VOICE Magazine: July 31, 2026

Fiesta Celebration Begins August 5th

Joshua Molina

T—the most polarizing issue to hit Santa Barbara City Hall in decades— inched forward Tuesday night over the course of a four-hour-plus-meeting, but the controversial measure hasn’t quite crossed the finish line.

The City Council on Tuesday night pored over 127 policy details of the proposed ordinance, after it received more than 650 comments from members of the public over the past month. (See Rent, 13)

By Robert F. Adams / Special to VOICE

GENTLE ROMANTIC DRAMA, set in multigenerational war-torn Beirut, Lebanon, is the focus of A Sad and Beautiful World, Lebanese director Cyril Aris’s first feature film. Released in New York last week, the film has been anointed this week’s Critic’s Pick at The New York Times. The film opens on Friday at SBIFF’s Film Center at 916 State Street for at least a week’s run of screenings. (See Sad and Beautiful, 14)

ANCING IN THE CENTER OF SANTA BARBARA’S HEART, Fiesta will return to light up the Mission’s steps on Wednesday, August 5th when Fiesta Pequeña officially begins our city’s week of festivities. The largest and perhaps longest running nonprofit extravaganza, Fiesta celebrations, both public and private, will continue through Sunday, August 9th.

Offering song, dance, and tamales, Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days Fiesta has it all. Drawing a page from Santa Barbara’s history, Old Spanish Days Fiesta looks to parties and tradition to celebrate the multiple cultures represented in our community. From the original Chumash peoples who have cared for the land for centuries, to the Mexican peoples and the Spanish, as well as the Californians who migrated in from the rest of the U.S. and around the world, Santa Barbara is a special meeting place.

Viva la

Fiesta!

And Wednesday it begins! From a ribbon cutting in De la Guerra Plaza, to open a full schedule of dancing, food, and fun at Mercado de La Guerra (see below), to the official opening night performance, La Fiesta Pequeña, nearly everyone can find a way to enjoy Santa Barbara’s renowned summer hospitality.

La Fiesta Pequeña excitement begins at 8pm

with the staccato rhythms and exhuberant sounds of mariachi bands, as well as folklórico, flamenco, ballet, and modern dancers, all dressed in the brilliant colors of a Fiesta.

The talent lineup for Wednesday includes multiple dance troupes, The Santa Barbara Sopranos, El Presidente Colin Hayward, and Spirit of Fiesta Jenna Ramirez and Junior Spirit of Fiesta Penelope Hernadez, who will both don Fiesta white for a dance on the mission steps.

After Wednesday, a whirlwind of activities align for visitors and locals alike... discover romantic evenings of music and dance at Las Noches de Ronda, held at the Court House Sunken Garden or take in one of the two daytime parades on Cabrillo Blvd. There are also mercados, art and craft shows, and a Mujeres Maker's Market.

Catch poetry contest winners reading their poems, and photographers can snap a new Fiesta tradition by entering the photo contest.

¡Viva La Fiesta! sbfiesta.org By

Kerry Methner, VOICE

IFiesta Forever! Meet El Presidente Colin Hayward

By Daisy Scott / VOICE

NSPIRED BY THE SIGHT OF HORSE-

DRAWN CARRIAGES, costumed equestrians, and families laughing as cascarones break on their heads, Colin Hayward has eagerly anticipated the return of El Desfile Histórico every summer. Now, as the 2026 Presidente of Old Spanish Days, he is excited to lead the charge of his favorite event, timehonored traditions, and expand Fiesta’s legacy and joy to be felt in every corner of the Santa Barbara community.

“I’m looking forward to everybody enjoying this year as much as possible at whichever event they go to!” exclaimed Hayward to VOICE. “It will be fun to be at Fiesta Pequeña on the stage and thank the community for coming out.”

A sixth generation Santa Barbaran, Hayward has celebrated Fiesta and been a member of the region’s vibrant community his entire life. To this day, his brother continues to run their family’s business, Hayward’s 1890, which they launched, as the title suggests, in the 19th century.

In 2007, he felt that it was time to give back to the festivities that had brought him so much joy over the years and began volunteering as a Fiesta parade marshal. After ten years of serving in this role and enjoying the volunteer community as they worked to prepare and host each summer’s parade, Hayward decided to get more involved in the organization.

“That was my first introduction and my first love: the parade,” he shared.

Since joining the Old Spanish Days board in 2018, Hayward has helped support all Fiesta events, including serving as a committee member for organizing Fiesta Pequeña and the Horseman’s Rendezvous, as well as chairing the Safety & Security and Parade Marshals committees. Through it all, Hayward’s commitment to the parade has held strong.

“It’s probably my favorite event; it’s very dynamic and fun with all the equestrian entries

and the beautiful carriages that we have from the Carriage Museum. And all the dignitaries and people get to ride in them,” said Hayward, who will be riding in a carriage with his wife, La Primera Dama Monica.

He added that while he knows this year’s parade on Cabrillo Boulevard will be great fun and that the route reflects the parade’s historic origins, given his fond childhood memories and decades of volunteering, it is his hope that the historic event will one day return to its State Street home of recent decades.

“My entire involvement as a marshal was always on State Street, and that’s where my heart really is. If we’re fortunate at some point, we’ll be back on State Street like we were before, but there’s no guarantee that this will happen,” said Hayward, adding, “I love State Street because of the intimacy you have with the buildings and the people from the windows verandas waving at everybody and yelling “¡Viva la Fiesta!”

Hayward’s desire to celebrate this local joy and honor the legacy of Old Spanish Days of the past, present, and future motivated him to announce “Fiesta Forever” as the 2026 Old Spanish Days theme.

“We got to focus on making good decisions so that Fiesta really is forever, as well as looking back to the beginning, honoring those people who started the organization,” explained Hayward.

This theme goes hand-in-hand with the 2026 Fiesta poster, which was created by local artist Pedro De La Cruz in collaboration with Hayward and his wife. Hayward voiced that he selected De La Cruz as this year’s artist because he wanted someone who was connected and invested in the city’s cultural history.

“It’s his love story to Santa Barbara and all the different things that we all love about Fiesta, Santa Barbara, etcetera,” said Hayward of the 2026 poster.

Yet as much as Hayward honors the past, he has also used his term as Presidente to expand Fiesta’s reach and start what will hopefully

become new traditions. The latest of these additions have included a Fiesta in Montecito kick-off, which will be held 4:30 to 6:30pm on July 30th on Coast Village Road.

Earlier this spring Hayward named Father Larry Gosselin as the inaugural Fiesta Poet Laureate, announced a new annual Fiesta Poetry Contest, and introduced a Fiesta Dog Parade, which became the first parade on State Street since the pandemic.

“The literary community is an important part of the artistic fabric of Santa Barbara and I wanted to recognize it,” he explained. “I introduced the Dog Parade with the same idea in mind. The local dog community is huge in Santa Barbara and we would like it to be part of Fiesta and by celebrating the costumes and fun everyone can have with their dogs as part of a parade on State Street. The Dog Parade was a big success in 2026 and I’m confident that it will be even better in the years to come.”

As Fiesta approaches, Hayward looks forward to officially greeting locals and visitors alike at Fiesta Pequeña on Wednesday, August 5th, where the Spirits of Fiesta will celebrate their first dances and the entire community will be reunited for another memorable week.

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Jenna Ramirez Radiates Liveliness as Spirit of Fiesta

By Bridget Keon / VOICE

EMBODYING JOY AND ARTISTIC ENTHUSIASM WITH EACH STEP AND SPIN, Jenna Ramirez is this year’s Spirit of Fiesta. In a full circle instance of joining a lineage she admired for years, Ramirez will serve as an ambassador of Fiesta, from leading the historic parade to performing on the Mission Santa Barbara steps.

“I am so thankful to be Spirit, so I can inspire other girls to do what they love because I was that girl at one point too,” she said. “[It’s been] years of watching all the other Spirits getting their names called, and now I get to do that. I get to represent such a beautiful community that has done so much for me and given me an opportunity to share something I love.”

Beginning to dance with ballet at just three years old, Ramirez’s lifelong commitment to dancing flamenco began when she was seven, first at Garcia Dance Studio and now at Timo Nunez Arte Flamenco. While she has always loved dancing, as she got older, she realized that dance transformed into an art form of deep history and cultural expression, and one she could appreciate at a mature level, especially during a trip to Spain to study flamenco in its birthplace.

“When I was able to travel to Jerez de Frontera, and when we went to these tablaos, the dancers there, you can see it on the outside of their body but also the inside, the emotion and passion that goes into it,” she said. “It is so captivating, and when I watch them, I just love that you can feel it. You can feel what they’re feeling through their dancing.”

Ramirez has been a part of Fiesta for years, and was ultimately inspired to pursue becoming this year’s Spirit by the courage of her predecessors, her love for the art, and the idea of challenging herself. She feels she is dancing to inspire people to pursue what they love, while also dancing for herself and all that dance has meant for her throughout her life.

“I’ve been dancing for so long, and I’ve gone through so many journeys with dance, and so many different parts of my life,” she said. “Dance has been through it all. I think this year, being Spirit, I’ve been able to prove to myself who I am as a dancer and what I am capable of.”

One of her favorite aspects of Fiesta is the way traditions come together in a multicultural celebration that ultimately unites Santa Barbara’s people and the rich history with those who come to share in the festivities.

“With fiesta, the main thing is community. We get so much, all different types of dance, traditions, and history,” she said. “We not only have flamenco, but we have the folklorico, and we have singers, and we have so much of our culture and history. I think it’s beautiful that we’re able to bring everyone together, no matter who we are, and share so much love. It’s so much fun.”

Just as she watched the dancers in Jerez, she hopes those who attend Fiesta are able to see her emotions reflected in her style.

“I always hope people see that I love to dance because I love to so much,” she said. “And anytime I get to perform, I am having such a great time every time. Here’s so much tradition, and being able to continue it as the new generations come, and being able to give these opportunities to a new generation, is so beautiful.”

Outside of her dancing, Ramierez is currently attending Santa Barbara City College, where she is

Penelope Hernandez Celebrates Family and Fiesta as 2026 Junior Spirit

DBy Daisy Scott / VOICE

ANCING WITH GRACE, ENTHUSIASM, AND A RADIANT SMILE,

tenyear-old Penelope “Penny” Hernandez knows exactly what she wants to accomplish as the 2026 Junior Spirit of Fiesta: to inspire the same cheers and shouts of “¡Viva la Fiesta!” she has heard throughout her Santa Barbara childhood.

“I want to make [audiences] feel happy and excited for Fiesta and have the joy that I have when I’m on stage,” said Hernandez with VOICE

A rising fifth grader at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Hernandez began dancing when she was only two years old, starting flamenco lessons at the age of five at Zermeno Dance Academy. While she has also enjoyed dancing jazz and hip-hop with

Momentum Dance Company, flamenco has quickly become her primary love as she followed in the footsteps of her older cousin and joined many of her friends in learning the historic dance.

“I started joining [flamenco class] because all of my friends were doing it, and then I got a deeper connection with it,” explained Hernandez. “I love it now. I love learning new things about all that happens with Fiesta and I get to perform for everyone throughout the summer!”

A Santa Barbara local, Hernandez is thrilled to perform as the Junior Spirit after years of attending Fiesta events as both a dancer and with her family. She is especially excited for the opportunity to meet new people and dance at locations where she has never performed before, including last weekend’s Fiesta in the Grove at Elings Park and Old Spanish Days’ grand opening event, Fiesta Pequeña at the steps of Old Mission Santa Barbara on Wednesday, August 5th.

“I really like getting to be with my friends on stage—and I love all the dresses that I get to have when I perform!” said Hernandez. “I like expressing myself on stage.”

When she is not dancing, Hernandez plays volleyball and competes in her school’s spelling bees, also ranking at the County Spelling Bee this past spring. She also spends

time with her family, including her younger cousins and three dogs, and encourages everyone to make Fiesta a family focused event.

“I think that everybody should enjoy this lovely Fiesta because it only happens once a year and not many people get to go to Fiesta. It’s a great time to celebrate with your family,” shared Hernandez.

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Sadako Peace Day Returns to La Casa de Maria

By Daisy Scott / VOICE

WHEN HIROSHIMA BOMBING SURVIVOR

SADAKO SASAKI

FOLDED OVER A THOUSAND PAPER CRANES in her hospital bed in the hopes that following Japanese legend would grant her health, her family and friends listened. Today, 82 years after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the entire world is still listening to Sadako, extending her wish to one of universal healing and peace.

On Thursday, August 6th at 6pm, Santa Barbara will join millions in observing Sadako Peace Day as the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation hosts its 32nd annual ceremony at La Casa de Maria. The event is free and open to all.

“The story of Sadako’s life sends a loud and clear message of the necessity of peace, the danger of nuclear weapons, and the suffering of all innocent victims of war, a message that is arguably more important than ever,” shared NAPF President Ivana Nikolić Hughes with VOICE

Hosted at La Casa de Maria’s peaceful Sadako Peace Garden, this year’s ceremony will once again welcome performances by komusō monk Bob Sedivy on the shakuhachi, a traditional Japanese flute, as well as poetry readings by current Santa Barbara Poet Laureate George Yatchisin and past laureates Perie Longo and Enid Osborn.

These creative reflections will be paired with critical updates on NAPF’s work in the fight for nuclear disarmament. The evening will be dedicated to the memory of Jimmy Hara, a dedicated advocate, physician, professor, and former Los Angeles Fire

Department Commissioner who always participated in local Sadako Peace Day celebrations, often telling Sadako’s story.

“We miss him dearly and are pleased to dedicate this year’s event to his memory,” said Hughes. “He will be there with us, just as he has been for so many years.”

Beyond attending Sadako Peace Day, Hughes encourages those who want to advocate for nuclear disarmament to communicate with their elected representatives.

“People in Congress often tell us that they need to hear from their constituents in order to work on this issue,” explained Hughes. “Public awareness and engagement are absolutely key to ensuring that we can eliminate nuclear weapons, thereby enabling humanity not only to survive but thrive.”

La Casa de Maria is located at the Immaculate Heart Community, 800 El Bosque Rd, Montecito.

Locals interested in learning more may visit the “What You Can Do” webpage on the NAPF website, wagingpeace.org

Art From Scrap Invites Local Schools to Save Money on Back-to-School Supplies

HELP GIVE TEACHERS ACCESS to thousands of unique, reusable supplies while helping keep valuable materials out of the landfill by signing your school up for the Art From Scrap School Materials Program. Once enrolled, every teacher at your school receives free bulk materials and 50 percent off most items at Art From Scrap, which has a constantly changing inventory that includes materials for arts and crafts, as well as office and classroom supplies. The cost is $1 per student with a minimum membership amount of $100 and a max of $500. exploreecology.org

Community News

Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise Names New

Angelique Springer Davis

President

ANGELIQUE SPRINGER DAVIS will be the President for Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise in the upcoming Rotary year. A longtime community leader and dedicated Rotarian, Davis will guide the club under the theme “Powered by Purpose and Joy,” inspired by her experience at the Rotary International Convention in Taipei. Davis has held leadership roles with Old Spanish Days Fiesta, the Santa Barbara Courthouse (as a docent and President of the Courthouse Legacy Foundation), Habitat for Humanity, and Rotary. She recently chaired the first-ever Old Spanish Days Fiesta Dog Parade. Professionally, Davis has held senior marketing, communications, and customer success leadership roles. portal.clubrunner.ca/2855

Valerie Rachelle New PCPA Artistic Director and Dean

VALERIE RACHELLE has been named the new Artistic Director and Dean of the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA). Her new role marks a homecoming to PCPA, with her past involvement including serving as an actor, casting director, resident director and choreographer, and movement instructor in the conservatory’s professional actor training program. Recently, she served as the associate artistic director for the Houston, Texas-based Stages and the past artistic director and executive producer of the Oregon Cabaret Theatre in Ashland, OR. At PCPA, Rachelle will succeed outgoing artistic director and dean Mark Booher, who is retiring after 27-year tenure with PCPA, including 21 years as artistic director. pcpa.org

Open Stage Theater Group Debut Performance Inspires Local Audiences

LAUGHTER, MUSIC, AND APPLAUSE GREETED THE DEBUT PERFORMANCE of The Open Stage Theater Group, a program of the Down Syndrome Association of Santa Barbara County at The New Vic theater on July 19th. Presenting the The Magical Mystical Karaoke Tour, the show offered not only an entertaining and cheerful show, but represented a dream come true for many of its actors.

“Watching this come to life was truly amazing,” said Melissa Fitch, President of the Down Syndrome Association of Santa Barbara County. “The best part was seeing our performers step on stage with confidence, have fun, and share their talents with the community. The audience was laughing, singing along, and cheering them on the entire afternoon. That kind of support means everything.”

The Open Stage Theater Group was created to provide meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities to experience the performing arts— not only as audience members, but as performers. After months of rehearsals, the cast delivered an original production that showcased each performer ’s unique personality, confidence, humor, and talent. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause, spontaneous sing-alongs, and heartfelt cheers. Open Stage Theater Group will begin another session of classes this fall. DSASBC.org

Rent stabilization ordinance in Santa Barbara stalls again over the details

Continued from Page 1

The City Council has already showed support for the ordinance, but exemptions, details snarl conversation Tuesday night

“The community has been heard,” said Barbara Andersen, assistant to the City Administrator. “We are not debating for or against rent stabilization. Community direction is clear. Council direction is clear. This is moving forward.”

But what the ordinance looks like remains unclear.

The City Council voted 4-3 in April to limit annual rent increases to 60 percent of CPI, with a maximum of 3 percent, or whichever is lower. The city hopes to formally pass the ordinance later this year, with it going into effect in January.

should take that into consideration and not dissolve into some little nasty push and pull.”

Rowse then pointed his finger at a person in the audience.

“You can smile all you want, but being a bully is not the way to get things done,” Rowse said.

One of the main issues that surfaced Tuesday night was whether to exempt certain property owners from having to comply with the rent stabilization ordinance.

Councilwoman Meagan Harmon, who has pushed for a rent stabilization ordinance since she was first appointed to the City Council in 2019, said that affordable housing projects should not have to comply with the rent stabilization ordinance.

rent control doesn’t belong in Santa Barbara.

“Rent control requires property owners to subsidize the cost of the tenant’s housing regardless of the property owner’s ability and regardless of a tenant’s need,” Lang said. “It’s not fair to put the entire burden of subsidizing our community’s housing on one small group of property owners.”

Or the strife was so big and so bad that unfortunately they passed away. That happens too.”

Renter Hillary Blackerby urged the council to keep listening to what the public has said for years and to “stick with it.”

The rent stabilization issue has polarized Santa Barbara City Hall and pit property owners against renters. Tenants and tenant advocates contend that rents have skyrocketed and that landlords who continue to raise rents are driving people out of the community. Landlords contend that rent stabilization will force property owners to cut maintenance of their buildings or even sell their properties.

Local owners will have no choice, they say, but to sell to corporations who really don’t care about the community.

The issue has fractured City Hall, pit councilmembers vs. councilmembers, and sparked divisiveness and rancor in an election year.

Mayor Randy Rowse, who opposes the ordinance, admonished some members of the audience Tuesday night for criticizing the city.

“Staff is working their butt off to do this,” Rowse said. “They have scheduled every one of these things as an evening session to accommodate people who are tenants. I think we

Residents are already only paying 30 percent of their income based on the CPI, which can go up or down in a given year. Placing another layer of control over those rents could be counter-productive to the city’s affordable housing goals, Harmon said.

“What I am trying to balance here is the stabilization prong with the production prong, and the production of the kind of housing that all agree that we want and need in the city,” Harmon said.

For example, Harmon said the city has loaned money to some of these affordable housing projects, and these developers pay those loans back over time to the city.

“That income stream is money that goes directly into our affordable housing fund,” Harmon said.

Harmon said further limiting the amount of rent that landlords of affordable housing projects can collect would risk those loans not being repaid “and we lose the opportunity to reinvest that money into the development of new affordable housing.”

Several property owners spoke at the meeting. Rick Lang said

About an hour before the meeting started, tenants and tenant advocates marched to City Hall and then held a press conference on the steps in front of the pepper tree.

“We are tired of seeing our neighbors being displaced,” said Ana Arce. “That’s why we continue to fight. For all those who had to relocate who are now in other cities or other states.

“Please, let’s get it across the the finish line with strong protections,” Blackerby said. “No point in doing half measures here. No baby steps. We are ready to move.”

Nothing was decided Tuesday night. Staff will return with a proposed ordinance for a final vote possibly in August.

BY JOSHUA MOLINA / SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS

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

Endangered Sunflower Stars at the Sea Center

THE NEWEST RESIDENTS OF THE SEA CENTER on Stearns Wharf are making a splash this summer. Two Sunflower Stars (Pycnopodia helianthoides), each boasting 18 arms and tube feet, are now on display, educating visitors on the key role they play in maintaining healthy kelp forest ecosystems. However, these urchin-eaters have been on the decline in the wild in California since the mid-2010s.

The Sunflower Stars at the Sea Center arrived via the Sunflower Star Laboratory, a nonprofit that raises the stars and works with many partners to restore them where they can rehabilitate kelp forests. The Sunflower Stars on display at the Sea Center participated in the nonprofit’s inaugural outplanting trials in Monterey, before returning to SSL. At the Sea Center, they now serve as Southern California ambassadors for their species. The Sea Center is open daily 10am to 5pm

A Sad and Beautiful World

A Conversation with Director Cyril Aris

By Robert F. Adams / Special to VOICE

AGENTLE

ROMANTIC

DRAMA, set in multigenerational war-torn Beirut, Lebanon, is the focus of A Sad and Beautiful World, Lebanese director Cyril Aris’s first feature film. Released in New York last week, the film has been anointed this week’s Critic’s Pick at The New York Times. The film opens on Friday at SBIFF’s Film Center at 916 State Street for at least a week’s run of screenings.

Aris wrote the script to be structured and interwoven within three generational memory zones including a childhood encounter, a reunion filled with tantalizing romantic encounters both dramatic and slyly comic, and the concluding parenthood years as a couple grapples with challenges falling all around them in a battle zone. The film ultimately is a tale of resilience and hope, a small family up against modernday bombings and human-induced destruction. In a delicate performance, Lebanese filmmaker Mounia Aki plays Yashima, the strong and vulnerable romantic interest of Nino, who has loved her since childhood. Their relationship crosses decades and periods of the chaotic recent history of Lebanon while celebrating the beauty of the mountains, sea, and the people holding fast to family values within Beirut’s jumbled urban fabric.

He continued, “I wrote the part specifically for Mounia. We have worked together on many projects with a whole history together and I had her in mind as I developed the script. We also cast many other supporting parts with first-time actors from Beirut.”

Aris mentioned that the main characters have a duality, especially Yashima, veering from strength to shades of vulnerability. His stance on the set was to shoot many takes of the intimate scenes so that the result was not too sentimental and not too harsh, and, as he describes the shoot, “I was searching for contrast and paradox, which informed not only the performances that we rehearsed before the shoot but also in the cinematography with Joe Saade, who has been on my filmmaking team for over ten years…We used warm and cool colors for the various time periods as well as developing a warm intimacy with hand-held cameras for the love scenes.” Director Aris wanted to show Beirut as an “anchor” of the past and somehow capture the essence of the beauty and chaos of the backdrop setting.

Music Academy of the West

Elizabeth Cree The Opera: A Macabre Diary

By Robert F. Adams / Special to VOICE

UNSPOOLING

DARK

TALES

OF LATE 1800S LONDON, the Music Academy of the West’s summer opera from Pulitzer Prize-winning collaborators Kevin Puts and Mark Campbell (Silent Night) was a murderous gothic work, Elizabeth Cree. A relatively new opera, commissioned and first performed in 2017, Cree was presented by the Lehrer Vocal Institute to a packed house at the Granada Theatre on Friday, July 24th. The experience was somewhat like hearing and watching a grisly crime tale, along the lines of Brecht/ Weil’s masterwork also set in the 1880s side-streets of London, The Threepenny Opera or the musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street but with details that were not only hairraising, but suggestively gory.

The opera flew by at breakneck speed, with the propulsive pace of the music interwoven with an engaging crime procedural. Credit has to be given to the librettist Mark Campbell who set the structure of this adaptation of Peter Ackroyd’s 1995 novel, The Trial of Elizabeth Cree. There are almost thirty scenes taking place, all clearly delineated by director Louisa Muller’s staging and with clear and definitive lighting by Yuki Nakase Link, bringing focus to a flood of memories from a Music Hall and the British Museum Reading Room to the homicidal chambers dramatized with a diary narrative.

Academy Opera Orchestra, formed from this season’s fellows. The percussion, harp, keyboard, and string sections all fully answered the call of challenges with rapid transitions between rhythms that were unfurling along with abrupt moods and set changes, finding clarity in this complex series of harmonics.

VOICE sat down with Aris for conversation about the film, who called over Zoom from his office location in Colombia, where he lives and splits his time between Lebanon and other locations around the globe promoting his new film.

“The film was autobiographical in the sense I used my personal experiences to color parts of the story,” said Aris. “I prepared the film shoot and sought funding from a variety of sources for four years before we began filming in 2024. We were lucky, as the 29 days it took to shoot in Beirut was just before the Israeli bombardments.”

A Sad and Beautiful World was Lebanon’s official submission for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film for 2025, and it won Best Film at the Asian World Film Festival. The film also won a People’s Choice award at the Gioornati degli Autori sidebar section at the Venice Festival, which honors film efforts by independent film auteurs. The film is attractive with a compelling romance and in this time of wider release it is a great opportunity to see director Aris’s vision on a big screen.

For tickets and showtimes visit sbiff.org

The conclusion contained both triumphs and spine-tingling tragedy with the swinging shadows of the accused, Elizabeth Cree, who was hanged after being found guilty of a series of horrendous murders. Altogether with the set’s abstracted “operating theatre,” often seen in film versions of Frankenstein, the set designer Timothee Mackabee created a visual structure that encouraged a cinematic ambiance as the opera’s ninety minutes unfolded with the composer’s musical vortex of motives and musical fragments. This entertaining opera veered far from the traditional, and its contemporary dynamics rendered a gripping crime novel atmosphere.

Conductor Benjamin Morris commanded the precision of the

Mezzo-soprano Ashlyn Brown gave the title character Elizabeth Cree a credible variety of textures, as this fictional protagonist manipulated so many of the other characters, all of whom were unfortunate to encounter her. Brown embodied the dark psychology behind her Elizabeth’s rags-to-riches character arc, rising from poverty to the high life. The supporting vocalists delivered a standout ensemble effort, and entertained with bravado given the small cast within the very large set that dominated the space. Key cast members included memorable portrayals from Geoffrey Schmeizer as Elizabeth’s husband, John Cree, Kate Fogg as the misled and entrapped Aveline, and Tyler Middleton as the suspicious and intense Inspector Kildare.

The enthusiastic audience rewarded this macabre production with multiple rounds of applause. The accomplished, risk-taking operatic work is this summer’s Irene Cummings Endowed Opera and the Carol Franc Buck Foundation sponsored this work in memory of Carol Franc Buck. The opening night performance was dedicated to Music Academy supporter and benefactor Bob Weinman. musicacademy.org

Old Spanish Days invites you to kick off Fiesta week at...

La Recepción del P residente!

Silent & Live Auctions

Passed Appetizers & Plated Dinner •

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1

5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

www.sbfiesta.org

Santa Barbara Club 1105 Chapala Street • Santa Barbara ¡ Viva laFiesta!

CITY OF SANTA BARBARA

NOTICE OF A PLANNING COMMISSION HEARING

THURSDAY August 20, 2026, at 1:00 P.M.

COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 735 ANACAPA STREET

The Planning Commission will hold a meeting to review and consider a recommendation to City Council for adoption of Municipal Code Amendments for Inclusionary Housing requirements. Inclusionary housing are zoning code standards that requires a certain number of units— calculated as a percentage of total units in a development—as affordable units.

The inclusionary housing ordinance amendments incorporate recommendations from the 2026 Inclusionary Housing and In-Lieu Fee Study. The Planning Commission and City Council supported the Study recommendations and provided guidance to staff in Spring 2026. The proposed ordinance amendments: implement goals, policies, and programs from the 2023-2031 Housing Element; align ownership and rental inclusionary housing requirements; are based on evaluation of the existing requirements in the current market conditions and the cost to build inclusionary housing; support affordable housing development while not negatively impacting feasibility of new residential development; and address administration difficulties.

The Housing Plan Program EIR adequately describes the inclusionary housing ordinance amendments for the purposes of CEQA and the ordinance amendments are within the scope of the Program EIR scheduled for approval.

For more information, please see the Planning Commission Staff Report (available the week prior to the hearing), contact InclusionaryHousing@SantaBarbaraCA.gov, or visit https://santabarbaraca.gov/Inclusionary-Housing-Requirements.

The Commission will receive and consider public comment at this meeting. The process for receiving public comment is described on the agenda, which will be available at least 72 hours prior to the meeting at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PC. This meeting will be broadcast live on City TVChannel 18 and online at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/citytv. If you need staff assistance to participate in this meeting, contact the City Administrator’s Office at (805) 564 5305. If possible, please provide notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

Costco Gas Station in Goleta

I AM A 24-YEAR COSTCO MEMBER BUT I READ WITH DISAPPOINTMENT news of the proposed negotiating agreement between SBA and Costco for a gas station in the heart of Goleta off Hollister Avenue, on Santa Barbara-owned land.

How can a high-volume Costco gas station at that location possibly be under consideration? It defies good sense. Nightmare traffic congestion is, of course, the first objection that comes to mind. The second is Santa Barbara running roughshod over her next door Goleta cousin once again, most likely with little or no input from Goleta citizenry and leadership, short of a lawsuit. Thirdly, what does it say about our area’s attitude towards fossil fuel dependency (which we brag and litigate about) and issues like gasoline vapor and likely leakage into groundwater resources?

Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control Board as well and County Supervisors should see this plan as a non-starter as well.

Costco is usually a good neighbor but should rethink the message and concept of a proposal like this. We have plenty of gas stations, thank you very much.

Airports are well-known for grabbing all the revenue they can, frequently without regard to their neighbors. SBA is no exception, and we should remember the shady deal that put the airport in the middle of Goleta Valley in the first place. Airport Director and Goleta resident Chris Hastert doesn’t have much choice in the matter but the Airport Commission does. One hopes that revenue desperation on the part of Santa Barbara and Costco does not trample other less toxic lease opportunities for this location.

Santa Barbara and Goleta have to get along. Let’s see if sensible options can prevail.

- Submitted by Frank DiMarco, Goleta

Four Council Members Should Be Recalled

To The Editor,

I AM A LIBERAL! I believe our government is supposed to do things that make our lives better.

Now in Santa Barbara, four city council members have decided the way to make things better is on the backs of a few and not the whole and dividing the community.There is the misconception that all landlords are rich because they have sacrificed in order to acquire an apartment building. There are a few large apartment complexes in Santa Barbara, but by far most are owned and operated by small families and they do not make a fortune off the rents. There is another popular misconception, that the landlord sets the rents and so they are high. Rents are set by demand, exactly the same as when you sell a house. You can ask whatever you want, but it will only rent for what someone is willing to pay.

The demand for apartments in Santa Barbara will always be high, no matter how many you add to the existing ones, it will not lower the rents! You can add skyscrapers to Cabrillo boulevard and it might reduce the rent for a short period, but when they fill up, you will be in the same position as now. The only way of helping people that can not afford the rent is by demanding higher wages and by subsidising people who are low income.

There are four members on this City Council who have not educated themselves in the business of owning multi family properties and they must go. The only solution to this problem is to recall them!

Sincerely,

John Whitehurst, Santa Barbara and Goleta

Fiesta Forever Lives in Pedro de la Cruz’s Poster

By Bridget Keon / VOICE

ACOLORFUL CELEBRATION OF DANCE, HISTORY, MUSIC, AND ARCHITECTURE

comes to life in the dynamic 2026 Old Spanish Days Fiesta poster by local artist Pedro de la Cruz. Created in collaboration with El Presidente Colin Hayward, the poster nods to Santa Barbara’s multi-faceted culture and supports one of its oldest festival traditions.

“I was really excited,” said de la Cruz, on being selected to design this year’s poster. “I was very thrilled. I never use that word, but I was really thrilled because I’ve wanted this for a while now. It’s very important to somebody who’s lived here a while.”

and architectural influences. His latest masterpiece joins a tradition in itself. For decades, Fiesta posters have been produced new for each season, always featuring a local artist working in collaboration with El Presidente.

“I like to think that Santa Barbara keeps a lot of history and traditions alive, and I think Fiesta is a good vehicle to remind us of those traditions,” he said. “My art is similar to that, trying to keep those traditions alive in history.”

De la Cruz’s poster reflects much of the essence of Fiesta and Santa Barbara. Elements include the Spirit of Fiesta in her white flamenco dress, the Saint Barbara Tower, flamenco dancers, the Santa Barbara Mission, and a banner of this year’s theme of “Fiesta Forever.” The bottom right corner features a young boy by a donkey, a symbolic choice by de la Cruz.

Additionally inspired by his grandfather, an architect from Mexico, and his friends, neighbors, and the community around him, de la Cruz has created an embodiment of a festival that celebrates locality. His design shows more than one side of the festival.

In addition to admiring de la Cruz’s vivid posters across town, locals and visitors can view his work at Art & Soul gallery as they present Cosas De La Vida, an exhibition featuring pieces by de la Cruz and local artist Olivia Joffrey. The show will continue through August 30th.

Born in Tijuana, Mexico and having moved to Santa Barbara in his teenage years, de la Cruz is regularly inspired by his Central Coast home. Drawing from the red tile roofs, stucco walls, and rich multi-cultural traditions, he is consistently crafting work that reflects the city’s rich cultural

“I really believe, because of the slogan of ‘Fiesta Forever,’ that the youth are the future,” he said. “We must also, through them, keep the traditions alive. It’s up to us to keep teaching those traditions. As much as we can, we have to respect our youth and [young people’s perspectives]. So that’s why there’s a little boy there. I thought he needed to be on there, because it’s a way of keeping the traditions alive.”

De la Cruz depicts each of these elements with a vibrant and rich color palette. With inspiration from Picasso, Matisse, and Van Gogh, de la Cruz’s work incorporates stylistic nods to each of them in a poster that embodies uniquely local excitement and attention to detail.

“I feel like everyone comes together,” he said. “You run into your neighbors, you run into somebody you haven’t seen in a while, you see family, you see friends, people you wouldn’t normally see on a normal day like today. But when Fiesta comes around, you see them out there, and everyone has this spirit of joy and happiness, and everyone’s of the same mindset of just wanting to celebrate life.”

This joy and enthusiasm, alongside community pride and spirit, is reflective of the festival itself, and among the highlights of Fiesta for de la Cruz.

“I just wanted it to be a celebration and just happy, joy, and positivity,” de la Cruz said.

“Just for a minute there, we forget about the world and just celebrate our town and each other,” he said. pedrodelacruz-artist.com

Santa Barbara Old Spanish Days – Fiesta

F iesta! Highlights

DIGS

GET READY TO DANCE AT “FIESTA'S WILDEST PARTY” when DIGS (Celebración de los Dignatarios) returns to the Santa Barbara Zoo from 5 to 10pm on Thursday, August 6th. For guests ages 21 and up, this roaring event invites attendees to sip and savor their way through unlimited tastings at booths hosted by close to 40 different local restaurants, wineries, and breweries.

The Downtown Club Fiesta Children’s Carnival

FIESTA FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY will return when The Downtown Club of Santa Barbara hosts its annual Children’s Carnival with plenty of carnival rides, games, food, and entertainment each day of Fiesta weekend!

Located at 632 E. Canon Perdido St., the carnival will be open from 12 to 8pm on Thursday through Saturday, August 6th to 8th, and from 12 to 5pm on Sunday, August 9th. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages three to 17. All funds raised will support the club’s youth programming, which includes academic support, mentorship, healthy meals and snacks, and more.

Add a DJ and live music providing a grooving soundtrack, along with a special appearance by the Spirit of Fiesta, and DIGS will have guests dancing long into the night. For tickets ($170) or limited overnight parking passes ($25) visit sbzoo.org/digs

Fiesta Photography Contest

SHARE YOUR BEST SNAPSHOTS

capturing the joy, beauty, and fun of Fiesta when Old Spanish Days hosts its first Fiesta Photography Contest! Each day from Wednesday, August 5th to Friday, August 7th, locals are invited to email their best photo from that day for a chance to win prizes.

Volunteers are needed to assist with games, activities, admissions, and hospitality. Interested volunteers or event sponsors should email luna@ boysandgirlssb.org

Mercado de La Guerra

SERVING UP CHURROS, TACOS, AND REFRESHING AQUAS FRESCAS, the heart of downtown Fiesta is the Mercado de La Guerra, open daily during Fiesta from 11am-10pm. Across from City Hall in De La Guerra Plaza, the mercado will feature Spanish and MexicanAmerican foods, crafts and souvenirs, dancing, and live music and entertainment. The colorful Mexican market will be open all day, serving as a meeting ground and space for community engagement and enjoyment, selling clothing, toys, jewelry, art, and so much more.

Entries must be submitted by 11:59pm on the same day that the photo is taken and be shot at an official Old Spanish Dayssponsored event. Photos must also be taken with a cellphone and not a professional camera.

Daily winners will be selected and receive a signed 2026 Fiesta poster and commemorative pin. Contest winners will receive cash prizes sponsored by Ace Hardware Home Improvement Center, with First Place receiving $500, Second Place receiving $250, and Third Place receiving $150.

Contest entries should be submitted to osdfiestaphotocontest@gmail.com with a message including your name, age, phone number, email address, and the date and event where your photo was taken. To learn more visit sbfiesta.org

Accessible Seating Available for Historic Parade

To ensure all community members are able to attend and enjoy the historic Fiesta parade on Friday, August 7th, special covered seating will be available for attendees who use wheelchairs, walkers, or are disabled. The seats will be available at the beginning of the parade route on the southeast corner of Castillo and Cabrillo Streets, across the street from Toma restaurant on the beach side. The area will be marked with “handicap reserved” seating signs.

Temporary, additional handicap parking spots will be available in the marina parking lot, near the harbor’s boat launch and behind the Los Baños del Mar swimming pool. A wheelchair-accessible bathroom will also be located near the parade viewing area.

El Desfile Histórico

ADMIRE DOZENS OF HISTORIC CARRIAGES, caballeros atop decorated steeds, and cheer on twirling dancers when El Desfile Histórico, Fiesta’s historical parade, returns to Cabrillo Boulevard at noon on Friday, August 7th. One of the largest equestrian parades in the nation, the parade will march down Cabrillo from Castillo Street to Calle Cesar Chavez spreading joy and confetti!

Fiesta Poet Laureates

FOR THE FIRST TIME, local wordsmiths are celebrating Old Spanish Days after entering the inaugural Fiesta Poetry Contest

Created by Presidente Colin Hayward and chaired by Leslie Lund, the contest engaged the city’s creative community by asking residents to submit original works inspired by Fiesta’s heritage, music, food, and hospitality.

The title of 2026 Fiesta Poet Laureate was awarded to poet Father Larry Gosselin, OMF, of Old Mission Santa Barbara, who joined a distinguished panel of contest judges made up of current City of Santa Barbara Poet Laureate George Yatchisin and past city Poet Laureates Perie Longo, David Starkey, and Melinda Palacio.

This year's winners are: Elise Swanson Ochoa (adult), Marcelo Gonzales (teen), and Vienna Cervantes (youth). The runners-up are: Justin Young (adult), Jacob Johns (teen), and Missy Temler (youth).

All honorees will read their poems at various events throughout Fiesta week, August 5th to 9th, with the winners also receiving cash prizes and the runners-up receiving bookstore gift certificates. Congratulations to the poets!

Meet Fiesta’s 2026 Saint Barbara

By Gabriella Tarantino / VOICE

FOR JULIE HERRERA FOLEY, FIESTA

FESTIVITIES mean music, dancing, and dressing up, but above all, they mean family. Selected by the Reina del Mar Parlor No. 126 of the Native Daughters of the Golden West to portray Santa Barbara’s Patron Saint during the 103rd Old Spanish Days Fiesta, Foley is continuing a tradition her sister, Christine Herrera, began ten years ago when she represented Saint Barbara.

“To me, it’s very special,” said Foley, “I am a tenthgeneration Santa Barbaran and always participated in Fiesta as a child, and just getting to this point in my life where this is even an option is a blessing. It’s really special.”

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Foley attended Santa Barbara High School and Santa Barbara City College before becoming a medical assistant at Sansum Clinic. She has been a member of the Reina del Mar Parlor No. 126 for the past fourteen years, serving alongside her mother, sister, and several cousins.

But the Foley family involvement in the celebration also extends to relatives living beyond county lines, whose coming together creates that particular sense of community that Foley has always valued in Fiesta.

“I have a lot of family who live up north who come faithfully every year just for the special occasion because they think it’s so nice,” shared Foley. “And that [Presidente Colin Hayward] wants to make it more open to everyone in the city, including Montecito, I think that’s even more joyous, just to have some fun and be together.”

She recalls the wonder Fiesta evoked in her childhood: the treats, the parade, the costumes, and the special excitement of being allowed to put on lipstick as a young girl. However, while Foley had always engaged with the festivities, she had never held such a large role until now.

“I was very shy as a little girl,” explained Foley, “I never participated

in the children’s parade, so doing this as an adult, it definitely is bringing me out of my shell. I love it.”

Just as the spirit of St. Barbara strengthened her confidence, Foley hopes to inspire the young people of the community in much the same way, exuding joy while honoring the rich heritage and history of the place she calls home.

Foley is especially delighted to be a role model for her two daughters and granddaughter, whom she has always encouraged to take part in Fiesta. She hopes one day they may carry on what has become a family tradition of portraying Saint Barbara.

“I love, love, love the children’s parade,” said Foley. “When my daughters were small, they danced for several years, and I’d love to watch the parade, and I was so proud of them. I hope that they see me this year in this parade and they feel the same way.”

On the Street with John Palminteri

Photos and Stories by John Palminteri, Special to VOICE

Local Business Spotlights

CUSO’S BIKES HAS ADDED ITS CREAMERY OPERATION and sandwiches under one roof at 609 State St. in downtown Santa Barbara.

Dylan Mancuso says he’s enjoying the heat waves and the late evening nightlife customers that come in. He is keeping his other address across the street too. Stay tuned for more details.

CONGRATULATIONS ON 25 YEARS OF SMILES AND BEERS! This weekend was a two day celebration of Island Brewing Company in Carpinteria. Cheers to Paul and Cheryl Wright, their supportive family, and customers.

First Responders Updates

A DRIVER ACCELERATED THE WRONG DIRECTION on Monday in Santa Barbara, and went through a couple of protective posts then right into the Toy Crazy store. This is in the Montecito Country Mart on Coast Village Road. No major injuries were reported but at least one person was checked out by AMR. Santa Barbara Fire used wood braces to shore up the structure before the car was pulled out.

LAST WEEK, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office conducted a surprise bike and e-bike safety enforcement operation in Carpinteria. Deputies issued a total of six citations, including one adult and five juveniles.

NORMALLY A BIG RELIEF ON AN 81 DEGREE DAY, this was a soggy mess in Santa Barbara on Saturday afternoon on the corner of Canon Perdido and Santa Barbara Streets. The spray went away from the landmark Presidio, which was set up for the annual La Boheme Fiesta party. A few thousand gallons of water might have turned it into a pool party.

Concerts in the Park Rocks the Season

AN ESTIMATED 10,000 ENJOYED CONCERTS IN THE PARK presented by the Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department with a four week series this month at Chase Palm Park. The free shows were an impressive community gathering for music, picnic space, and a family friendly time. Local hit Spencer the Gardener gave the final concert of the summer last Thursday. The lawn survived and appears ready for more!

Amtrak Promotion Open to SoCal Passengers

THE AMTRAK PACIFIC SURFLINER gets all 29 station stops involved in a sticker promotion that could win passengers prizes along the way or a $250 grand prize gift card.

SB Water Polo Club Named Champions!

DOUBLE CHAMPIONSHIPS were won recently by the Santa Barbara Water Polo Club. They captured both 16U and 18U National Junior Olympics titles.

New Electric Car Charging Stations

is a

news

A FORMER GREYHOUND BUS DEPOT in downtown Santa Barbara, at the corner of Carrillo and Chapala Streets, is now a clean energy electric vehicle charging station site. It has multiple high power sites and battery storage.

and anchor for Newschannel 3-12 TV and both KJEE and KCLU radio in Santa

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

B BUSINESS

A Fiesta de Fuego! Benefit for SAFE SBC

LET THE FIESTA BEGIN AT FIESTA DE FUEGO! A spicy hot benefit for SAFE SBC, will be hosted at a stunning and very private Montecito estate on July 31st.

Fiesta de Fuego! an adults only (21+only) event is hosted by Kielle Lindsey, Robyn and Jess Parker, John and Olesya Thyne, and Travis and Amanda Twining, with ticket sales benefiting SAFE Santa Barbara County.

There will be so much to taste and experience including delicious Mexican food, top-tier whiskey, performances by Junior and Senior Spirit of Fiesta, mariachi, fiesta floral headpieces to craft, a cigar roller, and more! Dress in your Fiesta or Western best for the costume contest!

SAFE Santa Barbara County is a strategic alliance that supports efforts to eradicate human trafficking and exploitation in Santa Barbara County and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

The address for this Fiesta will be sent to guests prior to the event. Tickets are $300 and tax-deductible less a $25 FMV for goods received. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Contact: safesbc.org

Transient Occupency

Tax Remittance

Deadline Extended

THE DUE DATE FOR THE TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY

TAX monthly remittance and payment deadline has offically been changed from the 10th to the 15th of each month. This change of Section 4.08.070 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code reflects a support of local hotels and short-term rental operators. santabarbaraCA.gov

WASHINGTON (July 9, 2026) – "Existing-home sales decreased by 2.4 percent monthover-month and increased 2.8 percent year-over-year, according to the National Association of REALTORS® Existing-Home Sales report." - NAR

By Harlan Green, Special to VOICE, July 23, 2026

IT’S BEEN MONTHS since I wrote about the housing market, because it’s been a very slow recovery with rising prices and flat sales. So no housing bubble in sight, but we could use a moderate one, though not like what precipitated the Great Recession. The slow recovery is due to a multidecade housing shortage for starters, particularly for entry-level home buyers in the affordable range.

And the 30-year fixed rate mortgage has hovered above five percent since 2023, its longest stretch above five percent since 2007 and the start of the Great Recession. Lower interest rates would certainly stimulate more housing construction, especially on the affordable end.

A New Housing Bubble? ECONOMIC VOICE

But new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh has been repeating that inflation is too high at his congressional hearings and the Fed may have to make some hard choices and become an inflation hawk to bring inflation back to its two percent target rate.

held below rising inflation that caused housing prices to increase by double digits for a couple of years and we were left with a massive oversupply of unsold homes.

Right now, we have both a demand and supply problem—how to bring down mortgage rates to lure more home buyers, and kick start more housing construction.

The Trump administration is also attempting to talk down interest rates in the face of its massive tax cuts as it has been waging war on several fronts—from attacking Venezuela to Iran, while again ballooning the federal debt.

The 30-year average fixed mortgage was last at a much more affordable three percent rate during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is 6.58 at this writing and has remained above six percent since 2022 when the Fed last raised interest rates to combat inflation as world economies began to recover from COVID.

By Harlan Green

If only we still had Ayn Rand disciple and free market lover Alan Greenspan as the Fed Chair! In a similar situation during the GW Bush 2000 decade, Fed Governors resisted raising the Fed rates to help fund the Bush administration’s wars on terror, despite enacting the large Republican tax cuts that caused the first $trillion in federal debt.

A caveat is to be careful what you wish for, since the last such building surge inflated the housing bubble for mostly the wrong reasons.

The busted housing bubble that led to the Great Recession of 200809 also led to the current housing shortage. Can we ever return to the ‘good old days’ when there was enough housing for those that want to own?

The earlier housing bubble was a combination of low interest rates

than half a million since the beginning of the year—will continue to provide support for the housing market.”

But so much is similar to the busted housing bubble. Trump’s Big Beautiful Tax Bill and Iran war are raising the costs of everything as did Bush’s tax cuts and war on terror.

Are we seeing a housing revival with the slight uptick in existing home sales? Hope springs eternal, as the saying goes. Sales have hovered around four million residential units since the busted housing bubble and 2008-09 Great Recession. There has never been enough supply to satisfy the demand of an increasing population since then because the busted housing bubble restricted new home building for almost ten years, and 30-year fixed rate mortgages have hovered above six percent ever since, per FRED.

VoiceSB.com

CASA Santa Barbara, Inc.

Mailing Address: 217 Sherwood Dr Santa Barbara, CA 93110

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And we know both home buyers and mortgage lenders are incredibly sensitive to mortgage rates, in part because mortgage lenders have kept credit standards much higher than they were in the lead up to the housing bubble, which caused so many defaults. Anyone remember the no-income verification, liar loans of that time?

The National Association of Realtors remain hopeful that the home buyer market will approve.

"The back-and-forth in monthly home sales activity, driven by mild fluctuations in mortgage rates, shows how sensitive home buyers are to affordability conditions,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “However, job gains—more

Higher interest rates are raising construction costs. Trump’s tariffs on steel, copper, lumber, and other materials are lifting construction prices and interrupting some jobs. This is while immigration enforcement is worsening worker shortages and delaying projects.

As I wrote last week, “We get so many things thrown at us in the construction industry,” said Tony Rader, the chief relationship officer at National Roofing Partners, a commercial roofing company in Coppell, Texas. “It just seems like every time we turn around, we’ve got something else to fight.”

The bottom line is too many resources have been diverted to funding wars, not peaceful enterprises since then, leaving little room for more housing construction, or curing our homeless problem.

When will that change?

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

Harlan Green has been the 18-year EditorPublisher of PopularEconomics.com, a weekly syndicated financial wire service. He writes a Popular Economics Weekly Blog. He is an economic forecaster and teacher of real estate finance with 30-years experience as a banker and mortgage broker.

To reach Harlan call 805-452-7696 or email editor@populareconomics.com.

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The Multi-family Investment Specialist

OF OFFICES AND NOMINATIONS

GIVEN that pursuant to § 10224.5 of the State of California, relating to the General held in the City of Santa Barbara on Tuesday, following officers are to be elected:

STEVE GOLIS

sgolis@radiusgroup.com www.radiusgroup.com 805-879-9606

CA Lic. 00772218

City Clerk Services Manager certifies that not been issued to incumbents for any of

AVISO DE CARGOS Y NOMINACIONES

POR MEDIO DEL PRESENTE SE COMUNICA que, en virtud del § 10224.5 del Código Electoral del Estado de California, las Elecciones Municipales Generales se van a llevar a cabo en la Ciudad de Santa Barbara el martes, 3 de noviembre, de 2026, para elegir los siguientes cargos:

Para Alcalde Período completo de cuatro años

Para 1 Miembro del Concejo Municipal

Distrito 4 Período completo de cuatro años

Para 1 Miembro del Concejo Municipal

Distrito 5 Período completo de cuatro años

Para 1 Miembro del Concejo Municipal

Distrito 6 Período completo de cuatro años

be obtained at the City of Santa Barbara Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:

papers may be filed at City of Santa Barbara Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

dates: July 13 – 16, July 20 – 24, July 27 – 30, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Mayor position does not file nomination August 7, the period for filing completed Mayor position only is extended until 5:00

The following Individual is doing business as FIRST STEP IMMIGRATION at 133 South Salinas Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. LUCERO MILLA at 133 South Salinas Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on July 17, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0001857. Published July 24, 31, August 7, 14, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:

The following Corporation is doing business as ORION REALTY GROUP at 630 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. MANCHESTER DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION at 630 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on June 11, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0001522. Published July 31, August 7, 14, 21, 2026.

A fecha de 24 de julio de 2026, la Gerente de servicios de la secretaria municipal certifica que no se han proporcionado los documentos de nominación a los titulares de ninguno de los cargos vacantes.

Se puede obtener la documentación para la nominación en la oficina de la secretaria municipal, 735 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

Los documentos de nominación completos se pueden presentar en la oficina de la secretaria municipal, 735 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, entre las siguientes fechas: 13 de julio hasta el 16 de julio, 20 de julio hasta el 24 de julio, 27 de julio hasta el 30 de julio, y 2 de agosto hasta el 7 de agosto; y en el horario de 9:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m. Si el titular del cargo de alcalde no presenta los documentos de nominación antes de las 5:00 p.m. el día 7 de agosto, el periodo para presentar los documentos de nominación completos para el cargo de alcalde únicamente se extenderá hasta las 5:00 p.m. el día 12 de agosto de 2026.

(SEAL)

/s/

Sarah Gorman, MMC

Gerente de servicios de la oficina de la secretaria municipal

Fechada: 24 de julio de 2026

NOTICE OF OFFICES AND NOMINATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to § 10224.5 of the Elections Code of the State of California, relating to the General Municipal Election to be held in the City of Santa Barbara on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the following officers are to be elected:

For Mayor Full term of four years

For 1 Member of the City Council, District 4 Full term of four years

For 1 Member of the City Council, District 5 Full term of four years

For 1 Member of the City Council, District 6 Full term of four years

As of July 24, 2026, the City Clerk Services Manager certifies that nomination papers have not been issued to incumbents for any of the open offices.

Nomination papers may be obtained at the City of Santa Barbara City Clerk’s Office, 735 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

Completed nomination papers may be filed at City of Santa Barbara City Clerk’s Office, 735 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 between the following dates: July 13 – 16, July 20 – 24, July 27 – 30, and August 2 -7, 2026, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. If the incumbent for the Mayor position does not file nomination papers by 5:00 p.m. on August 7, the period for filing completed nomination papers for the Mayor position only is extended until 5:00 p.m. on August 12, 2026.

(SEAL)

/s/

Sarah Gorman, MMC City Clerk Services Manager

Dated: July 24, 2026

Fictitious Business Name

Alcohol License

Name Change

Summons

Trustee Sale

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE – CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER : 26CV04233 . Petitioner: Cynthia Elizabeth Perez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Cynthia Elizabeth Perez to PROPOSED NAME: Cynthia Elizabeth Santoyo. 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: September 9, 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: 07/17/26 /s/: Thomas P. Anderle , Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #26CV04233 Pub Dates: July 31, August 7, 14, 21, 2026.

Santa Barbara Mortgage Interest Rates

(SEAL)

VOICE Magazine • Community Market • LEGAL

Where to Learn About Local Government Meetings

The Santa Barbara City Council meets most Tuesdays at 2pm • To learn more about the council and other City department meetings, visit www.santabarbaraca.gov

MOVING • HAULING

We know how to move you!

Professionally Equipped Truck Santabarbarastudentmoviers.com 805-403-0202

Window cleaning, painting, roofing repairs, drywall, plumbing, concrete, and more.

Alex Castillo: 805-403-0202

7.31.26 SBCAG Draft 2027 Fed Transportation Improv. Program.Lauren Bianchi Klemann. Insertion date 7.31.26 digital : 7.29.26 • Submitted by Lauren Bianchi Klemann Cost: 2 col x 7.47" = $71.41

DRAFT 2027 FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Notice is hereby given that the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) will hold a public hearing on the draft 2027 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP). A copy of the draft 2027 FTIP is available online at www.sbcag.org or can be reviewed Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at SBCAG offices by appointment, please call (805) 600-4477 to schedule.

The FTIP identifies federally funded surface transportation projects in Santa Barbara County that are proposed for implementation within the next four years.

The draft 2027 FTIP will be presented at a public hearing with in-person and remote virtual participation options at: 10 a.m., Thursday, August 20, 2026

IN-PERSON:

Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Hearing Room 105 E. Anapamu Street, 4th Floor, Santa Barbara, CA

ZOOM WEBINAR:

Details on how to participate remotely will be published on the SBCAG Board of Directors agenda at least 48 hours prior to the meeting online at www.sbcag.org

PARTICIPATION NOTICE

The public comment period begins August 5, 2026 In addition to the public hearing, comments on the FTIP can be submitted to SBCAG in writing until 4 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026 Written comments can be submitted via U.S. Postal Service to SBCAG at 260 North San Antonio Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110; or electronically by emailing info@sbcag.org The 2027 FTIP is scheduled for adoption by the SBCAG Board of Directors on September 17, 2026.

SBCAG is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for these meetings. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, accommodation requests should be made 48 hours in advance of public meetings to SBCAG at (805) 600-4477

The Goleta City Council meets biweekly on Tuesdays at 5:30pm • To learn more about the council and other City department meetings, visit www.cityofgoleta.org

The Carpinteria City Council meets on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 5:30pm • To learn more about other City departments visit www.carpinteriaca.gov

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

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:

The following Individual is doing business as LABORDE & DAUGHERTY and LAW OFFICE OF LABORDE & DAUGHERTY at 924 Anacapa Street, Suite 1-T, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. JEFFREY D. DAUGHERTY at 924 Anacapa Street, Suite 1-T, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on June 29, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0001684. Published July 17, 24, 31, August 7, 2026.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:

The following Individual is doing business as MABELS FINE FOODS at 5432 Cameo R, Carpinteria, CA 93013. RICK GARCIA at 5432 Cameo R, Carpinteria, CA 93013. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on July 17, 2026. This statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. I hereby certify that this is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk (SEAL). FBN No. 2026-0001847. Published July 31, August 7, 14, 21, 2026.

To place

The Mochi Movie

THE CLOSING NIGHT FOR THE 2026 ASIAN AMERICAN FILM SERIES, presented by the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation, will screen The Mochi Movie by Sky Bergman at 6pm on Friday, July 31st. A culinary documentary exploring the centuries old Japanese tradition of Mochi-tsuki, the ceremonial making of Mochi in celebration of the new year, the film will be screened in the Alhecama Theatre and followed by a Q&A with Bergman and an outdoor reception.

Free-$5, visit sbthp.org

CINEMA EVENTS

Bailora: Mis Pies Son Mi Voz • Screening of the documentary about the life of acclaimed Flamenco dancer and choreographer Siudy Garrido presented by Flamenco Arts Festival • Center Stage Theater • Free, reservation required • centerstagetheater.org • 7:30pm Fr, 7/31.

Asian American Film Series 2026 • Screening of The Mochi Movie by Sky Bergman, followed by a Q&A with Bergman and an outdoor reception • Alhecama Theatre • Free$5 • sbthp.org • 6pm Fr, 7/31.

Goat • Animated story of a small goat named Will with dreams to be a professional athlete • Alcazar Theatre • $5-7 • thealcazar.org • 3pm We, 8/5.

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 • The 2nd animated action adventure film based on the popular video game • Camino Real Cinemas • $2 • metrotheatres.com • 10am We, 8/5.

Community Calendar

Art in the Park: Creative Carnival

ENJOY AN AFTERNOON OF INTERACTIVE ART

ACTIVITIES and community fun when the Grace Fisher Foundation brings back Art in the Park: Creative Carnival. This family-friendly event featuring face painting, bubble painting, a community mural project, obstacles courses, live music, snacks and much more is perfect for all ages and will take place in Oak Park from 1pm to 4pm Sunday, August 2nd. Free and open to the public, to sign up visit gracefisherfoundation.org

Friday 7/31

CHILDREN

Summer Art Camp 2026 Week

6 • Draw and design, ages 7-9 • SBMA, Art Learning Lab • $300350 • sbma.net • 9am-3pm Mo, 7/27 through Fr, 7/31.

Summer Art Camp 2026 Week

6 • Painting and bookmaking, ages 9-12 • SBMA, Art Learning Lab • $300-350 • sbma.net • 9am-3pm Mo, 7/27 through Fr, 7/31.

Summer Art Camp 2026 Week 6 • Ceramics & ReMade Textiles, ages 7-9 • SBMA’s Art Studio @ The Downtown Club • $350-400 • sbma.net • 9am-3pm Mo, 7/27 through Fr, 7/31.

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

COMEDY

Italian Comedy Night • With headliner Jimmy Della Valle • SB Comedy Club Speakeasy Comedy Bar • $20 • sbcomedyclub.com • 7-9pm Fr, 7/31.

DANCE

Beth Amine’s Wildcat Dance Variety Extravaganza • Featuring belly dance, pole, drag,

Library, Faulkner Gallery • Free • calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov • 12-2pm Fr, 7/31.

Santa Barbara Rodeo • PRCA talent competing in bull riding, barrel racing, team roping and more • Earl Warren Showgrounds • $80 • earlwarren.com • 5-11pm Fr, 7/31 & Sa, 8/1, 11am-5pm Su, 8/2.

Saturday 8/1

CHILDREN

Little G’s

• Reading of Mysterious Things • Godmothers Books • Free • godmothers.com • 11am Sa, 8/1.

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.

TEENS

salsa, fusion and more • Wildcat Lounge • $20 • 7:30pm Fr, 7/31.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/ WORKSHOPS

Dinosaur Safari • Interactive talk and guided tour • SB Museum of Natural History • Included with admission • 1:30-2pm every Mon & Fri through 8/21.

MUSIC

Leigh Vance and The All-Stars • Jazz performance • The Grand on State • $35 • thegrandonstate.com • 7:30pm Fr, 7/31.

Rick Springfield • Rock performance • Chumash Casino Resort • $65-80 • chumashcasino.com • 8pm Fr, 7/31.

Dessert With Mozart • Music dialogue followed by complimentary dessert and a chamber music performance • Lobero Theatre • $4575 • lobero.org • 7pm Fr, 7/31.

OUTDOORS

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

Magical Ice Cream Social • With magician Mark Collier • Central

play this trading card game • Metro Comics Metro Entertainment • Free • 12-12:30pm Sa.

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

Colin Richardson and The Grand Band • Jazz performance led by Richardson on sax and vocals • The Grand on State • $35 • thegrandonstate.com • 7:30pm Sa, 8/1.

The Winetones • SB based folk and blues duo • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • 1:30-4:30pm Sa, 8/1.

My Generation: Greatest Hits of the 60s • Tribute concert to the British and American bands of the hippie era • Alcazar Theatre • $25-35 • thealcazar.org • 7:30pm Sa, 8/1.

OUTDOORS

Audiobooks in Action: Voiceover Punk Studio • Learn how audio books are recorded • Central Library, Island Room • Free, register: calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov • 2-3:30pm Sa, 8/1.

COMEDY

Trevor Noah • Stand-up comedy

• SB Bowl • $45-155 • sbbowl.com • 7pm Sa, 8/1 & Su, /8/2.

DANCE

Viva El Baile 2026 • Annual showcase presented by Contreras Flamenco Arts • Center Stage Theater • $34-44 • centerstagetheater.org • 2pm & 6pm Sa, 8/1.

A Celebration of the Decades

• State Street Ballet Academy’s Junior Intensive • Lobero Theatre • $16-27 • lobero.org • 6pm Sa, 8/1.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/ WORKSHOPS

Magic: The Gathering • Learn to

Sunday 8/2

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

It’s Not What the World Needs

Right Now • Andrew Norman Wilson presents a live performance of his essay about navigating the contemporary art world • SBMA, Mary Craig Auditorium • $20-25 • sbma.net • 3pm Su, 8/2.

Spidey Bash • Celebrate the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day with trivia, photo ops, goodie bags • Arlington Theatre • arlingtontheatresb.com • $1220, film ticket separate • 4-6pm Sa, 8/1.

Santa Cruz Island Day Trip

• Holly Huff leads a scenic walk through the trails near Prisoner’s Harbor • Meet at the Ventura Harbor • $175-200 • sbbotanicgarden.org • 8:15-6pm Sa, 8/1.

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

SBMAL Open House • See treasures from the collection and get a tour of the archive-library • Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library • Free • 9:30am-12:30pm Sa, 8/1.

5th Annual Backyard Boogie • Lowriders car show, art, curated night market, food, and All-vinyl DJ’s • Community Arts Workshop • $25-30 • sbcaw.org • 4pm Sa, 7/1.

Nathan Turner and Mary Steenburgen • Discuss Turner’s book I Love Decorating • Godmothers Books • $23 • godmothers.com • 6pm Su, 8/2.

Community Meditation • Guided meditation for all levels • Flow Yoga & Wellness • Free • sbflowyoga.com • 1pm Su, 8/2.

MUSIC

Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan • Blend of guitar and harmonica blues, rags, and goodtime music • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • 1:30-4:30pm Su, 8/2.

Salty Strings • Acoustic bluegrass and Americana band • Solvang Festival Theater • $35 • solvangtheaterfest.org • 3pm Su, 8/2.

It’s Not What the World Needs

Right Now

UNCOVER

Norman Wilson presents a live performance of his

Artsy portrait of Andrew Norman Wilson aboard the Queen Mary, 2016

essay-memoir It’s Not What the World Needs Right Now, a deeply personal and darkly comical piece about his experiences navigating an art career in the 21st century. The performance marks Norman’s inclusion into SBMA’s exhibition RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY: Internet Art, and will take place in SBMA’s Mary Craig Auditorium at 3pm on Sunday, August 2nd. For tickets ($20-25) visit sbma.net

OUTDOORS

Art in the Park: Creative Carnival • Hands-on art experiences, interactive games, live music, and snacks • Oak Park • Free • 1-4pm Su, 8/2.

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

Bunco Scholarship and Programs Fundraiser • With food, prizes, a game of bunco and BYO wine to share • Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center • $40 • carpinteriaartscenter.org • 4pm Su, 8/2.

Monday 8/3

CHILDREN

Little G’s • Reading of Fritz: A Mushroom Story • Godmothers Books • Free • godmothers.com • 11am Mo, 8/3.

Summer Art Camp 2026 Week

7 • Draw and design, ages 5-6 • SBMA, Art Learning Lab • $300-350 • sbma.net • 9am-3pm Mo, 8/3 through Fr, 8/7.

Summer Art Camp 2026 Week

7 • Painting and bookmaking, ages 7-9 • SBMA, Art Learning Lab • $300350 • sbma.net • 9am-3pm Mo, 8/3 through Fr, 8/7.

Summer Art Camp 2026 Week 7 • Ceramics & ReMade Textiles, ages 9-12 • SBMA’s Art Studio @ The Downtown Club • $350-400 • sbma.net • 9am-3pm Mo, 8/3 through Fr, 8/7.

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

LECTURES/MEETINGS/ WORKSHOPS

Edible Flowers • Learn how to

grow and how to store • Zoom • Free, registration required • ucanr.edu • 7-8pm Mo, 8/3.

Magic The Gathering • Commander Tournament • Metro Entertainment • $5 • metro-entertainment.com • 6-9pm Mo, 8/3.

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

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

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

MUSIC

An Evening With Henry Kapono • Solo performance of the music and stories of Hawai’i • SOhO • $23 • sohosb.com • 7:15pm Mo, 8/3.

Tuesday 8/4

COMEDY

Carpinteria Improv Drop-In

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

LECTURES/MEETINGS/ WORKSHOPS

Fiction Book Club • Discuss Theo of Golden by Allen Levi • Central Library, Upper Level • Free, registration required • calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov • 5:30-6:30pm Tu, 8/4.

Sacred Burn • Tea, breath and movement, music and dinner • Drishti House Montecito • $55-111 • drishti.house/pages/about-us • 5:308pm Tu, 8/4.

Degrowth and Climate

Justice • Community Q&A • CEC’s Environmental Hub • Free, RSVP recommended: cecsb.org • 6:30pm Tu, 8/4.

Health & Wellness Series • Learn about the nervous system and how to support healing • Rilascio Chiropractic • Free • To reserve a spot call 805-899-3333 • 5:30pm Tu, 8/4.

Self Love Tea Meditation • With PALMA Collectiva for a

morning ritual and reset • SB Botanic Garden, Island View Lawn • $35-40 • sbbotanicgarden.org • 9:30-10:30am Tu, 8/4.

Mario T. Garcia • Signs and discusses his book Rupert García: The Making of an American Artist-A Testimonio • Chaucer’s Books • Free • 6-7pm Tu, 8/4.

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

Board Games + Brews • Community game night • Night Lizard Brewing Company, 607 State St • 6-9pm Tu.

Wednesday 8/5

CHILDREN

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

LECTURES/MEETINGS/ WORKSHOPS

Capture the Beauty of Grass in Your Garden • Learn about lawn substitutes, sculptural accents and more • Trinity Lutheran Church • Free • sbchs.org • 7pm We, 8/5.

Social Justice Book Club •

Discuss Disability Visibility: FirstPerson Stories from the Twenty-First Century by Alice Wong • Central Library, Tech Lab • Free, register: calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov • 5:30-6:30pm We, 8/5.

Jenny Walton • Discusses her book Jenny Sais Quoi • Godmothers Books • $23 • godmothers.com • 6pm We, 8/5.

Cultural Arts Grants Workshop

• Covering program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and the application process • Virtual event • Free • sbac.ca.gov • 4-5:30pm We, 8/5.

Pet Loss and Grief Support

Group • Joan Hunter Mayor leads a compassionate grief gathering • Central Library, Faulkner Galleries East & West • Free, registration required • calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov • 5:30-6:30pm We, 8/5.

Knitting & Crochet Club • Louise Lowry Davis Ctr • All levels/English/ Spanish • Free • 9-11:30am Wed.

Le Cercle Français • French conversation, all levels • Free • Natural Cafe • sbfrenchgroup.yolasite.com • 5-6:30pm Wed.

MUSIC

SPECIAL EVENTS

2026 Central Coast Woman of the Year • Special celebration of EDC’s Chief Counsel Linda Krop • Environmental Defense Center • Free, registration required • environmentaldefensecenter.org • 4:30-6:30pm We, 8/5.

Thursday 8/6

COMEDY

Ye Ole Gang • Santa Barbara High School fundraising comedy show • SB Comedy Club Speakeasy Comedy Bar • $25 • sbcomedyclub.com • 7-9pm Th, 8/6.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/ WORKSHOPS

How California Nonprofits Can Influence Ballot Measure Campaigns • Nonprofit training workshop • Zoom event • Free • fundforsantabarbara.org • 11am12:30pm Th, 8/6.

Paint at Paseo • Painting Class provided by artists at MCASB • Paseo Nuevo • Free • paseonuevosb.com • 5-7pm Th, 8/6.

Block Printing Among the Butterflies • Carve butterfly inspired designs on rubber blocks to print onto cotton tea towels and paper

• SBMNH, Sprague Butterfly Pavilion

• $45-65 • sbnature.org • 5pm Th, 8/6.

The Art of Science • Examine and draw butterflies and moths • SB Museum of Natural History, John & Peggy Maximus Gallery • Included with Museum admission • sbnature.org • 1:30-2:30pm Th, 8/6.

Astronomy’s Cutting Edge: Six-class Course • Interactive exploration of recent astronomical discoveries with Krissie Cook • SBMNH, Gladwin Planetarium • $120-150 • sbnature.org • 5:15-6:15pm Thursdays, 8/6 through 8/20. Knit ‘n’ Needle • Fiber arts club • Montecito Library • Free • 2pm Th.

MUSIC

Sip Savor Swing • Jazz jam hosted by Alison Tuma • The Blue Owl • Free • 5-8pm Th, 8/6.

Lois Mahalia • Jazz vocals accompanied by accordion and grand piano • The Grand on State • $35 • thegrandonstate.com • 7-9:30pm Th, 8/6. Jazz Night • Live music and cocktails • The Good Lion • Free • goodlioncocktails.com • 6-8pm Th, 8/6.

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

Sierra Ferrell • Folk concert with special guest The Brudi Brothers • SB Bowl • $45-85 • sbbowl.com • 7pm Th, 8/6.

Community Calendar

Continued

Theatre

Disney’s Frozen the Musical

• The Broadway Musical adaption of Disney’s animated film • Solvang Festival Theatre • $25 • pcpa.org • 8pm Su, through 8/2.

Beehive • The 60’s Musical • Marian Theatre • $25-51 • pcpa.org • 7pm Th, 7/23 through Su, 8/2.

Once Upon a One More Time

• A fresh take on classic fairytales set to the music of Britney Spears • La Cumbre Junior High, Jo Ann Caines Theatre • $10-35 • daurikennedy.com/pvac-sopa •

Friday 8/7

CHILDREN

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

DANCE

Summer Intensive Workshop Performance • La Bayadere’s Kingdom of the Shades with Selected Works from Dom Sebastien, A Cinderella Suite and La Vivendiere presented by the Goleta School of Ballet • Center Stage Theater • $22-27 • centerstagetheater.org • 7pm Sa, 8/7

Siudy Garrido Flamenco Company • Flamenco stage by Siudy Garrido and original music composed by José Luis De la Paz and Juan Parrilla • Lobero Theatre • $52-152 • lobero.org • 7:30pm Fr, 8/7.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/ WORKSHOPS

Between The Lines • Adult Literacy Book Club • Central Library, Tech Lab • Free, registration required • calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov • 12-1pm Fr, 8/7.

Climate Fridays • Explore smart building policies and sustainability • CEC’s Environmental Hub • Free, RSVP recommended • cecsb.org • 4-5:30pm Fr, 8/7.

Plein Air Painting • Paint landscapes with SCAPE artists • Elings Park, meet at restoration site on top of the hill • Free • sbbotanicgarden.org • 9-10:30am Fr, 8/7.

Tai Chi at the Garden • Master Yun covers basic postures • SB Botanic

7pm Fr, 7/31, 2pm & 7pm Sa, 8/1, and 2pm Su, 8/2.

Seussical the Musical Junior • Presented by the Youth Branch of the Ojai Art Center • Ojai Art Center Theater • $20 • ojaiact.org • 7pm Fridays, 7pm & 2pm Saturdays, and 2pm Sundays, 7/31 through 8/9.

Godspell • A musical retelling of the Gospel of Matthew • Rubicon Theatre • rubicontheatre.org • $2025 • 7pm Fr, 8/7; 7pm & 2pm Sa, 8/8 and Su, 8/9.

Garden, Island View Lawn • $10-15 • sbbotanicgarden.org • 9-10am Fr, 8/7.

MUSIC

Colin Richardson and The Grand Band • Jazz band performance • The Grand on State

• $35 • thegrandonstate.com • 7:3010:30pm Fr, 8/7.

Saturday 8/8

CHILDREN

Little G’s • Reading of Just For Today • Free • godmothers.com • 11am Sa, 8/8.

Kids Club • Entertainment featuring creative arts and STEM activities • Paseo Nuevo • Free • paseonuevosb.com • 10am-1pm Sa, 8/8.

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

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

COMEDY

Tommy Lama Live! • Comedy special live recording for future broadcast • Alcazar Theatre • Free-$15 • thealcazar.org • 7pm Sa, 8/8.

DANCE

Summer Dance Fest 2026 • A celebration of dance presented by Selah Dance Collective and featuring more than 35 choreographers and dance companies • Center Stage Theater • $20-100 • centerstagetheater.org • 7:30pm Sa, 8/8 & 2pm Su, 8/9.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/ WORKSHOPS

Tutor Training for New Adult Literacy Volunteers • Skills trainings for tutors with one-to-one sessions with the Literacy Services Librarian and staff • Central Library, Faulkner Gallery • Free, register: calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov • 12-4pm Sa, 8/8 & Su, 8/9.

Introduction to Relief Printmaking With “Flexicut”

• Carving with different tools and handprinting cards with your block

• The Community Arts Workshop • $65-85 • sbcaw.or • 10am-3pm Sa, 8/8.

From Mountain To Vessel: The Shape of Oolong • An intimate tea ceremony with meditation • Location provided after registration • $55-144 • drishti.house/products/the-shape-of-oolong • 11am-2pm Sa, 8/8.

Sketching in the Galleries •

All skill levels invited to sketch from original works of art • SBMA Galleries • Free with museum admission • sbma.net • 11:15am-12:15pm Sa, 8/8.

MUSIC

Cuyama Mama and the Hot Flashes • Americana dance music • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • 1:304:30pm Sa, 8/8.

Ernie Watts • Award-winning saxophonist leads a quintet of local jazz artists • The Grand on State • Ticket sales: thegrandonstate.com • 10-11pm Sa, 8/8.

SB Mariachi Festival • Featuring Majo Aguilar, Joss Favela, Mariachi Los Camperos, Mariachi Nuevo Mujer 2000, and more • SB Bowl • $79-199 • sbbowl.com • 5pm Sa, 8/8.

OUTDOORS

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

Star Party • Explore the night sky through SBMNH’s 20-inch telescope • Palmer Observatory • Free • sbnature.org • 8:30-10pm Sa, 8/8.

Sunday 8/9

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.

MUSIC ACADEMY SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Music Academy of the West Brass at the Bandshell

ENJOY A FREE, OUTDOOR CONCERT OF ALLAMERICAN FANFARE when the Music Academy of the West once again hosts Brass at the Bandshell at the historic Plaza del Mar Bandshell on Saturday, August 2nd. Free family activities, including an instrument exploration station, will begin at noon, with the concert kicking off at 1pm. musicacademy.org

Highlights of Weeks 7 & 8

The Only Way Is Through: West Coast Premiere • Percussion fellows and members of the Sing! youth choir in a performance • Anne’s Garden • Free • musicacademy.org • 1:30pm Fr, 7/31 & 2pm Sa, 8/1.

Picnic Concert Series No. 3 • Dine with friends in the gardens followed by chamber music • Hahn Hall • $10-65 • musicacademy.org • 7:30pm Fr, 7/31.

Academy Festival Orchestra: Samuel Adams & Sibelius • Program combining Sibelius’ lush Symphony No. 1 with a work by American composer Samuel Adams • Granada Theatre • $10-25 • musicacademy.org • 7:30pm Sa, 8/1.

Brass @ the Bandshell: All-American Fanfare • Brass fellows perform works by American composers, featuring food trucks, instrument exploration station • Plaza del Mar Bandshell • Free • musicacademy.org • 12pm Su, 8/2.

Sonata Nights: Brahms, Hindemith & Strauss • Collaborative pianists perform sonatas with select instrumental fellows • Hahn Hall • $10-50 • musicacademy.org • 7:30pm Mo, 8/3.

Beyond Conversation 3: Dialogues in Music through Art • Concert inspired by SBMA’s exhibition As if in a Dream: History,

Fantasy, Future • SB Museum of Art • Free with general admission • musicacademy.org • 12pm Tu, 8/4. Dreams of America • Mosher Guest Artist Stephanie Blythe performs with fellows selections from the Great American Songbook • Hahn Hall • $10-80 • musicacademy.org • 7:30pm Tu, 8/4.

Salon Series: Caplet & Elgar • Enjoy a chamber music performance with wine • Lehmann Hall • $10-65 • musicacademy.org • 7:30pm We, 8/5.

Teaching Artist Showcase: Shostakovich & Hahn • Teaching Artist chamber music collaborations • Lobero Theatre • $10-125 • musicacademy.org • 7:30pm Th, 8/6.

Marilyn Horne Song Competition • Fellows take the stage to compete for the coveted title • Hahn Hall • $10-65 • musicacademy.org • 11am Fr, 8/7.

Picnic Concert: Dvořák, Schumann & Tchaikovsky • Pre-concert picnic in the gardens followed by chamber music • Hahn Hall • $10-65 • musicacademy.org • 7:30pm Fr, 8/7.

Academy Festival Orchestra: Mozart & Rachmaninoff • Mozart’s Sinfonia and Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony, led by conductor David Danzmayr • Granada Theatre • $10-125 • musicacademy.org • 7:30pm Sa, 8/8.

Community Calendar

Continued

Flamenco Arts Festival

DEFINED BY 27 YEARS OF MOVEMENT AND ARTISTRY, the Flamenco Arts Festival will present three events during Fiesta this year. First, the documentary film Bailaora - Mis Pies Son Mi Voz will be screened, free of charge, at the Center Stage Theatre, on Friday, July 31st at 7:30pm (advance tickets are required for the free event at centerstagetheater.org). Directed by Pablo Croce, the film features Siudy Garrido, who will headline the FAF’s Gala.

Choreographer and dancer

Siudy

The Gala will be held at the historic Lobero Theatre at 7:30pm on Friday, August 7th. Garrido, joined by her company, will deliver the West Coast premiere of Flamenco Suite, which explores traditional forms of dance including Seguirillas, Alegrías, Caña, and Soleá with a contemporary artistic vision. For tickets ($52–$152) visit lobero.org

The festival will conclude with Tablao Zano Flamenco at The New Vic on Sunday, August 9th at 7:30pm. Like the intimate flamenco tablaos of Spain, Tablao Zano Flamenco features an up-close look at live flamenco music and dance. For tickets ($30–$65) visit etcsb.org

DANCE

Tablao Zano Flamenco • Flamenco Arts Festival intimate performance featuring Kayla Lyall and Carlos Menchaca • The New Vic • $30-65 • ensembletheatre.com • 7:30-9:30pm Su, 8/9.

Summer Dance on the Steps

• Santa Barbara Dance Theater presents As if in a Dream: History, Fantasy, Future a series of dance iterations • SBMA, Galleries and Front Terrace • Free • sbma.net • 5-5:30pm Su, 8/9.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/ WORKSHOPS

Heidi Rose Robbins & Jennifer Freed • Discuss Robbin’s book Ask Me • Godmothers Books • $23 • godmothers.com • 6pm Su, 8/9.

MUSIC

Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan • Blend of guitar and harmonica blues, rags, and goodtime music • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • 1:30-4:30pm Su, 8/9.

Summer Carillion Recital

• Wesley Arai presents a recital of original works, classical and modern

¡VIVA LA FIESTA!

Project Fiesta! • Free exhibitions at SB Historical Museum • 12-5pm We - Su; 12-7pm Th.

Fiesta Paper Flowers • Paper flower making workshop, materials provided • EE Makerspace • $25-30 • exploreecology.org • 6pm Fr, 7/31.

Una Fiesta de los Adobes • SB Historical Museum • Sold out • 6:30pm Fr, 7/31.

Fiesta, Music, Dance • Flamenco music and dance performances, wine, beer, and bites • Mosaic Locale • Free • 12-9pm Sa, 8/1.

La Recepción Del Presidente • Dinner, live entertainment and dancing to kick off Fiesta Week • Santa Barbara Club • $170 • sbfiesta. org • 5-10pm Sa, 8/1.

Fiesta at Paseo Nuevo • Five days of free Fiesta dance • Center Court • 12-6pm Tu, 8/4 - Sa, 8/8.

SB Courthouse Docent Tours • Guided tours of the Historic Landmark • Free • Every hour 10:30am-3pm We, 8/5 - Su 8/9.

SB Mission Tours • We, 8/5 - Su, 8/9.

El Mercado De La Guerra • Mexican market featuring Spanish and Mexican-American food, crafts, souvenirs, and live entertainment • De La Guerra Plaza • Free • sbfiesta.org • 11am-10pm We, 8/5 through Sa, 8/8.

favorites • UCSB Storke Tower Lawn

• Free • campuscalendar.ucsb.edu • 2pm Su, 8/9.

Shawn Colvin • American folk performance • Lobero Theatre • $40100 • lobero.org • 7pm Su, 8/9.

OUTDOORS

Beach Cleanup • Volunteer to help clean up Arroyo Burro Beach • Meet in front of the Watershed Resource Center • 10am-12pm Su, 8/9.

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

Free 2nd Sunday for Tri-County

Residents • Free admission to SB Museum of Art for residents of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo County • 11am-5pm Su, 8/9.

Celebrating the Life and Work of Gabriele Drozdowski

• Honor the community she built and share memories and stories • SBMNH, Fleischmann Auditorium

• Free • sbnature.org • 11am-2pm Su, 8/9.

La Fiesta Pequeña • Traditional songs and dance from Californios Spirit • Old Mission Santa Barbara • Free • sbfiesta.org • 8-10pm We, 8/5.

La Misal Del Presidente • Roman Catholic mass and reception • Old Mission Santa Barbara & the Mission’s Sacred Gardens • Free • sbfiesta.org • 10am Th, 8/6.

Children’s Carnival • Rides, games, and food • Downtown Club of SB • $5-10 • 12-8pm Th, 8/6-Sa, 8/8; 12-5pm Su, 8/9.

music • SB County Courthouse • Free • 8-11pm Th, 8/6; Fr, 8/7; and Sa, 8/8.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Mercado • Tamales, games, and entertainment • Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish • Free • 11am-10pm Fr 8/7 & 8/8; 11am-9pm 8/9.

Fiesta Rooftop Party • Drinks, tapas tasting, and DJ Dan Sauce • Kimpton Canary Hotel Rooftop • $30 • canarysantabarbara.com • 6-9pm Th, 8/6.

DIGS! • SB Zoo • Sold out • 5-10pm Th, 8/6. Las Noches de Ronda • Flamenco, Folklorico, and

Historical Parade • Equestrian parade with floats and music • Cabrillo Boulevard from Castillo St to Calle Cesar Chavez • Free • 12-2pm Fr, 8/7.

Flor y Canto • Original Spanish California dances and songs • SB County Courthouse Sunken Gardens • Free • 7-8pm Fr, 8/7.

Pancake Breakfast • Fundraiser for the Downtown Club • Donation-based • 7-9am Sa, 8/8.

El Desfile de los Niños • Children’s parade • 721 to 323 East Cabrillo St. • Free • 10am Sa, 8/8.

Fiesta Arts & Crafts Show • Browse the handmade work of local artisans • 99 West Cabrillo Boulevard • Free • 10am-6pm Sa, 8/8 & Su, 8/9.

Fiesta Mujeres Market • Community market of women creatives featuring handmade jewelry, art, vintage clothing and more • 123 E Canon Perdido St. • Free • 10am-4pm Sa, 8/8 & Su, 8/9.

Tarde de Ronda • Children’s dance program • SB County Courthouse Sunken Gardens • Free • 1-4pm Sa, 8/8.

SB Mariachi Festival • Featuring Majo Aguilar, Joss Favela, Mariachi Los Camperos, Mariachi Nuevo Mujer 2000, and more • SB Bowl • $79-199 • sbbowl.com • 5pm Sa, 8/8.

Celebrate Fiesta By Painting • Flamenco themed painting workshop • The Painted Cabernet • $45 • paintedcabernet.com • 6pm Sa, 8/8.

Fiesta Summer Jazz Jam • With SOhO House Band, Woody Demarco & Friends • SOhO • $10-25 • sohosb.com • 1-3:30pm Su, 8/9.

Santa Barbara’s

Cultural Night Out 1

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

Galleries, Museums, & Art Venues

1. VOICE Gallery • La Cumbre Plaza, 110 S. Hope Ave., Unit H-124 • As the world heats up, Santa Barbara Sculptors Guild and Voice Gallery welcome you to Caliente! Enjoy

August 6th • 5 to 8pm

6. domecíl • 1223 State Street • Stop by Domecil to view the work of Collette Royer, whose design studio transforms artwork, photography, and historic imagery into exquisite textile creations. Printed on luxurious micro-modal cashmere scarves, her ethereal pieces will be suspended overhead, creating an

immersive celebration of art, fabric, and design.

7. 10 West Gallery • 10 W. Anapamu St. • Figuratively means using words in a way that departs from their literal definition to create a vivid image. Many of the pieces in this show use vivid figurative artwork to express complex or symbolic ideas.

• 1323 State Street • Art & Soul is pleased to present Cosas de la Vida, exhibition featuring new works by celebrated Santa Barbara artists Pedro De La Cruz and Olivia Joffrey. Presented during Santa Barbara’s Fiesta season, Cosas de la Vida explores the many “things of life” that shape our shared human experience.

4. Santa Barbara Fine Art • State Street • As Santa Barbara summers transition into fall, we enjoy the long, warm days and cool evenings with a golden hills backdrop. Come explore this seasonal transition through the art of our extraordinarily talented local artists. (Evening Summer, Light on More Mesa Richard Schloss 24 x 46, oil on canvas)

5. Tamsen Gallery • for Before They Were Legends, breathtaking exhibition of rare trial proofs from the Bob Bonis Archive. Experience intimate, unseen moments of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones during their groundbreaking tours from 1964 to 1966. Don’t miss this unique journey into music history!

8. REH Contemporary Studio & Gallery 12 W. Anapamu St. • Life will fill the gallery with festive color and musical themes. Chuck Talmadge will be “tickling the ivories” while guests take in the works of artist/owner Ruth Ellen Hoag, and the Neon Lightworks of Rod Lathim. Fresh off the Opening and RibbonCutting Ceremony, REH Contemporary is ready to celebrate!

9. Seimandi & Leprieur Gallery • 33 W. Anapamu St. • Experience Mary Heebner’s celebrated paintings, returning from a threeyear installation at the U.S. Embassy in Helsinki, Finland. Inspired by California’s historic drought, these luminous works evoke the long-awaited arrival of rain and the enduring resilience of

celebrates the opening

Wosene Worke Kosrof.

been exhibited around the globe. Also on view: Nicole Strasburg: The Whole is Greater, and Summer Salon. 11. Gallery Josephine • 133 E. Anapamu St. • After spending July creating art in Paris, Josephine Tournier Ingram welcomes guests back to Gallery Josephine for Santa Barbara’s 1st Thursday Art Walk. Experience a newly curated presentation of her inaugural exhibition, featuring original paintings and new works. Join us for an evening of art, wine, and conversation. Bienvenue!

12. Channel City Camera Club

• Faulkner Gallery 40 E. Anapamu St. • Channel City Camera Club photo enthusiasts are displaying their favorite prints in the Faulkner Gallery this August. Active locally since 1939, the Club strives to advance the knowledge and skill of photography in our community. The First Thursday Reception with snacks is from 4-7 pm.

13. Santa Barbara Museum of Art • 1130 State Street • Visit SBMA for 1st Thursday extended hours, 5–8 pm! Explore staff favorites in A Few of Our Favorite Things: Staff Selections from the Permanent Collection, multimedia and textile works in Remixed: Entwined Histories and New Forms, and reimagined realities in As if in a Dream: History, Fantasy, Future.

14. Gallery 113 • 1114 State Street #8 • Lily Sanders paints with joy — you can feel it in every brushstroke. A longtime Santa Barbara local, Lily captures the charm of our city’s historic architecture, coastal beauty, and the sunlit rhythms of daily life. Other artists working in various mediums will be present to discuss their exhibits for August.

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

16. Fuzion Boutique & Gallery • 1115 State Street • We’re thrilled to unveil this incredible 8’ x 4’ original oil painting by Alden Brownstone and Peris Sweet Lopez. Shadow Dance showcases a cosmic dance around the eternal fire and was created live in tandem by both artists

17. The Yes Store • 1015 State Street

• Come celebrate the current work of our incredibly talented local artists. Enjoy music, drinks, and treats. View our private collection of Eileen Richardson’s 1980’s art pottery. Whose work is in The Smithsonian Museum! Looking for locally handmade gifts or something special for yourself? Look no further than The Yes Store!

18. Amazon Santa Barbara • 1001 State Street • R. Mike Micklich is an emerging metal artist whose work examines spacecraft through experimental use of car photography, and stainless steel with car parts. Micklich has been juried into the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach and featured in Hot Rod as well as ArtWork magazines.

19. SuperMoss • 922 State Street • Join us for another First Thursday at SuperMoss! Explore moss art, unique plant arrangements, and get creative at our DIY Fiesta crown-making station (material costs apply). Meet fellow plant lovers, shop local, and get inspired!

20. Game Seeker • 920 State Street

• My name is Ruben Wayne Alvarado Jr. I grew up in Santa Barbara and I’ve been doing photography since my freshmen year of high school at Dos Pueblos. Since then I’ve done photography as a hobby and passion, capturing my hometown, moments and memories, feelings and emotions. @Wayne805Photos

Entertainment & Other Activities Fiesta • State Street • Experience the spirit of Santa Barbara during Fiesta! Downtown comes alive with vibrant music, traditional dance, mercados, parades, and cultural celebrations honoring the city’s rich heritage. Explore Fiesta events throughout downtown and join one of Santa Barbara’s most cherished traditions.

Check sbiff.org/sbfilmmakers for film info. Showtimes 5:30pm, 6pm, 6:30pm, and 7pm. (Subject to change)

22. The Blue Owl • 5 W Canon Perdido • Alison Tuma hosts a jazz jam from 5 to 8pm at The Blue Owl Restaurant. Come listen or “sit in” with Shane Savala on guitar and Guil Juliao on bass. All jazz instrumentalists and vocalists welcome. Please bring three plus charts in your key. Enjoy Happy Hour specials till 6pm. Free event!

Sponsor

21. SBIFF’s SANTA BARBARA FILMMAKER SERIES • SBIFF’s Film Center, 916 State Street • Join us at the NEW Film Center every 1st Thursday for free screenings of short films by Santa Barbara filmmakers.

23. Soul Sucker • 814 State Street STE 38 • Swing by Soul Sucker and shop handmade ceramics, art, and prints made by +40 artists & artisans. Soul Sucker promotes the work of independent ceramicists, artists, and small-business goods. Started as the antithesis of corporate culture, Soul Sucker is owned and operated by Alexander Cobos who creates ceramic art, in-house.

24. Paint at Paseo • The Parlor, 651 Paseo Nuevo • Join us this month for a fun guided painting workshop with Santa Maria-based illustrator, Helen Yanez. Originally from Michoacán, Mexico, her work serves as a tribute to her Mexican, Purépecha, and Indigenous heritage. She celebrates cultural landmarks and influential cultural movements through vibrant illustrations.

25. Santa Barbara Historical Museum • 136 E. De La Guerra St. • Celebrate community history at the Museum and enjoy our latest Project Fiesta! exhibitions, Finding Saint Barbara and Arte de los Mantónes, with dance performances (5:30-6pm), Mariachi sin Fronteras (6-7pm), and guitarist Tony Ybarra. All ages welcome.

Art Venues

Lenore

Tolegian Hughes lenorehughes.com

10 West Gallery • Earthly Elements through Aug 2 • 10 W Anapamu • 11-5 We-Mo • 805-770-7711 • 10westgallery.com

Architectural Fdn Gallery • Jacqueline Woods : How Forever Works, through Aug 15 • 229 E Victoria • 805-965-6307 • 1–4 some Sa & By Appt • afsb.org

Arrediamo Fine Art & Traditional Rugs Gallery • 911.5 State St • arrediamo.com

Art & Soul Gallery • Cosas De La Vida through Aug 30 • Thu-Sun 12-5; by appt • 1323 State St • artandsoulsb.com

Art, Design & Architecture Museum, UCSB • Closed through Aug 26 • museum.ucsb.edu

Art Events

How Forever Works • An Informal Walk-through with Artist Jacqueline Woods of her exhibition How Forever Works • Architectural Foundation Art Gallery • Free

2pm Sa, 8/1.

1st Thursday • Art venues open late for a cultural night out. See pages 30, 31 for complete listing • 5-8pm Thu, 8/6.

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

Art From Scrap • Explore Ecology • exploreecology.org

ArtLabbé Gallery • Free art, music, & exercise classes to our individuals with special needs & family members • Tu, We, Th, Sun 12-5:30; Fr 12-5 • 111

Santa Barbara St, #H • artlabbe.org

Atkinson Gallery • Tu & We 10–2 • SBCC Humanities East Campus Rm 203 • atkinsongallerysbcc.com

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

The Carriage and Western Art Museum • Old Spanish Days Trophy Saddles; Victoria Stables Wagon • Ongoing • Free • 129 Castillo St • 805-962-2353 • 9-3 Mo-Fr • carriagemuseum.org

SB Arts & Crafts Show • Local artists & artisans • Free • 236 E Cabrillo Blvd • 10am-5pm Sun. Art For Humanity • Local artist Micheal Vilkin’s exhibition benefitting Habitat For Humanity Santa Barbara • Fox Wine Co. • Free • sbhabitat.org • 3-6pm Su, 8/4.

Jami Joelle Nielsen: An Otherworldly, Rusty Retrospective • A solo retrospective exhibition celebrating artist Jami Joelle Nielsen • Community Arts Workshop • Free • 5pm Th, 8/6 through Su, 8/9.

California Nature Art Museum • Untamed Desert: Captured by Paulette Donnellon, through Jan 18; Lulu Hyggelig: California’s First Thomas Dambo Troll • ongoing • 1511 B Mission Dr, Solvang • 11-4 Mo, Th, Fr; 11-5 Sa & Su • calnatureartmuseum.org

Casa de La Guerra • Fine Print, Hard Lines: Housing and Exclusion in Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara 1925 –2025: A Portrait in Maps; Once a Don, Always a Don • ongoing • $5/Free • 15 East De la Guerra St • 12-4 Th-Su • sbthp.org/casadelaguerra

Casa Dolores • Bandera Ware / traditional outfits ~ ongoing • 1023 Bath St • 12-4 Tu-Sa • 805-963-1032

Casa del Herrero • Gardens & House • by reservation • 1387 East Valley Rd • tours 10 & 2 We & Sa • 805-565-5653 • casadelherrero.com

Channing Peake Gallery • Scaling the Walls • 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 • Summer in the Garden: Elliott Ciampi through Aug 15 • 125 N Milpas • 11-5 We-Sa • 805966-7939 • corridan-gallery.com

Cypress Gallery • 119 E Cypress Av, Lompoc • 1-4 Sa & Su • 805-7371129 • lompocart.org

El Presidio De Santa Bárbara • Nihonmachi Revisited; Memorias y Facturas - ongoing • 123 E Canon Perdido St • 10:30-4:30 Daily • sbthp.org

Elverhøj Museum • Roland Petersen Undiminished: A Centennial Celebration through Aug 11 • History & Danish culture • 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang • 805-686-1211 • 11-5 Th-Mo • elverhoj.org

Faulkner Gallery • 40 E Anapamu St • 10-7 Mo-Th; 10-5 Fri, Sa; 12-5 Sun • 805-962-7653.

Fazzino 3-D Studio Gallery • 3-D original fine art • 1011 State St • 805730-9109 • Fazzino.com

Fuzion Gallery & Boutique • Hand blown glass, 100 + artists • 1115 State St • fuzionglass.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

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

Gallery Josephine • 133 E

Anapamu St • Work by Josephine

Tournier Ingram • 1st Thu & By Appt

Gallery Los Olivos • Go West: Robin Deshayes, Deborah Kalas, & Linda Lewis through Aug • Daily 104pm • 2920 Grand Av • 805-688-7517

• gallerylosolivos.com

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

Grace Fisher Fdn • Inclusive Arts

Clubhouse • Paintings by Grace Fisher

• 121 S Hope, La Cumbre Plaza • WeSu 11-5pm • gracefisherfoundation.org

Indah Gallery • Bridging Worlds: Max Gleason through Aug 9 • Fri-Sun 12-5 • 2190 N Refugio Rd, Santa Ynez

• maxgleason.com/indah-gallery

James Main Fine Art • 19th & 20th

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

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

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

Linden Studio • Art & Artifacts • 963 Linden Ave, Carpinteria • 805570-9195.

Lompoc Library Grossman Gallery • Ollie Woodworth through Aug • 501 E North Av, Lompoc • 805588-3459

Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center • 93013 through Aug 16 • 12-4 Th-Su • 865 Linden • 805-6847789 • carpinteriaartscenter.org

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

Marcia Burtt Gallery • Coastal California and Peggy Gruen through Aug 23 • Landscape paintings, prints, & books • 517 Laguna St • 1-5 Th-Su • 805-962-5588 • artlacuna.com

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

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

Museum of Contemporary Art SB • 11-6pm Tu-Sun • 653 Paseo Nuevo • mcasantabarbara.org

Legacy Arts International • Wed-Sun 12-8pm • La Cumbre Plaza • 310-880-6671 • legacyartsb.com

Art Venues

Rosemarie C. Gebhart

805-453-2770

Palm Loft Gallery • 410 Palm Av, Loft A1, Carpinteria • 1-6 Fr-Su & By Appt • 805-684-9700 • palmloft.com

Patricia Clarke Studio • 410 Palm Av, Carpinteria • By Appt • 805-4527739 • patriciaclarkestudio.com

Peregrine Galleries • Early CA & American paintings; fine vintage jewelry • 1133 Coast Village Rd • 805252-9659 • @peregrinegalleries

Pippin • La Aracada’s newest art, antiques, boutique • 1114 State #24.

Portico Gallery • Jordan Pope & Gallery Artists • Open Daily • 1235 Coast Village Rd • 805-729-8454 • porticofinearts.com

REH Contemporary • 12 W Anapamu • Studio of Ruth Ellen Hoag and gallery for local artists • 805-6890858 • RuthEllenHoag.com

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

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden • Still Growing: 100 Years of California’s Native Plants through Mar 2027 • 1212 Mission Canyon Rd • 10-5 daily • 805-682-4726 • sbbg.org

Santa Barbara City Hall Gallery

• Scaling The Walls • featuring Arts Alliance members • 735 Anacapa St.

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

Santa Barbara Historical Museum • Project Fiesta!: Arte de los Mantónes and Finding Saint Barbara; and 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

A. Michael Marzolla, Fine Artist Excogitation Services/Marzozart Paintings, drawings, prinits Commissions accepted www.marzozart.com

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

• Play: Bronze Sculptures and Other Stuff by Susan Read Cronin Aug 13- Nov 29 • The Chumash, Whaling, Commercial Diving, Surfing, Shipwrecks, First Order Fresnel Lens, and SB Lighthouse Women Keepers ~ Ongoing

• 113 Harbor Wy, Ste 190 • 10-5 Daily • 805-962-8404 • SBMM.org

Santa Barbara Museum Of Art

• Remixed: Entwined Histories & New Forms, through Aug 30; RandomAccess Memory: Internet Art, through Sep 27; As if in a Dream: History, Fantasy, Future: through Jan 3 • 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 • Butterflies Alive! through September; The Living Print through Nov 8; Chumash Basketry: Art & Life through Nov 30 • 2559 Puesta del Sol • 10-5 We-Mo • sbnature.org

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

Santa Barbara Tennis Club2nd Fridays Art • GVAA, curated & juried by Linda Ekstrom through Aug • 2375 Foothill Rd

• 10-6 Daily • 805-682-4722 • 2ndfridaysart.com

Santa Ynez Chumash Museum

• A Legacy of Culture, Innovation, and Resilience • 3500 Numancia

St, SY • Thu-Sun 10-5pm • sychumashmuseum.org

Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum • 3596 Sagunto St • 124pm We-Su • santaynezmuseum.org

Sahyun Genealogical Library

• Research family history • 316

Jami Joelle Nielsen: An Otherworldly, Rusty Retrospective At The CAW

CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY of interdisciplinary artist Jami Joelle Nielsen (1983–2025), the Community Arts Workshop will host a solo retrospective exhibition, Jami Joelle Nielsen: An Otherworldly, Rusty Retrospective from August 6th through August 16th. An opening reception will be held from 5 to 9pm on Thursday, August 6th.

Curated by Erik Solevad Nielsen, this exhibition is the first retrospective of the Jami Joelle Nielsen’s work since her passing in 2025. Born in Kansas City, Kansas, Jami Joelle Nielsen was a self-taught eco-artist who lived, worked, and exhibited in Santa Barbara. She held a degree in Environmental Science from the University of Kansas and worked in the Environmental Studies Program at UC Santa Barbara. Her art combined her reverence for science, nature, and the human experience, challenging destructive patterns of consumerism through mixed-media collage, assemblage, drawing, painting, and photography.

“Jami Joelle was a beloved member of Santa Barbara’s art community, and a deeply creative artist. Her tremendous heart for her community and for the world was reflected in her unique, playful, beautiful artwork,” said Casey Caldwell, Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative.

Select artwork will be available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Community Arts Workshop. Gallery hours will be 10am to 5pm on Friday, August 7th and August 14th, or by appointment. Admission is free. sbcaw.org

Castillo St • Tue/Thu 10-4; Sun & 3rd Sat 1-4 • SBGen.org

Seimandi & Leprieur • Hunt

Slonem: a leading figure of American Neo-Expressionism; Year One: Group Show through Aug • 33 W Anapamu St. • Wed-Sat 11-6 • 805-610-1203 • seimandileprieur.com

Stewart Fine Art • Early CA Plein

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

Sullivan Goss • Wosene: Words in Time Jul 31 through Sep 21; Nicole Strasburg: The Whole is Greater through Aug 24 • 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 • Before they were Legends through Sep 17 • 1309 State St • 12-5 We-Su • 805-705-2208 • tamsengallery.com

UCSB Library Ocean Gallery • Creating Community Through Books: 20 Years of UCSB Reads through Jan 2027 • library.ucsb.edu

Voice Gallery • Santa Barbara Art Association: Collective Visions through July; SB Sculptors Guild & VOICE

present Caliente • La Cumbre Plaza H-124 • 10-5:30 M-F; 1-5 Sa-Sun • 805-965-6448

Waterhouse Gallery Montecito • Notable CA & National Artists • 1187 Coast Village Rd • 11-5 Mo-Su • 805962-8885 • waterhousegallery.com

Waterhouse Gallery SB • Notable CA & National Artists • La Arcada Ct, 1114 State St, #9 • 11-5 Mo-Sa • 805962-8885 • waterhousegallery.com

Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum Of Art • Recent Acquisitions • Some weekdays 10-4 during the summer • westmont.edu/museum

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

The Weekly Scoop

This is the first article in my first ever column! There truthfully could not be a more enjoyable topic for me to write about. I like to think of myself as an ice cream connoisseur, as I probably eat ice cream every single day and have done so for as long as I can remember.

By Bridget Keon / VOICE

NATIONAL ICE CREAM MONTH, my favorite month of the year, is the perfect opportunity for a taste of some 1,000 flavors. With its scorching heat, July is the peak month for ice cream consumption in the United States. President Reagan famously loved the frozen treat and recognized it with a proclamation and by sampling local offerings during visits to his Western White House, Rancho del Cielo, near Santa Barbara.

At Mission Street Ice Cream here in Santa Barbara, which serves McConnell’s ice cream alongside house-made frozen yogurt, their walls are covered in images of famous people who have enjoyed their treats, including multiple U.S. presidents, Reagan among them! His photo hangs alongside those of Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Bush, and Clinton. You’ll also find athletes, pop stars, actors, and models, including Tom Brady, Taylor Swift, Rob Lowe, Leonardo DiCaprio, John Travolta, and Tyra Banks. Some of the photos are even signed.

Situated at Mission and De La Vina Streets, Mission Street is one of my favorite ice cream spots in Santa Barbara. While their most popular flavors are Sweet Cream Caramel Brownie, Sea Salt Cream & Cookies, and Eureka Lemon & Marionberries, their frozen yogurts are what makes them unique.

Rich in flavor and so creamy they feel like soft serve, they are both a textural and tasty heaven. I recently tried Marshmallow, which was so light and fluffy it somehow transmitted the cloud-like nature of marshmallows into the frozen yogurt itself.

My first time trying Mission Street and getting their Horchata flavor, I recall knowing instantly that I had found my “favorite ice cream” in all of Santa Barbara. It was so balanced and light, with a perfect blend of cinnamon and cream, that it made me want to bring every person I knew there just so they could experience it, too.

Truly few things embody summer so much as ice cream. There is something oddly humanizing about it, perhaps because that first lick of an ice cream cone is about as pure a joy as money can buy.

Mission Street Ice Cream is an independent ice cream shop, owned and operated by the Moss family.

McConnells itself, founded by Gordon “Mac” and Ernesteen McConnell in 1949, a true Santa Barbara institution, is known for using local dairy and regional farm produce in their ice creams. It is now owned by winemaker Michael Palmer and chef Eva Ein.

Fri & Sat 11:30am - 9pm

Sun-Thu 11:30am - 8pm

Locally Owned and Operated

Your neighborhood table is waiting!

Indoor, outdoor, and bar seating

Please

(805)869-2831 | @theneighborhoodgrillsb

This event made possible by the generosity of Mahri Kerley

FRIDAY, JULY 31 at 7 PM

Enjoy an immersive musical experience offering a feast for the senses! Acclaimed Music Conductor Heiichiro Ohyama (viola) and Chamber Orchestra musicians Timothy Durkovic (piano), Elizabeth Hedman (violin), and Trevor Handy (cello) will prepare the first movement of Mozart’s Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, K. 478, followed by an engaging Q&A guided by Concert Navigator Miho Ito. During intermission, enjoy complimentary dessert on the Esplanade before returning for a full performance of all three movements of the evening’s musical entrée.

Premium ticket includes exclusive pre-show on-stage reception.

Meet Our Exceptional Team

ASHLEY ANDERSON

805.618.8747

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PAUL HURST

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59 years combined experience

KATINKA GOERTZ

805.708.9616

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DRE# 01871645 26 years of experience

Experience Matters! Selling or Buying Property in the Santa Barbara area? You’ll want to include us in your interview process.

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JOHN COMIN

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pbassan@gmail.com

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805.350.6533

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“We cannot thank Paul and the entire Anderson Hurst Associates team enough for helping us bring this chapter of our lives to a bittersweet, but meaningful close. Their professionalism, dedication, expertise, and genuine care exceeded our expectations in every way. They were not simply our real estate advisors...they were trusted partners throughout a very important transition for our family. We wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone seeking experienced professionals who combine exceptional market knowledge with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to their clients.”

- Sellers, 111 E. Pedregosa Street, Santa Barbara

FRED BRADLEY

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jafbrad@aol.com

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Senior Associate 51 years of experience

as well as others