The Health and Wellness Issue
JA N UA RY 2 02 6
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
Happy New Year! As we step into a brand-new year in the Santa Ynez Valley, there’s something undeniably energizing about January. It’s a month filled with possibilities, an open invitation to hit reset, rethink our routines, and recommit to living with purpose. In this year’s “Health & Wellness” issue, we’re leaning into that momentum with stories designed to empower your mind, body, and even your financial well-being. We begin with intention. For many of us, resolutions fade as quickly as they form, but they don’t have to. Resolutions That Stick (pg 14) breaks down the habits and mindset shifts that transform lofty January promises into lasting lifestyle changes. Whether you’re aiming for better balance, more movement, or deeper rest, it all starts with small, sustainable steps. Of course, wellness isn’t just physical. It’s deeply interconnected, and few understand that more fully than Dr. Kyle Gillett, the functional medicine expert we spotlight this month. His approach to whole-body health reminds us that vitality is built from the inside out, guided by thoughtful choices and individualized care (pg 18). Financial well-being also plays a major role in a life lived with clarity and confidence. That’s why we’re highlighting Saige Wealth Management, a firm dedicated to helping families chart a stable, strategic financial path for the year ahead (pg24). Peace of mind is, after all, one of the greatest forms of wellness. As we welcome 2026, may you find inspiration and permission to invest in yourself... fully, thoughtfully, and without hesitation. Here’s to a healthy and empowered year ahead!
January 2026 PUBLISHER
Sara DeMarcus | sara.demarcus@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R
Matt DeMarcus | matthew.demarcus@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sara DeMarcus, Amalia (Amy) Loli, Matt DeMarcus, Angela Broockerd C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S
Matt DeMarcus, Amalia (Amy) Loli, Janie Jones
Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
Cheers,
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
M AT T D E M A R C U S , P U B L I C AT I O N D I R E C T O R @ S A N TAY N E Z VA L L E Y _ C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Santa Ynez Valley City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Santa Ynez Valley area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle
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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R
Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Santa Ynez Valley City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S
24 14
18 Featured
14 18 24 30 6
Resolutions That Stick
A Guide to Creating Change That Lasts All Year
The New Frontier of Health
30 On the Cover
Departments
Hiking throughout the numerous trails around our Los Padres National Forest is an excellent way to kickstart your resolutions this year.
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Lifestyle Letter
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City Scene
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Business Monthly
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Must See HEALTH + WELLNESS
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Self Care WELLNESS
24
Financial Buzz FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES
30
Eat Right FOOD + BEVERAGE
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Events
Understanding the “Why” Behind Wellness
The Balance Behind Wealth
How Saige Private Wealth Is Bringing Clarity & Confidence to Financial Well-Being
A Salad Recipe to Love A Gorgeous, Fresh and Simple Dish
Photography: Matt DeMarcus
JANUARY 2026
city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
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@HOMESINSYV
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@THECOFFEYBREAK
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@EMILY.DAFOE
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@SYVCAEAGLES
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@LOSOLIVOSCA
@SAARLOOSANDSONS
@MYEVXP
1: A beautiful workshop put on by Preserve & Restore at the Dafoe Vineyard. 2: Kelly and team donated over 1000 lbs of food to the Buellton Food Drive. 3: This pre-wedding brunch at Mad & Vin in the Landsby hit the spot! 4: The first-ever SYVCA girls soccer team. Congratulations ladies! 5: The Brady Group team is enjoying the 45th Annual LO Day in the Country parade. 6: A glimpse into the 2025 SY Water Polo banquet. 7: This group of ladies is enjoying an eco-friendly way to cruise around Solvang.
Want to be seen in the magazine? TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ S A N TAY N E Z V A L L E Y _ C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E
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C I T Y SC E N E
Custom Hardscapes admin@custom-hardscapes.com
805.693.0345
1130 Mission Drive #102 solvang
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Client Testimonials
If you are looking to sell your home and/or buy a new one, we cannot recommend Kristina Novak highly enough... Kristina doesn’t just talk about building lasting relationships — she lives it. She is honest, hard-working, and genuinely puts her clients first. - Morgan Family With Wade Koch, it’s not just the buying and selling of property, it is a “Relationship and a Friendship” in business and in life... His knowledge isn’t just from research; it’s built through real relationships, involvement, and genuine care. - Stephanie C.
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Meet Our Team
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Sales Partner Realtor® DRE# 02232803 (805) 718-1607
KELLEEN GREENWALD Sales Partner Realtor® DRE #02190292 (805) 757-1718
Find your dream home & see how we deliver results. Scan this to explore listings and client success stories.
Good Old-Fashioned Hometown Service Family Owned & Operated Since 1982
We are committed to promptly answering your calls during business hours. Any messages or emails we receive will be responded to on the same day. Reach out to us today for personalized insurance assistance you can only receive from an independent agency.
805.688.6418 | AskHometown.com | 186 W Hwy 246, Buellton, CA JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SA N TAY N E Z VA L L E Y
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JANUARY 2026
ROBLAR WINERY
business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S
Unplug and Reconnect: Local Author Releases Social Media Reset Show up for your life this year with a new level of excitement, intentionality, and joy by reading local author Allie Marie Smith’s latest book for girls and women, Social Media Reset: A 30-Day Guided Journey to Unplug, Reconnect with God, and Reclaim Your Joy. Endorsed by world-renowned psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen, this book will increase readers’ happiness and improve their mental health. Allie is also the founder and CEO of Wonderfully Made. Photography Provided
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Book Your
Experience
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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY
Trial attorney with 40 jury trials and over 40 years of experience in Santa Barbara County. Specializing in catastrophic injury and wrongful death. Past President of the Central Coast Chapter of ABOTA (American Board of Trial Advocates).
2026 Gardening Workshops at Windmill Nursery Windmill Nursery kicks off 2026 with a month of hands-on learning and garden inspiration! Join expert-led seminars every Saturday at 10 am—Fruit Tree Care (Jan 3), Rose Care (Jan 10), Garden Planning (Jan 17), Seed Starting (Jan 24), and Soil Health (Jan 31). Each session offers practical tips from local specialists to help your garden thrive. Visit www.windmillnursery.com for full details and February’s upcoming topics on herbs, beekeeping, and more. Photography by www.windmillnursery.com
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CONTINUED >
www.sbtriallawyer.com | 805-730-7766 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave Los Olivos, Ca 93441 REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SA N TAY N E Z VA L L E Y
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business monthly CONTINUED
YOUR FULL-SERVICE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY HEARING CARE PROVIDER Offering hearing tests and hearing aid sales programming/ maintenance both in the office or from the comfort of your own home. We work with all the top hearing aid manufacturers. Complimentary hearing screening and otoscopic exam Hearing aids at no cost to all CenCal Health members Contracted with Medicare
Dr Melissa Alexander Au.D. CCC-A
Artists Wanted: Buellton Banner Project Returns Buellton’s community banner art project is back, and they’re looking for YOUR art! Thanks to a generous grant from the City of Buellton, their streets will once again showcase the talents of local artists. January launches their new theme, “The Forest”, and they invite creators of all ages to submit artwork imagining their own magical, dreamy, spooky, or whimsical woodland world. No perfection needed, just original creativity. Help heART Buellton! Learn more at Buellton.Art Photography by buellton.art
Doctor of Audiology
Formerly of House Ear Clinic, Dr Melissa Alexander has become one of the top audiologists in the Los Angeles area. She is passionate about providing highly individualized care and educating her patients on the latest hearing devices. Including digital hearing aids, invisible hearing aids, sound therapy for tinnitus management, and Bluetooth technology.
Want to be featured?
www.alexanderaudiology.com
1607 Mission Dr, Solvang, California 93463 | 805.322.4522 12
B USIN E SS M ON T H LY
G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ S A N TAY N E Z V A L L E Y
weddings.lifestyle. families.editorial.
P H O T O G R A P H Y
www.sisterbstudios.com
BALANCE IS EVERYTHING
I welcome the opportunity to learn about your unique goals and needs. Together we can create a strategy designed to help guide you along the path toward financial well-being. Call to schedule a consultation today. Jorge Morales is a registered representative with, and securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Montecito Bank & Trust and MB&T Advisors are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using MB&T Advisors, and may also be employees of Montecito Bank & Trust. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Montecito Bank & Trust or MB&T Advisors. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:
Jorge Morales, cfp®
Wealth Advisor CA Insurance Lic #0D70984 (805) 564-7305 Office jmorales@mbtadvisors.com
Not Insured by FDIC or Any Other Federal Government Agency
Not Bank Guaranteed
Not Bank Deposit or Obligations
May Lose Value
JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SA N TAY N E Z VA L L E Y
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R E S OL U T ION S T H AT S T IC K A GUIDE TO CREATING CHANGE THAT LASTS ALL YEAR
ARTICLE BY MATT DEMARCUS
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M UST SE E | HEALTH + W ELLN E SS
The beginning of a new year has a familiar rhythm: we dream big, write goals, and promise ourselves that this will be the year everything shifts. Yet by February, many of those ambitions fade into the background, crowded by old habits and daily responsibilities. The truth? Lasting change isn’t powered by willpower or perfection; it’s built through strategy, intention, and self-compassion. And after years of coaching and research, one insight stands out: resolutions don’t last because they’re big. They last because they’re designed well. Whether your goal is healthier habits, a clearer mindset, stronger finances, or a more balanced lifestyle, these five principles can help you create a resolution that lasts all year.
Choose a Resolution With Heart, Not Hype Sustainable goals are emotionally anchored. Instead of choosing a resolution because it sounds impressive, choose one that aligns with how you want to feel. Do you want more peace? More confidence? More energy? When a goal resonates emotionally, it gains momentum long after January’s motivation fades. Try This: Write one sentence: “My goal matters because…” If the answer lights you up, you’re on the right track. Shrink the Goal Until It’s Easy to Begin Ambition feels exciting, but simplicity builds consistency. Many resolutions fail because they start too big: hours at the gym, strict diets, or unrealistic routines. The brain resists drastic change but welcomes small, approachable actions. Begin with the smallest version of the habit you want: • Ten minutes of walking instead of a full workout • Two minutes of meditation instead of twenty Small steps create consistency. Consistency builds identity. Identity leads to lasting change. Plan for Imperfection Because It Will Happen Perfect days are rare, so your resolution shouldn’t depend on them. The secret is creating a minimum version of your habit, which you can still do on hectic, low-energy, or stressful days. If journaling is your goal, the minimum might be writing one sentence. If movement is your intention, it might be a quick stretch before bed. Success isn’t measured by never slipping; it’s measured by how gracefully you return.
Track How It Feels, Not Just What You Did Checking a box shows completion, but tracking how the habit makes you feel builds emotional reinforcement... the kind the brain craves. Instead of logging only the action, note the feeling: • “I felt calmer after this.” • “My energy improved.” • “I’m proud I showed up.” Emotion fuels momentum. And momentum is the engine of lasting behavior change. Celebrate the Smallest Wins Acknowledgment reinforces effort. You don’t need a grand reward; small celebrations work wonders. Smile at yourself. Give a quiet “nice job.” Share your win with someone supportive. Celebration tells your brain: do that again. A Kinder Approach to the New Year Resolutions don’t fall apart because people lack discipline; they fall apart because the plan wasn’t built to endure. Real change comes from small steps, emotional clarity, and steady self-compassion. When a resolution grows with you rather than pressures you, it becomes part of your identity, not just an item on your to-do list. And the best part? You don’t need a new year to begin again. You simply need the next moment.
JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SA N TAY N E Z VA L L E Y
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RichmonD ProductionS Audio Visual Services + Rentals + Consulting www.richmondproductions.com
Proudly serving the Santa Ynez Valley for 30+ years Stephen & Earl Richmond, Photo by Matt Demarcus
WISHING YOU A BRIGHT NEW YEAR FILLED WITH SPECIAL EVENTS
L E T YO U R
SENSES BLOOM Buellton, CA 9 am - 4 pm Tu e s d a y - S u n d a y @windmillnurserybuellton
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Local. Trust. Discretion. Over 40 years combined legal experience to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. We'll help you navigate Criminal Defense | DUI Defense | Personal Injury
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Free Consultations Available
805.450.5691 | santaynezpersonalinjury.com | 1610 Oak Street #103, Solvang , CA 93463
JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SA N TAY N E Z VA L L E Y
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U N D E R S TA N D I N G T H E “WHY” BEHIND WELLNESS ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES AND PROVIDED
The New Frontier of Health AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. KYLE GILLETT
Why do so many people feel exhausted, foggy, or unwell, even when their medical tests insist everything is “fine”? Why are we prescribed quick fixes instead of being given real answers? Across modern medicine, a shift is happening. More patients are demanding real explanations, and more clinicians are rethinking what “healthcare” should actually mean. Leading that shift is Dr. Kyle Gillett, a dual board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine and an expert in metabolic, hormonal, and preventive health. Through his clinic, research, and The Gillett Health Podcast, he’s become a trusted voice for people seeking science-based, root-cause solutions rather than symptom-based band-aids. “Functional medicine is really ‘root cause medicine,’” Dr. Gillett often says. “It’s about asking why the problem exists and not just quieting the noise.” In this Q&A, Dr. Gillett breaks down the most common questions he hears from patients and offers simple, actionable guidance anyone can begin using today.
1. “WHY DO I FEEL AWFUL EVEN THOUGH MY LABS ARE ‘NORMAL’?”
Dr. Gillett: I like to say, “There is no such thing as ‘we’ve done everything.’” We can always dig deeper. Often, the labs ordered
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S ELF CA R E | W EL L NES S
are the wrong type of assay, or important markers like ferritin or SHBG—which binds testosterone and estrogen—are completely missed. Beyond lab work, there are other factors: mitochondrial health, sleep quality, mental health, and even how sensitive your dopamine and serotonin receptors are. “Normal” labs do not always equal normal physiology for you. CONTINUED >
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2. “HOW DO I FIX MY ENERGY, BRAIN FOG, OR SLEEP WITHOUT 20 MEDICATIONS?”
Dr. Gillett: Start with a good, comprehensive lab panel to assess nutrients and hormones. Then build the foundation with sleep. My favorite tool is the 10/3/2/1/0 rule: • 10 hours before bed: No caffeine • 3 hours: Avoid large meals and alcohol • 2 hours: No vigorous exercise • 1 hour: No bright blue or white light • 0: No snoozing and no inconsistent sleep/wake times Aim for 7+ hours of high-quality sleep. When sleep improves, energy almost always follows.
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S ELF CA R E | W EL L NES S
3. “IS MY GUT ACTUALLY CAUSING ALL THESE OTHER PROBLEMS?”
Dr. Gillett: Gut health influences most major health issues, but it’s rarely the only problem. Diet is my second pillar of health for a reason. Exercise, sleep, and stress reduction all improve gut function too. Even simple tools like self-hypnotherapy apps can reduce gut-related symptoms.
4. “WHAT CAN I DO RIGHT NOW, TODAY, TO START FEELING BETTER?”
Dr. Gillett: Focus on the pillars of health: diet, exercise, sleep, stress, sunlight, social connection, and spiritual health. Treat them
like habits and find ways to make them enjoyable or easy to start. Supplements and medications are supportive tools, not substitutes. Think of them like turbo chargers: they enhance a system that’s already functioning.
5. “WHAT DOES FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE ACTUALLY DO DIFFERENTLY?”
Dr. Gillett: True functional medicine is root-cause medicine, not cookie-cutter supplement regimens. Imagine an older adult with cognitive symptoms who receives multiple prescriptions from a conventional doctor. A functional approach might uncover something entirely different: B12 deficiency, hearing loss, and vision impairment. Fix those, and cognition often improves dramatically with no medications required.
6. “WHEN SHOULD SOMEONE TEST THEIR HORMONES, AND WHICH TESTS MATTER MOST?”
Dr. Gillett: Most adults should get a baseline hormone panel between ages 18 and 28, or earlier if they have symptoms like poor sleep, unexplained fatigue, or changes in heart rate. A proper panel includes testosterone, estradiol, fasting insulin, CMP, lipids (including Lp(a)), A1C, morning cortisol, IGF-1, DHEA-S, vitamin D, and ferritin. These markers catch metabolic and hormonal issues long before symptoms become severe.
7. “WHAT LONG-TERM TESTS ACTUALLY HELP PREVENT DISEASE, NOT JUST DIAGNOSE IT?”
Dr. Gillett: Preventive care is evolving rapidly. For heart health, I recommend Coronary Artery CT Angiography (CCTA) because it detects soft plaque that calcium scores miss. Knowing this data early informs you what is needed to prevent a heart attack. Instead of asking your doctor “Do I need cholesterol medication?” ask “Do I have plaque in my arteries?”. Full-body MRIs can be useful too, but they often find harmless abnormalities, which can lead to unnecessary stress or testing. Always weigh the pros and cons with a clinician who understands your goals.
A FINAL WORD FROM DR. GILLETT
“The goal isn’t to tell people what to do, rather it’s to give them the information they need to decide what’s best for themselves.” By understanding the why behind your symptoms, labs, and lifestyle choices, you become the driver, not the passenger, of your health journey.
To hear the extended conversation with Dr. Kyle Gillett, scan the QR code for an exclusive podcast episode.
“I believe that true innovation requires a commitment to constructive self-criticism to continuously raise the standard of care.” JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SA N TAY N E Z VA L L E Y
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OUR APPROACH IS COLLABORATIVE. OUR GUIDANCE IS INDIVIDUALIZED. OUR RELATIONSHIPS ARE LASTING.
OUR MISSION IS TO “HELP CLIENTS NAVIGATE CHALLENGES AND GUIDE THEM TOWARDS THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THEIR FINANCIAL AND LIFE GOALS.”
SAIGE PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT 21 E. CARRILLO STREET, SUITE 100 SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101 (805) 456-2400 INFO@SAIGEPWM.COM
*Securities offered through Sanctuary Securities, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC. Advisory services offered through Sanctuary Advisors,LLC., an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Saige Private Wealth is a DBA of Sanctuary Securities, Inc. and Sanctuary Advisors, LLC.
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Nanci Paige Design is a full-service boutique Interior Design firm grounded in the philosophy that the best design derives from the marriage of form and function, yielding beautiful spaces that wrap perfectly around the people who inhabit them. Interior Design & Remodels www.nancipaigedesign.com 310-804-9575
SAY HELLO TO A HEALTHIER & MORE RADIANT YOU IN THE NEW YEAR.
A New Year of Curiosity, Creativity, and Connection Awaits!
Give your child a joyful, engaging education where learning is hands-on, curiosity is celebrated, and each child is supported to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Inquire for the 2026-2027 school year today! 805-688-5440 www.syvfamilyschool.org
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The Balance Behind Wealth
How Saige Private Wealth Is Bringing Clarity & Confidence to Financial Well-Being
ARTICLE BY SARA DEMARCUS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT DEMARCUS AND PROVIDED
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F IN A N CIA L BU Z Z | FI NANCE + LE GAL SE RVICE S
For Antonia La Rocca, financial well-being is inseparable from whole-person wellness. “If you don’t know where you are or where you want to go, life becomes more confusing and less optimal,” she says. “Clarity naturally reduces stress.” It’s a philosophy rooted not only in her decades of technical expertise, but in a lifetime of experience that shaped her into an advisor who leads with empathy as much as skill. Long before founding Saige Private Wealth Management in 2022, Antonia was unknowingly preparing for the work she does now. As a VIP Tour Guide at Disneyland during her studies at Loyola Marymount University, she learned to interact with people from all walks of life, training that would later become just as valuable as her academic credentials. After earning her degree in biology and chemistry, she moved into medical sales, eventually founding and selling her own medical services company. With the proceeds, she pursued a master’s degree in business taxation at USC, where she became the first in her cohort to secure a position with a Big Six accounting firm during the 1990 recession. There, she earned her CPA license and gained a deep understanding of how tax strategy shapes financial outcomes. Her transition into wealth management felt natural—an opportunity to combine analytics with advocacy. But after nearly three decades in the industry, Antonia realized that the traditional brokerage model limited her ability to serve as a true fiduciary. The pandemic crystallized what she had long felt: clients needed more personal, values-aligned guidance, free from the pressures of large institutions. Saige Private Wealth was founded on that belief. At Saige, financial planning is more than a service; it’s a wellness practice. Antonia sees financial clarity as a stabilizing force that supports emotional balance, family harmony, and peace of mind. “Your finances are a major part of your ability to live the life you wish for,” she says. “Understanding where you stand and where you want to go naturally reduces stress.” Her perspective is enriched by her current master’s studies in gerontology at USC. By understanding the emotional and practical realities of aging, she’s able to help clients prepare for longterm needs, caregiving responsibilities, legacy planning, and the transitions that accompany each
stage of life. “Goals and needs shift as we age,” she says. “By understanding that journey, we can help clients feel secure and satisfied at every point.” The heart of Saige’s approach lies in aligning financial strategies with personal values—not just income or net worth. Antonia and her all-female, bilingual team prioritize listening deeply, educating thoughtfully, and creating plans that reflect each client’s life goals. One meaningful example is the story of “Megan,” a single mother and attorney whom the team supported for more than a decade. Saige helped her navigate benefit decisions, plan for her daughter’s education, and prepare for long-term needs. When Megan was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer just as she was expecting her first grandchild, Saige guided her and her daughter through disability claims, long-term care benefits, estate documents, and end-of-life decisions with clarity and compassion. After Megan’s passing, Saige continued to support her daughter and young family, helping them step into their next chapter with confidence. It is this long-view, relationship-centered approach—one that honors the emotional side of financial life—that defines Saige. Santa Barbara is more than the home of Saige’s office; it’s a reflection of the firm’s philosophy. “True wealth is rooted in intentional living,” Antonia says. “It’s prioritizing time with family, cultivating community, and enjoying the place you call home.” CONTINUED >
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Two-thirds of the Saige team were born and raised in Santa Barbara, giving the firm a deep connection to the Central Coast’s culture and values. They actively support local organizations, including the SB International Film Festival, the Children’s Creative Project, and seasonal initiatives with the SB Food Bank. While Saige serves clients nationwide, the region’s emphasis on balance, purpose, and community shapes the firm’s values-based approach everywhere. For anyone looking to strengthen their financial well-being in the new year, Antonia recommends beginning not with a spreadsheet, but with self-reflection. “Take a breath and ask what you want this year to feel like,” she says. “Then connect that feeling to your financial habits.” Her advice is simple, accessible, and grounded in the belief that financial health is an ongoing practice:
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F IN A N CIA L BU Z Z | FI NANCE + LE GAL SE RVICE S
• Refresh your goals to ensure they reflect what matters most now. • Simplify your financial life; fewer accounts, clearer systems, less clutter. • Plan intentionally, choosing small, consistent steps over big, stressful leaps. • Give yourself grace—financial wellness is a journey, not a race. For Antonia, “true wealth” has a beautifully grounded definition: “Peace of mind. It’s generosity, security, purpose, and the clarity to recognize when you already have enough.” In a season centered on renewal, Saige Private Wealth invites clients to view financial planning not as a task but as a path toward whole-person well-being—one where clarity brings calm, confidence brings balance, and every decision aligns with the life they truly want to live.
Saige Private Wealth Management 2 1 E . C A R I L LO S T R E E T, SUITE 100 S A N TA B A R B A R A , CA 93101 8 0 5 - 4 5 6 -24 0 0 INFO@SAGEPWM.COM Securities offered through Sanctuary Securities, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC. Advisory services offered through Sanctuary Advisors, LLC., an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Saige Private Wealth is a DBA of Sanctuary Securities, Inc. and Sanctuary Advisors, LLC.
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Coast Auto Coast Auto Sales Sales
Simple Mission: Treat others the way we expect to be treated. Handpicked, quality automobiles sold below market value.
We Buy, Sell, Trade, and offer an easy consignment program. Hi, we’re Ed and Samara, the proud owners of Coast Auto Sales since May 2024. More than just a car lot. We want to be your friends in the car business. Stop by and say hi. Corner of Ave of the Flags & 246.
www.coastautosale.com coastautosales123@gmail.com OFFICE: 805.688.0755 TEXT: 805.636.9133 290 Ave of the Flags Buellton 28
New Year.. New Hat!
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ADVERTISE WITH SAnTA YnEz VAllEY CITY lIfESTYlE™ L E A R N M O R E A T C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / S A N T A Y N E z V A L L E Y JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SA N TAY N E Z VA L L E Y
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A SALAD REC IPE TO LOV E A G ORGEOUS , F R E SH A N D SI M PL E DISH
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMALIA (AMY) LOLI
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EAT R IGH T | FO O D + BEVE RAGE
PE A R , PROSCIUTTO,
Burrata Salad I NGR E DI E N T S • • • • • • •
Ripe Pear Prosciutto Burrata Lemon Zest Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dried Figs Red Pepper Flakes
DI R EC T IONS 1. Slice the ripe pear into thin slices. 2. Arrange pear slices on a plate, creating a base for the salad. 3. Nestle slices of prosciutto in-between pear slices, a perfect combo of sweet and savory. 4. Tear the burrata into bite-sized pieces and scatter them over the salad adding a velvety creaminess to the ensemble. 5. Grate fresh lemon zest over the entire salad, infusing it with citrus flavor. 6. Top with fresh basil, figs and pepper flakes. 7. Finish by generously drizzling extra virgin olive oil over the salad, creating a silky texture that ties it all together.
CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SA N TAY N E Z VA L L E Y
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Custom Paver Pros custompaverpros@gmail.com
805.364.1119 1130 Mission Drive #102 solvang
LENA BRITT
PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.LENABRITTPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
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JANUARY 2026
events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S
JA NUA RY 9 T H
2026 Solvang Christmas Tree Burn Mission Santa Inés | 5:00 PM The Solvang Christmas Tree Burn returns, weather permitting, at Mission Santa Inés, marking the official end of Julefest. This community tradition features a dramatic bonfire of recycled trees supervised by county fire crews, along with live entertainment and refreshments. A beloved local spectacle, it blends celebration with fire-safety education in a uniquely festive Santa Ynez Valley sendoff. JA NUA RY 1 0 T H
Out of the Blue Performing at Hook’d Bar & Grill Hook’d Bar & Grill: 116 Lakeview Dr., Cachuma Lake | 2:00 PM On Saturday, January 10, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Out of the Blue is performing a live set of classic rock ‘n’ roll at Hook’d Bar & Grill (116 Lakeview Dr., Cachuma Lake) in the Santa Ynez Valley. The show is part of the venue’s “Music on the Water” series, offering scenic lakeside vibes with live music. JA NUA RY 1 8T H – F E B RUARY 1ST
Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks Participating Restaurants of the Santa Ynez Valley | 5:00 PM Restaurant week is a fun, local, slow season event when the fabulous restaurants of the Santa Ynez Valley showcase a special 3-course menu for $30/person, $40/person, or $50/person. Make reservations early, as this is a popular event. Participating restaurants may be viewed at www.visitsyv.com. Menus will be posted as they are received. JA NUA RY 2 3 RD
The Takács Quartet returns to the SYV Concert Series St. Mark’s in the Valley Episcopal Church, Los Olivos | 7:00 PM The Takács Quartet returns to the SYV Concert Series on January 23, 2026, offering an inspiring program featuring Beethoven’s Op. 18 No. 2, Nokuthula Ngwenyama’s Flow, and Dvořák’s Quartet No. 13. Held at St. Mark’s in the Valley, this 7–8:30 p.m. performance welcomes students for free, with general admission at $25 and patron tickets at $45. JA NUA RY 2 3 RD
Felipe Esparza Performing at the Chumash Casino Chumash Casino Resort: | 8:00 PM Comic-actor Felipe Esparza brings his “At My Leisure World Tour” to Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 8:00 PM. This 21-and-older show features Esparza’s sharp stand-up grounded in L.A. Hispanic culture and life experiences. General tickets range from $55 to $80. JA NUA RY 3 0 T H
Hank Azaria & the EZ Street Band Live Chumash Casino Resort: | 8:00 PM On Friday, January 30, 2026, at 8 PM, Hank Azaria & the EZ Street Band present a dynamic tribute show to Bruce Springsteen at the Chumash Casino Resort. Azaria spent months mastering Springsteen’s voice and gestural style, backed by an elite group of musicians. The performance blends high-energy rock with storytelling and benefits his Four Through Nine Foundation.
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EVE N TS
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