatres in 2025, this timely play refreshes George Orwell’s allegorical warnings about power, rhetoric, and the dangerous falsehood that some individuals are “more equal than others” for a 21st century audience. Little Women, Louisa May Alcott’s classic story of girlhood, individuality, and family, will next receive theatrical treatment as Westmont presents playwright Kate Hamill’s adaptation. Performances will be held February 27th to March 8th, inviting all to revisit the March family and their four sisters as they navigate the greatest adventure of all: growing up. Musical lovers will rejoice to hear that the Tony Award-winning musical The Book of Mormon will arrive at Santa Barbara’s Granada Theatre on February 24th and 25th. Presented by the American Theatre Guild (who delivered a standout production of Kinky Boots last month), the satirical musical comedy follows two inexperienced missionaries as they attempt to convert an African village with ridiculous antics.

“The Shark is Broken is a love letter to both movie and theatre fans,” shared ETC Executive Satire also shines in The Theatre Group at Santa Artistic Director Scott DeVine. Barbara City College’s first play of 2026. Running March “Our audiences will get an 4th to 21st, A Small Family Business is part morality play, electrifying behind-the-scenes The Theatre Group at SBCC will perform A Small Family Business, March 4th to 21st part commentary on Thatcher’s England, and completely look at the making of Jaws – one hilarious. of the most iconic films of all time – as we celebrate its “Showcasing many of Santa Barbara’s funniest actors with one of the best 50th anniversary. This brilliantly witty play captures loved scripts of Britain’s master wit Alan Ayckbourn, the play follows newly three legendary actors trapped on a boat, egos clashing, appointed CEO Jack (Paul Canter) as he attempts to snuff out the mild to waiting for a mechanical shark that refuses to work.” extreme criminal tendencies inherent in his family’s furniture business,” shared ETC’s production will be directed by UC Santa director and SBCC Theatre Arts Department Co-Chair Katie Laris with VOICE. Barbara lecturer Pesha Rudnick and star actors Will “But with a teenage daughter caught in a minor shoplifting scandal, a sister-inBlock (playing Richard Dreyfuss), Gildart Jackson law juggling affairs with a collection of Italian brothers, a security guard who is (Robert Shaw), and Adam Poole (Roy Scheider). finding a more lucrative path in extortion, and a host of other problems, Jack’s “It’s Hollywood chaos at its finest. The show fits honest intentions just may not be attainable.” perfectly into our season exploring ‘truth and illusion’ Tickets for all productions listed are on sale now. Visit organization or venue websites to because it reveals the messy, hilarious reality behind purchase and learn more.


January 2, 2026

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Local News for a Global Village | www.VoiceSB.com

A Big Country-Styled Pool Home on a 5-Acre Ranch with a Guest House and Horse Facilities

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January 2, 2026

California is banning masks for federal agents. Here’s why it could lose in court By Nigel Duara | This story was originally published by CalMatters.org | 12.22.25 | Sign up for their newsletters: calmatters.org/subscribe-to-calmatters

IN SUMMARY The Trump administration is suing to block a new California law that would ban federal law enforcement officers from wearings masks on duty. It was shaped by concerns over masked immigration agents in Los Angeles.

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SERIES OF IMMIGRATION RAIDS ACROSS CALIFORNIA IN 2025 had one thing in common: Most of the federal agents detaining people wore masks over their faces.

In January, the state of California and its largest county will ban law enforcement officers from covering their faces, with a few exceptions, putting local and state police at odds with masked immigration agents. The state law gives law enforcement officers a choice: If they cover their faces, they lose the ability to assert “qualified immunity,” the doctrine that protects officers from individual liability for their actions. That means they can be sued for assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, or malicious prosecution, and the law adds a clause that says the minimum penalty for committing those offenses while wearing a mask is $10,000. Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, a Los Angeles Democrat who co-authored the law, said it was necessary to rein in anonymous federal agents. “We initially were under the understanding that, oh, they’re only targeting folks who were not citizens,”

Apply for a City of Goleta Board or Commission Including the New Public Art Review Board Applications Due February 1, 2026

THE CITY OF GOLETA IS LOOKING FOR THREE RESIDENTS to serve on the newly formed Public Art Review Board. This is your chance to be the first members of this meaningful Board that will help ensure public art is a lasting and meaningful part of the civic landscape. The City is also looking to fill vacancies on its Design Review Board and Public Engagement Commission. Serving on a Board or Commission is a great way to use your talent and time to make a difference in your community. It’s also a unique opportunity to learn more about how local government works and have your voice heard. The City is looking to fill 10 vacancies on the three different Boards and Commissions. Following is more information about each opportunity:

Public Art Review Board This past fall, the City Council adopted a City public art policy. For the first time in Goleta’s history, the policy has

Gonzalez said, “And then actually over time you learn they don’t give a shit who you are, they’re attacking you no matter what, with no due process.”

deputies. The organizations that represent police chiefs, sheriffs, agents in the Attorney General’s office, and California Highway Patrol officers opposed the law, too.

The Trump administration has sued to block the bill, and more than a century of federal court precedent is on its side. An 1890 Supreme Court case provides that a state cannot prosecute a federal law enforcement officer acting in the course of their duties.

“I think that the state has put us in a tenuous position with this battle they’re having with the Trump administration,” said Marvel of the Peace Officers Research Association of California. “We don’t want to be in the middle of this fight. But unfortunately, (with) the desire for higher name recognition and elections in 2026, they decided to create things that are much more political and not geared toward legitimate public safety issues.”

The Trump administration said in its brief to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California that forcing agents to reveal their identities would put the agents at risk. During Immigration and Customs Enforcement “actions, individuals can be heard threatening to doxx and find out who officers and their family members are and where they live,” the administration’s lawyers said in the November 17th brief. “There are even public websites that seek and publish personal information about ICE and other federal officers to harass and threaten them and their families.” Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law, said the issue may not be as cut-and-dried as one or two Supreme Court cases. He pointed to a 2001 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision that allowed the case of a federal sniper who killed a woman during the 1992 Ruby Ridge, Idaho, standoff to go to trial. “It basically says that a federal officer can be criminally prosecuted for unreasonable actions,” Chemerinsky said. “Federal officers, by virtue of being federal officers, do not get immunity from all state civil and criminal laws.” Brian Marvel, president of an organization that represents California police unions, said the law will make life harder for local cops and county sheriffs’

established the City’s vision for public art in the community. The policy also creates a brand-new reviewing body, the Public Art Review Board that guides the review and approval process for public art projects in the City. Read the policy at:

https://ecode360.com/GO4931/document/753195319.pdf.

The City is seeking Goleta residents with passion, training, knowledge, or experience in the arts to serve on the Public Art Review Board and help implement this new and exciting policy. This new five-member body shall act as an advisory body to the City Council and the staff on public art as described in the City of Goleta Public Art Policy. There are three vacancies for art advisory members needed to serve three-year terms. The three art advisory members must be City residents to qualify for service. The Board has no regular meetings and will meet as needed to review projects. Members are compensated $75 per meeting.

Design Review Board The Design Review Board (DRB) encourages development that uses the best professional design practices to enhance the visual aesthetics of the community and prevent poor quality of design. The DRB is a seven-member body that advises the City Council, Planning Commission, and staff.

Marvel said another drawback of the law is giving “a false sense of hope to the immigrant community in California” that the law will force federal agents to leave the state. Los Angeles County supervisors have also approved a local mask ban on law enforcement for unincorporated areas of the county, a measure that will go into effect in mid-January, unless a court decision comes sooner. Gonzalez noted that masks have played a significant role in recent California history. First, during the pandemic California temporarily made masks mandatory in public and at work. Then, a couple of years later, a rush of smash-and-grab robberies were harder to solve because the suspects all wore masks. Now, California finds itself in its third back-and-forth over face coverings. The law provides exemptions for N-95 or medicalgrade masks to prevent infection transmission, and permits undercover operatives to wear a mask. “This is specifically aimed to federal agents because we gotta combat these kidnappings somehow,” Gonzalez said, “and this was our way in.”

There are three vacancies: At-Large member - eligible applicants must live in the City of Goleta; Alternate - eligible applicants must live in the City of Goleta; Licensed Architect - qualified applicants are not required to reside within City limits for this vacancy Members are appointed to a three-year term. The DRB meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 3pm. Members are compensated $75 per meeting.

Public Engagement Commission The Public Engagement Commission (PEC) advises the City Council and staff on matters related to public engagement in City government and governance. The Commission has provided recommendations to the City Council on moving to evening-only meetings, directly electing the Mayor, and district elections. There are four vacancies on this seven-member body. Eligible applicants must live in the City of Goleta. The Commission holds four regular meetings and may hold additional meetings as needed. Members are compensated $75 per meeting. Apply at: cityofgoleta.org/boardscommissions. Applications are due by February 1, 2026, at 5pm. For additional information, email cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.gov.


January 2, 2026

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Are firms working for Santa Barbara sharing your data? A push is on to find out

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comprehensive review of city contracts to make sure provisions are in place to prevent inappropriate sharing of information that could compromise privacy.

The request arises from concern about whether data collected from license-plate readers installed around the city might be shared with federal agencies.

Harmon said she plans to join him in the request because she wants to make sure that firms doing business with the city are adhering to the city’s no-sharing rules, including those outfits with parent companies.

By Chris Woodyard / Santa Barbara News-Press 12.26.25

Councilmember Oscar Gutierrez said he wanted to know if Flock Safety, which collects data from 12 license-plate cameras under a contract with the city, could be delivering data to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Based on a meeting with city staff members, “they seemed pretty confident” that such sharing with ICE is not allowed under the contract, he said. Now Gutierrez and Councilmember Meagan Harmon want to go further. They want a

“I directed them to do an audit of all contractors,” Gutierrez told the News-Press, “to make sure they are not giving up or selling personal data of residents.”

Photo courtesy of City Councilmember Oscar Gutierrez

WO SANTA BARBARA CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS say they want assurances that companies working for the city aren’t reselling or sharing peoples’ personal data with immigration authorities.

There are 12 license-plate readers in Santa Barbara intended to help law enforcement.

Under council rules, a formal request on the issue is unlikely to surface in the council until February. Santa Barbara’s police department is adamant about declaring it does not share data collected from license-plate readers, or as it refers to them, LPRs with ICE. “I want to be very clear that the Santa Barbara Police Department does not share LPR data with federal immigration enforcement agencies or outside entities,” said

Police Chief Kelly Gordon in a statement. “The data collected by our LPR cameras is owned and controlled by the city and SBPD, and access is governed by strict local and state laws, departmental policy, and contractual limitations.” A state law governs who can access the data and the city has adopted a license plate reader policy. The policy specifies that the information is only to be used for law-enforcement purposes, such as “routine patrol operation or criminal investigation” and limitations are put on who can access the data. It does say that it can be shared with other law-enforcement or prosecutorial agencies. State law also limits how much police and sheriff ’s departments can cooperate with federal immigration authorities on all matters. Still, CalMatters reported that police and sheriff ’s agencies continue to pass data from license-plate readers over to ICE. A group called Oakland Matters found 32 police agencies in Northern California that passed over licenseplate information to immigration authorities. The Electronic Frontier Foundation listed 71 police agencies across the state that it discovered were also sharing. Santa Barbara, however, was not on either list. Printed with permission of the Santa Barbara News-Press • 12.26.2025 • newspress.com

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ONSERVATION GROUPS HAVE SUED THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION for overriding the regulation of the Las Flores Pipeline System and moving on December 22nd to approve Sable Offshore Corporation’s pipeline restart plan, which included an application for an emergency waiver from using federal safety regulations. A emergency lawsuit was filed to stay this action in the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit by the Santa Barbara Environmental Defense Center and the Center for Biological Diversity, and on behalf of Get Oil Out!, Santa Barbara County Action Network, Sierra Club, and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, and the Wishtoyo Foundation. The emergency lawsuit calls for the halt of the Trump administration’s hurried approval for restart of the oil pipeline system on the Central Coast deemed unsafe. The lawsuit asks for a stay to prevent the immediate restart of the pipeline, which has been shut down for ten years since it ruptured due to severe corrosion and caused one of the worst oil spills in state history. State Fire Marshal’s findings state a need for more

Mathilda Park Construction to Begin in Early to Mid-January, Completion Expected in Spring A NEW PLAYGROUND and upgrades to enhance accessbility, funcionality, and sustainability are on the horizon for Mathilda Park as the City of Goleta begins construction on the park’s Improvements Project this month. The project is expected to be completed this spring. Planned improvements include the replacement of the existing playground equipment; installation of defined turf areasp; drought-tolerant landscaping; drainage improvements; and adjustments to the walkway alignment to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Construction activities are scheduled to take place Monday through Friday between the hours of 8am to 6pm. Temporary disruptions may occur during construction, with the construction schedule subject to change due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. cityofgoleta.org

Courtesy of Environmental Defense Center

Lawsuit Challenges Moves to Restart California Coastal Oil Pipeline

repairs before a safe restart of the pipeline. “Rushing to restart this failed pipeline without following basic federal safety laws and without even making the necessary repairs poses an immediate threat to lives, property, and the environment across a large part of our state,” said EDC Chief Counsel Linda Krop. “We can’t allow the Trump administration and Sable to undermine California law and gamble with the safety of everyone living along the pipeline route.” The federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) approved Sable Offshore Corp.’s restart plan on December 22nd, after it reclassified the onshore pipelines that start in Santa Barbara County and terminate in Kern County as “interstate” on Dec. 17th. This change was PHMSA’s attempt to move the pipeline from the State Fire Marshal’s oversight to the PHMSA’s. “Sable and the Trump administration are running roughshod over transparency, environmental review, and pipeline safety requirements,” said Julie Teel Simmonds, senior counsel at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Offshore drilling is one of the most dangerous businesses there is for both people and wildlife, and no one should be cutting corners or playing games with California’s coast.” Sable purchased the Santa Ynez Unit in 2024 and has generated numerous notices of violation, cease-and-desist orders, and criminal charges as it has worked to try to restart oil operations and resuscitate the failed onshore pipeline system. Sable announced in May that it had resumed oil production and was storing that oil in onshore tanks while it sought a full restart of the onshore pipelines. environmentaldefensecenter.org


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January 2, 2026

State News

Some of the blue state’s new policies stem from long-running battles, while others are responses to Trump 2.0.

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NEW RAFT OF CALIFORNIA LAWS TAKE EFFECT ON THURSDAY, underscoring the blue state’s outsize role as a regulatory engine and testing ground for policies that often ripple across the country. This year, Democratic lawmakers pushed through legislation on everything from reparations and policing to artificial intelligence, transportation, and insurance coverage for IVF treatment. Some stemmed from long-running policy fights. Others, such as proposals on immigration enforcement and election integrity, were direct responses to the flurry of executive orders and other moves during the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term. Among the new laws taking effect:

Vote-counting deadline California officials will need to finish counting most ballots 13 days after an election under a law taking effect just in time for the midterms. Assemblymember Marc Berman introduced the bill in response to national consternation over the sluggish ballot counting process in the vote-by-mail-dominated state following the 2024 election.

New reparations agency The state will begin setting up a bureau to administer reparations programs for descendants of slaves after a years-long struggle to make it a reality. California State University also will undertake a $6 million study to determine who qualifies for programs. Both pieces of legislation came out of California’s reparations task force, which in 2023 released recommendations for repairing harms done by the legacy of slavery and racism in the state, such as fugitive slave laws enforced in the 19th century.

Stronger penalties for soliciting sex with teens California will more harshly punish people who solicit sex with 16- and 17-year-olds. Lawmakers passed the bill

after an Assembly showdown that pitted Republicans and Democrat Maggy Krell, a first-term lawmaker and former prosecutor, against members of her caucus who argued the law would disproportionately harm LGBTQ+ Californians and people of color. According to Holden’s May 6th article, “some argued it would allow parents upset about LGBTQ and interracial relationships to weaponize the law.”

Banning private firefighters from using public hydrants Private firefighters will no longer be allowed to hook up to public water sources under a law inspired by the use of hired crews by billionaire developer Rick Caruso during the historic Los Angeles wildfires in January. Caruso said the firefighters he hired to protect his Pacific Palisades properties trucked in their own water. But legislative allies of Mayor Karen Bass seized the opportunity to stick it to her former mayoral rival, who has considered running again for mayor or for governor. The bill allowed firefighter unions to tackle an issue that’s long rankled them.

Prohibiting masks for law enforcement

Ending the sale of old diesel trains

talking about the Palestinian perspective in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Bill proponents have promised to revisit the policy next year to address concerns about how to define “factually accurate” lessons.

Public agencies will no longer be allowed to sell older, diesel trains after they are pulled off the tracks under state Sen. Dave Cortese’s SB 30. The bill was a direct response to Caltrain selling its retired, 1980s-era locomotives to Lima, Peru, and criticism that a state agency was exporting polluting equipment to another country while boasting about converting its fleet to cleaner electric trains.

Requiring IVF coverageMost employer-sponsored health plans will have to cover infertility services, including three cycles of IVF. The requirement was originally supposed to begin in 2025, but was delayed to this year. At least 14 other states already have an IVF requirement. Capping insulin prices

Banning plastic bags at grocery stores

Californians with private health insurance, with some exceptions, will pay no more than $35 per month for insulin, thanks to a price cap put in place by state Sen. Scott Wiener’s SB 40. Dozens of other states already cap insulin prices, and the law also prevents insurance companies from putting up other hurdles to accessing the drug.

No more chatbot doctors

California passed a law banning identity-concealing masks for local and federal law enforcement following immigration agents’ use of face coverings during raids and arrests this year. The U.S. Department of Justice sued California over the prohibition, however, and is seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent it from taking effect January 1st. A hearing on the injunction is scheduled for January 12th.

Artificial intelligence chatbot developers will no longer be allowed to represent their products as licensed medical professionals under a law that will also enable health care licensing boards to pursue injunctions against companies advertising their AI as doctors or psychologists. Lawmakers passed the bill from Democratic Assemblymember Mia Bonta in the wake of lawsuits alleging teens died by suicide after seeking advice from chatbots.

Protecting students from antisemitism

Cracking down on pricing algorithms

California lawmakers responded to an uptick in antisemitism following the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel with a new law that prohibits bias and advocacy in the classroom and requires teachers to be “factually accurate” with their instruction. It also creates an Office of Civil Rights with an antisemitism prevention coordinator.

The state will place guardrails on the use of algorithms to price products after reports that companies were colluding to drive up costs. Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry’s law expands California’s existing anti-monopoly laws to account for the new technology, which has been blamed for hiking prices on everything from apartments to French fries to plane tickets.

Lawmakers passed the bill after hours of heated debate, with some opponents arguing it would prevent teachers from

Go to a grocery or retail store now and you’ll likely find either paper or thick plastic bags available at the check-out line for ten cents each. Starting January 1st, those plastic bags will disappear, at least in theory, and only recycled paper bags will be available. The change comes from SB 1053, an attempt to close a loophole in California’s original, ten-year-old plastic bag ban to once and for all eliminate plastic bags at check-out, whether or not they’re labeled reusable. But you’ll still be able to find bags of all kinds available for sale in store aisles.

By Joe Decruyenaere, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

By Lindsey Holden, Politico, 12/31/2025

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/

From IVF to AI: California ushers in a wave of far-reaching laws

Arctostaphylos glauca — bigberry manzanita

New Golden State symbols Lastly, congratulations to the bigberry manzanita and the giant garter snake, California’s newest state shrub and state snake. Rachel Bluth, Tyler Katzenberger, Alex Nieves and Camille von Kaenel contributed to this story. Printed with permission: Politico article, December 31, 2025


January 2, 2026

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Santa Barbara’s top attorney Sarah Knecht ready to ‘delight in the freedom’ By Joshua Molina / Santa Barbara News-Press 12.28.25

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ARAH KNECHT HAD ONE FOOT OUT THE DOOR.

After nearly 35 years in public law, Knecht was ready to walk into retirement.

“My whole office asked me to take the job,” Knecht told the NewsPress. “It was too great an honor to turn down.” The decision added an extra three years to her career, but now Knecht is finally walking away and ready to travel, garden, and “delight in the freedom of time.”

of short-term vacation rental laws, and enhancing tenant rights.

Her father was the deputy director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and when the California Coastal Act was passed in 1976 he suggested she find a job in a coastal city. A native of Boulder, Colorado, Knecht first worked as an urban planner for cities and counties in California.

She had a stint as a litigator defending the city against a Santa Barbara Channelkeeper lawsuit alleging violations of the Clean Water Act.

But she wanted more. “I realized that I wanted to have a deeper involvement in government which led me to law school,” Knecht said.

Photo by Joshua Molina/Santa Barbara News-Press

But those around her, especially Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse, had other ideas. In 2022, he asked her to not only stay, but step into the top spot as city attorney.

dyslexia, however, I never had any concept that I could be a lawyer,” Knecht said.

She graduated from McGeorge School of Law and then worked for private law firms, focusing on real estate. In 2004, she was hired by the city of Santa Barbara.

The City Council She held multiple honored Knecht at roles as attorney for the Santa Barbara City Attorney Sarah a recent meeting, Knecht retired from the city. Her city, advising on real attorney colleagues gave her flowers property transactions, showering her with at a recent City Council meeting accolades, including a ordinances, contracts, the resolution and a bouquet of pink roses and Brown Act, the California Public Records flowers. Act. Knecht never saw herself as an attorney, but a few flashpoints in her life led her on that journey. She was inspired in high school by consumer advocate Ralph Nader and wanted to become one of “Nader’s Raiders.” Later, she loved a constitutional law class. “Due to my significant challenges with

She advised on important land use issues, such as the construction of the new Santa Barbara Airport terminal, re-activation of the desalination pipeline, dissolution of the Redevelopment Agency, efforts to revitalize the Paseo Nuevo Mall, and many affordable housing projects. She also worked on enforcement

Applications Open for Goleta City Grant Program NONPROFITS ARE INVITED TO APPLY for the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Goleta City Grant Program by Friday, February 6th at 5pm. This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies that offer programs, services, and activities benefiting Goleta residents. Eligible programs include cultural, recreational, educational, environmental and wildlife, health and wellness, and community special events. Grants will be awarded in amounts from $1,000 to $10,000. Applicants are encouraged to review the Notice of Funding Availability and full program guidelines. An informational webinar will be held by the city at 10am on Thursday, January 8th. To learn more or register visit: cityofgoleta.org/your-city/neighborhood-services/grants

Members of the City Council described her as an attorney with integrity. “Before even when you were in the chair on the front lines you were quietly behind the scenes always approaching things with bravery, without fear, and leading from a heart-centered place,” said councilwoman Kristen Sneddon. “I really appreciate the leadership you showed in the City Attorney’s office, but also the City Administrator’s office.” In 2023, Knecht replaced the retiring Rebecca Bjork as interim City Administrator, prior to the hire of Kelly McAdoo, who fills that role now. “In that moment, you were who we could trust to lead with fairness, without an agenda of your own and to do what’s best for the city,” Sneddon said. Knecht was promoted to City Attorney in 2022, replacing former City Attorney Ariel Calonne, whose employment was terminated by the City Council after a heated incident with an undisclosed assistant city attorney. Knecht saw her role as that of someone who should be trusted, not necessarily liked. “I try to be that person that each council member can go to with a question and get an answer that is not swayed by politics or personal opinion, but based solely on legal requirements, transparency, and operating within the bounds of existing city policies,” Knecht said. “I try to be that person that

can say ‘no’ to political leaders and staff. Not a job likely to win friends, but it does win trust.” She earned that trust from councilwoman Meagan Harmon. “It’s so rare to find a lawyer with such incredible skill in the letter of the law, and with also an ability and understanding of how that law works in practice,” Harmon said. “That has been such a gift to the city.” Harmon took it further. “As a woman, as a woman lawyer, not only have I learned from you substantive elements of the law, but also process-wise, how the practice of law should work,” Harmon said. “As a professional in the same world, those are lessons that I will take with me and will influence my career.” Knecht, 68, said she is retiring so that she can enjoy Santa Barbara more and she plans to get involved in various activities and activism in town. She has a daughter and stepson and is looking to travel more also. “I travel the world with my daughter,” Knecht said. “They are the light of my life, along with my crazy dog.” John Doimas will replace Knecht as city attorney. “I am confident I am leaving the city attorney’s office in excellent hands,” Knecht said at the recent council meeting. She frequently turned around to smile and thank a row of attorneys who showed up to celebrate her. “John together with Tava (Ostrenger) in her new role will lead the department into the future with solid leadership and compassion,” Knecht said. Printed with permission of the Santa Barbara News-Press • 12.28.2025 • newspress.com

Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act Signed Into Law EXPANDING FEDERAL DEATH AND DISABILITY BENEFITS for firefighters, bipartisan legislation cosponsored by U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (DCA-24) was signed into law last month. The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act will expand the Public Safety Officer’s Benefits Program (PSOB) to cover specific cancers linked to firefighting and emergency response, and make the expansion retroactive, so that families can claim PSOB benefits for deceased loved ones.

Today, cancer is the leading cause of death for America’s firefighters. Currently, firefighters are only eligible for support under the PSOB program for physical injuries sustained in the line of duty or for deaths from duty-related heart attacks, strokes, mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and 9/11-related illnesses. But this program does not cover service-related cancer deaths, despite a wealth of evidence linking first responder service to developing cancer.

“Firefighters and other first responders put their lives on the line every day, often facing deadly carcinogens in the process. Expanding the Public Safety Officer’s Benefits Program to cover service-related cancer deaths is the right thing to do to honor the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice. I’m proud this bipartisan legislation was signed into law, and I will keep working across the aisle to support first responders and their families,” said Rep. Carbajal.

The bill is endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters, the Congressional Fire Services Institute, the Fraternal Order of Police, and ten other organizations representing first responders. The bill is co-led by Representatives Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL-28), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and Gabe Amo (D-RI-01). Its Senate counterpart is led by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND). congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1269/text


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Local News for a Global Village | www.VoiceSB.com

January 2, 2026

State Street Ballet

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By Mark Whitehurst VOICE

HE MAGIC OF CHILDHOOD AND THE IMAGINATION opened a holiday door to The Nutcracker ballet and a community dance extravaganza by the internationally recognized State Street Ballet, as it brightened Santa Barbara’s holiday season with more than 140 dancers, dozens of musicians, and a myriad of performance supporters. Moving into a ballroom, Clara, danced by Akari Kato, began the seasonal celebration decked with a Christmas tree, candy delights, laughter, music, and dance. The audience is swept up in a remarkable vision. As the story unfolds, Clara and Fritz, danced by Felipe Aravena Covarrubias, establish their characters with sparkling choreography executed with perfection. When the wooden nutcracker is broken, Herr

Drosselmeyer the magician fixes the it and advises Clara that true love and friendship are the real magic. During the 2025 season in Santa Barbara, Clara was danced by four individuals, one for each of the four performances, providing greater depth and new opportunity for dancers to convey their sense of the unique role. Playing Clara were Brenna Chumacero, Friday, December 19th; Sloan Brookshire, Saturday, December 20th; Akari Kato, Saturday evening, December 20th; and Amanda Kabaretti, Sunday, December 21th. The remarkable original choreography by SSB founder Rodney Gustafson magically embodies the clear lines of the historic narrative. This year additional choreography was contributed by Marina Fliagina, Cecily MacDougall, Nilas Martins, Gary McKenzie, Chauncey Parsons, Megan Philipp, and Tigran Sargsyan. The dancing wouldn’t have been as rich without the Nutcracker ballet’s music, composed by Peter Tchaikovsky, based on a story by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann and adapted by Alexandre Dumas. Live accompaniment was provided by the Opera San Luis Obispo Orchestra, conducted by Brian Asher Alhadeff, who merged dance and the worldclass score with finesse.

Photos by Heidi Bergseteren

Dreamy Nutcracker Makes A Fabulous Ballet

Brianna Patrick and the Rat!

Akari Kato and Harold Mendez

added significant energy, especially on Saturday night when Briana Patrick danced a wonderfully “evil” performance. Ryan Lenkey channeled the Cavalier, and well deserved applause went to Saori Yamashita’s Sugar Plum Fairy. Clara was realized with elegant form Saturday evening by Akari Kato as well as her Nutcracker Prince, Noam Tsivkin, a ten-year veteran of State Street Ballet.

Cavalier dance together with great dignity and elegance.

Last but definitely not the least, the Grand Pas de Deux was an enchantment in more ways than one, when the Sugar Plum Fairy and her

SSB dressed the Granada stage in new and brighter colored drapes and the proscenium apron added extra sparkle and ambiance to the performance along with many newly appointed costumes full of mischief and holiday flare. It was a community event for sure with dozens and dozens of unseen helpers creating a never to be missed Nutcracker!

Amber Hirschfield and Kaia Abraham with Ethan Ahuero for “The Spanish”

On Saturday evening, the audience was responsive, leaning forward and encouraging the company with repeated applause.

Akari Kato

The unique and imaginative switching of the Rat King to a Rat Queen

Maria Rita Rapisarda and Gabriel Ramirez and the Snow Queen and King


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Local News for a Global Village | www.VoiceSB.com

On the Street

Local Donations Lead in Season of Giving

with John Palminteri Photos and Stories by John Palminteri, Special to VOICE

Casa Agria SB Taproom Closes EVEN WITH THE CASA AGRIA Santa Barbara Taproom in the Kim’s Service Building on State Street closing last weekend, the owners thank their loyal customers and encourage them to visit with a short drive south saying, “you can still enjoy your favorite Casa Agria beers at our brewery taproom in Oxnard.”

CHARITABLE DONATIONS THAT ARE HYPER-LOCAL appear to be favored as final contributions were made for 2025. The need is also going up in many areas. December’s Unity Shoppe telethon raised $700,000. Locals also donated to local arts, education, and nonprofits focused on helping those in need.

Cachuma Riddled with Debris From Storm Runoff

Final SpaceX Launch of 2025 Photo courtesy of SpaceX

AFTER A RESCHEDULE, the final SpaceX Falcon 9 launch of the year was held on December 30th. It was the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation Mission for the Italian Space Agency. On board, high-resolution satellites, designed for civil and military monitoring, emergency management, and security.

MOUNDS OF DEBRIS can be seen floating in many areas of Cachuma Lake from the recent storm runoff including at the top of Bradbury Dam, which has a water release underway. The inflow now is coming from the watershed overall and the release at Gibraltar and Jameson dams upstream.

Photo courtesy of Cachuma Lake/SB County Parks

January 2, 2026

New Year’s Santa Barbara Polar Dip Returns

First Responder Updates

RAIN OR SHINE, everyone is welcomed to Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara on New Year’s Day for a Polar Dip. Festivities begin at 11am, with the official Polar Dip at 11:30am sharp. Everyone going in had to complete the registration form and sign the event waiver. Learn more about this annual tradition at www.sbpolardip.com

Photo courtesy of KEYT newsfeed video

THERE WAS A LANDSLIDE in Summerland on December 26th. There was a road closure from Greenwell from Asegra to Ortega Ridge Road due to a mudslide. VENTURA COUNTY FIRE was called out for a technical swift water rescue in the Ventura River under Highway 101 the night of Thursday, December 25th. The man was picked up and hoisted out safely during a challenging rain event. A STRUCTURE FIRE damaged a home on Ocean Oaks Avenue in the Carpinteria area on Christmas Eve. Carpinteria-Summerland fire along with mutual aid crews responded at 8:30pm. There were no injuries reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Santa Barbara Airport Floods During Holiday Storm AT 9:20AM ON DECEMBER 26TH, the Santa Barbara Airport reopened after it was shut down off and on since the day before, Christmas Day. Extremely heavy rain cells in the area caused flooding. Emergency crews worked around the clock to control the flooding and clear the runways.

Photo courtesy of KEYT and SBA

IN THE YEAR OF INCREASING ROLLOVERS in the Santa BarbaraVentura area on the freeway and surface streets, this one shut down Highway 101 for several hours on Saturday morning before dawn just north of Ventura.

Photo courtesy of CHP Ventura

COURTROOM EMOTION is heard as Ashlee Buzzard enters a plea of not guilty in Santa Barbara County Superior Court after being charged with the murder of her nine-year old daughter, Melodee, on a trip in Utah.

Since last year, the airport has worked on solutions following past rain related closures. The airport staff says this included deploying inflatable Tiger Dams, installing k-rails, staging a 16-inch Gator pump, and clearing v-ditches and drainage channels. Despite these efforts, the volume of rainfall and runoff from the nearby creek proved to be too significant and exceeded capacity. 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


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January 2, 2026

Community News Santa Barbara Public Library Receives $10,000 Gift THE CARNEGIE CORPORATION OF NEW YORK, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, has awarded the Santa Barbara Public Library a $10,000 gift as a part of a nationwide commemoration recognizing Carnegie Libraries across the country that honors Andrew Carnegie’s historic investment in free public libraries, including the $50,000 grant that established Santa Barbara’s Central Library in 1914.

The Library will receive the Carnegie Corporation funds in January 2026 and will reinvest them into the Central Library’s facilities and programming efforts. This support will assist the library to continue to meet the evolving needs of our community while honoring its historical legacy.

Photos courtesy of SB Library

Since opening its doors on August 27, 1917, the Central Library has served as a cornerstone of learning, culture, and community in Santa Barbara. From providing refuge after the 1925 earthquake to hosting many remarkable artists in the Faulkner Memorial Art Gallery, the Library has upheld its legacy of public service for more than a century. Recent enhancements, including the 2025 transformation of the outdoor space into the Michael Towbes Library Plaza, continue to strengthen its role within Downtown Santa Barbara.

Tax Results for the City of Santa Barbara REPORTING FOR NOVEMBER 2025, the City of Santa Barbara collected $2.7 million in Transient Occupancy Taxes (TOT) , which is the fifth month in the City’s fiscal year. Year to date, the City has collected $17.7 million in overall TOT, of which approximately $15.3 million came from hotels and $2.4 from short-term rentals. Year to date, revenues are coming in 3.2% above budget.

Photo courtesy of City of Santa Barbara

The Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) is a tax on “transient” guests staying in any hotel, inn, motel, or other commercial lodging establishment for a period of less than 30 days.The City’s adopted TOT budget for all funds is $35.5 million, of which $29.5 million is budgeted in the General Fund. The City’s TOT tax rate is 12 percent, of which ten percent goes to the City’s General Fund and the remaining two percent goes to the Creeks/Clean Water Fund. For current and historical financial data, visit the City’s Budget & Reporting webpage: https://santabarbaraca.gov/finance/budget-reports

La Biblioteca Pública de Santa Bárbara recibe una donación de $10,000 de Carnegie Corporation LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE SANTA BÁRBARA se honra en recibir una donación de $10,000 de la Carnegie Corporation de Nueva York en celebración del 250.º aniversario de los Estados Unidos. Este reconocimiento forma parte de una conmemoración nacional que destaca a las Bibliotecas Carnegie en todo el país y honra la histórica inversión de Andrew Carnegie en bibliotecas públicas gratuitas, incluida la subvención de $50,000 que hizo posible la Biblioteca Central de Santa Bárbara en 1914. Desde que abrió sus puertas el 27 de agosto de 1917, la Biblioteca Central ha sido un pilar de aprendizaje, cultura y comunidad en Santa Bárbara. Desde brindar refugio después del terremoto de 1925 hasta recibir a numerosos artistas destacados en la Galería de Arte Conmemorativa Faulkner, la Biblioteca ha mantenido su legado de servicio público por más de un siglo. Las mejoras recientes, incluida la transformación del espacio exterior en 2025 en la Plaza de la Biblioteca Michael Towbes, continúan fortaleciendo su papel en el centro de Santa Bárbara. La Biblioteca recibirá los fondos de Carnegie Corporation en enero de 2026 y los reinvertirá en las instalaciones y los programas de la Biblioteca Central. Este apoyo nos permite seguir respondiendo a las necesidades cambiantes de nuestra comunidad mientras honramos nuestro legado histórico.

Resultados fiscales de la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara LA CIUDAD DE SANTA BÁRBARA recaudó $2.7 millones en Impuestos de Ocupación Transitoria (TOT) en noviembre 2025, el quinto mes en el año fiscal de la Ciudad. En lo que va de año, la Ciudad ha recaudado $17.7 millones en TOT general, de los cuales aproximadamente $15.3 millones provienen de hoteles y $2.4 millones de alquileres a corto plazo. A la fecha, los ingresos totales por concepto de TOT se sitúan un 3.2% por encima del presupuesto. El Impuesto de Ocupación Transitoria (TOT) es un impuesto que grava a los huéspedes “transitorios” que se alojan en cualquier hotel, posada, motel u otro establecimiento comercial de alojamiento por un periodo inferior a 30 días. El presupuesto adoptado por la Ciudad para el TOT, considerando todos los fondos, es de $35.5 millones, de los cuales $29.5 millones están asignados al Fondo General. Consulte la tabla del Impuesto de Ocupación Transitoria. El tipo impositivo del TOT en la Ciudad es del 12.0 %, de los cuales el 10.0 % se destina al Fondo General de la Ciudad y el 2.0 % restante al Fondo de Arroyos y Agua Limpia. Para obtener más datos financieros actuales e históricos, visite la página web de Presupuestos e Informes de la Ciudad. Vea este comunicado de prensa en su navegador: https://tinyurl.com/yck26zht


January 2, 2026

Letter to the Editor I can certainly understand the motivation behind the City Council’s move towards rent control. I do believe their intentions are very good and in the interest of many people who are having a hard time finding affordable housing. Affordable housing is a real issue and needs to be addressed. And, there are some solutions. But, trying to place the burden on apartment owners will be counter productive. As an owner of over 60 units in Santa Barbara, I believe I know a little about the housing market. The number one misconception is that the owner sets the rental rate. An owner can ask any amount they like, but what an apartment rents for is determined by the willingness of someone to pay that amount. The demand for housing sets the rate. It’s exactly the same as selling a house. You can set any price, but what someone is willing to pay is what it will sell for. I am betting the City Council is not willing to set the price that homes can sell for. Keeping an apartment in good shape costs much more than what could be charged under any of the restrictions the Council has talked about. Are they willing to tell plumbers, electricians, cleaners,

carpenters, and other repair people what rate they can charge a landlord in order to stabilize rents? There are so many issues that are not being considered. Once someone is living in a rent controlled unit, they will not be inclined to leave, meaning over time there will be fewer and fewer apartments available for anyone new to town. That will affect lots of seasonal renters such as students and part time workers. I have seen so many studies about rent control and how it has not worked. Please, show me one study that says it has a positive outcome.

Families Encouraged to Claim A CalKIDS Scholarship in 2026

A

S FAMILIES BEGIN SETTING GOALS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD, California is reaffirming its commitment to young people through CalKIDS, the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program. Backed by a $2 billion statewide investment for more than five million children, CalKIDS is the largest education-focused asset-building effort in the nation, providing automatic scholarship accounts to millions of California children and students to help pay for college or career training after high school. “CalKIDS has been an amazing success, with nearly one million scholarship accounts already claimed by California families,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, Chair of the ScholarShare Investment Board, which administers CalKIDS.

There are other ways of helping people with rental costs. Companies need to pay better wages and subsidies obviously would be helpful. The best way to help is simply creating more housing, though of course that brings other problems. Santa Barbara will always be expensive because it’s a desirable place to live. Making apartments shabbier by instituting rent control is certainly one way to make it less desirable. There are better ways than rent control to help people with the housing costs. – John Whitehurst, Santa Barbara

Community News

Courtesy Photo

To the Editor,

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Local News for a Global Village | www.VoiceSB.com

As families think about meaningful gifts this holiday season and prepare for the opportunities a new year brings, claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship Account is a simple step with a lasting impact. Eligible children and students can receive between $175 and $1,500 in free scholarship funds, with no application, no essays, and no income verification required. These funds are already set aside for children and students and can be used for qualified higher education expenses, making CalKIDS one of the most accessible scholarships available to California families.

More than 60 percent of public-school students in grades 2 through 12 are eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship Account worth up to $1,500. When CalKIDS launched in 2022, the program awarded scholarship accounts to students from elementary school to high school, meaning current college students may also be able to claim and use their CalKIDS Scholarship funds today. Awardees can use their funds until age 26. Additionally, 100 percent of newborns born on or after July 1, 2022 in California automatically receive a CalKIDS Scholarship Account worth up to $175. This includes an initial scholarship awarded at birth, with additional incentives available when families claim the account and link it to a ScholarShare 529 College Savings Plan where they can continue saving on their own.

Blind Fitness to Host Adaptive Golf Clinic BLIND AND LOW VISION INDIVIDUALS, as well as sighted guides and volunteers, are invited to participate in an empowering Adaptive Golf Clinic. Hosted by Blind Fitness to introduce the game of golf and build readiness for the upcoming 2026 Howard Shaw Memorial California Blind, Adaptive & Disabled Winter Golf Classic, the clinic will take place on Monday, January 12th from 2pm to 3:30pm at Sandpiper Golf Club.

Claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship takes only a few minutes at CalKIDS.org. For public school students, including those who are now college-aged, families will need the Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), a 10-digit number found on school portals, report cards, or by contacting the public school the student attended during the 2021 to 2022, 2022 2to 2023, or 2023 to 2024 academic years. For children born in California on or after July 1, 2022, families will need the child’s date of birth and the Local Registration Number, a 13-digit number found on the birth CalKIDS.org certificate.

Hosted in partnership with the Olde School Golf School, the clinic will be led by Robert Kotowski, P.G.A., a respected coach celebrated for his expertise, leadership, and long-standing dedication to training adaptive athletes.

Goleta Valley Library Bookvan Launches New Weekly Schedule

“Our goal is to build access for blind and low vision athletes while cultivating a strong and ever-growing sense of community with skilled sighted guides,” said Tania Isaac-Dutton, Executive Director of Blind Fitness. “With Coach Kotowski leading this event, participants and volunteers alike will walk away inspired, empowered, and ready for the Howard Shaw Memorial Classic.” Blind Fitness also welcomes sighted volunteers who are interested in learning how to guide, support, and empower blind and low vision athletes. No prior golf or guiding experience is required. Volunteers will be introduced to guiding techniques and the fundamentals of adaptive golf while working alongside participants and coaches. blindfitness.org

MAKING LIBRARY RESOURCES MORE ACCESSIBLE THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY, the Goleta Valley Library Bookvan will begin a new weekly schedule for the new year on Tuesday, January 6th. Locals can visit the Bookvan to register for a library card, check out books, borrow books, pick up holds, and more. The new BookVan schedule includes: Tuesdays: IVCSD Community Center from 9:30am to 12pm, and Estero Park from 2 to 4:30pm; Wednesdays: UCSB Orfalea Family Children’s Center from 9:30am to 12pm, and Isla Vista Elementary School from 2 to 4:30pm.; Thursdays: Friendship Manor from 9:30am to 12pm and IVCSD Community Center from 2 to 4:30pm; Fridays: Goleta Valley Library Storytimes around town (check the library’s online calendar for locations that change weekly) from 10 to 11am and Estero Park from 2 to 4:30pm; Saturdays: Friendship Manor from 10am to 12:30pm. GoletaValleyLibrary.org


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Local News for a Global Village | www.VoiceSB.com

January 2, 2026

VoiceSB.com CASA Santa Barbara, Inc. Mailing Address: 217 Sherwood Dr Santa Barbara, CA 93110 Office Address: La Cumbre Plaza, 110 S. Hope Ave, H-124, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

(805) 965-6448 Established in 1993

Independent Community Journalism Our mission is to provide accessible news for everyone along with a broad and inclusive perspective on our local community in both our FREE digital and print editions. If everyone who reads VOICE Magazine supports it, our future will be made secure. Mail a contribution today to: VOICE Magazine: 217 Sherwood Dr, Santa Barbara CA, 93110 Legal Advertising: Voice Magazine is an adjudicated newspaper of General Circulation (Case #SP 20CV02756 dated: Oct. 27, 2020). We can publish Probate, Trustee, Name Change, Summons, and other notices. Please inquire about our rates: Publisher@voicesb.com Daisy Scott, Editor Daisy@VoiceSB.com Robert Adams, Writer, Robert@EarthKnower.com Harlan Green, Writer, editor@populareconomics.com Isaac Hernández de Lipa,Writer, c/o Editor@VoiceSB.com John Palminteri, Writer, www.facebook.com/john.palminteri.5 Amanda Payatt, Richard Payatt, Writers, foodwinetwosome@cox.net Bookkeeping: Payroll Systems Plus c/o Publisher@VoiceSB.com Advertising: Advertising@VoiceSB.com Circulation: Voice Magazine 805-965-6448 / Publisher@VoiceSB.com Mark Whitehurst, PhD, Co-Publisher • Mark@VoiceSB.com Kerry Methner, PhD, Co-Publisher • Kerry@VoiceSB.com All advertising in this publication is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This publication will not knowingly accept any advertising which is in violation of this law. Memberships:

California Newspaper Publishers Association

Hispanic-Serving Publication

In going from the Biden Administration to the Trump Administration, we have traded an economy that disproportionately benefited low-income workers to one that disproportionately benefits the well-off (particularly those who own a lot of stocks).” – Paul Krugman

S

By Harlan Green, Special to VOICE

ECOND AND THIRD QUARTER GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT GROWTH SURGED (SEE GRAPH), mainly due to a jump in consumer spending as shoppers rushed to get ahead of the holiday and rising prices. But this will only confuse the real economic picture. The third quarter is June to September, before the government shutdown. And it didn’t benefit everyone in this K-shaped economy. Some economists are predicting a coming slowdown and maybe recession next year, despite the good news. That’s in part because 50 percent of the consumer spending is by ten percent of American shoppers today, according to Moody’s economist Mark Zandi. Incomes of the middle and low-income earners have lost ground from the higher inflation that has reduced their spending power. Zandi estimates 22 states plus the District of Columbia are now experiencing enough persistent economic weakness from the federal job cuts and shrinking job market that their economies are close to or in recession, mostly in the

Northern and Eastern states. But even New York and California’s economies have slowed and if they follow the trajectory of the 22 states would tip us into an outright recession, says Zandi.

Graph courtesy of myf.red/g/10Wkr

A Better Economy For Whom?

It's hard to equate this prognosis with the Q3 burst in GDP. “Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 4.3 percent in the third quarter of 2025 (July, August, and September), according to the initial estimate released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the second quarter, real GDP increased 3.8 percent,” according to the BEA.

K-gap will only grow worse between the well-off and lowincome workers from the rising inflation.

The price index for gross domestic (GDP) purchases increased 3.4 percent in the third quarter, compared with That’s why an increase the bulk of of 2.0 percent By Harlan Green consumers are in the second spending most quarter. The on necessities such personal consumption as healthcare, insurance, expenditures (PCE) price clothing, car repairs, gas, index that the Fed uses to housing, and utilities. And the gauge inflation also increased prices of most of these goods 2.8 percent, compared with an and services have consumers increase of 2.1 percent in Q2. complaining big time. The rising cost of living The alarm bells are ringing is also hurting consumer that the worse is yet to come, confidence, per the Conference in other words, if we look Board’s confidence index, under the hood of Chevy, as another danger sign. well as Mercedes owners. With “Consumer confidence record household debt and weakened for a fifth consecutive a sharply reduced workforce month as perceptions of due to government firings and business conditions were immigrant deportations, the negative, and apprehensions

ECONOMIC VOICE

Santa Barbara Mortgage Interest Rates

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

about jobs and income deepened,” according to the Conference Board. Americans blamed their unease on “prices and inflation, tariffs and trade, and politics,” said Dana Peterson, chief economist at the Conference Board. That is why the largest share of consumers—those anticipating that recession is “somewhat likely”—grew again and the small percentage stating that the US is “already in one” crept higher, said Peterson. Yet the stock indexes are at record highs and the Wall Street rally continues in the hope that AI investments will boost production and bring down the prices of goods and services. This administration will soon find out what it means when the other 80 to 90 percent of working Americans realize they have been left behind in this recovery. Actually, maybe the polls are showing they already know.

Harlan Green © 2025 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.

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

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

Please call for current rates: Teri Gauthier, 805-565-4571 • Coastal Housing Partnership Member Rates are supplied by participating institutions prior to publishing deadline and are deemed reliable. They do not constitute a commitment to lend and are not guaranteed. For more information and additional loan types and rates, consumers should contact the lender of their choice. CASA Santa Barbara cannot guarantee the accuracy and availability of quoted rates. All quotes are based on total points including loan. Rates are effective as of December 31, 2025. ** Annual percentage rate subject to change after loan closing.

To place your classified ad, email advertising@VoiceSB.com


January 2, 2026

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Local News for a Global Village | www.VoiceSB.com

VOICE Magazine • Community Market • LEGAL NOTICES ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER: 25CV07581. Petitioner: Madison Rose Tait filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Madison Rose Tait to PROPOSED NAME: Madison Rose Schulze. 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 13, 2026; Time: 10:00 am; Dept.: 4; ROOM: [ ] other (specify): at the: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the courts website. To find your courts website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm.) 3 a. [X] A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation: [x] (for resident of this county) printed in this county: VOICE MAGAZINE. Date: 12/15/2025 /s/: Donna D. Geck, Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #25CV07581 Pub Dates: December 19, 26, 2025, January 2, 9, 2026.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER: 25CV06974. Petitioner: Mary Michaline Johns filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Mary Michaline Johns aka Mary Michaline Walz to PROPOSED NAME: Mary Michaline Hunter. 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: January 28, 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: 12/05/2025 /s/: Thomas P. Anderle, Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #25CV06974 Pub Dates: December 12, 19, 26, 2025, January 2, 2026.

The Multi-family Investment Specialist

STEVE GOLIS sgolis@radiusgroup.com www.radiusgroup.com

805-879-9606 CA Lic. 00772218

Experience you can count on!

CHRIS AGNOLI (805) 682-4304

Which non-profits will you support? FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: 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 Limited Liability Company is doing business as TINY FIRES at 440 Commerce Ct, Suite C, Lompoc, CA 93436. COMMERCE C1, LLC. at 440 Commerce Ct, Suite C, Lompoc, CA 93436. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on December 12, 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. 2025-0002817. Published December 19, 26, 2025, January 2, 9, 2026.

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION 50 + 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 Work • Concrete Driveways • Virtual Building Inspections

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BillJDalziel@gmail.com WilliamDalziel.work

chris@suncoastrealestate.com www.chrisagnoli.com

Legal Notices Run your legal notice in VOICE Magazine Fictitious Business Name • Alcohol License • Summons • Name Change • Petition to Administer Estate • Trustee Sale • Public Entities For information & rates:

Publisher@VoiceSB.com FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following Limited Liability Company is doing business as LOADSTAR MOVERS LLC at 1014 Via Regina, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. LOADSTAR MOVERS LLC at 1014 Via Regina, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on December 12, 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. 2025-0002808. Published December 19, 26, 2025, January 2, 9, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following Corporation is doing business as GEST at 16 San Marcos Trout Club, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. LUNO INC. at 2789 NW Lolo Drive, Bend, OR 97703. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on December 16, 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. 2025-0002854. Published December 19, 26, 2025, January 2, 9, 2026.

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.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: The following Individual is doing business as SANTA BARBARA DESIGN COLLECTIVE at 6743 Sueno Road, Goleta, CA 93117. DIA BECCHIO at 6743 Sueno Road, Goleta, CA 93117. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on November 21, 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. 20250002667. Published December 19, 26, 2025, January 2, 9, 2026.

: Computer Oriented RE Technology

For Information on all Real Estate Sales:

805-962-2147 • JimWitmer@cox.net • Cortsb.com

To place your classified, email advertising@VoiceSB.com Read this week’s issue of VOICE Magazine at

www.VoiceSB.com

Santa Barbara South County Sales

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ‘19

128 168 190 179 210

‘20 ‘21

144 125 141 101 84 168 154 151 264 250 225 223

‘22

124 160 204 160 168

179 125 160 138

112

113

‘23

81

131 122 120 112 109

91

96

'24

107 120 133 140 140 134 123 129

122 145

133

128

‘25

117 105 140 144 159 148 144 134 128 157

121

94 110 115 126

208

152

212

219 244 295 283 225 228 247 202 216 175

259 209 173

157

255 187

101


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Local News for a Global Village | www.VoiceSB.com

CALL FOR ART

January 2, 2026

Artists for Democracy Exhibitions at CAW (Community Arts Workshop) January 30th to February 1st, 2026

In “The Shed” Gallery

l THE ART OF RESISTANCE: What’s on Your Mind? l THE ART OF PROTEST: Street Protest Signs Both Shows OPEN for entries from the Community

In the “Olson” Gallery l THE ART OF PROPAGANDA: Art from World War I and World War II Re-imagined plus Guest Artist: Lawrence Wallin (Entries Closed) For more info and details & to Pre-Register visit: Artists-for-Democracy.com between Jan 2 to Jan 25 2026

Art Intake at CAW (631 Garden Street): Wed. Jan 28 9:30am-12:30pm

Reception: Friday, Jan 30th, 2:30-6.00pm Takedown: Monday, Feb 2nd, 9am-12pm

200

OVER

MURALS &

?

SCULPTURES IN

SANTA BARBARA

Yes—and discovering them is easy. Scan the QR code to download our Mural and Sculpture PDF guides, each featuring over 100 unique works. Then get out and enjoy Santa Barbara’s public art.

Santa Barbara Beautiful is a 501(c) (3) Donations may be tax deductible. TAX ID: #23-7055360


JAN 1 - 8 “A MARVEL” THE GUARDIAN

CINEMA

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Local News for a Global Village | www.VoiceSB.com

Film still courtesy of Warner Bros., warnerbros.com

January 2, 2026

EXPLORE THEMES OF CONNECTION, BOTH REAL AND ARTIFICIAL, when the UCSB Carsey-Wolf Center’s Pollock Theater hosts a free screening of Blade Runner 2049 at 2pm on Saturday, January 10th. CWC Assistant Director Miguel Penabella will provide a historical and critical introduction to the film. To RSVP visit carseywolf.ucsb.edu

CINEMA LISTINGS

When Harry Met Sally • Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan embark on a friendship-turned romance, 4K Restoration • Riviera Theatre • $812.50 • sbifftheatres.com • 9pm Fr, 1/2 & Sa, 1/3. Screening of Ellwood Mesa: Beyond the Bluffs • Camino Real Cinemas • Free • 6pm Wed, 1/7.

www.metrotheatres.com

Thurs: 11:00am 2:15pm 5:30pm 8:45pm Fri & Sat: 11:30am 2:45pm 6:00pm Sun: 11:00am 2:15pm 5:30pm 8:45pm Mon: 1:00pm 4:15pm 7:30pm Tues: 1:45pm Wed & Thurs: 1:00pm 4:15pm 7:30pm

ROB REINER’S

Connectivity: Blade Runner 2049 • Screening and intro with Carsey-Wolf Center Assistant Director Miguel Penabella • Pollack Theater, The Carsey-Wolf Center at UCSB • Free • RSVP recommended • carseywolf.ucsb.edu • 2pm Sa, 1/10. Ratatouille Screening • Plus optional dinner experience by Flixer • Carpinteria Women’s Club • $33.85: screening & snackboard; $150.16: 9 courses, 3 drinks & dessert • https://tinyurl.com/ykzw23ud • 6pm Sa, 1/10.

Let’s Go To The M O V I E S NORTH S.B. COUNTY THEATRES Movie Listings for 1/1/26-1/7/26

REEL DEAL (FIRST SHOW EVERY DAY AT MOVIES LOMPOC): $7.50 • (805) 736-1558 | 736-0146 MASTER CARD • VISA • DISCOVER

Starring Billy Crystal & Meg Ryan 4K RESTORATION Fri & Sat: 9:00pm

SBIFFTheatres.com SBIFFTHEATRES.COM

Avatar: Fire and Ice -PG13Thu-Fri 3:15-7 Sat-Sun 11:30-3:15-7 | Mon-Tue-Wed 3:15-7 Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 -PG13Thu-Wed 7 Zootopia 2 -PG13Thu-Fri 2-4:30 Sat-Sun 11:30-2-4:30 | Mon-Tue-Wed 2-4:30 Spongebob Movie: The Search for Squarepants -PGThu-Fri 2-4:30-7 | Sat-Sun 11:30-2-4:30-7 Mon-Tue-Wed 2-4:30-7 Anaconda -PG13Thu-Fri 2-4:30-7 Sat-Sun 11:30-2-4:30-7 |Mon-Tue-Wed 2-4:30-7 www.playingtoday.com


COMMUNITY CALENDAR 22

Photo courtesy of The Baker’s Dozen, bakersdozenyale.com

Local News for a Global Village | www.VoiceSB.com

Baker’s Dozen at SOhO ENJOY THE HARMONIOUS MELODIES of one of the nation’s oldest a cappella groups when The Baker’s Dozen of Yale University performs an intimate dinner show set at SOhO Restuarant & Music Club at 7pm on Sunday, January 4th. For tickets ($12) visit sohosb.com

Friday

1/2 Saturday

DANCE

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

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS Cosmic Dawn: When Galaxies Were Young • UCSB Professor of Physics Crystal Martin, PhD • SBMNH, Farrand Auditorium • Free • 7:30-9pm Fr, 1/2.

MUSIC

Barrel Room Sessions • DJ Claire Z, Buena Onda empanadas, and fun. Ages 21+ • Carr Winery • Free • 7pm Fr, 1/2. King Bee • Dance hits from seven decades, 21+ • SOhO • $10 • sohosb.com • 7pm Fr, 1/2. Red Piano • Rotating pianists play requests • Red Piano • Every night.

OUTDOORS

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

Full Moon Meditation • ringing in 2026 with the power of the full moon • Unity of SB, 227 E Arrellaga • Free • 7-8pm Fri, 1/2.

Sunday

Parliamo • Italian conversation, all 1/4 levels • Natural Cafe, 361 Hitchcock

CHILDREN

Storytime @ the Sea Center • All ages • Free w/ admission • SBNature.org • 10:30–10:45am Sat & Sun. Sundays at the Ranch • Fun for the family. Enjoy barn animals and tractor rides • Stow House, 304 N Los Carneros Rd • Free • goletahistory.org • 11am-2pm Sun.

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

MUSIC

A Cappella Night with The Baker’s Dozen • Yale University’s a cappella group • SOhO • $12 • sohosb.com • 7pm Su, 1/4.

OUTDOORS

1/3 Sunday Architecture Tour •

CHILDREN

Crafternoon • Fun crafts, ages 5+ • Explore Ecology Makerspace • $8 • exploreecology.org • 10am-12pm, Sat. Storytime @ the Sea Center • All ages • Free w/ admission • SBNature.org • 10:30–10:45am Sat & Sun.

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

MUSIC

No Simple Highway • Rock concert, ages 21+ • SOhO • $18-20 • sohosb.com • 8pm Sa, 1/3. SB Drum Circle • Free, all welcome • Chase Palm Park • 3-6pm Sa.

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

Monday

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

Way • Free • parliamo.yolasite.com • 5-6:30pm Mon.

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

Tuesday

CHILDREN

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

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS Fiction Book Club • Discuss What it Means When a Man Falls from the Sky • Faulkner Gallery • Free • 5:306:30pm We, 1/7.

Junk Journaling • Bring your journal, add’l materials provided • Explore Ecology Makerspace • $20 • exploreecology.org • 6-8pm, We, 1/7.

1/6 Knitting & Crochet Club • Louise

COMEDY

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

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Amazonia Untamed • Birds & Biodiversity with Benny Isaac JacobsSchwartz • SB Audubon Society & SBMNH • SBMNH, Fleischmann Aud • $5 • sbnature.org • 7-8:30pm Tu, 1/6. English Conversation Group • Practice English language skills • Central Library • Free • 1-2pm Tu. Storytelling is the Revolution • Free poetry workshops for 18+ • Community Arts Workshop • Free, register: sbcaw.org • 5-7pm Tu & Th, through March.

1/5 Chess Club • Louise Lowry Davis

Center • All levels/ English/Spanish • Free • 1-4pm Tue.

Wednesday

Lowry Davis Ctr • All levels/English/ Spanish • Free • 9-11:30am Wed.

Le Cercle Français • French conversation, all levels • The Natural Cafe • https://tinyurl.com/5ejbd9ye • Free • 5-6:30pm Wed.

MUSIC

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

Thursday

1/8

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Tom Freston & Oprah Winfrey • Freston discusses memoir Unplugged • Godmothers • From $55.20 • godmothers.com • 6pm Th, 1/8. Legal Literacy for the Community • Dscuss new 2026 laws • IV University United Methodist Church • Free • Register: islavistaumc.org/event-list • 6pm Th, 1/8.

‘n’ Needle • Fiber arts club • 1/7 Knit Montecito Library • Free • 2pm Th.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS CHILDREN Ancient Agroecology: Maya Village of Joya de Cerén • UCSB Post-Doc Venicia Slotten, PhD • SBMNH, Farrand Aud • Free • 7-8pm Mo, 1/5.

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

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

Music Bingo • Listen to music instead of numbers! • Institution Ale, 516 State St • Free (21+ to win) • 7-8:30 every other Wed. 1/7 & 1/21.

OUTDOORS

Volunteer at CIR Nursery • Channel Islands Restoration • 1070 More Ranch Rd • Register: cirweb.org 9am-1pm Sa, 1/3.

January 2, 2026

COMEDY

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Therapeutic Massage

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January 2, 2026

23

Local News for a Global Village | www.VoiceSB.com

Ancestral Materials & Modernism MERGING ANCESTRAL ARTISTRY WITH CONTEMPORARY EXPERIENCES, Zapotec-American artist Porfirio Gutiérrez will present his multidisciplinary textile art in a talk at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s Fleischmann Auditorium at 6pm on Friday, January 9th. The talk will be followed by a display of Gutiérrez’s functional work, including some available for purchase, that will remain open untl 7:30pm. Those interested in a hands-on art experience may also register for Gutiérrez’s weekend-long natural dye workshop which will run January 24th and 25th at the museum campus. For tickets to the talk ($10) or the workshop (ages 16+, $280-300) visit sbnature.org

MUSIC

Lark, Roman & Meyer Trio • Mariposa Series Concert • Hahn Hall • $65–80 • musicacademy.org • 6:30pm reception; 7:30pm Thu, 1/8.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Blueprints of Tomorrow (2026) • Evening of crafting and conversation benefitting Planned Parenthood • La Lieff • $10 • 21+ RSVP by Jan 5: https://tinyurl.com/4mww5fbp • 7:30pm Thu, 1/8. 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.

Friday

1/9

CHILDREN

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

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Ancestral Materials & Modernism • with Textile Artist Porfirio Gutiérrez • SBMNH • $10 • sbnature.org/tickets • 6pm Fr, 1/9.

Father Greg Boyle & Tom Vozzo • Talk by Homeboy Industries founder and past CEO • Godmothers • From $23.18 • godmothers.com • 6pm Fr, 1/9.

MUSIC

Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone • A Benefit Concert for Notes for Notes • Lobero • $77$132 • Lobero.org • 8pm Fr, 1/9.

Raising Our Light • Community gathering to remember those lost in the 1/9 Debris Flow • Montecito Union School • livestream at keyt. com/livestream-2 • 6pm Fr, 1/9.

Saturday 1/10 CHILDREN

Crafternoon • Fun crafts, ages 5+ • Explore Ecology Makerspace • $8 • exploreecology.org • 10am-12pm, Sat. Storytime @ the Sea Center • All ages • Free w/ admission • SBNature.org • 10:30–10:45am Sat & Sun.

MUSIC

The Unaccompanied Miners • Lively duo • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • 1:30-4:30pm Sa, 1/10. Konrad Kono • Lobero • $20-$30 • Lobero.org • 7pm Sa, 1/10. Fly By Night LA • A Rush Tribute presented by Digital Mechanix • Center Stage Theater • $33.95 • centerstagetheater.org • 8pm Sa, 1/10. Anne Wilson • with Tyrone Wells - A benefit for Kids Helping Kids • Arlington Theatre • $40-$77 • ArlingtonSB.com • 7pm Sa, 1/10.

OUTDOORS

Annual Rose Pruning Day • Volunteer & bring your own gloves and tools • Mission Historical Park • Free • 9-12 noon, Sat, 1/10. Elings Park Transformation Project • Volunteer to care for the land • Elings Park • Register: sbbotanicgarden.org • 9am-4pm Sa, 10/10. Elings Park Native PLant Meet-Up - Plein Air Painting • with SCAPE; bring your chosen art supplies • Free • sbbotanicgarden.org • 9-10:30am Sa, 10/10. Bare Root Fruit Trees • Hands on workshop led by UC Master Gardeners; bring gloves • Mesa Harmony Gardens • RSVP: tinyurl. com/2s3ba747 • 10am-12pm Sa, 1/10. Star Party • See craters on the Moon, nebulae, galaxies, and more • SBMNH Palmer Observatory • Free • 7:30-10pm Sa, 1/10.

BIG CHANGES COMING in 2026 Medicare or Health Insurance Leo Marquez

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Photo courtesy of City of SB

Photo courtesy of SB Museum of Natural History

SPECIAL EVENTS

Mission Rose Pruning Day HELP CARE FOR A LOCAL GEM and gain hands-on gardening experience when the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department hosts its annual Rose Pruning Day on Saturday, January 10th from 9am to 12pm at the Mission Historical Park. Volunteers are welcome to drop in at any time and encouraged to bring their own gloves and tools. SB Rose Society member and resident rosarian Dan Bifano will provide pruning demonstrations, ensuring that all may volunteer regardless of prior experiences.

Día de Poda de Rosas EL DEPARTAMENTO DE PARQUES Y RECREACIÓN de la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara llevará a cabo su Día Anual de Poda de Rosas el sábado 10 de enero de 2026, de 9:00 a.m. a mediodía, en el Parque Histórico de la Misión. Los voluntarios pueden incorporarse en cualquier momento durante las cuatro horas del evento. No se requiere experiencia previa, ya que se ofrecerán demostraciones de poda a cargo de Dan Bifano, miembro de la Sociedad de Rosas de Santa Bárbara y rosalista local. Se solicita a los voluntarios traer sus propios guantes y herramientas, como tijeras de podar, podadoras de mano y serruchos pequeños; no obstante, se dispondrá de un suministro limitado. calendar.santabarbaraca.gov/events/upcoming

SPECIAL EVENTS

The Pad Climbing Grand Opening • Free climbing, vendors, food • The Pad, 5160 Hollister Ave • 10am-5pm Sa, 1/10. Parents’ Night Out • Enjoy a night off while your kids (ages 4-12) skate • Ice in Paradise • $50 • iceinparadise.org • 5-8pm Sa, 1/10.

TEENS

SAT/ACT Study Session • Staff help grades 9-12 • Faulkner Gallery • Register: https://tinyurl.com/r5djdbau • 11am-12:30pm Sa, 1/10. Relax & Craft for Teens • Open crafting for grades 7-12 • Central Library • Free • 3-4:30pm Sa, 1/10.

Sunday CHILDREN

1/11

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

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Taubman Symposium Talk • James A. Diamond on Confronting Divine Rage • Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara 524 Chapala St • 3-4:30pm Su, 1/11.

MUSIC

Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan • Guitar and harmonica blues, rags • Cold Springs Tavern • Free • 1:304:30pm Su, 1/11. See, Hear • Performance with pianist Natasha Kislenko, concertmaster and violinist Jessica Guideri, and cellist Jennifer Kloetzel • SBMA • Free w/admission • sbma.net • 2:30, 3:15, 4pm, Sun, 1/11. The Lee Hartley & Friends • presented by SB Jazz Society • $10-$25 • SOhO 1221 State St • 1-4pm Sun, 1/11.

OUTDOORS

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


24

Local News for a Global Village | www.VoiceSB.com

January 2, 2026

“[Michael V. Drake] has used his decades of experience to advocate for better access to higher education for all Californians and has always fought for academic excellence.” – Governor Gavin Newsom

One of The New York Times’ 10 Best Books of 2024

An Evening with

UC President Emeritus

An Evening with

Miranda July Tue, Jan 20 / 7:30 PM / UCSB Campbell Hall “By tangling explicitly with reality across mediums, July pushes autofiction to new limits.” The Guardian (U.K.)

Dr. Michael V. Drake

In Conversation with Dr. Susannah Scott Thu, Jan 22 / 7:30 PM / UCSB Campbell Hall

“In Compagnie Hervé KOUBI’s Sol Invictus, the dancers’ extraordinary moves are integrated into a poetic vision.” The New York Times

A Next Generation Jazz Legacy California Premiere Dazzling Hip Hop Choreography From France

Compagnie Hervé KOUBI Sol Invictus

Sun, Jan 25 / 7:30 PM / Granada Theatre

Terence Blanchard and Ravi Coltrane

Miles Davis and John Coltrane Centennial Tue, Jan 27 / 7:30 PM / Granada Theatre

(805) 893-3535 | www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu Granada event tickets can also be purchased at: (805) 899-2222 | www.GranadaSB.org

Special Thanks


January 2, 2026

25

Local News for a Global Village | www.VoiceSB.com

PHOTOS BY KAREN MCGAW

GALLERY LOS OLIVOS ARTISTS GROUP EXHIBIT IN JANUARY

© Jim Tyler - Tuscan Manor, oil

© Jane Behman - Play Time, mixed media collage

Gallery Artists Present

Winter Celebration – A Group Exhibition

Fine Art Destination Since 1992 Fine Artwork Destination 1992 Exhibiting by over 50Since Regional Artists

with a stunning selection of Artists Exhibiting work by over 50 Regional media, styles and subjects with a stunning selection of media, styles and subjects Come Visit and Let Our Art Inspire You! Come Visit and Let Our Art Inspire You!

Gallery Los Olivos 2920 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA 2920 Grand Avenue,• Los Olivos, CA GalleryLosOlivos.com 805.688.7517 GalleryLosOlivos.com • 805.688.7517 Open Daily 10-5 / Nov-Feb 10-4 Open Daily 10-5 / Nov-Feb 10-4

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ART VENUES

Local News for a Global Village | www.VoiceSB.com

• GALLERIES • STUDIOS • MUSEUMS • PUBLIC PLACES • Fine Art Prints Greeting Cards and more

Casa de La Guerra • Santa Barbara 1925 – 2025: A Portrait in Maps; Once a Don, Always a Don • ongoing • $5/ Free • 15 East De la Guerra St • 12-4 Th-Su • sbthp.org/casadelaguerra Casa Dolores • Bandera Ware / traditional outfits ~ ongoing • 1023 Bath St • 12-4 Tu-Sa • 805-963-1032 Casa del Herrero • Gardens & House • by reservation • 1387 East Valley Rd • tours 10 & 2 We & Sa • 805-565-5653 • casadelherrero.com

RUTH ELLEN HOAG

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

dimarcogallery.com

10 West Gallery • Interpretive Thinking • through Jan 11 • 10 W Anapamu • 11-5 We-Mo • 805-7707711 • 10westgallery.com

Architectural Fdn Gallery • Kids Draw Architecture • through Jan 4 • 229 E Victoria • 805-965-6307 • 1–4 some Sa & By Appt • afsb.org

ART EVENTS

Art & Soul Gallery • SB Fiber Arts Guild: Layering • Jan 8 through Feb 1 • 1323 State St • artandsoulsb.com

3 Exhibit Opening Reception at Sullivan Goss • Oskar Fischinger: A Deeper Look; The Winter Salon; Future Imperfect: Alvaro Maestro, Austin Mccormick, Chris Peters • 5-8pm Sat, 1/3. Opening Reception: Layering • by the SB Fiber Arts Guild at Art & Soul Gallery • 5-8pm Thu, 1/8. Reception for Abstract 9+1 • SB Tennis Club • 4:306pm, Fr, 1/9. Sketching in the Galleries • All skill levels welcome; materials provided • SBMA • Free w/ admission • sbma.net • 11:15am Sat, 1/10. Opening for Simple Pleasures • A tribute to all things cozy • Cypress Gallery • 12-2pm Sat, 1/10. 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.

Goleta Photographer

Frank DiMarco

Art, Design & Architecture Museum, UCSB • Tiffany Chung: indelible traces • Opens Jan 17 - Apr 26 • 12-5 Wed-Sun • museum.ucsb.edu Art From Scrap • Explore Ecology • exploreecology.org ArtLabbé Gallery • free art, music, & exercise classes to our individuals with special needs & family members • Tu, We, Th, Sun 12-5:30; Fr 12-5 • 111 Santa Barbara St, #H • artlabbe.org Atkinson Gallery • SBCC atkinsongallerysbcc.com Bella Rosa Galleries • 1103-A State St • 11-5 daily • 805-966-1707 The Carriage and Western Art Museum • Old Spanish Days Trophy Saddles; Victoria Stables Wagon • Ongoing • Free • 129 Castillo St • 805-962-2353 • 9-3 Mo-Fr • carriagemuseum.org California Nature Art Museum • 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

Channing Peake Gallery • Form and Frame: Abstraction, Community, and the Language of Art • through Spring 26 • 8-5 M-F • 105 E Anapamu St, 1st fl • 805-568-3994 Colette Cosentino Atelier + Gallery • 11 W Anapamu St • By Appt • colettecosentino.com Community Arts Workshop • 631 Garden St • 10-6pm Fri & By Appt. • sbcaw.org Corridan Gallery • Glorious California • 125 N Milpas • 11-5 We-Sa • 805-966-7939 • corridan-gallery.com Cypress Gallery • Simple Pleasures • Jan 2-25 • 119 E Cypress Av, Lompoc • 1-4 Sa & Su • 805-737-1129 • lompocart.org El Presidio De Santa Bárbara • Nihonmachi Revisited; Memorias y Facturas - ongoing • 123 E Canon Perdido St • 10:30-4:30 Daily • sbthp.org Elverhøj Museum • 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 • 805730-9109 • Fazzino.com Gallery 113 • Members of the SB Art Assn • 1114 State St, #8, La Arcada Ct • 805-965-6611 • 11-5 Mo-Sa; 1-4 Su • gallery113sb.com Gallery Los Olivos • 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

January 2, 2026

Indah Gallery • reopens Mar 12 • maxgleason.com/indah-gallery James Main Fine Art • 19th & 20th Century Fine art & antiques • 27 E De La Guerra St • 12-5 Tu-Sa • Appt Suggested • 805-962-8347 Jewish Federation of Greater SB • Portraits of Survival interactive ~ Ongoing • 9-4pm Mo-Fr • 524 Chapala St • 805-957-1115 ext. 114 Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum • a million+ historical documents • 21-23 W Anapamu • 10-4 Tu-Su • 805-962-5322 • karpeles.com Kathryne Designs • Local Artists • 1225 Coast Village Rd, A • 10-5 Mo-Sa; 11-5 Su • 805-565-4700 • kathrynedesigns.com La Cumbre Center For Creative Arts • Fine Line Gallery; Elevate Gallery; Illuminations Gallery • Multi-Artist Studio/Gallery Spaces • La Cumbre Plaza • 12-5 Tu-Su • lcccasb.com Lompoc Library Grossman Gallery • 501 E North Av, Lompoc • 805-588-3459 Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center • Classic Rincon • Jan 8-Mar 1 • 12-4 Th-Su • 865 Linden • 805-684-7789 • carpinteriaartscenter.org Maker House • A Gesture Repeated • 1351 Holiday Hill Rd • 805-565-CLAY • 10-4 Daily • makerhouse.org Maker House Annex • A gallery & retail space • through Dec • 913 State St • 805-565-CLAY • Tues: 2-7pm; We, Thu, Sun 12-6pm; Fri/Sat: 12-7pm • makerhouse.org

Nurit Ruckenstein LCCCA Elevate Gallery La Cumbre Plaza starnurit@cox.net

Patricia Clarke Studio • An American Girl project; Primal Wild; Correspondences, Erasing Lines, and Facing Ourselves • 410 Palm Av, Carpinteria • By Appt • 805-452-7739 • patriciaclarkestudio.com Peregrine Galleries • Early CA & American paintings; fine vintage jewelry • 1133 Coast Village Rd • 805252-9659 • peregrine.shop Peter Horjus Design • Studio • 11 W Figueroa St • peterhorjus.com Portico Gallery • Jordan Pope & Gallery Artists • Open Daily • 1235 Coast Village Rd • 805-729-8454 • porticofinearts.com

Marcia Burtt Gallery • Landscape paintings, prints, & books • 517 Laguna St • 1-5 Th-Su • 805-962-5588 • artlacuna.com

Public Market • Local artists Melinda Mettler & Anna Stump • 38 W Victorica • 8am-9pm Su-We; 8am10pm Thu-Sat • sbpublicmarket.com

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

Rubenstein Chan Contemporary Art • 410 Palm Av, Unit B3, Carpinteria • 805-576-6152: info/appt • RubensteinChan.com

MOXI, The Wolf Museum• of Exploration + Innovation • 10-5 Daily • 125 State St • 805-770-5000 • moxi.org Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara • San Milano Drive: DJ Javier • 11-6pm Tu-Sun • 653 Paseo Nuevo • mcasantabarbara.org MCASB Satellite @ the Riviera Beach House • Makahiya: I Wanted You to Feel the Same by Godofredo Astudillo • through Apr 12 • 9-9pm Daily • 121 State • mcasantabarbara.org Museum of Tibetan Art & Legacy Arts International • Wed-Sun 12-8pm • 310-880-6671 • lamatashinorbu.org / legacyartsb.com Palm Loft Gallery • A 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

Kerry Methner • TheTouchofStone.com 805-570-2011 • VOICE Gallery

26


January 2, 2026

27

Local News for a Global Village | www.VoiceSB.com

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

Slice of Light Gallery • Fall 2025; Photography by JK Lovelace • 9 W Figueroa St • Mo-Fr 10-5 • 805-3545552 • sliceoflight.com

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

Stewart Fine Art • Early CA Plein Air Paintings + European Fine Art + Antiques • 539 San Ysidro Rd • 115:30 Mo-Sa • 805-845-0255

Santa Barbara Fine Art • 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 • Redwoods of the Sea • through Jan 4 • 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

Sullivan Goss • Oskar Fischinger: A Deeper Look; The Winter Salon; Future Imperfect: Alvaro Maestro, Austin Mccormick, Chris Peters • Jan 2-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 • Inside Heaven’s Gate – Behind the Scenes with Susan Bridges through Dec 31 • 1309 State St • 12-5 We-Su • 805-705-2208 • tamsengallery.com

E

XPRESSIVE, DRAMATIC, AND COLORFUL WORKS will fill the walls of the Santa Barbara Tennis Club this winter as its 2nd Fridays Art @ SBTC presents a show spotlighting works by Abstract 9+1 members. The exhibition, which opens January 2nd, will feature a reception to be held on Friday, January 9th from 4:30 to 6pm. An evolving, diverse group of artists, Abstract 9+1’s members specialize in non-objective, expressive art. Collectively, they examine the reaches of abstract art as a style and means of discovery, playing with the visual language of shape, form, color, and line. Their works range from purely

Pansies by Paie Wilson

non-objective, expressive images to works that reframe or reflect familiar objects.

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

“The main purpose of abstraction is to go beyond representation to create an intangible and emotional art experience for the viewer,” reads the show’s statement.

Voice Gallery • Begin • Jan 5-31 • 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

Participating artists in the 2nd Fridays Art show include: Lynn Dodge, Lee Anne Dollison, Karen Frishman, Patricia Heller, Fred Lehto, RT Livingston, Judy Neunuebel, Marcia Rickard, Veronica Walmsley, and Paige Wilson.

Waterhouse Gallery SB • Notable CA & National Artists • La Arcada Ct, 1114 State St, #9 • 11-5 Mo-Sa • 805962-8885 • waterhousegallery.com Waterlight Studio • Handcrafted ceramics by Suzanne Schwager • 18 W Micheltoreana St #D •

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

Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum Of Art • Weekdays 10-4, Sat 11-5 • westmont.edu/museum

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

The Yes Store • Art by Local Artists • 1015 State St • M-F: 11am-6pm; Sa:10:30am-6pm; Su: 10:30am-5pm • theyesstore.com

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

Abstract 9+1 Show Opens at SB Tennis Club

Artists: See your work here!

Join Voice Magazine’s Print & Virtual Gallery! To find out more, email Publisher@VoiceSB.com

Untitled by Marcia Rickard

The show will run through March 3rd, with gallery hours held from 10am to 6pm, daily. Gallery viewing and all artist receptions are open to the public. The 2nd Fridays Art Gallery Director and Curator of Exhibitions is Susan Tibbles. The SB Tennis Club is located at 2375 Foothill Road. Visit santabarbaratennisclub. com/art

Untitled by Fred Lehto


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