VOICE Magazine: June 5, 2026

References Available (lots of them!)

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Yardi Systems acquisition of Paseo Nuevo a ‘miracle’ and ‘transformational,’ Santa Barbara City Council says

Shopoff Realty Investments, and Praelium, the owners of the former Nordstrom building, plan to also build 80 to 112 apartments

By Joshua Molina / Santa Barbara News-Press 6.3.26

CALLING IT A “MIRACLE,” AND A “GENERATIONAL TRANSFORMATION,” the Santa Barbara City Council on Tuesday gave unanimous, enthusiastic support to Yardi Systems’ plan to acquire Paseo Nuevo mall and move 600 workers downtown.

“I am so grateful that you see a vision of shared prosperity, of shared energy, of vitality for downtown Santa Barbara, and that you are willing to act on it,” councilwoman Meagan Harmon told the Yardi family at Tuesday’s meeting. “I see that vision too.”

In addition to Yardi Systems’ plan, the council also blessed Shopoff Realty Investments, and Praelium, the owners of the former Nordstrom building, and their plan to build 80 to 112 apartments.

“These proposals honor what Santa Barbara is while creating space for what it needs to become,” Harmon said. These two concepts present a generational opportunity to jumpstart our downtown core.”

The support marks a swift and sudden turn of events for the mall, less than six months after the property was deep in controversy and its future was mired in mystery. The Santa Barbara City Council last year voted against transferring the land underneath the mall to AB Commercial which owns the lease on the mall. AB was working with a developer to build housing at the Macy’s building, but only on the condition that the city give away the land it owns under the mall, which is valued between $32 and $39 million.

AB had threatened to walk away from the deal and leave the mall “fallow” if the council did not approve its terms. The council paused, and voted not to move forward on the project in December.

Yardi Systems then entered the picture. The company started negotiations with AB Commercial and the city of Santa Barbara to acquire the mall and preserve the retail tenants. The Macy’s building, instead, would be home to Yardi’s corporate headquarters, a move that would bring 600 workers downtown to eat and shop in an area that has struggled financially.

Yardi Systems, which is owned by brothers Jason and Kevin Yardi, is revered in the community for its financial contributions and involvement.

System is committed to Santa Barbara.

“I am grateful the Yardis have stepped up to make this well-thought-out offer,” Ensberg said. “It is absolutely significant that this proposal is coming from this local family that is principled and not looking for local recognition.”

Activist Lee Heller said she is glad that the council stood up to AB Commercial and its attempt to “bully” the city.

“This is the salvation of the death of that project,” Heller said.

Heller described Yardi Systems as a local company that cares about the community.

“There’s enormous promise here to revitalize the downtown,” Heller said.

to the parking lot under Paseo Nuevo, and maintain the theater and museum.

He said Yardi Systems’ overall investment in the mall would be about $100 million.

Beth Collins, an attorney, represents Shopoff Realty Investments, and Praelium. Collins said DSP would make a $1 million contribution to improve downtown and $700,000 to Santa Barbara’s Local Housing Trust Fund.

“We are thrilled to be here today to be part of this transformational project for downtown,” Collins said.

Kevin Yardi spoke to the council at Tuesday’s meeting and told the story of how his parents Anant and Eileen Yardi moved to California from Detroit in 1972. He explained that he went to school at Santa Barbara Junior High and Santa Barbara High School.

His parents worked at Burroughs in Goleta, and when the plant closed in 1981, Anant toyed with the idea of starting a hardware store, but Eileen convinced him that it was a bad idea. The couple opted instead to start a software company that focused on real estate management.

Since then, it has become one of the region’s shining stars.

Yardi said the company pays 100 percent of health care premiums for its employees and 85 percent for dependents. The average tenure of employment is ten years and the company has never had to do layoffs.

“We told our employees there will never be layoffs because of AI,” Yardi said. “That’s sort of a unique thing and I don’t hear many other tech companies saying that.”

Yardi said the company supports about 50 nonprofits for a total of several million dollars a year. Much of its philanthropy, he said, is quiet, and is not widely publicized.

Many people who spoke at Tuesday’s meeting supported the project.

Brent Baldwin said he is a Santa Barbara resident and he supports Yardi’s takeover of the mall.

“It revitalizes our downtown core with local workers, good jobs,” Baldwin said. “It supports our local businesses, the restaurants, hotels. It’s a straight shot to bring revitalization to our downtown core.”

Architect Cass Ensberg said the Yardi

Yardi plans to donate $5 million to Santa Barbara’s Local Housing Trust Fund and $700,000 to the city’s Downtown Plaza and Parking Program.

The first floor of the Macy’s building would be for special events, and the second for employees, Yardi said. Some nonprofit organizations could use the first-floor space. Yardi promised not to make any changes

Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse said he is pleased with all the players involved in the discussion. He said the proposal is financially viable. He urged his colleagues on the council to let the city staff and the interests finalize the deal, and that the council should get out of the way, and just support the project.

“We need to move forward,” Rowse said.

The council is set to formally approve the contracts on June 16th.

This story was originally published by the Santa Barbara News-Press. Printed with permission • 6.3.2026 • newspress.com

Make Family Memories This Summer at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

By Heather Behrens, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT FAMILY OUTING this summer? The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) offers an unforgettable experience where kids and adults alike can explore ocean science, maritime history, and hands-on exhibits — all set along the beautiful Santa Barbara Harbor.

From the moment families step inside, SBMM invites curiosity and discovery. The museum shares more than 13,000 years of maritime history, connecting visitors to the sea through stories of exploration, innovation, and coastal life.

Children love interactive experiences that bring ocean learning to life.

In the Gail and Barry Berkus Children’s Gallery, young visitors can explore a kelp forest, learn how sails work using block and tackle, and discover how small choices help protect our oceans. Creative play spaces encourage imagination while teaching the importance of marine stewardship.

Families can step into maritime adventure through engaging exhibits such as Whales Are Superheroes!, which explains the important role whales play in ocean ecosystems, and Deep Sea Commercial Diving, showcasing Santa Barbara’s pioneering contributions to underwater technology.

One of the most fascinating artifacts in the museum is the Point Conception Lighthouse First Order Fresnel Lens, a spectacular historic beacon that once guided ships safely along California’s

coast. Nearby, the Chumash Tomol Plank Canoe highlights the ingenuity of California’s first coastal people and their deep connection to the sea.

Kids especially enjoy interactive elements throughout the museum, including the Tattoo Parlor Interactive, where visitors can get sailor tattoos inspired by maritime traditions. Families can also learn about real-life maritime events through the Honda Disaster exhibit, which tells the dramatic story of seven U.S. Navy ships lost along the Santa Barbara coast in 1923.

The museum also celebrates Santa Barbara’s unique maritime culture through exhibits such as Flagship Ranger, exploring the history of sportfishing, and Daughters and Wives: Keepers of the Light, which honors the important contributions women made to lighthouse history.

Another highlight is the JIM Deep Sea Dive Suit, an extraordinary piece of technology that allowed divers to safely explore extreme ocean depths. Nearby exhibits on surfing history and maritime heritage demonstrate how the ocean continues to shape California culture today.

In addition to its permanent exhibits, SBMM presents four rotating art exhibitions each year, offering fresh perspectives on the ocean through photography, painting, sculpture, and mixed media inspired by coastal environments and maritime stories.

After exploring the museum, families can enjoy stunning harbor views from upper floors or take a walk along the waterfront. The museum’s location makes it easy to pair a visit with ice cream, lunch by the water, or watching boats sail in and out of the harbor.

SBMM is also a wonderful destination for educational programs and group tours. Families, schools, camps, and community groups interested in scheduling a visit or learning more about museum education opportunities are encouraged to contact Jason Statucki, Education Coordinator, through SBMM at jstaucki@sbmm.org or (805) 962-8404. More information is available at: Museum Education Programs: sbmm.org/museum-education-programs Group Visits & Tours: sbmm.org/group-visits-tours

Whether your child dreams of becoming a marine biologist, artist, sailor, or explorer, SBMM offers inspiration through hands-on learning and engaging exhibits. It’s a place where families can discover the stories of the sea together and leave with a deeper appreciation for our coastal environment.

This summer, make time for discovery, creativity, and connection at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum — where family adventures set sail.

EARS OF GATHERINGI GOODL

Old Spanish Days

Goleta Valley Historical Society

at Rancho La Patera & Stow House

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

5:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.

Enjoy an evening at the beautiful Rancho La Patera gardens to sample appetizers, wine and beer from local restaurants, wineries and breweries, as well as a performance by the 2026 Spirit of Fiesta and Junior Spirit, musical entertainment, and dancing under the stars to Area 51!

No tickets will be sold at the door. 21 and older only.

An o cial Old Spanish Days event in collaboration with Goleta Valley Historical Society. Buy Tickets Now!

Tickets: $100.00 all inclusive Benefi ting Old Spanish Days & Goleta Valley Historical Society

Goleta Valley Historical Society • Rancho La Patera & Stow House • 304 Los Carneros Rd., Goleta

Waterhouse Gallery

Montecito Gallery 1187 Coast Village Road: 11am to 5pm Mon-Sun

Santa Barbara Gallery 1114 State Street: 11am to 5pm Mon-Sat 805-886-2988 • art@waterhousegallery.com • WaterhouseGallery.com

Tax Results for the City of Santa Barbara

Sales Tax Results – Quarter Ended March 31st, 2026

WITH QUARTERLY RESULTS TOTALING OVER $17 MILLION, the City of Santa Barbara collects the Bradley-Burns uniform local sales tax, the Santa Barbara Critical Infrastructure and Essential Community Services – Measure C district sales tax (approved in 2017), and the Santa Barbara Essential Services – Measure I district sales tax (approved in 2024). The City received $6.8 Million in Bradley-Burns, $7.4 Million in Measure C, and $3.6 Million in Measure I sales tax revenue during the quarter ended March 31, 2026, which is the third quarter of the City’s fiscal year. Year to date, Bradley-Burns sales tax revenues are about 6.0 percent below budget, Measure C sales tax revenues are about 6.0 percent below budget, and Measure I sales tax revenue are about 5.0 percent above budget. For Fiscal Year 2026, the City’s Bradley-Burns sales tax revenue budget is $32.0 Million, Measure C sales tax revenue budget is $34.2 Million, and Measure I sales tax revenue budget is $15.1 Million.

Transient Occupancy Tax Results – April 30th, 2026

The City of Santa Barbara collected $3.3 Million in Transient Occupancy Taxes (TOT) for April 2026, the tenth month in the City’s fiscal year. Year to date, the City has collected $30.9 Million in overall TOT, of which approximately $27.0 Million came from hotels and $3.9 Million from short-term rentals. Year to date, total TOT revenues are coming in 7.9 percent above budget. The Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) is a Tax on “Transient” guests staying in any hotel, inn, motel, or other commercial lodging establishment for a period of less than 30 days. The City’s adopted TOT budget for all funds is $35.5 Million, of which $29.5 Million is budgeted in the General Fund. The City’s TOT tax rate is 12.0 percent, of which 10.0 percent goes to the City’s General Fund and the remaining 2.0 percent goes to the Creeks/Clean Water Fund.

Ensemble Theatre Company Presents Every Brilliant Thing

REFLECT ON ALL THE BRIGHT, BEAUTIFUL THINGS THAT MAKE LIFE WORTH LIVING when Nicholas Mongiardo-Cooper stars in Ensemble Theatre Company's production of Every Brilliant Thing. Preview performances are ongoing at The New Vic, with opening night to be held at 8pm on Saturday, June 6th. An interactive oneman play, Every Brilliant Thing tells the hopeful story of a young boy who makes a list of all the wonderful things in the world to help his mother fight depression.

As attendees listen to the central narrator, they are engaged and encouraged to become a part of the story unfolding, making each performance as unique and uplifting as its audiences. To support this immersive aspect, ETC and director Jenny Sullivan have transformed The New Vic into a theater in the round, creating a community-focused theatrical event that is not to be missed.

Performances will continue through June 21st, with guests recommended to be ages 13 and up due to serious content matter.

For tickets ($25-104) visit etcsb.org

Resultados fiscales de la Ciudad de Santa Bárbara

Resultados del impuesto sobre las ventas – Trimestre finalizado 31 de marzo, 2026

LA CIUDAD DE SANTA BÁRBARA RECAUDA el impuesto local sobre las ventas BradleyBurns, el impuesto de distrito sobre las ventas para Infraestructura Crítica y Servicios Comunitarios Esenciales – Measure C (aprobado en 2017), el impuesto de distrito sobre las ventas para Servicios Esenciales de Santa Bárbara – Measure I (aprobado en 2024). La Ciudad recibió $6.8 millones en ingresos por impuestos sobre las ventas Bradley-Burns, $7.4 millones en ingresos por Measure C, y $3.6 millones en ingresos por Measure I durante el trimestre finalizado en 31 de marzo, 2026, que es el tercero trimestre del año fiscal de la ciudad. En lo que va de año, los ingresos por impuestos sobre las ventas Bradley-Burns están aproximadamente un 6.0% por abajo del presupuesto, los ingresos por Measure C están aproximadamente un 6.0% por abajo del presupuesto, y los ingresos por Measure I están aproximadamente un 5.0% por encima del presupuesto. Para el año fiscal 2026, el presupuesto de ingresos por impuestos sobre las ventas Bradley-Burns es de $32.0 millones, el presupuesto de ingresos por Measure C es de $34.2 millones, y el presupuesto de ingresos por Measure I es de $15.1 millones. Resultados del impuesto de ocupación transitoria – 30 de abril 2026

La Ciudad de Santa Bárbara recaudó $3.3 millones en Impuestos de Ocupación Transitoria (TOT) en abril 2026, el décimo mes en el año fiscal de la Ciudad. En lo que va de año, la Ciudad ha recaudado $30.9 millones en TOT general, de los cuales aproximadamente $27.0 millones provienen de hoteles y $3.9 millones de alquileres a corto plazo. A la fecha, los ingresos totales por concepto de TOT se sitúan un 7.9% por encima del presupuesto. El Impuesto de Ocupación Transitoria (TOT) es un impuesto que grava a los huéspedes “transitorios” que se alojan en cualquier hotel, posada, motel u otro establecimiento comercial de alojamiento por un periodo inferior a 30 días. El presupuesto adoptado por la Ciudad para el TOT, considerando todos los fondos, es de $35.5 millones, de los cuales $29.5 millones están asignados al Fondo General. El tipo impositivo del TOT en la Ciudad es del 12.0 %, de los cuales el 10.0 % se destina al Fondo General de la Ciudad y el 2.0 % restante al Fondo de Arroyos y Agua Limpia.

Caitlin O’Hara Named Associate Executive Director at UCSB A&L

ALONGTIME SENIOR LEADER at UCSB Arts & Lectures, Caitlin O’Hara has been appointed Associate Executive Director. Her new appointment recognizes her expanded role in guiding the organization’s programming, strategic planning, fundraising, and community engagement initiatives.

O’Hara, who has served Arts & Lectures for more than eleven years, will work in close partnership with Miller McCune Executive Director Meghan Bush to help guide the organization’s strategic direction, programming initiatives, community partnerships, and institutional growth.

Since joining Arts & Lectures in 2015 as Senior Writer/Publicist, O’Hara has advanced through a series of leadership positions, including Programming Manager, Director of Public Lectures & Special Initiatives, and Senior Director of Public Lectures & Special Initiatives.

O’Hara, UCSB Arts & Lectures Associate Executive Director

In her most recent role, she served as a key member of the senior management team, leading the organization’s acclaimed public lectures program while collaborating on the curation of the performing arts program, developing thematic initiatives and helping shape long-term artistic and educational priorities. She has also played an important role in fundraising efforts, donor engagement, and cross-campus collaborations. Her responsibilities have

Bird of the Month June 2026 Santa Barbara Audubon Society

Hawk ~

included overseeing high-profile public events featuring many of the world’s leading thinkers, writers, artists, and public figures.

“Caitlin’s keen curatorial insight has helped shape Arts & Lectures over the past decade. She is an exceptional programmer and a thoughtful and trusted partner in leading the organization. This appointment recognizes the vital role she already plays and positions us for continued growth in the years ahead,” said Meghan Bush, Miller McCune Executive Director. “Caitlin combines intellectual curiosity, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to public engagement. Her leadership has strengthened every aspect of our work, from programming and community partnerships to institutional advancement. I am thrilled to recognize her contributions with this appointment.”

O’Hara came to UCSB Arts & Lectures after a successful career at University of California Press, where she led national and international publicity campaigns for both scholarly and general-interest books as Senior Publicist.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of San Francisco.

“Arts & Lectures has always been driven by the belief that great art and ideas can transform lives and strengthen communities,” said O’Hara. “I am honored by this appointment and the opportunity to work alongside such talented colleagues, dedicated campus partners, and generous supporters. I look forward to continuing my close partnership with Miller McCune Executive Director Meghan Bush as we build on A&L’s reputation for artistic excellence and public engagement, deepen our community impact, and help shape an exciting future for the organization.”

The appointment comes as Arts & Lectures prepares for its 67th season of presenting world-class performances, public lectures and educational programs. Under Bush’s leadership, the organization continues to expand its artistic reach, deepen community engagement and strengthen its role as a cultural and intellectual resource for the Central Coast and beyond. Artsandlectures.ucsb.edu

By Rebecca Coulter, Santa Barbara Audubon Society, Special to VOICE

ERCILESSLY PURSUED BY MANY SPECIES, the Cooper’s Hawk is a small, agile hunter whose primary prey is other birds. Crows, songbirds, even hummingbirds and other raptors like the American Kestrel will mob a nearby “Coop” to chase it out of their territory. Equally at home in open woodlands and suburban neighborhoods, this adaptable hawk is often seen quietly watching backyard bird feeders to pick off unsuspecting doves, finches, and other feeder regulars. Present year-round in our region, look for its short, rounded wings and long tail, and the listen for a “kek-kek-kek-kek” alarm call that often reveals it nearby.

Astur cooperii For more information visit SantaBarbaraAudubon.org or call 805-964-1468

On the Street with John Palminteri

Photos and Stories by John Palminteri, Special to VOICE

L.A. Rams Hold Youth Camp

THE L.A. RAMS sent two players to Santa Barbara High for a special youth football camp on Saturday. It was an amazing turnout and a chance to see a pro in action, up close.

Peace of Mind Walk Supports

Health Services

FOR THE SEVENTH YEAR, the “Peace of Mind, 10,000 Steps in the Right Direction” fundraiser was held at the Alma Rosa winery this past weekend. It supported the Mental Wellness Center in Santa Barbara and all of its programs. It went into areas that the public is not normally allowed to see, with some sweeping views of the Santa Rita Hills. After the 4.5 mile walk, there was food, wine, music, and a strong bond with those helping the mental wellness programs for adults and families.

State Of Nonprofits Gathers Local Leaders

THE INAUGURAL STATE OF NONPROFITS by the Santa Barbara Foundation packed in 250 leaders learning about funding, needs, volunteers, trends, and collaborations.

World Cup Teams Start Practicing in Santa Barbara

WORLD CUP TEAMS HAVE ARRIVED. Qatar is at the Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito, where they were welcomed on Saturday. The Austrian team will stay at Ritz Carlton Bacara on the beach in Goleta. Qatar will practice on an upgraded field at Westmont College. Austria will practice at UC Santa Barbara’s Harder Stadium.

Creek Oil Slick Concerns Residents

AFTER REHAB, FOUR HEALTHY HARBOR SEALS have been released back into the wild this month at Carpinteria State Beach thanks to volunteers and the staff at the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute (CIMWI). The release was near the seal rookery where some new friends were waiting.

TRAFFIC WAS BADLY BACKED UP after a rollover on Highway 101 northbound at Olive Mill Rd. in Montecito about 1:30pm on May 28th. Santa Barbara CHP responded, with construction crews helping out.

SANTA BARBARA CHP WENT IN PURSUIT of a vehicle on surface streets around Chapala St. at Mission St. for excessive speed on May 28th, sending two patrol units. It was discontinued about 1:45am.

THE ARROYO PAREDON CREEK, west of Carpinteria, looks sick in an area where an unusually large oil mass was seen in the near shore waters over the weekend around here and in Montecito. It’s believed to be from a natural seep or an old poorly capped well. This has been alarming to residents, some who hoped the creek could have some inflow protection due to fish and shore birds in this area. The nonprofit Heal the Ocean is investigating and in touch with county, state, and federal officials.

Carpinteria Breaks Ground on Water Purification Project

THE CARPINTERIA SANITARY DISTRICT held a groundbreaking ceremony this past week for its $90-million Advanced Purification Project, which will become the first potable water reuse project in Santa Barbara County. It will increase reliability for the future if a major drought hits again.

John Palminteri is a veteran news reporter and anchor for Newschannel 3-12 TV and both KJEE and KCLU radio in Santa Barbara/Santa Maria/Ventura. Off the air, he’s often bringing his smile and positive energy to the microphone at fundraisers and civic events. John’s social media presence has one of the largest followings in Santa Barbara, and this page has the weekly highlights. Twitter: @JohnPalminteri • Instagram: @JohnPalminteriNews www.facebook.com/john.palminteri.5

Visit Santa Barbara’s meeting highlights tourism’s broader economic ripple effect

Industry leaders gathered at Rosewood Miramar Beach to discuss how tourism shapes jobs, local business and Santa Barbara’s identity itself

By Joy Martin / Special for the Santa Barbara News-Press 5.28.26

TOURISM LEADERS ON WEDNESDAY HIGHLIGHTED THE INCREASINGLY INTERCONNECTED ROLE the industry plays across Santa Barbara’s broader economy, making the case that tourism extends far beyond hotels, restaurants, and wine tasting rooms.

At Visit Santa Barbara’s 2026 Annual General Meeting at Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito, speakers repeatedly pointed to tourism’s growing intersection with agriculture, sports, arts, small business, and the community’s identity itself.

The luncheon, themed “Powered by Tourism: Supporting Our Community,” brought together hospitality executives, civic leaders, restaurateurs, tourism stakeholders, and local business owners for a broader conversation about tourism’s role across the South Coast economy.

Visitors to the Santa Barbara South Coast spend more than $2.2 billion annually, support more than 15,000 local jobs, and generate nearly $83 million in state and local tax revenue, according to Visit Santa Barbara.

“Hospitality here is not just an industry. It’s personal,” Visit Santa Barbara President and CEO Kathy Janega-Dykes told attendees during opening remarks. “It’s the hotel team welcoming a guest back year after year, the restaurant owner greeting regulars by name, the winemaker, the artist, the farmer, the fisherman, the musician, the shop owner, all of the people who create the feeling of this place.”

Janega-Dykes said the region experienced especially strong tourism momentum this spring after a relatively flat first half of the fiscal year.

From February through April, hotel occupancy reached 74.4 percent, up 10.6 percent over the same period last year, while average daily rate rose 10.2 percent to $323, and revenue per available room climbed nearly 22 percent to $240.

She attributed part of that strength to travelers booking closer to their travel dates, warmer spring weather, and increased demand from California drive markets.

“We are also hearing that some travelers are choosing to stay closer to home, whether because of the cost of travel, concerns about flying, delays, or uncertainty around

international travel,” Janega-Dykes said. “That works to our advantage because our primary visitor base includes Los Angeles and other major drive markets that are just a short trip away.”

The program also highlighted FIFA World Cup 2026-related initiatives, including Visit Santa Barbara’s efforts to help bring the national teams of Austria and Qatar to the South Coast for training camps.

Together, the teams are expected to generate more than 5,500 hotel room nights, according to Visit Santa Barbara.

Local hotels, restaurants, museums, and wellness businesses are also preparing FIFAthemed promotions and visitor experiences ahead of this summer’s tournament.

Moderated by Bradley Cance, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, the panel discussion featured Santa Barbara Zoo President and CEO Charles Hopper, Acme Hospitality Managing Partner Sherry Villanueva, and UC Santa Barbara Director of Athletics Kelly Barsky.

Panelists discussed the growing importance of experiential tourism, authenticity, and community connection in shaping Santa Barbara’s identity as a destination.

Villanueva reflected on the evolution of the Funk Zone and the role hospitality businesses played in transforming the district into one of the city’s defining visitor destinations.

“Our entire company was based on a big risk about 15 years ago,” Villanueva said. “We really went all in to contribute to a neighborhood that had incredible roots in the arts, incredible roots in the local community, and a deep connection to the ocean.”

Barsky described athletics as another platform for community connection, particularly as Santa Barbara prepares for FIFA World Cup-related activity and broader sports tourism opportunities.

“Athletics is a platform for connection,” Barsky said. “Our mission is to serve and connect student-athletes and our community.”

Hopper said attractions such as the Santa Barbara Zoo can help encourage visitors to extend their stays and explore multiple destinations throughout the region.

“If it’s good for locals, it’s good for visitors,” Hopper said. “If you’re designing with the local community in mind, that’s what visitors are attracted to as well.”

Before and after the luncheon, attendees moved through Visit Santa Barbara’s

“Community Connections Showcase,” a marketplace-style installation designed to illustrate tourism’s broader economic reach across the South Coast.

The showcase featured build-your-own floral bouquets, candles, soap, heirloom tomatoes, fresh produce, Sunstone wine, and the brand’s award-winning sparkling functional beverage, SOLIS.

Participating businesses included local growers, makers, and hospitality-adjacent

brands, underscoring the argument that visitor spending reaches well beyond traditional lodging and restaurant sectors.

Janega-Dykes said the showcase was intentionally designed to demonstrate the ripple effect tourism has across agriculture, retail, artisan goods, and small-business sectors throughout the region.

The meeting also highlighted Santa Barbara’s continued national visibility as a travel destination, including Travel + Leisure naming the city one of the Best Places to Travel in 2026.

Still, speakers acknowledged increasing competition among destinations throughout California and beyond.

“That feeling, what Visit Santa Barbara calls the ‘Santa Barbara Effect,’ is one of our greatest strengths,” Janega-Dykes said. “But we cannot take it for granted. At the end of the day, our goal is not simply to bring more people here. It is to shape tourism in a way that supports the community we all care so deeply about.”

This story was originally published by the Santa Barbara News-Press. Printed with permission • 5.28.2026 • newspress.com

Eagles Nest Ocean Views

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Bath Street residents upset over noticing, construction of new ADUs on parking lot

Tenants of 1605 Bath St. were given three days’ notice that part of the property would be converted to luxury apartments

By Roman Trovato, Santa Barbara News-Press, 5.29.26

TENANTS OF 1605 BATH ST. WERE GIVEN

THREE DAYS’ NOTICE that part of the property would be converted to luxury apartments.

A letter sent on May 22nd from Sandpiper Property Management to the residents of the historic Queen Anne style house, announced that the property’s parking lot would be excavated and compacted to make way for eight new accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, the following Monday.

Residents were frustrated that the notice came on the eve of the Memorial Day weekend, which left them with no one available to reach for information. The tenants are also concerned that the eight new ADUs and the removal of eight parking spaces will add 16 cars to an already cramped block.

The permit for the ADUs, which was signed last June and issued by the city on May 4th, 2026, has not been posted on the property to notify the tenants or the broader neighborhood of the construction, residents said. Some of the planned structures will not only block the tenants’ views, but are so close to existing windows that it would prevent tenants from using them for escape in the event of a fire or other emergency, the residents said.

Sandpiper did not return three News-Press calls and an email.

“While eight new ADUs are legally allowable by the county laws, it seems ‘extreme’ that they are able to push a project like this without more public discussion, especially given the parking and noise impacts to our

community,” said Elizabeh Floyd, a tenant of six years, in an email to the News-Press.

Following the removal of a tree, one tenant, Cameron Saavedra, went to the ER Tuesday night with breathing complications that stemmed from his pine allergy. He said the tree that was cut right outside his home resulted in sawdust drifting inside and covering some of his belongings.

In response to the construction, the tenants drafted and signed a joint letter to Sandpiper Property Management outlining their immediate concerns regarding the construction. The letter also requested information regarding permits and plans, a liaison for tenant communication, a temporary parking plan, and rent abatement for “the loss of parking, noise, and disruption.”

the foyer’s banister, which cracked every step of the staircase, leaving exposed nails.

The letter stated that if the requests are not met by this Saturday, the tenants will make use of the services of the City of Santa Barbara Rental Housing Mediation Program and the Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County.

However, upon delivering the letter to Sandpiper Property Management founder Justin Egerer, Egerer stated that he had “No contractual or legal obligation” to give the tenants a 30 day notice of construction, according to Saavedra.

“He allowed zero working days for us to contact his company or the city,” Saavedra said. “I assume this was deliberate in tying our hands. I went three months without being able to contact Sandpiper so this type of communication is par for usual.”

Floyd stated that the tenants of 1605 Bath St. have faced other problems; a sewage rupture that flooded the laundry area, forcing tenants to call the city; malfunctioning heaters; and the replacement of

Saavedra has also sent multiple maintenance requests —some as far back as ten months ago — to Sandpiper which have gone unanswered, ranging from a shoddy breaker to broken and missing window fixtures. As a result, most issues he has addressed himself. He also says that Egerer only returns calls with his caller ID blocked and no number displayed.

In 2021 the Santa Barbara Tenants Union organized a protest that rallied activists and Sandpiper tenants outside the Sandpiper office following discontent surrounding disability accommodations, rising rent, and faulty structures.

“This situation feels like a microcosm of a larger issue in Santa Barbara: in the effort to create more housing, we’re creating new problems for the people who already live here,” said Saavedra in an email. “Tenants deserve to know what is happening to their homes. We deserve transparency, safety, and a process that doesn’t leave us cornered with no recourse.”

Santa Barbara County Students Crunch the Numbers at 2026 Math Super Bowl

SOLVING MATH PROBLEMS AGAINST THE CLOCK, top awards were earned by Washington Elementary School, Laguna Blanca, and Peabody Charter School, respectively, at the 41st annual Math Super Bowl. Hundreds of fourth to sixth grade students from 30 public and private schools in Santa Barbara County competed, demonstrating their individual math skills and teamwork.

“This achievement is a beautiful reflection of their hard work, persistence, and passion for math,” said Washington Elementary Principal Arielle Curry. “Seeing the joy on their faces as their efforts were rewarded is a moment I will always cherish.”

First-place individual scorers were:

Fourth grade: Viaan Srivastava, Cold Spring School; Barbara Tran, Isla Vista Elementary School; and Ari Kohn, Laguna Blanca (tied scores).

Fifth grade: Seamus Cottrell, Washington Elementary School (with the event’s only perfect score of 50/50)

Sixth grade: Annabelle Zhang, Laguna Blanca By grade level, Washington Elementary School placed first place for the fourth and fifth-grade level, and Laguna Blanca won first place at the sixth-grade level. sbceo.org

Library Night Live Raises Over $160,000 for Literacy Programs

A LIVELY LITERARY EVENING RAISED OVER $160,000 FOR FREE COMMUNITY LITERACY PROGRAMS when the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation hosted its inaugural Library Night Live. Held on the Michael Towbes Library Plaza, the event invited guests to enjoy music, storytelling, food, wine, art, and live performances from Carpinteria Improv and Santa Barbara Improv, as well as a keynote speech from award-winning author Matt de la Peña.

“The vision for Library Night Live was to create an experience where the Library itself became the center of community life,” said Lauren Trujillo, Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation. “Seeing the Michael Towbes Library Plaza filled with so much energy, generosity, and joy was incredibly meaningful. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make the evening possible.”

Funds raised will support the library’s free services that support thousands of community members, including adult literacy services, childhood reading programs, and outreach efforts to improve access to education. The library also hosts English conversation groups, GED preparation, and job-readiness. These programs’ impacts were shared via personal stories from the Library’s Adult Literacy Program Lead, Danny Arroyo, as well as a tutor and parent of a student, Barbara Wagner and Jennifer Harris. sblibraryfoundation.org

61 Percent of Central Coast High School Students Eligible for CalKIDS Scholarships

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS AMOUNTING UP TO $1,500 ARE AVAILABLE for approximately 61 percent of Central Coast high school students through the CalKIDS scholarship program. Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board under the California State Treasurer’s Office, CalKIDS funds can be used at accredited colleges, universities, community colleges, trade schools, and vocational programs for qualified educational expenses, including tuition and fees, books and supplies, certain room and board, and computer equipment.

“CalKIDS represents California’s investment in the promise and potential of our students,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA. “These scholarships send a powerful message to families across our state: we believe in our young people, we are investing in their future, and we want every student to know that college or career training is within reach.”

Over $114 million in funds is available per region. Students, their parents, or guardians must claim their CalKIDS Scholarship Account in order to use the funds. To check availability, students need their Statewide Student Identifier, or SSID, typically found on a school report card or transcript or by asking a school counselor. Once accessed, students and families can visit CalKIDS.org to check availability and follow steps toward claiming their scholarship. CalKIDS.org

St. Francis Foundation Awards $800,000 in Healthcare Grants to 49 Local Organizations

IN SUPPORT OF THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES, the St. Francis Foundation of Santa Barbara awarded $800,000 in grants to 49 local organizations at its annual Grant Awards Celebration, held at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. Recipients reflect the broad range of healthcare needs of the larger Santa Barbara community.

Funding was awarded to organizations and programs including Doctors Without Walls, Organic Soup Kitchen, VNA Health, Cottage Hospital, Easy Lift Transportation, Friendship Center, nursing scholarships, the Wellness Center, and a new health-focused program at San Marcos High School, among many others.

At the Grant Awards Celebration, grant recipients and their families were treated to an afternoon in the President’s Tent, which included an open bar, buffet, and a private polo lesson and educational presentation. Rather being a fundraiser, the afternoon served as a celebration of the nonprofit leaders and caregivers who serve the community.

“We wanted our grantees to feel celebrated,” said Tory Milazzo, Board President. “So often, nonprofit leaders are the ones doing the hosting, fundraising, and giving of themselves. This event is our way of saying: we see you, we value you, and we are grateful for the healing work you bring to our community.”

In its 70th year, the St. Francis Foundation invests in local nonprofits that provide direct services, prevention, education, transportation, end-of-life care, mental health support, senior services, and access to essential healthcare resources. stfrancisfoundationsb.org

SBIFF Opens Applications for Annual Filmmaker Fund for Local Creatives

SANTA BARBARA-BASED FILMMAKERS in need of financial support to realize their creative visions are encouraged to apply to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s annual Filmmaker Fund, offered in partnership with The Veraison Fund. With applications open from now through Monday, September 4th, awardees will receive up to $10,000 each to help fund their films. Winners will be announced during the 42nd SBIFF, taking place February 3rd through 13th, 2027.

A jury of industry professionals will review all submissions and invite selected finalists to pitch their projects at SBIFF’s Education Center. Interested individuals should be prepared to submit online their film’s screenplay and supporting materials (including storyboards, attached credits lists, pilots, etc.).

sbiff.org/filmmakerfund

Save the Date for the 40th CA Avocado Festival

PROMISING PEACE, LOVE, AND GUACAMOLE, the 40th annual California Avocado Festival has announced it will return to downtown Carpinteria on October 2nd through the 4th, 2026. Locals interested in participating as a sponsor, performer, vendor, or volunteer are encouraged to visit the festival website. Dozens of bands, vendors, and nonprofits are expected to join in the fun! avofest.org

Alcazar to Feature Hunter Hawkins

LOCAL

MUSICIAN AND FILMMAKER

HUNTER HAWKINS will release the first debut single from their upcoming album, Awake, during a sold-out performance at Carpinteria’s Alcazar Theatre on Friday, June 5th (thealcazar. org).

Featuring the single release for the song Here Now, the evening will also debut a premiere screening of Awake: Pinky’s Journey, a 40-minute companion film written, directed, produced by, and starring Hawkins. To round out the evening there will be a short live set.

Here Now is part of Hawkins’ forthcoming Red Van Records project Awake, produced by singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins.

Hawkins will also release the single and screen the movie in NYC on June 16th! For intrepid fans, here’s a link for tickets to RSVP for the NYC show at the Hidden Jewel Box Theater: partiful.com/e/6To6yANifSYHBpcUDesU?

Branford Marsalis Quartet at the Lobero

JAZZ AT THE LOBERO will be heating up when they host the Branford Marsalis Quartet for a stop on their Belonging Tour. The quartet will be on stage Thursday, June 18th at 7:30pm.

Saxophonist Branford Marsalis, one of the foremost jazz artists of our time, has released his Blue Note Records debut Belonging, a full album interpretation of Keith Jarrett’s 1974 ECM album of the same name, which introduced the pianist’s European Quartet. Belonging is Marsalis’ first new release since 2019 with his acclaimed longstanding quartet, featuring pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis, and drummer Justin Faulkner.

“On the composition Belonging, I clearly played things that Jan played on the record,” Marsalis points out. “I didn’t try to reject the idea when it occurred, but at no point did we plan to consciously pay tribute. I’m always listening to the whole record, not just the saxophone solos, and the most impressive thing about Belonging for me is how it all fits together,” commented Marsalis in an announcement of the show.

Marsalis admits that he was into other music when Belonging was released in 1974. “I was a freshman in high school, listening to R&B,” he

recalled. “I didn’t know Belonging existed.” That changed once he shifted his focus to jazz, although he was only familiar with Jarrett’s solo piano music until pianist Kenny Kirkland introduced him to Jarrett’s European Quartet with saxophonist Jan Garbarek, bassist Palle Danielsson, and drummer Jon Christensen.

“Marsalis has tackled imposing jazz masterworks before… but at its best, his Belonging goes deeper…It’s a performance that both honors and amplifies,” The New York Times wrote For tickets ($68-$135) visit Lobero.org or call 805.963.0761. Premium ticket includes preferred seating location and an exclusive pre-show reception in the Lobero Courtyard.

Registration Open for SB Education Foundation’s Kids Summer Music Camps

MUSIC WILL RING OUT ACROSS LOCAL COMMUNITIES THIS SUMMER when the Santa Barbara Education Foundation returns with its Summer Music Camps on June 15th. With scholarships available through SBEF to ensure equitable access, participating students will enjoy hands-on experiences in band, strings, or drumline at all skill levels. The popular programs provide students across grade levels the chance to hone their individual musical skills while having fun with peers.

Registration is now open for three opportunities. The popular Nick Rail Summer Band Camp will return led by director and longtime musician Stephen Hughes, as will the Summer Strings Camp, co-directed by Susannah Hoffman and Elizabeth Callahan, who is a music educator at Adams Elementary School and mentor for students in the Santa Barbara Symphony Youth Ensembles. Students can also participate in the Summer Drumline Camp, led by Charlie Ortega, where incoming junior high school students build percussion skills across instruments such as snare, bass drum, marimba, conga, and more in a collaborative ensemble setting. Camps are available for students of all experience levels. sbefoundation.org/sbef-summer-programs

Above & Beyond: 2026 Santa Barbara County Classified School Employees of the Year

IN HONOR OF CLASSIFIED SCHOOL EMPLOYEES WEEK, the Santa Barbara County Education Office has recognized four outstanding employees recently selected to represent Santa Barbara County as Classified School Employees of the Year.

“Classified school employees are often the first to welcome students to school each morning and the last to turn off the campus lights long after the final bell has rung,” reads the statement from SBCEO. “From bus drivers and custodial crews to office professionals, food service teams, paraeducators, and health staff, these dedicated employees are the steady, behindthe-scenes force ensuring schools remain safe, supportive, and ready for learning day after day.”

The 2026 SB County Classified School Employee of the Year honorees are:

Teresa “Teddy” Barahona is a Campus Security Officer at the Mark Richardson Career Technical Education Center & Agricultural Farm (Santa Maria Joint Union High School District)

Rudy Bondietti is a Maintenance Worker III at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School (Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District)

Mary Cortez is a Community Liaison at Joe Nightingale School (Orcutt Union School District)

Cheri Palin is an Office Manager at Alice Shaw Elementary School (Orcutt Union School District) sbceo.org

Annual Education Celebration Spotlights Educators and School Employees

THOSE WHO SHAPE CLASSROOMS, INSPIRE STUDENTS, AND STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES across Santa Barbara County were honored by the Santa Barbara County Education Office on May 21st at the annual Education Celebration. With over 100 awards and grants presented over the course of the night, the event recognized those implementing fresh ideas and creative teaching practices in classrooms and schools.

“Our annual Education Celebration is a special celebration of the creativity, care, and dedication that educators and school staff bring forward every day,” said Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools Susan Salcido. “We congratulate our 2026 recipients and thank them for the meaningful impact they make in the lives of students, families, and school communities throughout our county.”

Crystal Apple Educator Awards: (Administrator) William “Bill” Woodard, Dos Pueblos High School; (Certificated Specialists) Camillia “Cami” Waller, Santa Maria-Bonita School District and Jennifer Wilson, Montecito Union School; (Classified Employees) Martha Janzen, Delta High School & Maria Vega, Dos Pueblos High School; (Elementary Teachers) Grace Barton, Los Berros School & Graciela “Chely” Rodríguez, Adelante Charter School; (Secondary Teachers) Sarah A. M. Barthel, Lompoc High School and Julio Molina, Delta High School; and (Early Childhood Educator) Claire Sorensen, Harding University Partnership School.

Bill Cirone Heart of Education Award: Greg Eisen, Cabrillo High School.

Marvin Melvin Career Technical Educator Awards: Nicole McKee Barr, Santa Barbara High School; Guillermo Guerra, Ernest Righetti High School.

For a full list of award and grant recipients visit: sbceo.org/educationcelebration

Munira Kairat Receives the National Academy of Education Spencer Dissertation Fellowship

MUNIRA KAIRAT, a Ph.D. candidate at the UC Santa Barbara Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, has been named a 2026 National Academy of Education (NAEd) Spencer Dissertation Fellow. This fellowship is one of the most prestigious awards for emerging scholars in education research, selecting just 35 fellows from a competitive pool of nearly 500 applicants. Kairat’s dissertation, titled, Echoes of the Steppe, Transnational Dreams: Translanguaging Tongues, Transracial Lives, and the Making of Qazaqness in Los Angeles’ Little Kazakhstan, examines how multilingual Central Asian Kazakh children and youth navigate multilingual development, heritage language learnings, and transnational belonging.

“Receiving the NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship is an incredible honor,” said Kairat. “I am deeply grateful to my advisor, committee members, family, colleagues, and the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education for their support and encouragement. I am especially grateful to the community members whose generous participation has made this dissertation project possible.” education.ucsb.edu

Bikes and Parades Top HLC Recommendations for Master Plan

By Mark Whitehurst / VOICE

BIKE SPEEDS AND HISTORIC PARADES dominated a special meeting of the City of Santa Barbara Historic Landmarks Commission last week, which was called to solicit comments on the Draft State Street Master Plan.

“You are doing a disservice by taking the Fiesta parade away,” stated Commissioner Ed Lenvik, who also served on the State Street Advisory Committee. “Taking this [Fiesta Parade] away from State Street is a staff generated decision as opposed to a community generated decision.”

State Street Master Planner Tess Harris responded to questions on parades, “In appendix K of the master plan, there can be parades, walking

parades, but, there were public safety concerns raised by staff.”

The HLC unanimously supported the flexible plan in the draft Master Plan, but diverged into general agreement to study the street division and sizes in regard to pedestrian use and parades. They agreed State Street should develop as funding becomes available.

The concern for bike speeds on State Street and safety issues arising from them were a prominent focus during the meeting.

“The biggest issue I have heard is bicycles,” stated commissioner Dennis Doordan. Also commenting on the issue was commissioner Lenvik, who stated, “[It’s] sad that we are designing State Street to meet the standards of bike use.”

Providing an explanation for the 20 foot wide traffic way in the center of the street, consultant Stefanos Polyzoides said, “It is hard to control the speed of bikes during the day and the speed of cars at night — the only way is to reduce the carriage way to 20 feet… [providing] the least amount of space… constraining them but also allowing them to move in a more open environment.”

Harris continued, “I recognize the bike conversations… there is a lot of frustration — myself included.”

“We are trying to plan for decades… trying to think of this space as pedestrian oriented,” she added.

The character of State Street was discussed by Commission Chair Anthony Grumbine, who noted, “If we look at the bike path at the Sola Paseo, it actually

changed the character of the street by adding all these curbs and crazy stuff. It made a mess… the Fire Department and everyone hates it. It messed up the character of the street. The more important thing is the character of State Street — this is what we should be involved in.”

The commission sent additional comments to the city council and staff: Consider a fountain at De la Guerra and State Street; Focus additional concern for trash; Address ADA accessibility issues; Explore rolled curbs and the incorporation of digital infrastructure; Update storm water management; Review whether the plan considers the parameters of El Pueblo Viejo District; and Address the manner in which housing is brought into the downtown.

$11.7 Million State Grant to Build Housing, End Homelessness for 30 Families

By Elizabeth Truong / VOICE

THIRTY FAMILIES FACING HOMELESSNESS WILL HAVE NEW HOMES through a new collaborative housing project between nonprofit DignityMoves and the County of Santa Barbara. Called the “Family Village,” the project will be funded by a $11.7 million dollar grant awarded by Governor Gavin Newsom from the state’s Homekey+ program to support housing development.

“This is the first project that the County and DignityMoves have collaborated on that includes children,” said communications manager for the County of Santa Barbara, Kelsey Buttitta, to VOICE

Before construction starts, community members are invited to learn more about the Family Village at an informational session on Wednesday, July 8th from 6 to 7:30pm at the Santa Barbara County Education Office Auditorium.

Nine million dollars from the state’s grant will fund construction of the Family Village, with two million allocated to fund wraparound services. DignityMoves, which builds interim and permanent supportive housing communities, raised an additional $5 million for construction and will raise an additional $2 million for services.

“At its core, this project is about kids

– this housing will help keep families together, give parents the support they need, and provide kids with the stability that they deserve,” said County Supervisor Laura Capps in a statement. “Through our partnership with Dignity Moves, we are once again delivering high-quality housing that can be built quickly and start changing lives right away.”

The new Family Village will include 30 units expected to be developed within the County’s Calle Real campus on the spillover parking lot in the eastern Goleta Valley. The location will be a two-story building at 429 N San Antonio Road. These housing units will help families with children transition into permanent housing. A date has not been set for the start of construction, but Buttitta commented the Family Village is projected to open by early 2028.

According to DignityMoves, several factors, including the end of pandemicera rental housing assistance programs, stagnant wages, and lack of affordable housing, resulted in a 34 percent increase of families without homes in the past year.

For families interested in moving into the Family Village, Buttitta said there will be referrals. “Families will not be pre-selected. Referrals will be made through the Santa Barbara County Coordinated Entry System by

local homeless service providers. This functions as the application/referral process,” Buttitta said.

Once construction is completed, the county will provide on-site health and social services. Buttitta explained that these services will connect families with ongoing county and provider resources.

“Families will receive on-site supportive services, including case management, peer support, substance use disorder services, help obtaining benefits, education, and employment services, legal aid, and behavioral and physical health services,” she said.

The project builds on over 200 existing housing units that DignityMoves has developed in Santa Barbara County,

such as Santa Barbara Street Village, Hope Village in Santa Maria, and La Posada in unincorporated south Santa Barbara County.

“Each household will have a private unit with a kitchen, living area, bedroom, and bathroom, plus on-site supportive services designed to help families stabilize and thrive,” said Buttitta. “Community members can also participate by “Adopting a Unit” before opening to help welcome families into their new homes.”

Locals can learn more about preliminary construction timelines and site details at the July 8th information session.

dignitymoves.org/santa-barbara-family-village

Distant winds can drive massive tropical warming deep below the ocean surface

By Harrison Tasoff, The UC Santa Barbara Current • 6.1.26

AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF A RAPIDLY WARMING

CLIMATE, it’s become vital to better understand the mechanisms behind heat uptake and transfer into the deep ocean. Data show that between 1970 and 2020, approximately 89 percent of the excess heat from climate change was absorbed by the oceans, not the atmosphere.

Instrumental records and climate simulations indicate that wind-driven ocean circulation plays a critical role in the uptake and transfer of excess heat into the ocean. However, parsing these observations has been hindered by the short duration of instrumental records and the influence of natural climate variability.

Studying ancient climate records provides an important perspective for understanding long-term response and dynamics that cannot be gleaned from short-term observations. In a new paper published in the journal Geology, Syee Weldeab, an Earth science professor at UC Santa Barbara, identifies a previously unknown mechanism that transfers heat into the deep ocean, even when surface water temperatures remain relatively stable. “The

Syee Weldeab

Asssociate Professor, Earth Science

study reveals that the ocean interior acts as a vast reservoir of heat storage,” said Weldeab.

Using a marine sediment sequence from the equatorial Atlantic, Weldeab reconstructed the temperature history of intermediate waters at a depth of 800 meters over the past 11,000 years. The temperature record reveals a previously unrecognized, abrupt 5° Celsius warming that began around 5,700 years ago and reached peak warming 2,500 years ago. Remarkably, this outstanding warming at depth is not mirrored by changes in the overlying surface temperatures, indicating an extratropical origin of the warming.

“I was so surprised by the finding that I put the data aside for a while,” said Weldeab. Although the temperature of the surface water in the equatorial Atlantic remained stable over the last 11,000 years, waters at a depth of 800 meters experienced large and abrupt warming.

The timing of the subsurface warming coincides with major changes to the ocean–atmosphere circulation in the Southern Hemisphere. These changes were likely driven by more solar energy reaching the surface the austral summer and include a poleward shift and strengthening of the Southern

Syee Weldeab investigates past climate changes to understand the magnitude, rate, and feedback mechanisms of climate warming driven by interactions between the ocean, atmosphere, and cryosphere. His work offers an important paleoclimate context for the ongoing rapid warming of Earth’s climate system, helping address the limitations of short instrumental and observational records.

Hemisphere westerly winds.

Stronger winds enhance the subduction of relatively warm surface water, causing this water to descend to depth and propagate toward the tropical ocean interior. Weldeab proposes that the pronounced warming observed in the equatorial Atlantic intermediate waters is linked to these changes in the Southern Hemisphere’s ocean–atmosphere circulation. The hypothesis emphasizes how climate forcing at high latitudes can influence subsurface water temperature in the tropical oceans over centuries to millennia. Weldeab is currently working to map the spatial extent of this midHolocene warming across the major oceans.

The paleoclimatic trends Weldeab identified are ongoing; the Southern Hemisphere’s westerly winds continue to shift poleward and strengthen. “So, these findings provide an important paleoclimatic perspective,” he said. “The mechanism that we identify may intensify the impact of ongoing climate warming on the deep ocean.”

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

Spring Forward! Gala Raises Funds for Students

By Daisy Scott / VOICE

ROARING WITH A 1920S THEME, the Santa Barbara City College campus came alive when the SBCC Foundation hosted its annual Spring Forward! Gala on May 30th. Raising more than $350,000 – with that number expected to increase as guests’ donations continue to be processed this week – the evening served as an inspiring, memorable, and vital celebration as the SBCC Promise program looks toward its tenth year of providing thousands of local students with access to free higher education.

“No other college provides

the level of support through a Promise program like this college does,” said SBCC Foundation CEO Bobbi Abram, adding that the foundation awarded $1.3 million in student scholarships this past year.

“Behind every scholarship, every Promise student, every program supported through philanthropy is a real person with a story and a goal for the future, full of possibility.”

Guests upheld the night’s “Speakeasy Style” theme in high form as they sipped signature cocktails dressed in pinstripe suits, sequined gowns, and feathered accessories on

the Great Meadow. Vintage cars provided by Milpas Motors, tarot card readings by Mary Wessely, and the Party Proper jazz trio ensured that the outdoor affair felt just like a page out of The Great Gatsby

Even more impressive than the evening’s glamor was its strong sense of purpose. One glance at the 300 community members in attendance revealed the critical and wide-reaching personal role SBCC plays within Santa Barbara. From state and regional elected representatives to local businesspeople and education advocates, all guests were either SBCC alumni, administrators, faculty, or friends and family members of those whose lives were changed by SBCC.

“Investing in students is investing in the future of our entire community; this institution reaches every corner of this community,” said SBCC Foundation Board President Paul Menzel.

Featured speaker Juan Anguiano Zavala, a recent SBCC alumnus and Isla Vista local, inspired attendees with his testimony about the SBCC Promise. Launched in fall 2016, the SBCC Promise completely covers tuition and fees for local high school graduates for up to two years. More than ten thousand students, including Zavala, have benefited from the Promise, with many students graduating with Associate Degrees or transferring to four-year institutions.

experiences as an anxious student and his struggles with virtual learning during the pandemic. When he graduated high school, he joined the SBCC Running Start summer bridge program before embarking on classes through the SBCC Promise. This financial opportunity, combined with the consistent personal support provided by his counselor, motivated Zavala to explore different paths and take classes for the sake of learning. When he took a criminal investigations class with SBCC professor Dave Saunders, Zavala knew his future would be in law enforcement.

“The way he taught, his teaching philosophy, his honesty and clarity for the criminal justice system – it really meant a lot to me and that’s when I realized: this is what I want to do, this is where I can make a difference,” said Zavala.

He added that he is grateful that his younger sister, who is now looking toward college, has the option to participate in the Promise as well.

Zavala shared his educational journey with vulnerability and joy, describing his

“Because students like me aren’t questioning financial stress, we have room to figure out who we are, explore what we want to be and what we want to do, and more importantly, build lives so that we can give back to the community that supported us,” said Zavala.

The gala continued with an elegant dinner service courtesy of Seasons Catering within a festively-decorated tent, allowing guests to admire the Great Meadow’s ocean views. Master of Ceremonies David Moorman took to the stage to lead an energetic live auction and paddle raise. As guests savored their desserts, DJ Darla Bea invited everyone onto the dance floor. sbccfoundation.org

Chick-fil-A approved for former IHOP site, next to Starbucks on Calle Real near Goleta

More than 720 people, many from Goleta and Isla Vista, signed cards in support of Chick-fil-A opening

By Tom Schultz / Santa Barbara News-Press 5.27.26

ANEW CHICK-FIL-A IS COMING TO GOLETA, after Santa Barbara County planning officials on Wednesday unanimously approved its construction—satisfied the restaurant’s drive-thru won’t significantly pollute the air.

“It’s really clear to me that there is great dedication to making this work,” Second District commissioner Kate Ford said.

“This county has consistently approved these drive-thrus,” Third District Commissioner John Parke said. “To deny Chick-fil-A would be something that’s somewhat indefensible.”

Chick-fil-A enthusiast Roy Millender smiled and clapped after the vote. Earlier, he’d spoken to the commission in favor of the project, echoing the sentiments of a strong and loyal local

fanbase.

“We love the place,” Millender, a Santa Barbara attorney and former Westmont College economics and business professor said, describing his family’s frequent patronage of the existing Chickfil-A on upper State Street less than three miles from where the new one will rise.

“I tell the managers that since I work out of my home, this is my office. I meet with clients and I meet with friends at Chick-fil-A,” Millender said. “It’s a joy… They have a secret sauce that really works.”

While the project has received strong public backing—including 722 signed cards of support mostly from Isla Vista and Goleta residents, company officials said—it’s also drawn the ire of opponents concerned about noise, traffic, public safety, and neighborhood livability.

Questioning the effects of vehicle exhaust, the five-member commission in March voted 3-2 against the 2,647-squarefoot-structure and two-lane drive-thru proposed for the site of a shuttered IHOP restaurant, next to Starbucks, at 4765 Calle Real and the Highway 101 offramp at South Turnpike Road.

Wednesday’s hearing was a chance for the Atlantabased restaurant chain to respond to the commissioners’ concerns and elaborate on how the vehicle queue will function.

The 66-seat restaurant is proposed for an area already impacted by popular drive-thru businesses. Next door is Starbucks, where cars sometimes queue out of the parking lot and onto Calle Real, and across

the intersection is In-N-Out Burger, which consistently attracts long lines.

Acknowledging it might seem counterintuitive, a drive-thru actually helps reduce air pollution, Beth Collins, a land use attorney for Chick-fil-A, told the commission.

“There is ample, ample evidence,” she said, adding advances in technology like online ordering, as well as thoughtful queue management, also help keep a drive-thru efficient.

Specifically, Collins said, a car will “hot soak,” or evaporate fuel, after it’s turned off and its occupants go inside a restaurant. The car emits even more pollution once it’s started back up, and this in total creates more harmful emissions than a car that’s idling in a drive-thru queue, she said.

A 2008 memo from the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) to the Planning Commission supports this analysis, and county officials have consulted it as evidence during other drive-thru approvals.

Resident Suzann Sturz, who lives near the Chick-fil-A project site, questioned why officials were relying on nearly 20-year-old data to guide their decisionmaking.

“All of the current drive-thrus in the entire South Coast unincorporated area are within 300 yards of each other near the Turnpike-Calle Real intersection,” Sturz told the commission, urging members to deny the project.

However, Collins told the commission that the APCD data had been repeatedly reaffirmed.

An estimated 85 percent of the time, the new drive-thru will have a queue of 19 cars or fewer. During peak conditions, the queue will hold up to 32 cars, more than required, Collins said.

The nearby existence of the Upper State Street Chick-fil-A also will help reduce pollution at the Goleta site, according to county staff planners.

“There’s an existing Chick-fil-A restaurant located approximately 2.7 miles east,” said Willow Brown, county supervising planner. “By adding the second Chick-fil-A location, the cumulative vehicle miles traveled will be reduced because it can be assumed that the majority of existing customers will go to whichever location they are closest to.”

Chick-fil-A sparks a polarized reaction among consumers.

In 2023, the upper State Street location reopened with a wider driveway, an additional drive-thru lane and reconfigured a parking lot following months of controversy over its operations. The city of Santa Barbara had threatened to shut down the drive-thru there after cars and trucks kept queuing into the street.

Nationally, the restaurant chain came under scrutiny in 2012 following its thenCEO’s opposition to same-sex marriage as well as corporate donations to causes considered anti-LGBTQ+. The company later announced it would change its charitable giving strategies. This story

District Attorney and Chief Investigator Statement On Elder Abuse Awareness Month

By District Attorney John T Savrnoch and Kristina Perkins, Chief Investigator SBCDA

ELDER SCAMS ARE NOT RARE, isolated incidents, they are a growing threat affecting families in every community. Many of us know someone who has fallen victim to fraud, whether through a fake phone call, an online scheme, identity theft, romance fraud, or a financial deception disguised as legitimate business. These crimes may vary in size and sophistication, but they all share one thing in common; they cause real harm to real people.

According to the FBI, in 2025 there were 357 complaints filed in Santa Barbara County alone, resulting in reported financial losses totaling more than $34 million. Those numbers are staggering, but unfortunately not unexpected for those of us who hear about these scams weekly, if not daily. We have a crisis. And these figures only reflect reported losses. We know this type of crime is significantly underreported and under documented because many victims feel embarrassed, fearful, or uncertain about coming forward. In many cases, victims and their families are also confused about where to report these crimes or which agency can help, especially when scams involve online activity, financial institutions, multiple jurisdictions, or international actors. That confusion often leads to delays in reporting or no report being made at all, allowing criminals to continue victimizing others.

Carbajal Statement on Primary Election Results

FOLLOWING THE JUNE 2ND PRIMARY ELECTION, Salud Carbajal issued this statement:

“I’m deeply honored to have earned the trust and support of Central Coast voters, and I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who cast a ballot, volunteered, or shared their hopes for our community during this primary. Now, we move forward to November together. From SLO to Santa Barbara to Ventura, working families across the Central Coast are feeling the crushing pressure of rising costs. Donald Trump and the Republican Party have pushed disastrous policies, tariffs, and wars that made housing, groceries, gas, and healthcare far too expensive. I am determined to reverse those terrible policies and deliver commonsense solutions that actually help families. The work ahead is serious, but so is our resolve. I am ready to keep fighting for a future where everyone who works hard has a fair shot to get ahead.”

He added, “Beyond Congress, California deserves a governor who will fight for working people, and Xavier Becerra is the strong and most qualified leader who will do just that. I am proud to have been one of Xavier’s initial endorsers and I look forward to our continued work together to improve the lives of all Californians.”

Scams and fraud come in many forms. On one end are sophisticated international fraud rings that steal billions of dollars each year from the American people through phishing schemes, identity theft, fake tech support calls, and cybercrime. On the other end are the more personal and local betrayals, including dishonest caregivers, acquaintances, or opportunists who take advantage of vulnerable seniors, especially those who have accumulated wealth through a lifetime of hard work, savings, or property ownership in communities such as Santa Barbara. These crimes may look different, but the damage they cause is the same.

We must stop treating scams as minor inconveniences or “civil matters”. Fraud is a crime. It has victims who often lose not only money, but also confidence, dignity, and peace of mind. For older adults in particular, the emotional toll can be devastating.

As our population ages, the urgency of this issue grows. Seniors are often specifically targeted because scammers believe they are more trusting, more isolated, or more likely to have savings and assets. At the same time, law enforcement agencies are facing budget cuts, staffing shortages, and competing priorities.

Resources are stretched thin. That is exactly why prevention and education must become central strategies in protecting our communities.

This crime is not going away. In fact, it is evolving and expanding every year. We need everyone in our community to take fraud and financial elder abuse as seriously as the other crimes that receive regular media attention and public concern.

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, making it an especially important time for all of us to come together and shine a light on this growing crisis. It is an opportunity to educate ourselves, support victims, check in on vulnerable neighbors and loved ones, and urge our leaders and institutions to prioritize prevention, enforcement, and victim services. Awareness must lead to action.

Our community has already shown what this kind of collaboration can accomplish. The District Attorney’s Office partners with law enforcement and provides support for complex financial crime investigations.

Montecito Bank and Trust participates in our Scam Squad podcast to educate the community about scams currently targeting local residents. Media leaders such as KEYT anchors C.J. Ward and Beth Farnsworth regularly invite me to highlight scams affecting the community. Retirement homes also host educational speakers on fraud prevention, and professionals who work closely with older adults, including realtors, regularly provide scam awareness presentations. Together, these efforts are building stronger awareness and helping protect those most at risk.

Education remains one of the most effective tools for prevention. Encouraging people to pause before sending money, independently verifying requests, avoiding sharing personal information under pressure, and reporting suspicious activity can stop many scams before they succeed. The more openly we talk about fraud, the more we reduce the secrecy and manipulation that criminals rely on.

As we recognize Elder Abuse Awareness Month, we must continue working together to protect our community from fraud and scams. Every conversation, every educational presentation, every suspicious transaction reported, and every effort to check on a vulnerable friend, neighbor, or family member can make a difference. The call to action is simple: stay informed, speak openly about scams, report suspicious activity, and help educate those around you. By remaining vigilant and united, we can strengthen our community’s ability to prevent fraud, support victims, and protect older adults from those who seek to exploit them.

If you are actively being targeted by a scam or fraud, contact law enforcement immediately and report it to IC3.gov. If you were targeted in the past or recognized a scam attempt, email reportfraud@countyofsb.org to help protect others. You can also stay informed by listening to the Scam Squad podcast on KTMS Newstalk 990, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

Kristina Perkins is the Chief Investigator for the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office and host of the weekly podcast Scam Squad, dedicated to educating the community about current scams and fraud trends. She regularly leads outreach and education efforts on fraud prevention and is deeply committed to public safety and holding offenders accountable.

Sanchez Sentenced to Five Years for DUI Crash

SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IN STATE PRISON, Luis Ruiz Sanchez, 24, of Santa Barbara, was convicted for driving under the Influence of Alcohol, causing a collision that resulted in the Personal Infliction of Great Bodily Injury. Sanchez plead guilty, according to Santa Barbara County District Attorney John T. Savrnoch.

The charges stemmed from an incident on December 13th, 2024, at 8pm, when the defendant was driving about 80 to 90 mph on Hollister Avenue before colliding with multiple vehicles. The defendant was under the influence of alcohol, with a blood alcohol concentration of .16, when he rear-ended one vehicle and collided head-on with another vehicle containing multiple victims who all suffered injuries.

One of the victims suffered great bodily injury, including a broken sternum, as a result of the collision. Victims and family members came forward during the sentencing hearing to give statements highlighting the significant impact caused by the defendant’s conduct. Sanchez plead guilty as charged to all offenses including driving under the influence causing injury, driving with a blood alcohol over the .08 legal limit, driving with a suspended license, and admitted allegations for driving with a high BAC over .15, personal infliction of great bodily injury, and causing injury to multiple vicitms. The sentence was imposed by Judge Martinez who noted that Sanchez had a previous conviction for reckless driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Consumers’ Confidence Sinking

“Consumer confidence edged downward in May as the inflationary impacts of the war in the Middle East intensified,” said Dana M Peterson, Chief Economist, The Conference Board. “Consumer appraisals of current business conditions and the current labor market were moderately less positive compared to last month.” – The Conference Board

By Harlan Green, Special to VOICE, May 27, 2026

AMERICAN CONSUMERS ARE MORE WORRIED than ever. The Conference Board and University of Michigan’s surveys are at historic lows; back to levels not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Confidence then peaked in 2021 during the pandemic recovery and has been declining ever since. This is while financial market indexes are reaching

Established in 1993

unsustainable levels on the hope that the next big thing (A.I.) may bring in another Age of Enlightenment.

But beware, we have had such periods before. It looks like another period of mass hysteria over the possibilities of A.I. as companies invest $trillions, mostly in borrowed money, that is creating another asset bubble like the Dot-com and housing bubbles.

By Harlan Green

We called it Irrational Exuberance in the 1990s. Now it’s over-

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enthusiastic investors overinvesting in artificial intelligence.

The U. of Michigan reported, “Sentiment is now just below the previous historical trough seen in June 2022. The cost of living continues to be a firstorder concern, with 57 percent of consumers spontaneously mentioning that high prices were eroding their personal finances, up from 50 percent last month.”

And consumers know why finances are eroding. Inflation can only go higher with the Iran war shortages, and tariff levels settling at 1930 pre-Great Depression levels with no formal treaties (which choked supply chains at the onset of the Great Depression).

There is no relief for either consumers or producers in sight amid the chaos that is being generated. The biggest worry is the rank naivete of a Republican Party that won’t hold its leader’s craziness to account. Americans are beginning to realize that the Trump administration has lost the Iran war, and the tariff hikes

were illegal. It’s also showing up in the record lows in the polls.

In wanting to play the autocrat, Trump has booted the intelligent advisors who gave him intelligent advice. Iran can now keep the Hormuz Strait closed, while intelligence agencies are reporting Iran has enough missiles and drones to decimate the infrastructure of the other border countries, if the U.S. should try a land invasion to open the Strait.

A.I. is beginning to alarm economists, such as UC Berkeley Professor Brad Delong in his Grasping Reality blog:

“The current $1.5T AI arms race: are hyperscalers building

Santa Barbara Mortgage Interest Rates

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

DRAPER & KRAMER MORTGAGE CORP.

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

PARAGON MORTGAGE GROUP

Please call for current rates: 805-899-1390

HOMEBRIDGE FINANCIAL SERVICES

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

MONTECITO BANK & TRUST

Please call for current rates: 805-963-7511 • Coastal Housing Partnership Member

SB MORTGAGE GROUP

Simar Gulati, 805-403-9679

U.S. BANK

Please call for current rates: Teri Gauthier, 805-565-4571 •

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utopia, building dystopia, building digital god, or simply lighting trillions of dollars on fire in a dollar auction?”

Said $trillions are chasing the next big thing, in other words, which happens when our government holds too much debt instead of paying it down. This results in an excess money supply sloshing around the economy looking for the next big deal, instead of investing in what Americans most need that Republicans have been intent on abolishing: (e.g, programs to improve healthcare, environmental protection, education, climate prediction, alternative energy).

So consumers are right to be worried. This is the time for such programs that were created in the Biden administration to prepare Americans for the future, rather than a return to the past.

Can we do it without bursting the A.I. bubble that turns into another recession?

Follow

https://twitter.com/HarlanGreen

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

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The following Limited Liability Company is doing business as SASSY NAILS at 2530 S Broadway, STE I, Santa Maria, CA 93454. QT KENNY NAILS LLC at 2530 S Broadway, STE I, Santa Maria, CA 93454. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on May 8, 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. 2026-0001234. Published May 15, 22, 29, June 5, 2026.

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:

The following Limited Liability Company is doing business as COAST TO COUNTRY PARTNERS LLC at 1187 Coast Village Rd, Suite 1, Montecito, CA 93108. COAST TO COUNTRY PARTNERS LLC at 1187 Coast Village Rd, Suite 1, Montecito, CA 93108. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara on May 12, 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. 2026-0001255. Published June 5, 12, 19, 26, 2026.

Insertion Date: Print: 5.29.26 and 6.5.26 Digital included 5.27.26 and 6.3.26

2.86”x2 col; $27.34 x 2 insertions = $54.68 5.29 & 6.5.26 Public Notice.Goleta Sanitary Distric.Reese Willson

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE – CHANGE OF NAME, CASE NUMBER : 26CV02566 Petitioner: Dana Kabashima and Markus Beck filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Rylan Kabashima Beck and Scout Kabashima Beck to PROPOSED NAME: Rylan KabashimaBeck and Scout Kabashima-Beck. 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: June 29, 2026; Time: 10:00 am; Dept.: 5; ROOM: [ ] other (specify): at the: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the courts website. To find your courts website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm.) 3 a. [X] A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation: [x] (for resident of this county) printed in this county: VOICE MAGAZINE. Date: 05/6/26 /s/: Colleen K. Sterne, Judge of the Superior Court. Legal #26CV02566 Pub Dates: May 15, 22, 29, June 5, 2026.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Board of Directors of the Goleta Sanitary District will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the District Board Room, One William Moffett Place, Goleta, CA 93117. The purpose of the hearing is to consider approval of an energy storage project pursuant to Government Code Section 4217, which authorizes public agencies to enter into energy service contracts when the anticipated project costs will be less than the marginal cost of the agency’s energy use if such project was not completed. All interested persons are invited to attend and comment. Written comments may be submitted prior to the hearing. For more information, contact the Goleta Sanitary District at (805) 967-4519.

DATED: May 15, 2026

GOLETA SANITARY DISTRICT

Robert O. Mangus, Jr. Secretary of

the Governing Board

Free Summer Cinema Returns to Courthouse Sunken Garden

By Gabriella Tarantino / VOICE

INEMATIC OUTSIDERS WILL COMMANDEER SUMMERTIME

IN SANTA BARBARA with unique voices, music, and captivating stories when UCSB Arts & Lectures and the SB County Office of Arts and Culture present 2026 Free Summer Cinema: Mixtapes and Misfits. It's an opportunity to gather and picnic while watching outdoor film screenings on the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden lawn at 8:30pm on Friday nights from July 10th through August 28th. Seven films are selected for this year's funky theme: Pretty in Pink (July 10th), Say Anything… (July 17th), La Bamba (July 24th), Rushmore (July 31st), Love & Basketball (August 14th), Napoleon Dynamite (August 21st), and Hairspray (August 28th). No screening will be held on August 7th due to Fiesta.

touchstones, and many people have strong memories associated with them. We thought they would make a perfect soundtrack for summer evenings in the Courthouse Sunken Garden.”

While these stories offer up a variety of perspectives across genres and decades, they are united by a common thread: their iconic soundtracks.

“A great mixtape is a gesture of generosity,” said Donelan. “It says, 'I love this, and I think you might love it too.' The music in these films works the same way... We hope the music sparks nostalgia, introduces people to songs they may not know, and, in some cases, inspires a little singing along or dancing under the stars.”

All are welcome to begin setting up their spots on the Sunken Garden lawn as early as 12pm on the day of each screening.

“One of the things that connects all of these films is that they center characters who don't quite fit in, but who find their own way forward,” said Arts & Lectures publicist Charles Donelan. “Whether it's the dreamers of Say Anything…, the outsiders of Rushmore and Napoleon Dynamite, or the young people finding their voices in Love & Basketball and Hairspray, these are stories that audiences continue to embrace because they are funny, heartfelt, and deeply relatable. They have become cultural

together to celebrate what makes them unique. If audiences leave with great memories, a few favorite songs stuck in their heads, and a stronger sense of connection to one another, we'll consider

Viewers should only bring permeable blankets and low backed chairs for a comfortable summer night celebrating the movie misfits who remind us that it is not only okay to stand out, but encouraged.

“Watching a film at home is one thing; watching it outdoors with hundreds of other people is something entirely different,” added Donelan. “These movies remind us that everyone has moments of feeling like an outsider, and that community often begins when people come

CINEMA

CELEBRATE STUDENT CREATIVITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY at the GreenScreen 2026 Student Film Premiere at 7pm on Friday, June 12th at UCSB’s Pollock Theater. A free event with a reception to follow, the premiere will screen four student-produced films focused on eco-consciousness. carseywolf.ucsb.edu

CINEMA EVENTS

Hunter Hawkins Screening/ Single Release • Singer-songwriter, actor, and filmmaker celebrates the release of new single Here Now with a screening of companion film Awake: Pinky’s Journey • Alcazar Theatre • $1520 • thealcazar.org • 7:30pm Fr, 6/5.

Cinema Paradiso (Director’s Cut) • A Sicilian filmmaker returns to his home town for the funeral of his mentor • UCSB’s Pollock Theater • Free, reservation recommended • carseywolf.ucsb.edu • 2pm Sa, 6/6.

Zootopia 2 • The sequel to the hit animated film about rabbit cop Judy Hopps and her fox partner Nick Wilde • Alcazar Theatre • $5-7 • thealcazar.org • 3pm We, 6/10.

GreenScreen 2026 Student Film Premiere • Screenings of four student-produced films focused on eco-conciousness • UCSB Carsey-Wolf Center • Pollock Theater • Free, RSVP recommended: carseywolf.ucsb.edu • 7-9:30pm Fr, 6/12.

Community Calendar

World Ocean’s Day

to The Sea Center on Stearns Wharf on World Oceans Day, Saturday June 6th, from 10am to 4pm. Attendees of all ages are invited to celebrate, explore, and learn about our marine ecosystems with local ocean science and conservation partners. Free and open to the public.

Friday 6/5

CHILDREN

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

DANCE

Australia’s Thunder From Down Under • Immersive male dance performance • Chumash Casino Resort • $35-55 • chumashcasino.com • 8pm Fr, 6/5.

Alice! (in Wonderland) and Other Dances • Blending of classical ballet and contemporary • Center Stage Theater • $20-50 • centerstagetheater.org • 7pm Fr, 6/5 & Sa, 6/6, and 2pm Su, 6/7.

Kinetic Lab • Student dance performance • UCSB’s Hatlen Theater • $11-17 • theaterdance.ucsb.edu • 7:30pm Fr, 6/5.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Climate Fridays • Melissa Hetrick discusses Santa Barbara’s Waterfront Adaptation Plan • CEC’s Environmental Hub • Free, RSVP recommended • 4pm Fr, 6/5. Tai Chi at the Garden • Traditional Tai Chi & Kung Fu

Christopher Cross • Rock concert • Lobero Theatre • $60-175 • lobero.org • 7:30pm Fr, 6/5.

Desperado • Eagles tribute performance • Granada Theatre • $75-95 • granadasb.org • 7pm Fr, 6/5.

OUTDOORS

SBC Courthouse Docent Tours

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

Summer Solstice Workshop

• Volunteer to help ready parades, costumes, and more leading up to Summer Solstice • Community Arts Workshop • solsticeparade.com • Through 6/20.

Saturday 6/6

CHILDREN

Little G’s • Pete Oswald reads Kindergarten Gets Ready • Godmother’s Books • Free, reservation recommended • godmothers.com • 11am Sa, 6/6.

hosted by Master Yun • SB Botanic Garden, Island View Lawn • $10-15 • sbbotanicgarden.org • 9am Fr, 6/5.

Live, Learn, Lunch • The Breast Cancer Resource Center of Santa Barbara’s monthly educational presentation • Online event • Free • bcrcsb.org/calendar • 12-1pm Fr, 6/5.

Creative Farming • artistically enhance a frame or matte • EE Makerspace • $35-40 • exploreecology. org • 6pm Fr, 6/5.

MUSIC

Matt Perko’s Birthday Bash • Dinner and performance by Perko’s LA quartet celebrating his 50th birthday • The Grand on State • $2535 • thegrandonstate.com • 5:30pm Fr, 6/5.

Hunter Hawkins Screening/ Single Release • Singersongwriter, actor, and filmmaker celebrates the release of new single Here Now with a screening of companion film Awake: Pinky’s Journey • Alcazar Theatre • $15-20 • thealcazar.org • 7:30pm Fr, 6/5.

UCSB Gospel Choir • Student singers perform traditional and contemporary gospel music • UCSB’s Lotte Lehmann Concert Hall • $10 • music.ucsb.edu • 7:30pm Fr, 6/5.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Alex Elle • Discusses her book The Company We Keep: Friendship, Connection, and Redefining What It Means to Grow Together • Godmother’s Books • $23 • godmothers.com • 6pm Sa, 6/6.

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 • Dinner and performance featuring saxaphone, piano, trumpet and more • The Grand on State • $25-35 • thegrandonstate. com • 7:30-11pm Sa, 6/6.

Los Olivos Olive & Jazz Festival • Sip and savor with jazz music • Lavinia Campbell Park • $25100 • jazzandolivefestival.org • 1-4pm Sa, 6/6.

Oddly Straight • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • 1:30-4:30pm Sa, 6/6.

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

HR Santa Barbara • Human Resources Stand-up Comedy Show • SB Comedy Club Speakeasy Comedy Bar • $20 • sbcomedyclub.com • 7-9pm Sa, 6/6.

DANCE

The Timeless Gala • Momentum Dance Company presents performances from dancers age 8-13 • Lobero Theatre • $35-65 • lobero.org • 12pm & 5pm Sa, 6/6.

Scholarship Showcase Concerts • Free concert by SB Music Club recipients • St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church • 3pm Sa, 6/6.

An Evening of Folk & Fiddle

• Featuring the bands The McCrees and Friends and Phil Salazar and Tom Corbett,known as America’s Odd Couple • Alcazar Theatre • $20-35 • thealcazar.org • 7pm Sa, 6/6.

OUTDOORS

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

Rooftop Yoga • Hosted by SB Yoga Collective • Kimpton Canary Roof • $25 • santabarbarayogacollective.com • 9am Sa, 6/6.

Wear Orange Beach Cleanup • Honor those impacted by gun violence with Moms Demand Action • Chase

Palm Park • 10am-12pm Sa, 6/6.

SPECIAL EVENTS

All Ages Summer Reading Kickoff • Sign up for the summer reading program and pick up free books • Michael Towbes Library Plaza • Free • 11am-1:30pm Sa, 6/6.

Arts & Crafts Faire • Featuring over 20 local artists • The Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center, Koch Courtyard • Free • 10am-4pm Sa, 6/6.

SBMAL Open House • Come tour of the archive-library and see treasures • Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library • Free • 9:30am12:0pm Sa, 6/6.

Be Our Guest On Ice • Performance inspired by the music of Beauty and the Beast • Ice in Paradise • $20-30 • iceinparadise.org • 6:30pm Sa, 6/6.

National Trails Day Volunteer Event • Learn about trail restoration and help improve conditions on Rattlesnake Canyon Trail • Skofield Park • RSVP required, contact EUllrich@SantaBarbaraCA.gov • 8:30am-2pm Sa, 6/6.

World Oceans Day • Interact with sea anminals and learn about ecosystems • Sea Center on Stearns Wharf • Free admission • 10am-4pm Sa, 6/6.

POP! • Presidio Orchard Party featuring wine tasting, bites, live music, and activities • El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park • $100 • sbthp.org • 4-7pm Sa, 6/6.

Pride Month in SB

CELEBRATE THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY THIS JUNE as Santa Barbara marks Pride Month with fun community events for LGBTQ+ community members and allies alike!

Queering Art on the Central Coast • Panel talk with local creatives • Art & Soul Gallery • $12 • 6-8pm Tu, 6/9.

Santa Barbara Pride Comedy Festival • With headliner Kitty Pineapple (Kitty Pine), Filipina-American stand-up comedian • SB Comedy Club Speakeasy Comedy Bar • $20 • sbcomedyclub.com • 7-9pm Th, 6/11 through Sa, 6/13.

Queens of POP Drag Show • Performances by eight of the 805’s premier drag superstars • EOS Lounge • $10 • 9pm Fr, 6/12.

SYV Pride Parade and Festival • Floats, music, community, and more • Downtown Solvang, info: syvpride.org • Free • Parade 11am, Festvial 12-4pm Sa, 6/13.

Sunset at the Canary • Rooftop patio mixer with drinks, featuring DJ Darla Bea • Kimpton Canary Hotel • Free • 6-8pm Su, 6/14.

Sunday 6/7

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.

John C. Reilly is Mister Romantic • Comedy storytelling set to live music • Lobero Theatre • $55125 • lobero.org • 7pm Su, 6/7.

Brazilian Night with Alegria Geral Band • Ages 21+ for music, dancing, food • SOhO • $22-25 • sohosb.com • 8pm Su, 6/7.

OUTDOORS

Opera in the Park Returns • An afternoon of live music • Godric Grove at Elings Park • $0-20 • operasb.org • 3-5pm Su, 6/7.

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

Mujeres Makers Market • Shop local women-owned businesses and vendors • El Presidio • Free • 10am4pm Su, 6/7.

Green & Blue: A Coastal Celebration • Enviormental Defense Center Fundraiser, with food, wine, and an auction • Rancho La Patera and Stow House • $150 • environmentaldefensecenter.org • 2-5:30pm Su, 6/7.

Monday 6/8

CHILDREN

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Darby Saxbe & Emily Jacobs • Discuss Dad Brain • Godmother’s Books • $23 • godmothers.com • 6pm Su, 6/7.

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

MUSIC

Chamber On The Mountain Concert • Pianist Hui Wu with guest Joo Kim • Logan House, Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts • $40 • chamberonthemountain.com • 3pm Su, 6/7.

Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan • Blend of guitar and harmonica blues, rags, and good time music • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • 1:30-4:30pm Su, 6/7.

Little G’s • Reading of the fairytale picture book Axolotl-Ella: A Sort-of Cinderella Story • Godmother’s Books • Free, reservation recommended • godmothers.com • 11am Mo, 6/8.

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

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Science Pub • Javiera Barandiarán discusses the history and extraction of lithium • Dargan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant • Free • 6:30pm Mo, 6/8.

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.

Peña Flamenca La Maria

ENJOY A LIVELY LATIN DANCE PERFORMANCE when Flamenco! Santa Barbara’s music education program and its students take the stage for a night of improvisational flamenco. Sit back, relax, and watch this vibrant art form with a glass of wine at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum from 7pm to 8:30pm on Saturday, June 13th.

For tickets ($12-25) visit sbhistorical.org/events

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

MUSIC

Brasscals! and SOUL Brass Band • Collaboration between Santa Barbara and New Orleans-based soul/ brass bands • SOhO • $15 • sohosb.com • 7-10pm Mo, 6/8.

Tuesday 6/9

CHILDREN

Preschool Nature Explorers

• A storytime followed by nature inspired activities • EE Makerspace • $25-100 • exploreecology.org • 1011am Tuesdays 6/9 through 6/30.

COMEDY

Carpinteria Improv Drop-In

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

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Public Lecture • The Force of Nothing: Attraction, Repulsion, and Motion in the Quantum Void • Kohn Hall, UCSB • Free • 6pm Tu, 6/9.

Jenny Calcoen • Leads The Unapologetic Circle, guided conservation and meditation • Godmother’s Books • $39 • godmothers.com • 4pm Tu, 6/9.

Area Meeting • Queer Art on the Central Coast panel discusssion with Lucy Bell, Charlie Hodes and Parker Graham • Art & Soul Gallery • $12 • sbcaw.org • 6-8pm Tu, 6/9.

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 6/10

CHILDREN

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

DANCE

Downtown West Coast Swing

Dancing • Free lessons and social dancing • Night Lizard Brewing Company • 6-8pm every Wednesday in June.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Major Gifts 101 • Nonprofit workshop on donors and fundraising • CLU Oxnard • $0-55 • californialutheran.app.neoncrm.com • 10am-12pm We, 6/10.

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

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

MUSIC

Open Jam • At

Community Calendar

A Delicate Ship

EXPERIENCE

YOUNG LOVE, FRIENDSHIP AND HEARTBREAK when HappySad Theatre Company presents A Delicate Ship at Center Stage Theater at 7pm on Friday, June 12th and Saturday, June 13th; and at 2pm on Sunday, June 14th. The play, written by Anna Ziegler and directed by Robert Rodarte, follows the dramatic fallout of a love triangle between young lovers Sarah and Sam, and Sarah’s childhood best friend Nate.

For tickets ($15-30) visit centerstagetheater.org

Every Brilliant Thing • To help his mother battle depression a child makes a list of every brilliant thing in the world • ETC • The New Vic • $25-104 • etcsb.org • 7:30pm We, 6/3 through 6/21.

A Delicate Ship • The story of an intense love triangle presented by HappySad Theatre Company and written by Anna Ziegler • Center Stage Theater • $15-30 • centerstagetheater.org • 7pm Fr, 6/12 & Sa, 6/13; and 2pm Su, 6/14. Company • Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s musical comedy

with musicians • 1429 San Andres St • Free • revolversb.com • 6-9pm Wed.

Thursday 6/11

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Rachel Hochhauser • Discusses her novel Lady Tremaine • Godmmotther’s Books • $17 • godmothers.com • 6pm Th, 6/11.

Rooted Sound Bath • Presented by PALMA Colectiva and Danielle Elese • SB Botanic Garden, Pritzlaff Conservation Center Gallery + Patio • $35-40 • sbbotanicgarden.org • 9:30am Th, 6/11.

5:30-10pm Th, 6/11.

ELVIS: In Person • Tribute starring Matt Stone with the TEC Band • Lobero Theatre • $46-96 • lobero.org • 7:30pm Th, 6/11.

Friday 6/12

DANCE

Peña Flamenca la Maria • Improvisational flamenco performance • SB Historical Museum • $12-25 • sbhistorical.org • 7-8:30pm Fr, 6/12.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

UC Master Gardeners • Presentation on gardening and environmental stewardship • Montecito Library • Free • 10am Fr, 6/12.

Natalie Ellis & Jamie Kern

Lima • Discuss Ellis’ novel The Freedom-Based Business Method: Reset, Systemize, and Realign Your Business to Live a Life of Harmony

• Godmother’s Books • $23 • godmothers.com • 6pm Fr, 6/12.

MUSIC

Funk it Up with Area 51! • Dance to fun hits, ages 21+ • SOhO • $18-20 • sohosb.com • 8:15pm Fr, 6/12.

SPECIAL EVENTS

about a long-time bachelor contemplating marriage • The Ojai Art Center • $30 • ojaiact.org • 7:30pm Fr, 6/12 through 7/12.

Come From Away • Musical about the Newfoundland town that took in strangers during 9/11 • PCPA, Solvang Festival Theater • pcpa.org • Runs 6/11-6/27. Clue Auditions • Audition for the play based on the cult classic film and popular board game • SBCC’s Garvin Theatre • Auditions by appt. or video submission • theatregroupsbcc.com/auditions • 5pm Mo, 6/8.

Second Thursday at the Museum • Free talk by Chumash artist Beau Armenta • Santa Ynez Chumash Museum • 5-8pm Th, 6/11.

Dr. John La Puma • Discusses his book Indoor Epidemic: 93% Inside Steals Sleep, Focus & Years-the 7% Outdoor RX Restores Them • Chaucer’s Books • Free • 6pm Th, 6/11.

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

MUSIC

Téka Brazilian Jazz • Dinner and jazz featuring piano, accordion, vocals and more • The Grand on State • $25-35 • thegrandonstate.com •

Sketching in the Galleries • Open to all skill levels • SB Museum of Art • Free with museum admission • sbma. net • 11:15am-12:15pm Sa, 6/13.

Science Pub • Olivia Cleek discusses the patterns and sightings of Basking Sharks • Dargan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant • Free • 6:30-8pm Sa, 6/13.

MUSIC

Van Allen Twins • Blending of Blues, Bluegrass and Folk • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • 1:30-4:30pm Sa, 6/13.

Limitless • Performance Santa Barbara Master Chorale • Trinity Lutheran Church • $15-25 • sbmasterchorale.org • 3pm Sa, 6/13.

SB Acoustic Presents: John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band • 10th anniversary SB Acoustic concert • SOhO • $39 • sohosb.com • 6:30pm Sa, 6/13.

The Black Keys • Peaches ‘n Kream Tour with guest Fai Laci • Santa Barbara Bowl • $75-135 • sbbowl.com • 7pm Sa, 6/13.

Asleep at the Wheel • Traditional country performance • Lobero Theatre • $50-95 • lobero.org • 7:30pm Sa, 6/13.

Sunday 6/14

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.

COMEDY

Max Amini Live in Santa Barbara! • Comedy performance, ages 13+ • $60310 • lobero.org • 8pm Su, 6/14.

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Photo Walk Club • Take photos while exploring the city • Central library, Michael Towbes Upper Plaza • Free, registration required • calendar. library.santabarbaraca.gov • 11am12pm Sa, 6/14.

Rebecca Chace • Discusses her novel Talking to the Wolf • Godmother’s Books • $17 • godmothers.com • 6pm Su, 6/14.

Circus Vargas • New Masquerade edition • Earl Warren Showgrounds • $25-85 • circusvargas.com • Hours vary Fr, 6/12 through Mo, 6/22.

Saturday 6/13

CHILDREN

Little G’s • Reading of the fairytale The Greatest Bedtime Story Ever • Godmother’s Books • Free • godmothers.com • 11am Sa, 6/13.

Kids Club • Entertainment, art and STEM projects, and more • De La Guerra Place • Free • 10am-1pm Sa, 6/13.

Crafternoon • Fun crafts, ages 5+

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

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

LECTURES/MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

Photo Sessions • 20-minute portrait sessions • Sprague Butterfly Pavilion, SBMNH • $350 • sbnature. org • 4-5:30pm Sa, 3/13 & Su, 6/14.

Scrap-itectural Explorations

• Walking tour to collect design elements for mixed media pieces • EE Makerspace • $40 • exploreecology. org • 2-4pm Sa, 6/13.

Pepe Marquez & The Band August • Chumash Casino Resort • Free • 8pm Sa, 6/13.

OUTDOORS

Gardening with Native Plants

• Learn from SB Botanic’s Garden team • Elings Park • Free, registration required • sbbotanicgarden.org • 9-10:30am Sa, 6/13.

Elings Park Transformation Project • Volunteer to remove and replace weeds with native plants • Elings Park • Registration required: sbbotanicgarden.org • 9am-12pm Sa, 6/13.

The Architectural Walking Tour

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

Community Yard Sale • City-wide event, hosts provided with free promotional support • Various locations across the city • sustainability.santabarbaraca.gov • 8am-2pm Sa, 6/13.

Summer Picnic • Family event, pack a lunch and bring a blanket • Ganna Walska Lotusland • $0-95 • lotusland.org • 2-4:30pm Sa, 6/13.

Star Party • Explore nebulae, galaxies, and more • Palmer Observatory, SB Museum of Natural History • Free • sbnature.org • 8:3010pm Sa, 6/13.

Parallel Stories • Roberto Tejada discusses the poetry of Latin American photography • SBMA, Mary Craig Auditorium • Free, reservation recommended • sbma.net • 11:30am Su, 6/14.

MUSIC

The Leigh Vance Group • Presented by SB Jazz Society • SOhO • $10-25 at door • 1-4pm Su, 6/14.

Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan • Blend of guitar and harmonica blues, rags, and good time music • Cold Spring Tavern • Free • 1:30-4:30pm Su, 6/14.

THE CAVERNS • Rock trio performing Led Zeppelin II • Alcazar Theatre • $20-35 • thealcazar.org • 3-6pm Su, 6/14.

OUTDOORS

Beach Cleanup • Volunteer to help clean up Arroyo Burro Beach • Meet in front of the Watershed Resource Center • 10am-12pm Su, 6/14.

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

To have your events included in VOICE Magazine's calendar or arts listings, email information to Calendar@VoiceSB.com by noon the Monday before publication.

Theatre Group at SBCC Sets Sail on 81st Season

By Daisy Scott / VOICE

ADELIGHTFUL, DELICIOUS, AND “DE-LOVELY”

SEASON brimming with music, comedy, and intrigue will light up the Garvin and Jurkowitz Theatres as the Theatre Group at Santa Barbara City College launches its 81st season. Set to open with Cole Porter’s playful musical Anything Goes in July, the company’s 2026-2027 productions will transport audiences on an international tour exploring new and cherished stories.

“When we set out to create a season for our audiences of the Theatre Group at SBCC we take into consideration many things: How do we meet this moment?

What do we imagine our audiences will be wanting to experience in three months, six months, a year? Will the story of the play delight us, distract us, move us, transform us and our audiences?” explained Theatre Group Co-chair & Director Katie Laris. “Our focus this year mostly focuses on the thrill of travel ranging from a romantic ocean liner to a weekend trip to a mysterious mansion, to an Italian villa, so, I guess – a pleasant escape from everyday reality?”

Laris added that since the Theatre Group is a community theatre, she and the company’s creative team also try to select productions with ample casts, particularly those that have a range in roles so that SBCC students can perform alongside local actors.

In recent decades, the Theatre Group has especially shone with plays that call for high-energy ensembles and comedies, such as last season’s productions of the musical version of Young Frankenstein and Unnecessary Farce. The 2026-2027 season continues this trend as well as the company’s focus on creating immersive, impressive sets.

“The Theatre Group has a reputation for gorgeous sets and costumes and these shows each provide a lot of opportunity to amaze audiences with that ability,” voiced Laris.

A Broadway classic rife with love triangles, clever banter, and a musically-talented cruise ship will kick off the season as the Theatre Group presents Anything Goes from July 8th through 25th. The production realizes a long-held dream for the SBCC team.

“We have wanted to produce Anything Goes for years because we simply adore the wit and pure joy of Cole Porter’s songs,” said Laris.

“The sheer inventiveness of the lyrics of songs like ‘I get no kick from champagne’ or ‘de-lovely’ are unparalleled, and who doesn’t want to fall in love on a beautiful boat surrounded by extraordinary singers and dancers for a summer getaway?”

Murderous hijinks will follow when the company presents Clue from October 7th to 24th. A sidesplitting play based on the board game and cult film starring Tim Curry, Clue invites audiences to follow Professor Plum, Miss Scarlet, Colonel Mustard, and other iconic characters as they investigate who among them murdered their dinner host.

A spark of holiday magic will inspire the Theatre Group’s winter student showcase, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, running November 11th to 21st in the Jurkowitz Theatre. Adapted by playwright Joe Landry, the production reimagines

the timeless 1940s film into the context of a Christmas radio broadcast being performed live. The format will be especially familiar to locals who attended Ensemble Theatre Company’s War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast last October, which was also written by Landry.

The season returns in the spring with the heartwarming romantic comedy Enchanted April, which follows two bored housewives eager for adventure as they rent an Italian villa, make new friends, and find love. Performances will run March 5th to 20th, 2027.

A real-life mystery will conclude the season as the Theatre Group presents Mrs. Christie at the Jurkowitz Theatre. Running April 16th to May 1st, 2027, the play questions the eleven days that author Agatha Christie went missing.

“Written just a few years ago by Heidi Ambruster, the play travels across the decades to tell the story of present day Lucy, a superfan of mystery writer Agatha Christie, as she tries to uncover Christie’s motivation decades before, of disappearing out of her normal life for eleven days,” explained Laris. “The play is by turns funny and romantic and surprising and combines fantasy and historical fiction and mystery while also providing a moving portrait of the inner life of one of the bestselling writers of all time.”

Season ticket sales are currently open and available by visiting The Garvin Theatre box office in person or calling 805965-5935. Single ticket sales for all shows will open on June 22nd, inviting all to enjoy another year of community-forward theatre experiences.

“We ardently believe in the power of theatre to create community among our company members and for our audience,” said Laris. “We want to deliver powerfully told stories to make people laugh and cry and put aside their everyday lives to enter another reality, and we are so grateful to all our incredibly talented community actors and technicians who so generously share their energy and ideas to make that possible.” theatregroupsbcc.com

June 1st to 27th, 2026

SummerDance

Altered Realities

2026 Tri-County Juried Exhibition a Celebration of Craft and Concept

By Daisy Scott / VOICE

LIKE ALICE TUMBLING THROUGH HER

LOOKING GLASS, visitors to the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art will find themselves re-examining the world around them in new, beautiful, and creative ways as they explore the museum’s 2026 Tri-County Juried Exhibition: Altered Realities.

On display through June 20th, the show provides a comprehensive snapshot of the diverse talent that makes up not only our community, but the artistic realm at large. Watercolors and photographs celebrate floral and environmental intricacies, while sculptures and assemblages abstract reflections and reframe familiar landscapes. Across subjects and styles, all pieces are united in their beauty and craftsmanship.

from 222 artists to curate the final show. In reviewing the hundreds of submissions, she quickly recognized that the majority of artists opted to respond to the theme Altered Realities and our current sociopolitical moment with expressions of beauty. She found the pattern heartening and an apt reflection of how she feels art can inspire activism.

“By showing the beautiful we’re much more likely to participate and engage,” voiced Campognone.

She ultimately chose 56 works by 50 regional artists, prioritizing concept and craft to curate a show that is as striking as it is insightful.

Several works playfully unpack ideas of selfhood, such as Susan Tortorici’s Empty Mind, which shows the bust of a person missing the back half of their head, or Joyce Wilson’s photograph All Knowing, artistically melding a woman’s face into an owl who gives the viewer a penetrating stare.

“With most of my curatorial practice, I'm interested in what's actually being handmade by the artists,” explained Andi Campognone, who juried the show. “Craft is king for me. We want to encourage people to keep making.”

Based out of Los Angeles, Campognone is an author, film producer, and curator. She previously opened the Museum of Art and History in Lancaster, CA, where she acted as its Manager of Arts and Museums. Currently, she is a grant panelist for the Los Angeles County Arts Commission and supports artists’ professional development through private and class-based consulting, including directing the Kipaipai Professional Development Workshops in San Luis Obispo. Campognone

“The first thing was, aesthetically, how does this beautifully and conceptually depict ideas around life, hope, sustainability, things that we're working toward for the future. The second criteria was, how well does this artist communicate that visually?” said Campognone.

A piece that especially exemplifies this approach is Little urban achievers by Jeff Harris, a watercolor of orchids done on cardboard. The juxtaposition between the delicate flowers and the scrap cardboard encourages viewers to consider how nature persists amidst human interference. Campognone also added that she felt the format calls to viewers’ minds the experiences of people facing homelessness.

As visitors progress through the gallery, each work offers similar visual vignettes. Some artists take a far more humorous and whimsical approach, such as Logan Nevitt’s depiction of a dog witnessing a UFO in Vinnie’s View or Bora Sitar’s central sculpture, Altered Reverberations Within Equilibrium, which pairs driftwood and a nautilus shell with tentacles of hand-blown glass. Other artists zoom in so close to an idea that the viewer has to take a moment to realize what they are viewing, such as Pink Fire Retardant, Gray Smoke by Cynthia Stahl or Marjorie Shipp’s grey-dominated

Additional pieces include paintings that zero in on structures whose exteriors are emblematic of conflict and injustice, mixed media works which meditate the wonders of nature, and sculptures that blur the lines between art and reality, such as Pecos Pryor’s Porcelain Lemons.

“I hope that they see how hopeful the exhibition is and that artists are the truth-sayers of the world,” said Campognone. “They process things that often we don't want to talk about, and they have the skill to be able to take a concept and turn it into something that makes people want to be interested. I feel like all of these artists did that.”

All are invited to attend a curatorial walkthrough of the show, led by Campognone, at noon on Saturday, June 20th.

Open weekdays 10am to 4pm, Sat 11am to 5pm; Closed Sun • Free admission • westmont.edu/museum

Art Venues

10 West Gallery • In the Pink: through June 21 • 10 W Anapamu • 11-5 We-Mo • 805-770-7711 • 10westgallery.com

Architectural Fdn Gallery •

Jacqueline Woods : How Forever Works June 13 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 • Lucia De Miguel: Viridian Shores June 4-July 19• 1323 State St • artandsoulsb.com

Art, Design & Architecture Museum, UCSB • Fault Lines: MFA

thesis show, through Jun 7; 2026

Undergraduate Exhibition: 25 Years In, Jun 12 to 14 • 12-5 Wed-Sun • museum.ucsb.edu

Art From Scrap • Explore Ecology • exploreecology.org

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

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

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

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

California Nature Art Museum

• Ocean Forests: Our Coastal Communities through July 20; 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 • Solstice Workshop Open • 631 Garden St • 10-6pm Fri & By Appt. • sbcaw.org

Corridan Gallery • Glorious California • 125 N Milpas • 11-5 We-Sa • 805-966-7939 • corridan-gallery.com

Cypress Gallery • Claudette

Carlton: Watercolor Works • May 28 through June 28 • 119 E Cypress Av, Lompoc • 1-4 Sa & Su • 805-737-1129 • lompocart.org

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

Elverhøj Museum • Roland

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

Faulkner Gallery • Covering 40 Years: through May; Oak Group: Preserve & Cherish June 2-29 • 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

Gallery Los Olivos • Ann Wirtz: Limitless: through May 30; Sheryl Knight & Linda Mutti: Art from the Heart June • Daily 10-4pm • 2920 Grand Av • 805-688-7517 • gallerylosolivos.com

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

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

Indah Gallery • Mark Russell Jones: Hearing the Quiet, through Jun 7 • FriSun 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

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

classes~

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

La Cumbre Center For Creative Arts • Fine Line Gallery; Elevate Gallery; Illuminations Gallery • Multi-Artist Studio/Gallery Spaces • La Cumbre Plaza • 12-5 Tu-Su • lcccasb.com

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

Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center • 93013 • Jun 11-Aug 16 • 12-4 Th-Su • 865 Linden • 805-684-7789 • carpinteriaartscenter.org

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

Marcia Burtt Gallery • Peggy Gruen and At The Beach through June 21 • Landscape paintings, prints, & books • 517 Laguna St • 1-5 Th-Su • 805-9625588 • artlacuna.com

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

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

Museum of Contemporary Art

Santa Barbara • 11-6pm Tu-Sun • 653 Paseo Nuevo • mcasantabarbara.org

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

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

Patricia Clarke Studio • An American Girl project; Primal Wild; Correspondences, Erasing Lines, and Facing Ourselves • 410 Palm Av, Carpinteria • By Appt • 805-452-7739 • patriciaclarkestudio.com

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

Peter Horjus Design • Studio • 11 W Figueroa St • peterhorjus.com

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

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

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

Santa Ynez Chumash Museum Launches New Exhibition and Initiatives

MOVING INTO ITS SECOND YEAR, the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum has opened a new art exhibition, Between the Three Worlds: Ceremony and Community in the Paintings of Christopher Evans, launched a free Second Thursdays at the Museum lecture program, and released a new self-guided audio tour narrated by Museum Board Chairwoman Kathleen Marshall. A cultural art resource of depth, the 14,000-squarefoot facility is located at the corner of Highway 246 and Edison Street in Santa Ynez. It showcases a portion of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ collection of more than 24,000 historically significant cultural items. Designed by award-winning Jones & Jones Architects, it is sighted within a 3.5 acre cultural park featuring outdoor

exhibits and more than 11,000 California native plants used by the Chumash.

Between the Three Worlds: Ceremony and Community in the Paintings of Christopher Evans, offers an exploration of Evans’ work, highlighting themes of ceremony, community, and cultural continuity. The exhibit showcases original paintings from the museum’s permanent collection that have been reproduced and featured throughout the facility, including Chumash village depictions and the welcoming dancer imagery.

Second Thursday at the Museum takes place from 5 to 8pm and will feature artist lectures, including an upcoming talk by Chumash Community Member and artist Beau Armenta, along with evening access to the museum’s galleries and gift shop. The series premieres on Thursday, June 11th. No RSVP is required.

“This past 12 months has marked a significant period of growth, reflection and connection,” said James Bier, Museum Director for the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center. “Since opening, the museum has welcomed visitors from across the region while also becoming a meaningful place for community members to gather, reflect and engage with the stories and traditions represented throughout the space.”

Art Venues

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

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

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

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

Santa Barbara Museum Of Art

• Remixed: Entwined Histories & New Forms, through Aug 30; Magical Realism: Latin American Photographers in Dialogue through Jun 14; RandomAccess Memory: Internet Art, through Sep 27; As if in a Dream: History, Fantasy, Future: through January 3; By Achilles’ Tomb: Elliott Hundley and Antiquity through Jun 1 • 11-5 Tu-Su; 5-8 1st Th free; 2nd Sun free Tri-Co residents • 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 Club - 2nd Fridays Art • Splash, awards juried by Melinda Mettler • June 5 through July 30 • 2375 Foothill Rd • 10-6 Daily • 805-682-4722 • 2ndfridaysart.com

Santa Ynez Chumash Museum

• Chumash Culture and Arts & Between the Three Worlds: Ceremony and Community in the Paintings of Christopher Evans • 3500 Numancia St, SY • Thu-Sun 10-5pm • sychumashmuseum.org

Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum • 3596 Sagunto St • 12-4pm

We-Su • santaynezmuseum.org

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

Seimandi & Leprieur • Hunt

Slonem: a leading figure of American Neo-Expressionism • through Jun 7 • 33 W Anapamu St. • Wed-Sat 11-6 • 805610-1203 • seimandileprieur.com

Stewart Fine Art • Early CA Plein Air Paintings + European Fine Art + Antiques • 539 San Ysidro Rd • 11-5:30 Mo-Sa • 805-845-0255

Sullivan Goss • Meredith Brooks

Abbott: Capturing Our Time through Jun 22; The Art of Collecting, through Jul 27 • 11 E Anapamu St • 10-5:30 daily • 805-730-1460 • sullivangoss.com

Susan Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Museum • 122 W Canon Perdido • 11-4 Fr-Sa; Su-Th by appt • quinlanmuseum.com • 805-687-4623

SYV Historical Museum & Carriage House • Art of The Western Saddle • ongoing • 3596 Sagunto St, SY • 12-4 Sa, Su • 805-688-7889 • santaynezmuseum.org

Tamsen Gallery • Jeff Bridges: Pictures • 1309 State St • 12-5 We-Su • 805-705-2208 • tamsengallery.com

UCSB Library Ocean Gallery • Unyielding Voices: Global Resistance and the Black Radical Tradition •

Art Events

1st Thursday • Art venues open late for a cultural night out. See pages 16 & 17 for complete listing • 5-8pm Thu, 6/4.

Reception for Claudia Bratton: Out of the Blue • The Copper, 1031 State • 5 to 8pm Thu, 6/4.

Arte Del Pueblo Opening Reception • Multimedia art show featuring local artists • Museum of Contemporary Art SB • Free • 12-3pm Su, 6/7.

Reception for Splash • 2nd Fridays Art @ SB Tennis Club • 4:30-6pm Fr, 6/12.

Opening Reception: How Forever Works • View photographic assemblages and

through Jun 12 • library.ucsb.edu

Voice Gallery • SummerDance through June • 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 • 805-

more by Jacqueline Woods • Architectural Fdn Art Gallery, 229 E. Victoria St. • Free • 2-4pm Sa, 6/13.

Annual Undergraduate Exhibition: 25 Years In Opening Reception • Celebrate student art nominated by faculty • AD&A Museum, UCSB • museum. ucsb.edu • Free • 3-5pm Sa, 6/13.

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

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

962-8885 • waterhousegallery.com

Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum Of Art • Habitual Curiosity: Paintings by Chelsea Roberts (‘18) through Jun 20; Altered Realities through Jun 20 • Weekdays 10-4, Sat 11-5 • westmont.edu/museum

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

Santa Barbara’s

Cultural Night Out

1ST 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., H-124 • The aura of summer merges with vibrant movement in SummerDance at VOICE Gallery. See artwork by local artists in media ranging from metals to photos, prints, and paintings. Meet your next partner and enjoy the creative season. Treats and sing-along with Harold Kono.

June 4th • 5 to 8pm

5. domecíl • 1223 State Street • Stop by domecíl to experience the ethereal work of Santa Barbara artist Adam Peot. Featuring expressive brushwork and paintings that explore the abstract intersections of human history, spirit, and nature, his work resonates with both old souls and young hearts alike. Through his art, Adam hopes to offer a sense of inspiration, reflection, and peace.

6. 10 West Gallery • 10 W. Anapamu St. • In The Pink — A group show featuring flowers, pink sunsets, and lots of robust abstracts in various

media from oil and acrylic paintings, bronze, stone, and resin sculptures, plus mixed media and encaustic. Through June 21.

7. REH Contemporary Studio & Gallery • 12 W. Anapamu St. • REH Contemporary introduces this new gallery with Soft Opening, featuring the works of artist/owner Ruth Ellen Hoag. Happy to be moved uptown, Hoag gives visitors a preview of new work, a peek at work in progress, as well as the schedule of studio classes and workshops.

2. Art & Soul • 1323 State Street

• Step into Viridian Shores, Lucia de Miguel’s solo exhibition inspired by coastal landscapes, global travel, and imagined escape. Through vivid aerial perspectives and intimate shoreline portraits, this exhibition transforms memories. Ocean beauty invites viewers to daydream, explore, and reconnect with nature’s wonder. June 4 - July

19.

3. Santa Barbara

Fine Art • 1321 State Street • SB Fine Art and Heal the Ocean celebrate

Liquid Corners, a painting by artist John Wullbrandt that was inspired by Heal the Ocean’s birthplace. All proceeds from Wulbrandt’s painting will benefit Heal the Ocean’s environmental efforts. Also: “Liquid Corners,” an exclusive beer served by Rincon Brewery for a $5 donation.

4. Ensemble Theatre Company

• 33 W. Victoria St. • Ensemble Theatre Company presents Every Brilliant Thing. In this luminous solo show, one man revisits his life through a list of every wonderful, delightful, and surprising thing that makes it worth living. Stop by our ticket office for buy-one-get-one free tickets on June 4th at 7:30pm.

8. Seimandi & Leprieur Gallery • 33 W. Anapamu St. • We are delighted to announce our collaboration with Hunt Slonem, a leading figure of American Neo-Expressionism. His works, held in over 250 museum collections worldwide, explore bunnies, birds, butterflies, and tropical flora through rhythmic repetition, saturated color, and textured brushwork, creating immersive compositions inspired by nature.

9. Sullivan Goss • 11 E. Anapamu St. • Sullivan Goss celebrates the opening of The Art of Collecting, an exhibition which invites you to ask our curators about the complex process of fine art acquisition. Also on view: Meredith Brooks Abbott.

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

11. Fuzion Gallery & Boutique • 1115 State Street • We are showcasing canvas artworks by local mural artist, tattoo artist, DJ, and all around Wizard of the Arts, Chadillac Green. Our guests will enjoy a Live DJ and Specialty cocktails by HeartNSoul Mixology.

12. Gallery 113 • 1114 State Street #8 • Co-op gallery for members of the Santa Barbara Art Association. Our Artist of the Month is Cindy Star. Cindy works with both digital and acrylic

mediums to create imaginative and colorful paintings from real life and fantasy. Other featured artists working in various mediums will be on hand to discuss their June exhibits.

13. 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.

14. Ace Rivington • 1100 State Street • Josh Conviser in conversation on ultrarunning, passion, and presence. Josh’s memoir, Only Forward, traces his path from a torn achilles through long efforts across the Grand Canyon, Alps, and the trails above Santa Barbara. The photographs are taken mid-run, the writing pulled from trail notes. Drinks, photography, and conversation promised!

15. The Crafter’s Library • 9

E. Figueroa St. • Join The Crafter’s Library for our fifth year anniversary celebration. We will have giveaways, crafts, cocktails, and karaoke all night long! Join us at 6:30pm for cake!

16. The Yes Store • 1015 State Street

• Come celebrate our 60 talented local artists while enjoying music, drinks, and treats! View our collection of Eileen Richardson’s 1980s art pottery!

A Santa Barbara artist whose work is in The Smithsonian Museum. Looking for locally handmade gifts or something special for yourself? Look no further than The Yes Store!

17. 3D Studio Gallery • 1011 State Street • Visit the privately owned art gallery by worldrenowned 3D Pop Artist Charles Fazzino. Visit 3D Studio Gallery to experience the world of the Master of 3D Pop Art with a close-up look at his collection of intricate 3D masterpieces!

18. Finch & Fork | The Kimpton Canary Hotel •

feathers. We will have a solo guitar and refreshments.

31 W. Carrillo St. • We are transforming our lobby into a vibrant mini-market featuring local artists! Grab a drink from the bar, browse unique handcrafted pieces, and enjoy the perfect pairing of oysters. Support local creatives, unwind after work, and soak up the heart of Santa Barbara’s arts scene, all under one stylish roof.

22. Music Academy of the West • 901 State Street • Join us for an open house at the Music Academy of the West’s Music Education Center at 901 State Street. Explore the building today and preview renderings of what’s to come. Enjoy a glass of wine and learn about the future of music education and performance downtown!

continue to shape who we are and how we understand ourselves today.

19. SuperMoss • 922 State Street

• Join us for another 1st Thursday at SuperMoss where preserved moss is center stage. Explore handcrafted pieces and discover unique plant arrangements in a relaxing, immersive green atmosphere. Meet fellow art and plant lovers, chat with crafters, and find something special to bring home from our locally-owned shop!

23. Soul Sucker • 814 State Street STE 38 • Shop ceramic work by Marina Grimmett, Rian Gladnick, Orcutti Putty, and Wishy Washy Ceramics with DJ Blasé, zine-making with Honey Boy Press, charm-making with CreaTiffity Studios, and a queer artist showcase at Grassini Tasting Room featuring Marina Grimmett, lyra ramirez purugganan, Miriam MacMillan, Sammy Brenner, Mitchell Mark McCartney, and Soul Sucker.

24. Grassini Family Vineyards

27. Santa Barbara Historical Museum • 136 E. De La Guerra St. • Join the Museum for music, wine, and more! Our latest exhibitions, The Gift: Recent Additions to Our Story and Ludmilla Pilat Welch: Serene Santa Barbara along with our permanent galleries, will also be open for visitors. All ages welcome!

28. Idyll Mercantile • 703 Chapala St. • Come celebrate summer at Idyll Mercantile with groovy tunes by DJ Donny Bru & Co, libations by Apiary, and fresh, local seafood by Santa Barbara Fish Market & The Cultured Abalone Farm.

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

21. Arrediamo - Fine Art & Traditional Rugs Gallery • 911 1/2 State Street • We offer the Southwest’s largest collection of handmade contemporary, traditional and antique Persian, Turkish, Afghani, Tribal, and Tibetan rugs. This 1st Thursday features a Native American Zia design with

24 El Paseo • Celebrate PRIDE with a queer artist showcase at Grassini in partnership with Soul Sucker and LouBud Wines. Enjoy complimentary tastings, discounted glasses, ceramics & visual art featuring work by Marina Grimmett, Rian Gladnick, lyra ramirez purugganan, Miriam MacMillan, Sammy Brenner, Mitchell Mark McCartney, & Soul Sucker.

25. Paint at Paseo • 651 Paseo Nuevo • Join us for a free and fun guided painting workshop with Creative Wellness Artist Khaatia Vantiger. For June the theme will center around a bright hibiscusand-bird composition with a warm summer sun atmosphere — something joyful and seasonal that reflects movement and arrival into summer. RSVP encouraged.

26. Studio7 Architecture and Allied Arts • 112 E. De La Guerra St. #4 • Through expressive portraiture, Ancestral Sketches journeys through ancestral memory, migration, and cultural identity. From ancient civilizations to revolutionaries, campesinos, musicians, and dreamers, the series explores how the stories, movements, and histories carried by our ancestors

29. SBCAST • 513 Garden St. • Media Arts and Technology (MAT) at the University of California, Santa Barbara is a transdisciplinary graduate program that fuses emergent media, computer science, engineering, electronic music, and digital art research, practice, production, and theory. The MAT department will showcase the cutting-edge research and new media artworks of our students.

Entertainment

Flight 805 • 800 Block of State Street • Flight 805 is a journey through the music that made rock n roll: Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Rolling Stones. Added are some of the bands that followed like STP, Black Crows, and Soundgarden, as well as some uptown vibe from groups like Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, and The Cars to name a few. The quartet of Tom Banigan (bass ), John Adair (lead guitar & vocals), Mike Morse (guitar & vocals) and Michael Rivers (drums & vocals) bring a highflying show to 805 venues and beyond.

GALLERY LOS OLIVOS FEATURED ARTISTS EXHIBIT IN JUNE

Fine Art Destination Since 1992

Fine Art Destination Since 1992

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

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

Solvang switch to Lompoc Police Department would end decades of Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s patrols

As Buellton explores a similar move, the dynamics of law enforcement across the Santa Ynez Valley face a potential multi-million-dollar shakeup

By

STom Schultz / Santa Barbara News-Press 5.28.26,

HERIFF’S DEPUTIES HAVE PATROLLED SOLVANG FOR MORE THAN FOUR DECADES—since the city incorporated in 1985— but that could soon change as dissatisfied officials explore a new contract that would bring Lompoc police to the Danish-inspired hamlet.

“We don’t believe we’re getting what we’re paying for,” Solvang City Manager Randy Murphy told the City Council this week.

When law enforcement is the city’s largest expenditure and its least accountable budget line item, “then we have a problem that requires attention,” added Olivia Uribe-Mutal, assistant to the city manager.

With the nearby city of Buellton also considering a switch to Lompoc, the dynamics of law enforcement across the Santa Ynez Valley face the potential for a significant shakeup.

In addition, it’s yet another public perception challenge for embattled Sheriff Bill Brown, who in recent months has come under fire for controversial ICE arrests, overtime payroll costs and jail operations.

Added Council Member Elizabeth Orona:

“My main concern with where we are today is not just cost, but there’s lack of data. There’s no apparent innovation, and there’s no efficiency. With a cost increase we should see efficiency or innovation, and we’re just not.”

The current contract

Solvang’s contract with the Sheriff’s Office pays for one patrol post, effectively one patrol car assigned to the city at all times. Staffing this requires 5.5 full-time-equivalent employees, more than city leaders preferred, and the contract also includes fractional supervision—roughly a fifth of a sergeant position, a sixth of a lieutenant, and a tenth of a commander, Solvang officials said.

Brown on Thursday called his department’s relationship with Solvang collaborative, and his spokesperson described it as exemplary.

‘Persistent concerns’

Solvang officials say their frustrations with the Sheriff’s Office contract have grown in recent years.

The city of 6,000 residents has budgeted $3.4 million for law enforcement in fiscal year 2026-27—a 107 percent increase over the amount paid 10 years ago driven by factors that include deputy raises the city can’t control and county policies that require full cost recovery, Uribe-Mutal said, adding that the uptick hasn’t been gradual or consistent.

Solvang Mayor David Brown broke the cost down per capita.

“That’s five hundred dollars a year per person, regardless of age,” he said. “For a family of four, think of it as two thousand dollars for that family for law enforcement. I’m not sure if I asked anybody out here they’d perceive that value. We’re still buying Ring cameras and everything else, so I’d say no.”

But it’s not just finances that have left Solvang leaders weary.

“The city has experienced persistent concerns about service levels, inadequate traffic and code enforcement, limited accountability to city leadership, inconsistent statistical reporting, and unreliable event coverage,” UribeMutal said. “These concerns have been covered formally and informally through the contractual relationship, and they have not been adequately resolved.”

What’s next?

While the contract covers general traffic enforcement, accident investigations, parking patrol and crime investigations, it doesn’t cover SWAT or bomb squad activities initiated at the city’s request.

The contract also doesn’t include a motorcycle traffic deputy, school resource deputy, community resource deputy, or a detective—all options Solvang has forgone.

Sheriff Brown on Thursday described the contract with Solvang as a partnership built on trust.

“The relationship between the Sheriff’s Office and the city of Solvang has been built over many years through collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to excellence in public safety,” Brown said in a statement. “We remain committed to productive conversations that prioritize the needs of the community.”

The Sheriff’s Office noted that, as the county’s largest full-service public safety agency, it’s “able to provide immediate access to specialized investigative units, mental health co-response, air support, tactical teams, and forensic services that smaller standalone agencies simply cannot replicate independently.”

In addition, the Sheriff’s Office provides a lieutenant who acts as a chief and engages in regular communication with the city manager and attends city council meetings, said Raquel Zick, sheriff’s spokesperson.

The council on Tuesday unanimously gave City Hall staff the go-ahead to formalize talks with Lompoc.

Contract terms will be discussed through the summer, with an agreement potentially ready for council approval by the end of September, officials said.

If it’s approved, the new contract would most likely take effect on July 1st, 2027, they said.

On Tuesday, Martin told the council he or a lieutenant would provide Solvang leaders with key metrics monthly. And while he didn’t share any major concerns, he said hiring would be the biggest challenge—indicating it would be helpful to get talks underway.

“To be able to do this, I would have to get recruiting and hiring going pretty quickly,” Martin said. “We’re getting people applying for us left and right, and what a great community to work in—Solvang.

“I don’t think it’s going to be a problem,” he said. “It’s just timing.”

Like Solvang, Buellton has contracted with the Sheriff’s Office since the city’s 1992 incorporation.

Time will tell what an alternative contract with Lompoc might include—and whether an additional agency in the mix might complicate law enforcement across the Santa Ynez Valley. Sheriff’s deputies would continue to serve unincorporated parts of the region.

Significantly larger than Solvang, Lompoc has more than 43,000 residents. Operating on an $18 million annual budget, the Lompoc Police Department has 51 sworn positions funded and 25 non-sworn staff members, according to Chief Kevin Martin.

Buellton pays an amount comparable to Solvang for Sheriff’s Office law enforcement, with the exception that the city does have a motorcycle deputy, which adds roughly $230,000, City Manager Scott Wolfe said.

And while Buellton is not necessarily on a timeline similar to Solvang’s, Wolfe said he’s participated in talks with Lompoc and Solvang officials, and that he’s gathering information to bring a potential contract switch to the Buellton City Council if and when it makes sense to do so.

But even if Buellton doesn’t follow suit, Solvang this week appeared ready to go it alone.

“The conversation is real and serious,” Uribe-Mutal said. “Buellton’s participation, which would be beneficial… is not a requirement for Solvang to move forward independently.”

Pope Leo’s Magnifica humanitas: AI must serve humanity not concentrate power

Marking the 135th anniversary of Rerum novarum, Pope Leo XIV releases his first encyclical, entitled Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence. He appeals for the safeguarding of humanity, promotion of truth, dignity of work, social justice, and peace.

By Isabella Piro / Vatican News, May 25, 2026 www.vaticannews.va

“HUMANITY, CREATED BY GOD IN ALL ITS GRANDEUR, is today facing a pivotal choice: either to construct a new Tower of Babel or to build the city in which God and humanity dwell together.”

The opening words of Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence, summarize its underlying reasons and purpose.

Published on Monday, May 25, the Pope signed the encyclical on May 15, the 135th anniversary of the promulgation of Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum novarum.

Pope Leo XIV has taken up the legacy of his predecessor, writing a social encyclical which addresses one of the principal challenges of the contemporary age: artificial intelligence.

Divided into five chapters, Magnifica humanitas has an underlying premise: technology is not “a force antagonistic to humanity” (4), nor is it “inherently evil” (9). However, “technology is never neutral, because it takes on the characteristics of those who devise, finance, regulate, and use it.”

Therefore, Pope Leo XIV appeals for people to build “for the common good” and to “remain human,” following a courageous mentality of shared responsibility and communion, so that the world “will come to recognize the human heart as the place where God desires to dwell” (16).

Church’s social doctrine

The first chapter—“A Dynamic Approach Faithful to the Gospel”—traces the Social Doctrine of the Church in recent magisterium and the Second Vatican Council, highlighting “its dynamic character” (17). Far from being “a handbook of principles and norms to be applied,” the Church’s social teaching is rather a “theology of communion in history” (27), which guides our reading of events in light of the Gospel. Pope Leo XIV recalls the writings of his predecessors: from Pius XII - the first to use the expression “Social Doctrine of the Church” in his Apostolic Exhortation Menti Nostrae of 1950 - to Pope Francis. He recalled Pope Leo XIII’s Encyclical Rerum Novarum of 1891, which “constitutes a milestone in the development of the Church’s social teaching” (30). In the years following, each successor of Peter “interpreted historical changes according to the Gospel, bringing to light different aspects of a single heritage: the dignity of the person, the value of work, the universal destination of goods, solidarity and subsidiarity, care for creation and the centrality of peace and fraternity” (45).

Safeguarding human dignity

In the second chapter, Pope Leo XIV explores the “Foundations and Principles of the Social Doctrine of the Church.” These foundations, he says, include the dignity of the person, created in the image and likeness of God. It is important to recall this since “the pressure of new ideologies or certain highly powerful interests” can reduce the human person to “a resource to be used and exploited” or “on what they achieve or produce” (51). On the contrary, “the fundamental dignity of each person…is neither acquired nor earned, nor does it need to be justified” (53). A second foundation of the Social Doctrine of the Church is the inviolability of human rights, among which the first is the right to life “from conception to its natural end.” In this regard, Leo XIV defines induced abortion, the killing of the innocent, and euthanasia as “choices that the Church considers gravely wrong” (55). The third foundation is the recognition of the rights of minorities, with particular attention to women. The Pope calls for “concrete decisions” in their favor regarding laws, employment, education, in social and political responsibilities, so that they may be truly heard and valued (57).

‘Gravely immoral’ to subjugate a nation

Pope Leo XIV then identifies five principles of the Social Doctrine of the Church. The first is the common good, and the Pope defines it as “the social expression of the dignity recognized in every person” (59).

He forcefully affirms that “the promotion of the common good can never be separated from respect for the right of peoples to exist, to preserve their own identity and to contribute their unique qualities to the family of nations.”

Therefore, he says, “any attempt or plan to eliminate or subjugate a nation is gravely immoral and therefore unacceptable” (64).

Technology must not be in the hands of a few

The Pope then identifies the second principle of the “universal destination of goods.” At this point, and in other parts of the encyclical, Pope Leo XIV insists on the need to ensure that technologies are not concentrated in the hands of only a few people, thereby widening the gap between those included and those excluded from the digital revolution (67). The third principle, subsidiarity (68), requires humanity to overcome “any form of paternalistic or welfare-based management of societal life” in favor of shared responsibility.

Solidarity (73), the fourth principle, is both “a principle and a virtue,” says the Pope, noting it is opposed to indifference and takes into account people and future generations.

Social justice and the ‘litmus test’ regarding migrants

Social justice is the fifth principle of the Social Doctrine of the Church. In the digital age, social justice requires ensuring fair access to opportunities for all people, protecting the most vulnerable, combating hatred and disinformation, and subjecting the use of technologies to public oversight, “so that the guiding principle is not solely profit but the dignity of every person and the common good of all people” (80). Pope Leo XIV identifies migrants, refugees, displaced persons as a “litmus

test” for social justice. The way society treats migrants, he says, “reveals whether its sense of justice is driven by fear or by the spirit of fraternity.” He therefore appeals for societies to protect “the rightful hopes” of those forced to leave, by ensuring them safe and legal routes, dignified welcome, and genuine paths to integration, while promoting “the right to remain” in one’s homeland in peace and security, by addressing “the root causes” of migration (81).

Abuse and the examination of conscience by the Church

The Pope says these five principles should be applied not only to society, but also to the Church herself, which is called to carry out “an examination of conscience.” The Pope says living out this justice calls for “purifying ecclesial relationships and structures from distortions that give rise to inequality, lack of transparency and abuse of power.” This means to listen to the “victims of spiritual, economic, institutional, sexual and powerbased abuse, as well as abuses of conscience.” This examen, he says, “is an integral part of a journey toward justice, which includes acknowledging the harm done, just reparation and taking steps to prevent it from happening again” (89).

An ethical code for AI

The third chapter—Technology and Dominance. The Grandeur of Humanity in Light of the Promises of AI stresses the need to approach artificial intelligence with vigilance. Pope Leo warns about the “technocratic paradigm” already denounced by Pope Francis and how it can require that every choice be dictated exclusively by measuring efficiency and profits (92). On the contrary, the most powerful technology is not necessarily the best. AI can imitate and simulate the person, but it does not possess a moral conscience, empathy, or affective, relational or spiritual capabilities.

The Pope urges clarity about responsibilities and accountability at every stage of the development process, focusing on adequate AI policies and legal frameworks, independent oversight, and user education.

Above all, Pope Leo calls for an ethical code subject to shared standards of social justice, because “a more moral AI is not enough if that morality is determined by a few” (107). Nor, he adds, should the environmental impact of new technologies be overlooked, since they require large quantities of energy and water, affecting Creation (101).

Disarming AI

AI must be “disarmed,” Pope Leo XIV continues, in order to free it from the mentality of military, economic, and cognitive competition. “To disarm means discrediting the assumption that technical power automatically confers the right to govern,” he says. “To disarm does not mean rejecting technology, but preventing it from dominating humanity” (110). He devotes ample space to a critique of transhumanism and posthumanism, which interpret progress as the overcoming of human limits. Instead, limitations are not defects to be eliminated, but a constitutive dimension of the human person, because it is in fragility and finitude that relationship and openness to God and to others mature. He says we must remember that “humanity flourishes not despite limitations, but often through them” (118).

Technological progress without regression of the heart

Pursuing technological innovation at the expense of eliminating human limitations, he says, would cause an anthropological regression. “Humanity—in all its grandeur and woundedness—must never be replaced or surpassed,” he says. Technology can alleviate humanity’s sufferings and open new possibilities, but it must not deny the essence of humanity, which is our “capacity for relationship and love” (126). In the face of AI, says the Pope, “the true alternative is not between enthusiasm and fear, but between two paths of development: a progress that serves individuals and peoples, or a progress that subjects them to the mentality of power” (129).

An ecology of communication and the centrality of schools

In the fourth chapter—Safeguarding Humanity at a Time of Transformation. Truth, Work, Freedom—the Pope calls for an “ecology of communication” based on truth. He urges transparency in how content is selected, protection of personal data, serious journalism founded on argumentation and verification, a new awareness in the “proper and critical” use of digital tools, and the integration of different forms of knowledge. The Church must also embody transparent and honest communication, especially in cases of injustice and abuse. The Pope also appeals for a renewed educational alliance, so that the “desire to ask questions” may not be extinguished in young people by perfect machines that make human thought seem useless (140). Pope Leo XIV, therefore, calls for renewed attention to schools as places where people learn to “seek and love the truth” (147).

The dignity of work

In the “fourth industrial revolution” represented by the digital transition, the Pope emphasizes the importance of protecting the dignity of work by designing systems centered on the person and not only on performance. “The ‘new ways’ of working are not necessarily better,” he writes, “while AI promises to boost productivity by taking over mundane tasks, it frequently forces workers to adapt to the speed and demands of machines, rather than machines being designed to support those who work” (150). Technology can certainly free human beings from burdensome or repetitive tasks, but it must not lead to unemployment in the name of reducing costs and increasing profit. In this regard, the Pope expresses his hopes for a renewal of labor organizations (155).

Peace and development

Pope Leo then notes the need to move beyond GDP as the measure of a country’s level of development, focusing instead on the dignity of work, shared prosperity, the reduction of inequalities, and environmental protection. Finance, he says, must focus on the development, creation, and evolution of work (159-160). Following in the footsteps of Pope St. Paul VI, the encyclical underscores the interdependence between peace and development. It calls for international cooperation capable of defining shared strategies, especially in favor of the most vulnerable countries and groups, because prosperity contributes to peace “only if it is widespread, inclusive, and sustainable” (163).

The family, “primary social good”

The Pope upholds the role of the family, saying it is founded on the stable union between a man and a woman. The family is a “primary social good” and the “fundamental and irreplaceable cell of every community organization” (165), which must be supported, including through labor policies that favor stability and humane rhythms, so as to protect society’s ability to “build the future.”

‘Architecture of visibility,’ risks for freedom

Pope Leo XIV then discusses the theme of human freedom in an age when digital platforms are designed to capture users’ time and exploit their vulnerabilities. He reiterates the need to strengthen each person’s interior freedom, while also confronting the risk of social control arising from the mass collection of data and the use of algorithmic systems. Profiling, predicting, and directing behavior, he says, is “a new form of power” (171) that risks discriminating against the weakest. The Pope particularly criticizes the “architecture of visibility,” which amplifies only what is visible and shapes opinions.

New forms of slavery and colonialism

AI also generates new forms of slavery, such as that of the “scarred, injured, and worn down” bodies (173) of those who work in the extraction of the “rare earth elements” needed for technology. Therefore, the Pope upholds the importance of combating new forms of slavery as another “decisive test for ethical discernment” in the digital transformation. Pope Leo XIV stresses that “the Church renews her firm condemnation of every form of slavery, trafficking, and commodification of persons” and he underscores that to not react or to tolerate grave violations of human dignity means becoming accomplices to them. At the same time, the Pope “sincerely asks forgiveness” for the delay with which the Church in the past condemned “the scourge of slavery” (174-176). The encyclical also refers to the vital information—for example, on health and demographics— used to guide economic strategies. He calls this a new face of colonialism that turns personal lives into exploitable information, making the digital environment a “space of exploitation” (178-179).

Overcoming ‘just war’ theory

In the fifth chapter—The Culture of Power and the Civilization of Love—Pope Leo XIV turns his gaze to war, saying “the digital revolution is changing the nature of conflict.” The Pope calls for an ethical approach, without which decisions about the life and death of persons will become increasingly impersonal due to a use of force regarded as an “immediate and viable option” (182-183). At the root of all this is a “culture of power” that normalizes war and rehabilitates it as an “instrument of international politics,” favoring rearmament. Today, he says, public opinion is burdened by polarizing media narratives, as well as by “a disconcerting loss of historical memory,” which leaves people without a long-term vision (191). Consequently, he says, peace today is no longer understood as a task to be undertaken, but as an interval between conflicts. For this reason, Pope Leo XIV reiterates that—while preserving the right to legitimate defense in the strictest sense—the theory of “just war” must be overcome, and dialogue, diplomacy, and forgiveness must instead be promoted (192).

Algorithms do not make war morally acceptable

Pope Leo expresses criticism of the growth in the arms industry, the nuclear arms race, and the emergence of new armed actors—including jihadist groups—who aim to perpetuate conflicts as a source of power and profit. He also warns against the use of weapons linked to AI, because “there is no algorithm that can make war morally acceptable.” The Pope writes, “AI does not remove the intrinsic inhumanity of conflict; indeed, it can only bring about conflict more quickly and render it more impersonal, lowering the threshold for resorting to violence, transforming defense into threat prediction and thus reducing victims to data. In this way, it will accustom us to the idea that violence is inevitable and needs only to be optimized.”

The Pope urges strict ethical limits, which are shared at the international level and based on personal responsibility and the protection of civilians. “Any technology that facilitates attacks without seeing the face of human beings lowers the moral threshold of conflict” (199).

Crisis of multilateralism

The culture of power also emerges from the crisis of multilateralism and the emergence of “a disorderly and conflictridden multipolarism” with a prevailing sense of mistrust (201). The Pope laments that the rule of law has been replaced by the law of the strongest, while the logic of power prevails over peace building and institutions established to safeguard the common destiny of peoples have now been weakened. In this regard, the Pope hopes for “profound reforms” of the UN that can overcome the current crisis of values in favor of the common good (226).

An irresponsible Realpolitik

The encyclical notes that today “hybrid” wars are fought “also on the economic, financial and cyber fronts, where disinformation and campaigns that feed people’s fears are used to manipulate public opinion” so that increases in military expenditures are seen as the “only response” to an uncertain future. But all of this is only a “false realism”, an irresponsible Realpolitik that sows in people’s consciences and cultures a resignation to an unavoidable war and describes peace as a utopia (204-205). He notes that there is the possibility that some “may consider armed conflict as an effective way of diverting attention from domestic problems and a cynical tool for managing difficulties (208).

The civilization of love

Christians, says Pope Leo, are called to respond to the culture of power by building “the civilization of love” and by choosing whether to feed the logic of force or safeguard peace. He recalls the memory of the saints, “righteous people and the oft-forgotten peacemakers, show us that grace does not magically eliminate conflict, but instead it inspires active resistance to evil and an astonishing creativity in doing good” (211). The Pope indicates five paths of responsibility, which include disarming words by speaking the truth; building peace in justice; adopting the perspective of victims by taking a stand, because there are conflicts in which “it is unjust to remain neutral”; cultivating “a healthy realism” that seeks practicable paths of peace through deeds, not only words.

Importance of interreligious dialogue

Finally, relaunching dialogue by moving from a culture of power to a culture of negotiation is highlighted. And of decisive importance is “interreligious dialogue”, being bearers of a message of peace. He writes that “those who use the name of God to legitimize terrorism, violence or war betray his true nature, for to fight in the name of religion means attacking religion itself” (223). The diplomacy of the Holy See, he notes, “adopts the Gospel’s principle of mercy as a concrete criterion for political action.” And from this, the exhortation to prayer, since peace comes above all from God (227-228).

Grandeur of humanity

At the conclusion of his first encyclical, Pope Leo XIV invites the faithful to navigate this new technological era in the light of the Gospel, following “a sober yet demanding program of Christian life.”

Even in the age of AI, concludes the Pope, “we may bear witness to the grandeur of humanity, in which God has made His dwelling.” For more visit: www.vaticannews.va